By Allen Kisakye
Rachael Namiiro, the musician who caught the attention of revelers and the country for losing her skirt during the Kyarenga Concert has finally apologized.
Namiiro is performer with Da Nu Eagles and took on the role of Carol Nantongo tto perform ‘Tukigale’ alongside Eddy Yawe.
Amidst a cheering crowd, Namiro took to vigorously shaking herself in dance until her black skirt fell off.
Now she claims that she didn’t undress on purpose to garner public attention, but things just didn’t go well while on stage.
“While performing, I felt like my skirt had gone loose but decided to hold it because I couldn’t stop performing. A few minutes later, I realized that it had fallen off. But sincerely I didn’t plan to embarrass myself like that,” she said.
Namiiro has been performing alongside Yawe the ‘Tukigare’ song last year after Nantongo quit due to money issues.
Nantongo alleged that she used to perform Tukigare with Yawe on many ceremonies but he always refused to pay her. When the two separated, she was replaced with Namiiro.

UGANDA POLICE FORCE COMMUNICATION HELP LINES, EMERGENCY TOLL FREE LINES AND JOINT SECURITY COMMAND CENTRES
1 Joint Security Command Centre 0800199399
2 National Operations Information Room (information that requires quick reaction e.g theft of mv) 0800199699
3 Professional Standards Unit – PSU (addresses complaints against police officers) 0800300119
4 Land Protection Unit (Fraud on land issues) 0800100999
5 Criminal Investigation department, Anti-human sacrifice. 0800199499
6 Emergency Response Unit, Central Police Station, Kampala 0800122291
7 Traffic Operations Room, Central Police Station, Kampala 0800199099
8 Fire Rescue & Service Unit, Kampala 0800121222
9 Mulago Hospital, Causality Police Post 0800199188
10 Dog Section, Canine Unit 0800300900
11 Incident Room, Central Police Station, Kampala 0800199088
12 Special Investigations Unit (SIU) 0800299911
13 Child & Family Protection Unit 0800199033
14 Counter Terrorism Unit (CT) – Acacia Avenue 0800199139
Relevant Specialized Units
Aviation Police 0714667719
Homicide Unit 0711778265
Marine / Water Unit 0714667756
Police Band Master 0718357416
Railway Police 0715989985
Environmental Police 0711042325
Tourism Police 0717179563
Emergency 0711042210
Official Contacts of Top Management Police Officers
Inspector General of Police (IGP) 0712755999
Deputy Inspector General of Police (D/IGP) 0712745013
Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIGP) / Operations 0716337799
AIGP Logistics & Engineering 0712745022
AIGP Interpol 0714667710
AIGP Chief Political Commissar 0714667758
AIGP Criminal Investigation Department 0718300753
AIGP Research, Planning & Development 0711667704
AIGP Administration 0714667712
AIGP Special Duties 0711042128
AIGP Counter-terrorism 0712892740
AIGP Oil & Gas 0712745024
AIGP Kampala Metropolitan Police 0714629987
AIGP Traffic & Road Safety 0712767710
AIGP Human Resource, Development and Administration 0714667712
AIGP Fire & Rescue Services 0712144799
AIGP Legal 0712925011
Official Contacts of Police Stations within the country
Kawempe 0714667780
Old Kampala 0714667784
Wandegeya 0714667776
Wakiso 0714667816
Kasangati 0717179570
Kakiri 0718851397
Katwe 0714667793
Nsangi 0718851395
Kajjansi 0715490368
Kabalagala 0715989997
Entebbe 0714667806
Central Police Station (CPS) 0714667772
Jinja raod 0714667790
Kira road 0714667787
Kiira Division (along Kyaliwajjala – Najera rd) 0714668027
Mukono 0718300750
Nagalama 0714667820
Mpigi 0714667810
Gombe / Butambala 0718731749
Gomba 0718731753
Mityana 0714667834
Mubende 0714667821
Kiboga 0714667827
Kyankwanzi 0718731756
Luwero 0714667813
Nakaseke 0714667819
Nakasongola 0714667835
Buikwe 0714667824
Buvuma 0718731757
Kayunga 0714667830
Njeru Division 0711042346
Kiira Central Division, Jinja 0714668018
Kiira East Division, Kakira 0717125145
Kiira North Division, Buwenge 0713534923
Buyende 0718452643
Kamuli 0714668012
Kaliro 0714668015
Luuka 0718731794
Iganga 0714668009
Namayingo 0718642492
Mayuge 0714668006
Bugiri 0714668003
Namutumba 0714668052
Mbale 0714667960
Sironko 0714668032
Manafwaa 0714667964
Bulambuli 0718790612
Bududa 0715411679
Kapchorwa 0714668064
Kween 0718731747
Bukwo 0718946095
Tororo 0714667966
Butaleja 0714668067
Kibuku 0718790608
Busia 0714667973
Budaka 0714668036
Pallisa 0714667970
Soroti 0714667982
Bukedia 0715490357
Katakwi 0714667988
Kaberemaido 0714667985
Serere 0718792428
Ngora 0718731793
Amuria 0711374163
Kumi 0714667989
Moroto 0714668078
Napak 0718731148
Nakapiripiriti 0772415440
Amudat 0782350809
Kotido 0714667994
Abim 0712278519
Kabong 0758579575
Lira 0714667902
Amolatar 0715989973
Dokolo 0715120462
Kole 0718731780
Alebtong 0718731776
Oyam 0718357459
Otuke 0718731799
Apac 0714667905
Gulu 0714667893
Kitgum 0714667896
Agago 0718792472
Lamwo 0718642454
Nwoya 0718792403
Amuru 0718731709
Pader 0714667899
Moyo 0714667918
Adjumani 0714667916
Yumbe 0714667922
Arua 0714667911
Koboko 0714667913
Zombo 0718642432
Maracha 0711374175
Nebbi 0714667919
Hoima 0714667947
Buliisa 0714667953
Masindi 0714667950
Kiryandongo 0718731761
Kibaale 0714667944
Kabarole 0714667938
Kasese 0714667926
Kamwenge 0714667932
Ntoroko 0718731795
Bundibugyo 0714667929
Kyenjonjo 0714667935
Kyegegwa 0718731772
Mbarara 0714667841
Ibanda 0714667845
Ntungamo 0714667848
Kiruhura 0714667863
Isingiro 0714667866
Bushenyi 0714667851
Rubirizi 0718792436
Mitooma 0718792468
Sheema / Kibingo 0718731758
Buhweju / Nsiika 0718792448
Kabale 0714667857
Kanungu 0714667860
Rukungiri 0714667869
Kisoro 0714667854
Masaka 0714667877
Lwengo 0718731751
Kalungu 0718792421
Bukomansimbi 0718731796
Lyantonde 0714667876
Kalangala 0714667886
Rakai 0714667880
Sembabule 0714667883

By Stephen Kalema

President Museveni has finally broken his silence on the National Dialogue, saying Uganda needs it now.
In a meeting with the organisers of the National Dialogue, the Interreligious Council of Uganda, Elders Forum this at State House President Museveni said, “This is the time we need this National Dialogue to promote stability and prosperity in the country. I have to be involved in this dialogue.”Museveni stressed that all important or key stakeholders must be involved if it’s to succeed and cautioned propagandists fighting to see it fail.Also in the same meeting, according to a State House document dated November 13, the launch was postponed from November 21 to December 18 to enable clear and fix consultations detailing the formats of how the dialogue will be handled and how the results from it will be implemented.
According to the organizers, the dialogue is meant to develop consensus on issues that are affecting the society in order to find new ways of sustainable development of the country.
However, according to the National Dialogue Secretary General, Joshua Kitakule most members of opposition think it’s about Museveni giving up power.

“Dialogue is a process intended for good causes and it’s for the entire Uganda but not for specific people as certain people may think,” said Kitakule.

By Arinda Nsheeka Wilfred
Christine Turyakira Nyinabashatu, an elder sister to minister David Bahati has picked interest in the Kabale Woman Member of Parliament seat come 2021.
The seat is currently occupied by Hon Catherine Ndamira Atwakire.
Nyinabashatu, 47 is the director of TACTA Uganda and is the Kitumba subcounty district Woman councilor. She was a community development officer but when her brother Bahati became a minister, she retired from public service to join politics.
Bahati, 45, has been in Parliament representing Ndorwa west constituency since 2006 and still wants the same seat in 2021.
Growing criticism 
The public debate that’s going on today in Kabale district is whether Bahati and Nyinabashatu should all at once be voted to Parliament.
“We cannot vote only one family to parliament. the would be greed,” a person from kabale municipality who preferred the condition of anonymity said.
Nyinabashatu’s plans to contest have attracted criticism from many, saying she could leave her brother vulnerable in his constituency.
Her nickname, Nyinabashatu, was given to her after giving birth to triplets. She attracts attention from mothers who respect her so much because of the triplets she delivered.
According to Moses Kagondo of 70 years of age, giving birth to triplets is a sign of a blessing and that blessing could follow her to 2021.

By Stephen Kalema  
Uganda Police Force (UPF) has declared that it collected over Shs2.5 from licensing and renting firearms in the Financial Year2017/18.
From the quarterly report on budget performance for the Financial Year 2017/18, Uganda Police Force collected Shs21.9bn as non-tax revenue where Shs1.5bn was from firearms licensing and Shs1.1bn was from firearms renting or hiring.
However, according budget projection report of FY2017/18, Police had projected at most Shs500m from firearms licensing but the actual collections exceeded the target three times (Shs1.5bn). However, there was a projection shortfall on firearms renting of Shs800m having collected only Shs1.1bn of Shs1.9bn
The report comes out at the time gun assassinations have become rampant in the country. Prominent people such as Maj: Kiggundu, Assistant Inspector General of Police Andrew Felix Kaweesi, Muslim clerics, Col Abrahim Abiriga, ASP Muhammad Kirumira have been killed using guns. This has left many unanswered questions  with the public still awaiting reports pertaining their assassination.
A crime report released at the beginning of this year showed that Lira had 18.8 per cent of gun-related cases, followed by Gulu at 10.4 per cent. However, out of 10 gun related cases, only one was investigated, with the report clearly indicating the slow speed police uses as per gun violence cases.
According to the budgetary performance report of FY2017/18 police also collected Shs255m from sale of government cars, Shs98m from escort charges, Shs38m from tenders, Shs1.4bn from police guards, Banks, Shs2.6bn from certificate of good conduct and Shs227m traffic accident fines.
Police boss Martin Okoth Ochola, together with  his deputy Muzeeyi Sabitti  are to present the two budget performance reports for FY2017/18 and FY2018/19 before the Parliamentary Committee on Defence and Internal Affairs next week following the flop of the scheduled meeting of Tuesday this week.

By Stephen Kalema
Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF) has come out to defend the heavy deployment of soldiers in Kampala and Wakiso districts, saying there is no reason for panic.
This, after Forum for Democratic Change spokesman Ssumujju Nganda questioned why there were soldiers everywhere.
“It’s only in Uganda where the military does the work of the police such as keeping law and order. It looks like we are headed in times of curfew,” Ssemujju said at FDC headquarters in Najjanankumbi.
However UPDF spokesman Brig. Richard Karemire when contacted, said the deployment of the army is to provide an extra hand to the Uganda Police Force and locals should not fear.
 “We are not doing anything to threaten the public but this is to protect them and their property yet most politicians are asserting that there is a curfew. There is no such thing (as curfew) we are only doubling our security,” said Brig. Karemire.
Earlier, Ssemujju had demanded that the Ministry of Defence explains the deployment of army in the city.
However, Karemire said UPDF has always been providing help to support police in protecting and spotting criminal porches in any part of the country.
This deployment started last week in two districts Mukono and Wakiso.
A Uganda Police Force officer, who preferred anonymity told Watchdog Uganda that the intelligence department abstained reports on planned crimes organised to burn police stations and private residences during Christmas festive seasons.
 “This is why we needed army to help us in this upcoming festive seasons,” the informant said.
“We are just trying to address criminality by cooperating with police in all operations we carry out.”
However, Ivan Kakembo, a chapati maker in Kirombe, Luzira expressed his worries when contacted him about the heavy deployment in his area.
“These are not soldiers I used to know but they are beating machines. Truth is we no longer work trans night.”

