HUGE black drums stare at you like stranded elephants. You look at them. They stare back. These are the storage facilities for oil waste from oil sites in Western Uganda.
These drums receive dangerous waste dug out from over one thousand metre deep oil wells scattered across Hoima.
There are forty nine oil wells in Hoima and Arua district. Five of these wells are dry. In other words, there are no prospects of getting oil.
Two companies are involved in oil exploration here. Tullow is exploring oil in Hoima and Neptune in Arua.
Out of the forty four oil wells, thirty one are in the protected areas.
Environmentalists therefore are monitoring how oil exploration here will be done without destroying the environment.
“We are making sure no waste or solid waste is put away,” Aryamanya Mugisha the Executive Director of National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) said in Hoima during the trip to the oil wells recently.
According to Aryamanya a temporal storage facility has been put in place but a permanent centralized system will be constructed near a refinery.
“The location will be near the refinery. We want to move the waste outside people’s residences. We know what is in the waste.” Aryamanya Mugisha says.
Tullow has put a temporal waste storage facility in Nagassa 2 oil well near Lake Albert. Nema has asked Tullow to label the waste indicating composition and origin. According to Aryamanya Mugisha management of waste is the responsibility of the drilling company.
“Before we go to refining oil, these issues will have to be concluded.” Aryamanya said.
Environmentalists say that, part of the waste after being treated can be useful for road construction. However, it may not be used in areas near water bodies.
According to Aryamanya, there is also a study to explore how the waste will be useful in construction of airfield run ways.
“We have discouraged the use of waste in making bricks. We have refused the disposal of wastage anyhow. If we continue in this manner, I don’t think there will be a problem,” Aryamanya said.
As part of its plan to address oil waste, Nema recently sent a team of environmental experts to Texas to study waste management. It is part of this team that regularly ensures that oil companies comply with environmental regulations.
Even then, there are concerns how crude oil and waste will be transported from the scattered wells to the refinery without affecting the environment.
Aryamanya says there is a proposal to transport oil using pipes to a central refinery plant.
According to environmentalists five sights have been proposed for this purpose. Nakasongola district and Kaabale in Hoima district are some of the proposed sites.
Kaabale is proposed because it is easy to access water. It is also in the middle hence easy to access oil wells scattered across Hoima. Finally, the population is not big therefore less likely to affect people.
However, communities here are scared that powerful people are forcing them to sell their land at a cheaper rate.
“People are being threatened. The local leaders are telling people to sell their land and if they refuse they will be chased away. They are selling an acre of land at shs 400,000.” one local community member in Kaabale said.
In Kasemene drilling site in Bullisa district, people were told to move three hundred metres away from the oil well. Despite the fact that, they were compensated for damaged crops and property community members have come back near the oil wells.
“People are complaining that, why don’t you tell us to leave.” Dozith Abeinomugihsa petrolleum expert in the ministry of energy said.
Tullow Oil Cooperate Communications Manager, Cathy Adengo said, Tullow pays much attention on waste and environment.
“We are here not to destroy the environment but to build the nation,” Adengo told reporters in Arua.
A team of oil drillers in Kigogole oil site in Bullisa district said, they are committed to reducing waste by 70 percent and restoring environment to near its original position after oil exploration.
This view is not shared with some environmentalists.
“These people would not mind about waste. If you looked away, they would never pay attention in reducing waste. We have to pay close attention to their work.” one environmental official said on condition of anonymity.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Food secuirty: Will the late rains affect food production in Teso?
Okello lay under the verandah motionless and weak.
He had not eaten for the last two days. On the third day, neighbours donated an old blanket to keep his old tired bones warm, a plate of atap and boiled eboo to ignite hope in his stomach.
This was the plight of Okello, 81, an old man in Amuria district abandoned by relatives not because they hated him but they too had nothing to offer.
The neighbors said, the relatives too were starving and surviving on wild plants and dregs (adakai). Okello lay down helpless as if waiting for the day of reckoning as camera flaxes disturbed his already tired eyes.
This was 2009, when the famine was threatening households in Teso. The famine was a result of the long drought that destroyed most crops in the region.
At that time, local leaders were busy accusing each other for abandoning people and denying the existence of famine in the region.
As the situation worsened, president Museveni flew to Malera sub-county one of the hard hit regions in Bukedea district.
After meeting local leaders and inspecting gardens of communities, Museveni said government will not let people starve.
Government through the ministry of disaster preparedness quickly donated food items to most households. Even opposition political extremists agreed government had done something and local leaders for the first time cooled down and united against famine.
Today there are signs that, this might again repeat in the region. “The rains have stubbornly delayed,” said Okurut a local farmer from Bukedea.
“We prepared our gardens on time, but the rains have failed us. Even as the rains are coming back, we don’t think the harvest will be good,” he said.
Okurut is one of the many farmers in Teso, who had ploughed their gardens early in December 2010 with the hope that, in January, they would be able to sow millet and rice.
“We have been told the rains are returning for a short time. I hope, we shall be able to plant something,” Okurut says. He is not really optimistic.
Okurut said most farmers were affected by the prolonged drought hence ate up their seedlings.
“The drought forced many to eat up their seedlings. Now we have nothing,” Okurut said.
This has forced the prices of food crops to rise. A kilo of sorghum has risen to shs 1,000 from shs 300, maize to shs 700 from 150 a kilo and bag of groundnuts goes at shs 90,000 from 40,000.
“Now I can not even afford to buy a bag of sorghum for planting. I had ten bags of sorghum in 2010 and sold it at 20,000 each. If I had known the situation would be terrible, I would have waited, ” Amulen a local farmer in Serere said.
The prolonged drought left many springs dry in most parts in Teso. Swampy areas that were once water logged have dried up. Farmers, who attempted to plant rice in wetlands have lost.
The Environmental experts here say that, the effects of destroying wetlands are now affecting the water system in the region.
“The rains were common here in February every year but that is no more. We told farmers not to plough the wetlands. They did not listen. What we are experiencing are the effects of climatic change.” One environmental expert here said.
He added that, the situation can only be reversed, if the farmers listen to advise and desist from destroying wetlands.
Even as rains are expected to fall here heavily in April, there is fear famine will hit the region hard.
Local leaders here say farmers have not prepared the gardens early enough.
“Our people are used to planting very many crops at once. This means therefore that, they will attempt to grow many types of crops and fail to weed. We want to advise them to concentrate on few crops and manage well,” said one local leader.
The biggest challenges facing farmers in Teso is water, insecurity and funding.
One leader said the problem of water can be solved if irrigation system is put in place. There are quite enough water bodies like Awoja, Opeta and kyoga for that purpose.
Local leaders admit tapping water for irrigation has not been done here.
President Museveni while campaigning in Teso recently said, there is need to tap water for irrigation to help farmers in the region. It is not clear, whether the issue was captured in the National Agricultural Plan.
At least government solved the problem of insecurity. The Kony rebels who attempted to destabilize the region in 2003 are no more. The common cattle rustling in parts of Katakwi are slowly being weeded out.
Although government sent billions of shillings under Naads programmes, farmers are still not convinced how the funds were utilized.
Probably as Naads restructures its operations will farmers have hope in it.
“Iam moving around registering all household heads and their dependants to benefit from Naads programme,” said Amuriat local council chairperson in Bukedea, Tamula ward.
If the programme is well handled, Amuriat hopes that more than ten groups in his ward will benefit at least two bags of ground nut seeds.
Amuriat and his group are optimistic. He said nature is on their side. Adding that, their prosperity this time around will come from farming and famine will be history.
Indeed, history will judge whether they will prosper this time around amidst late rains and other challenges.
He had not eaten for the last two days. On the third day, neighbours donated an old blanket to keep his old tired bones warm, a plate of atap and boiled eboo to ignite hope in his stomach.
This was the plight of Okello, 81, an old man in Amuria district abandoned by relatives not because they hated him but they too had nothing to offer.
The neighbors said, the relatives too were starving and surviving on wild plants and dregs (adakai). Okello lay down helpless as if waiting for the day of reckoning as camera flaxes disturbed his already tired eyes.
This was 2009, when the famine was threatening households in Teso. The famine was a result of the long drought that destroyed most crops in the region.
At that time, local leaders were busy accusing each other for abandoning people and denying the existence of famine in the region.
As the situation worsened, president Museveni flew to Malera sub-county one of the hard hit regions in Bukedea district.
After meeting local leaders and inspecting gardens of communities, Museveni said government will not let people starve.
Government through the ministry of disaster preparedness quickly donated food items to most households. Even opposition political extremists agreed government had done something and local leaders for the first time cooled down and united against famine.
Today there are signs that, this might again repeat in the region. “The rains have stubbornly delayed,” said Okurut a local farmer from Bukedea.
“We prepared our gardens on time, but the rains have failed us. Even as the rains are coming back, we don’t think the harvest will be good,” he said.
Okurut is one of the many farmers in Teso, who had ploughed their gardens early in December 2010 with the hope that, in January, they would be able to sow millet and rice.
“We have been told the rains are returning for a short time. I hope, we shall be able to plant something,” Okurut says. He is not really optimistic.
