http://ugandaradionetwork.com/a/story.php?s=56778
The Uganda government and Tooro have started negotiations on the return of the Kingdom property currently under the government.
Tooro Kingdom is demanding for more than 150 properties which include
buildings and large chucks of land that are currently being occupied by
squatters especially in Bunyangabu County in Kabarole district and in
the counties of Mwenge and Kyaka in Kyenjojo and Kyegegwa districts
respectively.
The Kingdom also has assets in Kasese and Bundibugyo districts, which were formerly under Tooro Kingdom.
In a telephone interview, Dr Steven Kaliba, the Omuhikirwa of Tooro,
told Uganda Radio Network that the talks started last week. Kaliba says
the Tooro Kingdom Committee that was appointed by Omukama Oyo Nyimba
Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV met with officials from the office of the
Attorney General and a legal team from State House.
Dr Kaliba, however, refused to divulge details of the negotiations,
saying it would jeopardize the the talks which are still at an early
stage.
The three member committee which met the government side includes
Kaliba, Edgar Tabaro, the Kingdom Minister for Justice and legal advisor
to Omukama Oyo and David Mpaka, who is a member of the kingdom legal
team.
However, a source at the Kingdom who preferred anonymity because he
isn’t authorized to speak to the media, told Uganda Radio Network that
the two meetings were held at the Kingdom palace. The source further
said that the kingdom will this week receive a draft agreement which
will be presented to the kingdom parliament, the Orukurato for debate.
Two weeks ago, the Kingdom started compiling a list of assets it’s demanding from the government.
The demand for Tooro Kingdom property gained momentum during the 18th
coronation anniversary of Omukama Oyo at the Karuzika in Fort Portal,
when he his Prime Minister Dr Stephen Kaliba and several spoke of the
need for government to return the assets commonly referred to as
Ebyaitu.
The demand by Tooro Kingdom comes after the government signed a
memorandum of understanding with Buganda to return the kingdom assets.
Monday, 30 September 2013
Sunday, 29 September 2013
Safe Water Eludes Rural Communities In Kabarole
http://ugandaradionetwork.com/a/story.php?s=55848
Rural areas in Kabarole district have not had access to safe and clean water for two years, despite huge sums of money allocated to the water sector.
In an audit report released by Kabarole District Public Accounts Committee, more than 1.6 billion shillings allocated to the water sector for the two financial years 2011/2012 and 2012/2013, was diverted to other sectors or mismanaged, depriving communities of clean water.
The report also states that in the villages in Kisomoro, Karambi, Busoro and Kibiito sub counties, boreholes, water springs and gravity water schemes broke down two months after being constructed and have never been repaired.
When Uganda Radio Network visited some of the areas named in the report, residents accused the district authorities of neglecting them.
In Burungu village, Karambi Sub County, five boreholes broke down last year, but have never been repaired. Patrick Ahurra, a resident of Burungu says they have requested the district water department to repair the water sources in vain. Ahurra says the lack of access to clean water could worsen the occurrence of water-borne diseases since most of the residents fetch water from the river and nearby swamps.
//Cue in: “The problem is water…
Cue out:…to clean water.”//
In Busoro Sub County, Nsoro well is the only water point serving the villages of Kijungu, Nsoro, Kateera and Mugurusi.
Resty Baguma, a resident of Kateera says that some residents take water from hand-dug wells which are contaminated with human and animal waste.
Baguma says that although some families boil the water for drinking, she expresses fear that they could contract waterborne diseases if no solution is provided to the water problem. She also says children always drink the contaminated water on their way from school.
She wants the district authorities to construct more water sources in the area and save the community from the water problem.
When contacted, Patrick Ochakara, the Kabarole district Chief Administrative Officer declined to comment on the matter.
But Steven Businge, the district water officer, told Uganda Radio Network that some of the money was diverted to the administration sector, while the other funds were used to construct the water sources, but blamed the contractors for doing substandard work and failing to complete some of the water sources. He says the contractors have been dragged to the courts of law for breach of contract.
David Mugenyi, the chairman of the district public accounts committee, says the report will be tabled before the district council and will decide if there is any action that needs to be taken.
Rural areas in Kabarole district have not had access to safe and clean water for two years, despite huge sums of money allocated to the water sector.
In an audit report released by Kabarole District Public Accounts Committee, more than 1.6 billion shillings allocated to the water sector for the two financial years 2011/2012 and 2012/2013, was diverted to other sectors or mismanaged, depriving communities of clean water.
The report also states that in the villages in Kisomoro, Karambi, Busoro and Kibiito sub counties, boreholes, water springs and gravity water schemes broke down two months after being constructed and have never been repaired.
When Uganda Radio Network visited some of the areas named in the report, residents accused the district authorities of neglecting them.
In Burungu village, Karambi Sub County, five boreholes broke down last year, but have never been repaired. Patrick Ahurra, a resident of Burungu says they have requested the district water department to repair the water sources in vain. Ahurra says the lack of access to clean water could worsen the occurrence of water-borne diseases since most of the residents fetch water from the river and nearby swamps.
//Cue in: “The problem is water…
Cue out:…to clean water.”//
In Busoro Sub County, Nsoro well is the only water point serving the villages of Kijungu, Nsoro, Kateera and Mugurusi.
Resty Baguma, a resident of Kateera says that some residents take water from hand-dug wells which are contaminated with human and animal waste.
Baguma says that although some families boil the water for drinking, she expresses fear that they could contract waterborne diseases if no solution is provided to the water problem. She also says children always drink the contaminated water on their way from school.
She wants the district authorities to construct more water sources in the area and save the community from the water problem.
When contacted, Patrick Ochakara, the Kabarole district Chief Administrative Officer declined to comment on the matter.
