Government re-opens Monitor Publications Offices.

The Uganda government on Thursday called off the siege and closure of Nation Media Group's Daily Monitor Publications head office that had been closed and sealed off by heavily armed Police personnel for 11 days, prompting celebrations at the premises by Monitor staff and Human rights activists.


The re-opening of Monitor and her sister radio stations KFM and Dembe FM was announced by outgoing Internal Affairs Minister Hon. Hilary Onek at the Uganda Media Center in Kampala during a press briefing.

Onek announced the re-opening

On May 20th, Police invaded Monitor Publications Limited Offices on 8th Street, Namuwongo, in Kampala and sealed it off, ordering all staff to vacate the premises to allow them room to search for the 'Sejusa letter' that Daily Monitor had published in one of her dailies.

The letter written by the Coordinator of Intelligence services in Uganda Gen. David Sejusa "Tinyefuza" claimed that there is a plot to kill all those army officers opposed to the Muhoozi project which seeks to replace President Yoweri Museveni with his son when he retires from presidency. 

 
Also present at the media briefing was Inspector General of Police Gen. Kale Kayihura. Kayihura warned journalists to desist from publishing any documents they are given to publish saying the law will deal with them. He sighted the British news paper WikiLeaks that was besieged and the owner ordered out of the Country.

According to the Minister, Red pepper however remains closed until negotiations between the government and the publication's management are complete.
    

Tear gas rocks Monitor offices as Police Faces-off with Journalists.

International Journalists running for their dear lives
after a tear gas canister was thrown at them
by Police at Monitor Head Offices.

Its one week since Uganda Police besieged and closed two media houses over what has now become the controversial sejusa letter written by the Coordinator of Intelligence services in Uganda and Senior Presidential Adviser Gen David Sejusa Tinyefuza.


Daily Monitor and Red pepper publications were closed on Monday 20th and have since not been allowed to print any newspapers.

On the second day of peaceful demonstrations by Journalists to prompt the police to vacate their offices, tear gas has been used by Police to disperse the Journalists.

Today, the Monitor premises were sealed off and no individual was allowed access to the same.

It is also claimed that some journalists were bitten by these police personnel despite growing criticism from both local and international Human rights activists of the continued Police siege and closure of the media houses. 

The Journalists under their umbrella association, Uganda Journalists Association have resolved to seek court redress to force Police off their premises.

Bombo murder suspect found guilty.

The prime suspect in the murder of over ten people at Bombo Military Barracks has been found guilty of the cases that were preferred against him by government of Uganda.


On Wednesday, Court Martial sitting at Bombo found Pte. Patrick Okot guilty of all the 15 counts, 10 of which are for murder, 3 for attempted murder, 1 for aggravated robbery, and 1 for failure to protect army materials.

Patrick Okot.

Okot early this year fired live bullets at a bar near the Bombo Military barracks and killed several people including a military personnel.  

Earlier, Okot's lawyers had requested the court to acquit their client because he had a mental problem. This plea was however rejected since a medical report taken after his arrest showed that he was in proper mental state. 

The sentence is to be read to him next week.

New Buganda Katikiro receives the official Mace (Ddamula)

The newly appointed Buganda Kingdom Prime Minister (Katikiro) Charles Peter Mayiga was on Wednesday handed the Kingdom's official Mace (Ddamula) by His Majesty Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, the Kabaka of Buganda at Lubiri Mengo palace.


The Mace was handed over to Mayiga amid cheers and praising songs from Loyalists especially those from he heart (Mutiima) clan where Mayiga belongs.

New Katikiro Charles Peter Mayiga.

The Ddamula is a symbol that the new Katikiro has accepted to serve the Kingdom and protect her interests at all times.

By 7am EAT, thousands of Buganda loyalists had gathered at the Palace to witness the function which according to the Baganda is a milestone function that out to be awarded due respect.

After the handover, it was a battle of strength as subjects paved way for the Mace to be taken to the official Katikkiro home called Butikiro.

Mayiga promised to serve the Kingdom with all strength and reclaim all that has been "stolen" from the Kingdom.

Police, Journalists face-off over media siege.

Journalists and Police were on Tuesday engaged in running battles at Monitor Publications Limited head offices on 8th Street, Namuwongo, in Kampala as they (Journalists) held a protest over the continued siege of Media Houses by Police.

The police used teargas to disperse the journalists who were holding a very peaceful demonstration.