By Mubiru Ivan
Democratic Party (DP) has stated that their candidate Hasibu Deo Deogratias Njoki is still in the Busia district LC V race.
On Monday, Njoki made a shocking revelation when he said he was withdrawing from the race days after his nomination.
The joint opposition candidate who was appointed as a member of Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) said in a letter to DP Secretary General that if approved by Parliament; he would consider taking up the government job.
However, in a weekly media brief held on Tuesday in Kampala, DP President Norbert Mao said Njoki’s appointment by President Yoweri Museveni was not in good faith and its timing was meant to undermine the opposition.
Mao further informed the public that he is in close contact with Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) President Patrick Amuriat, Robert Kyagulanyi alias Bobi Wine, Dr. Col. Kizza Besigye, Gen. Mugisha Muntu, Asuman Basalirwa and all democratic seeking forces who have pledged support to Njoki in his campaign.
On the other hand, Njoki regretted that much as it’s important to serve at the Human Rights body which he has vast knowledge, he choose to serve the people of Busia.
In a Monday tweet, Mao had threatened to send Njoki packing from Uganda’s oldest political party if he accepted the government job.
Now Njoki is going to face off with NRM’s Paul Boniface Oguttu, Chrispus Bwire, Tony Ojambo and Geoffrey Wandera come November, 28.
The Busia District seat fell vacant in May, 2018 after Court of Appeal in Mbale District threw out Mr Ouma Adea on grounds that had been convicted of corruption in 2013.

By Mubiru Ivan
Daniel Kasule has been arrested for defiling a seven year old girl.
The 32 year old resident of Ganda, Nansana allegedly defiled the minor while her mother was away from home. After the erroneous act, Kasule gave the victim shs500 not to report him to anyone.
According to the victim’s mother Teddy Nakimbugwe, she first received news of her daughter’s case from a neighbor, a one Margaret Kobusingye who always helped her with the kids while she was at work.
“Upon reaching home, Kobusingye told me that my daughter had told her that Kasule had defiled her. I just got my daughter and we went to Nansana Police Station, where she was taken and examined by a police doctor. I wasn’t told about the results,” said Nakimbugwe.
Police was able to arrest Kasule and also had the victim examined by a police surgeon to find out his HIV status.
He was later charged with aggravated defilement under file case CRB No. 946/2018.

By Mubiru Ivan
The Democratic Party (DP) candidate for Busia District Chairperson seat has withdrawn from the race  after being appointed as a member of Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC).
Hasubi Deogratias Njoki who was nominated last week was the sole candidate for the opposition after being fronted by main opposition party Forum for Democratic Change (FDC).
Njoki’s decision leaves NRM’s Paul Boniface Oguttu with the highest chances of winning the highly contested race.
In his letter dated November 10, 2018 addressed to the secretary general of his party, Njoki said if approved by Parliament; he would consider serving the country as a member of UHRC.
He further stated that the initiative to seek to serve as a member of UHRC was made way back before the program for the by election for the office of chairperson, Busia District was announced.
“On the 9th November 2018, I received a copy of a letter dated 8th November 2018 addressed to the Rt Hon Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda, appointing me as a member of the Uganda Human Rights Commission,” he said in his letter.
Njoki also explained that the timing for his appointment, after the nominations closed on November 7, 2018 did not leave an opportunity for the parties that sponsored and supported his candidature to nominate an alternative candidate saying “it was outside his control”.
Other candidates in the race that is scheduled to take place on November 28 are Chrispus Bwire, Tony Ojambo and Geoffrey Wandera, all on candidate tickets.

The Busia District seat fell vacant in May, 2018 after Court of Appeal in Mbale District threw out Mr Ouma Adea on grounds that had been convicted of corruption in 2013.
Meanwhile, Ronald Muhinda, Dr. Kizza Besigye’s aide condemned Njoki’s decision and said it is one of the many dangers of fielding a joint opposition candidate.
He revealed that some FDC cadres had proposed that the party should field its candidate but the bureaucrats defied the move.
“DP mutumenya! This is not how unity and cooperation works. Njoki has betrayed us. You have really stung us,” said Muhinda in a Facebook post.

By Stephen Kalema 
Legislators sitting on the Parliamentary Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (Cosase) were left stunned when Bank if Uganda officials failed to present an inventory report detailing the acquired assets and liabilities of Teefe Trust Bank. The Central Bank took over the then defunct bank in 1993.
At the start of the session on Monday the committee asked Bank of Uganda officials,  led by Governor Emmanuel  Mutebile  and his vice Louis Kasekende to present the inventory report that shows the assets and liabilities of the bank which they took over. However, Kasekende answered back that by the time of Teefe Bank closure, inventory report was not necessary.
“Bank of Uganda has no inventory report on Teefe Bank because, at the time of its closure in 1969, law was effective and nature of documents required did not include the inventory,”  Kasekende answers the committee.
This rubbed the committee chairman Abdul Katuntu to the wrong way, and cautioned Bank of Uganda officials that the probing will not be useful if the inventory report is not presented before the committee.
“This process  can’t be useful when you don’t know what you took over because an inventory report shows what you took over; assets and liabilities,” Katuntu said.
The Executive Director of supervision Bank of Uganda, Dr Tumubweine Twinemanzi then responded, “We are unable to find any inventory reports concerning Teefe Trust Bank. So we don’t have its inventory reports,”
The Cosase committee wondered why officials asked for a full week to get prepared yet they cannot even produce the most important report.
The spark for Cosase to probe Bank of Uganda was an Auditor General John Muwanga report which indicated loopholes on how Bank of Uganda conducted the closure seven banks; Selling of Crane Bank to DFCU in 2016 at Shs200bn, Global Trust Bank (2014), National Bank of Commerce (2012), International Credit Bank Ltd (1998), Greenland Bank (1999), The Co-operative Bank (1999), Teefe Trust Bank (1993).
 

By Mubiru Ivan
Government has revealed that it will inject Shs161.5 billion in Busoga Livestock Project.
The ‘Revolutionizing livestock farming in the Greater Busoga’ is an initiative of Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga, and its meant to be applied throughout Busoga sub region.
While launching the project on Monday in Kampala, Kadaga said it will increase farmers’ household income and ensure food security.
She also revealed that the venture would lay emphasis on beef and milk production targeting international markets to end poverty in the sub region.
According to parliament.go.ug, Matia Kasaija, Finance Minister said in the next financial year, government will include the project in proposals for the next budget, for Parliament to allocate.
“We want to assure you that projects of this kind must be supported financially…when the costing has been concluded, we shall look for the Shs161.5b, put it in the budget and Parliament will appropriate,” said Kasaija.
“Being the Minister responsible for this economy, I know rural Busoga; the level of poverty is very high. It is one way we can help our people in that part of the country to get out of poverty.”

By Stephen Kalema
The Uganda Police has offered counseling to traumatised  students of St Bernard Senior Secondary School, Manya in Rakai District following a fire outbreak that gutted a dormitory housing 50 Senior Three students.
The fire claimed the lives of at least 10 of their schoolmates while approximately 50 students were rushed to Kitovu Hospital by local police and residents. Property worth millions such as mattresses, suitcases and clothes were also destroyed in the fire.
The dormitory is said to have been locked from the outside thus stopping most of the students from escaping.
Police Spokesman Emilian Kayima told journalists on Monday that Senior Six candidates, who  started their final exams on Monday morning were traumatised and the  tragedy would affect them.
“The fire outbreak was very traumatising to students especially Senior Six students. Fortunately our counselors have spoken with them and they are fit to do their exams,” said Kayima.
The cause of fire outbreak is still unknown. However, Police, suspect 10 Senior Four students who were expelled from school before they could sit their UCE exams due to indiscipline tendencies.
“There is high suspicion that the expelled Senior Four students are responsible for the tragedy,” Kayima said. “One of them has been apprehended for interrogations as investigations go on.”

By Mubiru Ivan
National Medical Stores (NMS) in partnership with Joint Medical Stores (JMS) and Doctors Choice have launched a medicinal supplement for nodding disease patients.
The event took place at Odeke Nodding Disease Centre in Omoro district last week.
The high quality drug that contains 92 nutrients from locally grown moringa, will help to improve the nutrition of children with the syndrome.
“The new addition that is being introduced to the children today will make a great difference in the people who are suffering with the Nodding Disease Syndrome. This is both a supplement and a medicine that has some nutrients that the children have been missing. We should be able to see a change in these children soon,” said Dr. Moses Kamabare, Director NMS.
Dr. Ismail Senoga, Director Doctors Choice revealed that the drug is easy to swallow due to its small size and easy to digest because it contains vegetables.
As the same function, Jacob Oulanyah, the Deputy Speaker applauded the efforts by government and the two medical teams for their support to the sick children especially those in northern Uganda.
“We have moved away from denial but we have accepted this plight. We are thankful to government that gave us shs170m for this cause; the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Health. I would like to appreciate NMS for working so hard together with the team from Doctors Choice who have come up with a supplementary drug that can heal this disease,” he said.

By Stephen Kalema
Following musician Bobi Wine’s success during his first stint in Parliament, many of his contemporaries have decided to follow suit and contest for various parliamentary seats.
On Saturday, at least five of the artistes who performed at the Kyarenga concert at One Love Beach, Busabala announced that they would try an unseat incumbents in Kakuto County, Gomba East, Mawokota and Masaka.
Bobi Wine aka Robert Kyagulanyi represents Kyadondo East in Parliament. Other artistes in the 10thParliament are Judith Babirye (Buikwe, Woman MP) and Kato Lubwama (Rubaga South).
Accompanied by loud cheers from the 40,000-strong crowd dressed in red outfits, berets and ribons, artiste Geoffrey Lutaaya from Da Nu Eagles band said he was ready to race for Kakuto County MP seat. He was followed by his former bandmate Ronald Mayinja who promised to unseat NRM’s Emmanuel Kalule Ssengo in Gomba East County, Gomba District.
Not to be left out, Hillary ‘Dr Hilderman’ Kiyaga said vie for Parliament as the Mawokota representative. Hilderman famously sang a song praising current legislator Amelia Kyambade and has already been endorsed by Kyagulanyi.
Abantu Bakoowu musician Mathias Walukaga declared intention to run for Masaka.
Kyarenga Concert was attended by prominent politicians Francis Zaake, Joseph Gonzaga Ssewungu, Abedi Bwanika, Asuman Basalirwa among others.
Artistes Eddy Kenzo, Eddy Yawe, Mikie Wine, Pallaso, Kabako, King Saha, Spice Diana, Nina Roz, Renah Nalumansi entertained the crowd.
 “I thank Uganda police force for providing us with security and not stopping us as they have always done. We are a peaceful people but we want to be listened to. With such support it will be foolish of government and the leadership not to listen to the voices calling for change of leadership,” Bobi Wine told the cheering crowd.

By Stephen Kalema
President Yoweri Museveni has called upon opposition political parties to work with his government to ensure that electoral violence and monetisation of politics are put to an end.
To Museveni, this is the only way that democracy and stability will flourish in Uganda.
“These are very serious matters. If you want democracy and stability, you should not tolerate this electoral violence and money,” he said.
The President made the remarks last weekend at a meeting with a delegation of members of the Inter-Party Organisation for Dialogue (IPOD) at State House Entebbe, led by their Chairperson Fred Ebil.
Other members who attended include Eddy Fred Kasajja of Justice Forum (JEMA); Hadijja Babirye Kizito who is the Chairperson of JEMA Women’s League; the Secretary General of NRM, Justine Kasule Lumumba and her Deputy, Richard Todwong, James Tuhairwe an NRM representative on the IPOD Council and Lawrence Okae, the National Chairperson of Uganda People’s Congress (UPC).
An apology was received from Salaamu Musumba of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) for not being able to attend the Entebbe meeting with the President because of other engagements.
The Inter-Party Organisation for Dialogue was set up in 2010 to bring together leaders of all political shades in the country to foster a strong and vibrant multiparty democracy in Uganda based on peaceful co-existence of all citizens to work harmoniously.

