CECAFA 2013: Tanzania draws Zambia in Group B match

Despite being in the lead for the whole of first half, Zambia were given the biggest disappointment when Tanzania scored an equalizer to have a share of the three points.

Zambia's goal was scored by Katonga while Tanzania's goal come through Morad Said Hussain.

Both teams are playing their first marches in group B which Burundi and Somalia as well.

Lukwago still Lord Mayor, rules High Court

High Court in Kampala on Thursday ruled that embattled Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Mayor retains his sit, following an impeachment vote that had been conducted on Monday by Minister for Kampala Hon. Frank Tumwebaze, together with KCCA Councilors.



29 Councikllors voted for Lukwago's impeachment while 3 voted against it. Lukwago had been accused of incompetence, abuse of office, misconduct.
 
Lukwago had been ordered to vacate office and return all KCCA properties under is possession, a request that Lukwago had rejected, saying he was still the Mayor until court rules on the move of the councillors.

Presided over by Justice Yasin Nyanzi, court declared the impeachment of Erias Lukwago Null and Void and ordered him to return to work and assume his office.

The same court also ordered government to ay Lukwago all expenses incurred by him in pursuit of his freedom.

Justice Nyanzi had on Monday ruled that earlier interim order issued by acting registrar Fred Waninda, was to be in force until today at 11am when he will give his substantive verdict.

The same interim order was ignored by Mr  Tumwebaze on grounds that it was a forgery as it did not have a court seal. This drama brought the whole Lukwago impeachment process in uncertainty.

Hon. Tumwebaze has since objected the court ruling and has petitioned the Attorney General for legal advise and guidance.

  
 

CECAFA 2013: Zanzibar tops group A

Zanzibar have claimed the top slot of group A of the 2013 CECAFA Challenge Cup after edging South Sudan 2-1 in a game played at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi, Kenya.

The Island Country was able to penetrate the South Sudan defense and secured the much needed win against Africa's newest Country.
 
Zanzibar goes top with 3 points, followed by Ethiopia, hosts Kenya in third place and South Sudan in fouth place.

Both Kenya and Ethiopia have 1 point each.

CECAFA 2013: Hosts Kenya draws with Ethiopia

Kenya, the hosts of the 2013 CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup have started the tournament on a bad note, having drawn their first game against Ethiopia on a 0-0 score.


Despite all efforts to get the ball past the net, the Ethiopian side took no chances and fought on tooth and nail to at least have a share of the points.

Brig. Muhesi promoted

Brig. Geoffrey Baraba Muheesi was on Tuesday promoted to Maj. General and assigned to head and command operations for the African Union Mission in Somalia (Amisom), set to fight against the Somali based terrorist group Al-shabab.

He was decorated by the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Edward Katumba Wamala, at the army headquarters in Mbuya.

Muhesi being decorated by Gen. Katumba Wamala

 Muhesi was actively involved in fighting rebel activities in Uganda especially the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) and the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) that had for long dominated the Western part of the Country. 

NRM wins Bukanga County Parliamentary seat

The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) has yet again added on its number of Members of Parliament in the August house, with the new seat being Bukanga County in Isingiro District.

In a bye-election set to fill the seat that fell vacant after the death of then Member of Parliament, Gregory Matovu, had NRM's Mr Steven Kangwagye Rwakanuma taking the seat with a landslide victory.

President Museveni with Matovu during the campaigns.

Mr Kangwagye polled 18,204 votes (50.9 per cent) while Mr Nathan Byanyima (independent) emerged second with 16,946 votes (47.4 per cent).

Opposition political party candidates trailed with Mr Tito Turiyo (FDC) getting 321 votes (0.9 per cent), Mr Ddembe Shaffiq of the Democratic Party polled 165 votes (0.5 per cent). Pastor Pastor Abel Tumusiime (independent) got 99 votes (0.3 per cent votes).

The District Returning Officer Mr Robert Twikirize said out of the 63,804 registered voters, only 36,894 (57.8 percent) voted.

The Bukanga win comes after another bye-election for Buhwejju District Women representative was won by the NRM.
 

Minister Tumwebaze explains Lukwago Impeachment

Comrades and friends, greetings to you all. 


I have decided to write this post to help give most of you friends that bother to debate objectively the truths surrounding yesterday's KCCA meeting that I chaired and where majority councilors unanimously voted out The Lord Mayor. 

The report of the tribunal was received in the open just like its proceedings had been. I forwarded copies of the same report to the Lord Mayor and to all councilors for them to read in advance and comprehend the contents. While the law gives me 14 days to convene a meeting like this one and also given the fact that I was at liberty to convene this meeting at any date and working day of my choice, including doing so immediately after the day of receipt of the tribunal report, I did not do so for justifiable reasons. 

