http://ugandaradionetwork.com/a/story.php?s=57618
Tooro Kingdom has requested Thomas Christopher, the estranged husband to
Princess Ruth Komuntale to desist from discussing their failed marriage
on the social media.
Since Komuntale announced an end to their marriage, Thomas has on
several occasions posted explicit details explaining why their marriage
failed. In some of the posts Thomas claims that Komuntale had denied him
conjugal rights since their wedding. He also accuses Komuntale of
infidelity.
On Sunday, the 24-year-old elder sister of King Oyo announced that her
marriage to Christopher Thomas was over, citing promiscuity, and
physical and emotional abuse among other reasons.
In a press release issued on Tuesday evening by Dr. Steven Kaliba, the
Tooro Kingdom Prime Minister, Kaliba stated that Thomas should accord
respect to his and Komuntale’s family and keep matters to himself.
According to Kaliba, using the social media to discuss private family
matters does not only injure and cause further pain to him and
Komuntale, but also to their respective families.
Kaliba notes that the November 17th 2012 wedding was a great moment for
Tooro kingdom, because the Batebe was coming of age and was beginning a
new life of building her own family.
In the statement, Kaliba states that the Kingdom will continue to
respect Komuntale and support her work through the Batebe Foundation
where she has been working to improve the situation of women and girl
children in Tooro Kingdom.
The foundation was initiated fifteen years ago by the then Batebe,
Princess Elizabeth Bagaya, Komuntale’s paternal aunt to support needy
women in the Kingdom.
Kaliba states that the Kingdom subjects should put aside the current
troubles and join King Oyo, when he returns on Thursday from United
Kingdom, where he graduated from the University of Winchester with a
Bachelors degree in Business Administration.
On Monday, Princess Ruth Komuntale’s aunt, Princess Agnes Komukyeya told
Uganda Radio Network that Komuntale wasn’t ready for marriage.
Komukyeya, an aunt to Komuntale's father, Omukama Patrick David Matthew
Olimi Kaboyo II, says the young princess was not prepared well before
her marriage in November last year.
Full Tooro Kingdom Statement
As you well know, last year on 17th November 2012, our beloved Princess
Ruth Nsemere was joined in Holy Matrimony to Christopher Thomas, an
African American young man from St. Louis, Missouri. This was a great
moment for us as a kingdom to celebrate the coming of age of our
Princess and the beginning of a new life for her making steps towards
building her own family.
As the kingdom Prime Minister I have come to learn of the rather
unsettling news of the pain that her marriage has caused her and the
decision to give the marriage a break.
I therefore would like to make three simple remarks in regard to the
issues that have arisen in the past few days as a result of Princess
Ruth’s marriage to Thomas.
First I would like to request Ugandans at large, kingdom subjects, the
media and our Princess to remain calm in this trying time and ask
everyone to pray for God’s guidance and wisdom. On our part as the
Kingdom we pledge our total support to our Princess more than ever
before during this wearisome time. We assure the Princess that she is
very much loved and respected by all the people and friends of Tooro. We
will continue to support her work through the Batebe Foundation where
she has been working so hard to improve the situation of women and girl
children in Tooro Kingdom.
I also would like to appeal to members of the press to give Thomas and
Princess Ruth some privacy to recover from this rather unnerving
experience. I also emphatically request Thomas Christopher to desist
from using social networks to discuss his marriage affairs. Let him
accord respect to both families and keep matters to himself. Going to
social media to discuss private family matters does not only injure and
cause further pain to themselves as individuals but also to their
respective families. My prayer to Thomas is to put a stop to the social
media and am sure the good Lord will comfort him and life continues. “To
my Princess Ruth take heart , am sure God has another plan for you. As a
kingdom we love you, we respect you and we support you in all you are
doing”.
Finally allow me to take this opportunity to thank the people of Uganda
and the kingdom of Tooro, our friends and well wishers for having stood
steadfastly by the kingdom of Tooro and the royal family in the face of
all these tough times. Your support has only served to increase our
resolve to serve you more diligently.