The police temporarily closed 8th street and diverted traffic for both pedestrians and motorists to avoid the situation from culminating into chaos.

Several journalists were arrested and detained by Police.

The media siege has been heavily condemned by both Local and International human rights activists including the European Union. 

Pilgrims trek in for Martyrs Day celebrations.

Hundreds of Pilgrims have started getting to the Country ahead of the annual Martyrs Day celebrations due on  3rd June this year at the Uganda Martyrs shrine at Namugongo.

The Pilgrims have moved on foot from as far as Kabale, Soroti, Kisoro Gulu, Arua with others moving from  Tanzania, Congo, Sudan, Nigeria, Kenya, United State, UK, Germany and others.

The Martyrs Shrine at Namugongo

This year's celebrations are organised by Mbarara Archdiocese and are in commemoration of the 22 christian converts that were killed on the orders of Buganda's King Kabaka Mwanga after they opted to follow Christianity. 

They were murdered and executed between 1885 and 1887 from different places of the Country.

Week one- Media Houses still under siege.

Its now a week since two media houses were invaded by heavily armed police personnel in the guise of searching for the now controversial letter written by the Coordinator of Intelligence services in Uganda and Senior Presidential Adviser Gen David Sejusa Tinyefuza .

The letter claims that there is a plot to assassinate army officers who are opposed to the 'Muhoozi Project'. The project seeks to have President Yoweri Museveni's son Muhhozi Kainerugaba take over leadership of the country when he (Museveni) retires.

Nation Media Group's Daily Monitor at Namuwongo and Red pepper Publications at Namanve were besieged and sealed off after police secured a court order to search the premises. 

The court order has however been abused by police because it was initially meant to help them find the letter and not to close the premises for all this long. This compelled court to issue an interim order to have the police vacate the media houses' premises.

However police refused to honour the order and continued with the siege until now. They claimed the legal team responsible for receipt of the court orders was out of office so non of the officers at the station would accept the letter. 

The media siege has been condemned by both the local and international media freedom activists and have called for immediate withdraw of the police.

For all this time, Monitor publications has not printed any newspaper because non of their staff is allowed access of the offices.

During the siege, two radio stations belonging to Monitor Publications, KFM and Dembe FM were also switched off.

   

Iryn Namubiru receives a Hero's Welcome.

Ugandan singer Iryn Namubiru on Monday received a hero's welcome on her arrival at Entebbe International Airport from Japan where she had been held for over two weeks following her arrest as she had gone for a music concert.

Relatives, friends, family members and fans converged at the Airport to welcome her home after that difficult time in the Japan coolers.

Iryn was arrested on May 2nd at Nikita international Airport in Japan after her luggage was allegedly found with drugs and was detained at the Airport before being transferred to a big station.

She was pronounced innocent of drug trafficking and set free on Friday 24th by court.

Iryn's mother could not hide her joy after seeing her daughter back home in good shape despite all the troubles she went through.

KCCA Councillors want to Impeach Mayor Lukwago.

Kampala Lord Mayor Ssalongo Erias Lukwago could be forcefully removed from his seat if the petition filed by the Kampala Capital City Authority Councillors seeking to impeach him is approved by the Attorney General.


A group of Councillors presented a petition to the Minister in-charge of Kampala Hon. Frank Tumwebaze who after perusing through, sent it to the Attorney General for legal advise on the way forward.

Erias Lukwago

The Councillors accuse Lukwago of Abuse of office, Incompetence and misconduct. 

He is accused of ill behavior to the Executive Director who is his boss and also to the Councillors.  

The Councillors also say he conducts his duties unprofessionally and is fond of inciting the public. They cited the chaos that erupted after the Lord Mayor instructed Taxi drivers around Kampala not to pay the shs.120,000 monthly fee that had been levied by the Executive Director Jennifer Musisi.

Under the KCCA Act, 1/3 of the Councillors can petition the Minister in charge of Kampala if they feel most of the Authority's business is not being conducted appropriately.

Big Brother 2013- Uganda's Denzel and Lugudde join the House.

The 2013 edition of the annual Big Brother Africa reality TV show premiered on Sunday night in South Africa with two Ugandan housemates Denzel Charles Mwiyeretsi and Isaac Lugudde representing the country.


This year's edition is under the tagline "The Chase" and housemates are competing for the staked $300,000 grand prize.

