The New Vision of Wednesday, April 6,2005 reported that: “Lt. Gen Salim Saleh and Dr. Ben Mbonye have been summoned to testify against Emmanuel Katto now on trial over the controversial Helicopter purchase in which the Government of Uganda lost over shs 11bn.Mbonye, the then Defence Ministry Permanent Secretary, was to shed more light on allegations that he connected Katto to Saleh to secure the deal for supply of four Mi – 24 military helicopters that turned out to be junk.
Katto was accused of offering a shs 1.4bn bribe to Saleh, a Government official, to win the contact.
The direction of Uganda is God's case with administrative expenditures which are dictated by political sense and NOT Economic sense; districts are increasing every other day. Only God knows, because wethe simpleminds are resigned.
Though the Worldbank provided funding for Nakivubo Channel, the fact that this money was not well used is clearasthe flooding it was supposed to mitigate still goes on as if no funding has ever been sunk!
DISASTER AFTER DISASTER WELCOME PRESIDENT MUSEVENI AS HE PREPARES FOR NOMINATION WHICH WILL MAKE IT AN EQUIVALENT OF A 6TH FIVE YEAR TERM SINCE 1986 WHEN HIS NRA CAPTURED STATE POWER!
Bus Kills 12 people!
President Museveni says: Kampala city to get 300 free toilets
He cited peace, security, economic recovery, disciplined army, free education for all, and democratisation as some of his key achievements. Museveni said NRM’s achievements are not only recognised in Uganda, but across the world. “NRM has liberated Uganda from dictators and has brought peace to the country. Our economy is self-reliant as we can work on development programmes without depending on foreign loans and grants. “It is us who have liberated Uganda from those problems, who deserve to be entrusted with the leadership of the country,” he said amidst ululations from supporters. Museveni dismissed his competitors in the 2011 presidential race asking him to relinquish power, saying they are underachievers with nothing to offer. Referring to his achievements, stability and a robust economy with enough revenue to finance government programmes, Museveni wondered why his opponents were demanding that he relinquishes power. “They say Museveni agende (should go). Why should he go and you remain? What have you achieved to qualify to replace him? Uganda had problems of murderers and dictators, why didn’t you solve them? The Museveni you tell to go led those who liberated Uganda from those problems,” he elaborated. Museveni equated himself to an old broom, which knows all the corners and to a fighter, who has surmounted all the country’s problems.
UGANDANS SHOULD MOURN 25 - 26th OCTOBER FOR THE SIMPLE REASON THAT OPPOSITION PARTY HEADS FAILED TO SEE SENSE IN COOPERATION TO HAVE ONE CANDIDATE CONTEST THE PRESIDENCY WHICH IS MOST LIKELY TO GIVE MUSEVENI ANOTHER CHANCE.
WHAT ALTERNATIVE COMMUNICATION OPTIONS WHEN INTERNET MAILS ARE INTERCEPTED?
Dear all,
I am highly convinced that for us who are serious opponents of the Museveni regime which has set an agenda for itself to see that it stays for as long as it wishes though in many instances it is not doing a service to Ugandans; our chances of going far in our struggles may not be there given the interference with our communication which is so crucial in our efforts for publicity of our work and resource mobilization. It looks like Government has its hand in all this communication and much interest in what our schemes are. Emails are intercepted; chances that you send a message and it is not received by the party meant to get it seem to be on the increase. Emails are being blocked and one cannot be sure that those to whom he may have sent mails are unable to reply so that he gets their views and guidance, yet the chances that even finances sent can be blocked and the right beneficiary may not know about the development, such is the challenge we are faced with to date. These are the muscles of repressive regimes, which we are trying to address but we are weak opponents who need a lot of support to get anywhere. The dollars from donor countries are a real problem as repressive regimes are at liberty to use and misuse this funding and at times much of this type of funding ends up in individuals’ pockets which is very unfortunate.
Any thing like being a crusader of Good Governance in a climate where the regime in power sees itself as indispensable and has all the right to see itself in power as it challenges opponents using all possible resources at its disposable including legislation that limits Human Rights is unfortunate. We may not go far when the potential helpers just look at us. I think there is need for the International community to be more committed to our efforts other than just ignoring our calls for assistance more so to support programmes that can better educate the masses about their rights.
For the people of Uganda, when one recollects what has gone on for the nearly 25 years NRM has been in power and more often than not the donor community has to come in to threaten to withdraw aid so that the regime can reduce on its excesses, it becomes unfortunate that the people may have no avenue to change Government at a crucial point in time when the country seems to be moving backwards though this is disguised as positive growth which is for the benefit of a few as majority get more impoverished.
I think the International community should look to our cause with more concern such that with time we make impact to bail our people in the circumstances they are in.
William Kituuka Kiwanuka
I WILL NOT VOTE TO ENDORSE ANOTHER 5 YEARS’ TERM FOR MUSEVENI
Dear Ugandans and members of the International community,
The unexpected has happened! I least expected to miss being one of the Presidential candidates in the forthcoming 2011 General Elections of Uganda, but it is sad, I am out. Much of my communication for possible funding has been interfered with, at least two of my email addresses are not functional, I am therefore not sure that my appeals for funding were not sabotaged, even my letter to the Governor Bank of Uganda on the subject whether they had received any funding in my favour was not responded to. My blog: www.williamkituuka.blogspot.com
has a clear strategy for the way forward for Uganda given the situation we are in, but it is most unfortunate that the opposition ignored me and instead decided to have nearly all contesting for the Presidency; which to me looks childish way of doing serious business for a people as are Ugandans. Given that all the Opposition heads decided to contest, I don’t want to fool myself to be party to those going to legitimize another 5 years for President Museveni whose last term should have expired in 2006.
For the Members of Parliament who ate the shs 5m as is alleged, God should punish them accordingly, because in the circumstances, the future of Uganda is very uncertain yet even the party leaders are not flexible enough to see the reality and the way out of the dilemma the country finds itself in. It is true, the problem on the part of Opposition Party leaders looks greed otherwise they would be capable of seeing a workable solution to what now looks like the Uganda Problem of a President not ready to leave office, yet the people are impoverished on as the country sinks further in debt!
I came in the context of NOAH of the Bible, but the Ugandans who would have seen sense in my mission have decided to let the country suffer another uncertainty yet when a clear strategy had been mapped to see a bright future. I simply cannot believe that Ugandans with the financial muscle could ignore me only to see the increased chances of president Museveni get another 5 years! Developments like the recent cabinet meeting at State House where the King of Buganda is targeted to lose much of the benefits are indeed the fruits of ignoring sense.
I think I have done the best I could for Uganda, even if the Almighty called me to Himself anytime now, I think I would go blameless.
William Kituuka Kiwanuka
EMBASSIES, HIGH COMMISSIONS & CONSULATES – RESIDENT DIPLOMATIC MISSIONS IN UGANDA CAN BE A VIABLE VEHICLE TO ENHANCE GOOD GOVERNANCE INITIATIVES IN UGANDA
After coming up with a project proposal in the name of Good governance School Clubs (GOGOC), I endeavoured to send out appeals to a number of diplomatic Missions (Embassies & High Commissions) in Uganda, and I was very unfortunate to get not a single response from any. I was however surprised to learn that from my model; Uganda Government came up with Patriotic School Clubs. The fact is that many times we have good initiatives but those who would help us don’t. What is unfortunate in the case of Uganda is that the country will degenerate on though some of us are ready to help the situation; all that we need is support. It becomes very frustrating designing proposals and fail to get the funding.
I came up with the idea of a Government of National Unity and Reconciliation where all major political parties would benefit in a win win situation but have President Museveni out; I saw this the best way out, today, I learn that there are not less than 8 Presidential candidates contesting! May be the diplomats would have advised these Presidential candidates that my idea was the best option, but as you see we are bound to go back to square one! As President Museveni has all the chances to come back to the scene.
SUMMARY OF THE PROPOSED PROGRAM
Good Governance Practice (GOGOP) is making an innovation into a new initiative which currently is not in practice in Uganda schools by the name of GOOD GOVERNANCE SCHOOL CLUBS (GOGOC) as a measure to start the building of a strong Civil Society from school level. When the project takes off in 100 sampled secondary schools in Wakiso District, it is anticipated that the current non-involvement of local people in policy, planning, execution, monitoring and evaluation of what is to affect them, that is; What is to be done, Why it is to be done, and How it is to be done, hence the neglected lever of change towards combating the mismanagement of public funds and affairs, corruption and abuse of power, lack of reinforcement of accountability because the local society don’t know that it is their right to access information and through involvement in decision making to improve the local government service delivery, will gradually change. This status quo will slowly become history as students will graduate from school well aware of their civic rights and duties.
Good Governance School Clubs (GOGOC) will help students understand their inalienable rights, social accountability, what corruption is and how to counter it, participatory governance, decentralization, issues concerning democracy, competitive elections, rule of law, freedom of expression hence communication.
The project shall be supervised by 4 technical officers of GOGOP who will convene a One day Workshop for 120 people including 100 secondary school teachers of Humanities from sampled participating schools in Wakiso district. The Workshop is to be used to illustrate the innovation to the teachers who will be the Club Patrons and shall oversee implementation in their schools. The Workshop shall avail 3 copies of Good Governance School Clubs Guidelines Manual as developed by GOGOP and Wall Charts for Teaching Aids to each teacher. An inducement pay in form of an allowance is to be paid to each teacher monthly to ensure results (that is, the starting of GOGOC and activities). School Club activities to be reported for publication in Good Governance Club Magazine.
GOGOP staff shall make 3 visits to each school in the course of the project lifetime and shall make an evaluation of what is on ground in each school. A Video on Good Governance School Clubs is to be developed by GOGOP and shall assist in disseminating the Good Governance School Clubs (GOGOC) activities countrywide including using and the Magazines produced to interest the Ministry of Education in Uganda to incorporate Good Governance School Clubs in the Schools’ Curriculum.
2. A Complete Project Description, including a Statement of Objectives, a Project Calendar, and A Description of Anticipated Results.
3.1 A Complete Project Description
3.11 Good Governance School Clubs (GOGOC) shall initially book the date for holding a One day Workshop for the Secondary School Teachers of Humanities from 100 selected secondary schools in Wakiso District, who will participate in Good Governance School Clubs (GOGOC). This will be a one day event.
3.12 Good Governance Practice (GOGOP) shall write to the Head teachers of the sampled secondary schools in Wakiso district that are to participate in the GOGOC, introducing the idea to them and requesting that they kindly participate as schools, hence release one Humanities teacher who can have tome to perform roles of a School patron for GOGOC. The Head teachers shall be informed of the date and venue for the One day event (Workshop) and the time by which participants should have arrived (9.00am) and that transport expenses to be refunded. Speed delivery (Expedited Mail Services of Uganda Posts) to be used. Head teachers shall be requested for a feed back to confirm that their teacher shall attend and they are ready to have GOGOC in their schools. This will be through use of telephone facility.
3.13 The staff of GOGOP shall work on the Good Governance School Clubs’ (GOGOC) Guidelines Manual. This shall have all subjects starting with how to form the Clubs, particulars to be included in the School Club constitution. There will be briefing about what should be covered on various subjects say; Elections, Democracy, Human rights just too mention some. Also charts shall be developed to give the pictorial representation on different aspects. This work in (3.13) shall be completed in 3 weeks’ time giving an allowance of 1 week for printing the publications.
3.14 Just a month after the delivery of the letters to the head teachers, a One day Workshop will be due. In the Workshop, teachers of Humanities shall be introduced to the idea of Good Governance School Clubs (GOGOC) and the challenge ahead to see that these clubs take serious root in schools as one practical way to promote informed citizenry well aware of what is expected of them in the promotion of democracy, human rights, rule of law, participatory governance, to mention a few. They will be informed of the reporting mechanism and contribution to Good Governance Clubs’ Magazine for publicity.
3.15 The Humanities teachers, armed with 3 copies of GOGOC Guidelines’ Manual and Wall Charts, shall be expected to see the Good Governance School Clubs (GOGOC) take off in their respective school. This should be accomplished within the 1st month after the Workshop.
3.16 A month or so after the Workshop. GOGOP staff shall start visits to the schools to establish the formation of the Clubs and get opportunity to talk to Club members, hence give light on what the students are expected of and why they should participate.
3.17 While School visits shall continue, feedback from the schools shall be expected and this shall be used in the publication of Good Governance Club Magazines, where each school may have at least 4 copies of the publication. (This shall be on-going in the life of the project).
3.18 From the seventh month onwards, work shall start to develop a Video on Good Governance School Clubs. The development process of the Video shall involve writing of a manuscript, organizing those who will act, recording and producing copies in form of DVD for dissemination so that with time the whole country should have Good Governance Clubs alive and kicking.
3.19 The staff of GOGOP shall undertake evaluation of the Good Governance School Clubs (GOGOC) by visiting the schools on the second and last visit during the life of the project. The staff will establish number of registered members of each GOGOC per school and the activities the Clubs have been involved in as well as the knowledge of the students members in what is being promoted.
3.2 The statement of the GOGOC Objectives is:
“To help in the evolution of a strong Civil Society at an early stage when the students are encouraged to join Good Governance Clubs in which not only will they learn about their inalienable rights, social accountability, corruption and its ills in society, issues of democracy, competitive elections, rule of law, freedom of expression, so that on leaving school they are well armed to ensure that Good Governance Practice is the order of the day in their communities, and where leaders default, they can stand up to question them.”