By Stephen Kalema
Former presidential aide and political commenter, Morrison Rwakakamba has blasted the deputy attorney general for trying to sabotage the ongoing preparations of National Dialogue.
Rwakakamba said that Mwesigwa Rukutana is naïve about what is called ‘a National Dialogue.’
While speaking to Watchdog Uganda on Saturday Rukutatana said, “The likes of Rukutana are naïve about the main agenda of the National Dialogue. Most of them think it’s about their government, which is not true. This dialogue is about all Ugandans, and government cannot stop people from talking.”
This came after Rukutana asked the organisers of the National Dialogue for eight clarifications on preparations. These include; who are the exact parties to dialogue? Financers of the dialogue process, what are the rules of engagement? How will decisions be arrived at and what form will they take? Who are the participants in the dialogue and why? How will the decisions and deliberations tally with what current government structures doing? What will be the time frame since the electoral processes arrangements are to start next year? How will they make sure that the process is not interfered with electoral process?
However Abedi Bwanika, a presidential aspirant in 2016 and president of People’s Development Party backed Rukutana, saying Parliament must first seat and resolve the laws under which all the results from the dialogue will be implemented.
“We need Parliament to first seat and set instruments through which the outcomes of the dialogue will be implemented because right now there is no law that asserts  that this President Museveni’s government will implement the out,” Bwanika said.
According to Bwanika, the dialogue needs a neutral convener but not the current organizers who also have scars of injustices by the current government.
“Unless one is blind but the status of Uganda needs a passionate dialogue to clear every messes that have been caused by both the current and past leadership however we need a neutral convener like who never tested the rage and injustices of this government.”
“Also the organisers must be transparent with all parties but not side one way, now why did they call Museveni to officiate the opening yet is the major subject of the dialogue?”
Robert Kasule Sebunya, Member of Parliament of Kyadondo North refuted the proposal of the National Dialogue saying everything in the country is at peace.
“Look people are now enjoying Kyarenga concert at Busabala others are making their deals successfully. So when you talk about national dialogue I don’t get you clearly. We are not at war.”

By Arinda Nsheeka Wilfred
The Kabale magistrates court on Friday dismissed a case in which the former Forum for Democratic Change party president and other opposition political figures were accused of damaging police vehicles, hurting police officers and causing violence in Kabale town in 2012.
Dr Kizza Warren Besigye Kiffefe, a four-time Presidential candidate was charged with the Kawempe South MP Mubarak Munyagwa, FDCs secretary of mobilization Ingrid Turinawe, Kampala Lord mayor Elias Lukwago and Rukungiri Municipality MP Roland Mugume Kaginda.

According to the prosecution, the Opposition politicians caused commotion and violence during their rally in Kabale Municipal Stadium, and in the process, four police officers were badly injured, and three police vehicles were destroyed during the scuffles.

In his ruling, his worship Moses Kagoda said the accused didn’t do anything wrong by speaking politics – and that what they communicated didn’t intend to bring chaos.

He dismissed the six-year-old case saying the availed evidence wasn’t satisfactory to pin the accused. The case was dismissed in absentia of all  the accused.

Lydia Turyahumura, the chairman of Forum for Democratic Change in Kabale district while speaking to Watchdog Uganda after the ruling said the court’s decision was long overdue.

Turyahumura accused the ruling government of failing the judiciary, wondering how their case would last for 6 years.

Dr Besigye on his previous appearance in court together with other opposition politicians threatened not to appear in Kabale court again, saying that government was behind the delaying of the ruling this case, and was intending to cripple activities of the Opposition party.

The Opposition figure founded Forum for Democratic Change in 2005 after falling out with his long time ally Yoweri Museveni and has since emerged a popular figure in the politics of the country.

By Patrick Edward Musisi

The Mukono South Member of Parliament has expressed disgust at the rate at which jiggers are attacking learners in Mukono schools, and appealed to administrators to prioritize fixing classroom floors with concrete.
On the excuse of the high cost of cement, Johnson Senyonga Muyanja suggested that schools in remote areas could use cow dung, adding, “Long ago when we went to primary schools, the order was to fix floors with cow dung and we were not attacked by jiggers at the present rate.”
He was on Saturday commissioning a refurbished six-classroom block at Sir Apollo Kaggwa Primary School in Buwaali LC I, in Nakisunga sub-county. The classroom was given a face lift  with assistance from Swiss friends of Katosi Women Development Trust, a local non government organisation in the area.
Senyonga advised that as school administrators fundraise for services like electricity, water and new blocks, they should think of adequate flooring for the existing buildings to control jiggers which are a health hazard to learners.
He talked about the possibility of making it mandatory for all learners to wear shoes at school as a campaign to control the epidemic.
Earlier, Nakisunga LC 3 Chairman Mubarak Sekikubo announced that his council resolved to report to police parents who either fail to pay for their children’s lunch at school, or do not pack lunch for them, as well as those who keep at home their children of school-going age during school hours.
Sekikubo argued that government has made its contribution, and advised parents to reciprocate, noting that if they failure to observe this, even government’s contribution will collapse saying it is impossible to teach a child on an empty stomach.

By Mubiru Ivan
As Ugandans looks forward to join the rest of the world to commemorate the WORLD AIDS DAY on December 1, we have to remember that AIDS is real , it has claimed a number of lives of people we know and those whom we have never heard of.
Many Ugandan celebrities have died due to the syndrome, before death, some accepted their fate, they came out publicly and declared their statuses whereas for others we just heard rumours since they never came out to announce that they are HIV positive till their death.
Here is a list of some of the Ugandan celebrities who have succumbed to the deadly virus;
1.Philly Bongole Lutaaya
Probably Philly is the first on the list because he is the first Uganda celebrity who came out to say he is infected with the disease.
He was a music maestro whose song still hit the waves up to now especially during Christmas festivals
He died on 15 December,1989 when the virus was still fresh in the eyes of the world.

2.Paddy Bitama
Paddy Ssali aka Paddy Bitama was a renowned comedian with the Amarula family.He died of the deadly disease in 2014 though some people alleged that he died of cancer.

3.Fred Maiso
Maiso was a band music singer in the now diminished Eagles production, known for his single ekimuli kya roza which flocked the air waves in the 1990s.He passed on in 2012 due to the virus.

4.Livingstone Kasozi
He was a kandongo kamu singer whose name gathered mass in the 1990s due to his constructive songs like Dunia welaba, abafumbo twefumbirire among other.Kasozi died of HIV in 1997.

5.Paul Kafeero
Paul Kafeero died of AIDS in 2007. He is a celebrated kadongokamu singer known for his illustrious musical career.

6.Sarah Birungi
Birungi was a musical diva who died died in 2002due to HIV/AIDS. She was a band music singer remembered for her song Okukula kweta.
7.Harriet Kisakye
Kisakye was a band music singer who succumbed to death in 2015. It is alleged that the musician died of HIV/AIDS.

8.Mark Makumbi
Makumbi was a Kadongo kamu singer, sports journalist, TV and radio presenter who died in January 2016. He died of cancer but sources say he died of the deadly virus.

9.Martin Angume
Angume was a musician well known for his single ‘switch’. He died in 2013 and its alleged that he died of HIV/AIDS.

10.Dj Berry
Felix Nsibimaana who later converted to Islam and was known as Abdul Aziz Nsibimana aka Dj Berry was a club Dj as well as a radio personality who died of AIDS in the late 1990s and he is remembered as a great figure in Kampala nightlife.

By Stephen Kalema
Oxfam International boss Winnie Byanyima has blamed the government of President Museveni for jailing Makerere University academic Dr. Stella Nyanzi over mere social media posts
In the statements posted on twitter on Saturday morning Byanyima said government could not imprison anybody that uses social media to insult others.
“Nyanzi shouldn’t have been imprisoned because of what is considered as just mere insults posted on social media,” said Byanyima   
“If everyone who insults another person was jailed, how many Ugandan would be out working? How many prisons would we need? Isn’t there any better way of handling abusive people on social media? If what Stella writes on social media may be offensive, vulgar, shocking, irritating then press block,” reads her post.
Nyanzi was charged on Friday with two accounts of cyber harassment and offensive communication, in which the prosecution claims she had an intention of disturbing the peace of President Museveni. 
Prosecution states that Nyanzi posted on her face book wall on September 16th wishing that the ‘late Kokundeka’s cursed vaginal canal had burnt up Museveni’s unborn foetus.’ 
 “If rest of us press block when we are offended, why doesn’t Museveni try the same? It is excessive to lock up someone for offensive post.”
Byanyima said Nyanzi is testing the unfairness of the rule in order to protect the powerful and to silence those who want to hold them to account. 
“Nyanzi is on the frontline of the struggle for human rights and democracy in Uganda,” said Byanyima
Nyanzi on Friday told the court that she was not willing to apply for bail, saying she wanted to stay in Luzira Prison to teach women there how to use Facebook. 
 
This prompted the judge to remand her to Luzira Prison.

By Mubiru Ivan

Former first lady Miria Kalule Obote was on Friday evening rushed to an undisclosed hospital after suffering from a severe chest infection.
According to her family, the wife to former President Milton Obote is currently in High Dependency Unit for closer monitoring.
Jimmy Akena, the president general of Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) says his mother’s medical team is now assessing the possibility of her suffering from viral pneumonia.

We shall keep you posted.

By Mubiru Ivan
Don Wanyama, President Museveni’s press secretary on Saturday morning said ‘I Do’ to his long time sweetheart Ritah Kidasa.
The two have two sons together and have lived together for almost 10 years.
The church vows, which was witnessed by the who is who in the country were made at St. Austin Catholic Church,  Mbale.

The couple will later on host their guests including First Son Muhoozi Kainerugaba and events manager Balam at Mbale Resort Hotel.
What was most noticeable though was the colour theme at the function.

Wanyama, who was ‘signed’ by the ruling NRM party from FDC donned an all-blue ensemble. His best man and pageboys were also dazzling in blue suits.

Blue has been the official colour of Forum for Democratic Change.

By Mubiru Ivan
A Pakistan national has today been charged before the Courts of law in Koboko over defilement.
Abdul Majid, 25 reportedly defiled his house maid aged 15 and impregnated her while at his home at Gaga Cell, Upper ward, Koboko Municipality.
According to the victim, the suspect fell in love with her and ended up impregnating her.
Her relatives became concerned when they saw her pregnant thus seeking justice from local leaders in the area.
Majid , a pharmacist by profession was then reported to police by Adaba Bran, the LC II Chairman of Anyokonga Parish, Abuku Sub County, Koboko district last weekend.
After being charged, the suspect was remanded to Bukutu Government Prisons in Koboko.

By Mubiru Ivan
Hard Luck Segirinya. We have received news from several groups of people who believe you might just not be the next Kawempe South MP.
One of them is your nemesis, Latif Ssebagala.
Background.
News that Kawempe Division Lord Councilor Muhammad Ssegirinya has been declaring his intentions to contest for Kawempe South parliamentary seat come 2021are no longer a secret.
But like most any other opportunist, Ssegirinya always wants to associate himself with the ‘best’ political figures that can help him achieve his far-reach dream of becoming part of the legislative assembly of Uganda in future.
Of late, the controversial politician, who recently printed ‘Welcome Home’ posters for self, has identified himself as part and parcel of ‘People Power’, an emerging political movement headed by Kyandondo East MP Robert Kyagulanyi alias Bobi Wine.
Before the birth of ‘People Power’, Ssegirinya was always hobnobbing with former Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) President and four time presidential candidate Dr. Kizza Besigye.
Read More:Allow me to sing at kyarenga – buchaman cries out
However, it seems Bobi Wine is not impressed by Ssegirinya’s political things.
We call them ‘things’ because at Watchdog Uganda, we do not know what he stands for.
Anyways, according to what we see, Bobi will not back ‘comic’ Segirinya in his conquest to oust the incumbent Kawempe South MP Latif Ssebagala.
Recently, Bobi Wine hosted Ssebagala at his home in Magere and the politicians discussed a number of political issues, including how the latter can work hand in hand with the already in-place ‘People Power’ members to ensure that the movement gains more momentum in Uganda.