I gave the Councilors and The Lord Mayor a period of one week to read the quite voluminous report not in haste, but of course conscious at the same time of the 14 day time line set by the law. I also announced that this meeting would be called in the second week still within the 14 days.

This is what exactly happened. I issued a notice dated 21st November 2013 inviting the Lord Mayor and Councilors for this meeting pursuant to Sec.12 (17) of the Kampala Capital City Act, 2010. It is therefore untrue for those insinuating that this meeting has been fast tracked to defeat some agendas of some people in court. If indeed I had intended to fast track the meeting for purposes of defeating any intended litigation, I would have convened the meeting a day or two after receipt of the tribunal report. Still that would have been within the 14 days. But I didn't do so. I gave them the 7 days. 

I wish therefore to advise the lord mayor and his supporters to respect this otherwise legal process and avoid unnecessary and irresponsible politicking. I wish also to add that The Lord Mayor was by law required to either attend the said meeting in person or to send a legal representative. He never notified me of any of his intentions; either to be absent or to be represented by a lawyer. Indeed when a motion for his removal was moved and seconded, I called on any of his legal representative to make his defense as the law says. There was none.

The other falsehood I have seen doing rounds on social media and passionately promoted by agents of hate blogs like Ugandans At Heart, is that while I chaired the said meeting that ended up with The Lord Mayor Elias Lukwago being impeached, a one councilor Ssewanyana who moved from his chair and attempted to assault me in my chair, served me with a court order that was halting the proceedings and that I ignored it and ordered him out of the chambers.

That is false. That young man as most of you may have seen the video clips came prepared to behave unethically, engage in some drama and only worked towards disrupting the meeting. He jumped from his seat and aimed at me. Fortunately I remained calm and security restrained him. 

Another yet false allegation they make is that the lawyers of The Lord Mayor came with a court order to serve it on me and that they were denied entrance and that police grabbed from them a copy of the court order and burnt it to ashes. Of course all these are naked lies and they don't add up. From the two allegations already you can discern a contradiction. First, if the lawyers had indeed got a court order and that they were the ones with it and bringing it to serve it, what then is the other court order alleged to have been with Ssewanyana inside the council chambers? Who had what court order? All that is untrue, and caution should be exercised not use the institution of courts to cover up propaganda schemes of political actors.

The fact is; there was no court order served on me. And even if the alleged court order was to be there, why would lawyers attempt to serve it on me well aware of the usual procedure of service and the party to serve on behalf of government? The person to serve on behalf of government is not any officer but always the Attorney General. So our position is that there was no genuine court order duly served on me. More questions on this matter can be posed. Like at what time did the purported court sit to issue that court order?

Courts don't open for business before 9am? Even after a court order is issued it has to be extracted after paying in the bank requisite fees. So which bank opens by seven or eight o'clock in the morning to have enabled those extracting the order to pay the fees and thus get the order duly sealed and issued? How come a same interim order application is still being argued before Justice Yasiin Nyanzi and he has adjourned the same for Thursday? So which interim order was given yet a very same one is still pending before a judge? All these point to the credibility of the alleged court order. 

The fact however is that 29 councilors, including 7 opposition ones from DP and FDC , yesterday unanimously voted to remove The Lord Mayor from office and he thus ceased to be mayor of Kampala as soon as the vote was taken. That is what the KCCA act section 12 states. The bigger picture here to note is that this is not a partisan conflict between NRM and opposition. Otherwise how do you explain the 7 councilors of the opposition that joined the other NRM ones to take the majority vote? Why didn't the opposition solidarity bind them to him? He only got 03 votes. So by and large, the huge bi-partisan majority vote far above two thirds taken against Mr Elias Lukwago is not about party politics but rather it’s on the question of his personal competences and leadership capabilities. Even those opposition councilors couldn't stand Mr Elias Lukwago's style of leadership.

Finally it’s worth to note that Mr Elias Lukwago still has an opportunity to appeal. The same law which provides for his removal provides at the same time an opportunity to him to appeal within 21 days. But all the same the councilors irrespective of their political party interests have taken a bold step provided for in the KCCA act, (a law that even Mr Lukwago participated in enacting as he sat in the 8th Parliament) and they should be respected. They were too elected by the same people of Kampala who elected the same Lord Mayor. So Let us separate emotions from facts and lies from the truths. 

I am therefore proud that I did my role conferred to me by the law as minister without fear or favor. I have endured harsh judgment, hateful attacks, physical intimidation and insults and even cheap attempts aimed at my children have been invested in. I leave all that to God and forever promise to do work entrusted me with fairness and decisiveness. I shall never hold back, fear to take action on any matter I am convinced about nor succumb to cheap intimidation and black mail. Let those scheming to use those cheap tricks know. Otherwise I salute all of you friends who send me cheers and messages of support. Kampala will match forward at all costs.