But Steven Businge, the district water officer, told Uganda Radio Network that some of the money was diverted to the administration sector, while the other funds were used to construct the water sources, but blamed the contractors for doing substandard work and failing to complete some of the water sources. He says the contractors have been dragged to the courts of law for breach of contract.
David Mugenyi, the chairman of the district public accounts committee, says the report will be tabled before the district council and will decide if there is any action that needs to be taken.
Saturday, 28 September 2013
Poor Roads Affecting Tourism Sector
http://ugandaradionetwork.com/a/story.php?s=56716
The poor road network in Rwenzori region could hurt the tourism industry there if nothing is done to repair them. The Rwenzori region is home to several tourist attractions such as National parks and crater lakes. However, the roads that lead to the tourist’s sites are in a very poor state, which hinders access to areas rich in wildlife.
Some of the affected roads are the Fort Portal-Kamwenge road, which tourists use to access Kibaale National Park and the Karugutu- Rwebisengo road in Ntoroko district, which leads to the main gate Tooro-Semuliki game reserve. Edward Asilu, the Kibaale conservation area manager, which includes Kibaale and Semuliki national parks, says some of the activities affected by the poor roads include chimpanzee tracking.
Asilu says during the rainy seasons in the morning and afternoon, when tourists are going to Kibaale national park the roads are slippery which makes it difficult to access areas where the chimpanzees are found.
//Cue in: “when visitors come for chimp tracking…
Cue out: “…go for chimp tracking.”//
Richard Tooro, the executive director Kabarole Tours and Travel says the deteriorating state of the roads in the region will reduce the number of visitors to the park.
Tooro says during the rainy season, local and international tourists are reluctant to book with tour operators in the region, because they may not access the national park. He says on several occasions, cars carrying tourists have broken down and left the tourists stranded.
According to Tooro, the tour operators spend huge sums of money to take their cars for repair in order to keep them roadworthy. Maria Mutagamba, the Minister for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities admits that the poor infrastructure is one of the challenges facing the tourism industry. She however says government will embark on rehabilitating roads in Kanugu and Rwenzori region to ease access to tourism destinations.
//Cue in: “government has identified…
Cue out: “…tourists to move on good roads…
Mutagamba also says that Kasese and Chobe airstrips will be renovated to fly tourists to destinations in the Rwenzori region and wildlife rich areas in the country.
//Cue in: “gov’t has embarked on…
Cue out: “…improve transport system.”//
This World Tourism Day Celebrations for Uganda were held in Fort Portal under the theme ‘Tourism and Water, protecting our common future’.
The poor road network in Rwenzori region could hurt the tourism industry there if nothing is done to repair them. The Rwenzori region is home to several tourist attractions such as National parks and crater lakes. However, the roads that lead to the tourist’s sites are in a very poor state, which hinders access to areas rich in wildlife.
Some of the affected roads are the Fort Portal-Kamwenge road, which tourists use to access Kibaale National Park and the Karugutu- Rwebisengo road in Ntoroko district, which leads to the main gate Tooro-Semuliki game reserve. Edward Asilu, the Kibaale conservation area manager, which includes Kibaale and Semuliki national parks, says some of the activities affected by the poor roads include chimpanzee tracking.
Asilu says during the rainy seasons in the morning and afternoon, when tourists are going to Kibaale national park the roads are slippery which makes it difficult to access areas where the chimpanzees are found.
//Cue in: “when visitors come for chimp tracking…
Cue out: “…go for chimp tracking.”//
Richard Tooro, the executive director Kabarole Tours and Travel says the deteriorating state of the roads in the region will reduce the number of visitors to the park.
Tooro says during the rainy season, local and international tourists are reluctant to book with tour operators in the region, because they may not access the national park. He says on several occasions, cars carrying tourists have broken down and left the tourists stranded.
According to Tooro, the tour operators spend huge sums of money to take their cars for repair in order to keep them roadworthy. Maria Mutagamba, the Minister for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities admits that the poor infrastructure is one of the challenges facing the tourism industry. She however says government will embark on rehabilitating roads in Kanugu and Rwenzori region to ease access to tourism destinations.
//Cue in: “government has identified…
Cue out: “…tourists to move on good roads…
Mutagamba also says that Kasese and Chobe airstrips will be renovated to fly tourists to destinations in the Rwenzori region and wildlife rich areas in the country.
//Cue in: “gov’t has embarked on…
Cue out: “…improve transport system.”//
This World Tourism Day Celebrations for Uganda were held in Fort Portal under the theme ‘Tourism and Water, protecting our common future’.
Wednesday, 25 September 2013
UNATU Members Storm School, Demand Its Closure
http://ugandaradionetwork.com/a/story.php?s=56655
Members of the Uganda National Teachers Union (UNATU) in Fort Portal have stormed Buhinga Primary School demanding for its closure after defying the on-going industrial action.
Buhinga is the largest Universal Primary Education (UPE) School in Fort Portal Municipality. It has an enrolment of 1,773 pupils. Despite the call by the teachers union for all teachers to halt their activities until government grants them a 20% salary increment, the school had opened and classes going on normally.
When Uganda Radio Network reporter visited the school this morning, there were 15 teachers and the population of pupils was 1,770.
During the same time, UNATU members led by Emmanuel Friday, the Chairperson UNATU Fort Portal branch went to the school and demanded that the teachers stop teaching and the pupils be sent back home.
The members held a twenty minutes meeting with one of the school teachers, John Byamukama, persuading him to close the school, since the industrial action by teachers had not been called off. However their discussions yielded no fruit as Byamukama rejected their demand.
Friday accused Byamukama for breaching the agreement of laying down their tools until government increases teachers’ salary. Friday says that Byamukama, who is a member of UNATU, attended the UNATU meeting that agreed to take industrial action, but he is disappointed that he has turned against his fellow teachers.
