From the Gallery; The British Court of Justice has ordered a London-based Ugandan journalist, Dr. Jesse Mashate, to stop making false claims against President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
"Be an extended civil restraint order imposed on the claimant stopping him from applying for making any claims or applying for any orders against the defendant without the permission of the judge, and without notice,” the order read.
The court was dismissing a case in which Mashate had obtained a default judgment with orders compelling President Museveni to pay £57m (about sh232.6b) including accumulated interest from 2010 as compensation to him (Mashate) for loss of business. The court also refused Mashate permission to appeal against its orders.
In the November 4 ruling, Justice Seymour, QC, also rejected Mashate’s request to appeal against his judgment. The team defending President Museveni included Kampala-based lawyers Dr. Charles Kallu-Kalumiya, Peter Kabatsi and Joseph Matsiko, all of Kampala Associated Advocates.
The judge also ordered Mashate not to sell Ugandan properties in London.
Mashate had dragged the President to the British court in London, initially, in his personal capacity as Museveni, claiming that he had breached a gentleman’s agreement “evidenced in writing” to compensate him for his newspaper, The Weekend Digest, which the Ministry of Information and National Guidance had closed down in 1986.
However, according to the court record, which the New Vision saw, Mashate, later sued Museveni as the President of Uganda, while at some stage he also involved the Government of Uganda.
The court also ordered Mashate to pay £90,000 as costs of the case, with a breakdown of £50,000 to Museveni and £40,000 to Uganda Property Holdings (UPH) Limited, a company controlling the Uganda Government properties in the United Kingdom and elsewhere abroad.
Earlier, the court had heard that in 1986, the Government closed Mashate’s news bulletin, The Weekend Digest, published in Kampala.
It was also alleged that while attending the 1997 CHOGM business meeting in London, Museveni met Mashate and allegedly promised to pay him (Mashate) $10m (£6.8m) as compensation for the banned publication.
When Mashate realised the payment was not forthcoming, he sued the President in his personal capacity as Museveni and during all the proceedings, Museveni did not appear in court. Mashate applied and obtained a default judgment against Museveni.
Publish Date: Nov 21, 2011 http://tinyurl.com/8967jeh (C)
Friday, November 25, 2011
Friday, November 11, 2011
Kampala Taxi Session on AddisTunes.com
Check out the music review column under the tittle Kampala Taxi Session on www.AddisTunes.com
In the column, we bring out the latest hit music from the streets of Kampala, interviews with the artists and producers and much more.
Check us out at www.AddisTunes.com
In the column, we bring out the latest hit music from the streets of Kampala, interviews with the artists and producers and much more.
Check us out at www.AddisTunes.com
News reel
http://news.ebruafrica.com/africa/turkiye/southern-sudanese-community-celebrates-new-state
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Immunity Against former VIPs
Gilbert Bukenya and Donald Rumsfeld face a similar court ruling, though on different sides of the ocean. All are in court battles, pleading to the journeys on the pedal of immunity against the charges they face.
From the Desktop.
Kampala: FORMER Vice President, Prof. Gilbert Bukenya has no presidential immunity and therefore must stand trial over the CHOGM vehicles procurement process, the Constitutional Court ruled this morning.
“We emphasise that immunity is a right or privilege given by law. It cannot therefore be inferred from language used. There must be clear and unequivocal expression conferring that right of privilege… Had the promulgators of the 1995 Constitution so wished, they could have, with ease, used similar language. Thus no one else, not even the President who delegates or assigns duties can grant that immunity to anyone else…,” the five Justices unanimously ruled.
In July, the Constitutional court halted the criminal proceedings against Bukenya at the Anti-Corruption Court, pending the hearing and determination of his Constitutional petition challenging the proceedings.
Washington: A federal district court judge in Washington, D.C., determined that a lawsuit filed against former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld could go on. This was despite claims from Rumsfeld and the Obama administration that he should be immune from suit. After assessing the claims of "John Doe," Judge James S. Gwin found that American citizens don’t lose their constitutional rights simply because it's wartime.
"The court finds no convincing reason," wrote Gwin, "that United States citizens in Iraq should or must lose previously-declared substantive due process protections during prolonged detention in a conflict zone abroad."
On Monday, a three-judge panel from the Chicago-based 7th Circuit Court of Appeals came to pretty much the same conclusion. Reviewing a different lawsuit, filed by two different military contractors, alleging similar forms of abuse at the same camp, the panel determined, with one judge filing a partial dissent, that their suit against Rumsfeld could proceed..
As Adam Serwer explained a week before: "When deciding whether or not these cases are allowed to go forward, judges have to assume that the plaintiff's version of events is 'reasonable.' So part of what Rumsfeld and his team have to argue is that even if the allegations were true, the law doesn't allow Doe to sue the government for torturing him and detaining him without trial."
From the Desktop.
Kampala: FORMER Vice President, Prof. Gilbert Bukenya has no presidential immunity and therefore must stand trial over the CHOGM vehicles procurement process, the Constitutional Court ruled this morning.
“We emphasise that immunity is a right or privilege given by law. It cannot therefore be inferred from language used. There must be clear and unequivocal expression conferring that right of privilege… Had the promulgators of the 1995 Constitution so wished, they could have, with ease, used similar language. Thus no one else, not even the President who delegates or assigns duties can grant that immunity to anyone else…,” the five Justices unanimously ruled.
In July, the Constitutional court halted the criminal proceedings against Bukenya at the Anti-Corruption Court, pending the hearing and determination of his Constitutional petition challenging the proceedings.
Washington: A federal district court judge in Washington, D.C., determined that a lawsuit filed against former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld could go on. This was despite claims from Rumsfeld and the Obama administration that he should be immune from suit. After assessing the claims of "John Doe," Judge James S. Gwin found that American citizens don’t lose their constitutional rights simply because it's wartime.
"The court finds no convincing reason," wrote Gwin, "that United States citizens in Iraq should or must lose previously-declared substantive due process protections during prolonged detention in a conflict zone abroad."
On Monday, a three-judge panel from the Chicago-based 7th Circuit Court of Appeals came to pretty much the same conclusion. Reviewing a different lawsuit, filed by two different military contractors, alleging similar forms of abuse at the same camp, the panel determined, with one judge filing a partial dissent, that their suit against Rumsfeld could proceed..
As Adam Serwer explained a week before: "When deciding whether or not these cases are allowed to go forward, judges have to assume that the plaintiff's version of events is 'reasonable.' So part of what Rumsfeld and his team have to argue is that even if the allegations were true, the law doesn't allow Doe to sue the government for torturing him and detaining him without trial."
Sunday, July 10, 2011
The death toll in a plane crash in the Democratic Republic of Congo has dropped to 82, the state news agency reported Saturday.
Rescuers pulled 36 survivors from the wreckage, including two children who are under the care of the U.N., state news agency ACP said.
The Boeing 727 operated by Hewa Bora Airways had 118 onboard. It was trying to land in bad weather when it crashed and hit an obstacle on the ground, according to state media.
Among the fatalities were three soccer referees, who were scheduled to officiate a national league match on Sunday, the news agency said.
A Congolese army general who heads the fight against Ugandan guerrillas in the nation's restive eastern region was among the survivors, the news agency reported.
The plane was originally headed from the capital of Kinshasa to the eastern city of Goma, according to the news agency, but crashed during a scheduled stop in Kisangani.
Hewa Bora is one of many African airlines banned by the European Union due to security concerns. It is the second fatal accident involving the airline in three years, after its DC-9 airliner ploughed into a suburb of the eastern Congolese city of Goma, killing 44, in 2008.
In April, 32 people were killed when a UN plane crashed as it tried to land at the airport serving Congo's capital Kinshasa. The operator of the plane was Georgian flag carrier Airzena Georgian Airways.
Rescuers pulled 36 survivors from the wreckage, including two children who are under the care of the U.N., state news agency ACP said.
The Boeing 727 operated by Hewa Bora Airways had 118 onboard. It was trying to land in bad weather when it crashed and hit an obstacle on the ground, according to state media.
Among the fatalities were three soccer referees, who were scheduled to officiate a national league match on Sunday, the news agency said.
A Congolese army general who heads the fight against Ugandan guerrillas in the nation's restive eastern region was among the survivors, the news agency reported.
The plane was originally headed from the capital of Kinshasa to the eastern city of Goma, according to the news agency, but crashed during a scheduled stop in Kisangani.
