http://ugandaradionetwork.com/a/story.php?s=54999
The King of Tooro Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV has revived the
Kingdom’s demand for its property that is in possession of the central
government.
Addressing a closed door cabinet meeting at his palace in Fort Portal on
Wednesday morning, King Oyo directed Steven Kaliba, the Kingdom Premier
to write to the government demanding the return of the property. Oyo
also directed Kaliba to form a team that will negotiate with the
government to return the more than 70 kingdom properties which include
land and buildings.
When kingdoms were abolished in 1966, properties that belonged to the institutions were taken over by the government.
Records from the Kingdom estates department obtained by Uganda Radio
Network show that after the restoration of the Kingdom in 1993, the
government returned only 15 out of the 75 properties to Tooro Kingdom.
Some of the returned properties include the Burahya County headquarters
at Butebe, three buildings in Fort Portal town and pieces of land in
Kichwamba, Bukuku, Karambi and Kisomoro sub counties.
The properties the Kingdom is demanding from the government are located
in Bundibugyo, Kasese, Kyenjojo and Kamwenge districts. Kasese and
Bundibugyo were formerly under Tooro Kingdom until 2010 when Charles
Wesley Mumbere was installed as Rwenzururu King.
In an interview with Uganda Radio Network, the Omuhikirwa Kaliba said
failure by the government to return the property has affected the
kingdom financially. He says that if they are returned, the kingdom can
rent them out and get income to sustain its activities and improve its
financial base.
He also says the King has no funds required to implement some of the
kingdom activities and instead turns to the government and friends of
the Kingdom for support.
//Cue in: “The Kingdom is…
Cue out: …in a financial crisis.”//
According to Kaliba, despite returning some of the Tooro property, the
kingdom hasn’t been able to access them since they are being used by sub
counties, schools and health facilities. He cites Block 4 plot 1 in
Bundibugyo town occupied by Bundibugyo town council and land in Nyahuka
occupied by Nyahuka Primary School. Kaliba says that government should
instead compensate the kingdom.
//Cue in: “Other properties…
Cue out: “…compensate the kingdom.”//
Uganda Radio Network has learnt from Kingdom sources that next month,
there are plans by King Oyo and his cabinet to raise the matter when
they meet President Museveni, who will be touring Kabarole district.
David Kaboyo, a member of the Kingdom Parliament, the Orukurato, says
that the move by the King is good for the kingdom, but is quick to add
that if the assets are returned they should be managed in a transparent
manner and not be sold illegally or grabbed.
Tooro joins other cultural institutions like Buganda and Bunyoro, who
are also demanding a return of their properties from the government.
Wednesday, 31 July 2013
Monday, 29 July 2013
Host Families Struggle To Cope With Congolese Refugees
http://ugandaradionetwork.com/a/story.php?s=54888
Families in Bundibugyo district are struggling to cope with hosting Congolese refugees. Statistics by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) show that more than 50,000 refugees have refused to go to the transit camp and are living with host families. Most of the host families are located at Nyahuka and Busaru, 5 kilometers from Kamango town, where fighting took place. Records at the office of the community development show that there are more than 700 refugees in Nyahuka town council who are living with their relatives and friends.
Other refugees are living in Busaru, Bumandi and Busulu. Gerald Bantata is hosting his brother Felix Kabeya, his wife and six children. Bantata says he has to spend more money to feed his family and that of his brother, which has stretched his budget. He says that since he is only engaged in cocoa growing, he is forced to buy food, which is quite expensive. Bantanta says that he has tried in vain to convince his brother to go to the transit camp at Bubukwanga where there is free food or return home since fighting has stopped.
Felix Kabeya says he can’t live in the camp citing the harsh conditions. He also says that he prefers to stay with his brother because it will be easy for him to return home. Kabeya says that if he goes to the camp, he will be relocated to Kyangwali refugee Camp and yet he has to return home and tend his cocoa garden.
//Cue in: “we don’t want to be taken there…
Cue out: “…we plan to go back home.”//
Francis Suza is living in Nyahuka town council with two relatives and their children who fled the war in Kamango town. He says that he is forced to take care of the children, when they fall ill since their parents don’t have the money. Suza, a local businessman says that he has so far spent more than 300,000 shillings to look after his friends. He says that he can’t wait for the fighting to stop so that they can return home. Francis Muhindo, the Nyahuka Sub County Community Development Officer says some of the refugees living with friends often flock the sub county headquarters demanding for food but they are turned away and told to go to the camp, where there is free food.
Charles Bafaki, the senior settlement officer in the Office of the Prime Minister says government will not be responsible, should anything happen to the refugees not in the camp since they aren’t in their records. Bafaki says that the OPM’s office with the help of the UNHCR plans to carry out a head count of the refugees to establish the exact number of refugees living with host families and convince them to either return home or be relocated to the camp, since there is adequate security, food and non food items.
//Cue in: “in the host communities…
Cue out: “expect them to come here.”//
Families in Bundibugyo district are struggling to cope with hosting Congolese refugees. Statistics by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) show that more than 50,000 refugees have refused to go to the transit camp and are living with host families. Most of the host families are located at Nyahuka and Busaru, 5 kilometers from Kamango town, where fighting took place. Records at the office of the community development show that there are more than 700 refugees in Nyahuka town council who are living with their relatives and friends.
Other refugees are living in Busaru, Bumandi and Busulu. Gerald Bantata is hosting his brother Felix Kabeya, his wife and six children. Bantata says he has to spend more money to feed his family and that of his brother, which has stretched his budget. He says that since he is only engaged in cocoa growing, he is forced to buy food, which is quite expensive. Bantanta says that he has tried in vain to convince his brother to go to the transit camp at Bubukwanga where there is free food or return home since fighting has stopped.
Felix Kabeya says he can’t live in the camp citing the harsh conditions. He also says that he prefers to stay with his brother because it will be easy for him to return home. Kabeya says that if he goes to the camp, he will be relocated to Kyangwali refugee Camp and yet he has to return home and tend his cocoa garden.
//Cue in: “we don’t want to be taken there…
Cue out: “…we plan to go back home.”//
Francis Suza is living in Nyahuka town council with two relatives and their children who fled the war in Kamango town. He says that he is forced to take care of the children, when they fall ill since their parents don’t have the money. Suza, a local businessman says that he has so far spent more than 300,000 shillings to look after his friends. He says that he can’t wait for the fighting to stop so that they can return home. Francis Muhindo, the Nyahuka Sub County Community Development Officer says some of the refugees living with friends often flock the sub county headquarters demanding for food but they are turned away and told to go to the camp, where there is free food.
Charles Bafaki, the senior settlement officer in the Office of the Prime Minister says government will not be responsible, should anything happen to the refugees not in the camp since they aren’t in their records. Bafaki says that the OPM’s office with the help of the UNHCR plans to carry out a head count of the refugees to establish the exact number of refugees living with host families and convince them to either return home or be relocated to the camp, since there is adequate security, food and non food items.
//Cue in: “in the host communities…
Cue out: “expect them to come here.”//
Bundibugyo Traders Reap Big From Refugee Crisis
http://ugandaradionetwork.com/a/story.php?s=54887
Business owners in Bundibugyo town are reaping big following the influx of Congolese refugees in the district.
With workers from several national and international agencies camped in the town an engaged in humanitarian work at the Bubukwanga refugee transit centre, hotel and restaurant owners are making brisk business.
Bubukwanga is located just two kilometres from Bundibugyo town.
A Uganda Radio Network reporter in Bundibugyo says most hotels and lodges have been booked.
Hotels such as Vanilla, Blue Sky, Kwata Mpola and others have all been booked for a month. The hotels have also increased the rates for accommodation. At Vanilla, the rates have increased from 45,000 shillings to 55,000 shillings per room per night.
Harriet Kaliisa, a receptionist at Vanilla Hotel, describes it as a special business phase because all the rooms have been fully booked for a month. Kaliisa says that she is excited because she hopes to get a salary increment from the proprietor.
Benjamin Kamya, the manager at Blue Sky says this is the only opportunity that he has to reap big from the refugee crisis because he rarely receives many clients. Kamya, whose hotel has also been fully booked for a month, says he has been forced to hire more staff.
Kamya says the refugee crisis has enabled him reap more money than he has done in the past, since there are many people flocking his restaurant for food and accommodation.
//Cue in: “Business is going…
Cue out: “…increase in income.”//
Small lodges in the town have also increased the costs of accommodation from 15,000 to 20,000 shillings a night and are also fully booked.
Restaurants in the town have also seen an increase in clients and the prices of food have shot up. Restaurants that were previously selling a plate of food at 3,000 shillings have increased by 2,000 shillings.
Bars and other hangouts in the town have also made brisk business as several foreigners flock the areas to have a drink.
With the presence of foreign humanitarian workers in the town, the police have also beefed up security in the town. Several officers can often be seen patrolling the streets at night.
Dennis Namuhoza, the Bundibugyo District Police Commander, says that police officers have also been deployed at the hotels where some humanitarian workers are staying to avoid theft of their properties like laptops and mobile phones.
Up to 60, 000 refugees are in Bundibugyo after being displaced by fighting in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Business owners in Bundibugyo town are reaping big following the influx of Congolese refugees in the district.
With workers from several national and international agencies camped in the town an engaged in humanitarian work at the Bubukwanga refugee transit centre, hotel and restaurant owners are making brisk business.
Bubukwanga is located just two kilometres from Bundibugyo town.
A Uganda Radio Network reporter in Bundibugyo says most hotels and lodges have been booked.
Hotels such as Vanilla, Blue Sky, Kwata Mpola and others have all been booked for a month. The hotels have also increased the rates for accommodation. At Vanilla, the rates have increased from 45,000 shillings to 55,000 shillings per room per night.
Harriet Kaliisa, a receptionist at Vanilla Hotel, describes it as a special business phase because all the rooms have been fully booked for a month. Kaliisa says that she is excited because she hopes to get a salary increment from the proprietor.
Benjamin Kamya, the manager at Blue Sky says this is the only opportunity that he has to reap big from the refugee crisis because he rarely receives many clients. Kamya, whose hotel has also been fully booked for a month, says he has been forced to hire more staff.
Kamya says the refugee crisis has enabled him reap more money than he has done in the past, since there are many people flocking his restaurant for food and accommodation.
//Cue in: “Business is going…
Cue out: “…increase in income.”//
Small lodges in the town have also increased the costs of accommodation from 15,000 to 20,000 shillings a night and are also fully booked.
Restaurants in the town have also seen an increase in clients and the prices of food have shot up. Restaurants that were previously selling a plate of food at 3,000 shillings have increased by 2,000 shillings.
Bars and other hangouts in the town have also made brisk business as several foreigners flock the areas to have a drink.
With the presence of foreign humanitarian workers in the town, the police have also beefed up security in the town. Several officers can often be seen patrolling the streets at night.
Dennis Namuhoza, the Bundibugyo District Police Commander, says that police officers have also been deployed at the hotels where some humanitarian workers are staying to avoid theft of their properties like laptops and mobile phones.