Description of Anticipated Results
3.41 While still at school, students are to be induced into a new culture of active participation in society which will lead to the eventual development of true democratic processes and accessing higher rates of resource acquisition and use, better results, higher levels of volunteerism and a brighter community spirit. In other words, they will be encouraged into participation in matters concerning them which can be summed up as an empowered community.
3.42 Students are to change from passive involvement to intensive action oriented participation in their communities. And it is true, active community participation is the key to building an empowered community. This way, one can expect the students to get involved in community decisions making and also in spreading the ‘gospel’ to members of their communities that they should all be involved in matters concerning them and not wait for decisions from above.
3.43 Students will get to know their democratic and inalienable rights and as such shall not be subject to manipulation. They will know that they can at all times stand and defend these rights as they are entitled to them. And, they will be encouraged to educate fellow members of their communities.
3.44 Students will be a pillar in their communities that will help in holding local government leaders in their communities accountable to deliver services to them with efficiency. They will help other members of their communities in ensuring that policies and development programmes are adequately disseminated to the grass root communities through active participation in the interventions.
3.45 Students shall be expected to give a feed back on their practical work in their communities after each holiday time to ensure that they become active players in the anticipated changes in their communities.
3.46 Students will be a key in the reach out to the local leaders to ensure that local leaders are encouraged and educated not to exclude or ignore the local population in the decision making processes.
3.47 While students will be expected to be active players in matters of their communities in totality, they are seen as a pillar of change in society to have proper education about what is expected of them as useful citizens in their localities.
3. A Description of the methods to be used to evaluate the project in relation to its objectives
GOGOP shall evaluate Good Governance School Clubs (GOGOC) through the following measures.
4.1 The numbers in the school who are members of GOGOC given the school population.
4.2 The frequency of the GOGOC meetings and focal areas of discussion in the meetings.
4.3 Students’ experiences of how community matters are approached in their local communities – which experiences shall be documented by the students and availed to the GOGOP staff.
4.4 Ability of GOGOC to mobilize resources in form of member subscription to the school clubs.
4.5 How often relevant stakeholders in aspects of democracy, human rights, election organizations, anti corruption organizations, to mention a few have been invited to talk to student members of the school clubs.
4.6 Individual student documented practices in own community regarding dissemination of the club activities.
4.7 The contribution by students regarding their activities to the Good Governance Clubs’ Magazine.
4.8 Short essays written by the students about what they have learnt in their clubs.
4.9 Time allocated to GOGOC activities in the term by each school.
4.10 The activeness of the patron as seen from the notes students have in their Club note books.
4.11 The Patron’s remarks in relation to time allotment and students’ active participation.
4.12 Individual student remarks as regards the club and how he/she sees himself/herself help better his/her community given what is on ground there.
World Bank Reactivates Food Fund Amid Concern Over Food Volatility
Press Release No:2010/136/EXT
WASHINGTON, October 18, 2010 - The World Bank Group's Board of Executive Directors has approved extending the life of the Bank’s Global Food Crisis Response Program (GFRP) to June 2011, amid concern over heightened food price volatility and its impact on poor countries.
The move will allow the Bank to respond more swiftly to calls for assistance by countries hit hard by food price spikes, by allowing the fast-track processing and disbursement of up to US$760 million in existing funds for countries in need. Under the program, they can choose from a wide array of pre-tested options for food crisis response.
“There’s growing concern among countries about continuing volatility and uncertainty in food markets,” said World Bank Group President Robert B. Zoellick. “These concerns have been compounded by recent increases in grain prices. World food price volatility remains significant and in some countries, the volatility is adding to already higher local food prices due to other factors such as adverse weather. High volatility negatively impacts both consumers and farmers.”
Launched in May 2008, the GFRP was set up to help countries deal with the rapid food price rises. It was designed to address immediate needs and to support safety net programs such as food for work, conditional cash transfers, and school feeding programs for the most vulnerable people. To date, the total Bank-funded operations under the GFRP amounted to US$1.2 billion with assistance reaching 35 countries, especially the most affected regions in Africa and Asia. In addition, external donors have funded about $200 million in additional GFRP operations, that include another four countries.
“We do expect high volatility in food prices to continue until at least 2015, so reactivating the Bank’s food crisis fund means we’re ready to help countries calling for assistance. The crisis fund has proven to be an effective way to help countries with about 5.9 million farm households directly benefitting from timely assistance. In addition, support for social protection programs is already estimated to have reached 5.6 million people,” said World Bank Managing Director, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
The GFRP provides support for food production by supplying seeds and fertilizer, improving irrigation for small-scale farmers, as well as social safety net programs and also providing budget support to offset tariff reductions for food and other unexpected costs. Projects under the GFRP are having an impact, including:
• In Gambia, a project is targeting farmers in nine vulnerable districts. 35 village seeds stores are being set up.
• In Nepal, financing for social safety nets has seen more than 160,00 workers in food/cash works programs, providing food for about 940,000 people. They’ve been able to eat a greater variety of food as well as more food. 94% of people reported greater food security.
• In Benin, fertilizer was provided under a Bank funded emergency response project, which led to the estimated production of an extra 100,000 tonnes of cereals.
As part of its efforts to boost food security, the World Bank Group increased agricultural assistance last year to US$6 billion from $4.1 billion annually in the 2006 to 2008 financial years. As part of the Bank's Agricultural Action Plan for 2010 to 2012, funding for agriculture will remain in the US$6 billion to $8 billion range per year.
The World Bank is also the trustee of the Global Agriculture and Food Security Program (GAFSP) that was launched by international donors and other partners in April to fund long-term solutions to recurring food crises. The fund, which aims to help low income countries boost support for agriculture and food security, has US$914 million pledged by seven donors – Australia, Canada, Ireland, Korea, Spain, the United States as well as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
GAFSP funds long-term food security investment plans, which are country-led, inclusive of civil society, and solidly evidence-based. Already some two million people are set to benefit through $224 million in grants that have been approved for Bangladesh, Haiti, Sierra Leone, Togo and Rwanda. In Rwanda, for example, the money will be used for efforts to transform hillside agriculture by reducing erosion in targeted areas and so will put more money into the pockets of farmers. Proposals from a further 20 countries have since been received.
Contacts:
In Washington: David Theis, (202) 458-8626, dtheis@worldbank.org
For the 2 and a half decades when President Museveni has been in power, it is sad to see that he is just realising that Sports can be promotional to the country. It is one of the best advertising strategies. The unfortunate thing is that school play grounds are now some of the victims to the so-called investors! How on earth should an investment just be fixed where a school play ground is? Shimoni used to cater for all the city schools only to be demolished, it is sad. As for Kipsiro getting shs 20m, I think think this was equally wrong. If a person is not used to so much money, giving him such a lumpsome moreover cash is wrong. Why does the President prefer to make cash donations not even cheques? You could easily find simple Kipsiro who has been going on well with a simple wife all of a sudden looking for another one. Secondly, what about those who put in good effort but are yet to make it because of logistical problems, does the shs 20m to Kipsiro motivate them? And given that the young man put issues to the President, if I had been in Museveni's shoes, I would give Kipsiro shs 3m cheque, then use the other money to start of the infrastructure developments so that more atheletes can be got on board.
By James Bakama and Norman Katende wrote that:
PRESIDENT Yoweri Museveni has given Moses Kipsiro sh20m for winning two gold medals from the just-concluded Commonwealth Games in New Dheli, India. The President also promised to build a camp house for atheletes and to upgrade a training field in the star athlete’s home district of Bukwo. “I am giving you sh20m for removing the curse of no medals,” a smiling Museveni told the happy Kipsiro at a dinner at State House Entebbe on Sunday night. “I also salute your wife. I read a newspaper (Sunday Vision) interview, saying you performed well because she is looking after your home well.”
Lovely garden
Asked why the Finance ministry was only waking up too late to shake the alleged thieves after they had accumulated enough, Mr Muhakanizi said: “We are very sorry but we are going to take action.” Although he declined to discuss other proposals in the reforms, sources told Sunday Monitor that the top bureaucrats now want to ensure that instead of transferring the internal auditors after at least every three years, the law should allow for less time so as not allow them “hold territories for long.”
Sunday Monitor also understands that they want internal auditors even after they have been transferred from a department, to explain why things went wrong if the Auditor General discovers anomalies. “We want the law to demand that the internal auditors’ show evidence that they had raised those issues to the accountants if they are later discovered by the Auditor General. We want to compare the reports of the auditor general and internal audit to see who is doing a good job,” a source said.
HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL SITES OF UGANDA; THESE WHEN DEVELOPED CAN GENERATE MONEY AS TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
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DESCRIPTION OF THREE TYPES OF PEOPLE
There are three types of people. Those who make things happen. Those who watch things happen. Those who wonder what happened.
In Uganda, a handful of people make things happen, majority watch things happening, and a few wonder what happened.
The handful in Uganda who make things happen are near the Presidency at least in easy reach of the President and interacting with him. The majority who watch things happen are most of the Ugandans both beneficiaries and those who are disadvantaged. There are those who wonder what happened. These include some academics and people from the opposition, the unfortunate thing is that emotions outsmart other strategy that can help to get out of the unfortunate situation.
Government disputes UPE report
By Conan Businge and Francis Kagolo
THE Government has rejected a controversial report, which says universal primary education is yielding illiterate students and that private schools are better than the Government institutions in teaching. The Uwezo report, an initiative of the Uganda National NGO Forum, said: “Generally, children are not acquiring the necessary basic competencies at the appropriate level. There is a high inefficiency level and potential wastage throughout the primary school cycle.” The report was based on a study conducted in April by a team of 1,620 village volunteers, who visited 16,200 households in 27 districts. A sample Primary Two (P2) test in literacy and numeracy was administered to 34,752 children aged six to 16 years. “About 19% of the children sampled in Primary Three (P3) in the 27 districts surveyed across the country could not read the alphabet and only 2% could read and understand a story text of P2 level,” said the report signed by Uwezo country coordinator Richard Ssewakiryanga. “There were no major differences in reading skills at P3-P5 level. The 11.4% girls could not recognise letters of the alphabet compared to the 10.9% boys,” added the report. On numerical tests, based on P2 standard, Uwezo said four out of every five children sampled (79.9%) could not solve at least two numerical written division sums correctly. Only 17.6% of children sampled in P3 in government-aided schools compared to 32% in private ones could solve at least two numerical written division sums. But the Government, through the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB), has questioned the report, saying the purported P2 standard tests were far above the level. “Secondly, the report does not align the findings to the objectives,” UNEB Secretary Matthew Bukenya wrote in a response. In its assessment studies, UNEB said the competency levels among pupils have steadily picked since 1999. The latest National Assessment of Progress in Education (NAPE) study conducted by UNEB shows that proficiency in literacy and numeracy among P3 pupils had risen from 44.7% in 2007 to 52.7% in 2008. “Pupils demonstrated competence in the numerical concepts taught between P1 and P3. They could, for example, carry out addition and subtraction of two-digit numbers although some of them found difficulty in applying these concepts in real life situations,” the NAPE 2008 report said. “At P6, some 53.5% of the pupils were rated proficient, which is low, but relatively good, considering that in 2007, only 41.4% obtained a similar rating,” the report added. In his rebuttal, Bukenya said the report does not acknowledge the Government’s effort in enhancing the quality of education at primary level. “The study assumes that no useful contribution has been made before in assessing the learning achievements of children in Uganda. It shows ignorance about the Government initiatives aimed at improving education outcomes,” he said. UNEB further said there was poor curriculum coverage by the instruments used, which raises a question over Uwezo’s “questionnaire validity, unorthodox method used in administration of instruments and wrong definition of competencies used.”
NRM GOVERNMENT DOES BUSINESS AS A CHILD WOULD
When I was a child, I used to do things childish. When I grew up, I ceased the childish mentality. Unfortunately, the NRM Government does much of Government business childish. Imagine people have stolen money over 2 decades but Government has failed to come up with a solution to this great leakage. Continuous extensions of NRM and the changing of the Constitution to suit one person are all childish. Can you imagine at this point in time that someone proposes children going to school with cooked food? Failing to use donor funds for what they have been borrowed for as per the project proposals is childish management of Government affairs. Imagine giving a company a contract and Government is reluctant to see the monthly dues remitted, yet the contract is not terminated. This is all childish. Childishness has assumed a new dimension where Parliament without quorum is committing Ugandans to astronomical loans including the passing of the National Budget; yet the Speaker sees no wrong doing!
The Wildlife of Uganda has a big potential of Generating good funds for the country
CONSTRAINTS THAT NEED TO BE ADDRESSED TO BOOST AGRICULTURAL MARKET TRADE BETWEEN UGANDA AND THE EUROPEAN UNION
Major constraints to trade between Uganda and the European Union are internal, external and structural. Internal factors range from poor trade policies, inadequate support to the private sector, narrow export base, reliance on export of raw materials and high corruption. External factors include non – tariff barriers, protectionist policies, subsidies, tariff peaks and escalation. The structural challenges mainly relate to poor infrastructure, poor product quality, poor and obsolete technology, poor marketing techniques and insufficient market knowledge, in other words, supply side constraints.
Given the above, instead of the NRM Government endeavouring to find viable solutions, it is busy instead increasing administrative expenses, and because we are doomed to be a poor country, even if a leader like President Museveni clearly demonstrates his inability to carry the country forward, the curse is such that the powerful people in the party keep fronting him unopposed! It is sad for a country abundantly enriched with natural resources.