Hewa Bora is one of many African airlines banned by the European Union due to security concerns. It is the second fatal accident involving the airline in three years, after its DC-9 airliner ploughed into a suburb of the eastern Congolese city of Goma, killing 44, in 2008.
In April, 32 people were killed when a UN plane crashed as it tried to land at the airport serving Congo's capital Kinshasa. The operator of the plane was Georgian flag carrier Airzena Georgian Airways.
Monday, June 27, 2011
4,000 UN Peacekeepers for Abyei Region
From South Sudan; The United States has introduced a UN resolution that would deploy a 4,200-strong Ethiopian peacekeeping force to Sudan's disputed Abyei region, the scene of heavy fighting in recent weeks.
Susan Rice, US ambassador to the UN, said the resolution will support an agreement signed on Monday by the Khartoum-based government in the north, and the government of south Sudan, to demilitarise the contested border region.
Both parties have agreed to allow Ethiopian peacekeepers in. Rice told reporters that the two parties requested the troops to be deployed under UN auspices and called for swift adoption of the resolution by the Security Council so they can get on the ground in Abyei immediately.
The demilitarisation deal is "fragile", and a deployment of 4,200 peacekeepers will enable it to be "implemented immediately and effectively".
Under the 2005 peace agreement which ended Sudan's civil war, the region was granted special status and in 2008, a joint administration was set up to run it. A vote on Abyei's future had been scheduled to take place in January - at the same time as the independence referendum - but was postponed indefinitely.
The violence in Abyei and neighbouring south Kordofan comes as south Sudan prepares to declare independence from the north on July 9, the culmination of a 2005 peace deal.
The north's invasion of the Abyei region and takeover of the town of Abyei was triggered by an attack on May 19 on northern and UN troops by southern soldiers. On 21 May, the north sent troops into the region, sparking international condemnation and fears of a new civil war.
John Temin, of the United States Institute of Peace, told Al Jazeera that: "It is important to be very clear that this is a temporary agreement that was reached. The fundamental question of whether Abyei is part of north or south remains unresolved and we are no where closer to resolving that question as a result of this agreement."
What this agreement does is remove some of the northern troops who moved into Abyei several week ago and put in Ethiopan troops to try and calm the situation, Temin said.
Abyei tensions
While south Sudan's independence is expected to take place on schedule, crucial issues remain unresolved. The areas of debate include: the future of Abyei, which is supposed to be decided in a referendum; the north-south border demarcation; how oil revenues and other resources will be shared; and citizenship.
Violence began in south Kordofan earlier this month when Sudan's military attacked a black community aligned with Sudan's south.
The UN says that about 10,000 people have fled the region to escape the violence.
Susan Rice, US ambassador to the UN, said the resolution will support an agreement signed on Monday by the Khartoum-based government in the north, and the government of south Sudan, to demilitarise the contested border region.
Both parties have agreed to allow Ethiopian peacekeepers in. Rice told reporters that the two parties requested the troops to be deployed under UN auspices and called for swift adoption of the resolution by the Security Council so they can get on the ground in Abyei immediately.
The demilitarisation deal is "fragile", and a deployment of 4,200 peacekeepers will enable it to be "implemented immediately and effectively".
Under the 2005 peace agreement which ended Sudan's civil war, the region was granted special status and in 2008, a joint administration was set up to run it. A vote on Abyei's future had been scheduled to take place in January - at the same time as the independence referendum - but was postponed indefinitely.
The violence in Abyei and neighbouring south Kordofan comes as south Sudan prepares to declare independence from the north on July 9, the culmination of a 2005 peace deal.
The north's invasion of the Abyei region and takeover of the town of Abyei was triggered by an attack on May 19 on northern and UN troops by southern soldiers. On 21 May, the north sent troops into the region, sparking international condemnation and fears of a new civil war.
John Temin, of the United States Institute of Peace, told Al Jazeera that: "It is important to be very clear that this is a temporary agreement that was reached. The fundamental question of whether Abyei is part of north or south remains unresolved and we are no where closer to resolving that question as a result of this agreement."
What this agreement does is remove some of the northern troops who moved into Abyei several week ago and put in Ethiopan troops to try and calm the situation, Temin said.
Abyei tensions
While south Sudan's independence is expected to take place on schedule, crucial issues remain unresolved. The areas of debate include: the future of Abyei, which is supposed to be decided in a referendum; the north-south border demarcation; how oil revenues and other resources will be shared; and citizenship.
Violence began in south Kordofan earlier this month when Sudan's military attacked a black community aligned with Sudan's south.
The UN says that about 10,000 people have fled the region to escape the violence.
Sudan and Black Gold
Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir has threatened to shut pipelines carrying South Sudan's oil if a deal; the south could continue to hand over half of its oil revenue to the north, or it could pay for using the north's oil infrastructure, is not reached before it secedes in July.
The BBC's James Copnall in the capital, Khartoum, says oil accounts for about 98% of the south's income, so any reduction in the oil flow would be disastrous.
Abdullahi al-Azreg, Sudan's UK ambassador, told the committee preparing the report that Norway had been advising both sides on negotiations for the split. "They have suggested a kind of financial transitioning in which Sudan - the predecessor state - will have 50% of the oil revenue, but this percentage will diminish to zero over six years," he said.
South Sudan's UK envoy Daniel Peter Othol said the south would consider its options, and that building an alternative pipeline through Kenya could take three years to complete.
A new report published by the House of Lords, the UK's upper chamber of parliament, highlights the many issues that will bedevil future Sudanese relations, including oil.
The report - The EU and Sudan: on the Brink of Change - says that in the last six years the south has received around $11bn (£6.8bn) from its oil so far, but there is little to show for these revenues.
The report concludes that "the risk that the new country of South Sudan will fail as a state is high, even if the international community maintains the current levels of assistance and support".
The BBC's James Copnall in the capital, Khartoum, says oil accounts for about 98% of the south's income, so any reduction in the oil flow would be disastrous.
Abdullahi al-Azreg, Sudan's UK ambassador, told the committee preparing the report that Norway had been advising both sides on negotiations for the split. "They have suggested a kind of financial transitioning in which Sudan - the predecessor state - will have 50% of the oil revenue, but this percentage will diminish to zero over six years," he said.
South Sudan's UK envoy Daniel Peter Othol said the south would consider its options, and that building an alternative pipeline through Kenya could take three years to complete.
A new report published by the House of Lords, the UK's upper chamber of parliament, highlights the many issues that will bedevil future Sudanese relations, including oil.
The report - The EU and Sudan: on the Brink of Change - says that in the last six years the south has received around $11bn (£6.8bn) from its oil so far, but there is little to show for these revenues.
The report concludes that "the risk that the new country of South Sudan will fail as a state is high, even if the international community maintains the current levels of assistance and support".
Africa's top Investment Destinations
From the Boardroom; International investors choose South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya as the best African countries on the continent for investment in 2011. A survey conducted by Africa Business Panel among 800 business professionals involved with Africa shows that these 3 countries were earmarked as the continent’s favourites when it comes to international investment. Ghana, Angola, Tanzania, Rwanda, Botswana, Uganda and Mozambique are the runners up and complete the top ten countries for investment out of 53 economies on the African continent.
Virtually all African economies show promising year-on-year growth. This is attracting the attention of the international investor community who increasingly see Africa as ‘the last frontier’ for attractive growth opportunities. Research and numerous survey results among the international investor community consistently indicate that investors expect over half of the ten fastest growing economies in the world in 2011 to be African.
The Africa Business Confidence Index has published a month-on-month business confidence index since January 2011. The index results for Africa based on surveys of 800 business professionals from more than 30 countries on the continent consistently show growth. Calculations are based on the purchase managers index methodology used globally. The outcome of the business confidence index for the African continent is consistent with the trust of the international investor community. The manufacturing business confidence index for May is 53.8 and for non-manufacturing 57.1 for the same month. Any number over 50 indicated growth.
It is no coincidence that the top-10 countries selected by the international investor community in 2011 are all sub-Saharan. Northern Africa has suffered a set back in confidence from investors owing to the political turmoil which started at the beginning of the year.
Another interesting outcome with regard to the most attractive African economies to invest in is the fact that they are among the largest on the continent and - with the exception of Rwanda – non-Francophone.
