Re: ugnet_: OMWAAMI MATOVU
Kipenji, I repeat - what I said doesnt require you to labour with pomp. You must be about the only one who unaware of "Mulindwa,s" unmitigated hatred and venom against the Baganda - this is simply beyong objectivity. While we were all wondering why that was, reliable sources helped us solve the puzzle, the man is an impersonater. Kipenji, you probably also know well that the man is your kith. Unfortunately, when he applied to join Acholinet (as Otigo revealed to us all on this forum), permission was denied. So the man is a bitter man, but you could probably use your pomp there to help him gain entrance to Acholinet. Otherwise you pomp is totally misplaced here in a very simple matter. If you are so enlightened about "Mulindwa's" views over the years, I challenge you now to quote me and this forum just one positive statement that "Mulindwa" has said about Buganda, Baganda and their Kabaka. Be sure to put your nose where you have the hard facts "Dr" Kipenji, otherwise you pomp risks being irreparably tarnished.I love the Baganda very much, whether you like it or not. Dada From: Owor Kipenji <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: ugnet_: OMWAAMI MATOVU Date: Fri, 17 Jan 2003 18:07:15 + (GMT) Adam Dada are you in the league of revisionist intellectuals that are presently looting Uganda dry?.If not then there is no pomp in the language I used. Let's learn not to associate or to want to associate with others based on the palatability of what they tell us as long as that serves our parochial interests. It is apparent that whenence one says something that appears obtuse to many a "Baganda" the best way to handle it has been to deny that person's Kiganda heritage.I am beginning to wonder what would happen if Magulonyondo Ssabasajja Ronald Muwenda Mutebi 2 said something akin to what these ordinary souls like Mulindwa is saying.Will you follow the same precedence and disown him as being an Acholi for example?. Please do educate those of my type who are very confused about the psyche of your ilk. Thanks. Kipenji. == Adam Dada <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:You Kipenji man - there is no point in using pompous language, when you are off point. Mine was a simple interjection - why would "Mulindwa" want Matovu to apologise to something that isnt a novelity in Ugandan contemporay history. Plus, to my mind, Mulindwa has more to apologise for than Matovu about the utterances he has incessantly made about a whole people (Baganda) and their Kabaka. Silence doesnt mean that people dont note these things - "Mulindwa" has had no kind word for the Baganda, despite the fact that he appears to have been adopted by the Buganda Kingdom, judging from the name he likes to use - "Mulindwa". He probably doesnt even know his ancestral name. I dont think that "Mulindwa's" life in Buganda has been only negative, that land has literally brought him up - he even doesnt know his native tongue in northern Uganda. At least I am greatful to Buganda for all that they did for me when I was there. So brother Kipenji you didnt have to labour with your pompous language to put the point across. Dada >From: Owor Kipenji >Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] >To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] >Subject: Re: ugnet_: OMWAAMI MATOVU >Date: Thu, 16 Jan 2003 15:44:12 + (GMT) > >To this date and in the twenty first century Uganda it > >is inconceivable that we have Ugandans who so choose >to preferentially analyse the political situations >Uganda has been through. >It takes a tremendous amount of efforts to train a >fool,but one needs even much more input in making >people who are obsessed with mis-and disinformation as >their modus operandi to get to the honest grips of >facts about what is happening around them. First is >the preferred belief by many a quasi political >analysts like Paolo Wangoola to tell all and sundry >that UPC/Obote introduced militarism into the body >politics of Uganda without clearly outlining the >events preceeding what led to Lubiri being stormed by >Amin in 1966.They do not want Ugandans who are >interested in knowing the factual events of the time >to know anything about Brigadier Shaban Opolot and his >role in those precceding events for example.Then >presently we have people like Adam Dada and his >cohorts of Matovu et al who are still charading the >song that UNLF were the only people involved in the >theatre of the so called Luwero triangle.They have >preferentially chosen not to see the similarities of >the mayhem being orchestrated in other theatres of war >as varied and diverse as Rwanda,the DRC,Northern >Uganda,Angola(before the demise of Savimbi-the comrade >in crime of Mu7) where there is no UNLF/Obote but >whose only constant passenger is Mu7 and his >emissaries.This to me is the limit of intellectual >improbity!.We need to be very ca
ugnet_: [abujaNig] UK REJECTS LONE ACTION AGAINIST IRAQ
Anti-war activists went naked for their latest protest The UK would not join American unilateral military action against Iraq, according to International Development Secretary Clare Short. Ms Short said the UK had a duty to try to keep the world united over the Iraq crisis and ensure the danger of Saddam Hussein was only tackled through the United Nations. Other ministers have shied away from saying whether or not the UK would join America if it decided to act alone against Iraq. With US troop build-up continuing in the Gulf, Labour Chairman John Reid has denied there is widespread disquiet about the handling of the Iraq crisis. Two surveys in Sunday newspapers point to deep unease about the prospect of war among Labour activists. Despite cold weather, a group of 30 peace campaigners went naked in East Sussex for their latest protest against any military action. Short's concern The Conservatives say Tony Blair is "wobbling" and failing to make the case for the UK joining possible military action because of Labour splits. Tory leader Iain Duncan Smith said: "That worries me because the British people are still waiting to see what the case is for British involvement." Mr Blair is reportedly to make a personal effort to win over Labour MPs sceptical of his stance over Iraq. The prime minister's spokesman said last week UN weapons inspectors needed "time and space" to do their work in Iraq in what was seen as a reassurances to critics. Clare Short: Must stick to UN route The sailing of the aircraft carrier Ark Royal for the Gulf has heightened speculation that the UK is preparing to help the US in military action against Iraq. Ms Short, seen as one of the cabinet ministers more sceptical about possible war, told ITV's Jonathan Dimbleby programme she was "very, very worried" about the Iraq crisis. "The role of the UK in this historic and dangerous time ... is to try to keep the US with the UN process, back up the authority of the UN and not depart from the UN process," she said. Asked if that meant the UK would not join America if it acted alone against Iraq, she replied: "That is the logic of the position." Ms Short also argued the US failure to do more to restart the Middle East peace process had bred distrust and anger in the region. Suez warning Earlier, senior Labour MP Clive Soley said there was a danger the UK could be a repeat of the Suez crisis, which caused the downfall of then Prime Minister Sir Anthony Eden. Mr Soley, ex-chairman of the Parliamentary Labour Party, told the Sunday Times: "There is a danger of getting into a conflict without the support of the country or Parliament." Dr Reid told Sky News Labour opinions were similar to those of the wider public. "There may be some on one extreme who want to go straight to military conflict," he said. US build-up in the Gulf is continuing "There are others on the other extreme who don't want to use military means under any circumstances. "But the broad thrust of the party, I think, recognises that Saddam Hussein is a major threat ... "But they want to see that every possible means of diplomacy and pressure is used before the military option becomes necessary and to go through the UN route." On Monday, Mr Blair is expected to use his monthly televised news conference to explain again his stance on Iraq. On Wednesday, he will address a private meeting of the Parliamentary Labour Party, something officials say he always does after the Christmas recess. 