Thank you
Frank Tumwebaze
Minister for the Presidency and Kampala Capital City Authority.

Police denies "Kiboko Squad"

They were seen on Monday at Kasubi Market in Rubaga Division walking around with sticks locally referred to as kiboko.

The Police officers who were on duty to prevent rowdy supporters of impeached Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Mayor Erias Lukwago from getting violent, said the kiboko boys were traders at the Kasubi market who were there to protect their merchandise from being destroyed by protesters.

Ms Nabakooba.

 They moved around Kasubi market in the vicinity of police but they (Police) did not do anything to them.

The leaders of the Kasubi market traders however said the kiboko boys are not known at the ever busy Kasubi market, something that even the traders themselves concur with.

Police has also denied knowledge of this squad, saying the are neither Police personnel nor Security operatives.  

Police spokesperson Ms Judith Nabakooba denied claims by the public that these boys are part of a huge group of the Kiboko squad that has been abused on interrupting the rule of law and Justice. 

"Those people are not part of the police force", said Ms Nabakooba.

KCCA: Mayor Lukwago ordered to return Authority property

Embattled Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago's woes at city hall continue to worsen every day that passes, with the latest being an order to Lukwago to return all KCCA property under him.


Addressing the media at City hall on Tuesday, KCCA Spokesperson Peter Kaujju said Lukwago is no longer the Mayor and thus is not privileged to use any property that belongs to the Authority.

"Lukwago has been ordered to return all KCCA property under his possession including the official Mayor's car" Kaujju said.  

Speaking from is hospital bed at Mukwaya General Clinic in Nsambya, Lukwago said he is still the mayor until court rules in favour of the decision of the Councillors who voted for his impeachment on Monday.

The ruling is set for Thursday this week.

CECAFA Challenge Cup 2013 Full Fixtures

The 2013 edition of the Council of East and Central Africa Football Association (CECAFA) tournament will be held in the Kenyan Capital Nairobi, with the last one having been played from Uganda.

Uganda is currently the defending champion of the CECAFA Challenge Cup and are 13 time winners of the tournament.

Uganda is in a tough group, C, comprising other countries of Rwanda, Eritrea and Sudan.

The 2013 tournament that kicks off on November 27 and ends on December 2 is mainly sponsored by GOtv which has invested in $125.000.

GOtv is a subsidiary company of Multichoice Africa.

Below is the full fixtures for the 2013 tournament;

Kiiza Besigye Arrested

Former Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) President Col. Kizza Besigye has been arrested as he left his home in Kasangati.

Besigye told Police th ahe was only going to the City center to do his personal business. 

He was taken to Nagalama Police station along Kayunga. 

Police said they suspected he was going to cause caos around the city.

His arrest came a few hours after KCCA councillors impeached his political ally and friend, Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago.

NTV's Gabriel Epenu involved in a fatal accident

NTV news reporter and anchor Gabriel Epenu was on Saturday night involved in a fatal care accident when his car rammed into a truck at Ntawo, Mukono district.

 The accident claimed the life of Epenu's friend Edgar Were.

Epenu is currently admitted and according to NTV, his condition is critical but stable.

The accident occured as they were coming back to Kampala from Kayunga where they had gone for a family function.

TPF6. All contestants placed on probation

In a twist of things in the Tusker Project Fame Academy, Judge Ian on behalf of his fellow judges announced that all the eight remaining contestants in the copetition were on probation for this week.

The contestants had survived probation last week, with the judges saying they could not choose who to place on probation because all the performances were done in groups.


The remaining contestants are Nyambura, Amos and Josh (Kenya), Kojjo, Daisy (Uganda), Phionah, Patrick (Rwanda) Hisia (Tanzania) and Hope (Burundi).

The onus is now on the public to vote on who is to remain in the Acasdemy and who to through out. 

Neither the contestants nor the faculty will no longer be allowed to save any one on probation. 

The live eviction show will air on selected East African Television Stations on Saturday.

Mayor Lukwago kicked out of office

It is definetely the end of the road for Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago after Kampala Capital City Authority Councillors voted to have him thrown out of office over incompetence, abuse of office, misconduct.

At a special meeting summoned by Minister for Kampala as well Presidency, Hon. Frank Tumwebaze on Monday, majority of the councillors who attended voted in favour of releaving Lukwago of his duties.

Lord Mayor Lukwago

 29 ciouncillors voted for his impeachment where as only three voted in favour of retaining the Lord Mayor.  

Despite having secured a court injuction agaist his removal, Tumwebaze proceeded withthe meeting that ended in resolving to impeach Lukwago.