As Uganda celebrates this Independence which does no longer appeal to the people of Uganda, there is need tore – discover our destiny as a country, we sincerely have no future with people whose economic policies are simply a blunder. Our country deserves better. It is unfortunate that NRM still see President Museveni as the only capable person to lead the party hence the country!
WHY HAS UGANDA NOT BENEFITTED FROM LOME TRADING ARRANGEMENTS?
For more than a decade, Uganda has persistently suffered trade deficits. This is partly due to narrow export product base, low productivity, poor infrastructure and limited access to markets. Besides, the exported products are mainly unprocessed agricultural in nature hence subject to vagaries of weather and fetch little on the market.
It is unfortunate that a Government can have been in office for more that two decades and it still gives lousy excuses for not penetrating international markets and yet the party leadership still has courage to move to the people asking for votes!
PRESIDENT MUSEVENI CAN GO AFTER THE 2011 GENERAL ELECTIONS IFTHE OPPOSITION COOPERATES. THOSE WHO THINK OF A RE - RUN WITH MUSEVENI ARE NOT SERIOUS. I TIS SIMPLE TO COMPROMISE, AGREE ON ONE CANDIDATE AND WE GET THE COUNTRY TO THE RIGHT FOOTING. PLEASE AVOID REGRETS.
WILLIAM KITUUKA KIWANUKA
It is sad, land accommodating Kitende Community Centre was sold to Mulindwa at shs 300m
At first it was rumours, then I visited the area to confirm whether the land accommodating Kitende Community Centre - 9miles Entebbe Highway had actually been sold. I had opportunity to talk to the heir to the Late Bulega who owned much of the land around Kitende. The heir told me that the Late Bulega his father was approached in 1964 by officers from the Ministry of Community Development. These people wanted land to put up a Community centre. According to the heir to Bulega, Bulega was ready to part with 5 acres of land but wanted to be compensated with 25 acres in Nsagu. The heir says that up to the time he sold off the remaining one and half acres to Mulindwa the FUFA Boss and Head teacher of St. Mary’s Kitende at what locals allege was a shs 300m deal, Government had not entered into any formal written contract with the Late Bulega.
Given the status quo, the heir approached Wakiso district administration and wanted to see the possibility of a way forward regarding the land issue at Kitende Community Centre. He says, Wakiso though given options like leasing the land or outright sale among others, did not show serious interest. Attents to discuss the matter with Ssisa Sub – county authorities were such that the sub – county claimed that even the Court which currently sits there was not paying any dues to them.
The sad story is that the Community Centre can be taken to be a gone matter. The future of the court which currently uses the premises is unknown. What is most unfortunate is that the Bulega family got miles of land out of which at least they would be able to give to the community the remaining piece on which the community centre is located.
To the Government of Uganda, there is need to have proper records of inventory of buildings and the status in which there are regarding land ownership among others. Community initiatives are a big pillar in poverty alleviation strategies in Uganda.
PRESS RELEASE
Date: 5th October 2010
From: William Kituuka Kiwanuka
To: Serious Political Parties in Uganda
SUBJECT: THE NEED TO SORT THE PRESIDENCY
Ladies and gentlemen of the opposition, I appeal to you that we sort the issue of the Presidency once for all. Out of the blue, I came on to the scene to contest for the Presidency of Uganda as an Independent Candidate advocating for a Government of National Unity and Reconciliation; where all major opposition parties would automatically take up cabinet positions without need for the party leaders being elected in the forthcoming General Elections as Members of Parliament.
This arrangement has a dual advantage in that the opposition will take the Presidency after 25 years of the NRM, and given my strategies, I see this as sure deal if I am endorsed as Opposition candidate given the prevailing circumstances. Secondly, all opposition parties will be beneficiary as they will positively play some roles in the new Government and get the chance to shape a better future for the country as well as re-organize their parties to be better prepared for the 2016 contest.
If in 2001 and 2006; Dr. Kiiza Besigye could not make it to become President, the current situation does not promise better, nor do the divisions in the Democratic Party promise to deliver the country to victory come the 2011 elections. God always has good plans for us, but at times we mess them up. I came up unexpectedly, but it should be clear that if the opposition is looking to President Museveni going after his term expires in 2011, then I seem the last resort to see him off, you may take it or leave it, but it is the fact as of now. All my works are clear on my blog: www.williamkituuka.blogspot.com
I would love that the opposition re – think the differences as of now and see to what can benefit all of us. I would love to pick Nomination papers knowing that I have the backing of all the major opposition parties as the major issue is to see President Museveni not succeed in the forthcoming elections and we indeed can see him go, but have to make some sacrifices. It is better to have me as the opposition flag bearer for the 2011 Presidency for the opposition then we re-organize the country’s politics, than risk another 5 years under President Museveni’s leadership because each of the party leaders thinks he can make it to Presidency. That is wrong for people who understand some bit of probability; the current differences could give President Museveni a clear win, because even the voters are in confusion.
Once one candidate is endorsed, the opposition can then concentrate on how to win constituencies to have majority in Parliament.
Ugandans are yet to support my Presidential bid, and time is running out, though I am convinced that I am the candidate who would definately defeat President Museveni. My strategies are new and original in the Election arena in Uganda and I can assure the public that they are capable of performing miracles as far as vote gathering is concerned. I can stilljoin the race for Nomination within this week 4th - 8th October 2010 if financially supported. Some people think that I am not known, as faras I know, I am the only candidate who can worry the Movement the most. My ideas always take them by surprise and they work. The strategies can definately put the 'NRM bid guns' on their knees. I believe I am God sent to Uganda to bailthe people out of the uncertianty they are in by the NRM Government,with the only constraint not ideas, but finance. Whether there are 50 candidates for President, I assure you, I can out smart them.
NRM Government can neither achieve the Mission nor Vision as set for Uganda by themselves.
The Vision:
The Vision of NRM is a peaceful, united, democratic, harmonious, industrialized, transformed and prosperous Uganda, within a strong, federated East Africa, the African Common Market and with an African Defense Pact.
1) How do you talk of a peaceful Uganda when the ideas of the people are just shunned? Government is forcing people to foot its selfish line, ignoring the people as the pillar on which government is based. Given this position, peace is simply fragile.
2) United – Government is practicing divide and rule, then how do you talk of united when they are interested in sub – dividing the country as much as possible?
3) Democratic – NRM is not democratic, if it were the position of the Chairman would be contested, but as we hear some one has gone to court because he was unjustly eliminated from contesting for the position. The President would have long left office, but he is using tricks to keep there. There is no democracy worth talking about when donors time and again just threaten to reduce aid for Government to try to foot a democratic path!
4) Harmonious – Government itself is behind the various movements by some people against others. Heard of the Banyala and Baganda, Government is interested in promoting bad co - existence between the two! This is the reason behind the 11th November 2009 riots in Buganda.
5) Industrialized – Uganda can industrialize basing on agriculture, yet government is just waiting for foreign investors to put money where they are interested. The factors that are responsible for industrial growth are mishandled, taxes are wrong, utility costs, name them.
6) The Government wants us in a strong federated east Africa, yet it is against the federal arrangement which people cherish locally!
Mission:
The Mission of NRM is to transform Uganda from a poor peasant society into a modern, industrial, united and prosperous skilled working and middle class society
However, given things on ground; that is wrong priorities, out right theft of funds including donors’, the NRM Government is simply day dreaming to get the mission achieved. The best they can do is give way for others who have the will to correct the situation.
WILLIAM KITUUKA KIWANUKA
P. O. Box 33917,
KAMPALA.
Tel: +256714981628
Email: wkituuka@myself.com
29th September 2010
The Governor
Bank of Uganda
P. o. Box 7120,
Kampala.
Dear Sir,
RE: FUNDING FOR MY PRESIDENTIAL BID
Up to now, I am one of those who wish to stand as Independent candidates for President of Uganda. Unfortunately, I cannot proceed to collect Nomination Papers if I have no funding, which funding I have endeavoured to campaign for widely. Unfortunately, the contact email I circulated: williamkituuka@hotmail.com has for sometime now mot been accessible to me for reasons which I am not aware of! That means I cannot have information via that email address. Time has run out as my last hope to be able to collect Nomination Papers is Friday, October 1st, 2010.
The purpose of this communication therefore is to kindly request the Bank in case there is any funding in my favour to avail information to me. I look forward to maximum cooperation.
Yours faithfully,
William Kituuka Kiwanuka
cc Senior Staff bank of Uganda
cc The Electoral Commission
State House Debts Rise to Sh99 Billion
State House must be disciplined financially. It is unfortunate how every year there are arrears which have been met in the budget of the following year. Imagine a new Government struggling with the monetary indiscipline of the previous one. It is unfortunate that Government has rent arrears not paid to Buganda Government yet when they continue using Buganda Government premises. It may be necessary to remove the facility out of which the President makes donations, it looks misused and or abused and leads to uncalled for liabilities and political favours.
State House debts had risen to over sh100b by June 2009. The Ministry of Justice spent sh110b in compensation, court awards and settlements last financial year. The Police do not know the actual staff strength of its force. And sh371b loaned to state and private companies may never be recovered.
These are some of the findings in the new Auditor General's report on Government expenses in the financial year 2008/2009. The report was handed over to Parliament last week.
The Auditor General, John Muwanga, in his report noted that although the Government has instituted strict systems to control expenditure, State House has incurred huge debts as a result of the purchase of the new presidential jet.
The Bank of Uganda advanced a loan of sh96b to finance the acquisition of the aircraft. According to the agreement, the amount is payable in installments of about sh10b per year with interest.
How on earth does anybody leave Sebaggala to buy the mayor's House. How? It simply cannot work. Sebaggala is a disgrace to Uganda who should be shown where he belongs.
MY APPLICATION FOR THE POSITION OF TASK FORCE COORDINATOR – TO KICK START THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE STUDENT LOAN SCHEME IN UGANDA
William Kituuka Kiwanuka
P.O. Box 2678,
Kampala
Tel: +256714981628
2nd June 2010
Ref: 002
Ernst & Young
Executive Selection Division,
18 Clement hill Road,
P. O. Box 7215,
Kampala.
Dear Sir/Madam,
RE: APPLICATION FOR THE POSITION OF TASK FORCE COORDINATOR TO CONTINUE THE EXERCISE I STARTED
I humbly submit my application for the position of Task Force Coordinator as Re-advertised in the daily Monitor of Wednesday, May 26, 2010 to continue the exercise I started in 2001 which kicked off with an appeal to His Excellency the president for a students’ Loan Scheme at Makerere University to which, “The Feasibility of a Student Loan Scheme at Makerere University” was attached, this was later to be followed by various contributions and debates by myself which among others include: “A Comprehensive Feasible and sustainable Educational Loan Scheme in Uganda, and “Identifying Clientile for the Educational Loan Scheme and Loan Recovery Measures”, this second one, was in response to an appeal for public contributions by the Ministry of Education and Sports. My name is William Kituuka Kiwanuka, holding a B.A (hons) Economics/Rural Economy degree of Makerere University and post graduate training in various fields including banking, good Governance, Publishing to mention some.
I have read through the advert and understood the responsibilities required of the candidate to fill the position; the results expected and other detail. I am presenting myself as one who started on this work voluntarily in 2001 shortly after registering Makerere University Private students’ Parents’ Association (MUPRISPA), which was established as a vehicle to advocate for the welfare of privately sponsored Ugandan students at Makerere University, where I am founder member with one of the objectives as: “To encourage Government to see to the establishment of of a student loan scheme.” I proudly present myself as one of those who have voluntarily enriched the practicability of a student loan scheme in Uganda; which is witnessed not only by the Permanent Secretary, but also the Public relations Officer at the Ministry of Education & Sports. It is not too much to appeal to you to endorse me to officially continue doing the work I have voluntarily done in the past given the potential input I have shown in the area. My CV depicts a man who has the ability to do what is being asked. I have banking experience which is necessary for a credible scheme and ensuring sustainability.
I wish to assure you that once I am endorsed to take on the challenges of the position, I will be in for a sustainable scheme, one where healthy competition among potential applicants will be real, a scheme where corruption tendencies will not be given a leeway, and a model that will be a pride of the country. I have a moral record to uphold and that is why I am not only an advocate but a practical player in good governance and I die to see that morality is upheld. Given the opportunity to take up the position, I promise to deliver to the satisfaction of the Ministry of Education and Sports and shall ensure that an excellent working environment is enhanced for a clean job which I believe will be well done more so by someone who had interest to see government act for the scheme to be a reality. I will love to be party yet to another success story not the unsustainable project like Entandiikwa that could not stand the test of time.”
Thank you for according me the opportunity.
