SV: ugnet_: Young Graduates Invest, Older Ones Go Broke - Joachim Buwembo
Mw. Mulindwa, As land is not planned well enough there is something else , some people are building on water and sawage system or planned system. Others have not considered elecricity lines and indeed more houses are soon or are being demoliched here too! the soil must be also tested, one of the construction engineering facts given the nature of this region. Some houses in this area are actually sinking costing the owners millions of shilling to align them to the original design. you find a man or woman building in a wetland or somewhere near the lake without the slightest knowledge of where the lake will end up when water volume raises. It is terrible! Last month I hear kampala flooded and people lost millions - while the wretched were socked for an indefinate future. kampal urban region has own construction investment potential but strict not as a residental place for the future for many bad and good reason. bwanika. -- Bwanika And if my memory is good the whole land around Butabika Luzira all the way to almost Kireka Barracks belongs to the expansion of those two institutions. But here is another one, although you are considering urban planning there is another problem nation wide, a problem that many houses are built on plan but the land is not planed, those huge houses will have to be demolished so that land can be planed, and I have already mentioned this in my New Real Government of Uganda. Roads must go through these houses, water pipes, electricity lines, and as well the plans them selves must be consistent, I have seen houses for example of 500 Million Shillings neighbouring shacks, those must be changed, so we need a massive plan which decides what class of housing goes here or there, your being able to buy a plot should not entitle you to build a shack to any place. And many of those people do not even buy plots they inherit land from grandfathers. That has to be stopped. In the end you will not have a toilet sitting 2 feet from the door of your neighbour for you are only responsible for your plot. I have seen even those with garages but with no roads reaching them for they were closed behind other buildings as plots are sold. Get a huge caterpillar and go through them and make the rest accessible. Will that happen? As soon as Uganda gets a government not from the bush but from the people. Em The Mulindwas Communication Group "With Yoweri Museveni, Uganda is in anarchy" Groupe de communication Mulindwas "avec Yoweri Museveni, l'Ouganda est dans l'anarchie" - Original Message - From: dbbwanika db To: Uganda Academician's List Sent: Wednesday, June 04, 2003 5:09 AM Subject: UG-ACED: SV: ugnet_: Young Graduates Invest, Older Ones Go Broke - Joachim Buwembo I have looked at this issue for quite a very long time- my advise to young Ugandans investing in and aorund kampala IS they must be a little bit wiser. Kampala is an unplanned urban region. Planning is coming. Many urban plans designed in 1960s are not yet implement YET these are deemed to change with environmental issues taking center stage. Long term investment in this area might be disastrous as many planning activities which might come as entebbe road , railya engineering centre at nalukolongo/ndeba , indutrial centers etc and other projects might render these projects costly. Those who invested on Nakasero hill never knew that this was becoming a state lodge and no go area for the lowly of society and more. A thorough investigation must be made before any sort of investment in kampala urban region either with KCC , land registry, NEMA and the like. Otherwise go slow on such investement with government which do not honour people's property. there are better investment from which one can reap higher returns - but those who need these ideas can as well contact me personally. then we can map out a long lasting strategy- JOACHIM BUWEMBO Young Graduates Invest, Older Ones Go Broke A quiet socio-economic transformation is taking place in Uganda. You wouldnt notice it unless you have reason to look for it. But it is there and it is either promising or frightening, depending on how you look at it: The young people are becoming more serious than the older folk. The young adults, people fresh from college and recently employed, are getting more financially prudent than their parents and it is almost frightening. The reasons for this can be debated, but we can examine the observations. The property market of Kampala has become active in the past couple of years. Suddenly, every plot seems to be on sale. Real estate agencies like a new one called Property Masters and the much older Eastlands Agency are doing roaring business. But a profile of their typical customers is what is more interesting: They are people who would have no business buying plots some years ago. The people buying houses today look like those you used to see shopping for large music systems in the 1990s. Many of
Re: UG-ACED: SV: ugnet_: Young Graduates Invest, Older Ones Go Broke - Joachim Buwembo
Bwanika And if my memory is good the whole land around Butabika Luzira all the way to almost Kireka Barracks belongs to the expansion of those two institutions. But here is another one, although you are considering urban planning there is another problem nation wide, a problem that many houses are built on plan but the land is not planed, those huge houses will have to be demolished so that land can be planed, and I have already mentioned this in my New Real Government of Uganda. Roads must go through these houses, water pipes, electricity lines, and as well the plans them selves must be consistent, I have seen houses for example of 500 Million Shillings neighbouring shacks, those must be changed, so we need a massive plan which decides what class of housing goes here or there, your being able to buy a plot should not entitle you to build a shack to any place. And many of those people do not even buy plots they inherit land from grandfathers. That has to be stopped. In the end you will not have a toilet sitting 2 feet from the door of your neighbour for you are only responsible for your plot. I have seen even those with garages but with no roads reaching them for they were closed behind other buildings as plots are sold. Get a huge caterpillar and go through them and make the rest accessible. Will that happen? As soon as Uganda gets a government not from the bush but from the people. Em The Mulindwas Communication Group"With Yoweri Museveni, Uganda is in anarchy" Groupe de communication Mulindwas "avec Yoweri Museveni, l'Ouganda est dans l'anarchie" - Original Message - From: dbbwanika db To: Uganda Academician's List Sent: Wednesday, June 04, 2003 5:09 AM Subject: UG-ACED: SV: ugnet_: Young Graduates Invest, Older Ones Go Broke - Joachim Buwembo I have looked at this issue for quite a very long time- my advise to young Ugandans investing in and aorund kampala IS they must be a little bit wiser.Kampala is an unplanned urban region. Planning is coming. Many urban plans designed in 1960s are not yet implement YET these are deemed to change with environmental issues taking center stage.Long term investment in this area might be disastrous as many planning activities which might come as entebbe road , railya engineering centre at nalukolongo/ndeba , indutrial centers etc and other projects might render these projects costly.Those who invested on Nakasero hill never knew that this was becoming a state lodge and no go area for the lowly of society and more.A thorough investigation must be made before any sort of investment in kampala urban region either with KCC , land registry, NEMA and the like. Otherwise go slow on such investement with government which do not honour people's property.there are better investment from which one can reap higher returns - but those who need these ideas can as well contact me personally. then we can map out a long lasting strategy-JOACHIM BUWEMBOYoung Graduates Invest, Older Ones Go BrokeA quiet socio-economic transformation is taking place in Uganda. You wouldnt notice it unless you have reason to look for it. But it is there and it is either promising or frightening, depending on how you look at it: The young people are becoming more serious than the older folk.The young adults, people fresh from college and recently employed, are getting more financially prudent than their parents and it is almost frightening. The reasons for this can be debated, but we can examine the observations.The property market of Kampala has become active in the past couple of years. Suddenly, every plot seems to be on sale. Real estate agencies like a new one called Property Masters and the much older Eastlands Agency are doing roaring business. But a profile of their typical customers is what is more interesting: They are people who would have no business buying plots some years ago. The people buying houses today look like those you used to see shopping for large music systems in the 1990s. Many of them are in their mid-20s and havent even bought their first car. It is a bit unnerving.We are not saying that every youth who gets a job wants to become a property owner. The average newly employed still rushes for those things he missed as a student because his dad wasnt a millionaire, like a shiny car with loud music. But a small percentage of the young, newly employed happens to be a sizeable percentage of those buying property today.Did their parents counsel them? Not likely. The real estate dealers I have interviewed are quite dismissive of the middle-aged and older Ugandans in matters of personal finances. They say the older fellows, especially those with a university education, are a spoilt lot who went to school when things were good and partied a significant part of their lives away.
ugnet_: demolition in Urban region
Wakaliga work starts KAMPALA The Ministry of Works, Housing and Communications has demolished some Nateete and Wakaliga houses that were built along Wakaliga road ahead of the re-construction exercise. The demolition, which started last week, is still on and will mainly affect structures constructed in the reserve of the heavily potholed city road. The ministry's spokesperson, Joseph Matovu, said on Monday that all the displaced had been paid. __ bwanika url: www.idr.co.ug Logon & Join in ug-academicsdb discussion list http://www.coollist.com/subcribe.html List ID: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Your Email address: ~~ ~~ url: http://uhpl.uganda.co.ug http://pub59.ezboard.com/fugandamanufacturersassociationfrm1
ugnet_: NEMA & constructors (investors) Urban region
NEMA Halts Petrol Station Work NO CONSTRUCTION: The new Mogas Petrol Station in Kiwatule, a Kampala suburb By Steven Candia THE National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has ordered a Kampala businesswoman to stop the construction of a fuel filling station in Kiwatule, saying it is illegal. Construction work on MOGAS filling station, owned by Peace Mwesigwa, located on plot 713, block 220 on the Kiwatule-Ntinda road, is in its final stages with six fuel pumps already installed. In an April 15 letter to Mwesigwa, NEMA chief Henry Aryamanya-Mugisha said, You are required to stop construction activities of the proposed petrol station. By copy of this letter, the town clerk and KCC are requested to ensure that the above directive is complied with. You are also informed that this authority received advice from KCC and the ministry of energy not to issue any more approvals for environmental aspects of new petroleum service stations in the greater Kampala urban area, the letter read. The letter was copied the Kampala mayor, KCC, the town clerk and the district environment officer. Ends __ bwanika url: www.idr.co.ug Logon & Join in ug-academicsdb discussion list http://www.coollist.com/subcribe.html List ID: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Your Email address: ~~ ~~ url: http://uhpl.uganda.co.ug http://pub59.ezboard.com/fugandamanufacturersassociationfrm1
ugnet_: JUSTICE PARTY
JUSTICE PARTY http://www.dfwa-u.tk look for organisation there you will find all the contact address in Uganda. The entire list willbe append in due course as we mapr out a last solution for a strong and enduring party. All those who wish to know more about JUSTICE PARTY , have questions or are joining the justice party, offering practical ass isance to your party - please find the address and get in touch as soon as it can be possible. motto: farmers and workers taxes for their social justice: the Democratic farmers workers alliance - uganda (DFWA-U) is ever grwoing strong. advise you DFWA-U justice party on your concerns and those will form the basis for our ideological stand point. dfwa-u. __ bwanika url: www.idr.co.ug Logon & Join in ug-academicsdb discussion list http://www.coollist.com/subcribe.html List ID: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Your Email address: ~~ ~~ url: http://uhpl.uganda.co.ug http://pub59.ezboard.com/fugandamanufacturersassociationfrm1
SV: ugnet_: Young Graduates Invest, Older Ones Go Broke - Joachim Buwembo