The housemates will be kept in-doors for the next three months and the last man or woman standing will walk away with the grand prize.

Vision group is a very proud company after they managed to field their second staff in the reality show for the second consecutive year. It should be noted that in the 2012 edition, Kyle Duncan of Urban TV (Vision Group) represented the country and did pretty well despite having failed to bring home the grand prize.

The participating countries are Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Angola, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, and Mozambique.

The show will be airing 24/7 on DSTV channels 197 and 198 while GOtv audiences will be able to see highlights on AfricaMagic World.

National ID Project Kick started.

With growing criticism and pressure from Ugandans and the East African Community Member states over the delay to have National IDs, Uganda has reaffirmed her commitment to implement the project that has been stalled for several months over fraud and abuse of procurement procedures.

The project is said to have already cost the tax payers over shs.200 billion despite of the fact that it was not successful.

According to the Ministry of Internal affairs spokesperson Jacob Siminyi, about 20,000 IDs have already been printed basing on the data obtained from the Electoral Commission. 

He said all those who did not register during the Commission's registration exercise prior to the 2011 general elections will have their data taken from September 2013 and distribution of the cards will start in 2014.

Siminyi said the IDs will have a duration of 10 years and will be renewed at a charge to the card holder. He stressed that the renewal or reissue charge will help the country raise more revenue.

Unlike for passports where people have to travel to the Central office of Ministry of Internal affairs, the National IDs will be sent to the local areas where they will be distributed.

Army Reshuffles as at 24th May 2013.

President Yoweri Museveni on Friday May 24 made a mini reshuffle of the Army command force that led to promotions from one rank to another and transfers of senior Army officers.


The reshuffle had the list below;

Name                                                          From                                    To

Gen. Aronda Nyakairima                   Chief of Defence Forces (CDF)         Minister of Internal Affairs.

Lt. Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala   Commander Land Forces          Gen. and Chief of Defence Forces

Lt. Gen Ivan Koreta                  Deputy Chief of Defence Forces          Ambassador.

Maj. Gen. Charles Angina          Chief of Staff of Land forces             Lt. Gen. and Deputy CDF

Maj. Gen. Fred Mugisha                Joint Chief of staff                      National counter Terrorism Center   

Brig. Wilson Mbadi                     4th Division Commander              Maj. Gen. and Joint Chief of Staff

Brig. David Muhoozi           Commander Air Defence Division      Maj.Gen. and Commander Land Forces

Brig. Samuel Turyagyenda       Commander Air forces                     Maj. General

Brig. Leopold Kyanda            Chief of personnel and Admin.           Chief of staff land forces

Col. Emmanuel Kanyesigye     5th Division operations officer           4th Division Commander.

                                                  

Uganda's Cabinet as at 24 May 2013.

President Yoweri Museveni on Friday released a list of New Cabinet ministers and transferred others to new ministries.


We present to you the names new Cabinet as named by the head of state;

• PRESIDENT.

Yoweri Kaguta Museveni

• VICE PRESIDENT.

Hon. Edward Kiwanuka Sekandi

• Prime Minister.

Amama Mbabazi

• Ist. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Service

Henry Muganwa Kajura

• 2nd Deputy Prime Minister and Deputy Leader of Government Business in Parliament

Moses Ali

CABINET MINISTERS.

• Minister of Security

Wilson Muruli Mukasa

• Minister in-charge of the Presidency

Frank Tumwebaze

• Minister for Karamoja affairs

Janet Kataaha Museveni

• Minister in-charge of general duties/Office of the Prime Minister

Tarsis Kabwegyere

• Minister of Disaster Preparedness and Refugees

Hilary Onek

• Minister of Information and National Guidance

Rose Namayanja

• Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries

Buchanayandi Tress

• Minister of Defence

Crispus Kiyonga

• Minister of Education and Sports

Jessica Alupo Rose Epel

• Minister of Energy and Minerals

Irene Muloni

• Minister of Finance and Economic Planning

Maria Kiwanuka

• Minister of Works and Transport

Abraham Byandala James

• Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs

Kahinda Otafiire

• Attoney General

Peter Nyombi

• Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development

Busingye Mary Karooro Okurut

• Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives

Amelia Kyambadde Anne

• Minister of Water and Environment

Ephraim Kamuntu

• Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban development

Daudi Migereko

• Minister of Health

Ruhakana Rugunda

• Minister of Foreign Affairs

Sam Kutesa Kahamba

• Minister of Information and Communications Technology (ICT)

John Nasasira Mwoono

• Minister of Local Government

Adolf Mwesige

• Minister without Portfolio in-charge of Political mobilization

Ricahrd Todwong

• Government Chief Whip

Kasule Justine Lumumba

• Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities

Maria Mutagamba

• Minister of Internal Affairs

Aronda Nyakairima

MINISTERS OF STATE.
Office of the President

• Minister State for Economic Monitoring

Henry Banyenzaki

• Minister of State for Ethics and Integrity

Sam Lokodo
Office of Vice President.