I remain,
Yours faithfully,
William Kituuka Kiwanuka
WILLIAM KITUUKA KIWANUKA
My works which have a do with the student loan scheme in Uganda:
Dr. Lucille Corti and husband Dr. Corti
MY FORMER SCHOOL HAS A CULTURE AND BELOW ARE SOME RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THAT CULTURE
St. MARY'S COLLEGE KISUBI OLD BOYS
St. MARY'S COLLEGE KISUBI OLD BOYS
St. MARY'S COLLEGE KISUBI OLD BOYS
St. MARY'S COLLEGE KISUBI OLD BOYS
St. MARY'S COLLEGE KISUBI OLD BOYS
St. MARY'S COLLEGE KISUBI OLD BOYS
WE SHOULD HAVE A NEW APPROACH TO THE CLOCK /TIME
If I get chance to be nominated and thereafter elected President of Uganda, I will advocate for the use of a clock face with both the 12 and 24 hour faces on one. We should then instead start officially to count from the beginning of the new day just after midnight. If we can cultivate a culture to count time as the day changes, our children will not have problems understanding time. If it is two hours past the new day which is 2.00am, let us have it that way; such that when a child goes to school by 8.00am he/she clearly knows how it is arrived at.
IT TAKES A LOT OF COURAGE FOR A LEADER OR PROSPECT LEADER IN UGANDA TO GO FOR THE SCREENING OF BLOOD AND HAVE RESULTS FOR PUBLIC CONSUMPTION.
This is part of my transparency. There is no reason why people don’t get to know about my health stand. I think I have the moral authority to talk about positive living given that we have HIV and there is no cure. I promise to be an advocate for the welfare of people who are living with HIV/AIDS and would love to see a Fund launched locally to cater for the treatment and general living needs of people who are living with HIV/AIDS. Moreso, I would love to see many years added to their chances to live on so as to look after their children and also enjoy as any other person would love to enjoy the good of the world.
WHEN I APPLIED FOR THE JOB OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AT TASO, I CLEARLY INDICATED WHAT I HOPED TO DO FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS AS SEEN BELOW.
Politicians need to know that as they mistreat other people, even those in graves loved living decently. One day, the grave awaits. So, better prepare for it.
The sister to this young child perished in the fire set by senseless people who we live with in Uganda. Two bodies of those believed to have set the fire disappeared! This is the country alleged to give good leadership to its people; its unbelievable!
The Flag of Uganda
Crafts from Uganda
An Appeal for Moral Support & Funding
SUBJECT: PROSPECT INDEPENDENT PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE FOR 2011 GENERAL ELECTIONS
“…I do not know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know, the only one among you who will be really happy are those who will have thought and found how to serve, how to show compassion and a will to help others…,” ALBERT SHWEITZER, one of the greatest Christians of his time who was bestowed with a Noble Prize in 1952.
BIO – DATA
My name: William Kituuka Kiwanuka
District of Birth: Wakiso
Age: 51
Nationality: Ugandan
Parents: The Late Besuel Kiwanuka and Penina Kiwanuka of Ssisa Busiro – Wakiso district.
Grand Parent: Late Lazalo Ssebayizzi of Ssisa Busiro.
Clan: Mamba
Education: Went to Namutamba Demonstration School in current Mityana District but formerly part of Mubende District, I benefited from a Bursary offered by Mubende to the 1st ten pupils in the district in the Primary Leaving Examinations of 1973; when I happened to be the best pupil at the Dem School. I joined St. Mary's College Kisubi (SMACK) for in 1974 and completed Ordinary Level in 1977. I was admitted for Higher School at the same school and completed in 1979, then I joined Makerere University for a degree.
My work on the History of St. Mary's College Kisubi can accessed on: http://www.stmaryscollegekisubi.blogspot.com/
I publish "the Morning Star Magazine" for the benefit of Old Boys of SMACK.
Qualifications: B. A. (Hons) Economics/Rural Economy degree of Makerere University; Banking; Good Governance Training; Computer Literacy.
Working Experience: Commercial Banking; Teaching; Writing for public consumption; publishing; Career Guidance; Project writing; Restructuring undertakings; Website designing; General Innovative Consultancy Service Provision
Residence: A Children’s Home
Box No: 33917, Kampala.
Telephone: +256714981628
Contact/Feed back: http://goodgovernancepractice.webs.com/contactme.htm
« Time is now to change the rich men syndrome which makes poor people poorer and they end up losing morale. A rich man can fool you the way he wants. You can dig for him and he tells you to collect the money the following day yet when he has the money, instead telling you to call on him the following day. As a poor man you will have nothing to say but to follow what he tells you. The poor are under looked and despised. I am offering myself to see sanity return to the poor of Uganda.”
WHY INDEPENDENT CANDIDATE?
My works on the Late J C Kiwanuka my former Mathematics teacher can be accessed on: www.jckiwanuka.blogspot.com
1) I have all along been an advocate of the opposition party coalition arrangement with a clear agenda under the Inter Party Cooperation (IPC), however, when nominations for the Presidential candidates were made, it is when my eyes were opened to what I think is a wrong way forward. I advocate for such cooperation where the IPC and not individual party comes out in the final picture; which is equated to one party absorbing others. My belief is that before nomination, the parties under the arrangement would have first convened a conference where members would agree on the way forward including a joint manifesto, what I see is a diffuse arrangement that may be worse than the one popularly known as the Moshi spirit.
2) There are currently no clear ideas that the IPC is fronting which are going to be different from the current Government’s arrangement. This position would be clear as of now, instead each Party President has own party or personal ideologies as reflected at nomination.
3) Given number 1 and 2 above, I see it best an opportunity to offer myself as an Independent Presidential Candidate for 2011 General Elections for I think I have a Vision for the way forward for Uganda which we can jointly build on to see our country to prosperity. Work: “… if a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep even as Michaelangelo painted, Beethoven composed music or Shakespeare wrote poetry, he should sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say – here lived a great street sweeper who did his job well. Martin Luther King. Jr. “I equally wish to offer myself for a good job for my country, William Kituuka Kiwanuka.
4) Sir Winston Churchill visited Uganda in 1908. He was overwhelmed with her beauty, hence baptizing the country, “The Pearl of Africa.” What frustrates the people of Uganda and the - would be beauty of the country are politicians who are treacherous. They hide their agendas and Ugandans end up being taken for a ride, and the final position is what we reap: underdevelopment, continued poverty, deprivation of the majority by a minority hence an increasing income gap and death of the poor victims as a frustrated lot after being used!
5) Despite several decades of economic growth and huge development aid disbursements, the number of countries called “least developed” (with per capita income less than US $900 a year has in - fact doubled since 1971, from 25 to 49 in the last decade (1990 – 2000) and despite all development efforts – not even one country was able to graduate from this group to a higher income level, with the exception of Botswana. Source: Why Poverty Reduction Programmes did not work – (Resistance to change) By Hans. U. Luther ; An Article in Development Cooperation No.3/2002 (May/June)
6) Based on No. 4 above, it is true that some of our failures as a country coming from accepting to be on the receiving end of ideas as conceived from donors; be they countries and/or bi – lateral or multi – lateral organizations, instead of coming up with our own agenda and convincing them to help fund it as a basis of our cooperation with them, it is this experimentation and or trial coupled with lack of commitment to implement projects/programmes as stipulated in agreements (not forgetting diversion of funds) that is responsible for our under development and constant beggar mentality.
7) A few years ago, I had opportunity of calling at Jinja and what I saw I would hardly believe. I had lived in Jinja from 1984 to early 1987. I was working with a banking institution. That time, the exodus to banks by customers was great and the sector was very encouraging. This time around, when I passed around Busoga Square banking area, I was not impressed. It was as if a banking holiday though the bank doors were a jar. One could not see a soul of a bank customer around! This reminded me of the Cooperative Societies which used to be a vehicle for credit and marketing of farmer produce, which are long dead! The future of the Ugandan farmer and businessmen lies in cooperative pooling of resources. With sound capital invested into business entities, there is hope for competitive production of goods and services, and this is the key for the future of Uganda which should target agro – based industrialization. Given this experience, I am committed to seeing a vibrant competitive business climate a reality and the resurrection of cooperative infrastructure as a necessary vehicle in the undertaking.
8) It is also clear that as part of the way forward for Uganda , there is need to build consensus, we should stop this winner takes all mentality and have a win win position for all Ugandans if we are to see ourselves as a united people in diversity. It is against this background that I wish to advocate for a Government of National Unity and Reconciliation where all parties will play a role and have a feeling of belonging. “So, let it be said of us then that we are thinking not only of our time, that we have reached as high as our ideals, that we put aside our divisions and found a new hour of healing and hopefulness, that we joined together to serve and strengthen the land we love – the pearl of Africa: Uganda.”
9) It is unfortunate that there has developed a culture in Uganda where able bodied people who would make serious investments in the country are looking to politics as a life long career and the only means to survive. This has been witnessed in the on going NRM party elections for positions. It is absurd to see people exchange bitter words to the extent of involving fire arms in mere party. The elective offices are seen as the cheaper way to accumulate wealth as compared to agricultural production or undertaking serious business. This conviction among the public induces corruption. This culture has to be reversed so that politics is seen as a sacrifice for one’s country and not a means to milk the taxpayer for one’s welfare irrespective of his/her qualifications which would call for rendering one’s energies elsewhere.
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“Together for Uganda – with Courage and Humanity,” will be the title of the Government of National Unity and Reconciliation.
1. Economy & Finance: Stimulating the economy and putting it on a genuine path of real growth by involving all able bodied in productive work. Reforms in taxation to be priority number one to provide for competitive production for the local, regional and International markets. The Re-Birth of the Marshall Investment will be implemented to promote economic growth and eventually induce sustainable development for all the people of Uganda.
2. Labour Market: The fight against unemployment is top on the proposed Government agenda. This is to be with-in the arm pit of the “Virtual Clearing House” arrangement. Savings to be emphasized by all above 18 years.
3. Retirement: The proposed Government to ensure that pension funds in the hands of Government are not abused by anybody in Government and that those qualifying to get benefits find it easy to. Good returns to the savings to be advocated for.
Youth Graduate but no prospects for employment as Government has failed
4. Youth: It is not news that the youth are in the dark about their future more so as regards gainful employment. The proposed Government to take up many in the “Virtual Clearing House,” arrangement given the specific needed skills to get it off ground, while many more will benefit from the “Re-Birth of the Marshall Plan,” which will be the engine to stimulate economic growth with eventual results as creation of more effective demand for goods and services as well as employment. The youth to have employable skills enhanced through gaining vocational skills.
5. Foreign Policy: Peaceful solution to conflicts will be promoted. No violation of agreements with the International community for which Uganda is party. “Open Gate Policy” to cooperation with players in International capital who are found genuine. “Good relations with the entire world shall be the basis of any Foreign policy.” Our advocacy for democracy, the rule of law and human rights is to be part of our foreign policy.
6. Federalism: Time to implement the federal arrangement, an important project to see regions share in power and retain an agreed percentage of the revenue generated within the region as well as getting equalization grants.
7. Education & Research: The proposed government considers education and promotion of rights as key subjects for the further development of the economy and country. The country to be at the fore front of scientific and technological progress and information and communication technology to be implemented as well as Functional Literacy for All as within the umbrella of Education For All. Incorporation of vocational education from primary school level to higher levels
8. Cultural leaders: Their roles featuring on cultural promotion to be emphasizes and funded. Their role as co – players in mobilization of the people for development to be encouraged.
9. Health: Free health service provision for all the people of Uganda from Government health facilities. No need to pay fees at these health facilities; though cost sharing for complex cases on a case by case basis. No need for carers in Government facilities.
THE RIGHT TO HEALTH
Every human being is entitled to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health conducive to living a life of dignity which is referred to as the right to health. The right to health was first reflected in the WHO Constitution (1946) and reiterated in the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights leading to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (1966) and the Cultural Rights (1966). It has also been reaffirmed in the Declaration of the Alma nta (1978) and the World Health Declaration adopted by the World Health Assembly in 1998.
10. Respect for Religions: In the Spirit of National Unity and Reconciliation, a debate will be opened to see the possibility of working half day from Friday so that the Moslem Community are given chance to worship without interference and also make it possible for people involved in community arrangements to get time off to deal with family obligations as well as other functions and rest up to Sunday.
11. Community as basis for Development: People to be employed within their communities. Employment to be in fields of Agriculture on Community Opened Gardens on land which belongs to the region or to private individual to be used under agreement with Government on user terms. The community infrastructures (schools, hospitals, housing and care for the elderly) to be worked on through community effort but with pay to the players. This to be under the “Virtual Clearing House” arrangement.
12. Gender with emphasis on women rights: The rights of women are to receive further boost stating with 1/3 of cabinet posts, then key Ministries where injustice mainly features, and fight all possible injustices that impact on women negatively.
13. Family: There is the challenge to have smaller manageable family size, implement free Family Planning Services to the needy. Ensure that all women have an income. Discourage teens becoming early mothers.
The innovation to be code named: The Re – birth of the Marshall Plan
What was the Marshall Plan?
President Truman, speech to Congress (12th March, 1947)
The seeds of totalitarian regimes are nurtured by misery and want. They spread and grow in the evil soil of poverty and strife. They reach their full potential when the hope of a people for a better life has died. We must keep that hope alive. If we falter in our leadership, we may endanger the peace of the world - and we shall surely endanger the welfare of our own nation. At the present moment in world history nearly every nation must choose between alternative ways of life. The choice is often not a free one. One way of life is based upon the will of the majority, and is distinguished by free institutions, representative government, free elections, guarantees of individual liberty, freedom of speech and religion, and freedom from political oppression. The second way of life is based upon the will of a minority forcibly imposed upon the majority. It relies upon terror and oppression, a controlled press and radio, fixed elections, and the suppression of personal freedom. I believe that it must be the policy of the United States to support free peoples who are resisting attempted subjugation by armed minorities or by outside pressures.