Friday says Byamukama will face disciplinary action.
//Cue in: “it was unfortunate…
Cue out: “…disciplinary action.”//
Byamukama refused to comment when asked by Uganda Radio Network why the school was defying orders by the teachers union. However, a teacher at the school who preferred anonymity told Uganda Radio Network that the decision to reopen the school was made during a weekend meeting with parents.
Members of the Uganda National Teachers Union (UNATU) in Fort Portal have stormed Buhinga Primary School demanding for its closure after defying the on-going industrial action.
Buhinga is the largest Universal Primary Education (UPE) School in Fort Portal Municipality. It has an enrolment of 1,773 pupils. Despite the call by the teachers union for all teachers to halt their activities until government grants them a 20% salary increment, the school had opened and classes going on normally.
When Uganda Radio Network reporter visited the school this morning, there were 15 teachers and the population of pupils was 1,770.
During the same time, UNATU members led by Emmanuel Friday, the Chairperson UNATU Fort Portal branch went to the school and demanded that the teachers stop teaching and the pupils be sent back home.
The members held a twenty minutes meeting with one of the school teachers, John Byamukama, persuading him to close the school, since the industrial action by teachers had not been called off. However their discussions yielded no fruit as Byamukama rejected their demand.
Friday accused Byamukama for breaching the agreement of laying down their tools until government increases teachers’ salary. Friday says that Byamukama, who is a member of UNATU, attended the UNATU meeting that agreed to take industrial action, but he is disappointed that he has turned against his fellow teachers.
Friday says Byamukama will face disciplinary action.
//Cue in: “it was unfortunate…
Cue out: “…disciplinary action.”//
Byamukama refused to comment when asked by Uganda Radio Network why the school was defying orders by the teachers union. However, a teacher at the school who preferred anonymity told Uganda Radio Network that the decision to reopen the school was made during a weekend meeting with parents.
Monday, 23 September 2013
Community Service Not Reforming Offenders In Kabarole
http://ugandaradionetwork.com/a/story.php?s=55641
Despite being hailed as a measure to decongest prison facilities in the country, many offenders in Kabarole district are not reforming, even after successfully serving their community service orders.
Community service was introduced in Uganda in 2001 as part of the reforms in the criminal justice system. Under the system, minor offenders are made to perform community services instead of being handed custodial sentences.
Records at the Kabarole district community service office indicate that more than 80 offenders have served community service orders more than three times.
Francis Asiimwe, a member of the district community service committee, which monitors community service, says they expect offenders to reform, but this isn’t the case. Asiimwe blames this on the lack of funds to facilitate volunteers who are supposed to regularly visit the offenders in their homes and counsel them about the dangers of engaging in crime.
Asiimwe says some of the volunteers who were recruited last month later abandoned work because they weren’t paid.
Felix Mugisa, a resident of Fort Portal says there should be a rehabilitation programme for the offenders after completion of their sentence, to discourage them from engaging in crime again.
According to Mugisa, some offenders don’t fear engaging in criminal activities, because they know that they will be given lighter punishment by the courts of law. Mugisa wants the courts to give a heavy punishment to offenders who don’t reform after serving community service.
//Cue in: “People aren’t sensitized…
Cue out: …the rehabilitation programme.”//
Community service has also faced criticism from some members of the public who say that local people are not benefiting from the programme, because the implementers have turned community service into a lucrative money-making venture.
Sam Mugenyi, a resident of Karambi in Fort Portal, explains that it would be of much help to the community if offenders are given such tasks as cleaning up the community roads and not work on the estates of rich district officials.
// Cue in: "They are reaping...
Cue out "...not community service."//
Community service is seen as a viable approach to improve reintegration of offenders into their communities, encourage reconciliation, as well as to reduce the problems of overcrowding in prisons.
According to the Justice Law and Order Sector, prisons would have had more than 8,000 more prisoners if community service order had not been issued by courts.
Despite being hailed as a measure to decongest prison facilities in the country, many offenders in Kabarole district are not reforming, even after successfully serving their community service orders.
Community service was introduced in Uganda in 2001 as part of the reforms in the criminal justice system. Under the system, minor offenders are made to perform community services instead of being handed custodial sentences.
Records at the Kabarole district community service office indicate that more than 80 offenders have served community service orders more than three times.
Francis Asiimwe, a member of the district community service committee, which monitors community service, says they expect offenders to reform, but this isn’t the case. Asiimwe blames this on the lack of funds to facilitate volunteers who are supposed to regularly visit the offenders in their homes and counsel them about the dangers of engaging in crime.
Asiimwe says some of the volunteers who were recruited last month later abandoned work because they weren’t paid.
Felix Mugisa, a resident of Fort Portal says there should be a rehabilitation programme for the offenders after completion of their sentence, to discourage them from engaging in crime again.
According to Mugisa, some offenders don’t fear engaging in criminal activities, because they know that they will be given lighter punishment by the courts of law. Mugisa wants the courts to give a heavy punishment to offenders who don’t reform after serving community service.
//Cue in: “People aren’t sensitized…
Cue out: …the rehabilitation programme.”//
Community service has also faced criticism from some members of the public who say that local people are not benefiting from the programme, because the implementers have turned community service into a lucrative money-making venture.
Sam Mugenyi, a resident of Karambi in Fort Portal, explains that it would be of much help to the community if offenders are given such tasks as cleaning up the community roads and not work on the estates of rich district officials.
// Cue in: "They are reaping...
Cue out "...not community service."//
Community service is seen as a viable approach to improve reintegration of offenders into their communities, encourage reconciliation, as well as to reduce the problems of overcrowding in prisons.