Okurut said most farmers were affected by the prolonged drought hence ate up their seedlings.
“The drought forced many to eat up their seedlings. Now we have nothing,” Okurut said.
This has forced the prices of food crops to rise. A kilo of sorghum has risen to shs 1,000 from shs 300, maize to shs 700 from 150 a kilo and bag of groundnuts goes at shs 90,000 from 40,000.
“Now I can not even afford to buy a bag of sorghum for planting. I had ten bags of sorghum in 2010 and sold it at 20,000 each. If I had known the situation would be terrible, I would have waited, ” Amulen a local farmer in Serere said.
The prolonged drought left many springs dry in most parts in Teso. Swampy areas that were once water logged have dried up. Farmers, who attempted to plant rice in wetlands have lost.
The Environmental experts here say that, the effects of destroying wetlands are now affecting the water system in the region.
“The rains were common here in February every year but that is no more. We told farmers not to plough the wetlands. They did not listen. What we are experiencing are the effects of climatic change.” One environmental expert here said.
He added that, the situation can only be reversed, if the farmers listen to advise and desist from destroying wetlands.
Even as rains are expected to fall here heavily in April, there is fear famine will hit the region hard.
Local leaders here say farmers have not prepared the gardens early enough.
“Our people are used to planting very many crops at once. This means therefore that, they will attempt to grow many types of crops and fail to weed. We want to advise them to concentrate on few crops and manage well,” said one local leader.
The biggest challenges facing farmers in Teso is water, insecurity and funding.
One leader said the problem of water can be solved if irrigation system is put in place. There are quite enough water bodies like Awoja, Opeta and kyoga for that purpose.
Local leaders admit tapping water for irrigation has not been done here.
President Museveni while campaigning in Teso recently said, there is need to tap water for irrigation to help farmers in the region. It is not clear, whether the issue was captured in the National Agricultural Plan.
At least government solved the problem of insecurity. The Kony rebels who attempted to destabilize the region in 2003 are no more. The common cattle rustling in parts of Katakwi are slowly being weeded out.
Although government sent billions of shillings under Naads programmes, farmers are still not convinced how the funds were utilized.
Probably as Naads restructures its operations will farmers have hope in it.
“Iam moving around registering all household heads and their dependants to benefit from Naads programme,” said Amuriat local council chairperson in Bukedea, Tamula ward.
If the programme is well handled, Amuriat hopes that more than ten groups in his ward will benefit at least two bags of ground nut seeds.
Amuriat and his group are optimistic. He said nature is on their side. Adding that, their prosperity this time around will come from farming and famine will be history.
Indeed, history will judge whether they will prosper this time around amidst late rains and other challenges.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Uganda's election: What next after the constitutional ruling?
I have been busy for the last six months and could not get back to you. This time around, we have political campaigns in the country for various election positions. The electoral commission nominated presidential candidates in October and campaigns kicked off around November last year.
Eight presidential candidates are in the race. Incumbent president Yoweri Museveni is seeking for the fourth term in office. Kizza Besigye, one time medical doctor and ally to Museveni is believed to be the strongest challenger. He is the Inter Party Cooperation joint candidate- a loose political group.
This is not the first time Besigye is challenging Museveni. In 2001, Besigye was a candidate under Reform Agenda after breaking away from Museveni’s National Resistance Movement. In 2006, Besigye was arrested and charged with treason and rape- cases that he won later. He was nominated while in prison but lost.
The race also involves presidential candidates like Betty Kamya, one time ally of Kizza Besigye in the Forum for Democratic Change party.
Other candidates in the race include Abedi Bwanika, Olara Otuunu, a former diplomat in the United Nations, Charles Lubega, Nobert Mao and Bidandi Sali, president Museveni’s former Minister of Local Government.
The presidential candidates are moving across the country canvassing votes promising better living standards to supporters.
Most of them are confident that, they will win.
What is not in dispute is that the latest polling opinions conducted put the incumbent President Museveni in the lead followed by Col. Kizza Besigye.
Even then, Besigye has declared on several occasions, he will announce his results soon after elections. Museveni has criticized him. Museveni says it is the electoral commission mandated to announce results. Museveni has also accused Besigye of propagating lies.
Some sections of communities are worried violence might brake out if elections are not properly conducted. There has been some silent hoarding of commodities like salt, sugar and soap as locals buy in bulk.
However, the government has assured the people, there will be no violence. The army officials were quoted in the local press saying Uganda will not experience the situation obtaining in Tunisia or Egypt.
As the polling day draws closer, the constitutional court ruling has created uncertainty on positions of members of parliament.
The constitutional court ruled that any member of parliament nominated outside their party position without resigning is null and void.
“You cannot in a multi-party political system continue to represent the electorate on a party basis in Parliament, while at the same time offering yourself for election for the next Parliament on the ticket of a different political party or as an independent,” the judges of the constitutional court ruled.
This situation has sent mixed feelings to various officials as the government is studying the judgment. Government officials here say the ruling will be challenged in the Supreme Court.
The ruling has not only created a situation of uncertainty on government Mps seeking re election but it has also shocked opposition.
The presidential candidate Beti Kamya is one of the persons affected by the ruling. She is a Member of Parliament under Forum Democratic Change ticket but is seeking election as president under Federal Alliance Party ticket.
The question now is whether this will have a strong bearing on the elections since the judges have also directed the electoral commission and parliament ‘to take note of the contents of the judgment and take appropriate action.’
As election date draws closer, opposition leaders have accused electoral commission for ordering excess ballot papers for the presidential candidates.
In response, the electoral commission insists ballot papers are only printed in bunches and will be accounted.
One such people accusing electoral commission of bias is Olara Otuunu.
Otuunu has been very critical of electoral commission and threatened to boycott the elections if the commission was not disbanded. However in October, he was one of first presidential candidates to be nominated.
What seems certain now is that come February 18, 2011, Ugandans will determine the destiny of their country through a ballot paper.
Eight presidential candidates are in the race. Incumbent president Yoweri Museveni is seeking for the fourth term in office. Kizza Besigye, one time medical doctor and ally to Museveni is believed to be the strongest challenger. He is the Inter Party Cooperation joint candidate- a loose political group.
This is not the first time Besigye is challenging Museveni. In 2001, Besigye was a candidate under Reform Agenda after breaking away from Museveni’s National Resistance Movement. In 2006, Besigye was arrested and charged with treason and rape- cases that he won later. He was nominated while in prison but lost.
The race also involves presidential candidates like Betty Kamya, one time ally of Kizza Besigye in the Forum for Democratic Change party.
Other candidates in the race include Abedi Bwanika, Olara Otuunu, a former diplomat in the United Nations, Charles Lubega, Nobert Mao and Bidandi Sali, president Museveni’s former Minister of Local Government.
The presidential candidates are moving across the country canvassing votes promising better living standards to supporters.
Most of them are confident that, they will win.
What is not in dispute is that the latest polling opinions conducted put the incumbent President Museveni in the lead followed by Col. Kizza Besigye.
Even then, Besigye has declared on several occasions, he will announce his results soon after elections. Museveni has criticized him. Museveni says it is the electoral commission mandated to announce results. Museveni has also accused Besigye of propagating lies.
Some sections of communities are worried violence might brake out if elections are not properly conducted. There has been some silent hoarding of commodities like salt, sugar and soap as locals buy in bulk.
However, the government has assured the people, there will be no violence. The army officials were quoted in the local press saying Uganda will not experience the situation obtaining in Tunisia or Egypt.
As the polling day draws closer, the constitutional court ruling has created uncertainty on positions of members of parliament.
The constitutional court ruled that any member of parliament nominated outside their party position without resigning is null and void.
“You cannot in a multi-party political system continue to represent the electorate on a party basis in Parliament, while at the same time offering yourself for election for the next Parliament on the ticket of a different political party or as an independent,” the judges of the constitutional court ruled.
This situation has sent mixed feelings to various officials as the government is studying the judgment. Government officials here say the ruling will be challenged in the Supreme Court.
The ruling has not only created a situation of uncertainty on government Mps seeking re election but it has also shocked opposition.
The presidential candidate Beti Kamya is one of the persons affected by the ruling. She is a Member of Parliament under Forum Democratic Change ticket but is seeking election as president under Federal Alliance Party ticket.
The question now is whether this will have a strong bearing on the elections since the judges have also directed the electoral commission and parliament ‘to take note of the contents of the judgment and take appropriate action.’
As election date draws closer, opposition leaders have accused electoral commission for ordering excess ballot papers for the presidential candidates.
In response, the electoral commission insists ballot papers are only printed in bunches and will be accounted.
One such people accusing electoral commission of bias is Olara Otuunu.
Otuunu has been very critical of electoral commission and threatened to boycott the elections if the commission was not disbanded. However in October, he was one of first presidential candidates to be nominated.
What seems certain now is that come February 18, 2011, Ugandans will determine the destiny of their country through a ballot paper.
Friday, March 6, 2009
I hope you understand
I hope you understand sometimes I get angry. This does not mean that you control me. Never! It is a natural instinct to get angry. Now let me tell you one thing. Close monitoring and spying as I have said will not help our relationships. It makes it worse when you tend to be confrontational. I know you have the power but not the determination to destroy me.