The Marshall Plan (officially the European Recovery Program, ERP) was the primary program, 1947–51, of the United States for rebuilding and creating a stronger economic foundation for the countries of Europe . The initiative was named for Secretary of State George Marshall and was largely the creation of State Department officials, especially William L. Clayton and George F. Kennan. George Marshall spoke of the administration's desire to help the European recovery in his address at Harvard University in June 1947. The reconstruction plan, developed at a meeting of the participating European states, was established on June 5, 1947. It offered the same aid to the USSR and its allies, but they did not accept it. The plan was in operation for four years beginning in April 1948. During that period some US $13 billion in economic and technical assistance were given to help the recovery of the European countries that had joined in the Organization for European Economic Co-operation. This $13 billion was in the context of a U.S. GDP of $258 billion in 1948, and was on top of $12 billion in American aid to Europe between the end of the war and the start of the Plan.
We should be ready for a similar challenge in Uganda given the misery of our people.
In all we do we shall need the spirit of being Good Samaritans
Sermon: How to serve people on behalf of God? Luke 10:30-35
Some one once said, “Christians are like fertilizer. Pile them up in one place long enough and they’ll begin to stink. But spread them out and they’ll do some good.” 1. In today’s sermon I am going to talk about doing good to others. The Bible calls this ministry. 2. Most people think ministry means to serve God. This is not wrong but not 100% correct either. In ministry we help people on behalf of God. 3. Today’s message comes from the story of the Good Samaritan which I believe all of you are familiar with – when reading this story you might feel guilty remembering that you passed by some one in need at one time or another. 4. You will ask me what am I supposed to do? The scope of this message is to answer that question.
C. Treating others the way I like to be treated, (Luke 10:33-35)
I. This is the attitude that the Good Samaritan exhibited. II. God has called every Christian to have this attitude. III. Serving and following Christ go hand in hand. Illustration: Christians like to be visited by the Senior Pastor or the church staff in times of need. It’s not wrong. But many excuses are given when they are asked to visit a fellow believer in need. If you want to serve people on behalf of God treat them the way you like to be treated.
2. Now cultivate the attitude of the good Samaritan. How?
A. Start seeing the needs of people around you?
I. We meet needy people every day, (Not only the physically needed. What about those with emotional hurts). II. Your eyes is the birth place of kindness. III. You can’t care until you are aware.
B. What keeps us from seeing the needs of people?
I. Business II. Ignorance
C. How to see their needs?
I. Slow down and look around you. II. Stop to talk to some one. III. Give them your undivided attention.
3. Sympathize with people’s pain (be compassionate)
A. Just seeing the need is not enough
Illustration: Most people who see the helpless simply blames the government or church for not doing anything. I. To sympathize means to feel how others feel. (When the Samaritan saw the wounded man, he had pity on him. – Luke 10:33) II. Romans 12:5 says, “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. (Romans 12:15, NET)
B. How to sympathize with others?
I. To do so one must give up his prejudices and stop making assumptions about others. II. The Jews and Samaritans hated each other so much, people were surprised when Jesus made a Samaritan the hero of the story. III. Learn to see the people around you as Jesus sees them. God cares for everyone. If you want to serve people you must care for those who God cares for. IV. Learn to Listen: Sometimes the greatest way to serve some one is just listening, (Galatians 6:2). There’s a story behind every need.
C. Learn from your struggles
I. God allows certain struggles in your life so that you can learn to sympathize with and serve the needy and hurting people around you. II. “Who comforts us in all our troubles so that we may be able to comfort those experiencing any trouble with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” (2 Corinthians 1:4, NET)
4. Seize the opportunity and meet the need – How?
A. Take action
I. Don’t wait. II. Don’t delay. III. Don’t procrastinate. Do what you can at that moment, (Proverbs 3:27-28)
B. Get down to the victim’s level
I. The Samaritan stooped down and got on the man’s level. II. The Samaritan didn’t act superior.
C. Be willing to take the risk
I. In order to seize the moment, you must be willing to take a risk. II. The Samaritan took a risk: What if the robbers were still in the area? III. We don’t like to get involved with other’s pain and brokenness because it reminds us of our own.
5. Be willing to sacrifice yourself
A. Serving is costly
I. It costs you money. II. It costs you time. III. It costs you energy
B. You might not gain anything in return
I. The Samaritan took the injured man to a motel. II. He likely had to travel a great distance. III. He nursed the victim throughout the night and then paid the bill at personal expense. What did he gain? Nothing. III. Galatians 6:10 says, “So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who belong to the family of faith. (Galatians 6:10, NET)
6. Wrapping it up
A. If you want to fulfill God’s calling to serve others:
I. First Grow an attitude of love. II. Be compassionate. III. Don’t ignore opportunities to help some one. IV. Be willing to pay the price.
B. Don’t get discouraged when you are not appreciated
I. So we must not grow weary in doing good, for in due time we will reap, if we do not give up. (Galatians 6:9, NET)
My link to the publications on Brother Anthony Kyemwa at 80: http://anthonykyemwa.blogspot.com/
PROBLEMS OF UGANDA WHICH NEED TO BE ADDRESSED:
1) Uganda today and its future are so uncertain because the country is completely derailed from any viable development agenda; what is at hand are personal visions which are devoid of quantifiable and sustainable national objectives to the extent that the regime bases on perceived ‘political sense’ as opposed to economic sense, which has cultivated a very fertile ground for corruption to flourish and made the youth of the country become a time bomb as unemployment gets to record levels; with no realistic measures to counter it; while at the same time, the country has been derailed from a viable economic development path to such uncertain destiny where the projection is the eventual stand still for the country.
2) With all donor support since 1986 which could have helped into getting Uganda into possibly a Switzerland of Africa. What is clear is that resources have not been well allocated and some have gone to nurture the middle class at the expense of a wider population that would be beneficiary; hence the eventual creation of a class of the super rich co – existing with paupers!
3) The regime is interested in sub – dividing a country into smaller units which not only are a burden to the people but have disintegrated a would be unified country at a time when national coherence is more beneficial to economic development and national unity.
4) The regime has killed institutions and hence what is at work is the Almighty Power at State House – ‘provider,’ this has promoted increased bureaucracy and inefficiency at a time when efficiency is most needed.
5) The regime’s involvement in Regional Politics has put the country’s security at risk hence the need for an ever big defense and security budgets for the needed logistics.
6) Unfortunately, as opposed to the history of the country, the regime has been at liberty to manipulate the 1995 Constitution using the NRM numbers in Parliament and opened up the Presidential tenure in office; which in essence is a big liability to the people of Uganda and the fruits of which are already at play for all to see;
7) Contrary to the basic reason why NRM/A went to the bush to wage war against the Elected Government of the time; there are a number of reported cases and Court Judgments that have pointed to the NRM players as potential actors in malpractices yet when they went to bush because of an alleged stolen victory by the UPC Government.
Specifics regarding some of Uganda’s Major Problems
For the people of Uganda , insecurity and armed conflict have been the greatest threats to health and survival, and the greatest obstacles to economic and social development during the past 40 years. Few parts of the country have been completely spared the horrors of war, violence, bloodshed and plunder. The country’s history since Independence abounds with episodes of Government sponsored violence against its own citizens of armed opposition to Government - sponsored violence against its own citizens, of armed opposition to Government forces, and of violence carried out by rebel movements against citizens.
Situated at the heart of the politically and ethically volatile Great Lakes region, Uganda has also bee drawn into regional disputes leading to armed conflict.
Cases on Point
“The Danish Government on 5th May 2000 asked Uganda to pull out of the Democratic Republic of Congo and use the money it is spending on the war there for economic development. The negative consequences for the economy of this presence of Uganda in the DRC and the delegation said Denmark would give Uganda US$54m for the year.”
“The United Nations Observer Mission in Congo (MONUC) issued a statement condemning Uganda for the May 5 fight in Kisangani , (DRC). The members of the mission unanimously deplored the military action in Kisangani unreservedly, the statement read.”
“The United States 5th May issued a vigorous condemnation of attacks by Ugandan troops in the DRC and warned that they could affect relations between Washington and Kampala . “The United States strongly condemns attacks by Ugandan forces against Rwanda army troops in Kisangani , DRC,” State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said. “They are a violation of DRC sovereignty and a clear violation of the Lusaka Peace agreement,” he said. “These types of attacks erode the confidence of the people of central Africa and of the International Community, which has been asked to support the implementation of the Lusaka Agreement,” Boucher said. “We note that these actions could have a significant impact on US – Ugandan bilateral relations,” he said.
“The European Union might consider imposing sanctions on countries involved in the DRC, the EU Special Representative to the great Lakes region, Ambassador Aldo Ajelo said. Speaking to journalists at the French Embassy in Kampala November 8, Ajello said the EU was disappointed over the growing violation of the Lusaka Peace Agreement for the Pacification of DRC. “We have up to now restrained ourselves from posing and setting up restrictions and conditionalities to countries involved; thinking that there will be an African solution, but there is a debate inside the EU considering that option,” he said.
“An estimated 20,000 children were abducted as child soldiers by the Lords Resistance Army (LRA) since 1990. The conflict could better be categorized as a “war against children – fought by children. The ‘night commuter’ phenomenon, where literally hundreds of children would trek several kilometers every evening to the relative safety of towns, was unheard of in any other conflict worldwide.” Source: At a Glance …. European Union in Uganda .
The High Human Poverty index in Uganda (Another Problem)
The High Human Poverty Index (HPI) in Uganda estimated to be 37.5% in 2001, which reflects a high proportion of the population not expected to survive to the age of 40; a high proportion of the population without access to both safe water (43.0%) and health facilities (51%) and a high proportion of malnourished children (22.8%).
It is true that about 89% of Uganda ’s population live in rural areas and depend for their livelihood on subsistence agriculture. Statistics indicate that most rural populations are agricultural workers (81.5%). The main source of household livelihood in rural areas is subsistence farming on which about 80% of the rural population depends, and only 1.38% of the rural households derive their livelihood from commercial farming.
Because most rural households depend on agriculture for their livelihood, their low income levels is the basic reason for the high Human Poverty Index.
In terms of the Human Development Index, Uganda declined from the 144th position in 2005 to 145th in 2006.
Getting Maximum Benefits from Donor Funds
On average, donor commitment to Uganda during the period 2000/01 – 2006/07 was US$915 m per year. In 2003/04 total donor commitments were US$583.5 m; this increased and more than doubled in 2004/05 to US$1269.8 m before decreasing to US$509.8 m in 2005/06. The decline was due to aid cut back because of delayed fulfillment of related Good Governance conditionalities.
It is unfortunate to be on record that the country has had aid cut backs as a punitive measure to see the NRM leaders foot Good Governance conditionalities. My pledge is to ensure Good governance the norm.
Donor funding to Uganda from 2000/01 to 2006/07
This assistance is broken down and the total in US dollars given for the period 2000/01 to 2006/07 for each category:
1) Debt Relief – 746,755
2) HIPC Debt Relief – 473,390,000
3) Budget Support – 2,689,512,856
4) Emergency Relief Assistance – 175,346,348
5) Food Aid – 18,287,201
6) Free Standing Technical Cooperation – 332,781,351
7) Investment Project Assistance – 1,677,158,831
8) Investment Related Technical Assistance – 954,183,481
9) Other Project Related Assistance – 145,830,812
It is unfortunate that Uganda receives Food Aid, when it should be having surplus food given its good climate with two rain seasons a year for a bigger part of the country.
Donor Funds per year from 2000/01 to 2006/07
1. 2000/01 – 732,184,984
2. 2001/02 – 908,556,020
3. 2002/03 – 897,897,627
4. 2003/04 – 1,120,770,328
5. 2004/05 – 1,039,502,352
6. 2005/06 – 733,895,972
7. 2006/07 – 1,035,456,322
A comment has been made to the effect that the donor funding NRM Government got since 1986 could have easily made Uganda the Switzerland of Africa,
The 10 biggest source of Funding to Uganda taking totals for the period 2000/01 – 2006/07 are:
1. IDA of World Bank – 29%
2. United Kingdom - 13%
3. European Union - 10%
4. USAID - 8%
5. The African Development Bank - 5%
6. Netherlands - 4%
7. Denmark - 4%
8. Germany - 4%
9. The World Food Programme – 4%
10. All the remaining donors share 15%
Strategy to benefit from more donor support (Big donors to give more money and the small ones to give big money):
1) One may say that it is by grace of God that the donors still give us the lot they do. The indicators on good Governance are self explanatory. In an attempt for the NRM Government to see that it remains in power, it has been guilty of human rights abuses;
2) The level of corruption is simply unacceptable yet Government is using kid gloves to deal with the corrupt, and we are yet to see the big fish touched;
3) The corrupt should refund the stolen funds. We are yet to see this seriously done by Government;
4) There are a number of Committee Reports which are simply gathering dust and Parliament is reluctant to finalize sentence to the culprits;
5) It was unfortunate that the NRM Government changed the Constitution for the benefit of one person; though the country has a terrible record for which the framers of the Constitution fixed two terms and nothing short of that. If we get to Government one of the first businesses to be conducted by Parliament will be to re – instate the wording as it was before being tampered with for the two term limits;
6) The value for money – it disturbs to hear billions of shillings talked about all the time but what is done many times falls short of the funding.