We invite the whole world to join us on Thursday evening to welcome and
congratulate His Majesty King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV for
having successfully graduated from the University of Winchester with an
honours Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. With the knowledge
and skills gained we are very sure and confident that the kingdom of
Tooro will benefit more from his guidance and fatherly watch that will
be the primer of Tooro’s social and economic transformation.
Omukama ahangirize!
Kaliba Steven.
Wednesday, 30 October 2013
Monday, 28 October 2013
Our Marriage is Over- Princess Komuntale
http://ugandaradionetwork.com/a/story.php?s=57550
Princess Ruth Komuntale of Tooro has finally broken the silence about her marriage to Christopher Thomas.
Last week Thomas wrote on his face book wall that her relationship with Princess Komuntale was no more. However his revelations were treated with skepticism.
But last night, Princess Komuntale posted on her face book wall confirming that indeed their marriage has ended. In the post, Komuntale accuses Thomas of being promiscuous and physically abusive.
According to Komuntale, a few weeks after their wedding, things got out of hand. She says that Christopher Thomas physically abused her and continued drinking heavily.
Komuntale cites an incident when Thomas called her asking her to join him in a hotel in the United States where she found her husband sharing a hotel room with a woman who as wrapped in a towel by the time of her arrival.
Komuntale states that she has suffered long enough in silence and that she tried to save their marriage on numerous occasions, but failed.
She says that she told Thomas that there is need for a break from the relationship until she is certain that she will never be physically or emotionally abused again. Komuntale notes that she was shocked when Thomas responded by threatening to destroy her reputation and that of her family unless she continues staying with him.
Komuntale notes that she is grateful to the women who have reached out to her and supported her in the last week.
She asks the media to give her some privacy as she embarks on a healing process.
However, the head of the Babitto Clan and paternal uncle to Komuntale, Charles Kayondo Kamurasi says that he isn't aware of the developments. Kamurasi says that he will only comment after speaking to Komuntale.
The Bishop of Rwenzori Diocese, Reuben Kisembo told Uganda Radio Network that he wasn’t aware of the breakup, saying that he didn’t want to comment on rumors.
He however adds that this would be a very unfortunate development for Komuntale and the people of Tooro.
Bishop Kisembo says that the couple should have tried opportunities like counseling to save their marriage.
Thomas Christopher and Princess Ruth Komuntale were wedded last year on November 17th at St. John’s Cathedral, by the former Archbishop of Uganda, His Grace Henry Luke Orombi. The Royal wedding was graced by international and national dignitaries.
Prior to the wedding, Thomas was adopted into one of the clans of Toro Kingdom and given a pet name, Amooti.
In his speech during the wedding, the King of Tooro, Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru, urged the Batooro to respect her sister’s marriage to Thomas, a non Mutooro. King Oyo said that the fact that Thomas’s ancestors hailed from Africa, the Batooro should look at him as an African and not an American.
Oyo also said that his sister’s marriage to Thomas should not be a cause for concern to the Batooro, but be an opportunity for Tooro Kingdom to create friendship outside the Kingdom.
Princess Komuntale's Full Statement
My fellow Ugandans, people of Tooro, friends, and supporters around the world;
Nimbaramukya n’okugonza n’obusinge bwa Mukama. As you well know, last year, I married Christopher Thomas, an African American young man from St. Louis, Missouri. Like all marriages, we have had our peaks and valleys that we dealt with privately. However, there are challenges we encountered that cannot be reconciled or easily forgotten.
For the person we love, we are reluctant to believe their negative traits and behaviors; love also made me blind, and unable to see the negatives. Yet, a number of issues surfaced requiring me to take a step back and reflect on those values that define us individually and as a couple. Unfortunately, through this process, I realized that Chris and I were heading in two separate paths, because of his personality, promiscuousness, and the physical and emotional domestic abuse.