According to the Justice Law and Order Sector, prisons would have had more than 8,000 more prisoners if community service order had not been issued by courts.
Thursday, 12 September 2013
Tooro Kingdom Starts Compiling List of Assets
http://ugandaradionetwork.com/a/story.php?s=56305
Following the request to government to return the kingdom properties, Tooro has started compiling a list of assets it’s demanding from the government.
During the 18th coronation anniversary at the Karuzika in Fort Portal on Saturday, Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, his Prime Minister Dr Stephen Kaliba and several other Kingdom officials all spoke of the need for government to return the assets commonly referred to as Ebyaitu.
The speakers used the analogy of twins, referring Tooro as Nyakato and Buganda Kingdom as Nyangoma, two names given to female twins. They argued that children are treated equally noting that since Nyangoma has already received what belongs to her, it’s time for Nyakato to also celebrate.
The list, a copy of which Uganda Radio Network has accessed, shows that the Kingdom is demanding for more than 150 assets including land and buildings from the government. The assets are located in Kabarole, Kamwenge, Kyenjojo and Kyegegwa districts. The Kingdom also has assets in Kasese and Bundibugyo, which were formerly under Tooro Kingdom.
Some of the assets include large chunks of land that are currently being occupied by squatters especially in the counties of Mwenge, Kyaka in Kyenjojo and Kyegegwa district respectively and in Bunyangabu County in Kabarole district.
In an interview with Uganda Radio Network, Steven Kaliba, the Tooro Kingdom Premier, says some of the buildings are currently being occupied by government institutions like town councils, schools and health facilities. Kaliba says that since the facilities are important, they will not be evicted but want the government to compensate the kingdom.
//Cue in: “They are with…
Cue out:…compensate the kingdom.”//
Kaliba says King Oyo is yet to form a team that will negotiate with the government for the return of the assets.
He also said Tooro cabinet and parliament will meet and agree whether the kingdom should also ask government to give Tooro royalties from Kilembe Mines, Queen Elizabeth National Park and Katwe Salt Lake in Kasese district.
At his 46th coronation anniversary two months ago, the Rwenzururu King Charles Wesley Mumbere asked the government to divert all the royalties that have been going to the central government and Tooro kingdom to his kingdom. Mumbere said that since Rwenzururu institution has been recognized, all royalties must revert to it. Some of the resources he mentioned include Katwe salt lake, Kilembe Mines, Hima cement factory and the Queen Elizabeth national park.
David Isagara, the Tooro Kingdom estates manager says he hopes the list will be given to the kingdom premier next week, who will then hand it over to King Oyo.
Following the request to government to return the kingdom properties, Tooro has started compiling a list of assets it’s demanding from the government.
During the 18th coronation anniversary at the Karuzika in Fort Portal on Saturday, Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, his Prime Minister Dr Stephen Kaliba and several other Kingdom officials all spoke of the need for government to return the assets commonly referred to as Ebyaitu.
The speakers used the analogy of twins, referring Tooro as Nyakato and Buganda Kingdom as Nyangoma, two names given to female twins. They argued that children are treated equally noting that since Nyangoma has already received what belongs to her, it’s time for Nyakato to also celebrate.
The list, a copy of which Uganda Radio Network has accessed, shows that the Kingdom is demanding for more than 150 assets including land and buildings from the government. The assets are located in Kabarole, Kamwenge, Kyenjojo and Kyegegwa districts. The Kingdom also has assets in Kasese and Bundibugyo, which were formerly under Tooro Kingdom.
Some of the assets include large chunks of land that are currently being occupied by squatters especially in the counties of Mwenge, Kyaka in Kyenjojo and Kyegegwa district respectively and in Bunyangabu County in Kabarole district.
In an interview with Uganda Radio Network, Steven Kaliba, the Tooro Kingdom Premier, says some of the buildings are currently being occupied by government institutions like town councils, schools and health facilities. Kaliba says that since the facilities are important, they will not be evicted but want the government to compensate the kingdom.
//Cue in: “They are with…
Cue out:…compensate the kingdom.”//
Kaliba says King Oyo is yet to form a team that will negotiate with the government for the return of the assets.
He also said Tooro cabinet and parliament will meet and agree whether the kingdom should also ask government to give Tooro royalties from Kilembe Mines, Queen Elizabeth National Park and Katwe Salt Lake in Kasese district.
At his 46th coronation anniversary two months ago, the Rwenzururu King Charles Wesley Mumbere asked the government to divert all the royalties that have been going to the central government and Tooro kingdom to his kingdom. Mumbere said that since Rwenzururu institution has been recognized, all royalties must revert to it. Some of the resources he mentioned include Katwe salt lake, Kilembe Mines, Hima cement factory and the Queen Elizabeth national park.
David Isagara, the Tooro Kingdom estates manager says he hopes the list will be given to the kingdom premier next week, who will then hand it over to King Oyo.
Wednesday, 11 September 2013
Foster Parents Flout Regulations
http://ugandaradionetwork.com/a/story.php?s=56161
Foster parents in Kabarole district are flouting the adoption laws. Records at the district probation department show that twenty children under the age of 10 years have been adopted since the beginning of this year. Last year, ten were adopted. Majority of the adopted children are from homes which look after abandoned and orphaned children. Part viii of the children’s act cap 59, provides that once a child has been adopted, the adoptive family should ensure that the child is provided with the basic necessities like clothing, food, education and good medical care.
However, many of the families flout the law, which has forced the homes to take back the children. Records at Divine Babies’ home in Busoro Sub County indicate that out of the eight children who were adopted this year, six were returned to the home, because of poor care in their new homes. Beatrice Katusabe, the matron Divine Babies’ home says that some of the children who were returned to the home were poorly fed, lacked proper medical care and some had been turned into maids.