I have looked at this issue for quite a very long time- my advise to young Ugandans investing in and aorund kampala IS they must be a little bit wiser. Kampala is an unplanned urban region. Planning is coming. Many urban plans designed in 1960s are not yet implement YET these are deemed to change with environmental issues taking center stage. Long term investment in this area might be disastrous as many planning activities which might come as entebbe road , railya engineering centre at nalukolongo/ndeba , indutrial centers etc and other projects might render these projects costly. Those who invested on Nakasero hill never knew that this was becoming a state lodge and no go area for the lowly of society and more. A thorough investigation must be made before any sort of investment in kampala urban region either with KCC , land registry, NEMA and the like. Otherwise go slow on such investement with government which do not honour people's property. there are better investment from which one can reap higher returns - but those who need these ideas can as well contact me personally. then we can map out a long lasting strategy- JOACHIM BUWEMBO Young Graduates Invest, Older Ones Go Broke A quiet socio-economic transformation is taking place in Uganda. You wouldnt notice it unless you have reason to look for it. But it is there and it is either promising or frightening, depending on how you look at it: The young people are becoming more serious than the older folk. The young adults, people fresh from college and recently employed, are getting more financially prudent than their parents and it is almost frightening. The reasons for this can be debated, but we can examine the observations. The property market of Kampala has become active in the past couple of years. Suddenly, every plot seems to be on sale. Real estate agencies like a new one called Property Masters and the much older Eastlands Agency are doing roaring business. But a profile of their typical customers is what is more interesting: They are people who would have no business buying plots some years ago. The people buying houses today look like those you used to see shopping for large music systems in the 1990s. Many of them are in their mid-20s and havent even bought their first car. It is a bit unnerving. We are not saying that every youth who gets a job wants to become a property owner. The average newly employed still rushes for those things he missed as a student because his dad wasnt a millionaire, like a shiny car with loud music. But a small percentage of the young, newly employed happens to be a sizeable percentage of those buying property today. Did their parents counsel them? Not likely. The real estate dealers I have interviewed are quite dismissive of the middle-aged and older Ugandans in matters of personal finances. They say the older fellows, especially those with a university education, are a spoilt lot who went to school when things were good and partied a significant part of their lives away. They used to get jobs that entitled them to free housing, something todays new entrants to the job market have never heard of. Public-service pool houses were abolished with the advent of liberalisation a decade ago and offloaded onto the market. Another important factor is the physical hardships at university campuses today. Even if you grew up in a luxurious home, three years of sharing a small room with other people during your degree course prepares you for sacrifice. You can survive in a one-room apartment with shared toilets that costs you 50 dollars a month as you ambitiously save to become a home owner. A housing agent says many single women in their mid-20s today look for apartments of $100 a month, while those in their 30s and above look for those costing $250 and above. This is not because the older women are richer; they expect someone to pay for them, while the younger ones are paying for themselves. The older ones in the more expensive apartments tend to leave suddenly, or more accurately get evicted, when the relationship with the person who was paying the rent ends. The younger ones stay until they move into their own, often unfinished houses, which they complete while already living there. Some with better paying jobs stay in the $100 apartment and rent out their own houses at a higher rate. I cannot pretend to know exactly the causes of these new tendencies. But the re-introduction of mortgage financing by some banks has something to do with it. You do not have be rich, as was the case in the past, to get long-term finance. A couple of development banks are giving out housing loans to people who can prove they are in regular employment. These young people are in a hurry to secure their future and have started to invest in medium-size bungalows, which they easily rent out at $250 to $500 in the suburbs. Meanwhile, the older investors who had built large mansions on the prestigious hills are finding it difficul
SV: ugnet_: Uganda Budget: Donors Want actions Consistent With Policies
Simplicitic - the big the population the high the rate of economic dynamics a reason why Europe is so worried with their population decline . a. what is the population dependent on uganda's budgetary provisons? less than 10 % b. what is the largest budget share - government administrative prosion up to 90 % what has population has to do with the economy economy then - NONE except the military /defence. bwanika > INTERVIEW > Monday, June 2, 2003 > PRE-BUDGET ANALYSIS - EAST AFRICAN - NAIROBI - What did the donors suggest to turn around the economy? The current population growth rate is 3.4 per cent and economic growth is 4.9 per cent, which means per capita growth is 1.5 per cent. If we reduce the population growth rate to 2.5 per cent, the economic growth rate can be increased by 1 per cent. Many countries in Africa have raised their economic growth rate by reducing the population growth rate. __ bwanika url: www.idr.co.ug Logon & Join in ug-academicsdb discussion list http://www.coollist.com/subcribe.html List ID: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Your Email address: ~~ ~~ url: http://uhpl.uganda.co.ug http://pub59.ezboard.com/fugandamanufacturersassociationfrm1
ugnet_: THE REBELS POUR SCORN ON UN PEACEKEEPERS
Congo rebels pour scorn on UN peacekeepersBy Adrian Blomfield in Bunia The Bolivian colonel nervously fingered his UN flak jacket and hurriedly offered a cigarette to the Hema militiaman menacingly raising his rifle at him. Ordered to patrol the outer suburbs of the Congolese town of Bunia, the colonel's mission was running into a few problems. Perhaps the most insurmountable was the language barrier. The colonel spoke only Spanish and a little English, the militiamen only Hema, Swahili and a little French. There was little respect for the unarmed UN observers, sweltering in heavy blue helmets and body armour. "Tell those sons of whores we can kill them any time we like," one rebel said before spitting on the ground. The Union of Congolese Patriots (UPC), militiamen from the Hema tribe who seized control of Bunia three weeks ago, have shown almost complete contempt for the 700 UN soldiers in the town. Over the weekend two staffers with the UN mission, known as Monuc, were handcuffed and beaten up by UPC soldiers in a refugee camp controlled by the UN. What remains of the civilian population, 80 per cent of whom have fled, have little regard for Monuc either after its failure to quell an orgy of ethnic violence that erupted in the town last month, killing at least 429 people. "All my children and my wife were hacked with machetes and then had their bellies ripped open and their innards eaten," said Rene Mujani, sheltering with thousands of others in a makeshift camp at the Monuc compound. "Just up the road Monuc were in their camp, watching and doing nothing." In fairness to the UN it has only a force of 700 soldiers, 400 of whom actually carry rifles. They are operating under a Chapter Six mandate from the Security Council. Created as a compromise to avoid a repetition of the Srebrenica massacre, it authorises use of force if a population is in "imminent danger". "Chapter Six is a piece of sophistry, a ludicrous compromise," said one senior peacekeeper in Bunia. "Imminent danger of death, what does this mean? If I see someone about to be hacked to death in front of me I am authorised to open fire. But if it's just around the corner am I authorised to look for it?" Consequently Monuc troops returned fire when their compound was attacked but ignored a plea for help to intervene when militiamen from the Lendu tribe attacked Hemas in a church five streets away. Twenty-four people were killed. Bodies from other killings littered the main street within 200 yards of the UN compound. The UN soldiers are justifiably terrified of a war of incredible complexity and astonishing brutality. In one of the last attempts to venture out of town two peacekeepers were killed. Since then the UN troops mainly confine themselves to the main road, the airports and their compound, where a Scottish officer in a kilt yesterday proudly displayed his bullet-proof sporran to bemused colleagues. The Security Council has authorised a mainly French and British mission, possibly including the SAS, to use force to stop the blood-letting. It has only three months to do its job and although it should have no trouble defeating the UPC in Bunia the problem will come in securing the rest of Ituri province, where Lendu versus Hema violence has killed at least 50,000 people in the last five years. The Mulindwas Communication Group"With Yoweri Museveni, Uganda is in anarchy" Groupe de communication Mulindwas "avec Yoweri Museveni, l'Ouganda est dans l'anarchie"
ugnet_: MISS DOMINICAN REPUBLIC IN MISS UNIVERSE
Miss Dominican Republic Is Miss Universe 2 hours, 44 minutes ago By ELOY O. AGUILAR, Associated Press Writer PANAMA CITY, Panama - Amelia Vega, a second-generation beauty queen from the Dominican Republic, was crowned Miss Universe (news - web sites) 2003 on Tuesday night. AP Photo Reuters Slideshow: Miss Universe Beauty Pageant Vega, 6-foot-1, smiled and waved to the crowd as outgoing titleholder Justine Pasek of Panama slipped the crown on the head during a ceremony at U.S. military base-turned-convention center in Panama. Vega is the niece of famed merengue singer Juan Luis Guerra and the daughter of her country's representative in the 1980 Miss World (news - web sites) pageant. She said she too hopes to be a singer. In an entry statement to the organizing committee, she said that "music is a direct way to communicate with all the people without any race or ideological differences." The first runner up was Miss Venezuela, the Cinderella of the contest: The 22-year-old almost couldn't come to the competition, because of financial problems in her home country. A donor finally turned up to meet the costs of her trip. Second-runner up was South Africa's Cindy Nell, 21, a tourism promoter. Miss Serbia and Montenegro, Sanja Papic, was third runner up and Miss Japan, Miyako Miyzaki, was fourth. The show opened with the 72 contestants, in colorful tropical skirts and tops, introducing themselves before colonial-era buildings on the Pacific side of the Panama Canal. The contest drew an estimated 600 million television viewers as well as nearly 7,000 Panamanians in formal wear to the new Figali Convention Center, which was recently built at the old Fort Amador, one of several military bases the United States had here as part of its Canal Zone enclave for decades. "I am excited and anxious. I have been preparing for this for ten months," Vega before the contest. Kai Davis of Antigua and Barbuda was named Miss Congeniality. Miss Puerto Rico, Carla Tricoli, was named Miss Photogenic. The event gave Panama a few minutes of prime time to promote itself as a new tourist destination after decades of living under the shadow of the U.S. military, which left the country and handed over the canal on December 31, 1999. Panama wanted to show the world it is a changed country since last hosting the pageant in 1986 under the military dictatorship of Gen. Manuel Noriega and with U.S. troops guarding the Panama Canal. Last year, for the first time, Panama's annual income from tourism $678 million surpassed revenues from the canal. On Tuesday, Panama City Mayor Juan Carlos Navarro presented the keys to the city to real estate developer and investor Donald Trump, the half-owner of the Miss Universe parent organization. "Panama is a great country, and I'm going to come back," said Trump. Tuesday's finals were hosted by television personalities Daisy Fuentes and Billy Bush. The Mulindwas Communication Group"With Yoweri Museveni, Uganda is in anarchy" Groupe de communication Mulindwas "avec Yoweri Museveni, l'Ouganda est dans l'anarchie"
ugnet_: BAKIGA ARE NOT ONLY ARROGANT BUT FORCEFULL
Bunyoro Premier Criticises Govt On Kibaale BE More SERIOUS: Bunyoro Premier Byenkya addresses the press Bunyoro Katikkiro Kagoro Byenkya on Monday appealed to the government to review its stand on the Banyoro-Bakiga tribal conflict in Kibaale district, reports Richard Komakech. Dont break our patience on the question of illegal immigrants. They (Bakiga) are inciting us and we cant help feeling that there is a plan to infiltrate and wipe out our culture, he said. Byenkya was addressing the press at the International conference centre following a May 31st meeting of the council of elders of Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom. The elders noted that the issues of land and culture wrangles has been taken lightly by government functionaries, Byenkya said. He accused the government of taking the matter in a simplistic manner and quoting the 1995 Constitution that provides that a Ugandan can settle anywhere in Uganda. He added, They (government) talk like there is nothing serious going on. The movement of people must be carefully regulated to take care of the fundamental cultural differences and diversity among Ugandas peoples, he added. He dismissed as idle talk accusations that the Banyoro were tribalistic, but said the Bakiga had come out as arrogant and forceful. He said other tribes like the Lugbara and Langi had settled in Bunyoro because they were understanding people. Ends Published on: Wednesday, 4th June, 2003 The Mulindwas Communication Group"With Yoweri Museveni, Uganda is in anarchy" Groupe de communication Mulindwas "avec Yoweri Museveni, l'Ouganda est dans l'anarchie"