For example, as you may have seen in the media, a few weeks after our wedding, things got out of hand. Chris physically abused me and continued drinking heavily, which led to more promiscuity and infidelity. While he was out one night, he called asking me to join him in a hotel with “a nice view.” I thought he probably wanted to surprise me with something nice. But on arriving at the hotel he took me to a room where a woman was standing in a towel. They were obviously together before I arrived. When I asked him why he was doing this to me, his response was that he wanted to make me feel jealous because other men wanted to dance with me when were out the previous night.
I could go on and on about how Chris physically and emotionally tormented me. I am so ashamed to mention all the things he has put me through, but it is about time everyone knows the truth. I have suffered in silence long enough, and I am tired. I tried to save my marriage numerous times and forgave all his transgressions in vain. I have also worked extremely hard to keep my private life to myself, and avoid making a public spectacle, but I have been left with no choice but to come out and tell the whole truth.
Due to the continuous abuse I have endured in my marriage, this week I told Chris we needed a break from our relationship until I could be certain I will never be physically or emotionally abused again. Chris responded by going into a rage, threatened to destroy my reputation and that of my family unless I stayed with him. He gave me an ultimatum to change my mind in five minutes or he would publically humiliate me but I refused to give in to his usual controlling tricks.
Before I knew it, he went on Facebook and posted wild and false allegations to damage my reputation and force me to do what he wants. Using his Facebook account, the ‘Princess komuntale’ page, and the ‘Batebe’ facebook page which are under his sole control and do not belong to me, he posted humiliating and painful lies for the world to see. But I refused to allow myself to get back in abusive relationship so that he could stop blackmailing me.
I loved my husband and respected him and our marriage vows until the end and it saddens to announce that our marriage has ended. I plan to move forward with my life where I am not abused every day.
I want to take this opportunity to thank all those who have stood by me in this challenging period. I am eternally grateful for your support and encouragement. I am especially humbled and heartened by my fellow women who have endured domestic abuse and have reached out to me and supported me in the last week.
This painful ordeal has taught me many important life lessons. First, that sheer one-sided love is not sufficient for a life-long relationship. Secondly, that one ought to have exceptional judgment of character before entering a life-long commitment. This comes with long-term courtship. And third, love should not hurt, abuse, or torment.
To those women who find themselves in a situation similar to mine, I urge you to take a stand against anyone who can harm you physically or emotionally. It’s not worth it. I tried it for over a year and it never works out. Remember, marriage should not be a trap, but rather a healthy relationship that supports the best interests of both; it should be based on mutual respect, it should bring happiness, it should bring two souls together for a life-long mutual commitment.
At this time, I kindly ask you for your prayers and support. I also ask the media to allow me some privacy as I embark on a healing process. I am strong and I know with God’s help I will be a better person because of this.
May God bless you, Tooro, and our country Uganda.
Sincerely,
HRH Ruth Nsemere Komuntale
Thursday, 24 October 2013
Religious Leaders Call For an End To Poverty
http://ugandaradionetwork.com/a/story.php?s=57483
Religious leaders under the Inter Religious Council of Uganda (IRCU) have called for increased vigilance from government in the fight against poverty, if the country is to realize development in the next fifty years. The religious leaders made the call during the Rwenzori regional launch of the renewed religious leaders’ commitment to nation building in Uganda under the theme ‘The Uganda we want in Fifty years’, in Fort Portal.
Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda and the Co-President, Inter-religious council of Uganda said it’s unfortunate that fifty one years after Uganda gained its independence, many citizens are still living below the poverty line and the government hasn’t done much to address the problem. Mubaje says this explains why citizens don’t listen to the word of God because they are poor and not happy. He said most of the citizens are struggling to meet their most basic needs.
//Cue in: “we want a Uganda…
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According to the Poverty Status Report produced by the Ministry of Finance, there are more than 10 million Ugandans living below the poverty line. Mubaje said that although government has made some achievements in technology, trade, industry and education in the last 50 years, evils such as corruption, intolerant leadership and domestic violence are on the rise.
He reiterated IRCU’s call to government to improve the health sector. Joshua Kitakule, the Secretary General, IRCU says religious leaders under the IRCU are ready to join efforts with government to make Uganda a better place to live in the next 50 years. According to Kitakuke religious leaders remain influential in the political, economic and social life of the country so they shouldn't be neglected.