The top-10 African countries selected by the international investor community in 2011 in order of preference:
Top 10
1. South Africa
2. Nigeria
3. Kenya
4. Ghana
5. Angola
6. Tanzania
7. Rwanda
8. Botswana
9. Uganda
10. Mozambique
Virtually all African economies show promising year-on-year growth. This is attracting the attention of the international investor community who increasingly see Africa as ‘the last frontier’ for attractive growth opportunities. Research and numerous survey results among the international investor community consistently indicate that investors expect over half of the ten fastest growing economies in the world in 2011 to be African.
The Africa Business Confidence Index has published a month-on-month business confidence index since January 2011. The index results for Africa based on surveys of 800 business professionals from more than 30 countries on the continent consistently show growth. Calculations are based on the purchase managers index methodology used globally. The outcome of the business confidence index for the African continent is consistent with the trust of the international investor community. The manufacturing business confidence index for May is 53.8 and for non-manufacturing 57.1 for the same month. Any number over 50 indicated growth.
It is no coincidence that the top-10 countries selected by the international investor community in 2011 are all sub-Saharan. Northern Africa has suffered a set back in confidence from investors owing to the political turmoil which started at the beginning of the year.
Another interesting outcome with regard to the most attractive African economies to invest in is the fact that they are among the largest on the continent and - with the exception of Rwanda – non-Francophone.
The top-10 African countries selected by the international investor community in 2011 in order of preference:
Top 10
1. South Africa
2. Nigeria
3. Kenya
4. Ghana
5. Angola
6. Tanzania
7. Rwanda
8. Botswana
9. Uganda
10. Mozambique
Rwanda: Ex-women's minister guilty of genocide, rape
From the Gallery; Pauline Nyiramasuhuko, 65, a former Rwandan women's minister has been sentenced to life in prison for her role in the genocide and the rape of Tutsi women and girls, becoming the first woman convicted by the UN-backed tribunal for the Rwanda genocide.
Nyiramasuhuko, who was family affairs and women's development minister, was accused of ordering and assisting in the massacres in her home district of Butare in southern Rwanda. She was found guilty, along with her son and four other former officials, after a 10-year trial.
She was found guilty on seven of the 11 charges she faced. She had denied all the charges.
Some 800,000 ethnic Tutsis and moderate Hutus were killed during the 1994 massacres.
The prosecution at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) accused her of taking part in the government decision to create militias throughout the country. Their mission was to wipe out the Tutsi population as fast as possible.
"The chamber convicts Pauline Nyiramasuhuko of conspiracy to commit genocide, crimes against humanity, extermination, rape, persecution and... violence to life and outrages upon personal dignity," read the ruling by the trial's three judges.
During the genocide she ordered women and girls to be raped and forced people onto trucks - they were driven away to be killed.
Her son, Arsene Shalom Ntahobali, who was in his early 20s at the time, headed a militia that carried out the massacres. He also raped women.
• HIGHLIGHTS
• 800,000 people killed in 100 days
• Hutu extremists massacred ethnic Tutsi minority and political opponents
• Roadblocks set up where people were identified by their ID papers and slaughtered with machetes
• Ended when Tutsi rebels led by Paul Kagame seized power in Kigali in June 1994
• Many Hutus fled into DR Congo, sparking years of unrest in the region
Presiding Judge William Sekule said scores of ethnic Tutsis were killed after taking refuge in a local government office.
"Hoping to find safety and security, they instead found themselves subject to abductions, rapes, and murder. The evidence... paints a clear picture of unfathomable depravity and sadism," he said.
Ntahobali and one other local official were sentenced to life in prison, while three others were jailed for between 25 and 35 years.
The trial opened in 2001, making it the longest held by the ICTR.
The Rwandan government, led by Paul Kagame who ended the genocide, has long complained about the slow pace of justice at the tribunal, based in Arusha, Tanzania.
After the genocide, she fled to neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo (then Zaire), before being arrested in Kenya in 1997, reports the AFP news agency.
A BBC correspondent says that although she was the only woman on trial for genocide before the ICTR, many other women have been convicted of genocide in Rwandan courts. Two nuns were found guilty of participating in the genocide by a court in Belgium.
Nyiramasuhuko, who was family affairs and women's development minister, was accused of ordering and assisting in the massacres in her home district of Butare in southern Rwanda. She was found guilty, along with her son and four other former officials, after a 10-year trial.
She was found guilty on seven of the 11 charges she faced. She had denied all the charges.
Some 800,000 ethnic Tutsis and moderate Hutus were killed during the 1994 massacres.
The prosecution at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) accused her of taking part in the government decision to create militias throughout the country. Their mission was to wipe out the Tutsi population as fast as possible.
"The chamber convicts Pauline Nyiramasuhuko of conspiracy to commit genocide, crimes against humanity, extermination, rape, persecution and... violence to life and outrages upon personal dignity," read the ruling by the trial's three judges.
During the genocide she ordered women and girls to be raped and forced people onto trucks - they were driven away to be killed.
Her son, Arsene Shalom Ntahobali, who was in his early 20s at the time, headed a militia that carried out the massacres. He also raped women.
• HIGHLIGHTS
• 800,000 people killed in 100 days
• Hutu extremists massacred ethnic Tutsi minority and political opponents
• Roadblocks set up where people were identified by their ID papers and slaughtered with machetes
• Ended when Tutsi rebels led by Paul Kagame seized power in Kigali in June 1994
• Many Hutus fled into DR Congo, sparking years of unrest in the region
Presiding Judge William Sekule said scores of ethnic Tutsis were killed after taking refuge in a local government office.
"Hoping to find safety and security, they instead found themselves subject to abductions, rapes, and murder. The evidence... paints a clear picture of unfathomable depravity and sadism," he said.
Ntahobali and one other local official were sentenced to life in prison, while three others were jailed for between 25 and 35 years.
The trial opened in 2001, making it the longest held by the ICTR.
The Rwandan government, led by Paul Kagame who ended the genocide, has long complained about the slow pace of justice at the tribunal, based in Arusha, Tanzania.
After the genocide, she fled to neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo (then Zaire), before being arrested in Kenya in 1997, reports the AFP news agency.
A BBC correspondent says that although she was the only woman on trial for genocide before the ICTR, many other women have been convicted of genocide in Rwandan courts. Two nuns were found guilty of participating in the genocide by a court in Belgium.
Africa Security Report
Declassified
DRC: Ex-rebels accused of mass rape
At least 60 women were reportedly raped in the eastern DRC town of Fizi between June 10 and June 12 according to aid workers from Médecins sans Frontières. The attacks are being blamed on a group of ex-rebels who had joined the Congolese Army but deserted in early June.
The same group was also blamed earlier this year for the mass rape of at least 50 women on New Year's Day in Fizi.
Meanwhile, four police officers were on June 23 convicted for the murder of prominent human rights activist, Floribert Chebeya. Chebeya was killed on June 2 last year ahead of his meeting with the National Chief Police Inspector. Activist Chebeya had founded the group "Voice of the Voiceless" that protested against the lack of civil liberties and persecution of opposition figures in DRC.
The UN described DRC as "the rape capital of the world," and the conflict is notorious for rampant sexual abuse of women and girls.
SENEGAL: President drops poll bill
President Wade withdrew a bill that proposed constitutional changes after Justice Minister Cheikh Sy announced the withdrawal of the draft legislation on June 23.
Under the proposed reform, the proportion of votes required to win a presidential election and avoid a run-off would have reduced from more than 50 percent to 25 percent.
The President also sought to create the post of the Vice-President.
The bill sparked violent protests in the capital with police firing tear gas and rubber bullets at the protesters; 100 people were reportedly injured including 12 policemen.
Critics state that the bill would have provided an easy win in the elections for the incumbent President standing against a fractured opposition. They also feared that the President's son Karim Wade, already a powerful minister, would be appointed as the Vice-President.
SOMALIA: New Prime Minister named
President Ahmed on June 23 named Abdiweli Mohamed Ali, as the new Prime Minister. Abdiweli Mohamed Ali is a Somali-American. He holds a Masters in Public Administration from Harvard University and a Ph.D. in Economics.
He served previously as the Planning Minister in the Transitional Federal Government (TFG). Ali stated that he hopes to succeed in overcoming Somalia's economic crisis and insecurity. His appointment was made after the previous Prime Minister Mohamed stepped down as part of the UN-backed deal signed in Kampala last week.
The TFG is marred by corruption and internal divisions. The UN-backed deal ended the infighting between President Ahmed and the Speaker of Parliament Aden. They agreed to extend the government's term till August 2012 and also postponed elections until next year.