• Minister of State V.President's office

Vincent Nyanzi
Office of Prime Minister (OPM)

• State for Relief and Disaster Preparedness

Musa Echweru Francis

• State for Northern Uganda

Amuge Rebecca Otengo

• State for Karamoja 

Barbara Nekesa Oundo

• State for Luwero Triangle

Kataike Sarah Ndoboli

• State for Teso Affairs

Amongin Aporu Christine

• State for Bunyoro Affairs

Kiiza Ernest

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

• State for International Affairs

Oryem Okello

• State for Regional Affairs

Asuman Kiyingi

Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries

• State for Agriculture

Mijumbi Nyiira Zerubabel

• State for Fisheries

Ruth Nankabirwa Sentamu

• State for Animal Industry

Bright Rwamirama

Ministry of Education and Sports

• State for Sports.

Charles Bakabulindi

• State for primary Education

Kamanda Bataringaya

• State for Higher Education

John Chrysostom Muyingo

Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development.

• State for Energy

Simon D'ujanga

• State for Minerals

Peter Lokeris Aimat

Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development

• State for Finance (General)

Fred Omach Jacan Mandir

• State for Planning

Matia Kasaija

• State for Investment

Ajedra Gabriel Gadison Aridru

• State for Privatisation

Aston Kajara Peterson

• State for Micro Finance

Okao Caroline Amali

Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development.

• State for Gender and Culture

Lukia Nakadama Isanga

• State for Youth and Children Affairs

Ronald Kibuule

• State for Labour, Employment and Industial Relations

Mwesigwa Rukutana

• State for Elderly and Disability

Sulaiman Madada

Ministry of Health.

• State for Health.

Elioda Tumwesigye

• State for Primary Health Care

Sarah Opendi Ochieng

Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development

• State for Housing

Sam Engola

• State for Urban Development

Rosemary Najjemba

• State for Lands

Aidah Nantaba

Ministry of Trade and Industry

• State for Trade

Wakikoona David

• State for Industry

Mutende Shinyabulo James

Ministry of Water and Environment

• State for Water

Betty Bigombe Atuku

• State for Environment

Flavia Munaaba Nabugera

Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities

• State for Tourism 

Akiror Agnes.

Ministry of Works and Transport

• State for Transport

Stephen Chemoiko Chebrot

• State for Works

Byabagambi John

Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs

• Deputy Attoney General

Fred Ruhindi

Ministry of Defence

• State for Defence

Jeje Odongo

Ministry of Internal Affairs

• State for Internal Affairs

James Baba

Ministry of ICT

• State for ICT

Nyombi Tembo

Ministry of Local Government

• State for Local Government.

Alex Onzima Aadroa.

Ministry of Public Service

• State for Public Service

Ssezi Mbaguta Prisca

Ministry of East African Affairs

• State for East African Affairs

Shem Bagaine.

Museveni Promotes Kale Kayihura and other Army officers.

President Yoweri Museveni has promoted more Army officers, adding on to the promotions and transfers he announced on Friday.

Lt. Gen. Kale Kayihura now a General.

The new promotions have seen many senior officers of the Armed forces rise to higher ranks, notably Lt. Gen Kale Kayihura who has been promoted to the rank of General.

The promotions were read to the media by Lt. Col Paddy Ankunda, the UPDF/Defence Spokesman.

Below are more of the names of the promoted officers;

1. Lt Gen Kale Kayihura the Inspector Gen of Police has been promoted to General.

2. Brig Garvas Mugenyi Formerly Commander of Armoured Brigade has been transferred and Appointed Commander Air Defense Division.

3. Col Joseph Ssemwanga Formerly Commandant Armoured Warfare Training School has been promoted to Brig and Appointed Commander Armour ed Brigade.

4. Col Augustine Kyazze has been Promoted to Brig and remains Deputy Chief of Logistics and Engineering In-charge of Engineering.