Kitakule also says IRCU will roll out its activities to all parts of the country. The Uganda we want, initiative is intended to clarify the role of religious leaders in nation-building. It coincided with the national preparations for the celebration of 50 years of Uganda’s independence from colonial rule.
The religious leaders agreed on a set of commitments, which were meant to refocus and reenergize religious leaders to act individually and together to confront a number of issues affecting the common man and woman in Uganda, including poverty, corruption and violence. The Inter-Religious Council of Uganda is a coalition of five major religious grouping including Muslims, Catholics, Protestants, the Orthodox and Seventh day Adventists. The council aims at fostering peace.
Religious leaders under the Inter Religious Council of Uganda (IRCU) have called for increased vigilance from government in the fight against poverty, if the country is to realize development in the next fifty years. The religious leaders made the call during the Rwenzori regional launch of the renewed religious leaders’ commitment to nation building in Uganda under the theme ‘The Uganda we want in Fifty years’, in Fort Portal.
Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda and the Co-President, Inter-religious council of Uganda said it’s unfortunate that fifty one years after Uganda gained its independence, many citizens are still living below the poverty line and the government hasn’t done much to address the problem. Mubaje says this explains why citizens don’t listen to the word of God because they are poor and not happy. He said most of the citizens are struggling to meet their most basic needs.
//Cue in: “we want a Uganda…
Cue out: “poor people can’t listen.”//
According to the Poverty Status Report produced by the Ministry of Finance, there are more than 10 million Ugandans living below the poverty line. Mubaje said that although government has made some achievements in technology, trade, industry and education in the last 50 years, evils such as corruption, intolerant leadership and domestic violence are on the rise.
He reiterated IRCU’s call to government to improve the health sector. Joshua Kitakule, the Secretary General, IRCU says religious leaders under the IRCU are ready to join efforts with government to make Uganda a better place to live in the next 50 years. According to Kitakuke religious leaders remain influential in the political, economic and social life of the country so they shouldn't be neglected.
Kitakule also says IRCU will roll out its activities to all parts of the country. The Uganda we want, initiative is intended to clarify the role of religious leaders in nation-building. It coincided with the national preparations for the celebration of 50 years of Uganda’s independence from colonial rule.
The religious leaders agreed on a set of commitments, which were meant to refocus and reenergize religious leaders to act individually and together to confront a number of issues affecting the common man and woman in Uganda, including poverty, corruption and violence. The Inter-Religious Council of Uganda is a coalition of five major religious grouping including Muslims, Catholics, Protestants, the Orthodox and Seventh day Adventists. The council aims at fostering peace.
Wednesday, 23 October 2013
Longest Serving Tooro Kingdom MP Dies
http://ugandaradionetwork.com/a/story.php?s=57457
John Baranga, the longest serving member of the Tooro Kingdom Parliament, the Orukurato, has died.
Baranga (79), passed away on Wednesday morning at his home in Maguru, Fort Portal Municipality.
According to his brother David Rujumba, Baranga who was diabetic, collapsed and was rushed to Kabarole hospital, where he died 30 minutes later.
Elderman Baranga, as he was commonly known in Kabarole, has been a member of the Kingdom parliament under the reign of Tooro Kings Sir George Rukidi, Patrick Olimi Kaboyo and Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.
In the 1950s, Baranga was elected as member of the Orukurato representing Fort Portal Municipality, a position he held in the parliament until his death.
Baranga was also a member of the Tooro Kingdom Clan Council, which is advocating for reforms in the Kingdom. Last year Baranga and John Kusemererwa dragged King Oyo to court for illegally appointing Steven Kaliba, as the Kingdom Prime Minister and suspending the Kingdom constitution.
Saul Mugasa, the Tooro Kingdom parliament speaker, says that Baranga’s services to the Kingdom will be missed. Mugasa says that since Baranga had experience, members of the kingdom parliament often sought his advice on the operations of the parliament.