ZIMBABWE: Monitoring body lifts ban on diamonds from Zimbabwean region
The Kimberley Process lifted the ban on the sale of diamonds from Zimbabwe's troubled Marange fields in a Kinshasa-based meeting this week, but stated they will continue to closely monitor exports.
The decision allows sale of rough cuts from mines in the Marange region in eastern Zimbabwe. The ban was originally sanctioned after the Zimbabwe military took control of the fields in 2008. 200 people were reported killed and tens of thousands of small miners were forcibly evicted.
The decision created a rift within the Kimberley Process; participating NGOs walked out ahead of the final decision protesting that Zimbabwe was yet to adhere to human rights standards.
DRC: Ex-rebels accused of mass rape
At least 60 women were reportedly raped in the eastern DRC town of Fizi between June 10 and June 12 according to aid workers from Médecins sans Frontières. The attacks are being blamed on a group of ex-rebels who had joined the Congolese Army but deserted in early June.
The same group was also blamed earlier this year for the mass rape of at least 50 women on New Year's Day in Fizi.
Meanwhile, four police officers were on June 23 convicted for the murder of prominent human rights activist, Floribert Chebeya. Chebeya was killed on June 2 last year ahead of his meeting with the National Chief Police Inspector. Activist Chebeya had founded the group "Voice of the Voiceless" that protested against the lack of civil liberties and persecution of opposition figures in DRC.
The UN described DRC as "the rape capital of the world," and the conflict is notorious for rampant sexual abuse of women and girls.
SENEGAL: President drops poll bill
President Wade withdrew a bill that proposed constitutional changes after Justice Minister Cheikh Sy announced the withdrawal of the draft legislation on June 23.
Under the proposed reform, the proportion of votes required to win a presidential election and avoid a run-off would have reduced from more than 50 percent to 25 percent.
The President also sought to create the post of the Vice-President.
The bill sparked violent protests in the capital with police firing tear gas and rubber bullets at the protesters; 100 people were reportedly injured including 12 policemen.
Critics state that the bill would have provided an easy win in the elections for the incumbent President standing against a fractured opposition. They also feared that the President's son Karim Wade, already a powerful minister, would be appointed as the Vice-President.
SOMALIA: New Prime Minister named
President Ahmed on June 23 named Abdiweli Mohamed Ali, as the new Prime Minister. Abdiweli Mohamed Ali is a Somali-American. He holds a Masters in Public Administration from Harvard University and a Ph.D. in Economics.
He served previously as the Planning Minister in the Transitional Federal Government (TFG). Ali stated that he hopes to succeed in overcoming Somalia's economic crisis and insecurity. His appointment was made after the previous Prime Minister Mohamed stepped down as part of the UN-backed deal signed in Kampala last week.
The TFG is marred by corruption and internal divisions. The UN-backed deal ended the infighting between President Ahmed and the Speaker of Parliament Aden. They agreed to extend the government's term till August 2012 and also postponed elections until next year.
ZIMBABWE: Monitoring body lifts ban on diamonds from Zimbabwean region
The Kimberley Process lifted the ban on the sale of diamonds from Zimbabwe's troubled Marange fields in a Kinshasa-based meeting this week, but stated they will continue to closely monitor exports.
The decision allows sale of rough cuts from mines in the Marange region in eastern Zimbabwe. The ban was originally sanctioned after the Zimbabwe military took control of the fields in 2008. 200 people were reported killed and tens of thousands of small miners were forcibly evicted.
The decision created a rift within the Kimberley Process; participating NGOs walked out ahead of the final decision protesting that Zimbabwe was yet to adhere to human rights standards.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Ugandan journalist charged with Criminal Libel
From the Steps; Timothy Kalyegyira, an online journalist and editor of the site, Uganda Records, has been detained and charged with criminal libel. Kalyegira, a veteran journalist, and analytic of the government has had lots of run ins with the government agencies, since his days at the Daily Monitor.
Among the first Ugandan journalists to be charged over sedition is Sam Katwere, of the then The Start Newspaper. Sam’s story was published on 22nd September 1989, under his column “Carry On”. The day’s story was titled ‘Telling us lies’.
In the story, Sam compared the benefits received by Dr. Frank Mwine, Chairman and Manging Director of then Uganda Commercial Bank, with the compensation received by peasants in Luweero after the war.
Sam had earlier been arrested in 1984 with Drake Sekeba. And the crime then was a piece of article they wrote arguing the Obote government to probe wealth ministers. They were arrested and thrown into Luzira upper prison.
Kalyegira’s name is on the long list of Ugandan journalists who have found themselves on the wrong side of government and its agencies. He is the first Ugandan online journalist to be arrested.
Among the first Ugandan journalists to be charged over sedition is Sam Katwere, of the then The Start Newspaper. Sam’s story was published on 22nd September 1989, under his column “Carry On”. The day’s story was titled ‘Telling us lies’.
In the story, Sam compared the benefits received by Dr. Frank Mwine, Chairman and Manging Director of then Uganda Commercial Bank, with the compensation received by peasants in Luweero after the war.
Sam had earlier been arrested in 1984 with Drake Sekeba. And the crime then was a piece of article they wrote arguing the Obote government to probe wealth ministers. They were arrested and thrown into Luzira upper prison.
Kalyegira’s name is on the long list of Ugandan journalists who have found themselves on the wrong side of government and its agencies. He is the first Ugandan online journalist to be arrested.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Malaria The Disease
From the touchline; The effect of malaria in the world, and sub-Saharan Africa in particular is worrying. Statistics are more frightening. Lots of donations, grants and charity organizations have supplemented governments’ efforts to contain the disease.
Though spread by a tiny female anopheles mosquito, the implications are some of the leading cause of deaths per day.
Among the preventive measures of malaria spread is sleeping under mosquito nets. These have been donated in plenty. But, its one thing to donate an insecticide treated mosquito net, and the other for the recipient to actually sleep under that net.
It’s a hot mid-morning and am wading my feet through Kamwokya-Kyebando, a Kampala suburb, when a football pitch catches my eye. There no players yet. It’s the goal posts that am interested in. The football stars that use this pitch are using mosquito nets as goal nets. And they work very well, am told.
While the Ministry of Health and supporting agencies are making the attempt and handing out mosquito nets, these football enthusiasts are inventing a different use for the nets.
Kamwokya-Kyebando is a slummy place, in an area that floods whenever it rains, and is full of trenches full of water even during the hot sun spells.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Walk From Work Instead
From Street: Time immemorial people have walked to work. With global warming, it’s more appreciated. But that’s a topic for another day.
The government has come out categorically, accusing the opposition for intending to cause public uprising. Apparently, according to government machinery, the walkers had sinister motives. They intended to converge at Christ the King Church, and launch a massive civil disobedience campaign called Freedom Day at Constitutional Square.
This comes on aftermath of an election period that the incumbent government won with 68%. Figuratively, it means 68% of the Ugandan population supports the incumbent. This is a method of research called Sampling.
If 60% of registered voters vote and 68% of them vote for the incumbent, what makes you not think that 68% of the walk to work demonstrators also are supporters of the incumbent? Therefore, the Opposition only has 32% of the participants. The only difference is that prominent opposition figures are participating in the demonstration, while prominent government officials are keen to stop them.
Wait, if they are stopped from walking to work, let them walk from work. If police asks why they are walking from work, simple answer, it was a bad day at office.
The government has come out categorically, accusing the opposition for intending to cause public uprising. Apparently, according to government machinery, the walkers had sinister motives. They intended to converge at Christ the King Church, and launch a massive civil disobedience campaign called Freedom Day at Constitutional Square.
This comes on aftermath of an election period that the incumbent government won with 68%. Figuratively, it means 68% of the Ugandan population supports the incumbent. This is a method of research called Sampling.
If 60% of registered voters vote and 68% of them vote for the incumbent, what makes you not think that 68% of the walk to work demonstrators also are supporters of the incumbent? Therefore, the Opposition only has 32% of the participants. The only difference is that prominent opposition figures are participating in the demonstration, while prominent government officials are keen to stop them.