ugnet_: JUDGE BOSSA TO JOIN ICTR
Judge nominated KAMPALA Justice Solome Bossa of the High Court has been nominated by the UN Security Council to join the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR). Bossa and another Ugandan based in Namibia, David Ntanda Nsereko, are among 35 candidates from whom judges will be selected to the ICTR to try suspects in the 1994 Rwanda genocide. The Mulindwas Communication Group"With Yoweri Museveni, Uganda is in anarchy" Groupe de communication Mulindwas "avec Yoweri Museveni, l'Ouganda est dans l'anarchie"
ugnet_: AFRICAN FOCUS (In continuation)
AFRICAN FOCUS By Tafataona P. Mahoso In the last instalment we said that the Media and Information Commission’s advocacy for new media values in Zimbabwe should start with an appreciation of the reality of media power as, for example, described by the authors of Power Incorporated who wrote: "The Supreme Court has a charter to interpret (the Constitution and other laws), and so does the Press. It decides what news is, what to report and what to ignore, what to play up and what to play down, what story to stay with (for a long time) and what story to abandon (instantly). "There is in the Press a tendency to pretend otherwise. The pretence is encapsulated each morning on the front page of The New York Times ‘All The News that’s Fit To Print.’ This notion, in addition to assaulting reality, diverts attention from an absolutely crucial fact: to decide what news is, is to exercise substantial power . . . Whoever in a democracy exercises substantial power must be answerable. This is our central contention. The Press cannot be exempt." The last two weeks yielded a huge crop of stories indicative of the coming to the surface of white settler interests in the Southern African region. Those stories show that author Carol Thompson’s question, asked in 1991 in her book Harvest Under Fire, now requires an urgent answer. Thompson observed that the end of official state-funded apartheid in South Africa would mean that those powerful economic and social interests which benefited from the white South African state (and the Rhodesian state) will have to find other means of perpetuating their power without the open support of the South African state which they used to enjoy. Thompson was writing on food security in the former Frontline States and reminding liberation movements and their governments that the forces which had sabotaged agricultural production in the Frontline States, as one way of defending apartheid, would not necessarily stop just because Cde Nelson Mandela or Cde Thabo Mbeki became President of South Africa. The racist forces and interests would look for and find other means. In other words, the African majorities in Zimbabwe, Angola, South Africa, Namibia, Mozambique and elsewhere would continue to "harvest" the fruits of their liberation "under fire" even after the physical wars of destabilisation stopped. Thompson did not elaborate this observation. From what location would these forces seek to defend their apartheid wealth and power? What means would they use? How would they disguise their power as a retreat? How would the people recognise the disguise? One clue to this question has appeared in the last two weeks, and it tallies with the assessment of media as a power base which we quoted last week. First a survey of examples: l The Mail and Guardian of South Africa (May 23-29 2003) ran a front page story which concluded that the expulsion of one white journalist from Zimbabwe (who was not even accredited in terms of the law) meant that Zimbabwe had moved "from hope to tyranny". The same issue of the Mail and Guardian carried a second story on Zimbabwe which was cleverly done from the point of view of the defenders of the embedded white interests of UDI and apartheid. It was called "Land of milk and money". It described the urban symptoms of the aftermath of structural adjustment, drought and sanctions: You find empty shelves in grocery stores in poor suburbs and full shelves in Borrowdale and other rich areas. Structural adjustment, currency devaluation, economic sanctions, drought and outright sabotage have brought back hunger to poor Zimbabweans in urban areas, just as destabilisation under apartheid were meant to do the same. Supermarket speculators’ prices have created a new apartheid division between rich and poor. But the Guardian writer does not mention or dwell on the causes. She restricts herself to the surface appearances and she avoids the 300 000 resettled farmers in the rural areas, just as she also avoids places like Mbare Musika in Harare, where the rural farmers daily bring their harvests and are replacing the white agro-businesses as sources of food for the same majority. l The Mail and Guardian story on empty supermarket shelves in poor areas and overflowing ones in Borrowdale and the Avenues strategically restricted itself to imported and processed food in conventional grocery stores. It did not ask how people in the high-density areas were surviving without processed or imported supermarket foods. By doing this it echoed The Zimbabwe Independent of February 7-13 2003, which announced on the front page that Zimbabwe was to run out of food altogether in the month of March 2003, even though, on the ground, the situation was exactly the reverse. The new farmers were beginning to harvest the 2003 crops. l We then come to the Sunday Times of South Africa of May 18 and 25 2003. The story titled "Zimbabwe elite looted D
ugnet_: End Kony War, Pope Asks Govt
EM: Even the pope is now involved ... But will Museveni listen? Matek End Kony War, Pope Asks Govt The Monitor (Kampala) June 4, 2003 Posted to the web June 3, 2003 Mercy Nalugo Kampala Religious leaders yesterday prayed that government talks peace with the Lord's Resistance Army leader Joseph Kony. The pope, in a message delivered by his eminence Crescencio Cardinal Sepe from the Vatican, expressed disappointment over the endless war in northern Uganda. Cardinal Sepe, who also is the prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelisation of People, was the main celebrant at Martyrs Day celebrations at the Catholic shrine in Namugongo, a few miles to the east of Kampala. He said many people in northern Uganda have lost their lives, including seminarians. He prayed for an immediate end to the war and for peace to reign in the region. "We need peace; most people have innocently lost their lives in the north while others are suffering innocently," Cardinal Sepe said. "We should pray for this to end." He appealed to Christians to emulate the example of the 22 (Catholic) martyrs who were burnt to ashes because of their faith and also the two new martyrs from Gulu - Daudi Okelo and Jildo Irwa. The theme for the day was "Be My Witnesses". Gulu Diocese led the congregation throughout the mass, singing hymns in all languages. They also made donations to the church and to Cardinal Sepe. His Grace the Archbishop of Gulu Archdiocese John Baptist Odama called on Ugandans to forge a movement for peace so as to end the suffering in the region. "I am making my declaration today, let those who are fighting in my area know it from me, let us forge the movement for peace," Archbishop Odama said. "Let's put the other movements aside but [the] movement for peace." He called upon all Ugandans to work together and build a united movement for Uganda. The Vicar General of Gulu Archdiocese Msgr Matthew Odong said the people of northern Uganda are living under fear due to the war. "Many people in northern Uganda have lost their lives; government should talk peace with Kony," Msgr Odong said. His Eminence Emmanuel Cardinal Wamala commended the Gulu people for their good choir and contribution toward the 3 June preparations. "You have really done a good job despite the turmoil you are going through. You have not only led others throughout the liturgy but also renovated the shrine and provided manual work," the cardinal said. Newly appointed Vice President Gilbert Bukenya attended but he was not given chance to address the congregation. Parliament is yet to approve his appointment. The Third Deputy Prime Minister Henry Kajura, who represented the government, conveyed President Yoweri Museveni's greetings to the people and his apology for not attending. He said that government appreciates the work done by religious leaders. "The government believes in freedom of worship and therefore it is willing to advance your initiatives," Mr Kajura said. The head of the Catholic laity, Prof. Peter Kasenene, said that the Episcopal Conference was looking to provide a dignified religious centre for pilgrims in memory of the martyrs. He called on people to support a project at the shrine which aims at making Namugongo an international resource centre. The Secretary General of the Episcopal Conference in Uganda Msgr Joseph Obunga appealed to people to contribute generously toward the project to make Namugongo a better place. The Katikkiro Mulwanyammuli Ssemwogerere and two of his ministers represented the Buganda Kingdom. Religious leaders from Sudan, Kenya, Tanzania, DR Congo and the United States attended the celebrations.
ugnet_: Reform Blames Govt for Kibaale Conflict
Reform Blames Govt for Kibaale Conflict The Monitor (Kampala) June 3, 2003 Posted to the web June 3, 2003 Mercy Nalugo Kampala The Reform Agenda has blamed government for the recent killings in northern Uganda and in Kibaale. "You have all heard about the recent attacks and killings in Kibaale and northern Uganda; how serious are defence people in providing security for this nation?" said Reform Deputy Secretary General Louis Otika at a news conference in Kampala yesterday. Mr Otika also said that government has failed to implement provisions of the Land Act, which would provide a solution to the Banyoro-Bakiga land clashes in Kibaale. "Government mismanaging security is a violation of people's rights to life," he said. "Others are staying in camps like those in Lugogo. Luwero war claimants are camped in front of Parliament. Which direction is this country heading to?" He said that many people including children have been killed and government has purported they are rebels being killed. "In case of the north, they are 'people' when rescued and when killed they are 'rebels'. Government should make use of the available security to protect people's lives," Mr Otika said. He suggested that the entire army be lined up along the Uganda-Sudan border. The Secretary for Environment and Natural Resources Sam Kagulire said that Mbarara MP Winnie Byanyima's driver was being harassed. He said that they received an email from Ms Byanyima yesterday complaining that unknown people were harassing her driver. He said they are going to follow up the matter and file a case with Human Rights Commission. He said they would also inform all security agencies. Ms Byanyima, a vice president in Reform, is out of the country and has been there for several months.
ugnet_: Reports Link Uganda With Regional Arms Trafficking
It is hope that Museveni''s Friends both in Washington and London are reading reports as noted below. Reports Link Uganda With Regional Arms Trafficking African Church Information Service June 2, 2003 Posted to the web June 3, 2003 Crespo Sebunya Kampala A six man Judicial Commission of Inquiry, appointed here by the government to investigate illegal exploitation of Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) resources, has also highlighted Uganda's pivotal role in promoting international arms traffickers. The Commission, led by Justice David Porter, a British expatriate judge, showed how one Victor Bout, described in the report as "transnational criminal", is supported by Ugandan institutions, and how his easy access to state facilities has enhanced his role in arms trafficking. The report said Bout has registered seven airlines with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) namely, Odessa Air, ACS, Air Cess, Central African Air, AirPass, Military and Nyota Airlines. The Commission noted that 97 flights of Bout's firms, from Entebbe to eastern Congo, were recorded by CAA between 1998 to 2002. Also noted was the increase in business activity by East Europeans in the region through Uganda. A United Nations (UN) panel that investigated illegal exploitation of DRC resources, established a link between some foreign-owned Coltan mining companies and arms importation into the region. The team noted that arrangements allowed arms either to be bartered for mining concessions, or through direct payments. A web of firms, and in most cases joint ventures, facilitated arms imports. Nevertheless, Porter Commission found no basis to support the allegations.