“I was happily hosted by @H.E Bobi Wine at his residence in Magere together with a few leaders from Kawempe led by Councilor Lukwago Ramadhan Isihaq for an auspicious breakfast. Discussed so many issues and we shall soon reveal them to the public,” confirmed Ssebagala on his Facebook page.
Again, hard luck Ssegirinya!

By Mubiru Ivan
There has been drama at Buganda Road Grade One Magistrate Court as controversial activist Dr. Stella Nyanzi turned down bail saying she was to go back to Luzira to teach fellow prisoners how to use social media specifically  Facebook.
The Makerere University research fellow was arrested last Friday for insulting the person of the president and his mother.
Prosecution alleged that on September 19, 2018 Nyanzi willfully and repeatedly used electronic communication to post messages offensive in nature via Facebook transmitted over the internet to disturb or attempted to disturb the peace, quiet or right of privacy of President Museveni with no purpose of legitimate communication.
Nyanzi who pleaded not guilty to what she called trumped up charges said she is not interested in bail and challenged President Museveni to go to court and be the first witness over her posts.
“I find myself not guilty of these trumped up charges. I can’t surely see how Museveni can be offended by mere writings by a woman on Facebook. I would like him to come to this court and prove the extent to which he is offended. Let him come and look me in the eyes and testify against me,” she said.
“It amuses me to hear that my writings offended Esteri, who is supposedly a dead woman but the same Museveni is on record for violations of several human rights,” added Dr. Nyanzi.
Her case has been adjourned to 20 November.

By Stephen Kalema

Police have arrested two people for allegedly stalking the Inspector General of Government boss, Irene Mulyagonja.

Ben Sebukuzi and Lilian Mukiibi belong to a ‘certain illegal organisation’, Youth Power Research Uganda.
The two  are currently detained at Special Investigation Unit (SIU) Kireka and will appear in court next week.
Police say they are holding them on charges including threatening violence, blackmail and extortion, alongside stalking.
According to deputy police spokesman Patrick Onyango, the suspects  have been using their illegal organisation to obtain money and information from key personalities in the country.
“For the most recent incident, they demanded information in possession of the IGG to be released to them,” Onyango said on Friday.
If, according to their demand notice, she did not release the said information, something she will live to regret would happen.
“The IGG complained to the Police, which through the Director CID, began investigations that led to their arrest,” said Onyango.
Details of the Information said suspects wanted from IGG would sabotage the investigations, according to the police.
Onyango said Youth Power Research Uganda is ‘still very big’ and urged the public to be vigilant of booming sects of youth
“We are urging members of the public who have any information in regard to this illegal group to go Directorate of Criminal Investigation and Crime Intelligence CID headquarters, Kibuli and divulge information.”
“We are still looking for other members of this illegal organization,” he said.

By Patrick Edward Musisi
Nakawa Division mayor Ronald Balimwezo Nsubuga has blamed LC I courts for failure to carry out their purpose.
Instead, he said, LC1 chairmen have given police a leeway to handle even simple cases triable by these courts, and in effect fuelling corruption tendencies.
“Wives report their husbands to police even for slight misunderstandings, and later offer to withdraw their complaints for fear of having them (husbands) jailed, which gives police an opportunity to extort money to execute the husbands’ release,” Balimwezo said.
He was addressing Kampala LC 1 and LC2 leaders who converged at Mukono Colline Hotel for a one-day training workshop ahead of the registration exercise of all residents in the city, in a bid to solicit for the most efficient  service delivery based on the population.
The training was organized by the Office of the President and was addressed by the ministers of Kampala – Betty Olive Kamya, of State for Microfinance, Haruna Kasolo Kyeyune and Benny Namugwanya, state minister for Kampala
Balimwezo also attacked LC vice chairpersons for neglecting their roles of handling children’s issues, which he blamed for an increase in crime-related activities like ‘dust-to-dawn’ gambling, alcoholism and drug use among children.
Kampala Central Deputy mayor Charles Musoke Serunjogi reminded the LC leaders that upon election, they ceased to be answerable to their political parties and came under KCCA and the electorate.
He said, “It is irresponsibility of the highest order for you to mobilize people to reject government programmes, and you will be responsible for their suffering resulting from shunning poverty reduction programmes simply because they are associated with a specific party.”
Serunjogi said that in his division, he has set a deliberate agenda of ensuring that as many Democratic Party (DP) supporters as possible access funds under the Youth Livelihood Programme (YLP) and Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Programme (UWEP) to demystify the attachment of the programmes to politics.
In her opening remarks,  Kamya said the registration slated to kick off next year is a provision in the KCCA Act for streamlining service delivery basing on the population in the city.

By Mubiru Ivan
For 21 days, some sections of Jinja road will be closed by National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) as it puts up new sewer lines.
The excavation and building works that will kick off today Friday at 10pm will take place between Electoral Commission Head offices and Centenary Park.
“Government of Uganda is building new sewer lines for the growing population of Kampala City. NWSC has accordingly contracted Sogea Satom to excavate and lay sewer lines along Jinja road between Electoral commission and Centenary Park from 9th November, 2018 for a period of 21 days,” said NWSC in a statement.
Adding,” During this period, some sections of Jinja road crossing will be closed to motorists and traffic will be diverted to alternative routes. The excavation works will be done in two phases to allow proper traffic management and minimize traffic disruptions,”
NWSC further advised motorists to use alternative routes during the 21 days to avoid travel delays.

By Mubiru Ivan
Former Bank of Uganda Director in charge of supervision Justine Bagyenda has finally been kicked off from the Financial Intelligence Authority (FIA) board.
Bagyenda does not feature anywhere on the latest list of FIA board members who are going to take oath.
The list includes Grace Akullo, the head of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), Patricia Mutesi, Leo Kibirango, the board chairman and Patrick Ocailap, the deputy secretary to the Treasury.
In September this year, Bagyenda failed to appear before parliamentary Appointments Committee for FIA job vetting. She had been reappointed on the board by Finance Minister Matia Kasaijja.
She was supposed to meet the committee chaired by Speaker Rebecca Kadaga but she opted not to show up to avoid being humiliated and disappointed basing on the advice of one of her lawyers Timothy Masembe of MMAKS Advocates.
In July MPs led by Manjiya County’s John Nambeshe and Kasambya County’s Louis Mbwatekamwa Gaffa  revealed that they couldn’t allow Bagyenda’s reappointment come to pass.
“We are against Mrs. Bagyend’s reappointment to this position on grounds that she was sent into early retirement by Bank of Uganda Governor Tumusiime Mutebile recently and she used her position to amass wealth as her leaked bank accounts indicate she has close to shs20 billion,” said Nambeshe.

By Stephen Kalema
About 1,489 Ugandans tried to register as refugees during the last census to ascertain the numbers of asylum seekers in the country. These, according to the Office of the Prime Minister were identified and rejected at early stage of verification, new details surrounding the inflated number of refugees in the country have revealed.
On March 1, the Office of the Prime Minister released figures of a head count conducted last year and placed the number of asylum seekers at as 1,444,856.
With the news of ghost refugees and a corruption scandal emerging, United States, Britain and other European nations threatened to withhold funding and humanitarian aid from
For example, in February, United Nations workers inspected a sector of Bidi Bidi camp that OPM officials had reported housed 26,000 refugees, only to find 7,000 people.
The Prime Minister, Dr Ruhakana Rukunda then ordered for a recount using biometric system.
The new verification exercise put the number at 1,092,213 individuals, or 76 per cent of the initial figures.
Also, since March, 62,139 new arrivals mainly from the DR Congo were registered, bringing the up to 1,154,352.
At the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala on Thursday, Minister for Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees Hillary Onek labored to explain the discrepancy of 352,643 individuals.
According to Mr Onek, 255,490 individuals were verified as inactive because of reasons such as unknown whereabouts (158,533), returned to their home countries (34,174), Some had registered more than once (9,481), deceased (3, 931), Ugandan nationals (1, 489) while 55,812 were confirmed to be urban refugees.
However, the figures presented could only account for 17 per cent of the 24 per cent of the missing refugee population.
“We cannot explain the missing seven per cent. However, we are going to investigate how the figures (old and missing) came about,” Onek said.
“In case anyone falls victim to exaggerating figures for their own interests, they will be brought to book.”
At the same press conference, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) country representative Joel Boutroue said although the current figures are still preliminary, they will continue allocating resources.
“With this new database we shall be able to know areas with special needs and they will be reached as early as possible. And also we will be able to perfect refugee management,” said Boutroue.

By Mubiru Ivan
Police have arrested 146 criminals suspected of terrorizing Kampala city.
Those arrested in the early Thursday swoop are suspected to be part of the criminal gangs that are involve in robbery, counterfeit and drug distribution, mugging of people as well as pick pocketing on city streets.
The operation took place in areas of Makindye, Ndeeba, Kinyoro, Kisenyi, Katwe,Kiseeka, Kikoni, Kasubi, Kawala and Nakulabye.

Kampala Metropolitan Police Commander CP. Moses Kabugo Kafeero said that the ongoing operations by police in Kampala send a very clear warning message to offenders that security agencies shall not be winding down for Christmas and letting them go on their merry way.

“These pre-Christmas operations are systematically geared towards controlling key black spots around the city that are often used in harboring criminals and their activities,” said Kafeero.
“Throughout this remaining period towards Christmas Season, police shall be carrying out a series of high-profile days of action aimed at disrupting criminal activities and keeping the good people of Kampala safe during the festive period,” he added.

By the end of the operation, 38 out of the 146 suspects were released following a screening exercise by local leaders in the targeted areas.

By Stephen Kalema
 Norbert Mao has received backing from an unlikely ‘friend’ for his stand on pulling out of upcoming National Dialogue.
Mao last week decided that his party would not take part in the dialogue when the ruling NRM party is continuously disrespecting their demands.
 “The lawlessness in the government means undermining the environment that would be vital for constructive dialogue. We cannot pretend to be going for national dialogue when the right to organize it was being effectively undermined,” said Mao, the DP president general said last week.
The national dialogue is scheduled for November 21 and is organized by the Elders Forum of Uganda, the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda (IRCU) and members of the civil society with the theme of consolidating peace, democracy and development to promote equal opportunity and achieve shared prosperity. 
Now, according to Mukono municipality legislator Betty Nambooze, there is no way any serious political party can sit and dialogue with the government when there are no parameters to follow.
“For that matter, I totally agree with DP president general Norbert Mao on his decision to withdraw from the said talks,” Nambooze told Watchdog Uganda on Wednesday.      
On October 8, the Opposition listed seven demands to the organisers if they were to hold talks with government.
These included; clarification on the agenda of the dialogue, composition of the participants, modalities of convening and arrangements of independent financing of the national dialogue. Also, the opposition wanted a guarantee on how the outcome from the dialogue will be implemented plus a guarantee from government that all political repression, persecution and impunity will end instantly and also declare immediate guarantee of freedom of political activities.
“The organizers are not bold enough to tell Museveni the demands of the opposition. And it’s not only DP which had tabled these demands but all opposition parties agreed on these demands however the organizers seem not interested and I don’t think there any politician would agree that,” Nambooze, a DP member opposed to Mao’s leadership said.
According to Nambooze, if the organisers do not adhere to the demands of the opposition, national dialogue would appear as a national talk show for President Museveni.
“How can one of the sides to dialogue be the same person to preside over its launch? I think they are just arranging for Museveni to come and speak to them,” Nambooze said.
Before DP pulled out of this dialogue, on October 8, all opposition political parties gathered at Hotel Protea in Kampala and insisted that the national dialogue is more important but must be based on clear agenda and guarantee of mutual respect for the outcomes.
The document of demands was signed by; Forum for Democratic Change party president Patrick Amuriat, the leader of one of the UPC sections, Joseph Bossa, Democratic Party (DP) president Norbert Mao, People’s Progressive Party (PPP) chairperson Dick Odur, four-time presidential candidate Kizza Besigye as leader of the “People’s Government,” Maj Gen Mugisha Muntu of the New Formation political group and Mr Olara Otunnu as a concerned citizen.
When Watchdog Uganda contacted Mao following a second visit of the national dialogue organisers to Parliament on Tuesday, he said the organisers are escaping from the right path of confirming a clear agenda and mutual respect from the ruling party over the seven demands.
Therefore, he maintained that they will not dialogue.
 Gen. Muntu, another leading opposition figure, said since Independence, there has never been any chance of national dialogue.
“The government knows these issues but it uses force to govern the people. If they want to continue moving on that path of using force, then they will choose that. But you cannot continue using force permanently. However national dialogue may be would make something if they have respected these demands,” Gen. Muntu reportedly said.
 