According to Section 12 of KCCA Act, the Authority can remove the lord mayor from office if the tribunal finds a prima facie case against him.

Pictures: MTN Kampala Marathon 2013

The 10th edition of the MTN Kampala Marathon was conducted on Sunday 24 November 2013, attracting close to 20,000 participants. It was conducted under the theme "Run for Water". 

Below is the event in pictures;

TPF6: Purely Musical on Saturday

Tusker Project Fame (TPF) 6 Contestants on were on Saturday free from pressures of eviction and probation after Sunday's show (17th November) concluded with no contestant place on probation for possible eviction.

All the energy throughout the week was put on perfecting their singing and dancing skills.

Contestants on stage dancing to Power.

They did the singing in groups with Daisy, Josh and Patrick opening the show, performing R.Kelly's 'I believe i can fly'. The song had been selected for them by Judge Hermes who complimented their performance saying "They nailed it".

Next to perform was Nyambura, Amos and Hisia, taking on 'Radio Active' of the group Imagine Dragons, selected by judge Ian. Known for his negative comments, Ian impressed the audience when he said the contestants "Did it Justice".

Last to perform was Kojjo, Phiona and Hope. They performed 'Need you now', chosen for them by Judge Juliana. She too complimented them saying "I love the voices".

The contestants crowned it all with a dance performance on the tunes of Power by Justin Bieber and WILL. I.AM.

Sundays performance will see some of the remaining contestants placed on probation for possible eviction on Saturday.

Thousands Grace 2013 MTN Kampala Marathon

Close to 20,000 people took part in the 2013 and 10th edition of the annual MTN Kampala Marathon, organised by MTN Uganda, with an aim of positively impacting the lives of millions of Ugandans in dire need for social necessities.

The event organised under the theme "Run for Water" kicked off at 7am from the Kololo airstrip grounds with an overwhelming number of participants.

Some of the participants in the 2013 MTN Kampala Marathon
at Kololo Airstrip on Sunday.

This year's event was organised to raise funds for safe and clean water for the people of Karamoja, who for a long time have been depending on unclean water. The money will be used to construct state of the art taps, bore halls and water tanks.

Contestants competed in 10km and 21km. 

The 10km race was won by Philip Kipyeko in first place, Stephen Mande in second place, Ben Simikwo in third place. 21km was won by Daniel Rotich, followed by Moses Kipet and Ezekiel Chepkoom in third place.

Inspector General of Police General Kale Kayihura was the chief runner. He led a police team of senior officers in the corporate challenge.

Roofings Limited and Serena hotel were voted Best Corporate Teams at the 2013 event.

The marathon was sponsored by  Huawei, New Vision, Stanbic Bank and Rwenzori Beverages, the makers of Rwenzori water.

Voting on Lukwago dismissal set for Monday

Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Councillors have been summoned to appear at City Hall on Monday for a special sitting expected to debate and vote on the petition to remove  the Lord Mayor, Erias Lukwago from office.

The Councillors have been summoned by the Minister for Kampala and Presidency Hon. Frank Tumwebaze.
 
While council will be sitting, the High Court will also be hearing an application for an interim order stopping Mr Tumwebaze and all persons acting under his authority, from proceeding with the vote of no confidence against the Lord Mayor. The court hearing is scheduled for 10am.

The meeting comes four days after four councilors representing professional bodies to KCCA) were sworn-in, ensuring that the Authority was fully constituted to put the matter to a vote with no worries of legal proceeding against the KCCA for holding a vote with a half constituted Authority.

KCCA Councillors in May petition Tumwebaze to have Lukwago removed from office over claims of incompetence, abuse of office, misconduct.

Tumwebaze then instituted a Tribunal, headed by High Court Judge, Justice Catherine Bamugemereire to investigate Lukwago.

Lukwago was found guilty of all claims and the tribunal cleared the process by councilors to proceed with their vote on his removal.  

MTN Kampala Marathon is here

Kampala is counting down to this year's biggest charity event, the MTN Kampala Marathon that is scheduled for tomorrow (24 November) starting at 7am from Kololo airstrip in Kampala.

The event, which is the 10th edition of the annual charity run seeks to raise funds to avail clean water to the people of Karamoja.

The year's marathon is conducted under the theme "Run for Water" and is expected to bring together Africa's top athletes from Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda and several other countries across the world.

The event is proudly sponsored by Huawei, New Vision, Stanbic Bank and Rwenzori Beverages, the makers of Rwenzori water and Red Cross Uganda.

The marathon will have four races, that is

• Full marathon (42.195km)
• A half marathon (21km)
• 10km road race
• 10km wheel chair race

The marathon is registered by the Association of International Marathons (AIMS) certified by the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF).