ugnet_: 15,000 Congolese Cross With UPDF
15,000 Congolese Cross With UPDF The Monitor (Kampala) June 4, 2003 Posted to the web June 3, 2003 Alex B. Atuhaire Kampala About 15,000 Congolese refugees have crossed into Uganda through the western border at Rwebisengo in Bundibugyo in the last three days following fresh fighting in the Ituri region. Brig. Kale Kayihura, the officer who commanded the UPDF while in DR Congo, said on Monday that the refugees flocked in with returning Ugandan soldiers who were still held up in that country because of heavy rains. Last weekend Lendu militias attacked Tchomia village in Ituri and massacred more than 250 Hema sending wild panic amongst residents. The attack has prompted more Congolese to flee to neighbouring Bundibugyo district in Uganda. Most of them are women and children. The small United Nations peacekeeping force in the war-ravaged region has failed to secure the people and their property. By Monday, about 600 soldiers from the UPDF 53 Battalion had crossed over to Bundibugyo across River Semliki. "These are the last troops to leave DR Congo soil," said Minister of State for Defence Ruth Nankabirwa, who flew to Bundibugyo in a military helicopter to receive the troops on Monday. Ms Nankabirwa said there had been 1,700 troops remaining inside DR Congo. Last week, the UPDF had said all the troops had returned from DR Congo. Soldiers from the 53 Battalion had remained in DR Congo since 2001 after the withdrawal of other Ugandan troops. Most of the soldiers were excited to be back. "This is Uganda; we are back home," some of the soldiers said in Kiswahili. Their Congolese women accompanied the soldiers who have trekked from Bunia for the last three weeks. Ms Nankabirwa said the battalion would guard Uganda from the border to counter any threats from DR Congo.
ugnet_: Pader Boss Says Kony War Now a Big Business
Pader Boss Says Kony War Now a Big Business The Monitor (Kampala) June 3, 2003 Posted to the web June 3, 2003 Lucy Lapoti Kampala The Pader district chairman has alleged that several people in government and non-governmental organisations are profiteering from the 17-year-old northern war. Mr Yakobo Komakech said that several NGOs were now organising seminars and conferences in the name of ending the conflict, yet the aim was just to make money through allowances. Mr Komakech made the remarks at the weekend while addressing Makerere University students who come from Pader. Mr Komakech, who addressed the students at Africa Hall Common Room, did not, however, name NGOs and individuals profiteering from the war. Mr Komakech also said that the opening up of political space should not excite northerners. He said that the concern of northerners now should be restoration of peace. "Political parties and peace, which one is important? Northern people should not be excited about parties and the issue of third term for the president because they are not important to us at the moment," he said. Speaking at the same meeting, Gulu Municipality MP Norbert Mao said that even with war going on, people in the north should carry on development activities because portions of the national cake are sent to them. He said that leaders in the north should not return to the national treasury any money sent for development. Also at the same meeting, Aruu MP Odonga Otto said experienced people were lacking in Pader, therefore, creating a leadership crisis. "When we are creating commissions like district service commission, we lack qualified people because they are not there," he said.
ugnet_: Please remind Saleh it is June in Uganda
Netters, Can someone please remind NRM/UPDF that it is June in Uganda. And there is still no announcement about the fate of Kony. I hear there was an attack carried out by Kony last week. Or this last weekend Read this assurance by Saleh... Kony Will Be Out By May, Says Saleh By Justin Moro LT. Gen. Salim Saleh has reassured the Acholi and all Ugandans that by May this year, the 17-year-old northern rebellion of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) would have ended, through peaceful or military means. “President Yoweri Museveni understands the sentiments of the people of Acholi. He is preparing himself,” said Saleh. He was addressing Gulu residents at Lalogi Internally Displaced People’s Camp on Monday. “I request you to be patient because your suffering will soon end. I have reasons to believe that we shall not go beyond May this year with this problem of the northern rebellion. The world is waiting for its end,” he said. Among the reasons for Saleh’s optimism was the President’s eight-month stay in Gulu. He said it showed the high level of the President’s commitment to ending the conflict. The fact that the Sudanese government had ceased to support the rebel group was another indicator, he said. He blamed the LRA for violating the ceasefire declared on March 1. “LRA have violated 70% of their own ceasefire. However, the Presidential Peace Team advised the President to withhold his anger and push on with the peace talks,” he said. Saleh is a member of the peace team. Ends Published on: Thursday, 3rd April, 2003 He it is Who created for you all that is on earth...He is the All-knower of everything. Swaddaq Allahu Al-Adhim. Michael Bwambuga. __ McAfee VirusScan Online from the Netscape Network. Comprehensive protection for your entire computer. Get your free trial today! http://channels.netscape.com/ns/computing/mcafee/index.jsp?promo=393397 Get AOL Instant Messenger 5.1 free of charge. Download Now! http://aim.aol.com/aimnew/Aim/register.adp?promo=380455
ugnet_: A TRANSLATION OF THE NMDFC PRESS REALEASE
National Movement for Democracy and Federalism in Congo35 Ridgeway AveProvidence, RI 02909United States of AmericaJune 3, 2003The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) needs an effective and compassionate leader as President.Regarding the events occurring in the Congo, the Kabila government is neither proactive nor reactive. It did not have preventive notions of protecting civilians after the departure of the Ugandan army. It was unable to foresee the danger of leaving that part of the country without a strong protective force, since the government knew that the town was under two rival tribes.The DRC needs an effective, compassionate President. Joseph Kabila is not such a leader. The Congolese people of Bunia had been murdered, and their dead bodies were still scattered around the town when Joseph Kabila, as President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, and his government organized a military parade in Kinshasa, the capital of the Congo. This is a despicable proof of his irresponsibility toward all the Congolese people, especially those in Bunia. No country--no compassionate leader in the rank of presidency--in this world could act with such unpatriotic disregard toward the suffering of his people. President Bush of the USA could not throw a party in Washington, DC few days after September 11, 2002. The Democratic Republic of Congo is in a dire need of a President and not a proxy one.Joseph Kabilas behavior as President of the DRC leads us to consider the allegations that he is not Mzee Kabilas biological son but is actually an imposter of Rwanda origin; there are claims that he is the nephew of James Kabarebe, the army chief of staff of Rwanda, brought to power in the Congo by his surrogate fathers friends to serve their interests. Such unprecedented lack of consideration toward the Congolese people and such manifest lack of compassion toward the dead must lead to a national disqualification of Joseph Kabila to stay at the helm of the DRC. A true Congolese citizen could never behave in such a way and lead the country to such desperate ends. It is time for the people of the Congo to gain some well-deserved respect and consideration from all of usabove all, from those in positions of authority. It is compromising for the Congo to continue with a proxy president whose background is incompatible with the important responsibility of the position. The Congo needs a true Congolese as President--someone with unquestionable nationality, someone with acceptable and respectable academic and/or professional background. The Congo must no longer sustain a proxy president imposed by the tribal clan. The Congo is not a Kingdom; it is a Res Publica, and Congolese people deserve respect. They need to be rightly informed and not be fed with manipulated and distorted information promoting individual interests. Political clientelism has been destructive for the Congo in the past; we can no longer afford it. No group should be allowed to block the path to peace and prosperity in the Congo. No group should be given the opportunity to block the coming of democratic rule there. Joseph Kabila is not willing to bring peace to a land that is not his. The DRC must request explanations for all of Joseph Kabilas actions. His reactive, negative mood to several engagements must be examined and analyzed so that the people can know his true character.The last revelation made public by Etienne Kabila, who unequivocally claimed to be the Mzee Kabilas biological son, raised many questions. If we consider what he has disclosed to all of us, some doubts arise regarding Joseph Kabilas behavior.The Office of the President in the DRC seems empty. Joseph Kabila is not up to the task imposed on him by his surrogate tribe members.If the international community is serious about helping the Congolese people recover peace and prosperity, it must bring Presidents Kagame of Rwanda, Museveni of Uganda, and Joseph Kabila of Congo to justice. All three play the same game, instigating and perpetuating the killing of civilians in Congo. The Congolese people must be smart and courageous in taking Congo matters in their own hands. They must find ways to make Joseph Kabila understand that he must relinquish the presidency to someone more credible than him to deal with Kagames and Musevenis killing stratagem in the Congo. These two leaders, Congolese peoples butchers, must face a Congolese President who has a mouth to speak and a brain to think on behalf of the people of Congo. The Congo needs a proactive President, not a senseless one.Considering the above, the National Movement for Democracy and Federalism in Congo (NMDFC) suggests the following: I. To the international community: The NMDFC congratulates the United Nations Security Council for unanimously adopting the resolution 1484 (2003) authorizing the establishment of an Interim Emergency Multinational Force in Bun
ugnet_: TSIVANGIRAI OVERESTMATING POPULARITY
Monday marked the beginning of what MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai and his Western handlers hoped would be a week of mass demonstrations tailored to topple the democratically elected Government of President Robert Mugabe. Well, that did not happen and once again Tsvangirai was left with egg in the face. His Western handlers, who we understand poured billions of dollars into the futile exercise, must be particularly red in the face. History surely repeats itself. Yet the inability of the British and their local kith and kin to learn from experience never ceases to amaze us. Their amnesia is so acute that it makes them look absolutely ridiculous. In 2002, the British and local white commercial farmers poured frightening amounts of money into MDC coffers hoping the puppet organisation would win the presidency and perpetuate their sinful grip on the very birthright of black Zimba-bweans land. Then, as now, Zimbabweans, who treasure their land and sovereignty, accepted the money but would not swallow Tsvangirai and the Britishs candy-coated pill. Commenting on the failed uprising to the foreign media yesterday, Tsvangirai presented a pitiful spectacle when he admitted, albeit in a roundabout way, that his attempts to coax Zimbabweans into catapulting him to State House had hit a brick wall. He said: ". . . If the people are afraid to take the risks to gain their freedom, what do you expect the leadership to do? . . . We wanted to test the peoples readiness to take this kind of action . . . I dont think there will be any (more) marches because they (the Government) will not allow it (people trying to seize power by unconstitutional means)." Of course, no government worth its name anywhere in the world would allow such nonsense. Elsewhere, he said he needed to assess the peoples readiness before he could "sacrifice" for them! No, Tsvangirai, Zimbabweans dont need your sacrifice. In fact, they know that you are not genuine and you are just a clumsy front doing it for the money. You had a perfect opportunity to pay the supreme sacrifice for the Zimbabweans you now claim to care so much about when you tried to join the liberation struggle and chickened out for lack of spine. Sadly, but not surprisingly, the MDC tried to draw solace from the fact that most people stayed at home and there was little if any business in Harare. It is a pity that those within the MDC mistake the peoples staying at home for support for their crazy dream. For the record, people who stayed at home did so because commuter omnibus operators, who now live in fear of MDC vandals and hooligans, parked their vehicles. Bands of MDC thugs who prowled the neighbourhoods of most high-density suburbs threatening people with violence also prevented people going to work. We think Tsvangirai is overestimating his popularity and fear that he will get a nasty jolt come presidential polls in 2008. We join other peace-loving Zimba-bweans in congratulating our security forces for rising to the occasion and ensuring that misguided elements do not rampage through our cities, destroying property and looting, as is their wont. The Mulindwas Communication Group"With Yoweri Museveni, Uganda is in anarchy" Groupe de communication Mulindwas "avec Yoweri Museveni, l'Ouganda est dans l'anarchie"
ugnet_: IMPERIALISTS IN BID TO RECOLONISE THIRD WORLD