7) Our President has tempted donors to cut aid in that it is not unusual for them to give them a bashing. We believe this is contrary to the diplomacy and respect that should be accorded to donors;
8) The NRM has had a trend of writing and thereafter reading budgets for a formality. At the end of each financial year, may projects are not completed, some not started and unfortunately, year after year, there is no link shown whereby uncompleted business would be continued and completed the following year;
9) There is a culture of budget cuts. It disturbs to see budgets cut to meet what is taken as priorities where military business has been a big sinner. That is why we think that conflict should be sorted peacefully;
Commitment to pay debt
It is good business for a country like Uganda to borrow and expect to pay back. That way, if donors are pleased with the payments and they cancel some of the debt it is fine. As at 31st March, Uganda ’s debt stock stood at US$1.1 bn. It had been US$4.3 bn as at the end of March 2006. The decrease in debt was a result of the Multilateral Debt Relief Initiative (MDRI) from IMF, World Bank and African Development Bank that canceled all the eligible debt. IMF canceled all outstanding debt stock to the Government of Uganda contracted prior to 31st December 2003 while the World Bank and African Development Bank canceled all debt outstanding as of 31st December 2004.
Loans approved by Parliament in just 2007/07
1) IDA for Millennium Science Initiative Project – US$ 30,962,963
2) ADF Support to Health Sector Strategic Plan II US $29,498,525
3) IDA for E. A Trade & transport Facilitation US$ 26,262,626
4) ADF Road Sector Support Project – US$ 48,657,817
5) IDA Poverty Reduction Support Credit –US$ 126,575,183
6) IDA Power Sector Development Operation – US$ 300,000,000
What has to be noted is that these sums of money are substantial. The question which remains is how well we do the evaluation of what the money has been put on. Do we really get value for money, US$126,575,183 for poverty reduction should really have impact, but what we see on ground is that people are being impoverished on.
Grants received by Government for the years 2003/04 – 2006/7
These are in three categories: Project Support; Budget Support and Emergency Aid. Total figures are:
1. 2003/04 – US$ 804.2m
2. 2004/05 – US$ 789.51
3. 2005/06 – US$ 485.07
4. 2006/07 – US$ 674.30
NUSAF2
The Second Northern Uganda Social action Fund (NUSAF2) is a Government of Uganda Project that is financed by a Specific Investment Loan (SIL) of US$ 100 m from the World Bank (IDA). In addition, the Department for International Development (DIFD) of the United Kingdom is to contribute 24 million pounds in the next five years. NUSAF2 is a multi – sectoral community demand driven Project of the government which is part of Peace Recovery and Development Plan (PRDP) implementation.
World Bank Role in Uganda
The World Bank has actively supported Uganda’s economic recovery efforts. By 2000 – 2001, the World Bank portfolio comprised adjustment support totaling about US$790 m since 1987; and 24 projects in agriculture, and the social sectors, with a total commitment of over US$1 bn.
Active Projects by 2000/01
Agriculture & Environment
1) Agriculture Research & Training I: FY (1993 – 2000) – US$25.04m (IDA) – The project supports Government’s strategy for improving productivity and diversification in the agricultural sector through the development and transfer of improved technology. The broad objective of the project was to develop an organizational framework and institutional processes for agricultural research which is sustainable and efficient as well as responsive to the production constraints facing farmers in Uganda.
2) Cotton Sub – sector Development (CSDP): FY (1994 – 2000) – US$ 14.00m (IDA: The project was to support Governments’ strategy to revive the Cotton production and exports through increased competition in Cotton processing and marketing and improved supporting systems.
3) Environment Management Capacity Building: FY (1996 – 2001) – US$ 11.80m (IDA): The project was the first segment of a longer – term program to support NEAP implementation.
4) Institutional capacity Building for capacity for Protected Areas Management and Sustainability Use Project (ICB – PAMSU): FY (1998 – 2002) US$ 12.37 m (IDA) – The project’s main objective was to establish effective institutional capacity within the wild life and tourism sectors for strategic planning, program development and implementation, and to promote long – term sustainability.
5) Lake Victoria Environment Management: FY (1997 – 2002) US$12.10 m (IDA) – The project’s objectives were to maximize the sustainable benefits to riparian communities from using resources within the basin to generate food, employment and income, supply safe water, and sustain a disease free environment, etc.
Infrastructure
6) El Nino Emergency Road Repair: FY (1998) – US$27.60 m (IDA) – The project aimed at: i) Reducing infrastructure – related market and distribution costs countrywide, by reducing road transport costs to their pre – emergency levels; ii) Securing the timely delivery of social services to the affected populations, etc.
7) First Urban: FY (1991 – 2000) US$ 28.70 m (IDA) – The project included improving living conditions and alleviating poverty in Kampala by restoring key infrastructure services and related maintenance activities, etc.
8) Institutional & Engineering Support to the Road Sector: FY (1998 – 2000) US$30.0 m (IDA) – The project’s objectives are to i) Strengthen road sector management capability through spinning off road administration and execution activities under the Ministry of Works, etc.
9) Small Towns Water and Sanitation: FY (1994 – 2001) US$42.30 m (IDA) – The project was to support Government’s economic recovery program by extending the rehabilitation and upgrading of water supply and sanitation services, etc.
10) Transport Rehabilitation: FY (1994 – 2000) US$ 75.00 m (IDA) -Aimed to assist the Government in providing the basic road infrastructure to help the recovery efforts. Etc
Public and Private Sector Management
11) Institutional Capacity Building: FY (1995 – 2000) US$ 36.40 m (IDA) –
12) Private Sector Competitiveness: FY (1996 – 2001) US$ 12.30 m (IDA)
Health Sector:
13) The District Health services and Pilot project: FY (1995 – 2002) US$ 45.0 m (IDA).
14) Sexually Transmitted Infections: FY (1994 – 2000) US$ 50.0 m (IDA).
15) Education Sector Adjustment: FY (1998 – 2000) US$ 80.0 m (IDA), US$75m IDA Grant in the context of the HIPC Debt Initiative.
16) Primary Education and Teacher Development; FY (1993 – 2000) US$ 52.60 m (IDA).
17) Nutritional and early Childhood Development: FY (1998 – 2003) US$34.0m(IDA) – The project was to contribute to poverty alleviation and human capital development objectives by improving development interventions targeted to the most vulnerable segments of the population – namely, young children and mothers. The development objective of the project is to improve the health, nutritional and cognitive status of preschool children in Uganda. The project strategy involved the provision of community - based child development services and enhancement of women’s ability to care for children – by providing them with knowledge on proper child caring practices and by increasing their income – earning opportunities. At the end of the 5 year implementation period, the project evaluation would be made. NB of all the IDA loans, this one has many questions.
THE NUTRITIONAL AND EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT (NECD) PROJECT
A Civil Society Statement (Part of it as Published in The Monitor Friday, 23 May, 2003)
The members of Uganda Debt Network are concerned that The Nutrition and Early Childhood Development Project (1998 – 2003), US$34.0million had not benefited the Children of Uganda.
A review study undertaken by the Save the Children (UK) entitled “Thin on the ground,” indicates that the project had limited and in some cases no impact at all. The findings among other things revealed that:
i. The project had no lasting effect on children’s nutritional status even where the caring behaviour of mothers was thought to have been better because of lack of attention given to food security and environmental health at the household level;
ii. The programme was not well integrated within the existing Government Health system. While the project manual stated that the creation of new structures should be avoided, in practice the entire project relies on parallel structures;
iii. We are concerned that the failure of a project of such magnitude to bear noticeable impact is a cause of concern to all persons in Uganda interested in the plight and predicament of the poor.
iv. We are disheartened by the fact that it is the poor who ultimately must pay back the colossal sums of money borrowed from the World Bank. We have also learnt that with disdain that in fact The World Bank is committing another US$100million to extend the lifespan of the project inspite of the overwhelming evidence to the current project failure!
18) Agricultural Research and Training Project - Phase Ii US$ 26.0 m (IDA) Mostly for Agricultural Research.
19) Financial Markets Assistance Project: US$ 13 m (IDA)
20) Nakivubo Channel Rehabilitation Project: US$ 22.4 m (IDA) – When you see how some parts of Kampala are inconvenienced by the floods you wonder whether this money would not have done a far better job!
If Funds of the Nakivubo Channel Rehabilitation project had properly been utilised, Kampala City and the neighbourhood would not be a big mess they are when ever there is rain.
World Bank funded projects closed during 1999
21) Agricultural Extension: FY 1993 – US$ 15.79 m
22) Enterprise Development ; FY (1992 – 1999) US$ 41.85 m (IDA)
23) Structural adjustment III: FY (1998 – 1999) US$ 125.0 m (IDA).
24) Third Power: FY (1991 – 1999) – US$ 125 m (IDA).
25) Economic & Financial Management: FY US$ (1993 – 1999) – US$ 29.0 m (IDA).
The Listing of these funds serves a dual purpose in that it gives Ugandans the picture into how hopeless our economy is; with all this money yet we claim to be generating good money locally, where does this money really go? It is also important to know that this money has to be paid back. Fortunately, when World Bank realized how impoverished Ugandans are though a lot of money had been poured into the economy, they made a decision for which we should be most grateful on forgiving us the loans.
At the 1995 World summit for Social development – The Copenhagen Declaration noted that globalization creates new opportunities for sustained economic growth and development of the World economy, particularly in developing countries. Yet the International Community has become painfully aware since the summit that the globalization of capital and information has not always resulted in the globalization of better living standards.
It is also clear that even well intentioned social policies and programmes too often do not reach the poor people, under certain circumstances even undermine their well being.
The Problem of Eligible Voters:
14 Million Eligible to Vote in 2011 - THERE will be about 14 million eligible voters by June this year, according to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS). UBOS executive director John Male Mukasa told journalists yesterday that according to the population projection, a total of 13.9 million Ugandans will be 18 years and above by June 2010. According to the Electoral Commission's roadmap, general elections will take place between February and March 2011. Uganda's total population, according to Mukasa, will be 32.9m people by that time.
Electoral Commission Registers 15 Million Voters: The number of registered voters in the country stands at approximately 15.2 million after the Electoral Commission registered an additional 4.72million voters in the recently-concluded voter registration exercise. However, the total number of registered voters is likely to go down during the cleaning of the register. Speaking at a news conference in Kampala on Wednesday, EC Chairman Baddru Kiggundu said the commission registered 4, 718,829 voters by June 22.
However, the number of Registered voters is disputed by the Opposition, saying that the NRM has failed to clean the Voters' Register, in that it has a lot of ghosts there.
It should be better for Uganda Bureau of Statistics to work hand in hand with the Electoral Commission over the number of Voters. Below is some information regarding various statistics to do with the population in Uganda.
Does the NRM intentionally make Ugandans poor so that it is easy bribing them at polls?
BRIBING VOTERS IS ANOTHER PROBLEM FOR UGANDA
I had always heard about the dishing out of money by people from the NRM camp, but just recently, I met some youth talking about how he dished shs 10,000 to voters very early in the morning of the voting day in 2006! He said money was brought in a saloon car but heavily guarded. And he was one of those assigned the duty to help dish out money to all who were passing in the path and looked the type who could change their mind and vote NRM! If this is true, it is so unfortunate to see the people who wagged a 5 year bush war with one of the reasons to fight the stealing of votes practising the same evil.
Provisions in Uganda Constitution that promote the Rights – based approach
The rights based approach, though not expressly stated, is enshrined in the Constitution of Uganda. The Constitutional provisions outlined below clearly demonstrate that the State and State agents have a legal obligation to fulfill Human Rights obligations and that through respect for Human Rights; the country can achieve democracy and development.
Article 20: Recognizes that Human Rights and freedoms of Ugandans are inherent and not given by the State and that the rights and Freedoms shall be respected, upheld and promoted by all organs and agencies of Government and by all persons.
Article 21: Recognizes equitable development, a key element of the Rights – Based Approach.
Chapter 4: Recognizes Rights which are clear benchmarks for Human development, for example; health, education, access to justice, rights of children, women, people with disabilities. The Whole Chapter Four of the Constitution is on “Protection and Promotion of Fundamental and Other Rights and Freedoms,” highlights all the Rights of civil, political, economic and cultural nature.
Article 50: Recognizes that Rights in chapter 4 are obligations that should be respected and not violated and that violations can be taken to court for redress.
Article 45: Recognizes that other than the Rights spelt out in chapter 4 of the Constitution; other Rights for example those in International Instruments ratified by Uganda must be respected, upheld and promoted.
HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATION: A REALITY IN UGANDA
A total of Ug. Shs 445,440,000 was awarded to victims of Human Rights violation in 2007; while shs 592,982,000 was awarded in 2008.
There is no better evidence for torture.
Article 52(f): Empowers the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) to monitor whether Uganda is complying with International treaty and convention obligations ratified by her.
National Objective and Directive Principles of State Policy:
Objective X: The State to take steps to involve in the formulation and implementation of development plans and programs, which affect them (participation).
Objective XI: The State to pass a law establishing measures that protect and enhance the right of people to equal opportunities in development.
Objective XX: The State to ensure provision of basic medical services to the population.
Objective XXII: The State to promote Right to adequate food and nutrition.
Objective XXVI: Accountability: The State to ensure that public officials are accountable to the people.
Objective XIV: The State to fulfill the fundamental Rights of all Ugandans to social justice and economic development and shall in particular that all development efforts are directed at ensuring maximum social and cultural well – being of the people, and all Ugandans to enjoy Rights and opportunities and access to education, health services, clean water, work, decent shelter, adequate clothing, food security, pension and retirement benefits.