FDC is yet to decide its move incase organisers are not willing to respect their demands.

By Bruno Kiyimba
National Resistance Movement’s flag bearer Paul Boniface Oguttu has on Wednesday, been duly nominated to contest for Busia District chairperson seat.
Oguttu, who was accompanied to the nomination venue by the NRM Deputy Secretary General Richard Todwong together with other party leaders in the district.
According Busia NRM returning officer Umar Kiyimba, Oguttu had met all the requirements as laid down in the electoral guidelines.
Speaking to the media after nomination, Oguttu called upon voters to vote him since he believes he is the right candidate to represent them.
Oguttu, who left the district hall on a boda boda amid cheers from hundreds of his supporters, will continue his role as acting district chairperson ahead of the elections. He assumed the role two years ago after the district the Electoral Commission threw out the district chair winner in 2016. Then, Oguttu was elected district Speaker.
Mr John Arimpa Kigyagi, party’s deputy EC chairperson early this week announced November 21, as the polling date for the pending primary elections of the newly created six districts as well as the old ones with vaccant positions.

By Bruno Kiyimba
“I see very many of you who have given in money for burial in respect of your political denominations. But it would be sad if the deceased woke up and claimed she did not know you.”
Those were the opening remarks of outspoken Rev Fr Deogratius Kiibi Kateregga during the burial of the Connie Nakabugo at Kasozi, Wakiso on Tuesday.
Nakabugo served Lubaga Cathedral from 1982 to 2018 and was a teacher at Gayaza Girls’ Primary School.
Fr Kiibi, who was surprised by the number of politicians present at the burial, ‘yet none was there to help the late Nakabugo during the time she needed them’ also lashed out at them for being opportunists.
The political leaders had spoken ‘good words about themselves’ as well as how much money  they had given in condolences.
“I once went to the house of late Nakubugo and she called me’ Fr. Kato’. This touched me since she could not recognize me. Anyway, now that ‘Fr Kato’ has won the credit, I will return to you and ask a question; ‘Do you think the late can recognize you if she woke up now?’” Fr Kiibi asked much to the uneasiness of the politicians.
He added that it was wrong for NRM political leaders and councilors from Nansana Municipality to start announcing the sums of money that they had given in respect of the burial yet there was a right time for them to do so.
Wakiso NRM contributed Shs150,000 while Nansana municipality councilors parted with Shs500,000.
According to Fr Kiibi, this money was useless to the person who had died.
“Now I also want to ask you councilors and NRM representatives. How would you feel if you had given in these big sums of money when she was still alive? Don’t you think she would be alive by now? Because as far as her medical documents state, she did not have any disease like HIV, cancer, and all these other bad diseases that affect the old people.”
The salesman who had turned the burial into a market show was not spared.
“We are here making last prayers for this old lady and you are busy marketing your products? May you also get the same when you die,” he said.
It is on this note that the reverend advised all people to always pay regular visits to the sick and old people since it is at this critical moment that they need support from the people around them.

By  Ivan Mubiru
Police in Kasangati is holding a man for allegedly obtaining Shs271 million from squatters by false pretence.
The suspect identified as Isma Kanonya was arrested early this week following a complaint filed to police by 61 victims.
Kanonya’s arrest has been confirmed by Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire.
According to Owoyesigyire, the complainants told police that they were approached by Kanonya in 2015 as a land broker. Then, they say, he presented to them a Memorandum Of Understanding between him and the actual land owner, a one Mr. Patrick Luboowa. Later on, according to Oweyesigyire, he presented to them an agreement between him and Luboowa indicating he had paid a sum of Shs800 million as part of the payments for the entire land a condition that placed him as the rightful owner of the land.
The 40 acre land in question is located in Busukuma.
“The suspect then hired surveyors to partition the land into (50×100), (100×100) plots and started receiving deposit payments while promising that he was processing their land tittles. He made millions by conning the would-be occupants, who would pay him deposits for plots he claimed to own – only for him to disappear before they could receive their land titles,” says Owoyesigyire.
Adding, “When the true land owner Mr. Luboowa received news that his land was up for grabs, he approached the occupants, presented verified documents proving ownership of the land and claimed that he wanted to develop his land which prompted angry occupants to open  up cases at various police stations against Kanonya.”
The suspect is currently detained at Kasangati Police Station on charges of obtaining money by false pretense vide SD REF 38/24/10/2018.

By Bruno Kiyimba
A court case in which city tycoon Tom Kaya is accused of fraud has been adjourned to November 12.
Kaya is a prominent businessman with vast interests in transport. He owns a fleet of taxis registered under Kaki Investments.
The accused allegedly took Shs3.75billion from businessman Sam Buchanan in 2016 with a promise that they would sell to him land with all its development there on comprised of block 26 plot 324,162 and 918 situated at Bulange –Mengo, Kampala.
Buchanan says Kaya, alongside Thomas Katumba Ssekiziyivu, 44; Francis Musisi Kayongo, 49, and Abdul Kasagga, 38, have since never handed over the said property. The group is also accused of forgery, uttering false documents, obtaining money by false pretense.
On Tuesday at Buganda Road Court Ssekiziyivu, Kayongo and  Kasagga pleaded guilty to the charges proffered against them.
Kaya however maintained his innocence.
The trio, also denied knowledge of lawyer Joseph Luzige which led to a mini fracas on who should represent Kaya between Luzige and Company Advocates and the senior state attorney Adrine Asingwire together with colleagues Joseph Kyomuhendo and  Emily Ninsima.
This prompted the magistrate to give the opposing sides a 30-minutes break.
Upon return, it was agreed that Asingwire and colleagues would plead for the three suspects as Luzige stayed with Kaya.
Chief magistrate   Patricia Amoko ordered Ssekiziyivu, Kayongo and Kasagga to pay a fine of Shs1m per case pleaded guilty of else get sent to prison for two years.
Just like was the case last month, Kaya was bailed out by security minister Gen. Elly Tumwine, who stood surety for him alongside Joseph Luzige Kamya as well as the LC5 chairperson of Mityana district.

By Ivan mubiru
The Parliamentary probe into Aki Bua stadium construction has claimed the scalp of Mark Tivu, the Lira Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) who was on Wednesday arrested and handed over to Parliamentary CID.
Tivu, who was appearing before the Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (Cosase) with his Technical Officer, is said to have admitted that Aki Bua Stadium construction started without any architectural design.
He is expected to provide more and clear information why the district sanction the move.
Last month, Omara Apitta, the commissioner of physical education under the Education and Sports ministry was arrested and taken to Luzira Prison for the alleged mismanagement of Shs665m advanced for stadium works in the district.
Tivu’s admission on Wednesday shed more light on the graft that has engulfed the construction of the stadium in memory of Olympic Gold medalist John Aki Bua.
During the meeting, Cosase heard that even the shed – a lone structure supposed to pass off as a 200-seater pavilion – plus a pit latrine were constructed without any architectural plan what so ever.
Last month however, Tivu reportedly said the district had only received Shs300 million that they spent on clearing the 12-acre, site which involved uprooting trees, levelling the ground, opening boundaries and access roads, draining the swamp, construction of a pit latrine and the construction of a 200-seater pavilion.
Government insists Shs665million was sent to the district, with the Ministry of Education and Sports Undersecretary Aggrey Kibenge saying Lira requisitioned for the said money which was sent to them.
It has also been established that the ministry sent more money outside the already known Shs665 million for this stadium mainly to compensate people who were growing trees and crops on land already owned by government. However, it is understood no agreement or MOU was made with the recipients over their compensation.
“The total money sent for Aki Bua Stadium now goes up to about Shs1.2 billion,” a source during the meeting
On Thursday, a team from the National Council of Sports will meet with legislators sitting on Cosase. They are expected to give answers to queries  regarding a Shs800m loan acquired in 2013/14 and then later audit reports from 2013/14, 2014/15, 2015/16, 2016/17.

By Mubiru Ivan
President Yoweri Museveni has finally signed into law the Excise Duty Bill that reduces the Mobile Money tax from 1 per cent to 0.5 per cent.
State Minister for Finance David Bahati confirmed the announcement, saying President Museveni has approved the Bill but acknowledged that telecom companies were still charging one per cent on withdrawals.
Bahati revealed that telecom companies will reduce the charges from one per cent to 0.5 per cent on withdrawals only when the Act is gazetted in the Uganda Gazette.
In May this year, government imposed a one per cent tax on all mobile money transactions, including deposits, transfers and withdrawals. The tax implementation took effect on July 1, the start of the 2018/2019 financial year.
The controversial tax sparked public uproar thus forcing government to present a new bill, the Excise Duty (Amendment)(No.2) Bill, 2018 “to limit the taxable mobile money transactions to withdrawal and reduce the duty payable.”
In July, the President came out to reveal that the actual mobile money tax should be 0.5 per cent.
“The one per cent was a miscommunication. The actual figure was 0.5 per cent, half of one percent. That is what we should debate, concerning mobile money tax,” said Museveni.
In October, Members of Parliament voted to reduce the tax to 0.5 per cent and waited for assent by the President.

By Patrick Edward Musisi

Uganda’s ambassador designate to Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Iceland and Finland  Nimisha Jayant Madhvani has pledged to lobby Ugandans in the Diaspora to bring back home the  expertise acquired abroad over the years, to contribute towards development of their motherland.

She was on Tuesday talking to Watchdog Uganda in an exclusive interview at Kakira Sugar Works at Kakira in Jinja District, about her appointment as the ambassador to the Nordic countries and her Independence Day Golden Jubilee Medal by President Museveni.

Madhvani and 10 other Ugandans were awarded the prestigious medal  at the independence day celebrations held Kakuuto in Kyotera District.

She hailed the NRM government for the commitment to uphold the woman emancipation struggle, adding that her assignment as ambassador is testimony of government’s concern for giving women the opportunity to serve alongside men. She cited internationally accredited women like Michelle Obama, Hilary Clinton and Indira Gandhi for their unquestionable patriotism.

She expressed her resolve to sweet talk Ugandans in the diaspora to endeavor to bring home investment expertise and to lobby their partners to boost the country’s tourism industry.

Her uncle Mayur M. Madhvani said Nimisha has distinguished herself as a pride to the family, and thanked President Museveni for recognizing her contribution to the development of this nation by awarding her with the independence medal.

“Nimisha has been a true nationalist in as far as representing her motherland abroad is concerned,” Mr Madhvani said.

Before her new appointment, Nimisha was the country’s ambassador to the Middle east.