Kampala Lord Mayor hospitalised

Embattled Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Lord Mayor, Erias Lukwago was on Friday night rushed to Nsambya General Clinic with malaria like illness, following his rough handling by Ugandan police on Thursday.

Lukwago was also diagnosed with with chest pains and multiple body injuries that are believed to have been sustained during the brutal arrests that have been happening for the most part of the week.

Lukwago as he was arrested by Police at his home on Monday.

Lukwago was first arrested on Monday at his home and was later dragged on to a Police pick-up truck that took him to Naggalama Police Station in Mukono District.

Doctors at the Clinic say Lukwago's health is improving steadily.

5 die from Malaria and Diarrhea in Refugee Camp

Five children are reported to have succumbed to an out break of Malaria and diarrhea at Sango Bay Refugee Camp in Rakai District.
 
The camp is home to over 4,650 refugees who crossed into Uganda after they were ordered out of Tanzania, following a directive by the Tanzanian President H.E Jakaya Kikwete to get rid of non Tanzanians in his Country.

Disaster Minister Musa Echweru

 The refugees are of Rwandan origin who had fled.

The camp lacks medical enforcements as well as medical workers. With the big number of refugees, there are only two doctors overseeing medical treatment.

These are charged with treating children, elders and pregnant mothers.

The camp has over 20 expectant mothers who also are at risk of losing their babies if the problem is not urgently addressed. 

There are no mosquito nets or even other medical kits supplied to the camp. 

Ministry of Refugees and Disaster preparedness has called upon well wishers to come in and save the situation. 
State Minister of Disaster and Refugees Musa Echweru said the ministry has done all they can but it has not been adequate for the overwhelming number of refugees.  

Brazil ready for 2014 FIFA World Cup

Brazil, the hosts of the 2014 FIFA World Cup say they are extremely ready to host the event, with almost 90% of preparatory work complete.

From the training and competition grounds, accommodation, security, transport and recreation, all is set for the biggest event in the world of sports in 2014.


Thirty two Countries were officially announced on Wednesday to have qualified to partake in the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil with Europe having the biggest number of representatives. .

The Countries to participate in the 2014 event are Brazil (Hosts), Argentina, Colombia, Chile, Uruguay, Ecuador, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, Russia, Bosnia, England, Spain, Greece, Croatia, Portugal, France, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Cameroon, Ghana, Algeria, Australia, Iran, Japan, South Korea, Costa Rica, United States, Honduras, Mexico.

The event starts on Thursday June 12 and will end on Sunday July 13 2014. 

Lukwago petitions court over Impeachment

Embattled Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago has petitioned court to block the impending impeachment by the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Councillors saying their move is illegal and unconstitutional.

Lukwago said the Justice Bamugemereire report that found him guilty of incompetence, misconduct and abuse of office, was biased and only being pushed for by President Yoweri Museveni, who he says has always wanted him (Lukwago) out of office.

Mayor Lukwago.

Lukwago and his lawyers say they are preparing the petition and want court to block the impeachment.

17 KCCA Councillors in May petitioned the Minister for the Presidency and Kampala Hon. Frank Tumwebaze and a tribunal to investigate the claims of the Councillors was instituted by Tumwebaze.

The tribunal, headed by High Court Judge Catherine Bamugemereire, found Lukwago guilty of all the claims as drawn by the Councillors.

Lukwago and other opposition politicians have been of recent been involved in running battles with police as they try to address the public, who they say have the powers to get him (Lukwago) out of office since they are the very people that voted him into office.

Socialite Bad Black expecting twins

Former Kampala Socialite Bad Black is an expecting mother of twins.


Black who was recently arrested in Rwanda following an arrest warrant issued by interpol revealed the news through social media.

she posted “Ma doctors are doing great job look @ me browner than (Beyonce) money talks bullshits works just am shining like a diamond, but can’t wait 4 ma twins…haha”.

Black has also been accused of suspected drug trafficking and abuse, the reason she was arrested and detained in Rwanda.
 

One killed in Bweyogerere as Police foil fuel station robbery

One person was killed in the wee hours of Wednesday as police exchanged fire with armed robbers who tried to rob at Lead Oil fuel station at Kazinga, Bweyogerere in Wakiso District.

Four others of the robbers were arrested alongside two of the staff of the fuel station that were on duty to help police with investigations.

It is alleged that the station was attacked at around 3 am. The robbers stole the gun that the security guard was using, which police says they have recovered. 

Police seal off MP Nsereko's home

Police have sealed off the home of Kampala Central Member of Parliament Muhammed Nsereko, saying the move is intended to help them conclude investigations into the alleged disobedience of police orders by Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago and Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) former President Kiiza Besigye.
Lukwago and Besigye were arrested on Tuesday are being held at Kiira Road Police station and Central Police Station respectively.
 