'Unnecessary rhetoric' Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy said Mr Blair needed to be clearer about the circumstances in which the UK would go to war. Mr Kennedy argued there should be no "unnecessary rhetoric" from London or Washington while UN inspectors continued their work. The Independent on Sunday questioned 35 Labour Party officials from ministers' constituencies. Only two of them were in favour of British support for an attack on Iraq without UN backing. A Sunday Telegraph survey of 74 Labour Party constituency chairmen found 69% of them predicted war with Iraq would provoke resignations among local members. The newspaper reports Mr Blair has been warned by three cabinet ministers - Tessa Jowell, Hilary Armstrong and Helen Liddell - that he must "sell" his military strategy on Iraq or face a rebellion by MPs. **Keep Hope Alive!!!* Site of the Week:- http://www.iseehope.org Nigeria arise to rebuild Hope ++ Nigerians for Nigeria, rebuilding a Country where No man is oppressed. - --- Unsubscribe: [EMAIL PROTECTED] **Keep Hope Alive!!!* Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
Re: ugnet_: Museveni salutes Acholi-Monitor-14/01/2003
"17 years or 50 years, Kony will not defeat theMovement government simply because he is not fightinga genuine war with any cause. The best thing for himto do is to end the suffering of his people by endingthe war. There is nothing sweet than living in peace.If he doesn't end his madness, he will one day go theway Savimbi did."Lutimba Matovu LM: Just a simple question Sir. Is it maybe also possible that Mu7 can go the way President Abyellimana(sp) of Rwanda did? (Note: I am not suggesting so; rather re-thinking your logic). Kony may or not "go the way Savimbi did". But, could Mu7, even remotely, go the way of the former Rwandan President? See Lutimba, this is the dilemma. I do not think Ugandans should fall for your kind of reasoning. I think genuine peaceful approach is all Ugandans should demand so peace is enjoyed by all. BTW: What causes of the war are you looking for? On January 26th 1986, Mu7 made it clear the world over that the NRA/M will "liquidate" and "exterminate" the Northerners. Lutimba Matovu, supposing a new Ugandan leader comes to power tomorrow and proclaims that he will, together with his party supporters, "liquidate" and "exterminate" the Baganda. Won't you, as a Muganda, pick up arms to defend not only your God given rights to life, but that of your Baganda kit and kins? And would that not be reason enough for a war in Buganda? Wake up from your sleep! Ocii Lutimba Matovu <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: Bwambuga,Even with Kony's rock solid support which even youguys know exists but you shamelessly deny, they willbe defeated or they will come to their senses andrealise that their war is mainly harming their people.Kony has no interest in Uganda as a nation. He is onlyfighting for Acholi to gain power and he said ithimself recently that the Acholi will enjoy once hegains power.Even when he telephones or sends messages, he onlyaddress Acholi MP's & Army officers. He is directlysaying this war is an Acholi affair period.When I say the truth about these issues, bafoons likeMulindwa who have no incling of what is going on abuseme. We have intelliegence about Kony and how heoperates and the local support he enjoys.17 years or 50 years, Kony will not defeat theMovement government simply because he is not ! fightinga genuine war with any cause. The best thing for himto do is to end the suffering of his people by endingthe war. There is nothing sweet than living in peace.If he doesn't end his madness, he will one day go theway Savimbi did.LM--- [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:> Mr. Matovu,> If dictator Museveni shares your views how does he> hope to convince Kony's local support by March> 2003??> > Mr. Matovu stop dreaming. Your bafoon has failed. 17> years. I took Uganda Army only tree years to flush> criminal Museveni and his cahoots from Luwero. But> your intelligent Museveni has not moved the war in> the north an inch.> > Bwambuga.> > > > "J Oracha" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>wrote:> > >Matovu> >> >What do you mean "Kony will be finished if he had> no local support?" Are you> >awa! re that Museveni has coralled all the Acholi> into conc! entratio n camps? So> >what is this question of if he did not not have> local support?> >> >Oracha> >> >> >- Original Message -> >From: Lutimba Matovu <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>> >To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>> >Sent: Wednesday, January 15, 2003 8:45 AM> >Subject: Re: ugnet_: Museveni salutes> Acholi-Monitor-14/01/2003> >> >> >> Ssemakula,> >>> >> I think you the one who is a "dense" pupil.> Museveni> >> has for years called for peace in Northern Uganda> but> >> the perpetrators of the crimes and financiers of> the> >> war have refused to stop the war.> >>> >> War was in Teso and West Nile but the people in> those> >> areas saw sense and gave up and there is peace in> >> those areas now. Is this! so difficult for you to> >> grasp?> >>> >> Now Kony after many years of killings and> abductions> >> is trying to seize the public relations> initiative by> >> calling Radio stations and MP's pretending he is> not> >> all that bad afterall.> >>> >> If the people of Northern Uganda want total> peace,> >> they should disown Kony and work for peace the> way> >> people in Lango and West Nile have done. Kony> will be> >> finished overnight if he had no local support.> >>> >> Even if Museveni left power today as you seem to> be> >> dreaming, Kony will still fight. Try to dig deep> and> >> know why Kony seems to be fighting. He is not> fighting> >> Museveni as an individual but he has his agenda> which&! gt; >> is shared by the local people of the areas he is> >> fighting in.> >>> >> LM> >> --- J Ssemakula <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>wrote:> >>> >> > >> > >> Mu7 is like a "dense" pupil who keeps> repeating> >> primary seven for years without passing -- and> all the> >> time being disruptive in class. Thank God for> term> >> limits in academics!> >> Now, the heading of this article is> misleading. If> >> Museveni had even a microgram of intellectual> >> integrity in him, he'd say (and admit)
ugnet_: Some Baganda MPs fear fighting for Federo-Bukedde 17/01/2003