Have you taken sometime off to think about what your behavior means? There is one thing that you do not understand that you need to understand. Your neatness, the so called excellence is complete rubbish. It is a cover up, you moron. I know you have gotten scared of the high handed language I use these days. The reason is simple. You understand best the same principles that you employ on others.
You fear, fear. You are too scared of what you do to others. You fear challenge. You are a great pretender. You think everybody is a lair, a cheat, savage just like you. No! You repay good with evil. You never honor agreements if your interests are not catered. You pursue your enemies to that last point. Fine. But let me tell you one thing, anarchy does not mean chaos. You need to change, my brother.
Now you will call this utter rubbish. I don’t care. Call it what ever you want. Let me tell you, it is you who needs me not me who needs you. I hope you understand this simple logic. The problem is you never understand simple things because your mind is full of gossip. The last time you called me trying to cross check what your snoops say about me, how wrong that approach was.
I am aware you send your so called snoops to gather information on me but you will fail. You monitor my communications. You follow me everywhere I go. What are you scared? Are you trying to protect your wealth that you accumulated?
Have you taken sometime off to think about what your behavior means? There is one thing that you do not understand that you need to understand. Your neatness, the so called excellence is complete rubbish. It is a cover up, you moron. I know you have gotten scared of the high handed language I use these days. The reason is simple. You understand best the same principles that you employ on others.
You fear, fear. You are too scared of what you do to others. You fear challenge. You are a great pretender. You think everybody is a lair, a cheat, savage just like you. No! You repay good with evil. You never honor agreements if your interests are not catered. You pursue your enemies to that last point. Fine. But let me tell you one thing, anarchy does not mean chaos. You need to change, my brother.
Now you will call this utter rubbish. I don’t care. Call it what ever you want. Let me tell you, it is you who needs me not me who needs you. I hope you understand this simple logic. The problem is you never understand simple things because your mind is full of gossip. The last time you called me trying to cross check what your snoops say about me, how wrong that approach was.
I am aware you send your so called snoops to gather information on me but you will fail. You monitor my communications. You follow me everywhere I go. What are you scared? Are you trying to protect your wealth that you accumulated?
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
YOU WILL LOOSE
I have said it several times. I will continue saying it. I know you determine whether I will have a job tomorrow or never. I know you want to spread fear and terror. I know you are a new breed of colonialists. I know you have been indoctrinated with capitalistic ideology. I also know you have bigger connections and you can make or undo something.
When I keep silent do not think I am a fool. Do not think I consented what you have said. No. You are just a fool who does not want to hear the other side of the story. Your favorite topic is gossip. Fools give you what you want. If you could admit that you are stupid you would learn something. Unfortunately you do not.
I know you want to reap more from me then dump me like a used condom. I know you smile but with a dagger on the back. I know you want to constantly keep others from ever raising their voices. I know that you select a few of your henchmen to use to deny this fact.
Let me make you know one thing, I am not an ox. I have blood flowing through my veins. I have brains to think carefully over issues. Do not push me over the board because that will be very very bad. Let me not be provoked. Learn to appreciate the little that I do for you. Let us live like human beings with equal dignity and destiny. Let you not think I exist because of you. Please give me time to reflect and be with those that love me.
When you use intimidation, harassment, blackmail, exploitation of any nature I will not be moved because I know what lies in the crocked mind of a capitalist like you. Threatens have never pulled me down. Fear and terror will never ever pull me down. If many have been swallowed in your bait, sorry I will not be the next victim. I WILL DEFEAT YOU IN YOUR OWN GAME.
Please never attempt to spy on me and pretend to be a friend. It will not work well with you. Please do not push me so far to do things I think I will not be able to do. I will appreciate if you came and we discuss over it on table. Let the discussion be open. I know you fear to lose. You fear the same things that you are subjecting others to do. If you knew that your wickedness is a gamble, you would repent. Unfortunately, you are drunk with self gratification.
It is hard to convince you that being powerful does not mean that you can do everything you want on me. No brother. I respect you, please do the same? Do not let me begin to doubt your intentions as I have already done. I need your guidance. I need your cooperation not to further my interests or your interests but to make this world a perfect place to be.
I do not expect you to gang up with the heathens. I will be puzzled if you did that. You would have betrayed me. I know you do not care to listen to what others say. Fine. You are entitled to yourself. Value me like the way you value yourself. Double standards and not respecting your word is betrayal. When I read that mail you wrote accusing me of all things, I thought less about you. It is not always proper to do that to a friend whom you like. Real fighters meet their opponents ready in the battlefield.
Yes, I know your approach but you may never know mine. You pretend to be honest when actually you are being silly. You mix toughness with rudeness. You call hypocrisy tact. You believe that, you never mind what people say about you? How wrong you are my brother. You never want to loose an argument. You are a double talker. You say one thing and never live up to it. You pirate other peoples ideas and think you are clever than them. How wrong you are my brother. You fear to engage in intellectual debate but do underground work to back stab friends. How terrible that could be for you, my brother.
Your time is up. Nobody will listen to you. Your future is as empty as your past. Keep going maybe one lunatic will cross your way for you to bite, chew and swallow. You surround yourself with morons and think they are intellectuals to engage in any argument. Let me tell you one thing, you will lose because you think what I say is rubbish.
When I keep silent do not think I am a fool. Do not think I consented what you have said. No. You are just a fool who does not want to hear the other side of the story. Your favorite topic is gossip. Fools give you what you want. If you could admit that you are stupid you would learn something. Unfortunately you do not.
I know you want to reap more from me then dump me like a used condom. I know you smile but with a dagger on the back. I know you want to constantly keep others from ever raising their voices. I know that you select a few of your henchmen to use to deny this fact.
Let me make you know one thing, I am not an ox. I have blood flowing through my veins. I have brains to think carefully over issues. Do not push me over the board because that will be very very bad. Let me not be provoked. Learn to appreciate the little that I do for you. Let us live like human beings with equal dignity and destiny. Let you not think I exist because of you. Please give me time to reflect and be with those that love me.
When you use intimidation, harassment, blackmail, exploitation of any nature I will not be moved because I know what lies in the crocked mind of a capitalist like you. Threatens have never pulled me down. Fear and terror will never ever pull me down. If many have been swallowed in your bait, sorry I will not be the next victim. I WILL DEFEAT YOU IN YOUR OWN GAME.
Please never attempt to spy on me and pretend to be a friend. It will not work well with you. Please do not push me so far to do things I think I will not be able to do. I will appreciate if you came and we discuss over it on table. Let the discussion be open. I know you fear to lose. You fear the same things that you are subjecting others to do. If you knew that your wickedness is a gamble, you would repent. Unfortunately, you are drunk with self gratification.
It is hard to convince you that being powerful does not mean that you can do everything you want on me. No brother. I respect you, please do the same? Do not let me begin to doubt your intentions as I have already done. I need your guidance. I need your cooperation not to further my interests or your interests but to make this world a perfect place to be.
I do not expect you to gang up with the heathens. I will be puzzled if you did that. You would have betrayed me. I know you do not care to listen to what others say. Fine. You are entitled to yourself. Value me like the way you value yourself. Double standards and not respecting your word is betrayal. When I read that mail you wrote accusing me of all things, I thought less about you. It is not always proper to do that to a friend whom you like. Real fighters meet their opponents ready in the battlefield.
Yes, I know your approach but you may never know mine. You pretend to be honest when actually you are being silly. You mix toughness with rudeness. You call hypocrisy tact. You believe that, you never mind what people say about you? How wrong you are my brother. You never want to loose an argument. You are a double talker. You say one thing and never live up to it. You pirate other peoples ideas and think you are clever than them. How wrong you are my brother. You fear to engage in intellectual debate but do underground work to back stab friends. How terrible that could be for you, my brother.
Your time is up. Nobody will listen to you. Your future is as empty as your past. Keep going maybe one lunatic will cross your way for you to bite, chew and swallow. You surround yourself with morons and think they are intellectuals to engage in any argument. Let me tell you one thing, you will lose because you think what I say is rubbish.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
GIRL BEHEADED
This week in our small town the news has been the shocking murders. The shocking one was the murder of Esther a school girl in Soroti. The other has been killing of two people in Katakwi and the massive accident that claimed five lives along Soroti Mbale Road.
Esther, a beautiful girl was found brutally murdered with her head chopped off near a church founded school on 19.02.09. In the recent weeks, there have been stories of ritual murders generally in the country. A boy kidnapped here, another baby chopped off to death that way and a witchdoctor there arrested.
A lot of these stories have appeared in the local press and FM stations that have tended to ignore or down played the political stories in country.
The circumstance under which Esther was murdered is not clear. Police has launched it is investigations to pursue Esther’s killers. After two days, the head of Esther was found thrown in a suburb in Town. The police is tight leaped about the story and reluctant for the media to take photographs of suspects.
Although, the alleged killers of Esther were apprehended, they will not be the first type of culprits to be held of brutal murders in Uganda.