Police says they are likely to prefer charges of inciting violence against the two big politicians.

Nsereko said the police move was intended to block him from going to Parliament to discuss the energy report in which it was revealed that Billions of money was swindled by the people from the energy Ministry.

Kyambogo University staff call-off strike

The striking teaching and non teaching staff of Kyambogo University have suspended their strike that has been on for about three weeks, affecting routine activities at Uganda's second top higher learning institution.

The decision to suspend the strike comes after an agreement between the leaders of the staff and Ministry of Education that took place on Sunday. 

According to Dr. Charles Twesigye, the chairperson of the general assembly of the institution, the ministry agreed to address their grievances in exchange for the staff resuming work with immediate effect.

They said they are suspending the strike since Ndiege's contract will soon expire and thus he will no no more at the institution.

Both the staff and students, who were demanding for lectures have been on strike, paralyzing work at Kyambogo.  

The staff on the other hand were demanding the immediate resignation of the vice chancellor, Isaiah Omolo Ndiege, who was reinstated to this position by the High Court, after he was suspended by the University Council over accusations of flouting procurement procedures and demonizing staff. 

Police foils opposition political rally

Police in Kampala on Monday foiled a take-off of a political rally organised by opposition parties in a bid to show their disagreement with the Kampala Capital City Authority tribunal report that recommended for the sacking of Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago.

Lukwago being led to a waiting Police truck after his arrest at his home.

There was heavy Police deployment all over the city and the intended venue for the rally, Nakivubo blue Primary School was a 'no go' zone for any politician.

The head of operations Sam Omara said he would not let any politician come closer to the premises. 

“As long as i am here, no politician will enter Nakivubo Blue primary school”, said Omara.

Lukwago was arrested at the his home as he moved out. He was not allowed to proceed with his intended journey. 

He was later dragged in to a Police pick-up truck that took him to Naggalama Police Station in Mukono District, where he is still under detention.

According to sources at the station, no charges were preferred against Lukwago and journalists were not allowed to access where he was sitting.

Fellow opposition activists; Ingrid Turinawe, Mubarak Munyagwa, the Kawempe Mayor and Doreen Nyanjura were also arrested and held at Central Police station in Kampala.

The rally was prearheaded by Mukono Woman MP. Hon Betty Nambooze. She was also picked from a supermarket in downtown Kampala.

TPF6 probation: All contestants safe from probation

Tusker Project Fame 6 is getting indeed bigger and better, with the Sunday probation show going with no contestants up for possible eviction.


It was a sigh of relief to the remaining contestants when Judge Ian announced that non of them was going on probation. They all could not believe it and thought it was his usual fanfare. They even delayed to celebrate until no word came from the rest of the judges about his decision.

The contestants were performing in groups and from the look of things, the judges seemed to have failed to decide on who to place on probation, since they all performed incredibly well. 

When asked to give a reason why there wasn't anyone on probation, Judge Ian failed to speak his mind.

“There were some weak performances of course but since it was a group setting this couldn't be easily identified,” said judge Ian.

The contestants will now have another week of hard work but with freedom from the worries of possible eviction on Saturday.

TPF6: Fess and Sitenda Evicted

It was yet another double eviction at the Tusker Project Fame 6 eviction night on Saturday 16 November as the "President" of probation, Kenya' Fess and Uganda's Sitenda Kisakye were booted from the Academy.


Of the four that were on probation, the Kenyan duo of Amos and Josh were saved by East Africa, with the highest number of votes while Fess had the lowest number of votes and was announced as the first to leave the Academy. 

Burundi's Hope, a first time victim of probation come second and was let back into the Academy. 

Neither the Faculty nor the contestants were allowed to save any body on probation. Principal Eric Wainaina revealed that for the period left, voting to save will only be done by the Public and the contestant with the highest number of votes will be saved from eviction while that with the least number of votes will be evicted.

Uganda now boasts of two promising contestants, Daisy and Kojjo, who are doing pretty well in the Academy.

Uganda Draws Rwanda in Friendly

The National Team, Cranes before the Match.

Uganda Cranes on Saturday held to a goalless friendly match with the Amavubi Stars of Rwanda held at Namboole National Stadium in Uganda, ahead of a crucial CECAFA group stages match with the same Country late this month.

Cranes keeper, Benjamin Ochan made four crucial saves as the team struggled to maintain their unbeaten home record.

Uganda and Rwanda are in the same group of the 2013 CECAFA Challenge tournament which is set for kick-off on November 27 in Nairobi, Kenya. Also in the group are Eritrea and Sudan.