Up to 60, 000 refugees are in Bundibugyo after being displaced by fighting in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Bundibugyo Passes Bye-law On Food Security In Homes
http://ugandaradionetwork.com/a/story.php?s=54921
Bundibugyo district council has passed a bye-law compelling all farmers in the district to plant food crops and not focus only on cocoa growing.
Farmers in the district have abandoned growing food crops on their gardens and concentrated on Cocoa, which is the main income earner in the district. This has left some families with no food to feed on, causing shortage of food in homes.
The shortage of food in families forces communities to purchase food from Kabarole, Kasese districts and some parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
According to the bye-law, farmers will have to plant food crops for home consumption, besides cocoa and vanilla on their gardens or else they face a jail term of three months, pay a fine of 30,000 shillings or both.
The Bundibugyo District Agricultural Officer, Martin Mwesige, who drafted the bye-law, says that the district has the potential to grow nutritious food crops like bananas, cassava, beans and maize, but families dedicate large chunks of land to growing cocoa. Mwesige says that in Busaru and Harugale Sub Counties, there is no single food crop grown because priority is given to cocoa and vanilla.
Asked how the district will enforce the bye-law, Mwesige says that agricultural department will rely on extension workers and sub county NAADS coordinators to ensure that farmers comply.
//Cue in: “Food from Eastern Congo…
Cue out: …to grow food.”//
However some farmers have mixed reactions to the bye-law that has been passed, with some saying that they will not abide to it.
Beatrice Sabiiti, a farmer in Bubukwanga, says farmers should be left to grow crops of their choice. Sabiiti says she is interested in growing cocoa because there is market and when sold, she can afford to take her children to good schools.
Moses Suza, the chairperson of Bundibugyo farmers association, welcomes the bye-law, saying it’s long overdue. Suza says that in the past farmers have been encouraged to grow food crops, since cocoa is a seasonal crop.
He says that some families starve when the cocoa season ends, because they haven’t grown other crops.
//Cue in: “On your land…
Cue out: “…children grow healthy.”//
In 2011, the World Health Organization (WHO) released a report indicating that at least 45% of children below the age of 5 years in Bundibugyo district suffer from chronic malnutrition. Last year, a research carried out by the Ruwenzori Think Tank on Food security indicated that Bundibugyo district has the highest number of children below 5 years with stunted growth in the Ruwenzori region.
Bundibugyo district council has passed a bye-law compelling all farmers in the district to plant food crops and not focus only on cocoa growing.
Farmers in the district have abandoned growing food crops on their gardens and concentrated on Cocoa, which is the main income earner in the district. This has left some families with no food to feed on, causing shortage of food in homes.
The shortage of food in families forces communities to purchase food from Kabarole, Kasese districts and some parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
According to the bye-law, farmers will have to plant food crops for home consumption, besides cocoa and vanilla on their gardens or else they face a jail term of three months, pay a fine of 30,000 shillings or both.
The Bundibugyo District Agricultural Officer, Martin Mwesige, who drafted the bye-law, says that the district has the potential to grow nutritious food crops like bananas, cassava, beans and maize, but families dedicate large chunks of land to growing cocoa. Mwesige says that in Busaru and Harugale Sub Counties, there is no single food crop grown because priority is given to cocoa and vanilla.
Asked how the district will enforce the bye-law, Mwesige says that agricultural department will rely on extension workers and sub county NAADS coordinators to ensure that farmers comply.
//Cue in: “Food from Eastern Congo…
Cue out: …to grow food.”//
However some farmers have mixed reactions to the bye-law that has been passed, with some saying that they will not abide to it.
Beatrice Sabiiti, a farmer in Bubukwanga, says farmers should be left to grow crops of their choice. Sabiiti says she is interested in growing cocoa because there is market and when sold, she can afford to take her children to good schools.
Moses Suza, the chairperson of Bundibugyo farmers association, welcomes the bye-law, saying it’s long overdue. Suza says that in the past farmers have been encouraged to grow food crops, since cocoa is a seasonal crop.
He says that some families starve when the cocoa season ends, because they haven’t grown other crops.
//Cue in: “On your land…
Cue out: “…children grow healthy.”//
In 2011, the World Health Organization (WHO) released a report indicating that at least 45% of children below the age of 5 years in Bundibugyo district suffer from chronic malnutrition. Last year, a research carried out by the Ruwenzori Think Tank on Food security indicated that Bundibugyo district has the highest number of children below 5 years with stunted growth in the Ruwenzori region.
Saturday, 27 July 2013
Psychosocial Support For Congolese Children In Bundibugyo
http://ugandaradionetwork.com/a/story.php?s=54878
More than 1,000 children who were displaced by fighting in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are undergoing psychosocial support to help them cope with the difficulties they are facing.
Under the Children Facility Spaces (CFS), the children engage in several activities aimed at keeping them occupied amidst the unfamiliar environment they find themselves in.
When Uganda Radio Network visited the CFS located within the Bubukwanga transit camp in Bundibugyo district on Friday, there were several children aged between 3 and 17 years. They were engaged in activities like singing, dancing, playing football and being told stories by staff from several humanitarian organizations. Some of the children were also being counseled. The CFS is being run by Save the Children and World Vision.
Every morning, the children are taken to the centre by their parents. The facility which is fenced off from the main transit camp is restricted to only children. In the facility, there is water, toilet facilities and playing toys for the younger children. The children are also given clothes, food and medical care.
Ronald Matanda, the World Vision Programme Officer, says that through the CFS, the children are being protected from abuse and harmful practices. Matanda also says that when the children are put together, they interact, play and forget the problems they are facing as refugees.
Matanda says that in some cases, when there are no activities especially for the young girls, they can easily fall prey to defilers or be employed as housemaids. He says the space will remain until the refugee crisis stabilizes.
//Cue in: “Children are protected…
Cue out:…are going through.”//
Joyce Mbambu, one of the counsellors at the children facility, says since last week she has counselled more than 200 children who fled the fighting with their parents. Mbambu says girls are also sensitized about the dangers of early pregnancy and HIV/AIDS.
According to Mbambu, they plan to introduce special sessions for women refugees and sensitise them on issues of reproductive health HIV/AIDS and Human rights.
She however says that there is still a challenge of language barrier since some of the children can’t understand the local language. Mbambu says they are sometimes forced to use the services of police officers who speak Kiswahili, which is mostly spoken and understood by the children.
Felix Nzinto, aged 14, says he is happy to interact with many children he had never met before. He however says that he is eager to return home and continue with his education.
Speaking through an interpreter, Joan Nzanta, a mother of five, says that she is happy that her children are kept occupied by the activities at the space, which enables her to return to her home 10 kilometers away or search for any income generating activity in Bundibugyo.
At least 16,000 Congolese refugees are at Bubukwanga transit camp after fleeing fighting between government forces and rebels of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF).
More than 1,000 children who were displaced by fighting in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are undergoing psychosocial support to help them cope with the difficulties they are facing.
Under the Children Facility Spaces (CFS), the children engage in several activities aimed at keeping them occupied amidst the unfamiliar environment they find themselves in.
When Uganda Radio Network visited the CFS located within the Bubukwanga transit camp in Bundibugyo district on Friday, there were several children aged between 3 and 17 years. They were engaged in activities like singing, dancing, playing football and being told stories by staff from several humanitarian organizations. Some of the children were also being counseled. The CFS is being run by Save the Children and World Vision.
Every morning, the children are taken to the centre by their parents. The facility which is fenced off from the main transit camp is restricted to only children. In the facility, there is water, toilet facilities and playing toys for the younger children. The children are also given clothes, food and medical care.
Ronald Matanda, the World Vision Programme Officer, says that through the CFS, the children are being protected from abuse and harmful practices. Matanda also says that when the children are put together, they interact, play and forget the problems they are facing as refugees.
Matanda says that in some cases, when there are no activities especially for the young girls, they can easily fall prey to defilers or be employed as housemaids. He says the space will remain until the refugee crisis stabilizes.
//Cue in: “Children are protected…
Cue out:…are going through.”//
Joyce Mbambu, one of the counsellors at the children facility, says since last week she has counselled more than 200 children who fled the fighting with their parents. Mbambu says girls are also sensitized about the dangers of early pregnancy and HIV/AIDS.
According to Mbambu, they plan to introduce special sessions for women refugees and sensitise them on issues of reproductive health HIV/AIDS and Human rights.
She however says that there is still a challenge of language barrier since some of the children can’t understand the local language. Mbambu says they are sometimes forced to use the services of police officers who speak Kiswahili, which is mostly spoken and understood by the children.
Felix Nzinto, aged 14, says he is happy to interact with many children he had never met before. He however says that he is eager to return home and continue with his education.
Speaking through an interpreter, Joan Nzanta, a mother of five, says that she is happy that her children are kept occupied by the activities at the space, which enables her to return to her home 10 kilometers away or search for any income generating activity in Bundibugyo.
At least 16,000 Congolese refugees are at Bubukwanga transit camp after fleeing fighting between government forces and rebels of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF).
Friday, 26 July 2013
Prisons Land In Bundibugyo To Accomodate Refugees
http://ugandaradionetwork.com/a/story.php?s=54873
Part of Bubukwanga Prisons land in Bundibugyo district has been given out to accommodate the increasing number of refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
For two weeks, the refugees have been camped at the Bubukwanga Sub County headquarters, five kilometers from Bundibugyo town. However, as their numbers continue to increase, the government has been forced to use part of the prisons land to accommodate them.
When a Uganda Radio Network reporter visited the camp on Friday, Uganda Peoples’ Defence Force (UPDF) soldiers and workers from several humanitarian agencies were putting up makeshift structures on the five acres of the prison land, just 300 meters from the Bubukwanga transit camp.
Charles Bafaki, the Senior Settlement Officer in the Office of the Prime Minister, told Uganda Radio Network that they were forced to construct more structures because the transit camp can’t accommodate more refugees. He also says the new structures will be occupied by the refugees who continue to enter the district and those who failed to get accommodated in the transit camp.
According to Bafaki, there are currently 17,650 refugees in the transit camp, but they expect the number to increase in the coming days.
//Cue in: “The space…
Cue out: …people to come.”//
Bafaki also says since they expect more refugees in the district, more than 53 tons of food and non food items like clothes have been put aside to cater for the new refugees.
Uganda Radio Network couldn’t get a comment from the Officer in-charge Bubukwanga Prisons, Anthony Opio, who was reportedly attending a meeting with officials from the Prime Minister’s office over the matter.
The occupied land was being used by the prisons to plant maize on a commercial scale, which eases feeding of the prisoners.
Despite the high number of refugees, those in the transit camp can now afford to have three meals a day, unlike in the past weeks when they were having only one or two meals a day. Steven Kamara, the camp commandant, says more than 45 tons of food was on Wednesday delivered to the camp.
Kamara however says some of the challenges being faced include refugees moving freely out of the camp to Bubukwanga trading centre and Bundibugyo town. He says the settlement department has few workers deployed at the camp to monitor the movement of the refugees.