Wait, if they are stopped from walking to work, let them walk from work. If police asks why they are walking from work, simple answer, it was a bad day at office.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
When it’s Illegal to Walk in Kampala
If they are not allowed to walk, let them jog. The Street; Opposition leaders in Kampala announced a walk to work demonstration every Monday and Thursday. The government, using police is saying this is sacrilegious, and routinely arrests the leaders every time they walk, whisks them to the nearest police station, before releasing them on bail. The supporters receive a share of their increased tax contributions by inhaling teargas, baton beatings and others get a lift on police patrol cars. All this is against an increased cost of living and high fuel prices. Scholars have advanced few reasons why the government is so keen to arrest walkers. One federal scholar said that members of government are the owners of gyms in Uganda. So, when people walk, that’s enough burning of calories and therefore won’t need the services of gyms – a failure in business. The conservative scholar differs in opinion. He argues that government is not interested in the welfare of its people. He even quotes a fellow scholar using global statistics showing an increase in obesity. Reformist scholar has just finished his research. It shows that government wants people to walk, but under a set of rules. That’s why it deploys the anti-riot police, to use teargas to guide the walkers. He adds that during Olympics, officials use gun shots to get athletes run, not walk. Ask Bolt.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Unemployment in Uganda: Company Sets Height Requirement
On the long list of qualifications and working experience is Minimum height.
From the Street: Uganda has one of the largest youth unemployment fractions in the world. And tough times are projected.
At first, having a Bachelor’s Degree was enough to have companies and government parastatals knocking at your door, often times before finishing university. When graduates’ numbers started flying near the roof, having a Master’s or any other Postgraduate qualification was a safety measure.
During this period, required job experience was being increased from internship to years, now nearing a decade. This didn’t deter citizens from exploring the heights.
Interviews were sat, short listed applicants named, but at the end, their has to be one winner. Then graduate numbers flew over the roof. Interview panels came up with a lot of techniques to ‘sort the wheat from the chaff’, like asking irrelevant questions in relation to the job.
And now, one company has a new formula. Height. Not just height. Minimum height. And it is set at 5ft 6 inches.
In a job opportunity advert posted in The Daily Monitor, Wednesday, March 2, 2011 page 16. Security guards are invited for a walk in interview by a company called Securex Agencies (U) Limited. But they must have a minimum height of 5ft 6inches.
My mind tells me that at the door to the interview room will be seated a member of the interview panel. The first question is neither oral nor written.
The first question is for the applicant to stand by a calibrated stick measuring 5ft 6inches. And if you cant see the tip of the stick, sorry, make a u-turn.
Giving information that you are single, divorced, from a certain tribe or religion, could keep you unemployed for an extra day.
From the Street: Uganda has one of the largest youth unemployment fractions in the world. And tough times are projected.
At first, having a Bachelor’s Degree was enough to have companies and government parastatals knocking at your door, often times before finishing university. When graduates’ numbers started flying near the roof, having a Master’s or any other Postgraduate qualification was a safety measure.
During this period, required job experience was being increased from internship to years, now nearing a decade. This didn’t deter citizens from exploring the heights.
Interviews were sat, short listed applicants named, but at the end, their has to be one winner. Then graduate numbers flew over the roof. Interview panels came up with a lot of techniques to ‘sort the wheat from the chaff’, like asking irrelevant questions in relation to the job.
And now, one company has a new formula. Height. Not just height. Minimum height. And it is set at 5ft 6 inches.
In a job opportunity advert posted in The Daily Monitor, Wednesday, March 2, 2011 page 16. Security guards are invited for a walk in interview by a company called Securex Agencies (U) Limited. But they must have a minimum height of 5ft 6inches.
My mind tells me that at the door to the interview room will be seated a member of the interview panel. The first question is neither oral nor written.
The first question is for the applicant to stand by a calibrated stick measuring 5ft 6inches. And if you cant see the tip of the stick, sorry, make a u-turn.
Giving information that you are single, divorced, from a certain tribe or religion, could keep you unemployed for an extra day.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Residents Turn Mosquito Nets into Wedding Dress
From the Landing Site; Many have always taken it as a bad joke, but not anymore. So I will say it again. The biggest obstacle against anti-malaria strategies is the people in communities that receive the mosquito net donations. They turn the mosquito nets into fishing nets.
And some sort of ‘export’ is taking place. As a one Benon Emuna told the media, “we adopted the style a week ago from residents fishing on River Moroto and it is working well.” New Vision of February 2011. The incentive is that the mosquito nets catch all types and sizes of fish.
In the NGO and civil service world, it would require the formation of a team, sending it on a familiarization tour. When this team comes back, it makes a report. The basis of the report leads to a capacity building workshop in a plushy conference room. Then a feasibility study of the target area, more workshops and seminars. After many more reports, launches and seminars would the program then be launched, or re-launched.
But Mr. Emuna and company adopted the style, and within a week, confidently says it is working well.
These residents of Yikwii village, Alebtong district should receive an award for this multi-innovation.
Another lucrative trade, if I borrow the word of the reporter, is of using the nets to make wedding dresses. I will leave fashion police agents to rate such a dress. Then after the wedding, they use the net to shield themselves against mosquitoes at night.
At the wedding, the couple would have treated the guests to star studded course meal of a fish delicacy. The surplus of the fish is sold off to contribute to the other items for the wedding, including the earlier wedding dress.
And some sort of ‘export’ is taking place. As a one Benon Emuna told the media, “we adopted the style a week ago from residents fishing on River Moroto and it is working well.” New Vision of February 2011. The incentive is that the mosquito nets catch all types and sizes of fish.
In the NGO and civil service world, it would require the formation of a team, sending it on a familiarization tour. When this team comes back, it makes a report. The basis of the report leads to a capacity building workshop in a plushy conference room. Then a feasibility study of the target area, more workshops and seminars. After many more reports, launches and seminars would the program then be launched, or re-launched.
But Mr. Emuna and company adopted the style, and within a week, confidently says it is working well.
These residents of Yikwii village, Alebtong district should receive an award for this multi-innovation.
Another lucrative trade, if I borrow the word of the reporter, is of using the nets to make wedding dresses. I will leave fashion police agents to rate such a dress. Then after the wedding, they use the net to shield themselves against mosquitoes at night.
At the wedding, the couple would have treated the guests to star studded course meal of a fish delicacy. The surplus of the fish is sold off to contribute to the other items for the wedding, including the earlier wedding dress.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Ruby Nuby Comes to Kampala
The mission of Ruby Nuby is to provide an environment that facilitates immersive learning by a Community of Contributors(TM) who contribute, learn and succeed by collaborating, cooperating and supporting each other. We work to promote a path to success where equal access, social justice, equability, diversity and sustainability are embraced.
To achieve this, Ruby Nuby plans to:
-Create an environment that allows all to succeed in a collaborative, cooperative manner.
-Train the next generation of web developers and tech entrepreneurs in Kampala,
-Train disadvantaged and at-risk youths and fund their training
-Fund startup companies and attract additional funding for your companies.
Economically develop the arts.
-Change the educational system from a pay forward model where one incurs debt without a guarantee of a job to a payback model where one collaborates with and contributes to a community and is placed in a career.
To achieve this, Ruby Nuby plans to:
-Create an environment that allows all to succeed in a collaborative, cooperative manner.
-Train the next generation of web developers and tech entrepreneurs in Kampala,
-Train disadvantaged and at-risk youths and fund their training
-Fund startup companies and attract additional funding for your companies.
Economically develop the arts.
-Change the educational system from a pay forward model where one incurs debt without a guarantee of a job to a payback model where one collaborates with and contributes to a community and is placed in a career.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Rwandan Journalists Jailed
Two Rwandan journalists, Agnes Nkusi Uwimana, and Saidati Mukakibibi have been sentenced to jail over opinion pieces they wrote ahead of the August 2010 presidential elections.
Agnes Nkusi Uwimana, editor of the private Kinyarwanda tabloid newspaper, Umurabyo, was sentenced to 17 years. Her deputy editor, Saidati Mukakibibi, was sentenced to 7 years.
Agnes Nkusi Uwimana was found guilty of threatening state security, genocide ideology, divisionism and defamation. Saidati Mukakibibi was found guilty of threatening state security.
The pair was prosecuted over several articles they had written in which they criticized government policies and made corruption allegations against senior government officials, including President Kagame.
Among several articles, the judge referred to one saying some Rwandans were unhappy with the country's rulers. Prosecutors said this was "meant to stir [up] hatred and fury against the government".
The judge cited several other offending articles including one which criticised the Gacaca traditional community courts set up to deal with 1994 genocide cases and others criticising Rwanda's reconciliation process.