Katusabe cites three children aged 13 years who were taken by a family under the pretext of taking them to school, but spent two years doing domestic work.
//Cue in: “the families…
Cue out: “…they should be in school.”//
Faith Ngonzi, the matron Hosana Babies Home blame the problem on probation officers, who she accuses of failing in their roles. She says this gives room to foster parents to flout the rules. Ngonzi says the officers are supposed to monitor the state of the adopted child during the fostering period. According to the Children's Act 1997, probation officers are supposed to monitor and record the progress of the adoptive family during the 36-month fostering period, before endorsing the final legal adoption process.
Ngonzi says that the officers have left the work of monitoring to the babies homes. She says that for the past five months, they have not received any information from the probation office regarding the progress of adopted children. Shamillah Kakunguru, the Kabarole district probation officer says that monitoring is not done because the department lacks funds. Kakunguru explains that the probation office is allocated only 5 million shillings every financial year, which isn't enough for monitoring.
Kakunguru also says that some adoptive families relocate to other places and don’t inform the probation office. She says this makes it hard for the probation officers to monitor the families. In June, during the celebrations of the Day of the African Child, the Parliamentary Forum on Children proposed tougher adoption laws. The forum called for the amendment of the Children’s Act, in which the forum will bring out the stand on adoption.
Foster parents in Kabarole district are flouting the adoption laws. Records at the district probation department show that twenty children under the age of 10 years have been adopted since the beginning of this year. Last year, ten were adopted. Majority of the adopted children are from homes which look after abandoned and orphaned children. Part viii of the children’s act cap 59, provides that once a child has been adopted, the adoptive family should ensure that the child is provided with the basic necessities like clothing, food, education and good medical care.
However, many of the families flout the law, which has forced the homes to take back the children. Records at Divine Babies’ home in Busoro Sub County indicate that out of the eight children who were adopted this year, six were returned to the home, because of poor care in their new homes. Beatrice Katusabe, the matron Divine Babies’ home says that some of the children who were returned to the home were poorly fed, lacked proper medical care and some had been turned into maids.
Katusabe cites three children aged 13 years who were taken by a family under the pretext of taking them to school, but spent two years doing domestic work.
//Cue in: “the families…
Cue out: “…they should be in school.”//
Faith Ngonzi, the matron Hosana Babies Home blame the problem on probation officers, who she accuses of failing in their roles. She says this gives room to foster parents to flout the rules. Ngonzi says the officers are supposed to monitor the state of the adopted child during the fostering period. According to the Children's Act 1997, probation officers are supposed to monitor and record the progress of the adoptive family during the 36-month fostering period, before endorsing the final legal adoption process.
Ngonzi says that the officers have left the work of monitoring to the babies homes. She says that for the past five months, they have not received any information from the probation office regarding the progress of adopted children. Shamillah Kakunguru, the Kabarole district probation officer says that monitoring is not done because the department lacks funds. Kakunguru explains that the probation office is allocated only 5 million shillings every financial year, which isn't enough for monitoring.
Kakunguru also says that some adoptive families relocate to other places and don’t inform the probation office. She says this makes it hard for the probation officers to monitor the families. In June, during the celebrations of the Day of the African Child, the Parliamentary Forum on Children proposed tougher adoption laws. The forum called for the amendment of the Children’s Act, in which the forum will bring out the stand on adoption.
Saturday, 7 September 2013
Return Of Kingdom Assets Dominate Tooro Coronation Event
http://ugandaradionetwork.com/a/story.php?s=56137
Tooro spoke with one voice on Saturday, asking President Yoweri Museveni to return the Kingdom assets in the hands of the central government.
During the 18th coronation anniversary at the Karuzika in Fort Portal, Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, his Prime Minister Dr Stephen Kaliba and several other Kingdom officials all spoke of the need for government to return the assets commonly referred to as Ebyaitu. Using the analogy of twins, Dr Kaliba referred to Tooro as Nyakato and Buganda Kingdom as Nyangoma, two names given to female twins. He argued that children are treated equally noting that since Nyangoma has already received what belongs to her, it’s time for Nyakato to also celebrate.
This was after youth who were at the centre of this year’s Empango or coronation, read a statement asking the President to return the kingdom’s property to enable it plan for and manage them.
Last month, as Buganda celebrated 20 years of Kabaka Mutebi’s coronation, President Museveni signed a memorandum of Understanding with the Kingdom detailing a programme for the return of their assets.
In his brief speech that lasted less than five minutes, Omukama Oyo who turned 21 in April also used a Rutooro proverb to send his message home. He said “Nyineeka obwaba nateera abaana, ateera boona,” literally meaning the head of the house should treat his children equally. In a mixture of Rutooro and English, the Omukama emphasised that since Buganda got back their assets, Tooro should also get hers. He said he has already set up a committee to negotiate with government on the issue.
The assets including land, county and sub county headquarters among others, were forcefully taken from kingdoms by the central government in 1966, when the then President Milton Obote abolished traditional institutions and made Uganda a republic.
President Museveni in his response told the gathering that like in Buganda, the Tooro assets will be returned, but noted that the Kingdom should go slow since there are many issues to be ironed out first. He said Rwenzori region has many tribes and that it would not be wise to rush to return Ebyaitu and destabilise the region.
Museveni also said the assets cannot be returned overnight.
He also used the occasion to caution the youth against drinking alcohol and engaging in risky sexual behaviours.
Tooro spoke with one voice on Saturday, asking President Yoweri Museveni to return the Kingdom assets in the hands of the central government.