Humanitarian agencies say up to 60,000 people have come to Bundibugyo after fleeing fighting between the DRC government forces and rebels of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF).
Part of Bubukwanga Prisons land in Bundibugyo district has been given out to accommodate the increasing number of refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
For two weeks, the refugees have been camped at the Bubukwanga Sub County headquarters, five kilometers from Bundibugyo town. However, as their numbers continue to increase, the government has been forced to use part of the prisons land to accommodate them.
When a Uganda Radio Network reporter visited the camp on Friday, Uganda Peoples’ Defence Force (UPDF) soldiers and workers from several humanitarian agencies were putting up makeshift structures on the five acres of the prison land, just 300 meters from the Bubukwanga transit camp.
Charles Bafaki, the Senior Settlement Officer in the Office of the Prime Minister, told Uganda Radio Network that they were forced to construct more structures because the transit camp can’t accommodate more refugees. He also says the new structures will be occupied by the refugees who continue to enter the district and those who failed to get accommodated in the transit camp.
According to Bafaki, there are currently 17,650 refugees in the transit camp, but they expect the number to increase in the coming days.
//Cue in: “The space…
Cue out: …people to come.”//
Bafaki also says since they expect more refugees in the district, more than 53 tons of food and non food items like clothes have been put aside to cater for the new refugees.
Uganda Radio Network couldn’t get a comment from the Officer in-charge Bubukwanga Prisons, Anthony Opio, who was reportedly attending a meeting with officials from the Prime Minister’s office over the matter.
The occupied land was being used by the prisons to plant maize on a commercial scale, which eases feeding of the prisoners.
Despite the high number of refugees, those in the transit camp can now afford to have three meals a day, unlike in the past weeks when they were having only one or two meals a day. Steven Kamara, the camp commandant, says more than 45 tons of food was on Wednesday delivered to the camp.
Kamara however says some of the challenges being faced include refugees moving freely out of the camp to Bubukwanga trading centre and Bundibugyo town. He says the settlement department has few workers deployed at the camp to monitor the movement of the refugees.
Humanitarian agencies say up to 60,000 people have come to Bundibugyo after fleeing fighting between the DRC government forces and rebels of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF).
Tuesday, 23 July 2013
Farmers Demand Irrigation Techniques To Fight Dry Spell
http://ugandaradionetwork.com/a/story.php?s=54714
Farmers in Kabarole district are demanding for irrigation techniques to help them cope with the dry spell that is affecting their crops.
Rice and Maize farmers in Rwimi Sub County particularly small-scale farmers depend on rain as a source of water for their crops. With the prolonged dry spell, they have continued to lose their crops, increasing fears of famine. The sub county is surrounded by three small rivers, but the farmers are not using them for irrigation. The rivers include Rwimi, Nyamwamba and Ntabgoba.
During the dry season, several farmers have lost their crops and are left with nothing to sell and consume.
Reste Baguma, a maize farmer in Rwimi town council, says that with the water sources amidst them, it is a shame that farmers can lose crops and yet they can draw water from the rivers, for irrigation.
Baguma says that he acquired a loan of five million shillings to engage in maize production, but she made loses when her two acre rice field dried up.
She says that River Rwimi passes close to several rice and maize fields, but the farmers lack the techniques of irrigating their produce.
//Cue in: “this dry spell…
Cue out: “…we don’t have the means.”//
Margaret Kansiime, a maize farmer in Rwimi town council, says that some of the farmers depend on rain water to grow their crops, which is uncertain, because some times, the weather changes and farmers face difficulties accessing water sources.
Kansiime also harvests rainwater at her house, but the water isn’t enough to irrigate her four acres of rice fields.
Moses Irumba, the chairperson Rwimi farmers Association, says that farmers are now being encouraged to grow drought resistant crops, in the absence of irrigation equipments. He also says that the government and the district agricultural depaertment should senstize farmers on how to irrigate their garderns.
//Cue in: “the farmers…”
Cue out “…resistant crops.”//
Amos Mugume, the District Agricultural officer Kabarole, says that since the use of irrigation is complicated and there are no staff to teach the farmers, they are encouraging farmers to engage in rain water harvesting.
According to the 2012 Least Developed Countries report produced by the U.N.’s Conference on Trade and Development, lack of water has increasingly led to a drop in food production in countries like Uganda.
Although Uganda is gifted by lakes, rivers and swamps, where water for irrigation can be tapped, it is still ranked among the countries with the least irrigation coverage in Africa.
Farmers in Kabarole district are demanding for irrigation techniques to help them cope with the dry spell that is affecting their crops.
Rice and Maize farmers in Rwimi Sub County particularly small-scale farmers depend on rain as a source of water for their crops. With the prolonged dry spell, they have continued to lose their crops, increasing fears of famine. The sub county is surrounded by three small rivers, but the farmers are not using them for irrigation. The rivers include Rwimi, Nyamwamba and Ntabgoba.
During the dry season, several farmers have lost their crops and are left with nothing to sell and consume.
Reste Baguma, a maize farmer in Rwimi town council, says that with the water sources amidst them, it is a shame that farmers can lose crops and yet they can draw water from the rivers, for irrigation.
Baguma says that he acquired a loan of five million shillings to engage in maize production, but she made loses when her two acre rice field dried up.
She says that River Rwimi passes close to several rice and maize fields, but the farmers lack the techniques of irrigating their produce.
//Cue in: “this dry spell…
Cue out: “…we don’t have the means.”//
Margaret Kansiime, a maize farmer in Rwimi town council, says that some of the farmers depend on rain water to grow their crops, which is uncertain, because some times, the weather changes and farmers face difficulties accessing water sources.
Kansiime also harvests rainwater at her house, but the water isn’t enough to irrigate her four acres of rice fields.
Moses Irumba, the chairperson Rwimi farmers Association, says that farmers are now being encouraged to grow drought resistant crops, in the absence of irrigation equipments. He also says that the government and the district agricultural depaertment should senstize farmers on how to irrigate their garderns.
//Cue in: “the farmers…”
Cue out “…resistant crops.”//
Amos Mugume, the District Agricultural officer Kabarole, says that since the use of irrigation is complicated and there are no staff to teach the farmers, they are encouraging farmers to engage in rain water harvesting.
According to the 2012 Least Developed Countries report produced by the U.N.’s Conference on Trade and Development, lack of water has increasingly led to a drop in food production in countries like Uganda.
Although Uganda is gifted by lakes, rivers and swamps, where water for irrigation can be tapped, it is still ranked among the countries with the least irrigation coverage in Africa.
Monday, 22 July 2013
Bundibugyo Schools Yet To Open
http://ugandaradionetwork.com/a/story.php?s=54702
Five schools in Bundibugyo district which were closed to accommodate refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo are yet to open.
The primary schools, Kalera, Busulu, Butoogo, Busunga and Bubandi, were closed two weeks ago after thousands of refugees entered the district after they fled fighting in Kamango town, 15 kilometers from the Uganda –DRC border post at Busunga.
The schools were supposed to reopen today, but it has been pushed to next week.
Richard Kibulya, the Bundibugyo deputy district education officer, says that the pit latrines used by the refugees in some of the schools haven’t yet been emptied. He also says there is no adequate furniture in some of the schools, since it was destroyed by the refugees who used it as firewood.
Kibulya says that the lives of the pupils will be put at risk if the schools are allowed to reopen, since the sanitation is still appalling. He says there is need to first spray the area with liquid detergent and clean the latrines, but the resources are not available.
He says he isn’t certain when the schools will reopen since renovation is being done at a slow pace.
Richard Nsubuga, the Uganda Red Cross Society Western region manager, says that some of the schools like Butoogo Primary School can’t reopen. He notes that here are some refugees who are still camped at the school and have refused to be relocated to the Bubukwanga transit camp or return home. He says they would provide support to enable the school empty the overflowing latrines.
Geoffrey Musiime, the head teacher Busulu Primary School, says the closure of the school has affected the preparation for the mock examinations for Primary Seven candidates which are supposed to start in two weeks time. He says the teachers had planned to finish part of the syllabus before the examinations.
He says some of the pupils and teachers had reported to the school on Monday morning, but they were turned away by staff of the Uganda Red Cross Society.
Kibulya, however, says that in case the schools don’t open next week, parents will be forced to temporarily enroll their children in other schools in the district.
While in Bundibugyo on Friday, Musa Ecweru, the state Minister for Relief and Disaster Preparedness, said the ministry had requested the humanitarian agencies like the World Vision, Save the Children and UNICEF to renovate the affected schools, since the government lacks the funds.
Bubukwanga Transit Centre in Bundibugyo is now home to 15,447 refugees according to a statement by Catherine Ntabadde, the Communications Officer for Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS).
Five schools in Bundibugyo district which were closed to accommodate refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo are yet to open.
The primary schools, Kalera, Busulu, Butoogo, Busunga and Bubandi, were closed two weeks ago after thousands of refugees entered the district after they fled fighting in Kamango town, 15 kilometers from the Uganda –DRC border post at Busunga.
The schools were supposed to reopen today, but it has been pushed to next week.
Richard Kibulya, the Bundibugyo deputy district education officer, says that the pit latrines used by the refugees in some of the schools haven’t yet been emptied. He also says there is no adequate furniture in some of the schools, since it was destroyed by the refugees who used it as firewood.
Kibulya says that the lives of the pupils will be put at risk if the schools are allowed to reopen, since the sanitation is still appalling. He says there is need to first spray the area with liquid detergent and clean the latrines, but the resources are not available.
He says he isn’t certain when the schools will reopen since renovation is being done at a slow pace.
Richard Nsubuga, the Uganda Red Cross Society Western region manager, says that some of the schools like Butoogo Primary School can’t reopen. He notes that here are some refugees who are still camped at the school and have refused to be relocated to the Bubukwanga transit camp or return home. He says they would provide support to enable the school empty the overflowing latrines.
Geoffrey Musiime, the head teacher Busulu Primary School, says the closure of the school has affected the preparation for the mock examinations for Primary Seven candidates which are supposed to start in two weeks time. He says the teachers had planned to finish part of the syllabus before the examinations.
He says some of the pupils and teachers had reported to the school on Monday morning, but they were turned away by staff of the Uganda Red Cross Society.
Kibulya, however, says that in case the schools don’t open next week, parents will be forced to temporarily enroll their children in other schools in the district.
While in Bundibugyo on Friday, Musa Ecweru, the state Minister for Relief and Disaster Preparedness, said the ministry had requested the humanitarian agencies like the World Vision, Save the Children and UNICEF to renovate the affected schools, since the government lacks the funds.
Bubukwanga Transit Centre in Bundibugyo is now home to 15,447 refugees according to a statement by Catherine Ntabadde, the Communications Officer for Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS).