Dr John Shumba Mvundura The world is changing, it has ushered in a new era in political, economic and social dimensions. It is true that in society everything is in constant motion. Things are not static. Developing countries are feeling the bite of the tick, a parasite on the skin of human beings. It sucks the blood whilst it enjoys the ride. Politics in developing countries has taken a negative direction. Many opposition parties like the Tsvangirai-led MDC are being created or established in order to certify the interest of the foreigners. A money game is now playing a pivotal role. Western power houses are supporting anyone who comes out opposing any legitimate government of the day. It is being noticed that the same people or governments who yesteryear supported the undemocratic governments and oppressors have come back in another formula. They are, however, using indigenous people in order to pretend that the liberated countries are not practising democracies and the rule of law. However, the imperialists want to recolonise Third World countries by using "remote control". The so-called opposition parties and leaders are used to destroy their own countries by claiming to be democratic in their political activities. In the real sense, they are stooges or puppets of the West. They are funded in order for them to organise gangsters to destabilise the legitimately elected governments. The sponsors have nothing to lose since the money that is being used was sourced from developing countries resources, which they reaped during and after the colonial era. In Shona, we say "Nguruve yazvikanga namafuta ayo" (the pig has been fried with its own fat). The opposition parties are indirectly using their own resources in destroying their economy. They promise the sponsors to take over the lifeline natural resources. The other weapon being used by opposition parties is violence in order to present a bad image of the ruling governments. If the government reacts on violent perpetrators, journalists and photographers are seen taking part in order to castigate those in power by saying there was no rule of law or democracy. But one wonders who practises democracy the one who liberated people from the shackles of colonialism where human rights, democracy and the rule of law were never in existence and those who waited for other people to bring freedom, tranquillity and independence? The latter are always opportunists who hide when things are bad and come out when the situation is favourable. The Western governments are happy to see conflicts in developing countries, which they have created. When it comes to elections held in Africa, Western countries usually say they were not conducted in a free and fair manner; they are only free and fair when the opposition wins. The impression one gets is that all developing countries are not able to manage or conduct elections on their own. Results are endorsed when the opposition party has won. Everyone with a clear mind will tell that these are imperialist intrigues. One once asked: Is it necessary to invite monitors and observers from outside the continent? Political development in Third World countries is being controlled by remote control. Industrialised countries are taking advantage of the divisions that they have created by working with the opposition parties in most Third World countries. Those who resist arm-twisting are severely punished politically and economically. Many governments in the developed world claim that democracy, respect for human rights and good governance are not being practised when one country says no to the looting of its natural resources. A vicious campaign by the Western world to divide the African continent has openly surfaced. The Western leadership, apart from using opposition parties, also try to use other African leaders to squeeze other government leaders by accusing them of not practising democracy. African countries need to work closely in order to counter these heinous practices by the West. The new phenomenon of development in Third World countries will create mistrust among our leaders. Outsiders, who do not know the cultures and traditions of Third World countries, are interferring in our affairs. The indigenous people of these countries have no chance of choosing the leaders of their own choice and cannot determine their destiny. One would agree with Dr Tafataona Mahosos analysis that some countries in Africa have witnessed an ongoing campaign against fellow countries, where leaders and intellectuals deemed to be unfriendly to the US and UK have become victims of targeted sanctions; where intellectuals and experts critical of the US-UK position on a certain country are barred or moved from forums and workshops funded by US and UK donors; where even NGOs which are not agitating for treason against the elected Government of a country are sanctioned and denied funding;
ugnet_: JOHANA NKOMO 'MAMA MAFUYANE' HAS PASSED AWAY
JOHANNA NKOMO, the wife of the late Vice-President Dr Joshua Nkomo, who was affectionately known as Mama MaFuyane has died. She was 76. A family spokesman and son, Mr Sibangilizwe Nkomo, said his mother died at Mater Dei Hospital in Bulawayo yesterday afternoon. She had been taken to the Catholic-run hospital soon after lunch after complaining of a stomach discomfort. She was discharged from hospital two weeks ago after being taken ill at the end of April. "We thought she had recovered fully as she looked strong and was coping up," said Mr Nkomo. President Mugabe, who last month visited Mama MaFuyane in hospital together with the First Lady, Cde Grace Mugabe, described yesterday as a very sad and dark day for Zimbabwe. "It is with deep shock and sadness that I announce to the nation that Mama MaFuyane is no more, taken away from us this afternoon at Mater Dei Hospital," he said in his condolence message. He said whereas it was clear that she was in pain, when he visited her in hospital, there were ample signs that she was well on course to recovery. "Indeed, a few days later, she was discharged, much to the joy of the Nkomo family and of all of us. "We were convinced that the worst was over, that she was past danger and that she would continue to be with us, reflexively playing her warm, motherly role our nation had grown to take for granted. "Sadly this afternoon we were rudely disappointed for her condition took a rapid turn for the worst, leading to her untimely departure at Mater Dei Hospital," said the President. He described her as a simple, most affable but resilient and determined heroine whose contributions to the making of Zimbabwe could not be easily encompassed. "Mama MaFuyane represented the quiet but unbending dignity of an African princess born and married to the turbulence of struggle. "Right up to her end, she symbolised the hopeful and uncomplaining self-denial of a marriage whose joy and comfort the pangs of struggle took away. Never to enjoy the physical company of her beloved husband Joshua, never to share the burden of bringing up her children, Mama Mafuyane typified the fortitude quite rare to find, quite onerous to match, let alone beat, indeed too intimidating to emulate." The President said against natural impulse, she stoically accepted that the man she married was the man she would lose and cede to the struggle, making herself a virtual widow, her children virtual orphans. "She came under enormous pressure from the occupying racist settler colonial Rhodesian regime. But she would not crack, she would not betray the cause of her husband which was the cause of her people. "In our sadness, we cherish such steadfastness, such commitment to a common struggle by one so burdened, one so vulnerable and yet so steadfast and unbowing. After Independence, she remained the heroine that lived an ordinary life of an African woman: quiet, unassuming, unobtrusive but with compelling gravitas." Cde Mugabe said with the passage of her husband, Mama MaFuyane immediately recognised the gap in the nation and dutifully and resourcefully moved in to fill it. "Today we are all the poorer for her departure, this the most beloved Mother of our Nation." Her death comes after the Nkomo family lost its surviving father figure, Matabeleland South governor Cde Stephen Nkomo on April 20. The Nkomo family is set to commemorate the third anniversary of their father, Dr Joshua Nkomo. Cde Mugabe said the sense of tragedy could not have been more overwhelming, more intense and searing. "The whole nation joins the family in this hour of grief and bereavement. The one who has gone was ours together, and thus has left us all. On behalf of the party Zanu-PF, Government, my family and on my own behalf, I wish to express my deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the Nkomo family on this very sad loss indeed. "May she rest in eternal peace, fully satisfied that the people for whose liberation she made such huge sacrifices, today express their indebtedness through this deep, collective grief," said the President. The Zanu-PF Bulawayo province's Cde Sikhumbuzo Ndiweni said MaFuyane was an inspiration to the nation because of her dedication to the freedom of the country. "We join the nation in mourning MaFuyane who made an immense contribution to the liberation of this country and she was involved in every stage of the revolution. She has left a big vacuum which would be hard to fill," he said. Insiza Member of Parliament Cde Andrew Langa said Mama MaFuyane had died at a time when her guidance was needed most. "On behalf of Insiza constituency I join the rest of the nation in mourning a great mother of the nation. Life will never be the same without her, " he said. Mourners are gathered at the family home in Matsheumhlophe and funeral arrangements are yet to be announced. Cde Silas Dlomo of Zanu-PF Bulawayo province said the provincial co-ordinating c
Re: ugnet_: Kazibwe Quitting Was 'Arranged With Museveni'
Ugandans "The EastAfrican learnt that the Catholic Church, whose former Cardinal, the late Emmanuel Nsubuga helped Museveni during the 1981-1986 bush war, is pushing to have a Catholic as the next president of Uganda. The Catholic Church has the largest following in the country and has asked the president to favour a Catholic from the Eastern or Central region in the presidential succession" Honestly this is the kind of crap holding our nation and we must, or let me change that, I am begging all of you to grow pass that. It is nonsense, trust me there are people who helped Museveni in Uganda more than the Cardinal. Should we make them all next presidents? Secondly where does this agreement end, now that the Cardinal is dead. Museveni came in and he has been a president, so are the Catholics telling me now that Museveni will decide who leads Uganda untill 2050? Where exactly does these muddy waters end? And if those decisions were made between Museveni and the Cardinal, Why are we even bothering to have elections in Uganda? For it has started to appear that Museveni and Nsubuga made a list of the future presidents of Uganda. And who gave them that authority to decide state matters in a ranch? Oh by the way and I think it is Matovu who can answer this one , were these decisions included in the new constitution? For I mean if they have already decided the future presidents of Uganda then it must be as well in the constitution. People surely we can do better than such nonsense!! Em The Mulindwas Communication Group"With Yoweri Museveni, Uganda is in anarchy" Groupe de communication Mulindwas "avec Yoweri Museveni, l'Ouganda est dans l'anarchie" - Original Message - From: Omar Kezimbira To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, June 03, 2003 5:19 PM Subject: ugnet_: Kazibwe Quitting Was 'Arranged With Museveni' Regional - East African - Nairobi - Kenya Monday, June 2, 2003 Kazibwe Quitting Was 'Arranged With M-7'By WAIRAGALA WAKABI THE EASTAFRICAN FORMER VICE President Specioza Kazibwe, whose shock resignation two weeks ago knew she would be stepping down almost as soon as President Museveni appointed her for a second term two years ago. According to senior government officials close to the presidency, when the president re-appointed Dr Kazibwe Vice President in 2001, the two had an understanding that she would serve for two years and then pave the way for a candidate capable of selling the Movement in the run up to 2006. It has emerged that Dr Kazibwe declared her decision to leave as far back as January. According to communication made available to The EastAfrican, she wrote to the president informing him she intended to enrol for doctoral studies at Harvard University in the US. Sources also said that when some senior Movement officials started openly criticising Museveni for wanting a third term, the president "reminded" Kazibwe of the agreement they had regarding the two-year tenure. Some women activists say that the debate over Kazibwe is unfair and that a woman candidate could be capable of winning an election. "I think that women have taken a very big lead. To a great extent they have performed very well," said Beatrice Kiraaso, the MP for Kabarole district. She said saw no reason why a woman could not be saleable to the Ugandan electorate. The embattled VP was said to be looking around for an international job since early last year. Her aides said she had been most keen on that of UN Special Envoy on food security and that President Museveni has been helping her with the hunt. The EastAfrican learnt that the Catholic Church, whose former Cardinal, the late Emmanuel Nsubuga helped Museveni during the 1981-1986 bush war, is pushing to have a Catholic as the next president of Uganda. The Catholic Church has the largest following in the country and has asked the president to favour a Catholic from the Eastern or Central region in the presidential succession. In the last election Catholic leaders are understood to have reached an agreement with Museveni on his succession. There have since been regular consultations between the two parties. Prof Bukenya was an agreeable successor to Kazibwe because he is Catholic. "The Movement will have no credible leadership in 2006," the MP for Aswa Ronald Reagan Okumu told The EastAfrican. "It looks like the president is thinking of winning over the Baganda and the Catholics in appointing Bukenya. But there is no way you can play the religious game now. The Catholics in Uganda do not have a unified voice. The priorities of Catholics in the north is very different from those in the south or east." Last week the Catholic Church issued a statement to the media in which they welcomed Prof Bukenya'