Objective I (i): The obligation, the commitment that the State ought to have is enshrined at the very beginning of the Constitution where it is stated that, “The following objectives and principles shall guide all organs and agencies of the State, all citizens, organizations and other bodies and persons in applying or interpreting the Constitution or any other law and in taking and implementing the Constitution or any other law and in taking and implementing any policy decisions for the establishment and promotion of a just, free and democratic society.”
MAJOR HUMAN RIGHTS THAT ARE TO BE PROMOTED AS IN THE UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS TO ENHANCE WELFARE OF THE PEOPLE
1) Article 1: All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are gifted with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.
2) Article 3: Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.
3) Article 23:
i. Everyone has the right to work, to free choice of employment, to just and favourable conditions of work and to protection against unemployment.
ii. Everyone, without any discrimination, has the right to equal pay for equal work.
iii. Everyone who works has the right to just and favourable payment ensuring for himself and his family an existence worthy of human dignity, and supplemented, if necessary, by other means of social protection.
iv. Everyone has the right to form and to join trade unions for the protection of his interests.
4) Article 25:
i. Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services, and the right to security in the event of unemployment, sickness, disability, widowhood, old age or other lack of livelihood in circumstances beyond his control.
ii. Motherhood and childhood are entitled to special care and assistance. All children, whether born in or out of wedlock, shall enjoy the same social protection.
5) Article 26:
i. Everyone has the right to education. Education shall be free, at least in the elementary and fundamental stages. Elementary education shall be compulsory. Technical and professional education shall be made generally available and higher education shall be equally accessible to all on the basis of merit.
ii. Education shall be directed to full development of the human personality and to the strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. It shall promote understanding, tolerance and friendship among all nations, racial or religious groups, and shall further the activities of the United nations for the maintenance of peace.
WHAT THE PROPOSED GOVERNMENT HOPES TO IMMEDIATELY DO IN PROMITION OF HUMAN RIGHTS
1. Enactment of a Law on Torture:
The proposed Government of National Unity and Reconciliation will treat as priority the enacting of a law to prohibit acts of torture, cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment
2. Ratification of the OPCAT
The proposed Government will ratify the Optional Protocol on the Convention against Torture and other cruel inhuman treatment (OPCAT). This will improve and strengthen the monitoring mechanism of places of detention with a two pillar system at the national and international level.
3. Establishment of a victims of Human Rights Compensation Fund:
There is delay in compensating victims of human rights violations whose cases have been successfully proven by the Human Rights Commission Tribunal. This calls for the establishment of the Victims’ Compensation Fund to help meet timely compensation of victims.
HOW WILL I MANAGE GOVERNMENT BUSINESS?
1) Encourage Communication from the people directly to an email contact set for the purpose: More often than not, the Presidency keeps the one in chair out of touch wit the people. My approach will be different if I get the opportunity to get to the high office in the land. 1st of all, shortly after getting to office, we shall ensure that at least each village has a caf̩. Good enough, many place in Uganda currently has some caf̩ where people go and do their communications. There will be an email contact through which people may directly reach me. This I hope will be facilitated by some personal assistant such that as news is read, I should have 2 Р3 hours a day devoted to this cause. When an issue is put to my attention which issues will not include employment, contracts name it, I will be able through a Personal Assistant to see that a relevant reply is given and or the matter is referred to the attention of some office which should be able to give timely feedback regarding action taken. As for jobs and tenders, the people should be able to use the right channels. My business if elected to the powerful office is to put right what has been messed up and some people see it as the norm. This method will equally apply to some Government meetings where it would require movement of people to discuss.
2) Shall use tele – conferencing facility: I shall endeavour to see that key Government offices can manage to hold tele – conference, where it should be possible to discuss issues without having to assemble in some room.
3) The use of the Digital camera facility or Video recordings: Use digital camera and or recordings of what is going on at various sites where Government has interest.
4) There will be promoted use of the Global Learning Centre: A lot of time and resources are wasted when people have to move either upcountry to meet while they would get somewhere if the used Video Conferencing. The use and utilization of this facility is to be boosted and other centres will be opened up countrywide to reduce on people having to travel for meetings and relevant discussions.
5) Having the Auditor General to perform the Audit before funds are spent: Uganda has lost enough funds due to the current procedure where the Auditor general and say Inspector of Government come in after funds have been spent. Whether it means increasing capacity in form of manpower, the Government I have in picture will endeavour that the Auditor general’s office okays all those expenditures which are not routine. It disturbs for example to find Councilors being able to award themselves funds as they may wish. This has to come to an end. The New Vision October 10 2005 reported that: “District Tender Boards are most corrupt in Local Government. This was according to a report: “The impact of political corruption on resource allocation and service delivery.” Briefly, the report says that the procurement process and award of tenders is the most abused and used channel for political corruption.” Sincerely, I cannot allow this to continue. Their transactions ought to be okayed by the Auditor General’s Office before undertaken. “The Economic Policy and Research Centre on November 4, 2003 showed that the private tender system in six districts studied : Mbale, Kamuli, Mubende, Masaka, Ntungamo, and Arua had very serious defects, and amounted to a little more than a transfer of money from ordinary often very poor tax payers to the pockets of richer tax collection agents and their associates. Given that gross profit margins to tenderers vary from between 100% to almost 1000% in these districts, and hence it tantamounts to a gigantic rip off, said Professor Frank Ellis, Senior Consultant on the EPRC study team. It disturbs to see this type of developments going on yet the districts cry of not having enough revenue and instead want to look to new sources of revenue hence living the local population without any disposable income worth talking about which throws them into more poverty all the time. According to the findings of the 2002 Uganda Participatory Poverty Action Plan (UPPAP), “As local governments continue to search for new ways to generate higher incomes, they burden residents with ever increasing numbers and types of levies, licences, fees and taxes, to the point that multiple local levels licencing and taxation, and its maladministration, is now among the leading causes of poverty in Uganda. According to EPRC, “this practice sours relations between local governments and their citizens and discourages initiative and enterprise.”
6) Use of requests for periodical feedbacks regarding projects and programmes: It will be a practice to call for feedback periodically from the concerned Government officers regarding progress of projects/programmes and the monitoring as well as evaluation reports a must.
7) Daily trial balances for Government Business: By the end of business on each day, every officer handling Government cash will be required to have that cash verified and there should be no retiring to leave unfinished business. This is how back logs start and differences in books and these reports must be available for verification at end of each business day.
8) Government office to give overview of day’s business: It should be possible to get a summary report from each government office of what took place in the day. This will call for the drive for computerization of all Government offices and connection to the Internet.
9) Feed back on Implementation of the gender policy: I will seek to be updated on the implementation of the Gender Policy in all Government departments. We are aware of the long standing imbalances in our society which have to be addressed. All officers in charge of staff must be in the know regarding the policy and shall be required to see it bear fruit. Relevant Organs to which Uganda is party in respect of gender equality are: The east African Community (EAC) Treaty (2000), The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Gender Policy (MAY 2002), The Protocol on the Rights of Women in Africa (July 2003), the Inter Government Authority on development (IGAD), Gender Policy and Strategy (July 2004), The New Partnerships for African Development (NEPAD) through its programmes which are exposed to enhancing women’s human rights through the application of Social Development Indicators and The AU Heads of State Solemn Declaration on gender Equality (July 2004).
At the global level, instruments include: The Convention on Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW, 1979) and its Optional Protocol (adopted in October 1999) entered into force December 2000), the Beijing Declaration and Plan for Action (1995), The Commonwealth Plan of Action on gender development; Advancing the Commonwealth Plan of Action on gender and Development into the New Millennium (2005 – 2010), The International Conference on Population and development (1994), The United Nations Declaration on Violence against Women (DEVAW, 1993), The Millennium Declaration (2000), and the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC, 1990).
10) Non interference into the work of the judiciary: if Ugandans entrust me into the highest office in the land, I will not get myself involved with the work of the judiciary, be it who in Government, as long as he/she is caught on the wrong side of the law, he will have to face the dire consequences without fear or favour. And in case one has a case to answer, he may have to leave office until it is settled. There should be no immunity whatsoever, as this is how corruption and other malpractices are given room in Government.
11) Regarding People sentenced to death: Though the death sentence remains on Uganda’s legal books, since I cannot create a person, I don’t think and I will never exercise that authority to execute a person. Instead, those sentenced to death may have to serve a life sentence until some other authority decides otherwise but not me. It is also true that we have people here who can give false testimony to incriminate others. There is a man in the west who was sentenced to death for murdering his son. The son afterwards ‘resurrected,’ assuming someone has executed him?
12) Business of State House with Investors: I have seen the President so much involved in directly attracting Investors into the country and finishing deals in their favour. I don’t want to be involved. What I would love to be involved with is the creation of a conducive climate for locals to do business and foreigners to find it attractive and safe to put their money in Uganda. There are credible levels we should emulate. Uganda is supposed to be lead by people inspired by God who should lead His lambs on His behalf and not to betaken up and compromised by such deals for when the deal goes bad it back fires to whoever was involved. I want to be above such.
13) Favouring school-mates: I am fortunate that in much I have been doing over the last 4 or so years, I have known my school and done work as a thank you for the education background, but fortunately, I am not in bondage to promote St. Mary’s College Kisubi in Government if I get opportunity to the highest office in the land. I believe already a number of SMACK OBs are well positioned and others can toil for themselves, but nothing like a SMACK empire to be created by me.
14) Relatives: Yes, I have very many relatives who are not well to do. However, it will not be my method to use the office to see them into positions. This is the part of corruption we are fighting. Given opportunity and I have some money to open undertakings, I will definitely involve them that way. I wish not to soil my name. I love to make a contribution for 5 years not more and go if the good Lord grants the gift of life.
15) The requirement for each and everybody 18 years and above to have a source of income and an account of some sort with some savings: Poverty shall remain the norm if we don’t come up with strategies in form of a big push to do away with it. You find a woman by her poor rented room with a child and she is there waiting for what the husband brings back. A man who earns shs 2,000 a day gives a command to the woman not to work! This status quo is simply unacceptable; this poverty is leading to a lot of domestic problems. Women cannot get 100% of their needs from men, so they have to work. If I am elected by the people of Uganda, I will push for the “Virtual Clearing House, get it capitalized, and it will not be anybody’s business f one decides not to work for pay and he/sleeps hungry, though we may not give it chance anyway. The statistics below show the picture:
i. An analysis of the 31% Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS 2006) of the population currently living below poverty line indicates that poverty impacts differently on different groups. The Social Development Sector Strategic Investment Plan (SDIP) indicates that women (33%) tend to be poorer than men (30%). This is more severe for widows (34%) including people living in households which are headed by widows. Further, there are an estimated 1.8 m orphans (13% of Ugandan children), Population and Housing Census, (2002). The Social Development Sector Strategic Investment Plan (SDIP) indicates that 41% of boy – orphans and 36% of girl orphans fall below the poverty line.
ii. The Participatory Poverty Assessment (2002) reveals that women’s inadequate control over livelihood assets such as land, labour, skills and information, networks, technology, and financial capital remains one of the root causes of poverty. For instance, although 83% of women are engaged in agricultural production, only 25.5% control the land they cultivate (UDHS), 2000/01). This scenario creates enormous challenges for the women as they are increasingly taking on the burden of family provisioning, thus seriously undermining the sustainability of the household livelihoods. Therefore, gender inequality is key area that has to be tackled through systematic removal of the constraints to women and men’s livelihoods.
iii. A gender analysis of Uganda national Household Survey (UNHS) 1992 -2003) data indicates that around 20% of Ugandan households are chronically poor and more than 10% of the poorest households moved into poverty between (1992 – 1999). The analysis further shows that with regard to income poverty, higher proportions of women headed households are chronically poor.
iv. Women continue to suffer very high burdens in pursuing their livelihood strategies. The Uganda Strategic Country gender Assessment (World Bank 200%) reveals that women work considerably longer hours than men (between 12 and 18 hours a day, with a mean of 15 hours), compared with an average male working day of 8 to 10 hours. Women bear the brunt of domestic tasks, in addition to agricultural and other productive work. The time and effort required for these tasks, in almost total absence of even rudimentary domestic technology, is staggering. This has a negative effect on food security, household income, children’s schooling, participation in community life, health, and overall productivity.
v. Regarding health rights, high maternal mortality and morbidity rates remain a challenge. Evidence from the Uganda demographic and health Survey (2006) shows that infant mortality is 76 deaths per 1,000 births and under five mortality is 137 per 1,000 births. Similarly, the UDHS 2000/01 puts maternal mortality ratio at 505 per 100,000 live births. The high total fertility rate at 6.9 has a bearing on the rapidly increasing growth rates (3.3%) per annum, which in turn has negative consequences on provision of health services for women and increases the dependence ratio. The high incidence of teenage pregnancies is associated with high risks to health and life of both the mother and child. As a signatory to the International Conference on Child Development (ICDP 1994) Government must be committed to promotion of sexual and reproductive health rights by putting gender relations at the centre of health and population interventions.