Tuesday, 16 July 2013
DRC Clashes: High Number of Expectant Mothers Worries Humanitarian Agencies
http://ugandaradionetwork.com/a/story.php?s=54478
At least two thousand expectant mothers are part of the Congolese refugees who fled into Uganda last week following clashes between government forces and M23 rebels in Kamango town, Uganda Radio Network has learnt. As a result, more than 62,000 Congolese have since fled to Bundibugyo district in Uganda. The health committee of Uganda Redcross Society-URSC says the high number of expectant mothers is e of the biggest challenges facing humanitarian agencies. Last week, more than five women delivered as they fled Kamango following the fighting.
In a telephone interview, Richard Nsubuga, the URCS Western region manager who is in Bundibugyo told URN that the expectant mothers have been accommodated in a special area at Bubukwanga Sub County headquarters for close monitoring by medical workers. He says that none of the women has suffered any complications since fleeing to Uganda. Nsubuga says they have requested the Bundibugyo district leadership to provide more medical workers to attend to the women. Stephen Sesanga, the Medical Superintendent Bundibugyo Hospital, told Uganda Radio Network that they have also set up a special ward for the expectant mothers should they be brought to the hospital. He however says the hospital is constrained by lack of adequate medical workers.
According to the Red Cross, other emerging humanitarian needs are firewood and saucepans, water storage facilities, latrines and emergency health tent for health emergencies. URCS Secretary General Michael Richard Nataka says that by Sunday, at least 66,139 refugees had been registered at the reception centre at Bubandi Primary School. He also says that they plan to conduct fresh registration at the transit centre as more refugees are still crossing into Uganda to enable humanitarian agencies and government establish numbers of those accommodated at the centre.
On Monday, the Police started moving hundreds of refugees from five reception centres of Nyahuka, Kalera, Buthogho, Bubandi and Bundingoma to a transit camp in Bundibugyo. The transit camp camp is located in Bubukwanga Sub County, eight kilometers from Bundibugyo town towards Fort Portal. The refugees were ferried in trucks provided by the URCS and Police provided trucks. WFP has provided 54.2 metric tones of food, UNICEF water tank of 10, 000 liters and 500 essential household kits.
At least two thousand expectant mothers are part of the Congolese refugees who fled into Uganda last week following clashes between government forces and M23 rebels in Kamango town, Uganda Radio Network has learnt. As a result, more than 62,000 Congolese have since fled to Bundibugyo district in Uganda. The health committee of Uganda Redcross Society-URSC says the high number of expectant mothers is e of the biggest challenges facing humanitarian agencies. Last week, more than five women delivered as they fled Kamango following the fighting.
In a telephone interview, Richard Nsubuga, the URCS Western region manager who is in Bundibugyo told URN that the expectant mothers have been accommodated in a special area at Bubukwanga Sub County headquarters for close monitoring by medical workers. He says that none of the women has suffered any complications since fleeing to Uganda. Nsubuga says they have requested the Bundibugyo district leadership to provide more medical workers to attend to the women. Stephen Sesanga, the Medical Superintendent Bundibugyo Hospital, told Uganda Radio Network that they have also set up a special ward for the expectant mothers should they be brought to the hospital. He however says the hospital is constrained by lack of adequate medical workers.
According to the Red Cross, other emerging humanitarian needs are firewood and saucepans, water storage facilities, latrines and emergency health tent for health emergencies. URCS Secretary General Michael Richard Nataka says that by Sunday, at least 66,139 refugees had been registered at the reception centre at Bubandi Primary School. He also says that they plan to conduct fresh registration at the transit centre as more refugees are still crossing into Uganda to enable humanitarian agencies and government establish numbers of those accommodated at the centre.
On Monday, the Police started moving hundreds of refugees from five reception centres of Nyahuka, Kalera, Buthogho, Bubandi and Bundingoma to a transit camp in Bundibugyo. The transit camp camp is located in Bubukwanga Sub County, eight kilometers from Bundibugyo town towards Fort Portal. The refugees were ferried in trucks provided by the URCS and Police provided trucks. WFP has provided 54.2 metric tones of food, UNICEF water tank of 10, 000 liters and 500 essential household kits.
Ethics Minister Orders Police to Investigate Former Kabarole CAO
http://ugandaradionetwork.com/a/story.php?s=54500
The Minister of State for Ethics and Integrity, Fr. Simon Lokodo has ordered the police to investigate the former Chief Administrative Officer Kabarole, Juma Nyende for his role in the purchase of tree seedlings.
Lokodo who was in Fort Portal was incensed that Nyende refused to be interviewed by the police, who were investigating a case in which Richard Nyakana, the former secretary for production, is alleged to have mismanaged 14 million shillings meant for purchase of tree seedlings.
Last year, Nyakana was sacked for allegedly mismanaging the funds meant for the purchase of tree seedlings in 22 sub counties and town councils that suffered adverse effects of hailstorm.
Richard Rwabuhinga, the district chairperson, opened a case of theft against Nyakana at Fort Portal police station. Rwabuhinga claims that Nyakana used only 5.5 million shillings out of the 14 million shillings that had been approved and swindled the rest of the money.
Rwabuhinga also claims that Nyakana forged the signatures of the forestry officer, Emmanuel Kaganda and allegedly bought Musizi tree species.
Lokodo was in Fort Portal to find out why investigations into the case have never been completed, since last year.
Joseph Kamugisha, the police detective who was investigating the case, told Lokodo that they were being frustrated by Nyende and Rwabuhinga. According to Kamugisha, Nyende refused to write a statement and avail the police with vital information like receipts, which were in his possession. He also said that despite requests by the police Rwabuhinga refused to write a statement at police, since he was the complainant.
Kamugisha’s revelation angered Lokodo who said that the police should investigate Nyende. According to Lokodo, the failure by Nyende to cooperate in police investigations is an indication that he could have connived with Nyakana to swindle the funds.
//Cue in: “I need the CAO to be brought…
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Lokodo put Rwabuhinga to task to explain why he refused to write a statement at police, however Rwabuhinga refused to reply, prompting the minister to order Rwabuhinga to immediately write a statement at the police, since he was the main complainant.
Lokodo gave the police two weeks to complete investigations into the case and the culprits taken to courts of law.
Nyende was last month transferred to Ssembabule district. His transfer came after a section of councilors petitioned the Ministry of Local Government, accusing him of failing to implement council resolutions which they said had affected service delivery and embezzling 100 million shillings meant for the architectural design of Fort Portal Municipal stadium.
Other allegations against Nyende included failing to account for 22 million shillings under the HASP project which was funded by the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA) for the purchase of motorcycles for district extension workers. Also mentioned is the alleged mismanagement of 7 million shillings meant to repair a district tractor and the illegal hiring of the district road unit to Ntoroko district local government.
The Minister of State for Ethics and Integrity, Fr. Simon Lokodo has ordered the police to investigate the former Chief Administrative Officer Kabarole, Juma Nyende for his role in the purchase of tree seedlings.
Lokodo who was in Fort Portal was incensed that Nyende refused to be interviewed by the police, who were investigating a case in which Richard Nyakana, the former secretary for production, is alleged to have mismanaged 14 million shillings meant for purchase of tree seedlings.
Last year, Nyakana was sacked for allegedly mismanaging the funds meant for the purchase of tree seedlings in 22 sub counties and town councils that suffered adverse effects of hailstorm.
Richard Rwabuhinga, the district chairperson, opened a case of theft against Nyakana at Fort Portal police station. Rwabuhinga claims that Nyakana used only 5.5 million shillings out of the 14 million shillings that had been approved and swindled the rest of the money.
Rwabuhinga also claims that Nyakana forged the signatures of the forestry officer, Emmanuel Kaganda and allegedly bought Musizi tree species.
Lokodo was in Fort Portal to find out why investigations into the case have never been completed, since last year.
Joseph Kamugisha, the police detective who was investigating the case, told Lokodo that they were being frustrated by Nyende and Rwabuhinga. According to Kamugisha, Nyende refused to write a statement and avail the police with vital information like receipts, which were in his possession. He also said that despite requests by the police Rwabuhinga refused to write a statement at police, since he was the complainant.
Kamugisha’s revelation angered Lokodo who said that the police should investigate Nyende. According to Lokodo, the failure by Nyende to cooperate in police investigations is an indication that he could have connived with Nyakana to swindle the funds.
//Cue in: “I need the CAO to be brought…
Cue out: “…its terrible corruption.”//
Lokodo put Rwabuhinga to task to explain why he refused to write a statement at police, however Rwabuhinga refused to reply, prompting the minister to order Rwabuhinga to immediately write a statement at the police, since he was the main complainant.
Lokodo gave the police two weeks to complete investigations into the case and the culprits taken to courts of law.
Nyende was last month transferred to Ssembabule district. His transfer came after a section of councilors petitioned the Ministry of Local Government, accusing him of failing to implement council resolutions which they said had affected service delivery and embezzling 100 million shillings meant for the architectural design of Fort Portal Municipal stadium.
Other allegations against Nyende included failing to account for 22 million shillings under the HASP project which was funded by the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA) for the purchase of motorcycles for district extension workers. Also mentioned is the alleged mismanagement of 7 million shillings meant to repair a district tractor and the illegal hiring of the district road unit to Ntoroko district local government.
Monday, 15 July 2013
PSU Investigates Kabarole DPC
http://ugandaradionetwork.com/a/story.php?s=54475
Joseph Kihamba, the Kabalore district Police Commander is in trouble for alleged connivance with administrators of Mpanga secondary school to inflate the cost of services offered to the school by the force. Kihamba is being investigated by the Professional Standards Unit-PSU. Kihamba has been replaced by Geoffrey Kaheebwa, who has been Masaka District Police Commander. In 2012, Mpanga Secondary School sought the services of Fort Portal police station to guard construction materials. Police deployed two cops at the cost of 24,000 each day.
At the end of each month, 700,000 shillings from the guarding services, was deposited on the revenue collection account of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) at the police headquarters. However, it is alleged that Kihamba received 1.2 million shillings per month from the school for the whole of last year. In a telephone interview, Charles Babweteera, the head of the Anti-Corruption desk, at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) told Uganda Radio Network that the money was being signed by police officers on duty at the school. Babweteera says that investigations were carried out and it was established that after signing for the money at the end of each month, it was then taken to Kihamba who never accounted for it.
According to Babweteera, it was illegal for Kihamba to receive more money from the school and yet the money for the guards was being paid to the police headquarters. He says Kihamba received the money for his personal use, since he didn’t account for it to the police authorities. Babweteera says that the Officer In-charge Fort Portal Police Station, Abdul Mulawa is also under investigations for allegedly sharing the money with Kihamba. The extra money paid to Kihamba was unearthed by the Ruwenzori Anti-Corruption Coalition (RAC), an NGO in the region, which petitioned the Inspector General of Police, Kale Kayihura, the Inspector General of Government (IGG) and the State Minister for Ethics and Integrity, Fr. Simon Lokodo to investigate why the school was paying extra money to the police.
Kayihura then instructed the PPSU to investigate the allegations against Kihamba. Last week, Kihamba was ordered to leave office and report to the police headquarters. Babweteera also told Uganda Radio Network that police is also investigating some school administrators at Mpanga, who could have connived with Kihamba. The professional standards unit of the Uganda police force is responsible for handling citizen's complaints, investigating misconduct, negligence of duty and handling civil complaints brought against the police force and its employees.