5. Col Francis Chemongesi Formerly Armour ed Brigade Operations Officer has been promoted to Brig and Appointed Commandant Armour ed Warfare Training School.

6. Col Deus Sande Formerly Chief Instructor Armour ed Warfare Training School has been Promoted to Brig and attached to AMISOM.

7. Col Charles Lutaya Formerly Acting Chief of Staff Air force goes for Senior Air Staff and Command Course in the U.S.A.

8.  Lt Col James Birungi is Promoted to Col and Appointed Acting Chief of Staff Air force.

Parliament rejects KCCA report on Museveni take-over.

Drama ensued in Parliament on Friday after the KCCA report proposing the takeover of Kampala Capital City Authority by President Yoweri Museveni was found to have been forged by the Chairperson of the Local Governments Committee Florence Kintu and her deputy Magyezi Raphael

Mukono Municipality Member of parliament Betty Nambooze Bakileke had on filed a petition with the Parliament Speaker to block the report and investigate likely forgery in the formulation of the report.  

Deputy Speaker Jacob Oulanya ruled to have
the report thrown out.

Deputy Speaker of Parliament Jacob oulanyah then asked the Clerk to Parliament to investigate the claim. The committee Chairperson and her deputy are said to have looked the Clerk out of the sitting and come up with their own conclusions.

This action angered the Legislators and resolved to have the report thrown out of Parliament. 

All this happened as the Lord Mayor Elias Lukwago was looking on, smiling endlessly. He had come to the house to see what his fate would be. If the report was adopted by the house, Lukwago would have lost his job as Lord Mayor. To Lukwago, this was "justice at last".

At some point, Kampala Executive Director Jennipher Musisi was caught napping during the debate.

Singer Iryn Namubiru released from Japan coolers.

Ugandan singer Iryn Namubiru has been set free from prison in Japan Capital Tokyo where she had been detained for over two weeks.


Iryn was arrested May 2nd in Japan where she had been scheduled for a concert. It was alleged that Iryn's luggage was found containing illegal drugs, which she said she had no clue of how they got into her bag.

Off the Hook, Iryn Namubiru.

Despite conflicting reports on the release of Iryn from her family and friends, the Director of Intrnational Police Uganda (Interpol) Assan Kasiggye confirmed her release saying Iryn had been discharged of the charges and set free. 
" I don't have details but i thing she was taken to court and discharged of culpability of carrying drugs into Japan. Said Kasingye.

He added that he had not yet seen the judgement and the details of the investigations that were presented in Court.

Iryn's release was a sigh of relief for her fans who were in panic and fear over the fate of their singer. It also saves her a ten years imprisonment, according to the Japan laws in regard to drug trafficking.

Museveni reshuffles Cabinet, Army and Permanent Secretaries.

President Yoweri Museveni on Friday announced a reshuffle of his Cabinet ministers, Army bosses and Permanent Secretaries of various Ministries leading to promotions and transfers.

Notable movements in the Cabinet were of Mary Karooro Okurut who was moved from Information and National guidance ministry to Gender, Labour and Social Development replacing John Nasasira who was moved to the ICT Ministry, Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda from ICT to Health replacing Dr. Christine Andoa who was appointed a Senior Presidential adviser on Health.

New Internal Affairs Minister Aronda Nyakairima.

Others were Henry Muganwa Kajura who was promoted to First Deputy Prime Minister replacing the late Eriya Kategaya. Kajura still remains the Minister of Public Service, a position he has held for a long period, Rose Namayanja formerly State Minister for Luweero Triangle now becomes Information and National Guidance Minister, taking over from Karooro, Hilary Onek is new Disaster Preparedness Minister replacing the late Stephen Mallinga.

The days surprise appointment was that of the Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) Gen. Aronda Nyakairima who has been named the Minister for Internal affairs replacing Hilary Onek. His appointment means he has to retire from active Army service and serve under the public service.

Aronda's appointment also makes him the Chairman of the National Security Council that comprises all inteligence organs of the country as well as the armed forces. He therefore gets political authority and command of the named forces.

In the Armed Forces, Gen Katumba Wamala was appointed the new Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) taking over from Aronda Nyakairima.

Katumba has been an active officer of the Army and has served in various positions. Prior to his appointment as CDF, Katumba served as UPDF Commander, Inspector General of Police, Chief of the land forces. In all these positions, he has been credited for effective service delivery.