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Rev. Richard Baguma, the Tooro Kingdom regent, says although he disagreed with the deceased when he dragged King Oyo to court, Baranga loved the Kingdom and often mobilized the Batooro to love the King and kingdom.
Baguma also says that Baranga was instrumental in 1993, when he was part of the committee that sought the views of the Batooro on whether they demand a cultural leader. According to Baguma, last month, Baranga also helped the Kingdom locate some of its assets located in different parts of the Kingdom.
At the time of his death, Baranga was also the Chairperson of the Diabetes Association of Rwenzori region. He advocated for the establishment of a diabetes clinic at Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital.
John Baranga, the longest serving member of the Tooro Kingdom Parliament, the Orukurato, has died.
Baranga (79), passed away on Wednesday morning at his home in Maguru, Fort Portal Municipality.
According to his brother David Rujumba, Baranga who was diabetic, collapsed and was rushed to Kabarole hospital, where he died 30 minutes later.
Elderman Baranga, as he was commonly known in Kabarole, has been a member of the Kingdom parliament under the reign of Tooro Kings Sir George Rukidi, Patrick Olimi Kaboyo and Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.
In the 1950s, Baranga was elected as member of the Orukurato representing Fort Portal Municipality, a position he held in the parliament until his death.
Baranga was also a member of the Tooro Kingdom Clan Council, which is advocating for reforms in the Kingdom. Last year Baranga and John Kusemererwa dragged King Oyo to court for illegally appointing Steven Kaliba, as the Kingdom Prime Minister and suspending the Kingdom constitution.
Saul Mugasa, the Tooro Kingdom parliament speaker, says that Baranga’s services to the Kingdom will be missed. Mugasa says that since Baranga had experience, members of the kingdom parliament often sought his advice on the operations of the parliament.
//Cue in: “we have lost an encyclopedia…
Cue out: “…we shall miss him.”//
Rev. Richard Baguma, the Tooro Kingdom regent, says although he disagreed with the deceased when he dragged King Oyo to court, Baranga loved the Kingdom and often mobilized the Batooro to love the King and kingdom.
Baguma also says that Baranga was instrumental in 1993, when he was part of the committee that sought the views of the Batooro on whether they demand a cultural leader. According to Baguma, last month, Baranga also helped the Kingdom locate some of its assets located in different parts of the Kingdom.
At the time of his death, Baranga was also the Chairperson of the Diabetes Association of Rwenzori region. He advocated for the establishment of a diabetes clinic at Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital.
Tuesday, 22 October 2013
Cold War As Tooro, Rwenzururu Fight Over Royalties
http://ugandaradionetwork.com/a/story.php?s=57418
The cold war between Tooro and Rwenzururu Kingdoms is taking a new twist as both institutions demand for royalties from the central government.
The relations between the two cultural entities have been frosty since 2009 when Rwenzururu was recognized as a separate kingdom, effectively breaking away from Tooro. A year later, Charles Wesley Mumbere Iremangoma was installed as the Rwenzururu king, a demand that started in 1962 when Mumbere’s father Isaaya Mukirania led a group of Bamba and Bakonzo leaders to rebel against Tooro Kingdom.
Mukirania died in 1966 and left Mumbere, then a young boy as his heir. Despite the installation of Mumbere as king in 2000, Tooro never officially warmed up to its new neighbour, even though they never openly denounced Mumbere.
On Saturday, Rwenzururu marked the 47th coronation anniversary of Omusinga Mumbere, at which function Omusinga Charles Wesley Mumbere said the government should pay royalties to his kingdom. Tooro Prime Minister Steven Kaliba was in attendance, the first time a high ranking official from Tooro had attended an event organized by Rwenzururu.
Though he didn’t mention the resources, Mumbere has in the past argued that Rwenzururu should be paid royalties from resources which include Katwe salt lake, Kilembe Mines, Hima cement factory and the Queen Elizabeth national park all in Kasese district.
However, Uganda Radio Network has established that Tooro Kingdom wants government to pay royalties for the same resources. The resources are some of the items that have been compiled by the team that is negotiating with the government for the return of the Tooro kingdom assets.