“Today’s verdict marks yet another blow to freedom of expression and opinion in Rwanda”, said Amnesty International’s Africa Programme Director, Erwin van der Borght. “The government has not adequately demonstrated how the articles could be construed as a threat to national security or were intended, or likely, to incite violence” He added.
Rwandan government defends its tough media laws, pointing to the role of "hate media" ahead of the genocide.
Before prosecution, Uwimana was called before Rwanda’s Media High Council, a government-aligned media regulatory body, to respond to allegations that her articles were defamatory.
In 2007, Uwimana served a one-year sentence after being convicted of divisionism and defamation. The prosecution was based on an article comparing the current Rwandan administration to the government of former President Habyarimana. Uwimana said she accepted some of her articles may have lacked professionalism.
“Journalists must be free to criticize public officials and policies without fear of criminal sanctions for defamation”, said Erwin van der Borght. “Rwandan officials should respond to criticism, rather than try to stamp it out”.
Vague laws on “genocide ideology” and “sectarianism” laws were introduced in Rwanda after the 1994 genocide, to restrict speech that could promote hatred.
The law prohibits hate speech, but also criminalizes legitimate criticism of the government.
The Rwandan government expressed commitment in April 2010 to review the “genocide ideology” law.
The Rwandan government clamped down on critics before the August 2010 presidential elections. They used regulatory sanctions, restrictive laws and criminal defamation cases to close down media outlets critical of the government. Some leading editors and journalists fled Rwanda after facing repeated threats.
Freedom of expression is a fundamental human right, guaranteed by a number of international conventions.
Minimal impairment of the enjoyment of this right is permitted only in special circumstances and must be acceptable and demonstrably justifiable in a free and democratic society.
President Paul Kagame came to power in 1994, ending the genocide in which some 800,000 ethnic Tutsis and moderate Hutus were slaughtered.
Agnes Nkusi Uwimana, editor of the private Kinyarwanda tabloid newspaper, Umurabyo, was sentenced to 17 years. Her deputy editor, Saidati Mukakibibi, was sentenced to 7 years.
Agnes Nkusi Uwimana was found guilty of threatening state security, genocide ideology, divisionism and defamation. Saidati Mukakibibi was found guilty of threatening state security.
The pair was prosecuted over several articles they had written in which they criticized government policies and made corruption allegations against senior government officials, including President Kagame.
Among several articles, the judge referred to one saying some Rwandans were unhappy with the country's rulers. Prosecutors said this was "meant to stir [up] hatred and fury against the government".
The judge cited several other offending articles including one which criticised the Gacaca traditional community courts set up to deal with 1994 genocide cases and others criticising Rwanda's reconciliation process.
“Today’s verdict marks yet another blow to freedom of expression and opinion in Rwanda”, said Amnesty International’s Africa Programme Director, Erwin van der Borght. “The government has not adequately demonstrated how the articles could be construed as a threat to national security or were intended, or likely, to incite violence” He added.
Rwandan government defends its tough media laws, pointing to the role of "hate media" ahead of the genocide.
Before prosecution, Uwimana was called before Rwanda’s Media High Council, a government-aligned media regulatory body, to respond to allegations that her articles were defamatory.
In 2007, Uwimana served a one-year sentence after being convicted of divisionism and defamation. The prosecution was based on an article comparing the current Rwandan administration to the government of former President Habyarimana. Uwimana said she accepted some of her articles may have lacked professionalism.
“Journalists must be free to criticize public officials and policies without fear of criminal sanctions for defamation”, said Erwin van der Borght. “Rwandan officials should respond to criticism, rather than try to stamp it out”.
Vague laws on “genocide ideology” and “sectarianism” laws were introduced in Rwanda after the 1994 genocide, to restrict speech that could promote hatred.
The law prohibits hate speech, but also criminalizes legitimate criticism of the government.
The Rwandan government expressed commitment in April 2010 to review the “genocide ideology” law.
The Rwandan government clamped down on critics before the August 2010 presidential elections. They used regulatory sanctions, restrictive laws and criminal defamation cases to close down media outlets critical of the government. Some leading editors and journalists fled Rwanda after facing repeated threats.
Freedom of expression is a fundamental human right, guaranteed by a number of international conventions.
Minimal impairment of the enjoyment of this right is permitted only in special circumstances and must be acceptable and demonstrably justifiable in a free and democratic society.
President Paul Kagame came to power in 1994, ending the genocide in which some 800,000 ethnic Tutsis and moderate Hutus were slaughtered.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Congo’s Presidential Palace Attacked
Unidentified gunmen attacked the house of Democratic Republic of Congo’s president on Sunday 27, setting off a short but fierce firefight that killed at least six people, Congolese officials said.
The security forces have so far arrested 50, out of estimated 60 people who attacked the palace. The motive for the attack was not clear, said Lambert Mende, information minister for the Democratic Republic of Congo.
According to Mr. Mende, a group of heavily armed attackers clashed with security guards around 2 p.m. at at the first of three heavily fortified roadblocks about a half mile from the presidential residence. President Joseph Kabila was home at the time of the attack, but was never in danger.
The assailants were armed with machine guns, mortars and rocket-propelled grenades. After about 15 minutes of fighting, the presidential guard repelled the attackers.
Other people close to Mr. Kabila said the attack might have been intended to feel out the weaknesses of the president’s personal security forces as part of a wider plot to assassinate him.
Mr. Kabila won a major election in 2006 and faces re-election this year, but his grip on most of the country, which is thickly forested and the size of Western Europe, is considered weak.
For the past 15 years, various parts of the country have been engulfed in civil war or insurrection, and gun battles have broken out on the streets of Kinshasa before. Most of the violence tends to be in the eastern provinces, where myriad armed groups fight one another over Congo’s mineral riches, including gold, copper, tin ore and diamonds.
In early February, gunmen attacked the airport in Lubumbashi, a town in southeastern Congo that had been thought to be relatively stable.
The security forces have so far arrested 50, out of estimated 60 people who attacked the palace. The motive for the attack was not clear, said Lambert Mende, information minister for the Democratic Republic of Congo.
According to Mr. Mende, a group of heavily armed attackers clashed with security guards around 2 p.m. at at the first of three heavily fortified roadblocks about a half mile from the presidential residence. President Joseph Kabila was home at the time of the attack, but was never in danger.
The assailants were armed with machine guns, mortars and rocket-propelled grenades. After about 15 minutes of fighting, the presidential guard repelled the attackers.
Other people close to Mr. Kabila said the attack might have been intended to feel out the weaknesses of the president’s personal security forces as part of a wider plot to assassinate him.
Mr. Kabila won a major election in 2006 and faces re-election this year, but his grip on most of the country, which is thickly forested and the size of Western Europe, is considered weak.
For the past 15 years, various parts of the country have been engulfed in civil war or insurrection, and gun battles have broken out on the streets of Kinshasa before. Most of the violence tends to be in the eastern provinces, where myriad armed groups fight one another over Congo’s mineral riches, including gold, copper, tin ore and diamonds.
In early February, gunmen attacked the airport in Lubumbashi, a town in southeastern Congo that had been thought to be relatively stable.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Ugandan Journalists Attacked during Election Period
From the street: As Ugandans went to the polls on February 18 to vote for a presidential candidate of their choice, journalists were at hand to report the proceedings and outcomes. Some overzealous supporters and loyalists turned their fury onto the people’s eye and ears.
Journalists were attacked, intimidated and property destroyed.
Journalist Julius Odeke from the Red Pepper and the Razor Newspaper was shot at by security agents while covering the vote casting at Budadiri West constituency in Mbale district. Mr. Odeke was injured with a bullet when security operatives tried to confiscate his recordings of electoral violence in this area.
During the mayoral elections in Kampala, more violence and physical attack was done on the journalists.
The six journalists attacked included; Nixon Bbaale a camera man and Brian Nsimbe, a reporter, both from Channel 44 TV, Jane Anyango, a senior reporter with UBC TV, Nabazziwa Lydia a reporter from Bukedde TV, Nabukeera Florence a reporter with Bukedde newspaper, Namatumbwe Christine a reporter and News anchor at Metro FM whose radio recorder, mobile phone and hand bag were all stolen.
The police has promised to investigate the cases. The government is under obligation to remove attitudes and end actions that undermine independent journalism; freedom of expression and the free flow of information to the public.
Journalists were attacked, intimidated and property destroyed.