Other appointments were Maj. Gen. Charles Angina who now becomes Deputy CDF replacing Ivan Koreta who now moves to the Diplomatic service, Brig. David Muhoozi who has been the commander of Air force has been moved to Commander of land forces, replacing Katumba Wamala.

The reshuffle also saw the movement of the fraud-filled Office of the Prime Minister Permanent Secretary Pius Bigirimana who now goes to the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development as Permanet Secretary. 

CECAFA Kagame Cup draws made.

The draw for the Cecafa Kagame Cup that gets underway in Darfur, Sudan between June 18 and July 2 has been made and below are the draw;


Group A

Simba-   Tanzania
APR-     Rwanda
Elman-   Somalia
Mereikh El-Fasher.-   Sudan

Gropu B

Tusker-    Kenya
Al-Hilal-   Sudan
Al-Ahly-   Sudan
Al- Nasir- Sudan 
Falcon-     Zanzibar

Group C

Yanga-     Tanzania
Express-   Uganda
Ports-       Djibouti 
Vital ‘O’-  Burundi

The venues are  El-Fahir, for Group A and C matches while Kaduli Stadium will be used for Group B matches.

Cecafa secretary general Nicholas Musonye and Kagame Cup organising committee chairman Raoul Gisanura presided over the draws that were held in Khartoum.

Big Brother Africa 8 starts on Sunday.

The long awaited Big Brother Africa season eight is finally here. The show starts on Sunday and will see the grand winner walk away with $300,000 as well as the fame that comes along with the show.

The new show is run under the tag line ‘The Chase’ . This is because the housemates will be chasing after the staked money and the fame that comes along it.

28 new housemates will be unveiled on this day and will stay indoors for three months (91 days) doing nothing but entertaining an African audience in over 50 African countries.

Big Brother has lined up big name performances for the opening ceremony. They will be artists from Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa.

Kenya will be represented by award winner, STL. with hit songs such as Take My Time, Hula Hoop, Bad as I Wanna Be, Nigeria will send Don Jazzy, D’ Prince and Wande Coal to warm up the ceremony with hit songs like like What I See, Bumper 2 Bumper and Who Born the Maga.

Africa's leading Afro Pop music groups, Mafikizolo will be represent South Africa and are seen as the audience's

favorites. They will walk the audience to their songs like Sibongile, Ndihamba Nawe, Nisixoshelani and most recently Khona.

The line-up will also include a slot for some comic relief from Kenyan stand-up comedian Daniel Ndambuki, popularly known as Churchill.

The show will be broadcast live 24/7 on DSTV channels 197 and 198 while GOtv audiences will be able to see highlights on AfricaMagic World.

Let the Action begin.

  

Monitor and Red Pepper offices still under Police Siege.

The offices of Uganda's two media houses are still cordoned off following the Monday morning raid on the Namuwongo based Monitor Publications and the Namanve based Red Pepper.


Police raided the two media houses with a search warrant from court after they published articles connected to a reportedly sensitive letter authored by Gen David Sejusa 'Tinyefuza'.

The letter says there is a plot among the high ranks of the Army to assassinate all those opposed to the "Muhoozi Project" which seeks to have Museveni's first son Muhoozi Kainerugaba take over leadership of Uganda after he retires from the seat.

Bidandi Ssali still critical in Intensive Care Unit.

Former Local Government Minister and breakout Museveni ally Jaberi Bidandi Ssali is still admitted in the intensive care unit of Nakasero Hospital where he was rushed after a nasty car accident that occurred when his vehicle reg. no. UAQ 436U rammed into a Fuso truck at Kisasi roundabout while heading to Kiwatule recreation centre.

Access to Bidandi by relatives and friends has been blocked by the hospital saying he needs ample time to rest.

The Vehicle that almost ended Bidandi's life.

Bidandi, who is the founder and President of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), sustained multiple injuries.

Newly appointed Buganda Katikkiro (Prime Minister), Charles Peter Mayiga, is one of the very few people who were allowed to see Bidandi. He told members of the press camped in the corridors that Bidandi was still in pain but improving.

“We thank the doctors and we  pray to God to help him recover and serve his country and the Kingdom. He is important to the country,” Said Mayiga.

Micho is new Uganda Cranes Coach.