During the 18th coronation anniversary at the Karuzika in Fort Portal, Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, his Prime Minister Dr Stephen Kaliba and several other Kingdom officials all spoke of the need for government to return the assets commonly referred to as Ebyaitu. Using the analogy of twins, Dr Kaliba referred to Tooro as Nyakato and Buganda Kingdom as Nyangoma, two names given to female twins. He argued that children are treated equally noting that since Nyangoma has already received what belongs to her, it’s time for Nyakato to also celebrate.
This was after youth who were at the centre of this year’s Empango or coronation, read a statement asking the President to return the kingdom’s property to enable it plan for and manage them.
Last month, as Buganda celebrated 20 years of Kabaka Mutebi’s coronation, President Museveni signed a memorandum of Understanding with the Kingdom detailing a programme for the return of their assets.
In his brief speech that lasted less than five minutes, Omukama Oyo who turned 21 in April also used a Rutooro proverb to send his message home. He said “Nyineeka obwaba nateera abaana, ateera boona,” literally meaning the head of the house should treat his children equally. In a mixture of Rutooro and English, the Omukama emphasised that since Buganda got back their assets, Tooro should also get hers. He said he has already set up a committee to negotiate with government on the issue.
The assets including land, county and sub county headquarters among others, were forcefully taken from kingdoms by the central government in 1966, when the then President Milton Obote abolished traditional institutions and made Uganda a republic.
President Museveni in his response told the gathering that like in Buganda, the Tooro assets will be returned, but noted that the Kingdom should go slow since there are many issues to be ironed out first. He said Rwenzori region has many tribes and that it would not be wise to rush to return Ebyaitu and destabilise the region.
Museveni also said the assets cannot be returned overnight.
He also used the occasion to caution the youth against drinking alcohol and engaging in risky sexual behaviours.
King Oyo Rallies Subjects To Demand For Tooro Assets
http://ugandaradionetwork.com/a/story.php?s=56139
Tooro King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV used his 18th coronation anniversary to ask the government of President Museveni to return the Kingdom’s property.
In his speech, King Oyo thanked President Museveni for returning Buganda’s property, but said that the government should also return what belongs to Tooro Kingdom. Using a Rutooro proverb, the 21-year-old monarch said ‘Nyineeka Obwaba nateera omwana, ateera boona’, literally meaning, the head of the family should treat all his children equally.
He also said he has instituted a team that will negotiate with government for the return of the Kingdom property. He said that once the property is returned, it will be put to good use to develop the kingdom.
//Cue in: “In the same spirit…
Cue out: …becomes a reality.”//
Last month, as Buganda celebrated 20 years of Kabaka Mutebi’s coronation, President Museveni signed a memorandum of Understanding with the Kingdom detailing a programme for the return of their assets.
Oyo also thanked his mother, Best Kemigisa and President Museveni for looking after him since 1995 when he was crowned King at the age of three.
Reacting to the King’s request, President Museveni said that there was no problem with returning the assets, but cautioned the people in the Rwenzori region to desist from ethnic conflicts. He said the conflicts have affected the region and divided ethnic groups, which have lived as brothers and sisters for a long time.
He said that cultural and religious leaders in the region should promote peace.
Some of the property that Tooro Kingdom demands from government includes the County headquarters that are currently being occupied by districts in Kamwenge, Kyegegwa, Kyenjojo and Kabarole. The assets were forcefully taken from kingdoms by the central government in 1966, when the then President Milton Obote abolished traditional institutions and made Uganda a republic. At the time of the abolition, Busongora and Bwamba were part of Tooro Kingdom, but have since broken away to form their own kingdoms.
Delegations from Buganda Kingdom, Bunyoro, Rwenzururu, Busongora and Ankole also graced the occasion. Political leaders including the Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga, government Ministers, Legislators, Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago and Uganda Federal Alliance President, Betty Kamya among others were also in attendance.
For the first time, Rwenzururu Kingdom sent a delegation to attend Empango, a move that could see the two institutions and their people mending ties after decades of hostility dating back to 1962, when the Bamba and Bakonzo leaders declared war on Tooro King accusing him of oppression.
The heavy downpour did not deter Oyo’s subjects from attending this year’s Empango at Karuziika in Fort Portal. Tents were erected in the palace gardens to accommodate the big number of guests. Six large TV screens were also installed in the gardens.
Friday, 6 September 2013
Children Choose King Oyo As Goodwill Ambassador
http://ugandaradionetwork.com/a/story.php?s=56075
Over 400 children from the Rwenzori region want the King of Tooro to be a goodwill ambassador to promote child and maternal health in the country.
Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV was chosen during a health fair at the Kingdom headquarters at Mucwa in Fort Portal. The children in a statement read on their behalf by Gerald Asiimwe, a Primary Four pupil at Buhinga Primary School, said that since he is a King, Oyo should use his influence to stop preventable deaths among all children in Uganda.
The children also asked the Omukama to speed up the construction of the King Oyo Foundation Hospital, to enable children access treatment, since there are no adequate health facilities in the region.
The children also requested Oyo to lobby for more resources to address the challenges that hinder improvement of child health and nutrition and also educate communities on the importance of nutrition and prevention of disease.
The fair organized by Tooro Kingdom, Child Protection Plan and the Uganda Civil Society Coalition on Scaling up Nutrition (UCCO-SUN), is one of the activities to commemorate King Oyo’s 18th coronation anniversary.
In his speech, the Omukama accepted the request of the children and said he was ready to take up the mantle. Speaking in Rutooro, King Oyo said he was delighted to be chosen by the children, saying he will not disappoint them.
King Oyo also instructed mothers to embrace the immunization programme and feed their children in nutritious foods. He also told communities to embrace the granary to boost food security in homes.
Mohammed Sharif, the chairperson of UCCO-SUN, said Tooro region was selected to host the health fair, because a research carried out last year by UCCO-SUN indicated that 43% of the children in the region are underweight, which is higher than the national average of 33%.