Journalist Julius Odeke from the Red Pepper and the Razor Newspaper was shot at by security agents while covering the vote casting at Budadiri West constituency in Mbale district. Mr. Odeke was injured with a bullet when security operatives tried to confiscate his recordings of electoral violence in this area.
During the mayoral elections in Kampala, more violence and physical attack was done on the journalists.
The six journalists attacked included; Nixon Bbaale a camera man and Brian Nsimbe, a reporter, both from Channel 44 TV, Jane Anyango, a senior reporter with UBC TV, Nabazziwa Lydia a reporter from Bukedde TV, Nabukeera Florence a reporter with Bukedde newspaper, Namatumbwe Christine a reporter and News anchor at Metro FM whose radio recorder, mobile phone and hand bag were all stolen.
The police has promised to investigate the cases. The government is under obligation to remove attitudes and end actions that undermine independent journalism; freedom of expression and the free flow of information to the public.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Uganda Votes
The people of Uganda will line up to cast their vote on this 18th February 2011. The presidential and parliamentary posts are up for grabs. The National Resistance Movement, NRM, which has had the majority vote in parliament, will seek to dominate, while the opposition will try to turn the tables. But all the opinion polls conducted in this campaign period have shown the NRM, and its presidential candidate and incumbent, Yoweri Museveni Kaguta leading in the poll results by over 64%, of which the opinion polls had a margin of error of 2.5%. Whether this is a reflection of the voters remains to be seen.
The presidential candidates are:
Yoweri Kaguta Museveni; National Resistance Movement (NRM)
Kizza Besigye; Forum; Democratic Change (FDC)
Abed Bwanika; People’s Development Party (PDP)
Olive Betty Namisango Kamya; Uganda federal alliance (UFA)
Olara Ottunu; Uganda People’s Congress (UPC)
Nobert Mao; Democratic Party (DP)
Jaberi Bidandi Ssali; People’s Progressive Party (PPP)
Samuel Lubega; Independent
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Sudan Secedes
Southern Sudan voted overwhelmingly for separation from the north, with 98.83% of voters in favor of the split, according to results released on late Monday, February 07, 2011 by Ibrahim Khalil, Chairman Electoral Commission. Only 1.17%, equivalent to 44,888 votes, favoured unity of the two Sudans.
Sudanese president, Omar Hassan al-Bashir has said he respects the decision of the people of the new 54th state of Africa. This was contained in a Republican Decree read out by minister of presidency affairs Bakri Hassan Salih, according to official Sudan TV.
The White House has also promised to formally recognize South Sudan as a sovereign state in July.
As the journey to form a new state begins in 5 months time, few obstacles stand in the way, mainly the definition of the border, especially of the disputed oil rich Abyei region. Whether the resolution by the permanent court of arbitration in the Hague is enforced remains to be seen. Other concerns include citizenship. Resolving these issues will be a test on how the two countries move on the peace path.
The south Sudan capital, Juba, was in a celebratory mood as the results were released. Residents converged on a projector that had been set up to broadcast the announcement at the mausoleum of former leader John Garang.
Dr. John De Maboir Garang made history as pioneer of the southern rebellion and architect of peace, Dr. Salva Kiir is set to become an ionic figure as father of a newly independent south Sudan.
Cultural ties binding the two Sudans are too deeply rooted to be severed over night. How they maneuver this is a test of time that is more than the borderline of over 2,000 kilometres. Determination and ambition are the two ingredients flowing across.
Fact Page
South Sudan Coverage: 619,745 km2
Capital: Juba
Population: 7.5m – 9.7m
Currency: Sudanese pound
Official Languages: Arabic, English,
Time Zone: East Africa
Major Languages: Dinka, Nuer, Zande, Bari, Shilluk
Major Religions: Christianity, Islam, Animism
Some Exports: Oil, Cotton and Sesame
Life Expectancy at Birth: 42 Years
Government: President; Salva Kiir Mayardit
Vice-President; Riek Machar Teny
Sudanese president, Omar Hassan al-Bashir has said he respects the decision of the people of the new 54th state of Africa. This was contained in a Republican Decree read out by minister of presidency affairs Bakri Hassan Salih, according to official Sudan TV.
The White House has also promised to formally recognize South Sudan as a sovereign state in July.
As the journey to form a new state begins in 5 months time, few obstacles stand in the way, mainly the definition of the border, especially of the disputed oil rich Abyei region. Whether the resolution by the permanent court of arbitration in the Hague is enforced remains to be seen. Other concerns include citizenship. Resolving these issues will be a test on how the two countries move on the peace path.
The south Sudan capital, Juba, was in a celebratory mood as the results were released. Residents converged on a projector that had been set up to broadcast the announcement at the mausoleum of former leader John Garang.
Dr. John De Maboir Garang made history as pioneer of the southern rebellion and architect of peace, Dr. Salva Kiir is set to become an ionic figure as father of a newly independent south Sudan.
Cultural ties binding the two Sudans are too deeply rooted to be severed over night. How they maneuver this is a test of time that is more than the borderline of over 2,000 kilometres. Determination and ambition are the two ingredients flowing across.
Fact Page
South Sudan Coverage: 619,745 km2
Capital: Juba
Population: 7.5m – 9.7m
Currency: Sudanese pound
Official Languages: Arabic, English,
Time Zone: East Africa
Major Languages: Dinka, Nuer, Zande, Bari, Shilluk
Major Religions: Christianity, Islam, Animism
Some Exports: Oil, Cotton and Sesame
Life Expectancy at Birth: 42 Years
Government: President; Salva Kiir Mayardit
Vice-President; Riek Machar Teny
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Turmoil in Egypt, Media under attack
From the Square: With Mubarak facing unprecedented mass protests in Egypt against his 30 year rule, he has turned on the messenger – the media. Qatar based Arabic channel, Al jazeera has had its bureau closed and accreditation for its correspondents in Egypt suspended. This is as a result of the exclusive coverage the network was giving to the protesters.
Already the internet and mobile phone services were already interrupted. Vodafone, a UK based and one of Egypt’s mobile phone service providers issued a statement, reading that it has been ordered to shut down some of its connections in the area, according to media reports.
But as Al jazeera News Development chief, Mustaph, told BBC Radio, this makes reporting from Egypt hard, but not impossible.
It’s a toothless bite to cut information from flowing from one region to the world. The media has too many tools in practice that no government or oppressor can suppress. Mustaph referred to citizen journalism as one of the ways the channel will continue to offer coverage from the troubled area. Ordinary people have been sending in videos, photographs and updates of on scene recordings.
Al jazeera Arabic and Mubasher, the other suspended channel have also given alternative channel settings on Nilesat, Hortbird, Arabsat, to tune to and watch the channels.
To watch Al jazeera Arabic and Mubasher tune to;
On Nilesat: 10949 Vertical SR; 27.500 MSPS FEC: 3/4
On Hotbird: 12111 MHZ Vertical SR; 27.500 MSPS FEC: 3/4
On Arabsat: 11585 MHZ Horizontal SR; 27.500 MSPS FEC: 3/4
Already the internet and mobile phone services were already interrupted. Vodafone, a UK based and one of Egypt’s mobile phone service providers issued a statement, reading that it has been ordered to shut down some of its connections in the area, according to media reports.
But as Al jazeera News Development chief, Mustaph, told BBC Radio, this makes reporting from Egypt hard, but not impossible.
It’s a toothless bite to cut information from flowing from one region to the world. The media has too many tools in practice that no government or oppressor can suppress. Mustaph referred to citizen journalism as one of the ways the channel will continue to offer coverage from the troubled area. Ordinary people have been sending in videos, photographs and updates of on scene recordings.
Al jazeera Arabic and Mubasher, the other suspended channel have also given alternative channel settings on Nilesat, Hortbird, Arabsat, to tune to and watch the channels.
To watch Al jazeera Arabic and Mubasher tune to;
On Nilesat: 10949 Vertical SR; 27.500 MSPS FEC: 3/4
On Hotbird: 12111 MHZ Vertical SR; 27.500 MSPS FEC: 3/4
On Arabsat: 11585 MHZ Horizontal SR; 27.500 MSPS FEC: 3/4
Friday, January 14, 2011
Media Landscape Update
Fom the Newsline: In the past ten days, the media landscape has changed in a comparative way as the weather pattern of a hurricane prone area. Before the 9th January, all media headlines were about an impending referendum in southern Sudan.