Joseph Kihamba, the Kabalore district Police Commander is in trouble for alleged connivance with administrators of Mpanga secondary school to inflate the cost of services offered to the school by the force. Kihamba is being investigated by the Professional Standards Unit-PSU. Kihamba has been replaced by Geoffrey Kaheebwa, who has been Masaka District Police Commander. In 2012, Mpanga Secondary School sought the services of Fort Portal police station to guard construction materials. Police deployed two cops at the cost of 24,000 each day.
At the end of each month, 700,000 shillings from the guarding services, was deposited on the revenue collection account of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) at the police headquarters. However, it is alleged that Kihamba received 1.2 million shillings per month from the school for the whole of last year. In a telephone interview, Charles Babweteera, the head of the Anti-Corruption desk, at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) told Uganda Radio Network that the money was being signed by police officers on duty at the school. Babweteera says that investigations were carried out and it was established that after signing for the money at the end of each month, it was then taken to Kihamba who never accounted for it.
According to Babweteera, it was illegal for Kihamba to receive more money from the school and yet the money for the guards was being paid to the police headquarters. He says Kihamba received the money for his personal use, since he didn’t account for it to the police authorities. Babweteera says that the Officer In-charge Fort Portal Police Station, Abdul Mulawa is also under investigations for allegedly sharing the money with Kihamba. The extra money paid to Kihamba was unearthed by the Ruwenzori Anti-Corruption Coalition (RAC), an NGO in the region, which petitioned the Inspector General of Police, Kale Kayihura, the Inspector General of Government (IGG) and the State Minister for Ethics and Integrity, Fr. Simon Lokodo to investigate why the school was paying extra money to the police.
Kayihura then instructed the PPSU to investigate the allegations against Kihamba. Last week, Kihamba was ordered to leave office and report to the police headquarters. Babweteera also told Uganda Radio Network that police is also investigating some school administrators at Mpanga, who could have connived with Kihamba. The professional standards unit of the Uganda police force is responsible for handling citizen's complaints, investigating misconduct, negligence of duty and handling civil complaints brought against the police force and its employees.
Saturday, 13 July 2013
Bundibugyo Struggles To Contain Congolese Refugees
http://ugandaradionetwork.com/a/story.php?s=54423
The humanitarian crisis in Bundibugyo district continues to worry security, district and humanitarian officials as more refugees continue to enter the district.
Although the office of the prime Minister says that it has so far registered 23,000 refugees fleeing fighting, more refugees are expected in the district.
Jolly Tibamanya, the LC5 Chairperson Bundibugyo district, says that this is the highest number of refugees that have entered the district. Tibamanya says that the district doesn't have any funds to cater for the refugees.
Nisiima Rwamijuma, the UPDF spokesperson Ruwenzori region, told Uganda Radio Network at Busunga Border Post that there are over 30,000 refugees who could have entered the district since yesterday. Nisiima says that there isn’t a correct figure because of several entry points where the refugees are using to enter into Bundibugyo district. The entry points are Kasiri, Bundibugoma and Butungo, all in Nyahuka Sub County.
//Cue in: “we are having over…
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Two refugee camps have been set up at Bubandi Primary School and Busolu Primary School in Nyahuka Sub County.
At the main camp at Bubandi Primary School, the compound is filled with many children crying as their mothers look on. All the seven classroom blocks and offices are also filled to capacity. The refugees have also sought refugee at Bubandi Catholic Church compound.
The LC3 chairperson, Bubandi Sub County, Joram Byamaka says that they are overwhelmed by the number of the refuges. He says that they are planning to transfer some of the refugees to Bubandi Sub county headquarters, Busalu, Kalera and Bulira Primary Schools.
Byamaka also says that the district has no funds to purchase food for the refugees. He says that they are yet to receive relief assistance from the Office of the Prime Minister. Byamaka also says that there is worry that there could be an outbreak of diseases, because of the poor sanitation.
//Cue in: “the problem of sanitation…
Cue out: “…to Bubandi sub county headquarters.”//
Catherine Ntabadde Makumbi, the Head of Communications Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS), says that URCS has registered 18, 450 Congolese refugees, 41 of which are minors who crossed without their families.
She also says that 50 Red Cross Action team volunteers have been deployed to support the operations and an additional 50 Red Cross volunteers are on standby.
The URCS Secretary General Michael Richard Nataka says that URCS may need about sh2.5b to address the immediate needs for the refugees. According to Nakata, URCS has so far dispatched 300 essential household kits, 300 family tents, 10 first aid kits, stretchers and first aid replenishment materials.
Faith Mbambu, a Congolese from town says that more than twenty armed men stormed Kamango village and started shooting indiscriminately. She says that she fled with her six children leaving behind her property.
The humanitarian crisis in Bundibugyo district continues to worry security, district and humanitarian officials as more refugees continue to enter the district.
Although the office of the prime Minister says that it has so far registered 23,000 refugees fleeing fighting, more refugees are expected in the district.
Jolly Tibamanya, the LC5 Chairperson Bundibugyo district, says that this is the highest number of refugees that have entered the district. Tibamanya says that the district doesn't have any funds to cater for the refugees.
Nisiima Rwamijuma, the UPDF spokesperson Ruwenzori region, told Uganda Radio Network at Busunga Border Post that there are over 30,000 refugees who could have entered the district since yesterday. Nisiima says that there isn’t a correct figure because of several entry points where the refugees are using to enter into Bundibugyo district. The entry points are Kasiri, Bundibugoma and Butungo, all in Nyahuka Sub County.
//Cue in: “we are having over…
Cue out: “…those people are screened.”//
Two refugee camps have been set up at Bubandi Primary School and Busolu Primary School in Nyahuka Sub County.
At the main camp at Bubandi Primary School, the compound is filled with many children crying as their mothers look on. All the seven classroom blocks and offices are also filled to capacity. The refugees have also sought refugee at Bubandi Catholic Church compound.
The LC3 chairperson, Bubandi Sub County, Joram Byamaka says that they are overwhelmed by the number of the refuges. He says that they are planning to transfer some of the refugees to Bubandi Sub county headquarters, Busalu, Kalera and Bulira Primary Schools.
Byamaka also says that the district has no funds to purchase food for the refugees. He says that they are yet to receive relief assistance from the Office of the Prime Minister. Byamaka also says that there is worry that there could be an outbreak of diseases, because of the poor sanitation.
//Cue in: “the problem of sanitation…
Cue out: “…to Bubandi sub county headquarters.”//
Catherine Ntabadde Makumbi, the Head of Communications Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS), says that URCS has registered 18, 450 Congolese refugees, 41 of which are minors who crossed without their families.
She also says that 50 Red Cross Action team volunteers have been deployed to support the operations and an additional 50 Red Cross volunteers are on standby.
The URCS Secretary General Michael Richard Nataka says that URCS may need about sh2.5b to address the immediate needs for the refugees. According to Nakata, URCS has so far dispatched 300 essential household kits, 300 family tents, 10 first aid kits, stretchers and first aid replenishment materials.
Faith Mbambu, a Congolese from town says that more than twenty armed men stormed Kamango village and started shooting indiscriminately. She says that she fled with her six children leaving behind her property.
UPDF Rules Out ADF Attack on Congolese Town
http://ugandaradionetwork.com/a/story.php?s=54388
The Uganda’s People Defence Forces (UPDF) has said that the Allied Democratic Force (ADF) rebels were not behind the attack of a town in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
On Thursday, more than 10,000 refugees crossed into Uganda at the Busunga Border post in Bundibugyo district. They fled after rebels attacked the town of Kamango, 11 kilometers from the DRC-Uganda border.
Speaking to Uganda Radio Network at the Busunga border post, the 2nd Division army spokesperson, Nisiima Rwamijuma, said that they have received intelligence information from their counterparts in DRC, that the armed group which attacked the town was not ADF.
Asked which rebel group could have been behind the attacks, Nisiima said that they are yet to establish the group. He, however, said that the army will remain alert at the border to deter any group that might want to take advantage of the fighting in the DRC.
//Cue in: “ADF hasn’t attacked…
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At the Busunga border, security has been taken over by the army and police. All the refugees entering the county and carrying luggage are subjected to thorough checking. There is also heavy deployment at the ungazzetted entry points in Bundibugyo at Kasiri, Bundibugoma and Butungo.
More refugees especially women and children continue to flee into Bundibugyo district as fighting between the armed group and the Congolese army continues. Uganda Radio Network reporter at Busunga could hear gunshots near the border.
During Thursday’s fighting between the group and the Congolese army, four workers of Medicines San Frontiers operating in Kabango town were kidnapped by the rebels. The town’s health centre was also attacked by the rebels, forcing the patients to flee. The rebels also robbed drugs.
There are numerous armed groups in the mineral-rich eastern DR Congo, who have caused havoc over the past two decades.
The Uganda’s People Defence Forces (UPDF) has said that the Allied Democratic Force (ADF) rebels were not behind the attack of a town in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
On Thursday, more than 10,000 refugees crossed into Uganda at the Busunga Border post in Bundibugyo district. They fled after rebels attacked the town of Kamango, 11 kilometers from the DRC-Uganda border.
Speaking to Uganda Radio Network at the Busunga border post, the 2nd Division army spokesperson, Nisiima Rwamijuma, said that they have received intelligence information from their counterparts in DRC, that the armed group which attacked the town was not ADF.
Asked which rebel group could have been behind the attacks, Nisiima said that they are yet to establish the group. He, however, said that the army will remain alert at the border to deter any group that might want to take advantage of the fighting in the DRC.
//Cue in: “ADF hasn’t attacked…
Cue out: “…the Congolese army.”//
At the Busunga border, security has been taken over by the army and police. All the refugees entering the county and carrying luggage are subjected to thorough checking. There is also heavy deployment at the ungazzetted entry points in Bundibugyo at Kasiri, Bundibugoma and Butungo.
More refugees especially women and children continue to flee into Bundibugyo district as fighting between the armed group and the Congolese army continues. Uganda Radio Network reporter at Busunga could hear gunshots near the border.
During Thursday’s fighting between the group and the Congolese army, four workers of Medicines San Frontiers operating in Kabango town were kidnapped by the rebels. The town’s health centre was also attacked by the rebels, forcing the patients to flee. The rebels also robbed drugs.
There are numerous armed groups in the mineral-rich eastern DR Congo, who have caused havoc over the past two decades.
Thursday, 11 July 2013
500 Congolese Refugees Fleeing Fighting Enter Uganda
http://ugandaradionetwork.com/a/story.php?s=54376
More than 500 Congolese refugees have entered Uganda through Bundibugyo District.
The refugees entered the district this morning following last night’s fierce fighting between Congolese soldiers and rebels. They are currently being received at the Busunga border post by the army, police and Bundibugyo district authorities.
In a telephone interview, the UPDF 2nd Division spokesman Lt Ninsiima Rwemijuma told Uganda Radio network so far more than 500 refugees have been screened at the border post, but expects the number to increase.