The friendly was used as a curtain raiser to their CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup, which Uganda, the current champion is looking to defend.

Cranes coach Micho Sredojevic blamed the result on the inexperienced team that he brought on board, which had Vincent Kayizzi, Emmanuel Okwi and Godfrey Walusimbi as the only senior players.

Arsenal Keeper signs new long-term Contract

Wojciech Szczesny has signed a new long term-contract with Arsenal Football Club. 
Now in his third full term as Arsenal goalkeeper, the Polish international stopper has developed into an assured presence in the Arsenal backline.

 Having finished last term strongly, with four clean sheets in the final six games of the campaign, Szczesny has gone on to play a key part in the Club’s strong start to the 2013/14 season. Most recently, keeping two consecutive clean Premier League sheets in strong performances against Crystal Palace and Liverpool, and also putting in an eye-catching performance for Poland against England in last month’s World Cup qualifier at Wembley.

Szczesny, 23,  joined the Arsenal Academy in 2006 from hometown club Legia Warsaw, who he had already represented at first team level as a 15-year-old. Since making his Arsenal debut in a League Cup victory over West Bromwich Albion in 2009, Szczesny has already featured 121 times for the Gunners.

Arsène Wenger said: “We’re very pleased Wojciech has signed a new long-term contract. I have always believed he is an extremely talented player, with excellent reflexes and good mental strength. He continues to grow and improve all the time too, so he has the potential to be even better. He can be an important part of Arsenal Football Club for many years to come.”

Szczesny said: “I am very pleased to have signed a new contract. Arsenal is like my family and I’m so happy to be committing my long-term future here. I’ve been at this Club for over seven years now and I’d just like to take the opportunity to thank everyone for their support towards me during my time here.

"Many people have given me amazing support since I arrived as a boy, people like Tony Roberts, who helped my development as a player from a young age. I’m so proud to be an Arsenal player and am looking forward to helping our Club towards success in the years to come.”

Everyone at the Club is looking forward to Wojciech’s continued contribution in the years to come.

Arsenal.com

African Player of the Year 2013 Nominees

The Nominees for the African Player of the Year 2013 were on Friday revealed by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

 CAF also revealed nominees for the second prize which goes to the African Player of the Year based in Africa.

Ghana's Asamoah Gyan is on the list.

The long list for the premier individual football accolade on the continent is made of 25 players, with Africa’s reigning champions Nigeria having the highest representatives with five players, followed by Cote D’Ivoire, providing three candidates, one of whom is the reigning African Player of the Year, Yaya Toure and two-time winner Didier Drogba.

The 25 man list features new and returning nominees from the previous years of the Awards.

Cape Verde, who broke onto the continental scene this year at the Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa, also have two men representing them, Platini and Ryan Mendes.

Egypt’s Mohamed Aboutrika and Ethiopian Saladin Said are the only players based in Africa on the list for the flagship award.

African Player of the Year Nominees

	Name	Country	Club
	Ahmed Musa	Nigeria	CSKA Moscow
	Asamoah Gyan	Ghana	Al Ain
	Dame N’Doye	Senegal	Locomotiv Moscow
	Didier Drogba	Cote d’Ivoire	Galatasaray
	Emmanuel Emenike	Nigeria	Fenerbahce
	Islam Slimani	Algeria	Sporting Lisbon
	John Mikel Obi	Nigeria	Chelsea
	Jonathan Pitroipa	Burkina Faso	Stade Rennais
	Kévin Constant	Guinea	AC Milan
	Kwadwo Asamoah	Ghana	Juventus
	Luís Carlos Almada Soares – (Platini)	Cape Verde	AC Omonia
	Mehdi Benattia	Morocco	AS Roma
	Mohamed Aboutrika	Egypt	Al Ahly
	Mohamed Salah	Egypt	Basel FC
	Nicolas Nkoulou	Cameroon	Marseille
	Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang	Gabon	Borussia Dortmund,
	Ryan Isaac Mendes da Graça	Cape Verde	Lille
	Saladin Said	Ethiopia	Wadi Degla FC
	Seydou Keita	Mali	Dalian Aerbin F.C
	Sofiane Feghouli	Algeria	Valencia
	Sunday Mba	Nigeria	Warri Wolves
	Victor Wanyama	Kenya	Southampton FC
	Vincent Enyeama	Nigeria	Lille
	Yao Kouassi Gervais ‘Gervinho’	Cote d’Ivoire	AS Roma
	Yaya Toure	Cote d’Ivoire	Manchester City

CECAFA 2013: Uganda drawn with Rwnada in group stages

After the draws for the 2013 Council of East and Central Africa Football Association (CECAFA) held in the Kenyan Capital Nairobi on Friday, CECAFA reigning Champions Uganda were drawn in the same group with cup arc-rivals Rwanda.