Sharif says that since Omukama Oyo has accepted to promote proper nutrition of children in families, they hope the numbers will reduce.
Later in the day, Oyo unveiled a statue of a lion in the centre of Fort Portal town. The statue signifies braveness of the King and pride of Tooro Kingdom and her people.
The statue worth 2 million shillings was molded by Tooro Kingdom youths as a gift to the Omukama on his 18th coronation anniversary. He ascended the throne as a three-year-old on September 12th 1995, just 18 days after the death of his father, Patrick David Matthew Olimi Kaboyo III.
Over 400 children from the Rwenzori region want the King of Tooro to be a goodwill ambassador to promote child and maternal health in the country.
Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV was chosen during a health fair at the Kingdom headquarters at Mucwa in Fort Portal. The children in a statement read on their behalf by Gerald Asiimwe, a Primary Four pupil at Buhinga Primary School, said that since he is a King, Oyo should use his influence to stop preventable deaths among all children in Uganda.
The children also asked the Omukama to speed up the construction of the King Oyo Foundation Hospital, to enable children access treatment, since there are no adequate health facilities in the region.
The children also requested Oyo to lobby for more resources to address the challenges that hinder improvement of child health and nutrition and also educate communities on the importance of nutrition and prevention of disease.
The fair organized by Tooro Kingdom, Child Protection Plan and the Uganda Civil Society Coalition on Scaling up Nutrition (UCCO-SUN), is one of the activities to commemorate King Oyo’s 18th coronation anniversary.
In his speech, the Omukama accepted the request of the children and said he was ready to take up the mantle. Speaking in Rutooro, King Oyo said he was delighted to be chosen by the children, saying he will not disappoint them.
King Oyo also instructed mothers to embrace the immunization programme and feed their children in nutritious foods. He also told communities to embrace the granary to boost food security in homes.
Mohammed Sharif, the chairperson of UCCO-SUN, said Tooro region was selected to host the health fair, because a research carried out last year by UCCO-SUN indicated that 43% of the children in the region are underweight, which is higher than the national average of 33%.
Sharif says that since Omukama Oyo has accepted to promote proper nutrition of children in families, they hope the numbers will reduce.
Later in the day, Oyo unveiled a statue of a lion in the centre of Fort Portal town. The statue signifies braveness of the King and pride of Tooro Kingdom and her people.
The statue worth 2 million shillings was molded by Tooro Kingdom youths as a gift to the Omukama on his 18th coronation anniversary. He ascended the throne as a three-year-old on September 12th 1995, just 18 days after the death of his father, Patrick David Matthew Olimi Kaboyo III.
Thursday, 5 September 2013
Building Owners In Fort Portal Flout Sanitation Policy
http://ugandaradionetwork.com/a/story.php?s=56022
Owners of buildings in Fort Portal Municipality are flouting the sanitation policy passed by the municipal council last year.
The policy spells out proper disposal of garbage, availability of toilet facilities and proper management of sewerage in business premises and homes. It also spells out grounds for penalties for individuals who defy the policy.
The policy is, however, being flouted by the building owners and the municipal authorities have not apprehended anyone for it.
Across Fort-Portal, many shops are operating with no dustbins for garbage disposal. Some buildings have become the site of constant sewerage spillage while a heavy stench of urine and human waste is a constant in the corridors between buildings.
At His Grace Arcade on Malibo Road, there is only toilet used by more than thirty tenants. Sewerage spills are common in the building. David Musinguzi, who operates a shop in the building, says every tenant pays 400,000 shillings per month, so the owner should provide adequate toilet facilities for them.
At Kalita Bus Park in West Division, two toilets in one of the commercial buildings burst and human waste flows in the park. Human waste is dumped in the middle of the park, and yet there are several people with shops and eating-places. The entrance of the park is littered with kitchen refuse from the restaurants.
Ronald Mwesigwa, a trader at the bus park fears that there may be an outbreak of cholera, because the municipality has done nothing to rectify this anomaly. He wants the authorities to close buildings that don’t adhere to the sanitation guidelines.
//Cue in: “The sanitation is…
Cue out:…give any response.”//
At EK Downtown Arcade, there isn’t proper disposal of garbage. Tenants dump garbage at the entrance of the arcade and it’s never collected for more than a week. On Magambo Street, sewerage from several homes flows in the middle of the road, inconveniencing people with businesses.
The Municipal Health Inspector, Grace Birungi acknowledges the problem, but cites the lack of law enforcement officers which has crippled the fight against poor sanitation. She also blames local council officials in the municipal divisions for failing to sensitize locals about sanitation and good hygiene. Fort Portal is made up of three divisions—South, East and West.
Birungi believes if the local councilors were vigilant enough, they would have helped the municipal authorities by arresting owners of building who are flouting the policy.
She says that they have written to the District Service Commission to recruit more law enforcement officers.
Owners of buildings in Fort Portal Municipality are flouting the sanitation policy passed by the municipal council last year.
The policy spells out proper disposal of garbage, availability of toilet facilities and proper management of sewerage in business premises and homes. It also spells out grounds for penalties for individuals who defy the policy.
The policy is, however, being flouted by the building owners and the municipal authorities have not apprehended anyone for it.
Across Fort-Portal, many shops are operating with no dustbins for garbage disposal. Some buildings have become the site of constant sewerage spillage while a heavy stench of urine and human waste is a constant in the corridors between buildings.
At His Grace Arcade on Malibo Road, there is only toilet used by more than thirty tenants. Sewerage spills are common in the building. David Musinguzi, who operates a shop in the building, says every tenant pays 400,000 shillings per month, so the owner should provide adequate toilet facilities for them.