After a long wait for new Cranes Coach, the technical committee that was instituted to shop for one has finally zeroed on Serbian tactician Sredejovic ‘Micho’ Milutin on a two years contract to take over the job that was held by Scottish tactician Bobby Williamson who was fired early last month.

Micho has been the head coach of the Rwandan National Football team ans helped them in the recently concluded CECAFA tournament held in Uganda. Rwanda went up to the tournament's quarterfinals where they were eliminated by Tanzania on a 2-0 score.   

New Cranes Coach MICHO.

The unveiling of Micho was done at FUFA House in Mengo by FUFA President Lawrence Mulindwa. Also present were FUFA Spokesperson Rogers Mulindwa and CEO Edgar Watson.

"This is my footballing home. I started my dream here. Am happy to come back home after travelling all over the continent, from the time I left Uganda in July 2004, I have been absent in body but my soul has always been here." said Micho at the unveiling. 

While in Uganda, Micho managed SC Villa and is accredited for giving it the name it holds to-date and has since traversed the continent coaching soccer to football clubs in countries like Ethiopia, South Africa.

  

Shs.120,000 Taxi fees reinstated by KCCA.

Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has ordered all Taxi operators to resume the payment of the Shs.120,000 monthly taxi fees that had been previously blocked by court pending clarification on the the payment process and procedure.


Addressing a press conference at the City hall, KCCA Executive Director Jennifer Musisi said under the KCCA Act, the Minister in-charge of Kampala is mandated to instruct the Executive Director on the best way to run the Authority.

KCCA Executive Director Jennifer Musisi

She said the Kampala Minister Hon.Frank Tumwebaze had instructed her to re-instate the fees to enable the Authority conduct her duties and finance all her expenses.

The fees take effect from the month of May. 

Two Ugandan newspapers to miss on Tuesday Market.

Two Ugandan dailies will not be seen on the newspaper market tomorrow after heavily armed police stormed and closed their offices in the guise of searching for Gen. Tinyefuza's letter that was published by the Daily Monitor.


Police besieged the Red Pepper and Daily Monitor offices at Namanve and Namuwongo respectively on Monday morning and ordered all staff of the two media houses to vacate and let them "find what they want".

Police Keeping guard of the Monitor Publication
 premises after the siege.

The siege also ended in the closure of two radio stations affiliated to Daily Monitor. KFM and Dembe FM were switched off during the search and by press time, they were still off.

The sejusa saga has brought in the a country a state of fear with many saying he will be arrested on arrival at the Entebbe Airport. 

The Tinyefuza letter alleges that there are plans in the Army to assassinate all high profile Army officers who are again the plan to have Museveni's first son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba take over as president of Uganda when he (Museveni) resigns.

Police Besiege Media Houses over Tinyefuza.

Ugandan media houses were on Monday morning invaded by heavily armed Police personnel as investigations into the source of the controversial letter of Gen. David Sejusa aka Tinyefuza take a new twist.


The media houses that were besieged are Red Pepper Publications located at Namanve on Jinja road and Nation Media Group's Monitor Publications at Namuwongo. 

Police besiege the Monitor Publication Offices at Namuwongo.

The letter was reportedly published by the Daily Monitor in one of her dailies saying there are plans to assassinate Army generals opposed to the so-called "Muhoozi succession project" which is said to be grooming Museveni's son to replace him when he retires as President.  

St. Mary's Kitende are 2013 COPA Coca Cola champions.

COPA Coca Cola reigning Champions St. Mary's Kitende were on Sunday crowned the 2013 Champions after winning the equally strong team of Standard High School-Zana on a 1-0 score in the final game played at Kigezi High School, Kabale District.

Kitende won themselves a spot in the final after thrashing St. Leo's Kyegobe 4-1 in the semi-finals while Standard High beat Juliana High to scoop a place with the giants in the finals.

The COPA Coca Cola is an annual school football tournament that is aimed at spotting young talent to help in the developing and growing of football in Uganda and is sponsored by Coca Cola.

I will not be Intimidated by Greedy Politicians- Speaker Kadaga,

The Speaker of Parliament Hon. Rebecca Kadaga has lashed out at Politicians threatening her with censure that will not be intimidated because she was constitutionally elected and all that she does as a Speaker is within the constitution.


Speaker Kadaga was accused by some politicians of betraying her Political Party, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) after she ruled that the 4 suspended NRM "rebel" MPs were not going to lose their parliamentary seats.