In 2005, a Ugandan prominent female Lawyer was brutally murdered in front of her house. After investigations the suspects and key - among them was a prominent Ugandan doctor who was the husband to deceased were arrested and charged with murder.
The whole case ended in favor of the accused. The doctor maintained his innocence despite the fact his children testified against him. The judge said the doctor only remained a high suspect and there was no substantive evidence to convict him for murder.
Now this case of Esther with the shocking manner in which she was murdered and police reluctant to reveal the details of the suspects, it will be an interesting case in court once more. It will be more painful especially if police gathers the necessary evidence and the accused are left to go scort free.
The suspects were produced before court on 24.02.2009. The trial magistrate did not allow them to enter plea sighting the fact that his court does not have powers to hear capital cases of that nature.
Most people here are observing how the legal drama of this case kicks off. Others are wondering, what could however influence one to murder a simple girl in her tender age? According to Esther’s mother who police detained briefly, her daughter was a very humble and lively girl.
What remains unaswered is what could be the motives of the killers? This is a mystery.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
NOT FEELING WELL
I have not been feeling well lately. It is so hot here. you could imagine, we are in hell for sure. I also think to much work is pushing me on the edge so fast. I hope to feel better by monday, God willing.
I have not met friends for a long time. I think, i have not been writing and talking to them for some time. I hope come new year, i should be able to talk to them much so often.
Today not much to write hope about. Just reviewing international politics and looking forward to see how Obama will save the world from economic collapse. Obama OYEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have not met friends for a long time. I think, i have not been writing and talking to them for some time. I hope come new year, i should be able to talk to them much so often.
Today not much to write hope about. Just reviewing international politics and looking forward to see how Obama will save the world from economic collapse. Obama OYEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Do not shout at me
I do not want to be shouted at. I want to be respected so that I respect you. I do not want any suspicions. I don’t want to be suspicious of you. My teacher ten years ago said that I was quite being sensitive. I agree with that statement. I don’t want to be taken for granted especially when I am giving my all in a faithful and correct manner. That is me.
I hate being closely monitored. I hate to be doubted especially when I am speaking the truth from the bottom of my heart. Do not lay traps on me. It takes me time before saying out anything. I go through a process of thinking, listening and then talking. I consider speech is the highest level of thought. So, I speak after carefully considering the actions of my speech. I really hate to be accused falsely. It drives me nuts. Please, if you have any grudges with me let us discuss. Please do not go behind my back. I hate cowards who can not confront issues and use others to attack my integrity. I work not for money, I work for a cause. I want to make a change in this world.
You do not have to love, hate or like me in order to agree or disagree with my views. If you can not stand me leave me alone. You are different from me although we are the same. Do not make my life difficult because you want to make yours enjoyable. Do not muzzle me. I am not an ox. I know in one way or another you contribute for my well being but it does not mean I am your property.
Learn to talk to me well. If you are open and sincere let us talk. Keep you constructive criticism to yourself. Criticism has never been positive. If I criticized you, you would develop goose pimples. So delete that criticism. If you do not like my style then follow your style. I can not force you to follow mine. Why are you forcing me to follow yours, my friend?
If we agreed on something let us not create more excuses of dodging. I hate it when you are pretending to be smart and knowing everything. I can easily detect it and that can be very, very dangerous. I value professionalism, integrity, honesty, fairness and truth in the true meaning of those words. Please do not take me for granted because I don’t treat you so. Why then do you want to control myself?
I hate blackmail, betrayal, exploitation, lies and looking down on others. Each one of us has his own strong and weak points. Please, keep your views to where is appropriate. Do not try anything funny that will strain our relations. I hold you in high regard as a human being in the first place. Why don’t you hold me at the same level? I did not choose to be dull, stupid, poor, and incompetent or whatever negativity you hold in your perverted mind.
I say again do not lay traps on me. Do not go behind my back. Do not laugh with me and hold a dagger behind your back. I hate that. Do not shout at me, my friend. Iam not bothered with what you think Iam.
I hate being closely monitored. I hate to be doubted especially when I am speaking the truth from the bottom of my heart. Do not lay traps on me. It takes me time before saying out anything. I go through a process of thinking, listening and then talking. I consider speech is the highest level of thought. So, I speak after carefully considering the actions of my speech. I really hate to be accused falsely. It drives me nuts. Please, if you have any grudges with me let us discuss. Please do not go behind my back. I hate cowards who can not confront issues and use others to attack my integrity. I work not for money, I work for a cause. I want to make a change in this world.
You do not have to love, hate or like me in order to agree or disagree with my views. If you can not stand me leave me alone. You are different from me although we are the same. Do not make my life difficult because you want to make yours enjoyable. Do not muzzle me. I am not an ox. I know in one way or another you contribute for my well being but it does not mean I am your property.
Learn to talk to me well. If you are open and sincere let us talk. Keep you constructive criticism to yourself. Criticism has never been positive. If I criticized you, you would develop goose pimples. So delete that criticism. If you do not like my style then follow your style. I can not force you to follow mine. Why are you forcing me to follow yours, my friend?
If we agreed on something let us not create more excuses of dodging. I hate it when you are pretending to be smart and knowing everything. I can easily detect it and that can be very, very dangerous. I value professionalism, integrity, honesty, fairness and truth in the true meaning of those words. Please do not take me for granted because I don’t treat you so. Why then do you want to control myself?
I hate blackmail, betrayal, exploitation, lies and looking down on others. Each one of us has his own strong and weak points. Please, keep your views to where is appropriate. Do not try anything funny that will strain our relations. I hold you in high regard as a human being in the first place. Why don’t you hold me at the same level? I did not choose to be dull, stupid, poor, and incompetent or whatever negativity you hold in your perverted mind.
I say again do not lay traps on me. Do not go behind my back. Do not laugh with me and hold a dagger behind your back. I hate that. Do not shout at me, my friend. Iam not bothered with what you think Iam.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
WHO
Then the pregnant rains delivered
The earth knelt and wept
Amidst the most roaming and roaring clouds
Like a wounded lion in the jungle
And thunder went boom
We the remains of hope
Collapsed in one heap like mud
In that turbulent
Everybody moved
And moved closely to fake safety
To see and dance life afresh
Eyes darting in desperation
Here and there
The last hope
We the remains of hope
So we danced in that wilderness
Bended knees
But not hearts
We pleaded not
For our freedom
But for the future of our brothers
So we chose to fight
The fight of our hope
In the rugged and tugged world
Where everybody fights children no more
In that fight we fight not anyhow
We fight and fight the good fight of flight
So we set to restore hope to many lost hopes
We did not want to be shot
No, we did not want to fight
We did not want to escape death
We knew the challenge
We knew the repercussions
We moved on to fight the fight
We moved and moved
In the hope
One day, we shall be there
So we moved on bleeding
In the life of no hope
So we moved on
In the rough life of our people
That one day our lives will be good
How wrong we were
In the last of the hopes
We mistook every inch
Then, we heard
The big men from Europe would come
We heard them come
In the hope of rescuing us
How wrong? Alas!
Then, the clouds again vomited
Life since then has been a misery
Terrible
Hard and difficult
And barren like the rocks of Sahara
Romancing cold desert winds
Moving no where
Yes once tender eyes
No more tender care
Yes eyes red like the rats
Caught by the tail
And dashed against the wall
Paying the price of innocence
Our only hope no more hope
We struggled to keep hope
Our selves safe
Safe from memories of murder
Guilty of innocence
I say no more hope in that level
Who knows?
One day we could be that better
One day we shall be one good help to any body
Who knows that one day?
We shall know the comfort of a mother
We shall know the advice of a father
We shall know the company of a brother
Who knows one day we shall be human once more
Who knows one day our voice will be heard across the oceans
But now we lean against the palm tree
And watch the world sway astray.
The earth knelt and wept
Amidst the most roaming and roaring clouds
Like a wounded lion in the jungle
And thunder went boom
We the remains of hope
Collapsed in one heap like mud
In that turbulent
Everybody moved
And moved closely to fake safety
To see and dance life afresh
Eyes darting in desperation
Here and there
The last hope
We the remains of hope
So we danced in that wilderness
Bended knees
But not hearts
We pleaded not
For our freedom
But for the future of our brothers
So we chose to fight
The fight of our hope
In the rugged and tugged world
Where everybody fights children no more
In that fight we fight not anyhow
We fight and fight the good fight of flight
So we set to restore hope to many lost hopes
We did not want to be shot
No, we did not want to fight
We did not want to escape death
We knew the challenge
We knew the repercussions
We moved on to fight the fight
We moved and moved
In the hope
One day, we shall be there
So we moved on bleeding
In the life of no hope
So we moved on
In the rough life of our people
That one day our lives will be good
How wrong we were
In the last of the hopes
We mistook every inch
Then, we heard
The big men from Europe would come
We heard them come
In the hope of rescuing us
How wrong? Alas!
Then, the clouds again vomited
Life since then has been a misery
Terrible
Hard and difficult
And barren like the rocks of Sahara
Romancing cold desert winds
Moving no where
Yes once tender eyes
No more tender care
Yes eyes red like the rats
Caught by the tail
And dashed against the wall
Paying the price of innocence
Our only hope no more hope
We struggled to keep hope
Our selves safe
Safe from memories of murder
Guilty of innocence
I say no more hope in that level
Who knows?