Katikkiro Joseph Ssemwogerere has entrusted Buganda MPs with the challenge of firmly debating issues that those who elected them demand to be amended in the constitution. The challenge was given yesterday in secret discussions at Bulange which lasted more than six hours and which reflected on the views that Buganda plans to present to the Legal Committee of Lawyer Friedrick Ssempebwa on 28th Jan. 2003. Katikkiro presented five points on which he impressed upon the MPs to fight for when the time comes for parliament to debate proposals on constitutional amendments. The five points include the Federo issue, the return of 9000sq miles of land to Buganda, Kampala to be counted as a part of Buganda, rescinding of the land law that gives squatters right of occupation or settlement and that traditional leaders be afforded official invitations to all recognised national functions. After presentation of the said points by the Katikkiro, the leader of the participants who is also the Minister of incharge of Luwero Recovery, Mr. Tim Lwanga went on to emphasize that the standing policy states that all Buganda districts are constitutionally regarded as being under one entity within the pillars of a federal system that Buganda is striving for. Once this was over, members of the press were kept out of proceedings that followed on the basis of them being described as confidential. The Member of Parliament for Rubaga South, Mr. John Ken Lukyamuzi later told journalists that he was not convinced by some of his fellow MPs from Buganda especially Ministers for their failure to attend the marathon discussions as the task equally concerns them. To this effect, he pointed out Prime Minister, Apollo Nsibambi, the parliamentary speaker, Edward Ssekandi plus Ministers, Gerald Ssendaula, Ruth Nankabirwa, Syda Bumba, Bidandi Ssali, Edward Babu, Kidhu Makubuya and Kisamba Mugerwa. -- Bamemba ba palamenti Abaganda abamu bati-dde okulwanirira Federo Katikkiro nabamu ku babaka ba palamenti mu Bulange. Bya Robert Masengere KATIKKIRO Joseph Ssemwogerere asibiridde ababaka ba palamenti abava mu Buganda entanda bateese na buvumu kwebyo abantu abaabalonda bye bettanira bikyusibwe mu ssemateeka. Entanda yagibasibiridde mu Bulange eggulo mu kafubo akekyama akaakulungudde essaawa ezaasobye mu mukaaga nga bateesa ku birowoozo Buganda byeteekateeka okuwaayo mu kakiiko ka munnamateeka Friedrick Ssempebwa nga Jan 28 omwaka guno. Katikkiro yabanjulidde ensonga ttaano nabakuutira bazirwanirire ngessaawa eyokukyusa ssemateeka etuuse mu lukiiko lwabwe. Ensonga zino mwe muli eya Federo, emayiro zettaka 9000 okuddizibwa Buganda, Kampala okubalibwa ngekitundu kya Buganda, etteeka lyettaka eriwa omusenze obwannanyini ku ttaka likyusibwe wamu nabakulembeze abennono okuweebwa enkizo ku mikolo gyeggwanga emitongole. Katikkiro olwamaze okwanjulira ababaka ensonga zino, eyakulembeddemu banne ngera ye minisita avunanyizibwa ku nsonga zakanyigo ke Luweero Mw. Tim Lwanga nakikkaatiriza nti enkola egamba nti disitulikiti za Buganda zibalibwa ngezeegasse awamu mu konsitityusoni eggumiza omusingi ogwa Federo Buganda gwe yettanira. Bino olwawedde abaamawulire ne baggalirwa wabweru nti kuba okuteesa kwabadde kwa kyama. Omubaka wa Lubaga South John Ken Lukyamuzi oluvannyuma yategaezezza abaamawulire nti teyabadde mumativu nabamu ku babaka banne mu palamenti naddala baminisita okwesulubabba akafubo kano nti kuba omulamwa gubakwatako kyenkanyi. Yanokoddeyo Katikkiro Apollo Nsibambi, Sipiika Edward Ssekandi, ne baminisita Gerald Ssendaula, Ruth Nankabirwa, Syda Bumba, Bidandi Ssali, Edward Babu, Kidhu Makubuya ne Kisamba Mugerwa. Published on: Friday, 17th January, 2003 Email this article to a friend. Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail Plus - Powerful. Affordable. Sign up now
Re: ugnet_: OMWAAMI MATOVU
Adam Dada are you in the league of revisionist intellectuals that are presently looting Uganda dry?.If not then there is no pomp in the language I used. Let's learn not to associate or to want to associate with others based on the palatability of what they tell us as long as that serves our parochial interests. It is apparent that whenence one says something that appears obtuse to many a "Baganda" the best way to handle it has been to deny that person's Kiganda heritage.I am beginning to wonder what would happen if Magulonyondo Ssabasajja Ronald Muwenda Mutebi 2 said something akin to what these ordinary souls like Mulindwa is saying.Will you follow the same precedence and disown him as being an Acholi for example?. Please do educate those of my type who are very confused about the psyche of your ilk. Thanks. Kipenji. == Adam Dada <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: You Kipenji man - there is no point in using pompous language, when you are off point. Mine was a simple interjection - why would "Mulindwa" want Matovu to apologise to something that isnt a novelity in Ugandan contemporay history. Plus, to my mind, Mulindwa has more to apologise for than Matovu about the utterances he has incessantly made about a whole people (Baganda) and their Kabaka. Silence doesnt mean that people dont note these things - "Mulindwa" has had no kind word for the Baganda, despite the fact that he appears to have been adopted by the Buganda Kingdom, judging from the name he likes to use - "Mulindwa". He probably doesnt even know his ancestral name. I dont think that "Mulindwa's" life in Buganda has been only negative, that land has literally brought him up - he even doesnt know his native tongue in northern Uganda. At least I ! am greatful to Buganda for all that they did for me when I was there. So brother Kipenji you didnt have to labour with your pompous language to put the point across.Dada>From: Owor Kipenji <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>>Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]>To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]>Subject: Re: ugnet_: OMWAAMI MATOVU>Date: Thu, 16 Jan 2003 15:44:12 + (GMT)>>To this date and in the twenty first century Uganda it>>is inconceivable that we have Ugandans who so choose>to preferentially analyse the political situations>Uganda has been through.>It takes a tremendous amount of efforts to train a>fool,but one needs even much more input in making>people who are obsessed with mis-and disinformation as>their modus operandi to get to the honest grips of>facts about what is happening around them. First is>the preferred belief by many a quasi political>analysts like Paolo Wangoola to tell all and sundry! >that UPC/Obote introduced militarism into the body>politics of Uganda without clearly outlining the>events preceeding what led to Lubiri being stormed by>Amin in 1966.They do not want Ugandans who are>interested in knowing the factual events of the time>to know anything about Brigadier Shaban Opolot and his>role in those precceding events for example.Then>presently we have people like Adam Dada and his>cohorts of Matovu et al who are still charading the>song that UNLF were the only people involved in the>theatre of the so called Luwero triangle.They have>preferentially chosen not to see the similarities of>the mayhem being orchestrated in other theatres of war>as varied and diverse as Rwanda,the DRC,Northern>Uganda,Angola(before the demise of Savimbi-the comrade>in crime of Mu7) where there is no UNLF/Obote but>whose only constant passenger is Mu7 and his>emissa! ries.This to me is the limit of intellectual>improbity!.We need to be very candid about our>observations and analyses if ever we shall as Ugandans>learn to know who our actual enemies are.We should not>continue to live like the citizens of the former>Communist states who were constantly fed on mis-and>disinformation as a means by their governments to>explain away the problems that they were unable to>solve.Lets be frank and set up a truth and justice>Commission and I am pretty sure we shall clearly know>who was and still is behind this wanton human rights>abuses that Ugandans have been subjected to and so are>the Rwandese,Angolans and the people of the Democratic>Republic of Congo.