Rwemijuma says that most of the refugees were living in Kabango town near the DRC-Uganda border which was captured by the rebels last night. Rwemijuma says that he is yet to confirm which rebel group captured the town.
According to Rwemijuma, majority of the refugees are women and children.
The Resident District Commissioner Bundibugyo, Pius Mujuzi told Uganda Radio Network on phone that refugees have been taken to Bubandi Primary School, in Bubandi Sub County, where they are seeking refuge. Mujuzi says that the district has nothing to give the refugees in terms of food and medical care.
Mujuzi says that are waiting for assistance from the Bundibugyo district Red Cross team. He also says that the disaster department in the office of the Prime Minister has been informed of the conditions of the refugees.
More than 500 Congolese refugees have entered Uganda through Bundibugyo District.
The refugees entered the district this morning following last night’s fierce fighting between Congolese soldiers and rebels. They are currently being received at the Busunga border post by the army, police and Bundibugyo district authorities.
In a telephone interview, the UPDF 2nd Division spokesman Lt Ninsiima Rwemijuma told Uganda Radio network so far more than 500 refugees have been screened at the border post, but expects the number to increase.
Rwemijuma says that most of the refugees were living in Kabango town near the DRC-Uganda border which was captured by the rebels last night. Rwemijuma says that he is yet to confirm which rebel group captured the town.
According to Rwemijuma, majority of the refugees are women and children.
The Resident District Commissioner Bundibugyo, Pius Mujuzi told Uganda Radio Network on phone that refugees have been taken to Bubandi Primary School, in Bubandi Sub County, where they are seeking refuge. Mujuzi says that the district has nothing to give the refugees in terms of food and medical care.
Mujuzi says that are waiting for assistance from the Bundibugyo district Red Cross team. He also says that the disaster department in the office of the Prime Minister has been informed of the conditions of the refugees.
Tuesday, 9 July 2013
Tooro Kingdom in Talks With Anti-Kingdom Group
http://ugandaradionetwork.com/a/story.php?s=54288
Tooro Kingdom is in talks with leaders in Ntoroko district to end their negative stance to the kingdom.
Tensions between Tooro Kingdom and local leaders in Ntoroko district started last year in July when a group named, the Anti-Tooro Kingdom’s Interference in Butuku emerged, claiming that Ntoroko district isn’t part of Tooro. The group warned Tooro Kingdom against extending its cultural values and influence to Butuku. At that time, the group protested King Oyo’s proposed visit to the area.
On Monday, a delegation of Tooro Kingdom officials led by Steven Kaliba, the Kingdom Premier, travelled to Ntoroko district and met some members of the group and pleaded with them to be part of the kingdom activities.
Vincent Haliri, the Tooro Kingdom information minister, told Uganda Radio Network that the visit to Ntoroko was aimed at addressing some of the concerns of the group. Haliri says that the delegation from the Kingdom was surprised by the sudden change in the leaders attitude and yet since time immemorial, they were paid allegiance to King Oyo.
He says that as part of the reconciliation, they plan to elect representatives from Ntoroko to be members of the Kingdom parliament, the Orukurato. Haliri also says that they also want to extend some of the Kingdom activities to Ntoroko like giving bursaries to needy children, promoting the granary project among others.
//Cue in: “we decided to visit…
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Uganda Radio Network has established from some Kingdom sources that the visit by the kingdom premier was also to prepare ground for King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru’s visit to Ntoroko in early September, as part of the activities to celebrate his 20th coronation (Empango) anniversary.
In a telephone interview, Timothy Kyamanywa, the Ntoroko district LC V chairperson who is a member of the anti-kingdom group said he attended the meeting as a leader, but maintains that Ntoroko district is not being part of Tooro Kingdom.
Kyamanywa says that King Oyo is free to visit Ntoroko as an individual since he has relatives there and not as a King. King Oyo’s mother Best Kemigisa is a Mutuku from Ntoroko. He also says that the Batooro living are free to be elected members of the Kingdom parliament, but not the Batuku.
In a telephone interview, Kaliba says that the Kingdom will continue to hold talks with the group in a bid to invlove them in all kingdom activties.
Last year, Kyamanywa banned the Tooro Kingdom Anthem in the district. Kyamanywa said that by singing the Tooro Kingdom anthem, it meant that Ntoroko is part of the Kingdom yet it is not.
Last week, six head teachers in Ntoroko district face disciplinary action for allowing the Tooro Kingdom Anthem to be sang in their schools.
Tooro Kingdom is in talks with leaders in Ntoroko district to end their negative stance to the kingdom.
Tensions between Tooro Kingdom and local leaders in Ntoroko district started last year in July when a group named, the Anti-Tooro Kingdom’s Interference in Butuku emerged, claiming that Ntoroko district isn’t part of Tooro. The group warned Tooro Kingdom against extending its cultural values and influence to Butuku. At that time, the group protested King Oyo’s proposed visit to the area.
On Monday, a delegation of Tooro Kingdom officials led by Steven Kaliba, the Kingdom Premier, travelled to Ntoroko district and met some members of the group and pleaded with them to be part of the kingdom activities.
Vincent Haliri, the Tooro Kingdom information minister, told Uganda Radio Network that the visit to Ntoroko was aimed at addressing some of the concerns of the group. Haliri says that the delegation from the Kingdom was surprised by the sudden change in the leaders attitude and yet since time immemorial, they were paid allegiance to King Oyo.
He says that as part of the reconciliation, they plan to elect representatives from Ntoroko to be members of the Kingdom parliament, the Orukurato. Haliri also says that they also want to extend some of the Kingdom activities to Ntoroko like giving bursaries to needy children, promoting the granary project among others.
//Cue in: “we decided to visit…
Cue out: “…people with that kind of thinking.”//
Uganda Radio Network has established from some Kingdom sources that the visit by the kingdom premier was also to prepare ground for King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru’s visit to Ntoroko in early September, as part of the activities to celebrate his 20th coronation (Empango) anniversary.
In a telephone interview, Timothy Kyamanywa, the Ntoroko district LC V chairperson who is a member of the anti-kingdom group said he attended the meeting as a leader, but maintains that Ntoroko district is not being part of Tooro Kingdom.
Kyamanywa says that King Oyo is free to visit Ntoroko as an individual since he has relatives there and not as a King. King Oyo’s mother Best Kemigisa is a Mutuku from Ntoroko. He also says that the Batooro living are free to be elected members of the Kingdom parliament, but not the Batuku.
In a telephone interview, Kaliba says that the Kingdom will continue to hold talks with the group in a bid to invlove them in all kingdom activties.
Last year, Kyamanywa banned the Tooro Kingdom Anthem in the district. Kyamanywa said that by singing the Tooro Kingdom anthem, it meant that Ntoroko is part of the Kingdom yet it is not.
Last week, six head teachers in Ntoroko district face disciplinary action for allowing the Tooro Kingdom Anthem to be sang in their schools.
Monday, 8 July 2013
Fort Portal Hospital Workers On Strike
http://ugandaradionetwork.com/a/story.php?s=54240
Medical workers at Fort Portal Referral Hospital have again gone on a sit down strike, paralyzing work at the hospital.
This is the fourth time the medical workers have gone on strike to protest government’s failure to pay their salaries for three months.
A visit to the hospital by the Uganda Radio Network reporter on Monday saw patients, especially in the Out-Patients Department (OPD), in desperate need for help. Some of the patients were sleeping on the floor, waiting for treatment, but in vain. Some of the attendants have been forced to transfer the patients to other health facilities.
In the male and female wards, some of the patients were being attended to by intern doctors from Fort Portal Nursing School. The maternity ward, x-ray and pediatric ward have all been abandoned. Three expectant mothers were also denied entrance to the maternity ward by the striking staff. Their relatives were forced to transfer them to another health facility.
Patients were also stopped at the gate and denied entrance to the hospital, by the hospital security guards, who told them to return home, since there is no medical worker to attend to them. Some medical workers jeered at patients who pleaded for help.
David Mwesige, a patient from Kamwenge district, says that he was supposed to have a hernia operation on Monday morning. Mwesige says that he has no option but wait until the workers return for duty, since he has no money to go to a private health facility.
Charles Mali, the Chairperson of the Uganda Medical Workers Union Fort Portal branch, told Uganda Radio Network that last week they resolved to lay down their tools after failure to have their salaries paid by the third day of July.
According to Mali, the health workers demand salaries for April, May and June. He says that unlike in the past when they called off their strike after meetings with the hospital administration, this time they have vowed not to call it off until the money has been deposited on their bank accounts.
In a telephone interview, the acting Hospital director Oscar Kaliisa Kyebambe said they tried to convince the staff to continue with work until they are paid, but they failed to adhere.
According to Kaliisa, the hospital administration has left the matter to the Ministry of Health.
However in a statement released today by the Dr Charles Olaro, the Hospital Director, the workers have been told to report to work. Olaro says that he has personally spoken to the Minister of Health, Dr Ruhakana Rugunda, who has promised to address the matter before the end of day today.
However by the time of filing this report, the medical workers were still on strike.
In April and May, the medical workers laid down their tools to compel government to clear their salary arrears. The medical workers called off the strikes after Dr. Isaac Ezati, the Director for Planning at the Ministry of Health held a meeting with them and promised to ensure their salaries are cleared by June 14th but nothing was done.
Medical workers at Fort Portal Referral Hospital have again gone on a sit down strike, paralyzing work at the hospital.
This is the fourth time the medical workers have gone on strike to protest government’s failure to pay their salaries for three months.
A visit to the hospital by the Uganda Radio Network reporter on Monday saw patients, especially in the Out-Patients Department (OPD), in desperate need for help. Some of the patients were sleeping on the floor, waiting for treatment, but in vain. Some of the attendants have been forced to transfer the patients to other health facilities.
In the male and female wards, some of the patients were being attended to by intern doctors from Fort Portal Nursing School. The maternity ward, x-ray and pediatric ward have all been abandoned. Three expectant mothers were also denied entrance to the maternity ward by the striking staff. Their relatives were forced to transfer them to another health facility.
Patients were also stopped at the gate and denied entrance to the hospital, by the hospital security guards, who told them to return home, since there is no medical worker to attend to them. Some medical workers jeered at patients who pleaded for help.
David Mwesige, a patient from Kamwenge district, says that he was supposed to have a hernia operation on Monday morning. Mwesige says that he has no option but wait until the workers return for duty, since he has no money to go to a private health facility.
Charles Mali, the Chairperson of the Uganda Medical Workers Union Fort Portal branch, told Uganda Radio Network that last week they resolved to lay down their tools after failure to have their salaries paid by the third day of July.
According to Mali, the health workers demand salaries for April, May and June. He says that unlike in the past when they called off their strike after meetings with the hospital administration, this time they have vowed not to call it off until the money has been deposited on their bank accounts.
In a telephone interview, the acting Hospital director Oscar Kaliisa Kyebambe said they tried to convince the staff to continue with work until they are paid, but they failed to adhere.