By Arinda Nsheeka Wilfred
Legislators on Parliament’s Appointment Committee have expressed worry over the continued political peddling on the District Service Commissions (DSC) across the country. This they say has led to poor service delivery.
Speaking to the political and civic leaders from Kabale, Rukungiri and Ntungamo districts on Tuesday, the committee chaired by the Ntungamo district Woman MP Beatrice Rwakimaari explained that political peddling has sabotaged and crippled the independence of DSCs thus creating more gaps in human resource and corruption.
The meeting was held in the Ntungamo District Council hall
Rwakimaari appealed to all political leaders to distance themselves from interfering in the independence of the commissions if they are to deliver service to the public.
They recommended for increased funding, review of laws to suit the current situation and remit allowances for the smooth running of the DSC.
The Parliament’s appointment committee has embarked on a countrywide tour aimed at ironing out some complaints raised by whistle blowers over corruption, nepotism and incompetence of the members of DSCs in the country.
Committee member Margret Rwabushaija Mubiru assured the leaders that what has been resolved will be brought before Parliament for discussion and consideration.
The Kabale District chairperson Patrick Besigye Keihwa asked government and Parliament to consider reviving the existing laws for good service delivery.
Keihwa admitted that some political leaders have a habit of antagonizing the impartiality of the commissions which must stop.
The host chairperson,  Denis Singahache challenged the government to fulfill its obligation paying the allowances and funds to the members on the board in time also to do their part diligently.
The meeting was attended by District chairpersons, chairpersons of the service commission, chief administrative officers and members of the commissions in the three districts of Kabale, Rukungiri and Ntungamo.

By Stephen Kalema
Deputy Speaker of Parliament Jacob Oulanyah has cautioned Inter-Religious Council of Uganda (IRCU) to avoid politicking if the upcoming National Dialogue is to benefit Ugandans.

Speaking to the organizers of the dialogue, led by Justice James Egoola  Parliament, Oulanyah said they ought to ‘come out clean’ and ‘set rules of the game’.

“Discussions of this nature tend to draw questions that first of all need to be answered if it is to become a success so please don’t politicize this beautiful move as it has  always been the case and that it should not undermine the supremacy of the constitution,” Oulanyah cautioned.

The National Dialogue is due to be launched on November 21, 2018.

“Considering our past, we need to be careful about this dialogue. Rules are set before the game, not during the game. So we need to go for dialogue when we know about the rules of the game. Remember a nation that keeps both eyes in the past is a dead one, but a nation that keeps one eye in the past and another in the future will survive. So given our past, we don’t want our past to be our future,” Oulanyah added.

According to Oulanyah discussions of such nature draw a lot of questions;

“Is it a formal process? And if so how is it housed in the Constitution? And if it is not formal then how will it be outside the frameworks of the Constitution?”

Justice Ogoola said Ugandans should appreciate the need for a national dialogue and IRCU has identified areas that will be handled which include; national consensus on economic reforms, harnessing the diversity in Uganda, core shared national values, national consensus on land and natural resources, service delivery, political commitment, and constitutionalism and rule of law.

Ogoola however also told Oulanyah that dialogue is a continuous process that intends to birth peace amidst anguished hearts.

“Dialogue process is critical to this country. The dialogue will add value and bring unity, peace and prosperity where all Ugandans leave in harmony, however the national dialogue paper framework is still being revised,” said Ogoola.

Ogoola’s meeting with  Oulanyah – the second visit to Parliament- comes after the Democratic Party decided to pull out of the dialogue saying they cannnot talk with a ‘lawless government’.

“We cannot pretend to be having a dialogue when the government is lawless. We are not satisfied with the framework proposed and the environment in which the dialogue will be convened,” DP president Norbert Mao said.

When contacted, Mao maintained  the DP stand of last week and said “We cannot sit at a round table with government which is intolerant and continuously torturing and brutalizing Ugandans. It upon Ogoola and team  now to dialogue with Museveni but we as a political party DP can’t.”

By Stephen Kalema
Every police station across the country has been put on an alert to arrest Siraja Bakaleke.
This after  the Principal State Attorney, Alice Komuhangi on Tuesday issued an arrest warrant for the former Kampala South Regional Police Commander.
Komuhangi delivered the warrant to the Anti-Corruption Court in Kampala.
“We have sent the arrest warrant to all police stations in the country as we continue our search for him,” Komuhangi said.
Bakaleke has since October been on the run after the  Anti-Corruption Court in Kampala ordered for his immediate arrest for allegedly defying court summons.
According to the prosecution, Bakaleke and others while still police officers in Uganda Police Force, used the authority of their offices to arrest wrongfully and confine innocent people among other cases.
Together with six police officers; Junior Amanya, Babu Gastavas, Kenneth Zirintusa, Innocent Nuwagaba, Robert Asiimwe and Robert Munezero and one civilian Samuel Nabeta Mulowooza, Bakaleke is also accused of defrauding three Korean nationals of Shs1.5 billion between February 4 and 11, 2018.
According to the prosecution, the accused people had conspired to kidnap the Koreans with the intention of secretly and wrongfully confining, then defrauding them.

By Catherine Apolot
Kyadondo East Member of Parliament, Robert Kyagulanyi Sentamu alias Bobi Wine has demanded for immediate release of incarcerated Dr Stella Nyanzi.
Dr. Nyanzi was arrested last Friday at Makerere University as she tried to access her office. In October, the oldest institution for higher Education in Uganda was ordered to reinstate the suspended research fellow back to her duty.
Posting on his Facebook page, Kyagulanyi said the academician is being illegally detained since security operatives are holding her beyond 48 hours without charging her in courts of law.
According to the legislator, it has become a norm for police to detain suspects illegally and such tendency must be fought against in all ways possible.
He now demands that Dr. Nyanzi be produced in Court so that she can get an opportunity to defend herself against the charges preferred against her.
Dr. Stella Nyanzi
“We demand that the authorities produce her before court so that she has an opportunity to defend herself against any charges they may have against her, or that she is set free. Dr. Stella has always stood with pro-democracy activists whenever our rights have been violated. It is only right and proper that we stand with her when her rights are being violated.”
The activist is charged with abusing the person of the President and his mother on September 16 on her Facebook page.
By exerting pressure to government in August when Bobi Wine was arrested following the Arua fracas, Dr. Nyanzi was on the forefront of the steering team that worked tooth and nail to ensure that he was set free.

By Najib Mulema
Mukono Municipality Member of Parliament Betty Nambooze has attacked President Museveni for refusing to commission Toyota Uganda.
Last week, while commissioning new factories in Namanve Industrial Park, the President refused to commission Toyota Uganda citing that it was only a warehouse (showroom) and that he would regard it a factory if they start assembling cars from there.
However, Museveni’s action did not go well with Nambooze who said the President just embarrassed himself and Uganda at large.
According to the legislator, though Museveni is looking for quick fixes to solve the country’s youth unemployment, it was not justifiable for him to ‘behave like one of the uncivilized African chiefs of long ago’. She said by pressuring investors in a manner he displayed in Namanve, Museveni will scare away even the few companies that have already put up warehouses in the country.
In her missive released on Tuesday on the ‘Madam Teacher’s Class’, Nambooze further stated that basing on the country’s deprived political, economic and social situation, no investor can build a car manufacturing plant here more so when 99.9 per cent of the population cannot afford to buy new cars. She said a serious investor like Toyota can only offer a service centre to Uganda due to the prevailing circumstances.
“Ssebo, with a predominantly poor peasant population of about 35 Million people of which 75% are citizens below 30 years, your must accept that Uganda is a very small market that makes investing in a costly car assembly line unviable. Which investor would invest his money in a product that 99.9% of the population can’t afford? Imagine all the 450 MPs in the Country are driving used cars!” she said.
Nambooze also disclosed that auto industry experts have already warned Uganda that a project of this kind will be too costly for any investor because the country lacks basic supporting services in the field. In addition even existing manufacturers are facing burdensome manufacturing costs owing to country’s poor energy supply and limited availability of skilled labour.
“The companies are also struggling to find a market in Uganda and the neighbouring East African countries. Further production volumes are making it difficult for our products to compete with other producers in, the region. Worse still the ever deteriorating security and political situation make many credible investors to shy away from Uganda,” she noted.
Adding, “As area MP, I know what those industrialists are experiencing. Today , because of your failure to address the security of people and their property, a whole platoon has been imposed on every factory and a squad of soldiers onto every foreign worker purportedly for their security. Besides, for one to establish a factory/warehouse, they must put up with the rampant institutionalized corruption and extortion plus inefficiency in service delivery. All this should make us as leaders, you inclusive to drop any form of arrogance towards industrialists and investors in whatever form,”
Nambooze, however advised Museveni that if he wants Uganda to have a competitive and comparative advantage to warrant investing in such a costly high tech sector as car manufacturing, the country should first develop a pre-processing sector to feed itself and maybe the region before it pressurizes investors into high end industries.
“When we target small cottage industries then develop competences like building a critical mass of technicians, electricians who would find employment in a car industry later. Today if Toyota was to open up a Car assembly plant in Namanve, where are they going to get technicians or is it your suggestion that Toyota builds a Car plant and also imports labour? How will they pass the tests on standards in an area with almost no expertise on testing the safety of auto mobiles?” Nambooze inquired.
She noted that big and sophistication industries will continue finding it easier to manufacture things in developed countries and then export them to outlets in Uganda because producing alongside other big producers, in countries with experienced labour and stable political atmosphere is less expensive and allows for goods to be produced in very large volumes.
Meanwhile, she also ‘urged’ the President to deploy Special Forces Command (SFC) operatives to break the backs of errant investors who are refusing to set up industries in the country since he is accustomed to employing military might to solve all his problems.

By Stephen Kalema
Government is to spend Shs117bn to effectively implement the policy of zero tolerance to corruption at all levels.

According to the state minister for ethics, Fr. Simon Lukodo, Shs106,028,856,000 is already available for all anti-corruption agencies in the country to fight the vice.

He was speaking at the media Center on Tuesday.

According to Fr. Lukodo, the money is to enable sustainable fight against corruption since the policy requires a systematic, comprehensive, inclusive and coordinated approach which calls for heavy investment by the government.

“The Cabinet approved this financing arrangement to effectively implement the policy because it will need to build the requisite and robust capability to match the sophisticated nature of crime,” added Lukodo.

Museveni’s government has for years been fighting corruption. However, according to Fr. Lukodo, the fight against this vice has not been documented and there has not been any Framework to galvanize and effectively coordinate the operations of the established institutions. This has greatly constrained the fight against it.

To address all these gaps and re-affirm government to eliminate corruption and misuse of man power, Cabinet last week approved the ‘Zero Tolerance to Corruption Policy 2018.’

According to the government Spokesman Ofwono Opondo, the policy is to work in five  fashions; Strengthening partnership among all anti-corruption stakeholders as well as Enhancing the capacity of Anti-Corruption institution to accelerate the momentum of forcing the elaborate legal framework.

Others are ‘Establishing internal inspection units in all ministries, Departments and Agencies of Government to effectively detect and prevent corruption from occurring’, ‘Inculcating a culture of integrity, accountability and patriotism at all levels of society.’

The last one, according to Opondo ‘Demonstrating commitment by all leaders from the Executive, Legislatures and Judiciary to implement the recommendations of the anti-corruption, oversight institutions and commission of inquiry.’

“This policy will restore the public sector ethics and strengthening the social and moral fabric rights from young generation to the elderly,” said Fr. Lukodo state minister for Ethics and Integrity.

By  Ivan Mubiru
Kanungu Woman Member of Parliament has been summoned by the High Court in Kampala to defend herself against allegations that she poisoned a Parliamentary staff identified as Donna Kamuli.
According to Joy Kabajje, the court’s assistant registrar,  Elizabeth Karungi should file her defence within 10 days from the date of receipt of the summons or failure to do so, judgment will be availed in her absence. The Summons were sent out on October 30.
“Whereas the above named plaintiff (Ms Donna Kamuli) has instituted a suit against you upon the claim the particulars of which are set out in the copy of the amended plaint attached hereto. You are hereby required to file a defence seeking leave to appear and defend yourself in the said suit within 10 days from the date of service of summons on you in the manner prescribed under 0.9 rule one Civil Procedure Rules,” Ms. Kabajje said in the summons letter to Ms Karungi.
Through her lawyer Ladislaus Rwakafuzi, Kamuli, a receptionist at Parliament recently alleged that she was poisoned by the legislator after suspecting her of having an affair with her husband.
The said poison was administered in mineral water served by unnamed waitress at Café Pap, a restaurant along Parliamentary Avenue.
After taking the water, Kamuli says she started experiencing stomach ache, prompting her to carry out a thorough medical checkup and examination at the government analytical laboratory. Results showed that a pesticide -Deltamethrin had been administered in her drink.
According to Mr Rwakafuzi, the poison caused damage on his client’s intestines, eyes as well as her nervous system.
Background
Nation Media owned KFM reports that Kamuli received a call from Karungi on the fateful afternoon, asking her to meet at the said restaurant to have a woman-to -woman talk.
During the meeting, the MP narrated to Kamuli of how her husband Kamugisha is seeing a fairly young brown lady whom he picks from a hotel in Makerere Kikoni and drops her at Parliament.
Kamuli contends that the MP disclosed to her that she had put a price of Shs20 million had a balance of Shs60 million for people to trail and kill that young woman who is destabilising her marriage.
However, in response Kamuli said , “I told the legislator that I was not young, I am a mature woman, married and now separated with 14-year-old first born, with my own car and had never been driven by her husband. I showed her my family photos including my estranged husband. The legislator’s body language showed shock and regret though she could not say.”