ugnet_: THEY WHO CAUSE REFUGEES
Living History 993 Having been involved in a war in the last few months, one that notonly has brought misery to civilians in the combat area but also to theshores of countries thousands of miles away as tourism and trade suffered abacklash, as is the usual way with wars stemming from the machinations ofpoliticians, I am wondering like so many others just how much trust we canput in our political leaders in future. I can speak from experience havingseen my years of industry go for nothing due to the egotisticalmanipulations of power by vainglorious leadership and become one of themillions over recent years who have fled to safer lands. Today I was looking at a national newspaper on the web withheadlines: "Lies, lies, lies and damned politicians!" and the question; "Sohow do you know a politician is lying when his lips move?" This truly isthe question for us all involved in the plight of Africa, for if Hellexists it is surely on that continent that the inhabitants have a foretasteof what is to come having suffered the consequences of politicalinterference and blatant chicanery from all levels of government from mostparts of the world. If now they are accused of lying or other malpracticethey will often shrug and say: "Yes, and we learned how to do it so wellfrom you." The difference is that the outsiders interfere from the safetyof their own comfortable lands while the ordinary black man or woman isusually left to walk miles for muddy tadpole infested water or sit about ina threadbare blanket hoping a Samaritan will bring some crumbs. Theseordinary people were not responsible for establishing an evil leader likeMugabe and have no reason to be grateful to those who did, still less tothose countries whose leaders not only fail to ostracize him but even offerhim support. We are told: "It is too much to expect politicians to tell thetruth all the time. They would not last long if they did. After all, unlikemost jobs there are no qualifying exams. As public figures they are goingto put the best gloss on their party policy not list the possible, least ofall the probable, bad consequences. They will always try to make us seethings their way and by avoiding telling the whole truth can give anentirely false impression while still being able to claim later that theydid not lie." When it comes to African affairs we rarely see politicians who areworth their salt but one who did have the respect of the continent, beingreferred to as "more African that the African," was Clare Short ofBritain's establishment, but as we have seen she was careless enough to becaught telling the truth and had to go. There was general praise for theway she had managed her International Development Department but theobvious fact that Africa was to lose that day their champion and that therewas no one in her political party of equal experience to replace her didnot prevent her 'resignation' from being accepted. So where is Africa today? Clare Short has been replaced by someonenot democratically elected whom we have already seen this week moreinclined to stay 'on message' i.e. toe the party line, than make anintellectually and politically challenging attempt to acknowledge problemsand look for sensible solutions. Although the African press, possibly withsome pressure from foreign embassies, repeatedly warned that the case forgoing to war with Iraq was unconvincing nevertheless Clare Short'ssuccessor immediately set off on a whirlwind tour of Africa to parrot theBritish government's case for doing so and worse still, get that continentinvolved. Her approach has been far different from that of another lady ofAfrica, the journalist Stella Orakwue who sees the dangers for Africa andrecently wrote: "Those who have crowned themselves as Masters of theUniverse, who need no master key of consent to enter our countries, theirsuperforce bombs any barricade, breaks down any door, anywhere they fancy.Their know-how is how to kill independence and to give birth todestabilization, in-fighting and divide and rule." Now with great power andAfrican by birth she follows a truthful path and stands firm against thewall of lies that has done so much harm to Africa in the past. The MajiMaji rebellion of Tanganyika, the massacre of the Hereroes of Namibia. Noneof this should have come back, but it has: the Congo is a today's fact, nota memory. "Lies, Lies and damned politicians" is with us in the case of AminaLawal who is to be stoned to death. The president of Nigeria has made apromise, which I certainly have no faith in, that she will not be stonedunder the sentence meted out by the Islamic court but at the same time hehas in his election addresses made it clear that he accepts the position ofIslamic courts in Nigeria. Does this help Amina Lawal? We have again beentold wait and see for she has been reprieved for the moment to attend yetanother appeal o
ugnet_: Fwd: NYTimes.com Article: A Theory of Everything
A Theory of Everything June 1, 2003 By THOMAS L. FRIEDMAN After 9/11 people wondered, "Why do they hate us?" speaking of the Muslim world. After the Iraq war debate, the question is, "Why does everybody else hate us?" http://www.nytimes.com/2003/06/01/opinion/01FRIE.html?ex=1055584651&ei=1&en=1ce16a32ae46962a Add photos to your e-mail with MSN 8. Get 2 months FREE*.
ugnet_: End Kony War, Pope asks Uganda Government
End Kony war, Pope asks govtBy Mercy Nalugo June 4, 2003 -Monitor Religious leaders yesterday prayed that government talks peace with the Lord's Resistance Army leader Joseph Kony. The pope, in a message delivered by his eminence Crescencio Cardinal Sepe from the Vatican, expressed disappointment over the endless war in northern Uganda. Cardinal Sepe, who also is the prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelisation of People, was the main celebrant at Martyrs Day celebrations at the Catholic shrine in Namugongo, a few miles to the east of Kampala. He said many people in northern Uganda have lost their lives, including seminarians. He prayed for an immediate end to the war and for peace to reign in the region. "We need peace; most people have innocently lost their lives in the north while others are suffering innocently," Cardinal Sepe said. "We should pray for this to end." He appealed to Christians to emulate the example of the 22 (Catholic) martyrs who were burnt to ashes because of their faith and also the two new martyrs from Gulu - Daudi Okelo and Jildo Irwa. The theme for the day was "Be My Witnesses". Gulu Diocese led the congregation throughout the mass, singing hymns in all languages. They also made donations to the church and to Cardinal Sepe. His Grace the Archbishop of Gulu Archdiocese John Baptist Odama called on Ugandans to forge a movement for peace so as to end the suffering in the region. "I am making my declaration today, let those who are fighting in my area know it from me, let us forge the movement for peace," Archbishop Odama said. "Let's put the other movements aside but [the] movement for peace." He called upon all Ugandans to work together and build a united movement for Uganda. The Vicar General of Gulu Archdiocese Msgr Matthew Odong said the people of northern Uganda are living under fear due to the war. "Many people in northern Uganda have lost their lives; government should talk peace with Kony," Msgr Odong said. His Eminence Emmanuel Cardinal Wamala commended the Gulu people for their good choir and contribution toward the 3 June preparations. "You have really done a good job despite the turmoil you are going through. You have not only led others throughout the liturgy but also renovated the shrine and provided manual work," the cardinal said. Newly appointed Vice President Gilbert Bukenya attended but he was not given chance to address the congregation. Parliament is yet to approve his appointment. The Third Deputy Prime Minister Henry Kajura, who represented the government, conveyed President Yoweri Museveni's greetings to the people and his apology for not attending. He said that government appreciates the work done by religious leaders."The government believes in freedom of worship and therefore it is willing to advance your initiatives," Mr Kajura said. The head of the Catholic laity, Prof. Peter Kasenene, said that the Episcopal Conference was looking to provide a dignified religious centre for pilgrims in memory of the martyrs. He called on people to support a project at the shrine which aims at making Namugongo an international resource centre. The Secretary General of the Episcopal Conference in Uganda Msgr Joseph Obunga appealed to people to contribute generously toward the project to make Namugongo a better place. The Katikkiro Mulwanyammuli Ssemwogerere and two of his ministers represented the Buganda Kingdom. Religious leaders from Sudan, Kenya, Tanzania, DR Congo and the United States attended the celebrations. © 2003 The Monitor Publications Do you Yahoo!? Free online calendar with sync to Outlook(TM).
ugnet_: Kazibwe Quitting Was 'Arranged With Museveni'
Regional - East African - Nairobi - Kenya Monday, June 2, 2003 Kazibwe Quitting Was 'Arranged With M-7'By WAIRAGALA WAKABI THE EASTAFRICAN FORMER VICE President Specioza Kazibwe, whose shock resignation two weeks ago knew she would be stepping down almost as soon as President Museveni appointed her for a second term two years ago. According to senior government officials close to the presidency, when the president re-appointed Dr Kazibwe Vice President in 2001, the two had an understanding that she would serve for two years and then pave the way for a candidate capable of selling the Movement in the run up to 2006. It has emerged that Dr Kazibwe declared her decision to leave as far back as January. According to communication made available to The EastAfrican, she wrote to the president informing him she intended to enrol for doctoral studies at Harvard University in the US. Sources also said that when some senior Movement officials started openly criticising Museveni for wanting a third term, the president "reminded" Kazibwe of the agreement they had regarding the two-year tenure. Some women activists say that the debate over Kazibwe is unfair and that a woman candidate could be capable of winning an election. "I think that women have taken a very big lead. To a great extent they have performed very well," said Beatrice Kiraaso, the MP for Kabarole district. She said saw no reason why a woman could not be saleable to the Ugandan electorate. The embattled VP was said to be looking around for an international job since early last year. Her aides said she had been most keen on that of UN Special Envoy on food security and that President Museveni has been helping her with the hunt. The EastAfrican learnt that the Catholic Church, whose former Cardinal, the late Emmanuel Nsubuga helped Museveni during the 1981-1986 bush war, is pushing to have a Catholic as the next president of Uganda. The Catholic Church has the largest following in the country and has asked the president to favour a Catholic from the Eastern or Central region in the presidential succession. In the last election Catholic leaders are understood to have reached an agreement with Museveni on his succession. There have since been regular consultations between the two parties. Prof Bukenya was an agreeable successor to Kazibwe because he is Catholic. "The Movement will have no credible leadership in 2006," the MP for Aswa Ronald Reagan Okumu told The EastAfrican. "It looks like the president is thinking of winning over the Baganda and the Catholics in appointing Bukenya. But there is no way you can play the religious game now. The Catholics in Uganda do not have a unified voice. The priorities of Catholics in the north is very different from those in the south or east." Last week the Catholic Church issued a statement to the media in which they welcomed Prof Bukenya's appointment. Rev Joseph Obunga, the secretary general of the Uganda Episcopal Conference, asked the Movement not to amend the constitution to allow more than two terms for a president. Cardinal Emmanuel Wamala is said to have preferred the Speaker of the National Assembly, Edward Sekandi, a Catholic, to succeed Museveni. On his part, the president considers Prof Bukenya, his new Vice President, "a hardworking and unquestioningly loyal cadre" who could be sold as a presidential candidate in 2006 should Ugandans reject proposed constitutional amendments to allow Museveni to stand for a third term. The former university professor recently underwent a military course at a local school. Political observers warn that the religious game would be difficult to sell in 2006. Complications have already emerged between the Catholic Church and the president. While the choice of Prof Bukenya is in line with the clergymen's thinking, the church has come out strongly against suggestions that Museveni might run in 2006. There is also feeling within the Movement that "difficult" candidates can no longer be pushed through with the opening up of the political field imminent. This is unlike the past in which candidates who were unpopular with the electorate have been rammed through. The lesson for this, the source said, came from the awkward showdown over the Ngoma Ngime debacle. Mr Ngime, who hails from eastern Uganda, was sponsored by the Movement to contest the Mbarara seat in the west, against Winnie Byanyima, the wife of former presidential candidate Kizza Besigye. He was beaten allegedly because he was considered a foreigner in the area. Additional Reporting by David Kaiza Comments\Views about this article Do you Yahoo!? Free online calendar with sync to Outlook(TM).
ugnet_: Third Term: Will Museveni call Referendum?