One day we could be that better
One day we shall be one good help to any body
Who knows that one day?
We shall know the comfort of a mother
We shall know the advice of a father
We shall know the company of a brother
Who knows one day we shall be human once more
Who knows one day our voice will be heard across the oceans
But now we lean against the palm tree
And watch the world sway astray.
surviving economic slow down
The world is experiencing economic slow down. As usual it is biting us badly. Our shilling as kept on depreciating. The dollar is gaining strength every now and then. The rich are becoming rich and living comfortable lives, as we continue to hallow in misery and discomfort.
Now, we have resolved to find ways of surviving this economic slow down. Firstly, as a family, we have put some measures with immediate effect that might not be pleasant to family members. We have arrived at these decisions after heavy and difficult deliberations.
You might be wondering why we are taking radical measures to cut down the family budget. The reasons are various. Number one, the cost of doing business across the world, so we are told has become extremely expensive so our regular shop keeper has hiked all prices of all the commodities that we used to buy from him. Secondly, our people have not been able to produce enough food in the recent times as a consequence increasing conflicts and bad weather. Thirdly, the level of inflation is increasing every day across our country-our money is losing value.
Now, these measures here below are meant to have the family afloat until September, 2009 when the situation is expected to normalize.
Meals. With immediate effect, we shall only have one meal a day instead of the usual three. This meal will comprise of sweet potatoes mixed with beans. The kids have been so keen in asking about jam and bread every morning. This has been scrapped. Break fast will be replaced with roasted maize and water served to children only. This will also be scrapped in the next three month.
Lunch will be a preserve for the children and will be served on merit. Any child above the age of five will not be entitled to lunch. The lunch will be strictly composed of porridge without sugar. This is also subject to change as the conditions become tough. With these friendly measures, we shall be able to save something for the next meal.
Even our one day meal will be strictly rationed. The children will take priority number one followed by the women and elders respectively. We shall reduce the number of potatoes every day until the economic situations stabilizes. In the subsequent weeks, the elders will select to eat these prestigious meals in turns. These again will enable us save for the next year.
Health. We have also resolved as a family not to fall sick in this situation. Anyone who falls sick, expect if he is a child will have to fight it out on his/her own. Fate will take it is cause. If you can not survive the sickness accept to die. We shall not sell a few of our potatoes in order to take you to the nearest hospital. Sorry we can not do that. It will be a very big blow if any of the children chooses to fall sick at this worst time. The lucky ones will be taken to the bush and provided with some herbs.
Housing and clothing .Soap has been scraped from our budget. Luxuries like clothing have been removed with immediate effect. Whoever misplaces a few of the clothing will not expect a replacement. We have also resolved not to repair our old house in the village despite the fact that it is showing signs of collapse. This will enable us save money for meals in these hard times.
We also resolved not to request for aid from our leaders because experience as shown that in such difficult times, it is the leaders that benefit most. The situation to others may seem blink, but we are confident that, with these sound and solid resolutions, we shall sail through the hard times and bounce back in September, 2009.
Now, we have resolved to find ways of surviving this economic slow down. Firstly, as a family, we have put some measures with immediate effect that might not be pleasant to family members. We have arrived at these decisions after heavy and difficult deliberations.
You might be wondering why we are taking radical measures to cut down the family budget. The reasons are various. Number one, the cost of doing business across the world, so we are told has become extremely expensive so our regular shop keeper has hiked all prices of all the commodities that we used to buy from him. Secondly, our people have not been able to produce enough food in the recent times as a consequence increasing conflicts and bad weather. Thirdly, the level of inflation is increasing every day across our country-our money is losing value.
Now, these measures here below are meant to have the family afloat until September, 2009 when the situation is expected to normalize.
Meals. With immediate effect, we shall only have one meal a day instead of the usual three. This meal will comprise of sweet potatoes mixed with beans. The kids have been so keen in asking about jam and bread every morning. This has been scrapped. Break fast will be replaced with roasted maize and water served to children only. This will also be scrapped in the next three month.
Lunch will be a preserve for the children and will be served on merit. Any child above the age of five will not be entitled to lunch. The lunch will be strictly composed of porridge without sugar. This is also subject to change as the conditions become tough. With these friendly measures, we shall be able to save something for the next meal.
Even our one day meal will be strictly rationed. The children will take priority number one followed by the women and elders respectively. We shall reduce the number of potatoes every day until the economic situations stabilizes. In the subsequent weeks, the elders will select to eat these prestigious meals in turns. These again will enable us save for the next year.
Health. We have also resolved as a family not to fall sick in this situation. Anyone who falls sick, expect if he is a child will have to fight it out on his/her own. Fate will take it is cause. If you can not survive the sickness accept to die. We shall not sell a few of our potatoes in order to take you to the nearest hospital. Sorry we can not do that. It will be a very big blow if any of the children chooses to fall sick at this worst time. The lucky ones will be taken to the bush and provided with some herbs.
Housing and clothing .Soap has been scraped from our budget. Luxuries like clothing have been removed with immediate effect. Whoever misplaces a few of the clothing will not expect a replacement. We have also resolved not to repair our old house in the village despite the fact that it is showing signs of collapse. This will enable us save money for meals in these hard times.
We also resolved not to request for aid from our leaders because experience as shown that in such difficult times, it is the leaders that benefit most. The situation to others may seem blink, but we are confident that, with these sound and solid resolutions, we shall sail through the hard times and bounce back in September, 2009.
Monday, September 1, 2008
LETTER TO MY LOVE
Betty,
I know today is your birth. I feel sad I have to work and not attend to your birth day celebrations. These are occupational hazards that, we are faced. I will see you over the weekend. It is sad our son is sick. Get time and check on him in kampala, tommorrow.
I dedicate the article about the suffering of our people here below to you.
I know today is your birth. I feel sad I have to work and not attend to your birth day celebrations. These are occupational hazards that, we are faced. I will see you over the weekend. It is sad our son is sick. Get time and check on him in kampala, tommorrow.
I dedicate the article about the suffering of our people here below to you.
LETTER TO MY LOVE
Betty,
I know today is your birth. I feel sad I have to work and not attend to your birth day. This are occupational hazards that we are faced. I will see you over the weekend. It is sad our son is sick. Get time and check on him in kampala, tommorrow.
I dedicate the article about the suffering of our people here below to you.
I know today is your birth. I feel sad I have to work and not attend to your birth day. This are occupational hazards that we are faced. I will see you over the weekend. It is sad our son is sick. Get time and check on him in kampala, tommorrow.
I dedicate the article about the suffering of our people here below to you.
A GIANT STRUGGLES
Uganda is known in the international media for having the most ‘dictatorial’ president- Idi Amin, for the civil strife in the north and increased poverty in upcountry regions.
Little is known or spoken about the eastern region, 500 km east of the capital, Kampala. This is Teso region. This area was popularly known for it is hard working and humble people and being a cattle corridor in Uganda.
This region has gone through many changes. The region since time immemorial has been suffering from chronic cattle raids exerted by militant neighbors. In the early 1960s, it was known for it is many cattle and being the greatest producer of cotton in East Africa. This came to a stand still in the mid 1980s, when the cattle raids intensified and pushed many people here to near braking point of poverty, famine and disease. Life has never been the same again here.
The area was further worsened when the local people attempted to raise arms against the new government in power led by Yoweri Museveni in the 1990s. This period was the worst in the history of Teso. Famine and lose of life pushed Uganda’s known food basket grower to a quigmire.
Local people suffered. Education systems broke down and diseases like HIV/AIDS become prevalent.
For people who have been here in 1986, 1994 and 2007 will tell three things in common. In 1986 many people lost their only livelihood (cattle) to cattle rustlers and were left at the mercy of misery. Analysts keep on wondering if the economy of Teso was left to strife as it been by then, the people of Teso would be far away by now.
In 1994, people faced starvation with some leaders challenging local people to produce evidence of dead bodies to prove that famine was looming in the region.As a matter of fact, the famine was so great that it forced people to eat potatoes’ pilings and lizards. Emaciated women with pale faces carrying equally mulnourished children was a common sight country side.
Then in 2007, the floods came and swept across the country. It destroyed roads, crops and killed people. It called for government intervention in order to address the anomaly. Speeches were made, pledges recited eloquently and aray of hope was painted on people's mind. All passed in thin air.
These are some striking events. However to not to forget other events and probably the severe one was in June 2003, when Joseph Kony and his bandits tried to destabilize Teso region. With the support of local leaders, Kony was summarily stopped from advancing to Teso region.
Unfortunately, historians are not tracing the primary fall of Kony to that point. The historians should be reminded that, what pushed Kony to negotiations was the greatest onslaught put on his troops by the people of Teso. No credit has been given to Teso for this gallant achievement.
Despite all those challenges, Iteso people known for their hard work are struggling to meet their livelihood in a hard way.The region has peaceful and humble people always under attack by militan neigbours. Some associations of Iteso in Western cities like London are discussing on how to reawaken the sleeping giant and restore the lost glory of the region. These are individuals and sons of Teso living Europe, who want to bring life to their cradle land.