>By the way was it Obote who ordered soldiers to shoot>at the then Katikkiro Paulo Kavuma when un armed>people were peacefully protesting about the sudden>removal of the Late Prof! essor Yusuf Kironde Lule (RIP)>as the first post Iddi A! min pres ident of Uganda.>Thanks.>Kipenji.>--->Adam Dada <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>wrote: > Mulindwa, I>dont think YOU ARE the right person,> > neither do you have the> > moral authority of turning around and asking Matovu> > to apologise. You have> > hurled insults to Kabaka and Baganda and YOU HAVE> > NEVER APOLOGIZED for that.> > What Mato
ugnet_: NYTimes.com Article: U.S. Official to Discuss Trade as Africa Hopes to Talk AIDS
U.S. Official to Discuss Trade as Africa Hopes to Talk AIDS January 11, 2003 By ELIZABETH BECKER When Ambassador Robert B. Zoellick travels to Africa next week, new free trade agreements will take up most of his agenda. http://www.nytimes.com/2003/01/11/international/africa/11AFRI.html?ex=1043508047&ei=1&en=dccf456a9dc8c1de HOW TO ADVERTISE - For information on advertising in e-mail newsletters or other creative advertising opportunities with The New York Times on the Web, please contact [EMAIL PROTECTED] or visit our online media kit at http://www.nytimes.com/adinfo For general information about NYTimes.com, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Copyright 2002 The New York Times Company The new MSN 8 is here: Try it free* for 2 months
ugnet_: NYTimes.com Article: Not Your Usual Vampires, but Scary Nonetheless
Not Your Usual Vampires, but Scary Nonetheless January 14, 2003 By RACHEL L. SWARNS The African country of Malawi is in the grip of a form of hysteria. People say vampires are attacking villages and crowds have attacked several suspects. http://www.nytimes.com/2003/01/14/international/africa/14VAMP.html?ex=1043567128&ei=1&en=910070b18b4d75a3 HOW TO ADVERTISE - For information on advertising in e-mail newsletters or other creative advertising opportunities with The New York Times on the Web, please contact [EMAIL PROTECTED] or visit our online media kit at http://www.nytimes.com/adinfo For general information about NYTimes.com, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Copyright 2002 The New York Times Company MSN 8 with e-mail virus protection service: 2 months FREE*
ugnet_: NYTimes.com Article: Where the Girls Aren't
Where the Girls Aren't January 12, 2003 By KAREN STABINER Computer science has become the new math - boys only. Is it nature or conditioning? http://www.nytimes.com/2003/01/12/edlife/12STABINE.html?ex=1043567271&ei=1&en=b526836a2b28419e HOW TO ADVERTISE - For information on advertising in e-mail newsletters or other creative advertising opportunities with The New York Times on the Web, please contact [EMAIL PROTECTED] or visit our online media kit at http://www.nytimes.com/adinfo For general information about NYTimes.com, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Copyright 2002 The New York Times Company The new MSN 8 is here: Try it free* for 2 months
ugnet_: Bananas could split for good-BBC
Thursday, 16 January, 2003, 11:28 GMT Bananas could split for good A treat for some, a staple for others Edible bananas may disappear within a decade if urgent action is not taken to develop new varieties resistant to blight. A Belgian scientist leading research into the fruit loved by millions, and a staple for much of the world's poor, has warned that diseases and pests are steadily encroaching upon crops. One thing we can be sure of is that the Sigatoka won't lose in this battle Emile Frisonplant pathologistThe problem is that the banana we eat is a seedless, sterile article which could slip the way of its predecessor which was wiped out by blight half a century ago. But Dr Emile Frison, who heads the French-based International Network for the Improvement of Banana and Plantain (INIBAP), says the biotechnology and genetic manipulation it might take to save the fruit could put off consumers with GM concerns. The Cavendish banana now being eaten across the globe lacks genetic diversity, he argues in an article in New Scientist magazine, and its survival is threatened by: Panama disease, caused by a soil fungus, which wiped out the Gros Michel variety in the 1950s Black sigatoka, another fungal disease which has reached global epidemic proportions Pests invading plantations and farms in central America, Africa and Asia alike. New Scientist compared the current threat to bananas to the potato blight which caused the devastating Irish famine of the 1840s. GM fears Fungicides are proving increasingly ineffective against the diseases, and black sigatoka especially. Favoured fruit First edible bananas date back 10,000 years to South-East Asia Half a billion people in Africa and Asia depend on them as a staple food One hybrid developed with great difficulty turned out to taste more like an apple"As soon as you bring in a new fungicide, they develop resistance," Dr Frison said. "One thing we can be sure of is that the sigatoka won't lose in this battle." A global consortium of scientists led by Dr Frison last year announced plans to sequence the genetic blueprint of the banana within five years. They will focus on largely inedible wild bananas, which are full of hard seeds, since many of these are resistant to black sigatoka. But the team's work is being hampered by a lack of support from the large producers, who fear that consumers will not accept a GM banana. The Belgian scientist, who is based in Montpellier in southern France, pointed out that the research would be directed towards bananas eaten in Africa, where consumption is up to 50 times greater than that in a nation like Great Britain. "Work on the banana genome will be concentrated on finding ways to improve the varieties on which Africans depend for their survival, rather than the one you and I buy off supermarket shelves," he said. WATCH/LISTEN ON THIS STORY The BBC's Tom Heap"Bananas are the world's favourite fruit" Emile Frison, banana expert"Extinction is a little bit exaggerated" See also: 19 Jul 01 | Science/Nature Banana targeted by code crackers 13 Aug 02 | Health Bananas 'could prevent strokes' 10 Aug 98 | Health 'Eat bananas and live longer' Internet links: New Scientist INIBAPThe BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites Top Science/Nature stories now: Alert over vanishing sharks Flap over dino flight origins Scientists explain Arctic stone circles First Israeli blasts into space Secrets of embryo success revealed Bananas could split for good Rosetta comet probe to be dismantled IVF offers human cloning warning Links to more Science/Nature stories are at the foot of the page. E-mail this story to a friend Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail Plus - Powerful. Affordable. Sign up now
ugnet_: Banana's Days May Be Numbered, Scientist Says-Reuters