Regional - East African - Nairobi - Kenya Monday, June 2, 2003 Third Term: Will M-7 Call Referendum? Parliament is empowered to amend some articles of the constitution, the one for the presidential term being one of them By WAIRAGALA WAKABI THE EASTAFRICAN UGANDA'S NATIONAL Resistance Movement (NRM) government is planning to call a national referendum to decide whether a president can stand for more than two five-year terms, sources said last week. But opposition politicians said it would be difficult to sell the referendum idea dismissing the exercise as intended to "use the people's name to legitimise decisions already made by the Movement." The Solicitor General, Lucian Tibaruha, told The EastAfrican that a referendum was not required for changing the articles of the constitution relating to the number of terms a president can run. Should the NRM go ahead with it, it will be the second question likely to be put to the electorate in a plebiscite. The other, which has already met a lot of opposition, would ask the population whether political parties should be allowed to operate or not. "The referendum will decide on the third term and the opening up of democratic space for parties," a senior official said. He added that if Ugandans reject the Movement's plea to amend the constitution in terms of the presidential term, it would front Vice President Prof Gilbert Bukenya as its candidate in the 2006 election. It is envisaged that the issue of freeing political party activities, which influential members of the Movement currently favour, will be submitted to the plebiscite at the same time as that of the presidential term. According to senior Movement officials who spoke to The EastAfrican, the referendum was expected to legitimise the decision of the Movement National Conference, which early this year recommended that a president could hold office for any number of terms. To have or not to have the referendum on term limits will depend on parliament. Recent divisions and changes in the Movement, opposition politicians say, are likely to the put the proposal in an awkward position. "They are saying that in excitement," the MP for Rubaga South, Ken Lukyamuzi, told The EastAfrican. "It is not an exclusive issue because it has to be part of the proposed amendments in the Sempebwa Constitutional Review Commission." Article 105 of the constitution says: "A person shall not be elected under this constitution to hold office as president for more than two terms". Critics of the Movement say that in trying to amend the constitution, the Movement wants President Yoweri Museveni to stand for a third term in 2006, when he is expected to retire. The president is serving his second term as elected president, having been elected in 1996 and in March 2001. He has however been in power since January 1986. Although though the president has not declared that he is interested in contesting in 2006, it is understood that the endeavour to change the constitution is intended to enable him stand for a third term. "For us in the Reform Agenda, we think that the third term issue is diversionary politics," MP for Aswa Ronald Reagan Okumu told The EastAfrican. He said there were more important issues in regard to the political transition, which the government was deliberately ignoring. He said the electoral process under a new political arrangement was not clear and needed civic education, adding that the non-involvement of the army, the intelligence services, the Movement Secretariat, Residence District Commissioners and the police in elections have to be clarified. The constitution bars parties from opening and operating branch offices, holding delegates' conferences and holding public rallies. It also forbids them from sponsoring candidates in any public elections, and "carrying out any activities that may interfere with the Movement political system." It is also possible to change the political system if such an amendment is supported by two thirds of the Members of Parliament and district councils in at least half of the country's districts. Parliament is empowered to amend some articles of the constitution, the one for the presidential term being one of them. The Movement enjoys a majority in parliament, although observers say it is not a guarantee that a referendum would be passed. Mr Lukyamuzi said that Movement MPs felt that the ongoing political changes were driving a wedge between them and their constituents as the Movement was taking "unpopular decisions." The issue of multipartyism, however, requires a constitutional amendment. A parliamentary resolution supported by more than half the MPs is required for the exercise, which Movement leader they are confident they can secure. "We [Movement] need to manage the transition. Though DP and UPC may now have lost the capacity to cause chaos, there are now 26 parties and these can tear the country apart if the transition is not well managed," said a M
ugnet_: Like Mugabe, Museveni Wants to Fight Change
Opinion - East African - Nairobi - Kenya Monday, June 2, 2003 CHARLES ONYANGO-OBBO Like Mugabe, M-7 Wants to Fight ChangeAs dramatic political days come and go in Uganda, few rival the events of last week. As President Yoweri Museveni pushed on to amend the constitution and remove the presidential two-term limit, opening the way for him to vie for a third elected term, the fifth one in all, after 2006 and potentially as president-for-life if he chooses to key ministers and long-term allies crossed the line in opposing him. First Deputy Prime Minister Eriya Kategaya, who was also Minister of Internal Affairs, gave a strongly-worded interview in which he criticised the presidents plans. Kategaya is Musevenis childhood friend and the man with whom he has been politically close the longest. The independent-minded former Local Government Minister Bidandi Ssali, who has a longer record of faulting Musevenis frequent undemocratic behaviour, faced off sharply with the president in a closed-door meeting of parliamentarians from the ruling Movement. Ethics and Integrity Minister Miria Matembe, the scourge of male chauvinists and men who abuse women (she wants rapists castrated), corrupt officials and politicians and generals (some of them close to the president), upped her denunciation of a slide into the bad old days. Musevenis patience snapped. By some curious circumstances, the controversial and socially embattled vice president Dr Speciosa Kazibwe resigned, with the president gladly accepting her letter. Kazibwe had become spent political currency, and her departure or dismissal had been long awaited. The move allowed Museveni to dig in for the fight to have a long, though probably unhappy, life in power. He named his Minister for the Presidency, Dr Gilbert Bukenya, to replace Kazibwe, then shocked many with the sacking of Kategaya, Bidandi and Matembe. The sacking of Kategaya and Bidandi, however, shouldnt have come as a surprise. The wonder is that they stayed this long in Musevenis government. As this column has argued before, the moderates were an endangered breed in the Movement as Uganda moves in the direction of Zimbabwe. This is not an idle comparison: Like Mugabe, Museveni came to power at the head of a guerrilla army and both men were celebrated as enlightened African leaders in their early years. And perhaps they were, but they could not stay the course because the guerrilla path is the road taken when a non-political change is not possible or seems to be taking "too long." The problem politicians like Museveni face is that they must, eventually, still fight the political fight. Countries like Kenya and Senegal, where the opposition battles for many frustrating years through non-violent means, usually make more substantial democratic transformations. This is because they only succeed, as NARC did in Kenya, by learning to cut deals, to compromise, to swallow their pride and greed, to listen and to tolerate diverse views the things that make for democracy. The guerrilla route usually stresses the opposite: discipline and obedience, which are authoritarian traits. Guerrilla wars rarely substitute for the difficult and dangerous non-violent agitation for democratic reform that was witnessed in Kenya, for example, between 1982 and 2002. They only postpone it. In fact, the intervention of arms merely freezes old political grievances. It is significant that both Gen Idi Amin and Lt-Gen Yoweri Museveni, when they took power with the gun, had to deal with an issue that President Milton Obote thought he had solved using the military in 1966 the kingdoms and clamour for federalism. Kategaya fell out with Obotes Uganda Peoples Congress in the late 1960s because Obote was doing the things Museveni is doing today. Bidandi, too and for a time was expelled from the party. He must be marvelling at how much the more Ugandan politics remains the same, the more it seems to change. Charles Onyango-Obbo is managing editor in charge of media convergence at the Nation Media Group. E-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Comments\Views about this article Do you Yahoo!? Free online calendar with sync to Outlook(TM).
ugnet_: Young Graduates Invest, Older Ones Go Broke - Joachim Buwembo
Opinion - East - African - Nairobi - Kenya Monday, June 2, 2003 JOACHIM BUWEMBO Young Graduates Invest, Older Ones Go BrokeA quiet socio-economic transformation is taking place in Uganda. You wouldnt notice it unless you have reason to look for it. But it is there and it is either promising or frightening, depending on how you look at it: The young people are becoming more serious than the older folk. The young adults, people fresh from college and recently employed, are getting more financially prudent than their parents and it is almost frightening. The reasons for this can be debated, but we can examine the observations. The property market of Kampala has become active in the past couple of years. Suddenly, every plot seems to be on sale. Real estate agencies like a new one called Property Masters and the much older Eastlands Agency are doing roaring business. But a profile of their typical customers is what is more interesting: They are people who would have no business buying plots some years ago. The people buying houses today look like those you used to see shopping for large music systems in the 1990s. Many of them are in their mid-20s and havent even bought their first car. It is a bit unnerving. We are not saying that every youth who gets a job wants to become a property owner. The average newly employed still rushes for those things he missed as a student because his dad wasnt a millionaire, like a shiny car with loud music. But a small percentage of the young, newly employed happens to be a sizeable percentage of those buying property today. Did their parents counsel them? Not likely. The real estate dealers I have interviewed are quite dismissive of the middle-aged and older Ugandans in matters of personal finances. They say the older fellows, especially those with a university education, are a spoilt lot who went to school when things were good and partied a significant part of their lives away. They used to get jobs that entitled them to free housing, something todays new entrants to the job market have never heard of. Public-service pool houses were abolished with the advent of liberalisation a decade ago and offloaded onto the market. Another important factor is the physical hardships at university campuses today. Even if you grew up in a luxurious home, three years of sharing a small room with other people during your degree course prepares you for sacrifice. You can survive in a one-room apartment with shared toilets that costs you 50 dollars a month as you ambitiously save to become a home owner. A housing agent says many single women in their mid-20s today look for apartments of $100 a month, while those in their 30s and above look for those costing $250 and above. This is not because the older women are richer; they expect someone to pay for them, while the younger ones are paying for themselves. The older ones in the more expensive apartments tend to leave suddenly, or more accurately get evicted, when the relationship with the person who was paying the rent ends. The younger ones stay until they move into their own, often unfinished houses, which they complete while already living there. Some with better paying jobs stay in the $100 apartment and rent out their own houses at a higher rate. I cannot pretend to know exactly the causes of these new tendencies. But the re-introduction of mortgage financing by some banks has something to do with it. You do not have be rich, as was the case in the past, to get long-term finance. A couple of development banks are giving out housing loans to people who can prove they are in regular employment. These young people are in a hurry to secure their future and have started to invest in medium-size bungalows, which they easily rent out at $250 to $500 in the suburbs. Meanwhile, the older investors who had built large mansions on the prestigious hills are finding it difficult to get tenants who can pay $2,000 a month. With improved security, more people, including expatriates, are happy to stay in the suburbs where they pay less than a quarter of that. But all is not lost for the large house owners who fall on hard times. Those who are brave enough are selling them to people who convert them into guest houses. That is the respectable term for motels where couples hire a room for an hour or two. It is a roaring business, but that is a story for another day. Joachim Buwembo is Editor of The Sunday Vision of Kampala. E-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Comments\Views about this article Do you Yahoo!? Free online calendar with sync to Outlook(TM).