The only hope that, the region has is education. Known of producing the best nuclear and medical professors in the recent times, this is now but alas.It is becoming over thirty years since Teso produced any person with reputable PHD degree. In some sub counties, there are hardly any unviersity graduates. People here are investing in education of their children as the only hope of the future.
Government time and time again has been saying the region is NOT neglected or marginalized in anyway. It has also come out clearly that, it did not have a hand in the alleged plundering the wealth of people in Teso in the recent past. Of course, these are allegations that are advanced by locals here but it is not publicly spoken.
To demonstrate it is commitment in reviving the economy of Teso region, Government has brought all the necessary projects like Northern Uganda social Action Fund, primary health care, safe and clean water for all, primary education and National Agricultural Advisory Services nearer to the people.
For example, Local communities are asked to form groups so as to benefit from government programmes. This is all coined in President Museveni's slogan of WEALTH FOR ALL.
Government is also disarming militant neighbors terrorizing Teso.
Analysts say the region will take long to revive it is lost glory. They argue that, the Members of parliament elected to represent people’s views are suffering from identity crisis. Analysts argue that MPs are busy making money for their cronies and henchmen at the expense of the local community.
Legislators especially on the opposition side have vehemently denied these allegations saying their work is to legislate and check excesses of government in power.
Uganda’s coverage of the northern war Kony killings and increased starvation is one of the central issues dominate international media about Uganda.
In one remote of the country is Teso region most commonly known ever since colonialism for its traditional cattle and cotton growing is now in slumber?
The region was known as the basket of food for Uganda was plugged near to a comma in the mid 1980s when the people’s livelihood was destated by cattle rustling.
Since then, the region ahs
Little is known or spoken about the eastern region, 500 km east of the capital, Kampala. This is Teso region. This area was popularly known for it is hard working and humble people and being a cattle corridor in Uganda.
This region has gone through many changes. The region since time immemorial has been suffering from chronic cattle raids exerted by militant neighbors. In the early 1960s, it was known for it is many cattle and being the greatest producer of cotton in East Africa. This came to a stand still in the mid 1980s, when the cattle raids intensified and pushed many people here to near braking point of poverty, famine and disease. Life has never been the same again here.
The area was further worsened when the local people attempted to raise arms against the new government in power led by Yoweri Museveni in the 1990s. This period was the worst in the history of Teso. Famine and lose of life pushed Uganda’s known food basket grower to a quigmire.
Local people suffered. Education systems broke down and diseases like HIV/AIDS become prevalent.
For people who have been here in 1986, 1994 and 2007 will tell three things in common. In 1986 many people lost their only livelihood (cattle) to cattle rustlers and were left at the mercy of misery. Analysts keep on wondering if the economy of Teso was left to strife as it been by then, the people of Teso would be far away by now.
In 1994, people faced starvation with some leaders challenging local people to produce evidence of dead bodies to prove that famine was looming in the region.As a matter of fact, the famine was so great that it forced people to eat potatoes’ pilings and lizards. Emaciated women with pale faces carrying equally mulnourished children was a common sight country side.
Then in 2007, the floods came and swept across the country. It destroyed roads, crops and killed people. It called for government intervention in order to address the anomaly. Speeches were made, pledges recited eloquently and aray of hope was painted on people's mind. All passed in thin air.
These are some striking events. However to not to forget other events and probably the severe one was in June 2003, when Joseph Kony and his bandits tried to destabilize Teso region. With the support of local leaders, Kony was summarily stopped from advancing to Teso region.
Unfortunately, historians are not tracing the primary fall of Kony to that point. The historians should be reminded that, what pushed Kony to negotiations was the greatest onslaught put on his troops by the people of Teso. No credit has been given to Teso for this gallant achievement.
Despite all those challenges, Iteso people known for their hard work are struggling to meet their livelihood in a hard way.The region has peaceful and humble people always under attack by militan neigbours. Some associations of Iteso in Western cities like London are discussing on how to reawaken the sleeping giant and restore the lost glory of the region. These are individuals and sons of Teso living Europe, who want to bring life to their cradle land.
The only hope that, the region has is education. Known of producing the best nuclear and medical professors in the recent times, this is now but alas.It is becoming over thirty years since Teso produced any person with reputable PHD degree. In some sub counties, there are hardly any unviersity graduates. People here are investing in education of their children as the only hope of the future.
Government time and time again has been saying the region is NOT neglected or marginalized in anyway. It has also come out clearly that, it did not have a hand in the alleged plundering the wealth of people in Teso in the recent past. Of course, these are allegations that are advanced by locals here but it is not publicly spoken.
To demonstrate it is commitment in reviving the economy of Teso region, Government has brought all the necessary projects like Northern Uganda social Action Fund, primary health care, safe and clean water for all, primary education and National Agricultural Advisory Services nearer to the people.
For example, Local communities are asked to form groups so as to benefit from government programmes. This is all coined in President Museveni's slogan of WEALTH FOR ALL.
Government is also disarming militant neighbors terrorizing Teso.
Analysts say the region will take long to revive it is lost glory. They argue that, the Members of parliament elected to represent people’s views are suffering from identity crisis. Analysts argue that MPs are busy making money for their cronies and henchmen at the expense of the local community.
Legislators especially on the opposition side have vehemently denied these allegations saying their work is to legislate and check excesses of government in power.
Uganda’s coverage of the northern war Kony killings and increased starvation is one of the central issues dominate international media about Uganda.
In one remote of the country is Teso region most commonly known ever since colonialism for its traditional cattle and cotton growing is now in slumber?
The region was known as the basket of food for Uganda was plugged near to a comma in the mid 1980s when the people’s livelihood was destated by cattle rustling.
Since then, the region ahs
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
PROSPERTY FOR ALL
We must become rich through modern agricultural practices. This was the message President Museveni has been preaching in the last two weeks during his tour in Teso region. President Museveni is known to be so passionate with the peasant class. He has been working hard to ensure that poverty, disease and ignorance are completely rooted out of Uganda.
He has been going around teso region telling people, we all must be rich in the villages. Giving himself as a model farmer, he says he makes more money from farming than the salary he gets being a president. Museveni has a ranch in his home region of Ankole, where he has thousands of cattle for milk and beef production. Museveni says Government has been building schools, providing primary health care but it had not embarked on the Prosperity For All progamme. Now is the time for peasants to become rich through modern farming practices.
In his agenda Museveni wants all peasant farmers to earn an income of 20 Million Uganda shillings per year (about 10,000 dollars) in each home stead. He wants farmers to have a daily, a monthly and quarterly income throughout the year.
This gospel has excited local communities. Whenever he went Museveni met peasants struggling to make a living through growing oranges, rearing goats and cattle. He has asked local government leaders to support farmers through provision of agricultural advisory services and inputs.
His government has been releasing money to local governments in order to make this a reality. Unfortunately in some areas, the money was swindled and much of it spent on endless workshops instead of assisting farmers. Because he does not want his agenda to fail, Museveni has been tough on local leaders on these funds.
For the last twenty two years, Museveni has been power at least for now, the opposition leaders seem to agree with him that, our people must become rich through farming.
He has been going around teso region telling people, we all must be rich in the villages. Giving himself as a model farmer, he says he makes more money from farming than the salary he gets being a president. Museveni has a ranch in his home region of Ankole, where he has thousands of cattle for milk and beef production. Museveni says Government has been building schools, providing primary health care but it had not embarked on the Prosperity For All progamme. Now is the time for peasants to become rich through modern farming practices.
In his agenda Museveni wants all peasant farmers to earn an income of 20 Million Uganda shillings per year (about 10,000 dollars) in each home stead. He wants farmers to have a daily, a monthly and quarterly income throughout the year.
This gospel has excited local communities. Whenever he went Museveni met peasants struggling to make a living through growing oranges, rearing goats and cattle. He has asked local government leaders to support farmers through provision of agricultural advisory services and inputs.
His government has been releasing money to local governments in order to make this a reality. Unfortunately in some areas, the money was swindled and much of it spent on endless workshops instead of assisting farmers. Because he does not want his agenda to fail, Museveni has been tough on local leaders on these funds.
For the last twenty two years, Museveni has been power at least for now, the opposition leaders seem to agree with him that, our people must become rich through farming.
Monday, August 18, 2008
OLYMPICS IS A WASTE OF TIME
Call me an extremist, insane or whatever. I do not care. But I will not let this point go escort free without a challenge. Iam talking about your trade disguised as games and having a name rumbling like wind called Olympics. Countries have spent millions of their dollars in order to send athletes to participate in this thing….Money that could be used to construct health units, provide scholastics materials to children and buy farm inputs to starving peasants in Africa. It is not fair!!!
Whoever came with this idea must be some brilliant fool. Imagine millions of people assembling in China and chasing the wind? What will the world lose if Olympics or the world cup was postponed in one year and all the proceeds sent to Africa for reconstruction and development? What would really be lost in an Olympics tournament? Do not tell me of Unity!!