According to Kaliisa, the hospital administration has left the matter to the Ministry of Health.
However in a statement released today by the Dr Charles Olaro, the Hospital Director, the workers have been told to report to work. Olaro says that he has personally spoken to the Minister of Health, Dr Ruhakana Rugunda, who has promised to address the matter before the end of day today.
However by the time of filing this report, the medical workers were still on strike.
In April and May, the medical workers laid down their tools to compel government to clear their salary arrears. The medical workers called off the strikes after Dr. Isaac Ezati, the Director for Planning at the Ministry of Health held a meeting with them and promised to ensure their salaries are cleared by June 14th but nothing was done.
Thursday, 4 July 2013
Sub Counties, Town Councils Disagree Over Local Revenue
http://ugandaradionetwork.com/a/story.php?s=54125
Sub Counties and town councils in Kabarole district are fighting over the control of local revenue.
Last week, during the district council session, a resolution was passed that the newly created town councils should share the local revenue with the respective sub counties. The new town councils are Rwimi, Kibiito and Karago. According to the council resolution, the town councils are supposed to receive 40% of the local revenue.
The councilors argue that since the town councils are new, they lack adequate funds for them to operate. However this didn’t go well with the sub county authorities, who say that the local revenue is inadequate and can’t be shared between two administrative units.
This has stalled implementation of some activities, since they lack funds.
In Rwimi town council, there isn’t any water source. Residents are forced to spend 300 shillings on a jerry can of water or walk long distances to fetch water. Bright Kamugasa, the LC3 Chairperson for Rwimi town council, says that although the local revenue is not enough, it can be used to construct at least four boreholes in the town council. Kamugasa says the nearest water sources from the town council are 5 kilometers away. Rwimi Sub County generates 400 million shillings in local revenue per month.
He says that since some of the markets are located in the town council, they should have a share of the revenue.
//Cue in: “The money isn’t enough…
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But Francis Mwesige, the LC3 chairperson for Kibiito Sub County, says they will not share the local revenue with the town council, because it has many activities to implement like construction of more markets, public toilets and bore holes.
However, some residents accuse the leaders of hurriedly advocating for creation of the town councils.
Harriet Kobwemi, a trader at Kibiito market, says that some of the residents weren’t consulted by the leaders on the creation of the town council. She says that some leaders wanted the town council created because they wanted to contest for elective posts.
Gerald Mugenyi, a resident of Rwimi town council says the government’s argument that the creation of new administrative units will bring services closer to the people is a hoax. Mugenyi says that since the creation of Kibiito town council, residents are still facing difficulties to access clean and safe water. According to Mugenyi, instead of creating more administrative units, the government should increase funding for social services.
//Cue in: “The creation’s a hoax…
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In a telephone interview, Harriet Nanyonjo, the deputy Chief Administrative Officer Kabarole, says she will meet leaders of the town councils and sub county, to address the matter.
The district created new town councils of Rwimi, Karago and Kibiito in July 2009.
Sub Counties and town councils in Kabarole district are fighting over the control of local revenue.
Last week, during the district council session, a resolution was passed that the newly created town councils should share the local revenue with the respective sub counties. The new town councils are Rwimi, Kibiito and Karago. According to the council resolution, the town councils are supposed to receive 40% of the local revenue.
The councilors argue that since the town councils are new, they lack adequate funds for them to operate. However this didn’t go well with the sub county authorities, who say that the local revenue is inadequate and can’t be shared between two administrative units.
This has stalled implementation of some activities, since they lack funds.
In Rwimi town council, there isn’t any water source. Residents are forced to spend 300 shillings on a jerry can of water or walk long distances to fetch water. Bright Kamugasa, the LC3 Chairperson for Rwimi town council, says that although the local revenue is not enough, it can be used to construct at least four boreholes in the town council. Kamugasa says the nearest water sources from the town council are 5 kilometers away. Rwimi Sub County generates 400 million shillings in local revenue per month.
He says that since some of the markets are located in the town council, they should have a share of the revenue.
//Cue in: “The money isn’t enough…
Cue out: …not helping at all.”//
But Francis Mwesige, the LC3 chairperson for Kibiito Sub County, says they will not share the local revenue with the town council, because it has many activities to implement like construction of more markets, public toilets and bore holes.
However, some residents accuse the leaders of hurriedly advocating for creation of the town councils.
Harriet Kobwemi, a trader at Kibiito market, says that some of the residents weren’t consulted by the leaders on the creation of the town council. She says that some leaders wanted the town council created because they wanted to contest for elective posts.
Gerald Mugenyi, a resident of Rwimi town council says the government’s argument that the creation of new administrative units will bring services closer to the people is a hoax. Mugenyi says that since the creation of Kibiito town council, residents are still facing difficulties to access clean and safe water. According to Mugenyi, instead of creating more administrative units, the government should increase funding for social services.
//Cue in: “The creation’s a hoax…
Cue out: …dividing the districts.”//
In a telephone interview, Harriet Nanyonjo, the deputy Chief Administrative Officer Kabarole, says she will meet leaders of the town councils and sub county, to address the matter.
The district created new town councils of Rwimi, Karago and Kibiito in July 2009.
Tuesday, 2 July 2013
Poison Scare Forces NWSC To Disconnect Water In Kasese Town
http://ugandaradionetwork.com/a/story.php?s=54022
A poison scare has this morning forced the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) to switch off water in Kasese Municipality.
The NWSC staff disconnected the water at 6:30am, after unknown people reportedly moved around the municipality telling people not to use what they called poison-laced water.
In a telephone interview, the NWSC area Manager for Kasese, Stanley Kamugisa, said samples of the water have been taken to NWSC laboratory in Kasese town for testing, which will last for three hours.
Michael Musani Sabila, the Kasese District Police Commander, told Uganda Radio Network that they received information from residents of Kidondo Suburb that unknown people were moving around the suburb telling the residents that water had been poisoned by ‘enemies’ of the Bakonzo community.
Sabila says that they didn’t want to take chances and requested NWSC to disconnect and test the water.
Before the water was disconnected, staff of NWSC went to all radio stations in Kasese municipality urging the residents not to use the water. The water was then disconnected.
The poison scare comes at a time heightened ethnic tensions between the Bakonzo and Bamba, after Rwenzururu King, Charles Wesley Mumbere, was blocked from traveling to Bundibugyo for the kingdom’s annual peace event.
On Saturday, the Inspector General of Police, General Kale Kayihura announced that government had stopped Mumbere from travelling to Bundibugyo, where the Bamba had accused him of trying to impose himself on them. Mumbere, a Mukonzo, accused government of using the police to promote the interests of the Bamba and Basongora, who oppose his kingdom.
In June last year, a similar visit resulted into ethnic clashes leaving at least 400 people displaced. A few days later, the Basongora installed their own cultural leader, Ivan Bwebale Rutakirwa, saying that they do not belong to the Rwenzururu Kingdom. Rutakirwa was set to celebrate his first coronation anniversary this week but the function was blocked by the police.
The Bamba are also in the process of installing Major Martin Kamya, a Ugandan army serving officer, as their cultural leader. Kamya, who has been attached to 3rd infantry Division of the UPDF, was early this year allowed to retire in order for him to be installed as Bamba cultural leader.
A poison scare has this morning forced the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) to switch off water in Kasese Municipality.
The NWSC staff disconnected the water at 6:30am, after unknown people reportedly moved around the municipality telling people not to use what they called poison-laced water.
In a telephone interview, the NWSC area Manager for Kasese, Stanley Kamugisa, said samples of the water have been taken to NWSC laboratory in Kasese town for testing, which will last for three hours.
Michael Musani Sabila, the Kasese District Police Commander, told Uganda Radio Network that they received information from residents of Kidondo Suburb that unknown people were moving around the suburb telling the residents that water had been poisoned by ‘enemies’ of the Bakonzo community.
Sabila says that they didn’t want to take chances and requested NWSC to disconnect and test the water.
Before the water was disconnected, staff of NWSC went to all radio stations in Kasese municipality urging the residents not to use the water. The water was then disconnected.
The poison scare comes at a time heightened ethnic tensions between the Bakonzo and Bamba, after Rwenzururu King, Charles Wesley Mumbere, was blocked from traveling to Bundibugyo for the kingdom’s annual peace event.
On Saturday, the Inspector General of Police, General Kale Kayihura announced that government had stopped Mumbere from travelling to Bundibugyo, where the Bamba had accused him of trying to impose himself on them. Mumbere, a Mukonzo, accused government of using the police to promote the interests of the Bamba and Basongora, who oppose his kingdom.
In June last year, a similar visit resulted into ethnic clashes leaving at least 400 people displaced. A few days later, the Basongora installed their own cultural leader, Ivan Bwebale Rutakirwa, saying that they do not belong to the Rwenzururu Kingdom. Rutakirwa was set to celebrate his first coronation anniversary this week but the function was blocked by the police.
The Bamba are also in the process of installing Major Martin Kamya, a Ugandan army serving officer, as their cultural leader. Kamya, who has been attached to 3rd infantry Division of the UPDF, was early this year allowed to retire in order for him to be installed as Bamba cultural leader.
No Traces of Poison In Kasese Water
http://ugandaradionetwork.com/a/story.php?s=54047
Tests conducted on water in Kasese Municipality have found no traces of poison.
The National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) staff disconnected the water at 6:30am on Tuesday, after unknown people reportedly moved around the municipality telling locals not to use what they called poison-laced water.
The rumors originated from residents of Kidondo Suburb in Kasese Municipality, who said that unknown people were moving around the suburb telling the residents that water had been poisoned by ‘enemies’ of the Bakonzo community.
In a telephone interview with Uganda Radio Network, Stanley Kamugisa said that samples of the water was tested and found the water fit for consumption. The water in the town has now been reconnected.
Michael Musani Sabila, the Kasese District Police Commander, says that despite the false rumours, the police will take not any chances. He says that police has been deployed at the main water plant in Kasese town.
The poison scare came at a time of heightened ethnic tensions between the Bakonzo and Bamba, after Rwenzururu King, Charles Wesley Mumbere, was blocked from traveling to Bundibugyo for the kingdom’s annual peace event.
On Saturday, the Inspector General of Police, General Kale Kayihura announced that government had stopped Mumbere from travelling to Bundibugyo, where the Bamba had accused him of trying to impose himself on them. Mumbere, a Mukonzo, accused government of using the police to promote the interests of the Bamba and Basongora, who oppose his kingdom.
In June last year, a similar visit resulted into ethnic clashes leaving at least 400 people displaced. A few days later, the Basongora installed their own cultural leader, Ivan Bwebale Rutakirwa, saying that they do not belong to the Rwenzururu Kingdom. Rutakirwa was set to celebrate his first coronation anniversary this week but the function was blocked by the police.
The Bamba are also in the process of installing Major Martin Kamya, a Ugandan army serving officer, as their cultural leader. Kamya, who has been attached to 3rd infantry Division of the UPDF, was early this year allowed to retire in order for him to be installed as Bamba cultural leader.