ugnet_: Uganda Budget: Donors Want actions Consistent With Policies
INTERVIEWMonday, June 2, 2003 PRE-BUDGET ANALYSIS - EAST AFRICAN - NAIROBI - KENYA Donors Want actions Consistent With Policies Uganda's donors met in Kampala on May 14 -16 to discuss the performance of the country's economy and the agenda for the coming years. WAIRAGALA WAKABI spoke to SUDHARSHAN CANAGARAJAH, the World Bank's Senior Country Economist in Kampala, shortly after the meeting What are the donors' views on the budget for the 2003/04 financial year? The country's revenue has not risen significantly over the past 3 years. The options for this are few because the tax base is narrow. We have therefore asked the government to rethink an increase in expenditure. We want to see an increase in strategic exports, and private sector development. We also want the government to state its policy on subsidies like cheap loans and tax breaks for individual investors or companies. How was defence spending tackled? Increases in defence spending which the government effected just three months into the last financial year had a negative effect on the performance of the entire budget. We have now agreed that there should be no cuts to the Poverty Action Fund, and that the budgets for defence and public administration should be within the provided limit. Why did donors find it necessary to have a consultative meeting? Since 50 per cent of Uganda's budget is funded by development partners, the latter have a stake in the country's policy. Donors want to be sure that the government's actions are consistent with their policies. In the past two years, development discussions have been linked to the Poverty Eradication Action Plan (PEAP). If more money is needed for health or roads programmes then these sectors get funded. What were the issues discussed? They varied. To hit the PEAP targets, Uganda needs a GDP growth rate of 7 per cent. This year the growth is 4.9 per cent. We discussed how to change the government's strategy since it is not working. President Museveni said that the country needed better access to local, regional and international markets, and more resources for the electricity sector. We agreed that our future programmes would address these issues. What did the donors suggest to turn around the economy? The current population growth rate is 3.4 per cent and economic growth is 4.9 per cent, which means per capita growth is 1.5 per cent. If we reduce the population growth rate to 2.5 per cent, the economic growth rate can be increased by 1 per cent. Many countries in Africa have raised their economic growth rate by reducing the population growth rate. Was corruption on your agenda? Yes. Corruption is a big issue and an impediment to the growth of the private sector. Uganda has passed legislation and has institutions to check the vice, but the problem is implementation. Currently, a large share of the budget is spent on procurement of goods and services, but it is estimated that over 50 per cent of this cost is lost through corruption. On the P EAP, what issues were of concern to the donors? The country is revising its PEAP programmes that will guide development in the next 3 years. Our view was that the quality of services provided should be improved. We also discussed Uganda's interpretation of the New Partnership for Africa's Development (Nepad) and its implications. The government wants to use PEAP as the entry point to Nepad. How did the meeting handle the issue of poverty and the humanitarian situation in northern Uganda? The government seems very much concerned with security. But the issue is actually bigger. Between 1999 and 2002, despite the growth in the country's economy, northern Uganda did not benefit. Over that period, national poverty fell from 56 per cent to 35 per cent, but in northern Uganda it increased. The problem is not just about the Lord's Resistance Army rebels. People there do not have services like education and safe drinking water. Comments\Views about this article Do you Yahoo!? Free online calendar with sync to Outlook(TM).
ugnet_: Fwd: In Africa, Pricking the West's Conscience
In Africa, Pricking the West's Conscience June 1, 2003 By SOMINI SENGUPTA Peacekeeping troops will be in Congo, it is believed, to stop the killings in Bunia. That only leaves the rest of the country. http://www.nytimes.com/2003/06/01/weekinreview/01SENG.html?ex=1055584572&ei=1&en=d06409e087650d8d Help STOP SPAM with the new MSN 8 and get 2 months FREE*
ugnet_: Fwd: NYTimes.com Article: 'You Lied to Us'
America's "victory" wasn't over Iraq one. As one 'talking head' pointed out recently, it was an outright slaughter of an unarmed force. The Iraqi army has been systematically disarmed for the last 10 years by the United nations. As soon as the last missile was destroyed the so-called 'coalition of the willing' walked across the boarder and the carnage started in earnest. That a supposedly civilized nation could behave in such brutal and primitive way and without any compuction is a rather sobering event. Even then, it surprisingly took a heavily armed a long time to reach the capital against a relatively defenceless foe. In anycase the 'victory' is starting to sound hollow, partly for reasons outlined, almost prophetically, at www.theatlantic.com/unbound/roundtable/goodfight/luttwak1.htm, and partly because the pretext for war was a web of lies -- complete with crudely fabricated documents mascarading as "evidence". Small wonder, the coalition is having no better luck that UN inspectors in locating WMDs; and any that might be found are likely to be planted ones. Addiction to oil, it seems, is no different than addiction to any drug. === 'You Lied to Us' June 2, 2003 By WILLIAM SAFIRE Quick - what was the biggest intelligence misjudgment of Gulf War II? http://www.nytimes.com/2003/06/02/opinion/02SAFI.html?ex=1055584723&ei=1&en=09c07571ef30b742 The new MSN 8: smart spam protection and 2 months FREE*
ugnet_: Fwd: 'Property': A Slave's Power (Mandingo?)
'Property': A Slave's Power February 23, 2003 By KATHRYN HARRISON Valerie Martin's novel explores the sexual rivalry between mistress and slave in the antebellum South. http://www.nytimes.com/2003/02/23/books/review/23HARRIST.html?ex=1055585296&ei=1&en=695609ba8356d19d Add photos to your messages with MSN 8. Get 2 months FREE*.
ugnet_: Fwd: Standard Operating Procedure (Mr. Seven follows this SOP too)
Standard Operating Procedure June 3, 2003 By PAUL KRUGMAN Misleading the public has been a consistent strategy for the Bush team on issues from tax policy to the war in Iraq. http://www.nytimes.com/2003/06/03/opinion/03KRUG.html?ex=1055655856&ei=1&en=221449f0469288b8 Add photos to your messages with MSN 8. Get 2 months FREE*.
Re: ugnet_: Who is murdering UPDF officers?
y, this is the sort of problem I was pointing out to you (in order to avoid confusion) when you were making funny remarks about my request to a netter to give details about an article. It seems you haven't learned a thing. Kasangwawo From: "Y Yaobang" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: ugnet_: Who is murdering UPDF officers? Date: Tue, 03 Jun 2003 02:51:06 + J Ssemakula, This was a letter to the editor of The Monitor of May 30th or 31st. For the record, I dont belong to dictator Museveni's UPDF - and never will - and thus did not 'pen it [the letter]'. Why, are you ESO? y From: "J Ssemakula" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: ugnet_: Who is murdering UPDF officers? Date: Mon, 02 Jun 2003 20:07:33 + Mr. Y, what is the souce of this note: did you pen it? Original Message Follows From: "Y Yaobang" Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: ugnet_: Who is murdering UPDF officers? Date: Sat, 31 May 2003 17:34:00 + Finally, some gallant officers are asking questions. What took you so long? Speak out louder, or else you'll be finished like ensenene, one by one!! y --- Who is murdering UPDF officers? We appreciate the efforts by the army leadership to investigate and expose the mysterious thefts, murders and scandals involving the army, especially the recently released reports on Commissions of Inquiry into the murder of Father Declan O'Toole, Junk Choppers and the Potter Commission on Congo. But there are other issues that the army and the public wish to know more. For instance, in March 2001, Tito Abiriga, formerly an officer attached to Military Police hailing from Arua, was shot by 'unknown gunmen' at Natete. Investigations into this incidence have never been conclusive, yet some of us seem to see much more that the ordinary eye can see. In 2001 again, Lt. Makoko, also of Military Police, was shot and killed at his home in Busega. To date, nothing is known about his killing, yet there indeed is a lot to be exposed. In the 1990's, Lt. Shalita, attached to ISO was shot in a pub in Bukoto. This was a very well publicised incident, but not much came out of the investigations. But more importantly, Lt.Atwoki Baguma, a close friend of the three dead officers, mysteriously disappeared, and his whereabouts are not known. Is it by coincidence that close UPDF officers are shot, killed and then one of them disappears? Can the army leadership come out and explain these situations? Concerned Army Officers, UPDF. _ Add photos to your e-mail with MSN 8. Get 2 months FREE*. http://join.msn.com/?page=features/featuredemail _ The new MSN 8: smart spam protection and 2 months FREE* http://join.msn.com/?page=features/junkmail << message3.txt >> _ The new MSN 8: smart spam protection and 2 months FREE* http://join.msn.com/?page=features/junkmail
Re: ugnet_: Who is murdering UPDF officers?
It is good netiquette to quote one's sources, especially if they happen to be public. ESO? Use your imagination, if possible. Original Message Follows From: "Y Yaobang" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: ugnet_: Who is murdering UPDF officers? Date: Tue, 03 Jun 2003 02:51:06 + J Ssemakula, This was a letter to the editor of The Monitor of May 30th or 31st. For the record, I dont belong to dictator Museveni's UPDF - and never will - and thus did not 'pen it [the letter]'. Why, are you ESO? y >From: "J Ssemakula" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] >To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] >Subject: Re: ugnet_: Who is murdering UPDF officers? >Date: Mon, 02 Jun 2003 20:07:33 + > Mr. Y, what is the souce of this note: did you pen it? Original Message Follows From: "Y Yaobang" Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: ugnet_: Who is murdering UPDF officers? Date: Sat, 31 May 2003 17:34:00 + Finally, some gallant officers are asking questions. What took you so long? Speak out louder, or else you'll be finished like ensenene, one by one!! y --- Who is murdering UPDF officers? We appreciate the efforts by the army leadership to investigate and expose the mysterious thefts, murders and scandals involving the army, especially the recently released reports on Commissions of Inquiry into the murder of Father Declan O'Toole, Junk Choppers and the Potter Commission on Congo. But there are other issues that the army and the public wish to know more. For instance, in March 2001, Tito Abiriga, formerly an officer attached to Military Police hailing from Arua, was shot by 'unknown gunmen' at Natete. Investigations into this incidence have never been conclusive, yet some of us seem to see much more that the ordinary eye can see. In 2001 again, Lt. Makoko, also of Military Police, was shot and killed at his home in Busega. To date, nothing is known about his killing, yet there indeed is a lot to be exposed. In the 1990's, Lt. Shalita, attached to ISO was shot in a pub in Bukoto. This was a very well publicised incident, but not much came out of the investigations. But more importantly, Lt.Atwoki Baguma, a close friend of the three dead officers, mysteriously disappeared, and his whereabouts are not known. Is it by coincidence that close UPDF officers are shot, killed and then one of them disappears? Can the army leadership come out and explain these situations? Concerned Army Officers, UPDF. _ Add photos to your e-mail with MSN 8. Get 2 months FREE*. http://join.msn.com/?page=features/featuredemail _ The new MSN 8: smart spam protection and 2 months FREE* http://join.msn.com/?page=features/junkmail << message3.txt >> Add photos to your messages with MSN 8. Get 2 months FREE*.