Bananas' Days May Be Numbered, Scientist Says Wed Jan 15, 3:34 PM ET Add Science - Reuters to My Yahoo! LONDON (Reuters) - It is one of the world's favorite fruits, but the banana hasn't had sex in years and its days may be are numbered. New and Improved Health Section! Check headlines for: Weight Loss, Parenting, Medications and more... Health News Without scientific help the sterile, seedless fruit could disappear with 10 years, according to a Belgian plant pathologist. Emile Frison, the head of the International Network for the Improvement of Banana and Plantain in Monpellier, France, said the fruit lacks the genetic diversity to fight off diseases and pests that are plaguing banana plantations and only biotechnology and genetic manipulation may be able to save it. "Frison sees it as the only hope for the banana," New Scientist said on Wednesday. Without assistance banana production could drop and mark the beginning of the end of the fruit. "We may even see the extinction of the banana as both a lifesaver for hungry and impoverished Africans and as the most popular product on the world's supermarket shelves," the magazine added. Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail Plus - Powerful. Affordable. Sign up now
Re: ugnet_: OMWAAMI MATOVU
You Kipenji man - there is no point in using pompous language, when you are off point. Mine was a simple interjection - why would "Mulindwa" want Matovu to apologise to something that isnt a novelity in Ugandan contemporay history. Plus, to my mind, Mulindwa has more to apologise for than Matovu about the utterances he has incessantly made about a whole people (Baganda) and their Kabaka. Silence doesnt mean that people dont note these things - "Mulindwa" has had no kind word for the Baganda, despite the fact that he appears to have been adopted by the Buganda Kingdom, judging from the name he likes to use - "Mulindwa". He probably doesnt even know his ancestral name. I dont think that "Mulindwa's" life in Buganda has been only negative, that land has literally brought him up - he even doesnt know his native tongue in northern Uganda. At least I am greatful to Buganda for all that they did for me when I was there. So brother Kipenji you didnt have to labour with your pompous language to put the point across. Dada From: Owor Kipenji <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: ugnet_: OMWAAMI MATOVU Date: Thu, 16 Jan 2003 15:44:12 + (GMT) To this date and in the twenty first century Uganda it is inconceivable that we have Ugandans who so choose to preferentially analyse the political situations Uganda has been through. It takes a tremendous amount of efforts to train a fool,but one needs even much more input in making people who are obsessed with mis-and disinformation as their modus operandi to get to the honest grips of facts about what is happening around them. First is the preferred belief by many a quasi political analysts like Paolo Wangoola to tell all and sundry that UPC/Obote introduced militarism into the body politics of Uganda without clearly outlining the events preceeding what led to Lubiri being stormed by Amin in 1966.They do not want Ugandans who are interested in knowing the factual events of the time to know anything about Brigadier Shaban Opolot and his role in those precceding events for example.Then presently we have people like Adam Dada and his cohorts of Matovu et al who are still charading the song that UNLF were the only people involved in the theatre of the so called Luwero triangle.They have preferentially chosen not to see the similarities of the mayhem being orchestrated in other theatres of war as varied and diverse as Rwanda,the DRC,Northern Uganda,Angola(before the demise of Savimbi-the comrade in crime of Mu7) where there is no UNLF/Obote but whose only constant passenger is Mu7 and his emissaries.This to me is the limit of intellectual improbity!.We need to be very candid about our observations and analyses if ever we shall as Ugandans learn to know who our actual enemies are.We should not continue to live like the citizens of the former Communist states who were constantly fed on mis-and disinformation as a means by their governments to explain away the problems that they were unable to solve.Lets be frank and set up a truth and justice Commission and I am pretty sure we shall clearly know who was and still is behind this wanton human rights abuses that Ugandans have been subjected to and so are the Rwandese,Angolans and the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo. By the way was it Obote who ordered soldiers to shoot at the then Katikkiro Paulo Kavuma when un armed people were peacefully protesting about the sudden removal of the Late Professor Yusuf Kironde Lule (RIP) as the first post Iddi Amin president of Uganda. Thanks. Kipenji. --- Adam Dada <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Mulindwa, I dont think YOU ARE the right person, > neither do you have the > moral authority of turning around and asking Matovu > to apologise. You have > hurled insults to Kabaka and Baganda and YOU HAVE > NEVER APOLOGIZED for that. > What Matovu said is infact what YOU AND YOUR OBOTE > used to tell Baganda in > Luweero triangle - ie to disown Museveni. INFACT > NETTERS, THERE IS NOTHING > TO APOLOGISE FOR. "MULINDWA"(as he likes to call > himself to confuse people > he is a muganda) IS A DERANGED MAN, JUST IGNORE HIM. > Dada > > > > > > > >From: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > >Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > >To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > >CC: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > >Subject: ugnet_: OMWAAMI MATOVU > >Date: Wed, 15 Jan 2003 17:55:45 - (GMT) > > > >Mwaami Matovu > >There is nothing to re read. I am not here to > discuss peace or war, I am > >here and wasting time fighting your both inhumane > and stupid statment and > >if you have fogorten it I will again quote your > statment to Mwaami > >Ssemakula. "If the people of Northern Uganda want > total peace, they should > >disown Kony and work for peace" Please adress that > statment do not take me > >into hullabaloes. > > > >Mwaami Matovu let us keep this discussion in the > forum for now
Re: ugnet_: Museveni salutes Acholi-Monitor-14/01/2003
Bwambuga, Even with Kony's rock solid support which even you guys know exists but you shamelessly deny, they will be defeated or they will come to their senses and realise that their war is mainly harming their people. Kony has no interest in Uganda as a nation. He is only fighting for Acholi to gain power and he said it himself recently that the Acholi will enjoy once he gains power. Even when he telephones or sends messages, he only address Acholi MP's & Army officers. He is directly saying this war is an Acholi affair period. When I say the truth about these issues, bafoons like Mulindwa who have no incling of what is going on abuse me. We have intelliegence about Kony and how he operates and the local support he enjoys. 17 years or 50 years, Kony will not defeat the Movement government simply because he is not fighting a genuine war with any cause. The best thing for him to do is to end the suffering of his people by ending the war. There is nothing sweet than living in peace. If he doesn't end his madness, he will one day go the way Savimbi did. LM --- [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > Mr. Matovu, > If dictator Museveni shares your views how does he > hope to convince Kony's local support by March > 2003?? > > Mr. Matovu stop dreaming. Your bafoon has failed. 