16) I am not a tribalist: I am a nationalist; It is true I am a Muganda but to me all Ugandans are equal before God and before the Constitution of Uganda. Much as I like to see a Muganda happy, the same way I like any other body to enjoy his life in Uganda. For instance, if the people of Uganda vote for me, I will ensure that all those who have grown up without knowing that bread has to go with butter and jam get to re – discover them. This sincerely cannot be for Baganda alone. It pains me to see people from all parts of Uganda come to Buganda to get jobs. Now with the Re – Birth of the Marshall plan there will be no reason why one has to migrate from his/her mother home because all the resources should be available country wide.
17) The culture of begging from politicians must stop: This business of seeing politicians as providers while every body is expected to earn a decent living is partly responsible for our problems. Because people are made to believe that income is for a privileged few, they end up worshiping them, hence we remain with a fleet of politicians who are just exploiting the people with no positive contribution worth mentioning. The culture of begging politicians should be criminal. Everybody will be provided with an environment to make a fairly decent living so that we see off those politicians who deceive our people with hand-outs and turn around to exploit them hence failing to provide for a meaningful welfare for them and the vicious circle of poverty continues.
18) Have monitors in place: Much of the money which would benefit the people of Uganda has been eaten by a few in positions where they access this money. This one is to become history. As the NRM Government has Presidential advisors, this time we are to have monitors. Whatever is going on and has had money spent on it must be monitored and no excuse to be given for its having gone wrong. No spending funds out of the ordinary without the authority of the Auditor General and specifications in the contract have to be met and enforced. No backlog is to be accommodated. Where ever there is need for more staff, that staff shall be provided. With technology in place, no lousy excuses to be accepted that information was stolen because they broke into an office. All Government documents MUST have a back up.
19) The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) to be given capacity to check dumping into the country: It is very disappointing to buy a shoe and it cannot last even a month yet when it is new. UNBS to be given capacity to ensure that dumping is not entertained. There is need to look into having price tags for goods on sale. It is very normal for traders to cheat people because they don’t fix price tags. I recall when someone got shs 20,000 from me for a charger which goes for shs 5,000!
20) Rewarding Reporters: Many times people sit on crucial information which information if given would be so crucial in saving the country loss of money. Whoever makes such a report to government and it is proved right will enjoy a certain percentage to be determined by the right authorities and in case it is not money or quantifiable in money terms, still to be rewarded in money terms as shall be determined by the right organ in place.
21) Look into compensation of properties lost under various circumstances: There are developments that have induced our people into poverty say when markets have burnt and traders have been left in vacuum. There are incidences where various compensations should have been enjoyed after death of loved ones, etc. Some organ to be put in place to review such cases, may be could be done by the Uganda Human Rights Commission.
22) Revival of Jinja Industries: The poverty in Jinja to be addressed by seeing to measures to revive the industries in Jinja and see to many more come up. It is a sad development the story of Busoga.
23) Review the work of the Privatisation Unit (Public Enterprise Reform and Divestiture (PERD): In 1992, just before the advent of reform in earnest, the parastatal sector was standing at over 140 enterprises covering a diverse range of activities from trade and commerce, agro-production and processing, manufacturing, insurance and utility services. Over 85% were commercial in nature and according to reports these were already facing competition from the private sector. The enterprises were operating at well below 30% capacity utilization and contributed only 5% to GDP. In addition, out of national debt stock of US$ 3.5 bn, 28% (US$ 986 m) was generated by the private enterprises – worse still these debts were guaranteed by Government. The public enterprises were therefore inefficient and unable to generate enough resources to finance their operations and save for re-investment.
24) People who take up contracts and they don’t remit money: It is unfortunate that some people get contracts, continue to get money from say parks and because they think they have cover, continue to collect the revenue for own consumption. This simply cannot be left. This is the reason why we keep a begging economy.
THE INNOVATIONS I AM FRONTING FOR THE POSITION OF PRESIDENT OF UGANDA
1) A VIRTUAL CLEARING HOUSE
2) EMPLOYMENT OF ALL PEOPLE OF UGANDA (SKILLED & UNSKILLED)
3) FREE MEDICAL TREATMENT FOR ALL
4) QUALITATIVE ; PRACTICAL EDUCATION FOR ALL
5) UNIFORM FEDERAL GOVERNANCE IN UGANDA
6) ENSURING A LIVING WAGE
7) ENSURING A BALANCED DIET FOR ALL
8) CONTROL OF BIRTH THROUGH EDUCATION & FAMILY PLANNING
9) PUTTING IN PLACE MEASURES TO MINIMISE CORRUPTION
10)BOOSTING AGRO – PROCESSING INDUSTRIALISATION
11)BOOSTING OUR EXPORT BASE
12)FIGHTING ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION
13)ENSURING REGIONAL POLES OF GROWTH
14)IMPLEMENTING VOCATIONAL EDUCATION FROM PRIMARY SCHOOLS
15)CATERING FOR THE ELDERLY
16)IMPLEMENTING A STUDENT LOAN SCHEME FOR HIGHER INSTITUTIONS OF LEARNING
17)SCRAPPING GOVERNMENT SPONSORSHIP
18)PROMOTION OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY IN ALL AREAS POSSIBLE.
19)ENSURING LITERACY FOR ALL AND TEACHING OF RIGHTS
20)ENSURING THAT GOVERNMENT OBSERVES HUMAN RIGHTS
21)THE WILL OF THE PEOPLE PREVAILS.
22)PROMOTION OF A SAVING AND INVESTMENT CULTURE
23)REDUCTION OF VAT RATE AND TAXATION RATES WHICH ARE ON THE HIGH HENCE MAKE BUSINESS UNCOMPETITIVE INTERNATIONALLY; FOR EXAMPLE ON FUEL
24)ABOLISHING TAXATION ON GOVERNMENT
NB It is important to note that the 24 listed are representing major policy areas which will be different from the way the NRM conducts its business. What is not touched here has intentionally been left out and may be streamlining may be required but not a major policy objective as many of the listed portray. These (24) are what bring out the distinctiveness between the two that is the NRM and the proposed Government set up. For instance, it is wrong to discuss matters of the East African Community here apart from ensuring that agreements are implemented to ensure its sustained existence for the benefit of all the peoples of the member countries. It is also true that the outlined are the areas I would have to try hard to see that Parliament when it is the relevant organ to handle does in conformity with my conviction for the welfare of the people of Uganda, more so the poor who more often are impoverished the more due to policy in place over which they remain enslaved and victims.
The Chief Executive Vs the PRO
CE: How come we have no contribution in this issue?
PRO: Sir, You know, the company policy is that we must have a look at the previous issue before we make a contribution.
CE: Scrap that right away. We have missed a chance of being party to an educative Magazine to which we would have contributed. We should be able to gauge the type of Magazine when the Editor gives us a hint.
The Logic of the above:
Someone will say: “So and so, why give him a vote? I have not seen him deliver, what is his background, and so on and so forth. The gist of the matter is; how do we move forward? What I have outlined is fundamentally what I will endeavour to convince other players in Government to ensure implemented, and I want to assure the people of Uganda that I have the will; and all a long I have had that heart which feels for the deprived, the injustices in our country. The Baganda have a saying which when interpreted to English means that: You may think you despise some one because he is not big. Here it is not body size that matters, not wealth, but Ideas and such ideas which are not a gamble, but those that will definitely work. I would love to work under the Agenda to see Uganda a better country for all of us with the cooperation and support of the established political party leaders and their members. I believe I have the key to unite Ugandans at this crucial stage in our history, and thereafter, I should leave the stage but having set the ground for that Democracy which many leaders don’t want to give chance. So please, let us unit for a way forward as one person under a Government of National Unity and when we have sustained that, it should be easy for each of us to go to his party which he so cherishes.
The NRM has been given its chance: What is the evaluation like?
The NRM waged a 5 year Bush War because The Late Paulo Muwanga helped Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) to ‘win’ the 1980 General Elections. In power, NRM leaders promised Ugandans a fundamental change. The question is: “Today, when the Uganda Opposition openly declares that elections conducted by the NRM Government have a lot of rigging, is there justification for the 5 year bush way and the suffering later on deaths endured? NRM Leadership has to know: “The probability of a theory or practice in Science can be demonstrated by performing an objective experiment. Findings can be compared after a series of observations and errors are evaluated. The opposite however is true for the politician – history gives him only a single chance. The failure of a social experiment usually is not only a personal catastrophe for the individual politician, but of the basic concept he was fighting for as well.”
Developing a Culture of Peaceful Settlement of Conflict
In Uganda , we MUST endorse a culture of peaceful resolution of Conflict. One reason why poverty is so much, so many unemployed youth, and low production capacity, wrong policy a part; the NRM over its tenure of office has been involved in the use of war to solve conflicts; and this is regrettable. It was hard to believe that not long ago when Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) were in Congo pursuing Kony, Ug. Shs 400m or so (if my memory is good) was being use daily, and they were there for a month or so. In such circumstances a country cannot escape being poor. Adam Smith says in The wealth of Nations: “Among the civilized nations of modern Europe … not more than one – hundredth part of the inhabitants of any country can be employed as soldiers, without ruin to the country that pays the expense of their service.” The basic truth is that war is a parasitical part of the economy, particularly when it becomes professionalized. Professional armies cannot feed or clothe themselves or even provide themselves with weapons. This has to be done by the civilian population.
People will always tell you, “You are not a military personnel, how can you rule Uganda ?
First of all, let me be clear once again, I am advocating for a Government of National Unity and Reconciliation which Uganda needs most as of now. In this arrangement, all parties will play roles to ensure that we move forward democratically, and there will be no winner takes it all given that I am an Independent candidate. We seriously cannot live in perpetual fear endlessly; we must boldly come out and say, this is what we want. Yet even those who imagine that they have a right to keep Ugandans in slavery will one of these days turn to God and do justice. “Peace is the greatest good that people can wish for in life.” When the great humanist Cervantes wrote this, he was stating the principle position of pacifism, where attainment of peace is regarded as the highest possible value to which all other aspirations should be subordinated. Yet history is full of examples where peace has been consciously sacrificed for attaining other goals, for preserving faith and principles, and for materialism and ideology. It can be remembered by those of us who were around in 1983: “On December 3, 1983, Ugandans woke up to the shocking news on Radio Uganda that the country’s powerful and feared Army Chief of Staff, Major General David Oyite Ojok had died. It was the closest to Ugandans experiencing the death of a sitting President.” Yes, you may think that you are at liberty to take away people’s rights and deny them their wishes by using fear, but, at times God can decide otherwise for you. We need just to get that maturity and we shall have Uganda as a country where we shall all peacefully co – exist.
Kituuka’s Stakes in the Struggle for the High Office
When you see a trailer on the road, you may imagine that the driver must be very energetic to manage to drive the huge thing on the road. But, the truth is that the designers of the vehicle made it such that, it is normal driving, without the need to use that much energy. In my case, I see the role a head as normal because I have the conviction, and basic ability to do the job given the cooperation and advice as expected. What I can say, is that given audience by the people of Uganda when properly facilitated which is my biggest constraint, I can easily prove a David against the Goliath (a combination of forces that may be opposed to my stand and standing.
The Strategy of a Government of National Unity and Reconciliation
Many may wish to know my exact strategy when I talk about a Government of National Unity and Reconciliation. Apart from the removal of Presidential term limits, our Constitution has a lot in common with the one of the Americans. In my case therefore, to have the objective met, my run mate - the Vice President would be Ambassador Olara Otunu. The Position of Prime Minister was initially not in the Constitution and I am not aware that it is there legally. It tends to weaken the Vice President.
Why the Ambassador?
1) He did not soil his hands in the till for the 24 – 25 years NRM has been in power;
2) He is an Internationally respected diplomat who can help the country a lot in efforts to see to recovery; which efforts require a lot of good will and funding from potential donors;
3) He will stand to see the Northern Uganda recovery and reconstruction efforts real to benefit the victims of the wars there;
4) He stands for the good in the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) whose policies many Ugandans still wish for ( the cooperatives thrived, social infrastructure to mention a few);
5) He is a man who is in for reconciliation.
Ministerial Positions:
1. Ministry of Defense to Major Mugisha Muntu
2. Ministry of Internal Affairs to Dr. Kizza Besigye;
3. Ministry of Foreign Affairs to Hon.Mau;
4. Ministry of Finance to Dr. Abed Bwaniika;
5. Ministry of Public Service to Hon. Bidandi Ssali;
6. Ministry of Land - Hon. Kyanjo
7. Minitry of Water ^ Environment – Hon. Mabiike
8. Ministry of Agriculture- The Conservative Party
I wish to have 1/3 of the cabinet positions to the women. Of these we would have 4 Full Ministers in Ministries which need to see gender balance real and the women rights observed. These are:
1) Health
2) Education
3) Gender, Labour & Social Development – Hon. Betty Nambooze
4) Local Government – Hon. Betty Kamya
CHOGM 2007 in Uganda was good opportunity for some people to "eat" tax payers' monies.
NRM may have spent about shs 4bn in their elections one reason why we should get them out of office, this is not money from party members.
It is interesting to see a party which has cultivated a culture of cheating in National Elections when the cheating catches up with them in party elections!
September 11, 2010 will be a complete 12 months since the NRM Government closed CBS FM which was earning about shs 1bn a month and employing over 100 staff!
President Museveni's shs 82bn jet
28) While the 5 year bush war had much to do with getting UPC Government out of power due to a stolen victory, many in NRM circles have been convicted in courts of law for the role played in electoral malpractices which clearly shows that Government has no good will to see this problem sorted out completely more so when it’s NRM candidate favoured;
William Kituuka Kiwanuka's CV