If you feel hurt by these comments you can close this blog and proceed and read another one. But before you do that remember that the so- called international sports you are worshipping is creating small gods, building business empires for a few and serves no human purpose. It only creates humiliations and glory to those countries that have vested interests.
My country has for long wanted to get a medal from Olympics but in vain. I do not believe that we can not produce people who can run…. people with some skills. If you want to know how strong we are see how we have defied extinction under chronic poverty, exploitation, ignorance and disease. We have managed to survive under harsh and tough conditions. The medals we have won are written all over our faces and not in Olympics pieces of metal. Our medals run in our blood!
The last time, we won gold in an Olympics games was in 1972. The legend goes like this: that our leader Idi Amin (whom you like to demonize so much) had issued an instruction to our gallant man Akiibwa that, you should just run so fast without looking behind. If you do not come with a gold medal, immediately you land at the airport, I will shoot you. It is said that, this alone motivated Akiibwa to run like a wild beast. You racists did not give Akiibwa any praise until he humiliated you in those 400 huddles. Someone should listen to that commentary as Akiibwa sent Munich crowd to dead silence, if you are to understand my point.
Since then, we have longed for an Olympics medal but in vain. (I do not know why we need these metal medals? I will ask our minister of sports this question). The last time we won something from a major world sports record was when Dorkus Inzukuru humiliated the racists by wining GOLD. All the big business men with shamless faces and saliva dripping as usual surrounded her. i pity them.The whole country came to a stand still. Parliament was immediately constituted and a motion was moved to recognize this unique achievement. And that was it. Dorcus was probably, our only hope of getting gold in China but due to other factors (you should understand when I say other factors) she did not make it.
I have failed to understand the politics involved in wining medals in international sports. Somebody there should give me the formula. Oh yap, people say it brings glory, fame and honor to the athlete and country. Point taken! But sometimes your medals bring disgrace. Some times, a person really runs and you see that the fellow has won gold, no doubt. Take Marion Jones for example….. She won gold in most major events in 2000. We all believed the girl was talented and a superstar, until she recently confessed taking drugs. What a disappointment!!
Now Jamaicans have made it in China. One broke a world record and three all won medals in one particular even that they all participated. Is it coincidental? What was the secret? Are they special? You draw your on own conclusions. Keep your eye open, your ear on the ground and you will see and hear the truth!
We in Uganda still are waiting since 1972 to win our fast gold medal. I am optimistic that Uganda will win METAL in London come 2012 games. I am convinced London will remember that, we were once their colony and have suffered long without this piece of mental. This is just the public part of me saying so. However, If you asked me critically whether to receive glory from winning a gold medal in London and canceling those games so that a state of art learning facility is built in Uganda……i will definitely go for the later. I would also tell you Olympics are just a game for the rich and a waste of time. In fact, we do not talk much about it in our village. We have better things to talk about. We keep on wondering on how to budget for the one dollar for the day, keep wondering whether there will be food tomorrow. The life we are living is just misery and never satisfying. Our lives have been just the same-full of worries. We look at the future and it is just empty!!!!
Whoever came with this idea must be some brilliant fool. Imagine millions of people assembling in China and chasing the wind? What will the world lose if Olympics or the world cup was postponed in one year and all the proceeds sent to Africa for reconstruction and development? What would really be lost in an Olympics tournament? Do not tell me of Unity!!
If you feel hurt by these comments you can close this blog and proceed and read another one. But before you do that remember that the so- called international sports you are worshipping is creating small gods, building business empires for a few and serves no human purpose. It only creates humiliations and glory to those countries that have vested interests.
My country has for long wanted to get a medal from Olympics but in vain. I do not believe that we can not produce people who can run…. people with some skills. If you want to know how strong we are see how we have defied extinction under chronic poverty, exploitation, ignorance and disease. We have managed to survive under harsh and tough conditions. The medals we have won are written all over our faces and not in Olympics pieces of metal. Our medals run in our blood!
The last time, we won gold in an Olympics games was in 1972. The legend goes like this: that our leader Idi Amin (whom you like to demonize so much) had issued an instruction to our gallant man Akiibwa that, you should just run so fast without looking behind. If you do not come with a gold medal, immediately you land at the airport, I will shoot you. It is said that, this alone motivated Akiibwa to run like a wild beast. You racists did not give Akiibwa any praise until he humiliated you in those 400 huddles. Someone should listen to that commentary as Akiibwa sent Munich crowd to dead silence, if you are to understand my point.
Since then, we have longed for an Olympics medal but in vain. (I do not know why we need these metal medals? I will ask our minister of sports this question). The last time we won something from a major world sports record was when Dorkus Inzukuru humiliated the racists by wining GOLD. All the big business men with shamless faces and saliva dripping as usual surrounded her. i pity them.The whole country came to a stand still. Parliament was immediately constituted and a motion was moved to recognize this unique achievement. And that was it. Dorcus was probably, our only hope of getting gold in China but due to other factors (you should understand when I say other factors) she did not make it.
I have failed to understand the politics involved in wining medals in international sports. Somebody there should give me the formula. Oh yap, people say it brings glory, fame and honor to the athlete and country. Point taken! But sometimes your medals bring disgrace. Some times, a person really runs and you see that the fellow has won gold, no doubt. Take Marion Jones for example….. She won gold in most major events in 2000. We all believed the girl was talented and a superstar, until she recently confessed taking drugs. What a disappointment!!
Now Jamaicans have made it in China. One broke a world record and three all won medals in one particular even that they all participated. Is it coincidental? What was the secret? Are they special? You draw your on own conclusions. Keep your eye open, your ear on the ground and you will see and hear the truth!
We in Uganda still are waiting since 1972 to win our fast gold medal. I am optimistic that Uganda will win METAL in London come 2012 games. I am convinced London will remember that, we were once their colony and have suffered long without this piece of mental. This is just the public part of me saying so. However, If you asked me critically whether to receive glory from winning a gold medal in London and canceling those games so that a state of art learning facility is built in Uganda……i will definitely go for the later. I would also tell you Olympics are just a game for the rich and a waste of time. In fact, we do not talk much about it in our village. We have better things to talk about. We keep on wondering on how to budget for the one dollar for the day, keep wondering whether there will be food tomorrow. The life we are living is just misery and never satisfying. Our lives have been just the same-full of worries. We look at the future and it is just empty!!!!
Sunday, August 17, 2008
YOU RACIST, GO AWAY
Today, I am standing on dangerous ground. Many people shy away from discussing this point. It is sensitive, explosive and dangerous to handle it especially if you are black and living in the so-called developed country where the colour of your skin attracts insults.
Up to now, I am still disturbed and can not believe a young man travels out of his country and he is beaten and insulted just because of the colour of his colour. This is what happened to Egessa, our Ugandan brother who had traveled to Ukraine for further studies. Egessa came face to face with the Skin Heads in that country and got beaten near death three times. Of course not only did he come back with MBA degree but also nine stitches on his lips and a fractured knee. Egessa’s story has been making headlines here in Uganda.
I have not yet come to terms with racism. Why should you hate me because I am black? Why? I have read comments of African footballers who endure day to day racism and insults in Europe even when they have proved beyond reasonable doubt that they are the best. Why do you beat and insult us, YOU RACIST? We did not apply to be black? Of course, there is this talk by authorities that, tough measures are in place to stop racism. It only remains some cheap talk.
When foreigners came to Uganda or any African country, we treat them with kid gloves. We volunteer to show them directions, when they get lost. We sensitize our people on the need to be hospitable and nice to our visitors. Even when foreigners do not want to greet us in our country, we volunteer to say, Hallo and smile with our black faces. Ask any foreigner, who has come to Uganda and he/she will tell how friendly and nice our people are. Unfortunately, when we show good manners, we are mistaken to be morons. Quite disturbing!!!
I am not saying we are angles. Of course, we have some challenges but we are not that uncivilized and barbaric has exhibited by Egeesa’s attackers. To Egeesas’ attackers, you will be surprised if you came to Uganda or any African country and are treated better than you are in your so-called developed country. You can long for my blood, but you will not get a piece of me to insult, chewe or bite. SORRY!!!
Calling us (read black people) monkeys that are not welcome to western countries is not a solution. Who cares about the colour of my skin? I do not care myself. Actually, I am proud that I am dark. I wish I was darker than I am now. Yes, darker than the abyss and more bushy than a monkey, if you like!!! unfortunately, If we are to discuss the merit and demerits of our races, the world would develop into another catastrophe.
Let me give you a dose to bite, chew and swallow There was a certain funny professor (I call him funny, because there was nothing substantial good from his studies) who alleged that all blacks are less intelligent than any other race. My foot!! The fellow had to withdraw his statements. What does he think of brains like Barrack Obama, Powel, Rice, and Mandela? If you think blacks are less good just look at the recent Olympics 100 meters race. Count how many in that final lines were black people? Who is holding the current 9.69 seconds World Record for that race? What would you think, you racist, of Mohammed Ali, Pele, Michael Jordan, Michael Johnson etc? You find the answers!!!