17 > years. I took Uganda Army only tree years to flush > criminal Museveni and his cahoots from Luwero. But > your intelligent Museveni has not moved the war in > the north an inch. > > Bwambuga. > > > > "J Oracha" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > >Matovu > > > >What do you mean "Kony will be finished if he had > no local support?" Are you > >aware that Museveni has coralled all the Acholi > into concentration camps? So > >what is this question of if he did not not have > local support? > > > >Oracha > > > > > >- Original Message - > >From: Lutimba Matovu <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > >To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > >Sent: Wednesday, January 15, 2003 8:45 AM > >Subject: Re: ugnet_: Museveni salutes > Acholi-Monitor-14/01/2003 > > > > > >> Ssemakula, > >> > >> I think you the one who is a "dense" pupil. > Museveni > >> has for years called for peace in Northern Uganda > but > >> the perpetrators of the crimes and financiers of > the > >> war have refused to stop the war. > >> > >> War was in Teso and West Nile but the people in > those > >> areas saw sense and gave up and there is peace in > >> those areas now. Is this so difficult for you to > >> grasp? > >> > >> Now Kony after many years of killings and > abductions > >> is trying to seize the public relations > initiative by > >> calling Radio stations and MP's pretending he is > not > >> all that bad afterall. > >> > >> If the people of Northern Uganda want total > peace, > >> they should disown Kony and work for peace the > way > >> people in Lango and West Nile have done. Kony > will be > >> finished overnight if he had no local support. > >> > >> Even if Museveni left power today as you seem to > be > >> dreaming, Kony will still fight. Try to dig deep > and > >> know why Kony seems to be fighting. He is not > fighting > >> Museveni as an individual but he has his agenda > which > >> is shared by the local people of the areas he is > >> fighting in. > >> > >> LM > >> --- J Ssemakula <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > >> > >> > >> > >> Mu7 is like a "dense" pupil who keeps > repeating > >> primary seven for years without passing -- and > all the > >> time being disruptive in class. Thank God for > term > >> limits in academics! > >> Now, the heading of this article is > misleading. If > >> Museveni had even a microgram of intellectual > >> integrity in him, he'd say (and admit): "I have > >> utterly failed to bring peace in Northern Uganda > for > >> all the 17 years that I have been in power". > >> It is disingeneous of him to blame the victim > when > >> he has fought tooth and nail to stay in power no > >> matter what the cost (to us Ugandans). Can you > imagine > >> how far Uganda would be if this blithering > >> baffoon of a dictator were to vacate power > >> together with his goons and > co-thieves?Who is > >> supposed to be impressed because his incompetence > has > >> brought him to sleep in a tent? > >> He has just made another promise he cannot > hope to > >> fulfill. So what else is new? > >> > >> Original Message Follows > >> From: Omar Kezimbira > <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > >> Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > >> To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > >> Subject: ugnet_: Museveni salutes > >> Acholi-Monitor-14/01/2003 > >> Date: Tue, 14 Jan 2003 03:48:14 -0800 > (PST) > >> > >> > >> Museveni salutes AcholiBy John > Muto-Ono > >> p'LajurPresident Yoweri Museveni has said it is a > >> shame that the Acholi with their talent and > potential > >> have been forced to live in a wasteland by a > bunch of > >> hooligans. > >> "Acholi have lots of talent and > potential. > >> I remember great poets like Okot p'Bitek and so > many > >> professors in the past. But it is a shame that a > bunch > >> of h
Re: ugnet_: Musinguzi's pull-out was cowardly move
Musinguzi's pull-out was cowardly move By Ssemujju Ibrahim Nganda I find the withdrawal of Reform Agendas James Musinguzi Garuga from the Kinkizi West parliamentary by-elections race cowardly, and a blow to Ugandas democratisation process. Musinguzi's lawyer Ngaruye Ruhindi announced, a day to the Jan. 14 nomination, that his client was pulling out. This was shortly after the High Court in Mbarara had dismissed Musinguzis application to postpone the nomination until the Electoral Commission investigated the presence of the army in the constituency. The lawyer said thus, Musinguzi has made it clear that he will not participate in an election that will put his constituents in more trouble and increase trauma. He says during the previous election, one of his supporters lost his manhood and another one an eye. This statement alone shows how cowardly Musinguzi as a politician is. How do you pull out of a political contest on mere suspicion that your competitor is likely to endanger your supporters? What sort of politician is Musinguzi who abandons food and chooses to starve simply because a wild child has threatened him? The statement that one of his supporters lost his manhood and another his eye is more troubling. Who told Musinguzi that contesting an election is an introduction ceremony where a girl introduces her fiancé to the parents? It is only on such occasions that one may not expect injuries. The Baganda say Ensi eguula mirambo which literally means attaining freedom may involve sacrifice. Musinguzi should go for priesthood. He would make a good pastor. The House of Bishops of the Church of Uganda recently postponed the consecration of Muhabura Diocese bishop-elect; Rev. Can. David Sebuhinja to save lives. They sensed the consecration would compound the chaos in the diocese. This is religion. Politics calls for boldness and bravery. If Musinguzi had lived during the colonial days he would certainly have been labeled a collaborator. And collaborators those days were traitors. I didnt know that Musinguzi was that submissive. Suppose thugs attacked his family and threaten to injure his wife and children. Would he abandon them or put up a fight and die for his family. Political struggles and the fight for freedom involve sacrifice. It may be in human life or property but you have to lose in order to gain. Freedom is never got on a silver platter. The Mau Mau in Kenya asserted during their uprising against colonial maladministration that, better war than peace in chains. Why didnt Musinguzi advise his friend Col. Kizza Besigye to withdraw from the 2001 presidential race when Kalangala Action Plan and other Movement forces were pouncing on their supporters? People lost their lives, others lost property but the struggle had to continue. Remember an incident in Kireka along Jinja Road where a soldier reversed his pick-up double-cabin and drove into a crowd of supporters and five people perished? Does Musinguzi want us to believe that the lives of the Kanungu people are more precious than those of other Ugandans who died in the struggle for Besigyes political reforms? One thing I have noticed about our opposition politicians; they always withdraw from a race as soon as defeat stares them in the face. They also bash courts of law once they lose a case but hail them once they emerge victorious. We all saw and heard