By  Ivan Mubiru
The Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development has canceled and suspended licenses of 10 external labour recruitment companies over failure to fulfill minimum standards required for the service.
According to James Ebitu, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry, licenses of three companies have been revoked whereas those for seven companies have been suspended and their offices closed until further notice.
The companies whose licenses have been revoked are Sauman Service Limited, Fountain Security Services and Abroad Placement (U) Limited.
Those whose licenses have been suspended are Karibun International Limited, Elite Placements Consulting Limited, Labour Frontiers International Limited, Rokas Recruitment Services Limited, Fresh Mind International Limited, Swift International Recruiters Limited and Professional Recruitment Services.
“The public is informed to desist from the mentioned external labour recruitment companies whose licenses have been cancelled and suspended. Whoever deals with them, its agents or employees on matters of external labour recruitment and placement of Ugandan migrant workers abroad does so at his or her own risk,” warned Mr Ebitu.
Various reports have often revealed that due to ‘fake’ recruitment companies, many Ugandans end up in the wrong hands as soon as they set foot on foreign soil.
Cases abound of young Ugandan women looking for jobs forced into the sex trade in overseas countries after being frustrated by far less pay than previously promised by their agents who are in most cases unlicensed.

By Arinda Nsheeka Wilfred
Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) in partnership with the Film Club Uganda on Monday opened up a five day workshop with the intention of boosting the film industry in Uganda.

Mr Paul Mukasa, the manager in charge of  content regulation at UCC lauded the participants, especially the youth who turned out in big numbers to attend the workshop at Little Ritz Hotel, Kabale.  He represented Godfrey Mutabazi is the Executive Director at the wor
“This workshop is first of its kind in Kabale and it’s meant to train people who will boost the film industry,” Mukasa said.

He added that the film industry would create jobs in the near future, citing the examples of Nollywood of Nigeria, the Hollywood of the United States of America and other many countries that have developed in film Making like Japan and China.

The workshop is training  participants in acting, sound, script writing, film directing, and lighting for film.

UCC has in the past years worked hard to improve the film Industry. The body Initiated the Uganda film festival, with the aim of boosting the Ugandan film industry.

Mr Gad Rugaju, the deputy resident district commissioner of Kabale who officially opened the workshop thanked the UCC for its initiative, saying it would yield Uganda income in the future.

The workshop is scheduled to end on Friday.

By Stephen Kalema
National Resistance Movement (NRM) will on November 21 hold party primaries for representatives in the newly created districts. The new districts are Kwania, Kassanda, Kikuubi, Nabilatuk, Bugweri. Primaries will aslo be held in the old Hoima from which Kikuube district was carved.
Speaking to journalists on Monday at the party’s headquarters, deputy chairperson NRM Electoral Commission, John Arimpa Kigyagi said, “Following the postponement of the party primaries which had to take place on August 8 this year, the commission hereby announces November 21st as the new polling date in the new districts.”
Citing lack of funds, Kigyagi said the postponement affected the selection of Women representatives of Parliament and Local Council Five chairpersons.
However, Kigyagi cautioned that there will be no new nominations and campaigns since they were all done before the postponement but candidates will be allowed to have consultative meetings with their supporters as the way to rebuild confidence and trust.

By Stephen Kalema
All operatives attached to the Police’s Flying Squad have had their services terminated.

In a document dated November 5, 2018, and signed by the Flying Squad management, all operatives lost their jobs with immediate effect.

Flying Squad was formed to fight violent crimes such as robberies and kidnaps.

“Warning. All those who be working with Flying Squad Unit as operatives. Their services have been terminated with effect from today 05th till further notice.”

This termination comes at a time when Flying Squad operatives are under fire following the manner in which they conduct their operations their operations as well as gross misconduct and torture of suspects by its operatives .

Recently, plain clothed security officials allegedly belonging to Flying Squad brutally arrested a member of the Democratic Party, Yusuf Kawooya in broad day light.

The move also follows a decision to disband the unit by the Inspector General of Police, Mr Martins Okoth-Ochola  in May.

By February, the Police Professional Standards Unit was investigating 213 cases against FSU personnel lodged by both civilians and police officers, including torture, robbery and extortion. Handling of the cases will continue since each was lodged against individual officers, police said.

Former IGP Kayihura established FSU Unit in 2013 following a spate of violent crimes. Most of its operatives are informers and Special Police Constables; low-rank officers, who joined police on temporary contracts.

By Stephen Kalema

A birthday surprise has re-united deputy director of communication and public affairs (CPA) at Parliament, Helen Nanteza Kawesa with her boss, Chris Obore.
Since the appointment of Obore as director, CPA in 2015, his relationship with Kawesa has toxic with the two allegedly involved in a cold war. Their subordinates have also been forced to take sides.
However on Monday, two bosses  charged with disseminating ‘accurate information and educate the public on the operations and functions of Parliament’ shared a rare smile as Obore led others to celebrate Kawesa’s birthday. This ofcourse came as a surprise to many.
In a video released on Monday, the two can be seen dancing together, side by side like they have so often done.
According to a source who attended the mini party, this is the first time Kawesa and Obore have been seen in a public show of affection in a long time.
It followed an early morning meeting between Obore, the CPA team and the executive members of Uganda Parliamentary Press Association (UPPA) led by president of Moses Mulondo.
After the deliberations, the source says, Ismail Ranny, the assistant director, CPA told the gathering that it was Kawesa’s  birthday. Immediately, Obore and the team are said to have started chanting the birthday song as Ranny handed the birthday girl a bouquet.
Watch Video;

By Stephen Kalema

Police has arrested the general manager of the new Mestil Hotel in Nsambya following the drowning of a 13-year-old boy in the facility’s swimming pool.

According to the police and observers, the boy’s parents called the police to help their child whose body was motionless in the swimming pool.

It’s alleged that by the time of drowning, the swimming pool attendant Abdullah Karim was not around.  However after learning of the incident, he ran away.

He was later arrested and faces charges of neglect.

Before he was apprehended though, Kampala Metropolitan police spokesperson Luke Oweyesigire, said  they first arrested the top manager.  He was later released.

“We had to arrest the general manager, Sven Saint Saint-Calbe to explain the circumstances under which the boy drowned and died at their hotel,” said Oweyesigire.

Police took the body of the boy to Mulago for a postmortem.

By Najib Mulema
Twelve journalists working in Greater Masaka region are in panic after receiving death notices from unknown people.
In a notice seen by Watchdog Uganda, the assailants promised to gun down, slaughter and poison the journalists whom they say have refused to mind their businesses.
The potential killers said these journalists ‘over investigate into their criminal activities which is bad for business’.
The journalists on the list include Tomusange Kayinja (CBS FM), Jamir Kalanzi (CBS FM),  Robert Nsubuga(BBS TV), Male John (CBS FM), Jacinta Bwanika (Bukedde), Ssozi Sekimpi (CBS FM), Mukasa Kipecu (Kamunye), Disimas Buregeya (New Vision), Gertrude  Mutyaba (Daily Monitor)  Norman  Kabugu(Kamunye), Aliga (NTV) and Farish Magembe(NBS).
Speaking to Watchdog Uganda, Kalanzi, one of the targets, said they are now living in fear since anything dangerous can happen to them anytime.
However, he said they will not bow to threats and that they will continue doing their work as journalists.
A few months back, CBS’ Kayinja was attacked by unidentified thugs who waylaid him in the wee hours as he was driving to his home in Kimanya zone A in Masaka municipality from his grocery shop in Nyendo township.
The thugs robbed Kayinja of his valuables and vandalized his vehicle.
According to him , four thugs staged a roadblock on the way leading to his home forcing him to stop.
He said the armed thugs shot a bullet directly through his driving screen, which narrowly missed his head.
He explained that minutes later the thugs, one of them dressed in what appeared like one of the police uniforms dragged him out of the car and ordered him to surrender all the money he had.
Watchdog Uganda was yet to get a police comment.

By Mubiru Ivan

Activists are demanding for immediate release of Dr. Stella Nyanzi.
The activists are led by lawyer Isaac Ssemakadde and Habib Buwembo, Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) National Secretary for labour.
The activists say Dr. Nyanzi has been detained for more than the legal 48 hours and want her to be produced in court or be released unconditionally.

The controversial academician was arrested last Friday at Makerere University as she tried to access her office. In October, the oldest institution for higher Education in Uganda was ordered to reinstate the suspended research fellow back to her duty.

Later that day, Dr. Nyanzi was charged for abusing the person of the president and his mother.
It is alleged that she abused President Yoweri Museveni and her mother on September 16 on her Facebook page.
SP Vincent Ssekatte, CID Spokesperson said Dr. Nyanzi committed offensive communication and cyber harassment.

I am disappointed at how shallow and superficial popular debates on Ugandan culture and gender issues are. Take for instance the discussions in reaction to the reported comments that President Museveni made, in which he is quoted as having said:
I haven’t cooked since I married Janet.
First of all, I have not known President Museveni to have ever expressed an alternative view. This has always been his position. And while he holds such views, many have celebrated him as a ‘progressive leader’ who has allegedly done a lot for women.
Secondly, President Museveni’s comment is consistent with what is considered normal within the Ugandan culture-normal criteria, which is that married men do not cook food in the home. Ugandan cultures constrain married men from cooking in the home.
There are several derogatory ways used in Uganda to describe a man seen cooking food in his home. The Iteso people, the fifth largest first nation of Uganda, from whence I am descended, for example, refer to such a man with variations of the word ebwacit, which means either a transvestite or a man dressing and behaving like a woman.
Another example, coming from the largest first nation of Uganda, the Baganda, is the fact that when a woman gets married, the Baganda will use variations of the word “okufumba”, which means “to cook” to describe her new status as a married woman.
The connotation in both examples is that, according to the culture-normal criteria of the Iteso and of the Baganda, cooking food at home should normally be a role of women. Meaning, therefore, that according to Ugandan culture, men cooking at home is a taboo – as in the man’s business is definitely not in the kitchen.
The logic that men do not cook at their homes is in fact what predominantly informs how women in their roles as mothers, sisters, aunts, grandmas, wives, daughters, you name it, socialise men in Uganda.
Thirdly, Uganda’s gender-differentiated socialisation processes are consistent with the tendency for predominantly peasant societies to allocate gender roles on the basis of biological attributes.
I consider shallow and superficial the reactions to President Museveni’s comments that I have so far read, because those comments seemingly launch from the culture-normal criteria of global-western centric cultures. And because of that those comments are nurturing diversionary debate; the kind which diverts attention from the realities in Uganda.
Castigating President Museveni for his comments diverts attention from the fact, for example, that many married professional carrier women and politicians, such as Hon. Janet Museveni, who is currently not only the First Lady, but is also the Minister of Education, likely hardly do the cooking in their homes, if at all.
The reality is that in some cases, in fact, I have heard that in the homes of such women, the wealthy carrier women and politicians ,I mean, they actually hire chefs, including male chefs, who do the cooking.
Or at worst, it is often the case that the labour of poor people is being exploited, including that of poor relatives, as maids or houseboys, who do the cooking in the homes of the wealthy at no pay or at very low pay;  and moreover often in shitty working conditions.
You may want to know that the views herein expressed are based on empirical research findings.; which research findings were found valid and interesting to be included as Chapter 5, “Food Security in Uganda: How Culture Affects Access to Food”, in the book: “Africa Rising – A continent’s future through the eyes of emerging scholars”, edited by Erica Shaw and Hayley Mackinnon and published by the AfricaInitiative and The Centre for International Governance Innovation.