Now there is also this hopeless feeling of black people living in the developed world especially exhibited by the Jamaicans and black Americans. Jamaicans, I am meant to understand do not want to be associated with black African people. Those who have traveled abroad say that a black man in the streets of New York would run away on discovering that you are from Africa. You had better get direction from a white man and not a black man. You idiots, how can you deny you ancestry when actually your colour shows that you are part of us?
You racist's, go away!!
Up to now, I am still disturbed and can not believe a young man travels out of his country and he is beaten and insulted just because of the colour of his colour. This is what happened to Egessa, our Ugandan brother who had traveled to Ukraine for further studies. Egessa came face to face with the Skin Heads in that country and got beaten near death three times. Of course not only did he come back with MBA degree but also nine stitches on his lips and a fractured knee. Egessa’s story has been making headlines here in Uganda.
I have not yet come to terms with racism. Why should you hate me because I am black? Why? I have read comments of African footballers who endure day to day racism and insults in Europe even when they have proved beyond reasonable doubt that they are the best. Why do you beat and insult us, YOU RACIST? We did not apply to be black? Of course, there is this talk by authorities that, tough measures are in place to stop racism. It only remains some cheap talk.
When foreigners came to Uganda or any African country, we treat them with kid gloves. We volunteer to show them directions, when they get lost. We sensitize our people on the need to be hospitable and nice to our visitors. Even when foreigners do not want to greet us in our country, we volunteer to say, Hallo and smile with our black faces. Ask any foreigner, who has come to Uganda and he/she will tell how friendly and nice our people are. Unfortunately, when we show good manners, we are mistaken to be morons. Quite disturbing!!!
I am not saying we are angles. Of course, we have some challenges but we are not that uncivilized and barbaric has exhibited by Egeesa’s attackers. To Egeesas’ attackers, you will be surprised if you came to Uganda or any African country and are treated better than you are in your so-called developed country. You can long for my blood, but you will not get a piece of me to insult, chewe or bite. SORRY!!!
Calling us (read black people) monkeys that are not welcome to western countries is not a solution. Who cares about the colour of my skin? I do not care myself. Actually, I am proud that I am dark. I wish I was darker than I am now. Yes, darker than the abyss and more bushy than a monkey, if you like!!! unfortunately, If we are to discuss the merit and demerits of our races, the world would develop into another catastrophe.
Let me give you a dose to bite, chew and swallow There was a certain funny professor (I call him funny, because there was nothing substantial good from his studies) who alleged that all blacks are less intelligent than any other race. My foot!! The fellow had to withdraw his statements. What does he think of brains like Barrack Obama, Powel, Rice, and Mandela? If you think blacks are less good just look at the recent Olympics 100 meters race. Count how many in that final lines were black people? Who is holding the current 9.69 seconds World Record for that race? What would you think, you racist, of Mohammed Ali, Pele, Michael Jordan, Michael Johnson etc? You find the answers!!!
Now there is also this hopeless feeling of black people living in the developed world especially exhibited by the Jamaicans and black Americans. Jamaicans, I am meant to understand do not want to be associated with black African people. Those who have traveled abroad say that a black man in the streets of New York would run away on discovering that you are from Africa. You had better get direction from a white man and not a black man. You idiots, how can you deny you ancestry when actually your colour shows that you are part of us?
You racist's, go away!!
Saturday, August 16, 2008
MUM, I LOVE YOU
I have been working lately so hard. I had wanted to go home this weekend to meet my daughter and son. I think they are terribly missing me. I called Betty this evening. Suprisingly, she was in a jolly mood.In some incidenences,when i take long without going home, she has that tendency of being moody.
Now, Iam coming into terms with what i heard from the BBC's Last Word, were a man resigned his job because he was tired of travelling several kilometres every day. He had wanted to be with his family.By that time, i thought, this is damm silly and pure madness. How can a man resign a well paying Job just to sit home watching his wife and children playing? This was unacceptable!!!
I knew a man must work harder and harder no matter what. And indeed, that is exactly, what iam doing- working over 12 hours a day. Now i am faced with a similar predicament of the guy who wrote his Last Word. True, i work hard but i can not even meet the basics.Where is all the money going? Iam always struggling to buy sugar, food, clothing for my son and daughter. I say, where is the money going? Besides, i miss my family so much. Now, shouldI RESIGN my job so that i play with the kids at home? The answer is no.
" Boy, you got to move on !!! There are many people out, who want your support. Think about you mum? Boy, you need to remain focused, determined and resilient, maybe one day LADY LUCK will come your way. Keep moving boy", the inner voice tells me. It is like i listen to this voice so much.
I have been reflecting andreflecting on these private issues lately. Then the worst nightmare is how i miss my mother. The last time, i went home to the village to see mum was in November,2007. I promised to continue to visit her but to date i have not. Iam begining to feel guilty especially when she sent my young cousin saying she is WEAK and SICK. I really felt the blow of a mother wanting to see her son. Mum, i love you so much. I have promised several times as far as i am STILL a live you will be leading some decent life. My sister passed away ten years ago and left mum with a paraylsed girl. The girl is now making twenty years. I think this could be one of those things now giving mum sleepless nights.
Again ever since, i begun contrusting for her a house in 2002, i have more or less failed to complete it. When i look at her old house built in 1966, i feel so sorry for mama despite all the challenges and sacrify she made to see her four children all go to school. She has toiled all her life so that, her children get a decent life. Here i am the so-called educated african boy, i can not even provide enough to mama. i feel i have betrayed her trust. i have failed to make her happy yet she has put much hope in me. When i reflect on some of these things, i t makes me feel sad.WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO TELL MUM THANKYOU?
Maybe i should contact my friend again and receive some advise. Erica, if you are reading this blog, i need your assistance. Probably, it could not be material but spiritual and emotional support.
Guys, you have to bear with me i donot know what i am writing this evening. I am reflecting back on A PRIVATE MATTER and the challenges that we in the rural areas undergo. I could go on and on? How many of the poor are suffering and no body is coming to their rescue? I know , this era is not for blamism (i know this word does not exist in english). This is the time to face reality on the face squarely and agree that, we need better cooperations between the poor and rich. We need to put aside egoistic principles of capitalism, racism and live as one people in one planet.
America, America, America, brake the neck of this suffering. America, i say brake the york of world suffering. I know life is a sacrifce. How can we make the suffering be happy? How can we put a smile on the faces of mulnourished children? We are tired of being second class citizens on this planet.
Now, Iam coming into terms with what i heard from the BBC's Last Word, were a man resigned his job because he was tired of travelling several kilometres every day. He had wanted to be with his family.By that time, i thought, this is damm silly and pure madness. How can a man resign a well paying Job just to sit home watching his wife and children playing? This was unacceptable!!!
I knew a man must work harder and harder no matter what. And indeed, that is exactly, what iam doing- working over 12 hours a day. Now i am faced with a similar predicament of the guy who wrote his Last Word. True, i work hard but i can not even meet the basics.Where is all the money going? Iam always struggling to buy sugar, food, clothing for my son and daughter. I say, where is the money going? Besides, i miss my family so much. Now, shouldI RESIGN my job so that i play with the kids at home? The answer is no.
" Boy, you got to move on !!! There are many people out, who want your support. Think about you mum? Boy, you need to remain focused, determined and resilient, maybe one day LADY LUCK will come your way. Keep moving boy", the inner voice tells me. It is like i listen to this voice so much.
I have been reflecting andreflecting on these private issues lately. Then the worst nightmare is how i miss my mother. The last time, i went home to the village to see mum was in November,2007. I promised to continue to visit her but to date i have not. Iam begining to feel guilty especially when she sent my young cousin saying she is WEAK and SICK. I really felt the blow of a mother wanting to see her son. Mum, i love you so much. I have promised several times as far as i am STILL a live you will be leading some decent life. My sister passed away ten years ago and left mum with a paraylsed girl. The girl is now making twenty years. I think this could be one of those things now giving mum sleepless nights.
Again ever since, i begun contrusting for her a house in 2002, i have more or less failed to complete it. When i look at her old house built in 1966, i feel so sorry for mama despite all the challenges and sacrify she made to see her four children all go to school. She has toiled all her life so that, her children get a decent life. Here i am the so-called educated african boy, i can not even provide enough to mama. i feel i have betrayed her trust. i have failed to make her happy yet she has put much hope in me. When i reflect on some of these things, i t makes me feel sad.WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO TELL MUM THANKYOU?
Maybe i should contact my friend again and receive some advise. Erica, if you are reading this blog, i need your assistance. Probably, it could not be material but spiritual and emotional support.
Guys, you have to bear with me i donot know what i am writing this evening. I am reflecting back on A PRIVATE MATTER and the challenges that we in the rural areas undergo. I could go on and on? How many of the poor are suffering and no body is coming to their rescue? I know , this era is not for blamism (i know this word does not exist in english). This is the time to face reality on the face squarely and agree that, we need better cooperations between the poor and rich. We need to put aside egoistic principles of capitalism, racism and live as one people in one planet.
America, America, America, brake the neck of this suffering. America, i say brake the york of world suffering. I know life is a sacrifce. How can we make the suffering be happy? How can we put a smile on the faces of mulnourished children? We are tired of being second class citizens on this planet.
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