what happened when Winnie Babihuga of Reform Agenda lost a case against her rival Winnie Masiko, a Movementist. It is such a thing that makes the oppositions struggle seem less genuine and make us believe that all politicians are devils. But most important, Musinguzi has forgotten that President Yoweri Musevenis political conspiracy has been exposed by the numerous political contests we have had. If the opposition had boycotted the 1996 and 2001 general election, we would never have known the true colours of some politicians. For example, Museveni would not deploy his Presidential Protection Unit (PPU) in Rukungiri. Also the PPU men would not have shot into a crowd of Besigye supporters and one person died. It would also have been difficult for us to know that Kalangala Action Plan headed by Maj. Roland Kakooza Mutale could cause havoc. Musinguzi should know that losing an eye or manhood only serves to strengthen the struggle against bad rule. If we continue engaging the powers, we would have so many Ugandans with no eyes and no manhood. One day with the presence of the media, these people would know their aggregate disgruntlement and their collective strengths. Once we get to this level, a revolution would be inevitable. What Musinguzi is doing is to block the revolution from taking place. By the way, Ugandans ought to study the politics of boycott and internalise it thoroughly. After the 1996 presidential election, Democratic Party (DP) faithful gathered at their President General Dr. Paul Kawanga Ssemogerere's Lubaga residence and wept. Museveni had trounced them with about
Re: ugnet_: Museveni salutes Acholi-Monitor-14/01/2003
Mr. Matovu, If dictator Museveni shares your views how does he hope to convince Kony's local support by March 2003?? Mr. Matovu stop dreaming. Your bafoon has failed. 17 years. I took Uganda Army only tree years to flush criminal Museveni and his cahoots from Luwero. But your intelligent Museveni has not moved the war in the north an inch. Bwambuga. "J Oracha" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: >Matovu > >What do you mean "Kony will be finished if he had no local support?" Are you >aware that Museveni has coralled all the Acholi into concentration camps? So >what is this question of if he did not not have local support? > >Oracha > > >- Original Message - >From: Lutimba Matovu <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >Sent: Wednesday, January 15, 2003 8:45 AM >Subject: Re: ugnet_: Museveni salutes Acholi-Monitor-14/01/2003 > > >> Ssemakula, >> >> I think you the one who is a "dense" pupil. Museveni >> has for years called for peace in Northern Uganda but >> the perpetrators of the crimes and financiers of the >> war have refused to stop the war. >> >> War was in Teso and West Nile but the people in those >> areas saw sense and gave up and there is peace in >> those areas now. Is this so difficult for you to >> grasp? >> >> Now Kony after many years of killings and abductions >> is trying to seize the public relations initiative by >> calling Radio stations and MP's pretending he is not >> all that bad afterall. >> >> If the people of Northern Uganda want total peace, >> they should disown Kony and work for peace the way >> people in Lango and West Nile have done. Kony will be >> finished overnight if he had no local support. >> >> Even if Museveni left power today as you seem to be >> dreaming, Kony will still fight. Try to dig deep and >> know why Kony seems to be fighting. He is not fighting >> Museveni as an individual but he has his agenda which >> is shared by the local people of the areas he is >> fighting in. >> >> LM >> --- J Ssemakula <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: >> >> >> >> Mu7 is like a "dense" pupil who keeps repeating >> primary seven for years without passing -- and all the >> time being disruptive in class. Thank God for term >> limits in academics! >> Now, the heading of this article is misleading. If >> Museveni had even a microgram of intellectual >> integrity in him, he'd say (and admit): "I have >> utterly failed to bring peace in Northern Uganda for >> all the 17 years that I have been in power". >> It is disingeneous of him to blame the victim when >> he has fought tooth and nail to stay in power no >> matter what the cost (to us Ugandans). Can you imagine >> how far Uganda would be if this blithering >> baffoon of a dictator were to vacate power >> together with his goons and co-thieves?Who is >> supposed to be impressed because his incompetence has >> brought him to sleep in a tent? >> He has just made another promise he cannot hope to >> fulfill. So what else is new? >> >> Original Message Follows >> From: Omar Kezimbira <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >> Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] >> To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] >> Subject: ugnet_: Museveni salutes >> Acholi-Monitor-14/01/2003 >> Date: Tue, 14 Jan 2003 03:48:14 -0800 (PST) >> >> >> Museveni salutes AcholiBy John Muto-Ono >> p'LajurPresident Yoweri Museveni has said it is a >> shame that the Acholi with their talent and potential >> have been forced to live in a wasteland by a bunch of >> hooligans. >> "Acholi have lots of talent and potential. >> I remember great poets like Okot p'Bitek and so many >> professors in the past. But it is a shame that a bunch >> of hooligans are making them live in wasteland." he >> said at a show staged by the London based singer >> Roselyn Otim at Patrice Lumumba Renaissance Square in >> Gulu Barracks recently. >> Otim performed on New Year's eve at the >> newly renovated Pece Stadium in Gulu. She was due to >> leave for London when she was invited to perform for >> the president. >> Otim thrilled the crowd with songs like >> Nyeka oleyo gang-nga, (My co-wife has taken over my >> husband) War pa Lokwiya, (Dr. Lokwiya's shoes), >> Relationship and Gang tye ka Too (Home is getting >> destroyed). >> Museveni vowed to bring peace to >> Acholiland. >> "The criminality will end this dry season. >> We are sure to bring peace in Acholiland. The Movement >> is determined to bring total peace in the north," he >> said recently. >> Roselyn Otim commended Museveni for >> pitching camp in Gulu, saying it was a sign of love >> and confidence building. >> " Your president sleeps in a tent because >> he loves you," she said. >> >> >> >> January 14, 2003 00:31:47 >> >> >> >> > href="http://g.msn.com/8HMJEN/2015";>get 2 months >> FREE* >> >> >> __ >> Do you Yahoo!? >> Yahoo! Mail Plus - Powerful. Affordable. Sign up now. >> http://mailplus.yahoo.com >> > > -- He it is Who created for you all that is on earth...He is the All-knower of everything. Swa
Re: ugnet_: weeping heart: Message to my dear youth in Acholi