The two giants are in group C alongside Sudan and Eritrea.


The draws came ahead of a friendly match that the two Countries are set to have on Saturday 16th November at Namboole Stadium in Kampala, Uganda.

The Groups are;

Group A: Kenya, Ethiopia, Zanzibar and South Sudan

Group B: Tanzania, Zambia, Burundi and Somalia

Group C: Uganda, Rwanda, Eritrea and Sudan

The tournament will begin on November 27 with the opening match between Kenya and Ethiopia.

KCCA Tribunal Report- Lord Mayor Lukwago could lose seat

Mr. Elias Lukwago is at the verge of losing his seat as Lord Mayor of Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) after a tribunal that was in June instituted by Minister for Kampala, Hon. Frank Tumwebaze found him guilty of incompetence, misconduct and abuse of office.

 In May, a group of 17 KCCA Councillors petitioned Tumwebaze, citing Lukwago's failure to perform his duties as stipulated by the KCCA Act and thus wanted him to be impeached.


The 211-page report that was Thursday handed over to Mr Tumwebaze by High Court Judge Catherine Bamugemereire Kampala, indicated that the petitioners had succeeded on eight of the 12 grounds they raised against the censure of the mayor.

The same report however exonerated Lukwago of the following as had been listed in th petition by the Councillors;
.He did not incite violence in the city cleaning exercises which had been cleared by police. 
.Failure to conduct general meetings of the Authority could not be fully blamed on Lord Mayor. 
.There was no evidence of misconduct in relation to disrespect and abuse of staff. 

In the report, Lukwago was found guilty of Inciting the Public against paying taxes, unlawfully and illegally recalled KCCA representatives to Makerere University and Mulago Nursing School, which tantamounts to abuse of office, Even when one-third of KCCA’s 34 councillors petitioned the Lord Mayor to convene special meetings, he refused, failed to accord standing committees their due mandate and renew them. For a year, there were no standing committees. This pointed to incompetence, failed to sign minutes. His excuses did not hold. This was sheer incompetence, Misused information when he wrongfully published a management letter of the Auditor General to the Authority, took it to Parliament as if it was a final document, ignored ministerial advice and directives.

Read the full report here

Lukwago's fate now lies in the hands of the 30 KCCA Councilors who will sit and decide on whether to send Lukwago home or leave him in the seat.

The Kampala Minister has to kick-start the process of removing Lukwago from office with 14 days from the date of release of the report. 
 

It's Battle of Champions Vs Busy Signal

Whether it is a show of worth, supremacy, ability to pull a huge crowd or both by music promoters/musicians in Uganda, remains to be judged by Ugandan music lovers on 6^th December 2013 when Gagamel President Bebe Cool facing off with the Good Lyf duo of Moze radio and weasel in the Battle of Champions concert, will tussle it out with Jamaican reggae star Busy Signal who also will be having a concert on the same day.

The two shows will be held adjacent to each other, with Battle of the Champion at Kyadondo Rugby grounds while Busy Signal’s will be at Lugogo Cricket Oval, all next to Game store on Jinja road.

Glendale Goshia Gordon a.k.a Busy Signal

Promoters of the two concerts are both good at the game, having officiated over most of Uganda's successful concerts for both local and foreign Artists.

In an interview with a local TV station, Suudi man of Suudi entertainment, said they cannot alter the date of their concert since they had already finalized arrangements with Busy Signal in regard to the concert before the Battle of Champions was scheduled on the same day.

“Signal is an international and a very busy musician and changing date agreed upon for a concert would be an inconvenience to his schedule”, said Suudi.

Entry Fees.

There is also completion in the entry fees with Battle of Champions going for shs20,000 and shs50,000 for ordinary and VIP tickets respectively, while Signal’s is going for shs20,000 ordinary and shs75,000 for VIP.

Strength.

Battle of Champions relies on the local fan base, basing on the fact that both Bebe Cool and the Good Lyf are all loved and successful artists here in Uganda. Most of their album launches and concerts have attracted mammoth crowds.

For Signal, his promoters are basing on the fact that he is an International artist and hence Ugandans would love to be treated to some international performance. Busy Signal has never been in Uganda. 

His style of music is also another factor that sets him apart from the local musicians. His reggae Dancehall style is so unique that every Ugandan would love to feel.

Signal's promoters have lined up Dr. Jose Chameleon and Peter Miles to curtain raise the show. Peter Miles is so far Uganda's top Dancehall musician, having had collaborations with top international artists like Demaco.

Signal has songs like Reggae Music Again, One more night, Come over, Missing you and his latest Bedroom Bully and many others.