Correspondents, contributors rushed to Juba, Abyei and Khartoum. The stage was set, cameramen and photographers were present. Analysis and predictions were voiced. But even before the week long election is over, the headlines have changed, and camera focus too.
The violence in Tunisia, and the election standoff in Cote Divoire are in news brief.
Natural calamity
First it was the floods in Australia, killing more than 25, and 50 still missing. But the numbers are suspect. Homes were destroyed. Horror stories of survivors. And the pictures were fodder for the cameras. The scene was alluded to as the worst disaster seen by the current Australian generation.
Brazil floods
More than 500 people have been killed by flash floods and mudslides, and the numbers are rising, as Brazil witnesses what has been called the worst natural disaster in decades.
The Australian Prime Minister, and Brazilian president each visited the respective areas, drawing and utilizing the media attention to gear their responsiveness.
And so in a week, the media has wheeled around the world, leaving some stories hanging and tackling others by the neck in a bid to increase the per-view.
Correspondents, contributors rushed to Juba, Abyei and Khartoum. The stage was set, cameramen and photographers were present. Analysis and predictions were voiced. But even before the week long election is over, the headlines have changed, and camera focus too.
The violence in Tunisia, and the election standoff in Cote Divoire are in news brief.
Natural calamity
First it was the floods in Australia, killing more than 25, and 50 still missing. But the numbers are suspect. Homes were destroyed. Horror stories of survivors. And the pictures were fodder for the cameras. The scene was alluded to as the worst disaster seen by the current Australian generation.
Brazil floods
More than 500 people have been killed by flash floods and mudslides, and the numbers are rising, as Brazil witnesses what has been called the worst natural disaster in decades.
The Australian Prime Minister, and Brazilian president each visited the respective areas, drawing and utilizing the media attention to gear their responsiveness.
And so in a week, the media has wheeled around the world, leaving some stories hanging and tackling others by the neck in a bid to increase the per-view.
UN under Attack
From the Street: Protesting supporters of Cote D’ivoire’s president Laurent Gbagbo have burnt a United Nations truck, as tensions rise in the capital, Abidjan.
But the UN reports that six of their trucks have been attacked. Three UN peacekeepers have also been injured, according to media reports.
The UN and the international community recognize Gbagbo’s opponent, Guattara as the legitimate president.
UN boss, Ban ki Moon has denounced the attacks, calling the action crimes under international law.
Security in Africa
Machete wielding men on rampage in Nigeria
Elections in Africa
Nigerian president Jonathan Woodgate has won the primaries for the
Referendum elections underway in south Sudan, in a referendum to decide the fate of secession.
But the UN reports that six of their trucks have been attacked. Three UN peacekeepers have also been injured, according to media reports.
The UN and the international community recognize Gbagbo’s opponent, Guattara as the legitimate president.
UN boss, Ban ki Moon has denounced the attacks, calling the action crimes under international law.
Security in Africa
Machete wielding men on rampage in Nigeria
Elections in Africa
Nigerian president Jonathan Woodgate has won the primaries for the
Referendum elections underway in south Sudan, in a referendum to decide the fate of secession.
Tunisia Crisis
Africa in Context
Zine Ben Ali, Tunisian president, has promised not to stand in the 2014 presidential elections. This comes amidst violence against the high standards of living.
He has also ordered security forces not to open fire at the protesters.
Speaking on live television announcement, Ben Ali said he understands the grievances of the rioters. He has spent 23 years in power. However constitutional age limit bars Ben Ali from office after 2014.
Zine Ben Ali, Tunisian president, has promised not to stand in the 2014 presidential elections. This comes amidst violence against the high standards of living.
He has also ordered security forces not to open fire at the protesters.
Speaking on live television announcement, Ben Ali said he understands the grievances of the rioters. He has spent 23 years in power. However constitutional age limit bars Ben Ali from office after 2014.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Sudan Decides
Sudan Referendum
Southern Sudan is poised to have a say in a referendum scheduled for 9th January 2011. Sudan’s president, Al Bashir told Aljazeera that he has exhausted all avenues to convince southerners to vote for unity. He added that most southerners are separatists, and do not have the ability to cater for themselves.
The people of southern Sudan are mature, and have been running their affairs for the last six years, replied SPLM’s Secretary General, Pagan Amoum.
Sudan referendum is a result of 2005 comprehensive peace agreement that ended a two decade civil war between the north and south.
Sixty percent of registered voters have to turn up if the result is to be valid.
Southern Sudan is poised to have a say in a referendum scheduled for 9th January 2011. Sudan’s president, Al Bashir told Aljazeera that he has exhausted all avenues to convince southerners to vote for unity. He added that most southerners are separatists, and do not have the ability to cater for themselves.
The people of southern Sudan are mature, and have been running their affairs for the last six years, replied SPLM’s Secretary General, Pagan Amoum.
Sudan referendum is a result of 2005 comprehensive peace agreement that ended a two decade civil war between the north and south.
Sixty percent of registered voters have to turn up if the result is to be valid.
Social Unrest
Social unrest in Algeria
Algeria is covered with rioting youth, protesting against increased cost of living. Scenes of men barricading roads, burning tyres have been glued in the media. The media also reports that angry youth attacked police stations and torched government buildings.
The youth, aged below 30 years, account for 75% of Algeria’s 35 million people.
Wikileaks reports highlighted increased corruption in the Algeria.
Neighboring Tunisia is witnessing similar violent attacks. A Tunisian man even set himself on fire after police confiscated the fruits and vegetables he was selling, dying of his wounds a month later, according to police and medical releases.
Algeria is covered with rioting youth, protesting against increased cost of living. Scenes of men barricading roads, burning tyres have been glued in the media. The media also reports that angry youth attacked police stations and torched government buildings.
The youth, aged below 30 years, account for 75% of Algeria’s 35 million people.
Wikileaks reports highlighted increased corruption in the Algeria.
Neighboring Tunisia is witnessing similar violent attacks. A Tunisian man even set himself on fire after police confiscated the fruits and vegetables he was selling, dying of his wounds a month later, according to police and medical releases.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Coptics in Egypt under Scare
Differences in religion
Coptic churches under scare as they prepare to celebrate Christmas on 7th January. This comes after a suicide bomber detonated near a church on New Year’s Eve in Alexandria, killing 23 people. Coptic Christians make up an estimated 10% of Egypt’s 80 million people. About 200 churches exist in Egypt.
Coptic churches under scare as they prepare to celebrate Christmas on 7th January. This comes after a suicide bomber detonated near a church on New Year’s Eve in Alexandria, killing 23 people. Coptic Christians make up an estimated 10% of Egypt’s 80 million people. About 200 churches exist in Egypt.
New Times
Election Upbeat
Welcome into 2011, readers of the Apocalypse say its 2 years to the end of the world. But before that, we have business to attend to.
Elections in Uganda take the last bends towards the electoral finish line. All eight contestants are still in the field, even Lubega, whom I haven’t seen in the news, did I hear someone say even Bwanika. Well, now they are, at least. For those in, its more a kivulu (music fiesta) than a policy guided campaign. Today’s newspapers carry poll results saying the incumbent, Museveni has a projected 65% win. No surprise, his song Another Rap is leading the charts, with over four million hits on YouTube and counting.
Before that though, Sudan has a referendum earlier, 9th January and it will be a week long. I will be watching it closely from the fringes. President Omar El Bashir has promised to respect the outcome of the vote, despite repetitive reports of border tension between the north and south. Vote decision of which side Abyei is was postponed over indecision of who should vote.
I will be performing a listening post, on the way the media is reporting on the campaign.
Welcome 2011.
Welcome into 2011, readers of the Apocalypse say its 2 years to the end of the world. But before that, we have business to attend to.
Elections in Uganda take the last bends towards the electoral finish line. All eight contestants are still in the field, even Lubega, whom I haven’t seen in the news, did I hear someone say even Bwanika. Well, now they are, at least. For those in, its more a kivulu (music fiesta) than a policy guided campaign. Today’s newspapers carry poll results saying the incumbent, Museveni has a projected 65% win. No surprise, his song Another Rap is leading the charts, with over four million hits on YouTube and counting.
Before that though, Sudan has a referendum earlier, 9th January and it will be a week long. I will be watching it closely from the fringes. President Omar El Bashir has promised to respect the outcome of the vote, despite repetitive reports of border tension between the north and south. Vote decision of which side Abyei is was postponed over indecision of who should vote.
I will be performing a listening post, on the way the media is reporting on the campaign.
Welcome 2011.
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