Gook, Mariam can do something about the situation. If she feels for her people, let her leave the comfort of UK and go back to Gulu and help in the rebuilding effort of both physical and moral structures of the people. Someone who graduated in 1966 surely should know what to do or else she stop her so called weeping. No one is going to rebuild those structures and she emulate people like Dr. Lokoya who died serving their people. LM --- gook makanga <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: A weeping heart: Message to my dear youth in Acholi http://www.newvision.co.ug/news_photos/1042730450Refugees-flee-LRA2.jpg"; align=left border=1> Internal displaced people flee LRA rebel attacks SIR After visiting Gulu district recently, my heart weeps for what I saw. Acholi is not what I used to know. I was born and lived in Gulu. When we were young, you had the same standards of living, whether you had grass-thatched houses, iron-roof houses or in the town. I speak as someone who knows the district well. My first posting after I finished my education in the UK in 1966 was as a district health visitor. I travelled in every corner of (the then) Acholi district. I would drive from Gulu to Patongo (now Pader district) as a young girl, with no companion. I had no fear. I would travel from Gulu to Kitgum and to Agoro near the Sudan border and return to Kitgum alone at night. Another way was from Gulu to Atiak, 42 miles northwest of Gulu. Just once in my two years in the district did I encounter any problem. Two leopards were spotted in an area and the warning was sounded by elders and opinion leaders. Workers in the area told me not to leave ! the area by myself. The people in Acholi were very courteous. Children would come to you and greet you politely. When you met people on the road, they would walk politely or greet you or just leave the way for you. There was much respect. This respect went with the age group of a person regardless of whether you were a relative or family friend. There was excellent mutual respect for everybody. Nutrition was not a problem in the district. People had the highest balanced meals in every home. There was even more food in the villages. There was beans, peas, meat, game meat, simsim, groundnuts, green vegetables and fruits in plenty: oywelo, kano (jambula), guavas, oceyo, tugu and many others. In every home, which I visited as a health visitor, although we were encouraging nutrition, there was reasonably well-balanced meals. Talking to families, people were eating well; at least two good meals a day. As regards culture, the youth had their own activities in every! village: lamokowang, larakaraka dances. All the traditional d! ances la rakaraka, apiti, bwola, dingi dingi were also taught in schools. Even cooking and cleaning houses were taught in homes and in schools. Mothers had time to teach their children how to cook food and take care of the home from a very young age. From the age of six, one knew how to sweep the house and wash dishes. Rubbish was disposed of properly. Grass-thatched houses were smeared with black soils and cow-dung. Those with cemented houses washed their floors clean. Tidiness was considered part of your living, grooming and general look. You did not have to buy a toothbrush to brush your teeth. You used the sticks to brush the teeth. Now, when you see the changes, it just makes you wonder. The children in the streets of Gulu today are a sad sight. They are malnourished, underweight, dirty and uncared-for. You can see that there is no guidance toward their moral behaviour. It is with disappointment that at this point of our life we see this happening. People! in Acholi did not like living in town; they only came to town to do business and went to the market once a week. Life was not town life. Today, people have converged in towns and trading centres. It is my wish that we restore the confidence, the activities, the culture and the well-being of the Acholi. Maliam Lakareber, UK Published on: Friday, 17th January, 2003 Gook We will have to repent in this generation not merely for the vitriolic words and actions of bad people but also for the appalling silence of good people". M.L.King The new MSN 8: smart spam protection and http://g.msn.com/8HMUEN/2019";>2 months FREE*. __ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail Plus - Powerful. Affordable. Sign up now. http://mailplus.yahoo.com
ugnet_: weeping heart: Message to my dear youth in Acholi
A weeping heart: Message to my dear youth in Acholi Internal displaced people flee LRA rebel attacks SIR After visiting Gulu district recently, my heart weeps for what I saw. Acholi is not what I used to know. I was born and lived in Gulu. When we were young, you had the same standards of living, whether you had grass-thatched houses, iron-roof houses or in the town. I speak as someone who knows the district well. My first posting after I finished my education in the UK in 1966 was as a district health visitor. I travelled in every corner of (the then) Acholi district. I would drive from Gulu to Patongo (now Pader district) as a young girl, with no companion. I had no fear. I would travel from Gulu to Kitgum and to Agoro near the Sudan border and return to Kitgum alone at night. Another way was from Gulu to Atiak, 42 miles northwest of Gulu. Just once in my two years in the district did I encounter any problem. Two leopards were spotted in an area and the warning was sounded by elders and opinion leaders. Workers in the area told me not to leave the area by myself. The people in Acholi were very courteous. Children would come to you and greet you politely. When you met people on the road, they would walk politely or greet you or just leave the way for you. There was much respect. This respect went with the age group of a person regardless of whether you were a relative or family friend. There was excellent mutual respect for everybody. Nutrition was not a problem in the district. People had the highest balanced meals in every home. There was even more food in the villages. There was beans, peas, meat, game meat, simsim, groundnuts, green vegetables and fruits in plenty: oywelo, kano (jambula), guavas, oceyo, tugu and many others. In every home, which I visited as a health visitor, although we were encouraging nutrition, there was reasonably well-balanced meals. Talking to families, people were eating well; at least two good meals a day. As regards culture, the youth had their own activities in every village: lamokowang, larakaraka dances. All the traditional d! ances la rakaraka, apiti, bwola, dingi dingi were also taught in schools. Even cooking and cleaning houses were taught in homes and in schools. Mothers had time to teach their children how to cook food and take care of the home from a very young age. From the age of six, one knew how to sweep the house and wash dishes. Rubbish was disposed of properly. Grass-thatched houses were smeared with black soils and cow-dung. Those with cemented houses washed their floors clean. Tidiness was considered part of your living, grooming and general look. You did not have to buy a toothbrush to brush your teeth. You used the sticks to brush the teeth. Now, when you see the changes, it just makes you wonder. The children in the streets of Gulu today are a sad sight. They are malnourished, underweight, dirty and uncared-for. You can see that there is no guidance toward their moral behaviour. It is with disappointment that at this point of our life we see this happening. People in Acholi did not like living in town; they only came to town to do business and went to the market once a week. Life was not town life. Today, people have converged in towns and trading centres. It is my wish that we restore the confidence, the activities, the culture and the well-being of the Acholi. Maliam Lakareber, UK Published on: Friday, 17th January, 2003 Gook We will have to repent in this generation not merely for the vitriolic words and actions of bad people but also for the appalling silence of good people". M.L.King The new MSN 8: smart spam protection and 2 months FREE*.