Tests conducted on water in Kasese Municipality have found no traces of poison.
The National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) staff disconnected the water at 6:30am on Tuesday, after unknown people reportedly moved around the municipality telling locals not to use what they called poison-laced water.
The rumors originated from residents of Kidondo Suburb in Kasese Municipality, who said that unknown people were moving around the suburb telling the residents that water had been poisoned by ‘enemies’ of the Bakonzo community.
In a telephone interview with Uganda Radio Network, Stanley Kamugisa said that samples of the water was tested and found the water fit for consumption. The water in the town has now been reconnected.
Michael Musani Sabila, the Kasese District Police Commander, says that despite the false rumours, the police will take not any chances. He says that police has been deployed at the main water plant in Kasese town.
The poison scare came at a time of heightened ethnic tensions between the Bakonzo and Bamba, after Rwenzururu King, Charles Wesley Mumbere, was blocked from traveling to Bundibugyo for the kingdom’s annual peace event.
On Saturday, the Inspector General of Police, General Kale Kayihura announced that government had stopped Mumbere from travelling to Bundibugyo, where the Bamba had accused him of trying to impose himself on them. Mumbere, a Mukonzo, accused government of using the police to promote the interests of the Bamba and Basongora, who oppose his kingdom.
In June last year, a similar visit resulted into ethnic clashes leaving at least 400 people displaced. A few days later, the Basongora installed their own cultural leader, Ivan Bwebale Rutakirwa, saying that they do not belong to the Rwenzururu Kingdom. Rutakirwa was set to celebrate his first coronation anniversary this week but the function was blocked by the police.
The Bamba are also in the process of installing Major Martin Kamya, a Ugandan army serving officer, as their cultural leader. Kamya, who has been attached to 3rd infantry Division of the UPDF, was early this year allowed to retire in order for him to be installed as Bamba cultural leader.
Monday, 1 July 2013
Busongora Coronation Anniversary Celebrations Called Off
http://ugandaradionetwork.com/a/story.php?s=53996
Police have stopped the first coronation anniversary celebrations of Ivan Bwebale Rutakirwa, the Basongora cultural leader.
The celebrations were slated for this Monday at Muhokya. Rutakirwa was installed on July 1 last year as the Busongora Cultural leader. However this didn’t go down well with the Basongora, which led to clashes between the two ethnic groups. Bakonzo youths invaded Muhokya, the supposed seat of Busongora cultural leader, and took away the flag and royal drums among other items.
The anniversary celebrations were called off last night after a meeting in Kasese town between Rutakirwa and Gen. Kale Kayihura, the Inspector General of Police. In a telephone interview, Jimmy Kagoro Muzoora, the first deputy prime minister and Public Relations Officer of Busongora said Rutakirwa met with Kayihura to request him for police protection at the celebrations.
According to Muzoora, Kayihura rejected the request saying the coronation celebrations can’t take place because they could escalate the current tensions between the Bamba, Bakonzo and Basongora.
Tension has been high between the Bamba and Bakonzo since last week after Omusinga Charles Wesley Mumbere vowed to visit Bundibugyo district to celebrate the peace day celebrations. Mumbere was however blocked by the government for fear of a repeat of violence as was the case in July last year. According to Kagoro, Rutakirwa had vowed to proceed without security, but Kayihura warned them against going ahead with the celebrations. He said the Busongora cabinet later convened at the cultural leader’s palace at Muhokya and decided to call off the celebrations. He says that the celebrations will be held at another date after the situation in Kasese district has stabilized.
Since last week, there have been announcements on radio stations in Fort Portal urging the Basongora in Kabarole, Ntoroko and Kyejonjo districts to attend the celebrations. The King of Tooro, Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru had also been invited for the celebrations. This morning hundreds of Basongora Community who were travelling to the venue of the celebrations were blocked at Hima town council and stopped from proceeding to the venue. Gerald Kagenda, the Basongora representative in Hima town council, says they weren't aware that celebrations had been called off.
He says that they spent a lot of money to organize the event.
Police have stopped the first coronation anniversary celebrations of Ivan Bwebale Rutakirwa, the Basongora cultural leader.
The celebrations were slated for this Monday at Muhokya. Rutakirwa was installed on July 1 last year as the Busongora Cultural leader. However this didn’t go down well with the Basongora, which led to clashes between the two ethnic groups. Bakonzo youths invaded Muhokya, the supposed seat of Busongora cultural leader, and took away the flag and royal drums among other items.
The anniversary celebrations were called off last night after a meeting in Kasese town between Rutakirwa and Gen. Kale Kayihura, the Inspector General of Police. In a telephone interview, Jimmy Kagoro Muzoora, the first deputy prime minister and Public Relations Officer of Busongora said Rutakirwa met with Kayihura to request him for police protection at the celebrations.
According to Muzoora, Kayihura rejected the request saying the coronation celebrations can’t take place because they could escalate the current tensions between the Bamba, Bakonzo and Basongora.
Tension has been high between the Bamba and Bakonzo since last week after Omusinga Charles Wesley Mumbere vowed to visit Bundibugyo district to celebrate the peace day celebrations. Mumbere was however blocked by the government for fear of a repeat of violence as was the case in July last year. According to Kagoro, Rutakirwa had vowed to proceed without security, but Kayihura warned them against going ahead with the celebrations. He said the Busongora cabinet later convened at the cultural leader’s palace at Muhokya and decided to call off the celebrations. He says that the celebrations will be held at another date after the situation in Kasese district has stabilized.
Since last week, there have been announcements on radio stations in Fort Portal urging the Basongora in Kabarole, Ntoroko and Kyejonjo districts to attend the celebrations. The King of Tooro, Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru had also been invited for the celebrations. This morning hundreds of Basongora Community who were travelling to the venue of the celebrations were blocked at Hima town council and stopped from proceeding to the venue. Gerald Kagenda, the Basongora representative in Hima town council, says they weren't aware that celebrations had been called off.
He says that they spent a lot of money to organize the event.
Mumbere Free To visit Bundibugyo After Installation of Bamba Cultural Leader
http://ugandaradionetwork.com/a/story.php?s=53973
Fulgensio Bamwitirebye, the caretaker of Obudhingya Bwa Bwamba says Charles Wesley Mumbere, the King of Rwenzurur Kingdom is free to visit Bundibugyo district after they have installed their cultural leader. Tension has building in Kasese and Bundibugyo district since Friday last week. It started after Mumbere announced his plans to go ahead with his plans to celebrate the Peace days in Bundibugyo district despite protests from the Bamba.
Government halted the visit citing security concerns. Speaking to URN in Bundibugyo town on Monday, Fulgensio Bamwitirebye, the caretaker of Obudhingya Bwa Bwamba asked Mumbere and the Bakonzo community to respect the Bamba, since they are the majority in the district. Fulgensio claims that the Bakonzo were using the peace day celebrations as a plan to disorganize the preparations of installing the Bamba’s cultural leader.
According to Fulgensio, since the Bamba and Bakonzo walked out of the Tooro Kingdom parliament together, the peace day should be celebrated by both ethnic groups. He says that once the Bamba have installed their cultural leader, it will be his responsibility to invite Mumbere to the district.
//Cue in: “Mumbere is free to come only if…
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The installation of the Bamba cultural leader has been postponed twice under unclear circumstances. However, Jeremiah Mutooro, the second deputy prime minister and leader of the Bakonzo community in Bundibugyo, says that the Bamba should respect Omusinga‘s visit, since he is visiting his subjects.
Mutooro says the Bakonzo have not forced the Bamba to pay allegiance to Mumbere and therefore he should be left to visit his subjects in different parts of the country. Mutooro said that they were organizing the celebrations peacefully and blamed the Bamba for spreading lies that the Bakonzo were planning to attack the Bamba for opposing Mumbere’s visit to the district.
//Cue in: “we were organizing peacefully…
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However, some residents in an interview with Uganda Radio Network say the tensions have divided the ethnic groups, which have lived together for a long time as brothers and sisters. Gertrude Kyomuhendo, a Mwamba and trader in Bundibugyo market says she is under pressure from her family and friends to separate from her husband who is a Mukonjo because of the tensions.
Kyomuhendo says there is need for reconciliation and counseling of both ethnic groups, or else the conflicts will not end and will lead to bloodshed. She wants politicians and the religious leaders to intervene. David Kule, a resident of Bundibugyo district blames government for the current tensions among the ethnic groups.
Kule says that there was no need for the government to deploy hundreds of police officers to block Mumbere from visiting his subjects. According to Kule, the actions of the government are an indication that it is marginalizing the Bakonzo and siding with the Bamba.
//Cue in: “the Bakonzo community…
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Fulgensio Bamwitirebye, the caretaker of Obudhingya Bwa Bwamba says Charles Wesley Mumbere, the King of Rwenzurur Kingdom is free to visit Bundibugyo district after they have installed their cultural leader. Tension has building in Kasese and Bundibugyo district since Friday last week. It started after Mumbere announced his plans to go ahead with his plans to celebrate the Peace days in Bundibugyo district despite protests from the Bamba.
Government halted the visit citing security concerns. Speaking to URN in Bundibugyo town on Monday, Fulgensio Bamwitirebye, the caretaker of Obudhingya Bwa Bwamba asked Mumbere and the Bakonzo community to respect the Bamba, since they are the majority in the district. Fulgensio claims that the Bakonzo were using the peace day celebrations as a plan to disorganize the preparations of installing the Bamba’s cultural leader.
According to Fulgensio, since the Bamba and Bakonzo walked out of the Tooro Kingdom parliament together, the peace day should be celebrated by both ethnic groups. He says that once the Bamba have installed their cultural leader, it will be his responsibility to invite Mumbere to the district.
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The installation of the Bamba cultural leader has been postponed twice under unclear circumstances. However, Jeremiah Mutooro, the second deputy prime minister and leader of the Bakonzo community in Bundibugyo, says that the Bamba should respect Omusinga‘s visit, since he is visiting his subjects.
Mutooro says the Bakonzo have not forced the Bamba to pay allegiance to Mumbere and therefore he should be left to visit his subjects in different parts of the country. Mutooro said that they were organizing the celebrations peacefully and blamed the Bamba for spreading lies that the Bakonzo were planning to attack the Bamba for opposing Mumbere’s visit to the district.
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However, some residents in an interview with Uganda Radio Network say the tensions have divided the ethnic groups, which have lived together for a long time as brothers and sisters. Gertrude Kyomuhendo, a Mwamba and trader in Bundibugyo market says she is under pressure from her family and friends to separate from her husband who is a Mukonjo because of the tensions.
Kyomuhendo says there is need for reconciliation and counseling of both ethnic groups, or else the conflicts will not end and will lead to bloodshed. She wants politicians and the religious leaders to intervene. David Kule, a resident of Bundibugyo district blames government for the current tensions among the ethnic groups.
Kule says that there was no need for the government to deploy hundreds of police officers to block Mumbere from visiting his subjects. According to Kule, the actions of the government are an indication that it is marginalizing the Bakonzo and siding with the Bamba.
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