By Catherine Apolot
Two pigs with posters of Juma Kisaame, the outgoing Managing Director of Dfcu Bank have today been dropped outside the Central Bank.
The pigs were dropped by yet to be identified ‘activist’ who protested against Kisaame’s alleged “corruption” and “misuse of office”.
Mr Kisame is a practicing Muslim.
Last month, bank details showing Kisaame had over Shs150 billion (USD 40 million) on his account emerged – but Bank of Africa distanced itself from the revelations. The said money was deposited on a dollar account number 01087990270.
According to Spyreports, an online news site, as of March 1, 2016, Kisaame’s account had a balance of USD 40 million before it was drained to just USD 688.
MPs on the committee which is currently investigating Kisaame want him and Bank of Africa to be jointly investigated alongside Justine Bagyenda the former director supervision Bank of Uganda for alleged money laundering.
This came at the time Auditor General’s report queried the manner in which Crane Bank was sold to dfcu by Bank of Uganda in 2017.
The bank, under Kisaame took over Crane Bank in a deal which made it the second largest bank in the country by assets. But the controversy surrounding its acquisition has since painted a picture of an institution with serious corporate governance concerns.

By  Ivan Mubiru
It’s now proven beyond reasonable doubt that Kawempe Division Lord Councilor Muhammad Ssegirinya fancies people like Bobi Wine who always receive a heroic welcome when they come back to Uganda from overseas.
Guess what the controversial politician has just done?
During weekend, Ssegirinya designed a couple of posters informing his supporters that he would be coming back in Uganda on November 9.
Ssegirinya is currently in Amsterdam, Netherlands where he has spent a couple of months. He claims he is exile.
“I will return to Uganda on November 9, 2018 from the exile of Amsterdam comrades,” he posted.
In a sample poster titled ‘The return of our political activist’, he has been sharing in different facebook groups such as Mama Tendo foundation; Ssegirinya has been calling upon the people of Kawempe and well wishers to come in big numbers at Entebbe Airport to welcome him.

He said all the people planning to give him a warm welcome should put on red outfits.
However, as usual, his action has not been perceived in good faith by some social media users who have decided to roast him alive.
Read some of the hilarious comments below;
Adiit Mark Raymond Specter-Time for comedians in politics is expiring soon!!! You better grow up
Okori Denis Odiny -So what?
Mamie Keith -This guy loves promotion by himself Gai
Zoe Zozo -DRESS CODE Komuledi not dressing code!
Nags Grace de Great Nachogera- ekiwulenge kino wekina komerawo kijaba chegase ku bakatala be ghetto
Mbabazi Daisy -Mi comedian is cming back mashallah…….
Bibie Mart- Returning from where? Oyenjeera nyo comrade naawe
Piola Tino- Ok.i won’t come go alone and the other sheep.coz the kiboko that will wipe your ka bum,you will be able to testify.ask zaake and bobi
Procie Tamale- I Don’t care in Kenzo’s voice
Susan Favorite Mpagi Barbarah Nakayima -hahahaaa. Ndeka!. Unless if you will bring me food in Makindye!
Jimmy Wyclife -Hahahahaha, this is not Kayihura’s error

By Stephen Kalema
Hundreds of vendors were on Monday morning left in misery while others scampered for dear life after Kampala Capital City Authority law enforcement officers descended on them. Tens more were arrested when they were caught unaware in a swoop that was aimed at sweeping all vendors off the streets of Kampala.
The move came after an order last week by Minister of Kampala Beti Kamya, directing that vendors are evicted. Last week’s orders were the second after another set of directives were issued last August. However, then nothing was achieved, and according to Kamya, vendors ‘now thought it had become everyday talk.’
At the Uganda Media Centre last week, Kamya reminded the vendors that the resignation of the outgoing KCCA Executive Director Jennifer Musisi is not a guarantee that they should keep breaking city laws.
“I want to openly inform all city street vendors to immediately leave streets before we remove them by way force,” she said last week.
According to the vendors, deployment started as early as 6:30am but they vowed to continue working on the streets because it is rent free.
Uwiniza Kalera, spokesman of the Twegate vendors and walkers Association challenged the way KCCA is handling them.
“A good leader negotiates but Beti Kamya is not doing right. We just recently celebrated Independence yet what we are seeing is a return to days gone by,” he told Watchdog Uganda.
According to Kalera, the new Usafi market KCCA built for vendors is not enough since they are over 7,000 street vendors yet the market can accommodate a capacity of only 2000.
Amos Kalule, whose goods were impounded but survived arrest expressed his worries over the leadership of Kamya.
“We thought Musisi was bad but Kamya is a real crocodile and I can now tell that we the less privileged are to suffer in her era. We can’t refuse to get off the streets but the Conditions are tight. The market they are sending us is too small and the space is too expensive for us.”

By Mubiru Ivan
President Yoweri Museveni has explained the criteria he uses to dish out cash to the youth in Kampala, Rukungiri and other parts of the country.
In a statement issued on his website on Sunday, Museveni said ever since he started the youth programmes, NRM supporters have been accusing him of rewarding opposition areas instead of giving support to the strong movement areas, an assertion he describes as wrong.
The President said each year through local government, government puts aside money that can help people get out of poverty without borrowing. In 2018/2019 budget alone, a total of Shs1.119 trillion was put aside for Operation Wealth Creation, Youth Fund, Women Fund, Micro-finance, NUSAF, PRDP, Luwero Triangle Fund, UCDA, KCCA among others.
However, Museveni disclosed that concerned people (government officials) seem not to appreciate the value of the allocated money in terms of redeeming Ugandans from poverty and that’s why he decides to intervene directly.
On how he chooses areas to intervene in directly, Museveni said he mainly focuses on two criteria that include proximity and historical reasons.
“How do I choose areas to intervene in directly? Mainly, two criteria: proximity to where I happen to reside for a length of time for some reason and some historical reasons. I started with Kiruhuura in 1966 because I happened to be living there by that time.  I did not start from Ntungamo where I was born because, by that time, I was no longer residing there.  Operationally, it was easier to tackle, first, your neighbours. There is also a moral question. Your chances of going to heaven may be compromised if you have beneficial knowledge but you do not pass it on to your neighbours,” said Museveni
“As a matter of faith, I cannot live comfortably in the neighbourhood of poor people without doing something about them.  That brings me to Kampala. I have lived on this earth for 74 years now. Thirty two (32) of those have been in the Kampala-Entebbe area,” he says.
“I, therefore, drive daily past the furniture makers of Najjanankumbi, the food-sellers of Zana, the food-sellers of Bwebajja, etc.  Once in a while, I go to Munyonyo and see the furniture makers of Nsambya or I go to Kawempe and see the furniture makers of Kubiri, Bwaise, etc. Daily, I see the metal fabricators of Katwe on my way to Entebbe. It is, therefore, a matter of religious faith that when I have some time, I stop and ask these people what they do. Only to find that they could do much better if they had the common user facilities of their own instead of renting from the few “bagagga” who cheat them.”
Museveni then urges his NRM colleagues to understand that he helps the Kampala groups under the same logic he started with the Kiruhura residents because they were his neighbours.
“If you do not start with the neighbour, whom will you help? Some of the areas like Kawumu, Kityerera and Barlegi, I focus on them for historical reasons.  We had a guerrilla camp in Kityerera in 1972/73, Kawumu was our base in 1982 and Barlegi was our base in the fight against Kony,” he added.
The President further revealed that through the State House Comptroller, he uses less money for the youth programmes compared to the money that is allocated to local governments to serve the same purpose.
“Much more money is channeled through the Ministries and Local Governments than the little fund I have been using. If my small projects are effective, then we may have to re-channel the big monies through the State House Comptroller.  Once the President is involved in programmes concerning money, then it must be the State House Comptroller to handle the money. It is government money. It must be handled by a civil servant. It is wrong for the political people to be involved in Finance or Administration. Ours is policy, plans and supervision. Finance and administration is for the civil servants. Nyineeka taza mukiyungu ─ the head of the home never goes into the kitchen.  It is now 45 years with Maama Janet, I have never stepped in the kitchen.  That is how it should be,” he noted.
Museveni also said that once his modal projects are appreciated, all the leaders (Ministers, MPs, local government, religious leaders, cultural leaders, and professionals) ought to develop consensus so that the country’s budget of Shs32,000 billion is spent more on infrastructure, service delivery, wealth creation and job-creation rather than spending it on consumption, travels, salaries and new districts.
In September this year, the president gave out cash handouts worth billions of shillings to youth in Kampala and Wakiso.
Some of the beneficiaries included Katabi Artisans Sacco, Najja Furniture and Metal Works Association, Kibuye Welders Group, Busega Welders and Furniture Makers Groups, St Balikudembe and Nakasero Market traders among others.

Ivan Mubiru
Primary Seven candidates across the country have today morning started writing their primary leaving examinations.
The 671,923 candidates in 13,072 centres have kicked off the exams with Mathematics in the morning. Later on they will embark on Social Studies and Religious Education before embarking on Integrated Science and English on Tuesday, November 6.
Last year 646,041candidates sat PLE from 12,751, representing an increase of 25,882. A total of 476,131 candidates are from Universal Primary Education schools while females account for 346,963 compared to 324,960 males.
Bar Mathematics, the other papers will last two hours, 15 minutes, 15 less than Mathematics.
Last week, Uneb executive secretary Dan N. Odongo, cautioned school heads and candidates against involvement in any form of malpractice.
Also, for the first time, candidates will use Education Management Information System (EMIS) numbers instead of names, index numbers, name of the school and district numbers used in the past.
EMIS is a six-digit code that has been allocated to each school as preemptive measure to examination malpractice especially by markers who have always looked out for a particular school.
“We shall publish the names of persons found involved in any form of malpractice,” Odong warned.
Uganda Certificate of Education exams kicked off on October 12 and will conclude on Friday, November 16, while A-Level exams will kick off on Monday, November 12.

Stephen Kalema
National Organisation of Trade Union (Notu) has accused the National Social Security Fund of raising savings interest to 15 per cent in error. The NSSF board had earlier approved 13.5 percent.
In the financial year 2017/2018, NSSF declared 15 per cent interest increase  predominantly due to rise in investment income and member contributions. However, on Sunday Notu leaders at their offices in Ntinda accused NSSF and Finance minister Matia Kasaija for fraudulently making the increment.
“NSSF declared this large chunk of interest to its members unlawfully. The law states that the interest rate must not exceed 13.5 per cent. However, Kasaija wrote and ordered it to 15 per cent yet the law does not allow one to just write and this is not right,” NOTU secretary general Peter Christopher Werikhe said.
However members of a rival union, the Central Organisation of Free Trade Union (Coftu) said they do not see any problem in increasing the interest because it benefits workers.
“Every worker would be very happy since the minister has increased the interest so if any person says that minister did bad, it will be very unfair,” Workers MP Sam Lyomoki, also Coftu Secretary General, said.
Notu member are also up in arms after four of their preferred representatives on the NSSF board were rejected.This follows a letter, writen to the chairman on Notu by Kasaija, noting that Werikhe, Stephen Mugole and Mercy Mabuya Matende were not fit to sit on the NSSF board of trustees.
Notu was therefor given two weeks, from October 29 to submit fresh names for vetting.
According to  NSSF boss Richard Byarugaba, the 15 per cent interest increase was declared as a way to make NSSF members happy.
“We have had a good year (2017), we earned good returns on the fixed income and equity markets in East Africa the stock exchanges in Uganda and Kenya performed well in 2017. So, so we are sharing with our members the profits we have made,” he told Daily Monitor in August.
Currently NSSF has about 900,000 who make regular contributions to the national serving scheme.