At Kalita Bus Park in West Division, two toilets in one of the commercial buildings burst and human waste flows in the park. Human waste is dumped in the middle of the park, and yet there are several people with shops and eating-places. The entrance of the park is littered with kitchen refuse from the restaurants.
Ronald Mwesigwa, a trader at the bus park fears that there may be an outbreak of cholera, because the municipality has done nothing to rectify this anomaly. He wants the authorities to close buildings that don’t adhere to the sanitation guidelines.
//Cue in: “The sanitation is…
Cue out:…give any response.”//
At EK Downtown Arcade, there isn’t proper disposal of garbage. Tenants dump garbage at the entrance of the arcade and it’s never collected for more than a week. On Magambo Street, sewerage from several homes flows in the middle of the road, inconveniencing people with businesses.
The Municipal Health Inspector, Grace Birungi acknowledges the problem, but cites the lack of law enforcement officers which has crippled the fight against poor sanitation. She also blames local council officials in the municipal divisions for failing to sensitize locals about sanitation and good hygiene. Fort Portal is made up of three divisions—South, East and West.
Birungi believes if the local councilors were vigilant enough, they would have helped the municipal authorities by arresting owners of building who are flouting the policy.
She says that they have written to the District Service Commission to recruit more law enforcement officers.
Wednesday, 4 September 2013
Tooro Youths Gear Up For Coronation Anniversary
http://ugandaradionetwork.com/a/story.php?s=56005
Youths in Tooro Kingdom are gearing up for the 18th coronation anniversary of King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi. The King has dedicated this year’s anniversary to the youths in the kingdom. The celebrations are scheduled to take place on Saturday at the royal palace in Fort Portal town.
The theme of this year’s coronation anniversary is “The youth and development in Tooro Kingdom-Synergies and Challenges”.
On Tuesday, the youths kicked off the coronation week and engaged in several activities in preparation for the day. The youths erected arches made from reeds in some parts of the town. One has been erected at the entrance of the palace at Harukoto, along the Fort Portal-Kasese road, at the entrance of St John’s Cathedral Kabarole, where prayers will be held on Saturday morning.
The ritual houses, Obuju bw’emirwa, at the palace, where King Oyo will on Saturday perform rituals have been renovated by the youths. The youths also painted the royal platform, Omusanga, where the King sits during functions. The palace compound has been mowed.
Gerald Mukonjo, a youth in Fort Portal says that he is happy the King has recognized the importance of youths in the kingdom. He says that by dedicating his coronation anniversary to the youths, it will motivate youths to take part in kingdom activities in future.
//Cue in: “we have done our best…
Cue out: “…contribute to development.”//
Winfred Katusabe, a student, says that this is the time the youths should support the King in development of the kingdom.
//Cue in: “we should support him…
Cue out: “…very interesting.”//
Anthony Kalyegera, the Tooro Kingdom youth minister, says that this year’s celebrations will bring the youths closer to the King. He says that the youths had in the past shunned kingdom activities, because they had been neglected.
Some of the activities that will precede the coronation celebrations will include the King’s tour of all the counties in the kingdom, traditional music gala, finals of the clan football tournament, a children’s party hosted by King Oyo at his palace and the closing ceremony of the African Queens and Women Cultural Leaders Network (AQWCLN) in fort portal, among others.
On Tuesday, King Oyo opened a surgical camp at Fort Portal Referral hospital, where doctors from United States of America and Mulago hospital will carry out free minor and major surgeries on patients.
King Oyo ascended to the throne in 1995 at the age of three, following the death of his father, Patrick Olimi Kaboyo to become the 12th ruler of the 180-year-old kingdom.
Youths in Tooro Kingdom are gearing up for the 18th coronation anniversary of King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi. The King has dedicated this year’s anniversary to the youths in the kingdom. The celebrations are scheduled to take place on Saturday at the royal palace in Fort Portal town.
The theme of this year’s coronation anniversary is “The youth and development in Tooro Kingdom-Synergies and Challenges”.
On Tuesday, the youths kicked off the coronation week and engaged in several activities in preparation for the day. The youths erected arches made from reeds in some parts of the town. One has been erected at the entrance of the palace at Harukoto, along the Fort Portal-Kasese road, at the entrance of St John’s Cathedral Kabarole, where prayers will be held on Saturday morning.
The ritual houses, Obuju bw’emirwa, at the palace, where King Oyo will on Saturday perform rituals have been renovated by the youths. The youths also painted the royal platform, Omusanga, where the King sits during functions. The palace compound has been mowed.
Gerald Mukonjo, a youth in Fort Portal says that he is happy the King has recognized the importance of youths in the kingdom. He says that by dedicating his coronation anniversary to the youths, it will motivate youths to take part in kingdom activities in future.
//Cue in: “we have done our best…
Cue out: “…contribute to development.”//
Winfred Katusabe, a student, says that this is the time the youths should support the King in development of the kingdom.
//Cue in: “we should support him…
Cue out: “…very interesting.”//
Anthony Kalyegera, the Tooro Kingdom youth minister, says that this year’s celebrations will bring the youths closer to the King. He says that the youths had in the past shunned kingdom activities, because they had been neglected.
Some of the activities that will precede the coronation celebrations will include the King’s tour of all the counties in the kingdom, traditional music gala, finals of the clan football tournament, a children’s party hosted by King Oyo at his palace and the closing ceremony of the African Queens and Women Cultural Leaders Network (AQWCLN) in fort portal, among others.
On Tuesday, King Oyo opened a surgical camp at Fort Portal Referral hospital, where doctors from United States of America and Mulago hospital will carry out free minor and major surgeries on patients.
King Oyo ascended to the throne in 1995 at the age of three, following the death of his father, Patrick Olimi Kaboyo to become the 12th ruler of the 180-year-old kingdom.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)