Parliament Speaker Hon. Rebecca Kadaga.

Kadaga made the remarks while attending a mass at a church at Bukoto where she was a guest as one of her Parliamentarians was celebrating thirty years in Marriage. 

The branded "Rebel" Mps were suspended on grounds of indiscipline and abuse of the NRM party's constitution. They are Mr Theodore Sekikubo (Lwemiyaga county MP), Mr Muhammed Nsereko (Kampala central MP), Mr Wilfred Niwagaba (Ndorwa East) and Mr Barnabas Tinkasiimire.

In her ruling, Speaker Kadaga said the MPs were entitled to their seats since the constitution does not disqualify a Member of Parliament expelled from the party from representing their constituents in Parliament.

Bukalango celebrates Pentecost Day in Style.

Time Check, 00:00am EAT and the lights are off, darkness fills the area and suddenly a big bang is heard in the area. It was fireworks. This was what happened at Mt. Sion Prayer Center, Bukalango as Christians celebrated the Pentecost Day.


The Pentecost Day is the day when when the Holy Spirit came down to Jesus' Disciples as they were gathered all together in one place and is celebrated 50 days after Easter Sunday.

These were the scenes at Mt. Sion Preyer Center Bukalango
as Christians welcomed the Holy Spirit as
it was on Pentecost 

There was a very huge crowd at the Prayer center who had all come to witness and receive the blessings and gifts of the Holy Spirit as it was on Pentecost when the Disciples received the Holy Spirit's gifts and started speaking in tongues.

The Main Celebrant of this day was Monsignor Expedito Magembe, who also heads the Prayer Center.     

Interpol turns guns to Entebbe Airport staff over Iryn Namubiru..

With the increasing chances that Ugandan Musician Iryn Namubiru could have actually flown to Japan with narcotics, the International police (Interpol) has turned guns on to the Entebbe Airport staff who they suspect could have connived with Iryn to see her through the scanning process.

“We must investigate the Entebbe International Airport officials who scanned Namubiru’s luggage and let her through,” said the director of the International Police in Uganda, Asan Kasingye while meeting Thaddeus Mubiru, Iryn's brother and manager and Balaam Barugaharra, her music promoter at his office in Kololo, Kampala.

Singer Iryn Namubiru.

Kasingye said he had written to his counterparts in Japan to send official communication, detailing the arrest; what kind of drugs were involved and how they were carried to Japan.

Kasingye said Namubiru was not on their list of people involved in illicit drugs.

Iryn Namubiru was arrested on May 2nd at a Tokyo Airport in Japan where she was scheduled for a concert at Yotsukaido Cultural Hall.

She is since then been locked-up in the coolers as investigations continue to help the Japanese Police and Interpol come to a conclusion. 

Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi names new Buganda Kingdom Cabinet.

Buganda King Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II on Friday released names of new Cabinet Ministers to serve the Kingdom alongside newly appointed Katikkiro (Prime Minister) Charles Peter Myiga who was appointed to replace Eng. John Baptist Walusimbi.

The new Cabinet has come with new faces and has seen prominent and long serving Kingdom Ministers dropped, notably of these is the Lukiiko Speaker and the Attorney General Makubuya.

Buganda King Ronald Muwenda Mutebi.

Below are the names of the new Buganda Kingdom Cabinet Ministers;

Prime Mimister (Katikkiro)           

Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga

1st Prime Minister

Owek. Emmanuel L. Ssendawula

 

2nd Prime Minister

Owek. Muhamood Ssemambo Ssekimpi

 

Speaker

Owek. Nelson Kawalya

Deputy Speaker

Owek. Ahmed Lwasa

CABINET MINISTERS.

Attorney General

Owek.David F.K. Mpanga

Finance

Owek. Eva Nagawa Mukasa

Kingdom Spokesperson

Owek. Denis Walusimbi Ssengendo

Justice and Constitutional affairs.

Owek. Apollo Nelson Makubuya

    

Planning and Economic Development

Owek.Robert Waggwa Nsibirwa

Palace Adviser

Owek. William S.K Matovu

Trade and Marketing

Owek. Muhamood Thobani

Education

owek. Twaha Kawaase

Health

Owek. Ben Kiwanuka Mukwaya

Youth, sports and recreation.

Owek. Henry Ssekabembe 

DEPUTIES.

Prime Minister's office

Owek. Noah Kiyimba

Local Government

Owek.Joseph Kawuki