In a telephone interview, the Tooro Premier Steven Kaliba told Uganda Radio Network that he is surprised that the Rwenzururu is demanding for what still belongs to Tooro.
Kaliba says that the royalties can’t revert to Rwenzururu and yet Tooro hasn’t been receiving the royalties since the restoration of cultural institutions in 1993. Asked if the Kingdom should be compensated, Kaliba said the matter will be decided by the Kingdom Parliament, the Orukurato.
John Baranga, a historical member of the Orukurato, says some areas like Hamukungu in Queen Elizabeth National Park are historical in Tooro Kingdom and can’t just be given away to Rwenzururu. Hamukungu, then part of Tooro, is where the then King of Tooro, Sir George Rukidi III received Queen Elizabeth II when she visited Tooro Kingdom in 1954.
But in a telephone interview, Rwenzururu Kingdom spokesperson Patrick Nyamunungu defended the demand for the royalties. Nyamunungu says since Rwenzururu is officially recognized by government, it should also have the assets that belong to it as an independent entity.
During the coronation anniversary celebrations, however, the Omusinga extended an olive branch to Tooro Kingdom and requested for a meeting between himself and King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV. Mumbere said that if they could meet, they will discuss and forge a united strategy to develop the Rwenzori region.
The cold war between Tooro and Rwenzururu Kingdoms is taking a new twist as both institutions demand for royalties from the central government.
The relations between the two cultural entities have been frosty since 2009 when Rwenzururu was recognized as a separate kingdom, effectively breaking away from Tooro. A year later, Charles Wesley Mumbere Iremangoma was installed as the Rwenzururu king, a demand that started in 1962 when Mumbere’s father Isaaya Mukirania led a group of Bamba and Bakonzo leaders to rebel against Tooro Kingdom.
Mukirania died in 1966 and left Mumbere, then a young boy as his heir. Despite the installation of Mumbere as king in 2000, Tooro never officially warmed up to its new neighbour, even though they never openly denounced Mumbere.
On Saturday, Rwenzururu marked the 47th coronation anniversary of Omusinga Mumbere, at which function Omusinga Charles Wesley Mumbere said the government should pay royalties to his kingdom. Tooro Prime Minister Steven Kaliba was in attendance, the first time a high ranking official from Tooro had attended an event organized by Rwenzururu.
Though he didn’t mention the resources, Mumbere has in the past argued that Rwenzururu should be paid royalties from resources which include Katwe salt lake, Kilembe Mines, Hima cement factory and the Queen Elizabeth national park all in Kasese district.
However, Uganda Radio Network has established that Tooro Kingdom wants government to pay royalties for the same resources. The resources are some of the items that have been compiled by the team that is negotiating with the government for the return of the Tooro kingdom assets.
In a telephone interview, the Tooro Premier Steven Kaliba told Uganda Radio Network that he is surprised that the Rwenzururu is demanding for what still belongs to Tooro.
Kaliba says that the royalties can’t revert to Rwenzururu and yet Tooro hasn’t been receiving the royalties since the restoration of cultural institutions in 1993. Asked if the Kingdom should be compensated, Kaliba said the matter will be decided by the Kingdom Parliament, the Orukurato.
John Baranga, a historical member of the Orukurato, says some areas like Hamukungu in Queen Elizabeth National Park are historical in Tooro Kingdom and can’t just be given away to Rwenzururu. Hamukungu, then part of Tooro, is where the then King of Tooro, Sir George Rukidi III received Queen Elizabeth II when she visited Tooro Kingdom in 1954.
But in a telephone interview, Rwenzururu Kingdom spokesperson Patrick Nyamunungu defended the demand for the royalties. Nyamunungu says since Rwenzururu is officially recognized by government, it should also have the assets that belong to it as an independent entity.
During the coronation anniversary celebrations, however, the Omusinga extended an olive branch to Tooro Kingdom and requested for a meeting between himself and King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV. Mumbere said that if they could meet, they will discuss and forge a united strategy to develop the Rwenzori region.
Thursday, 17 October 2013
Farmers' Children Going Hungry Because of Land Scarcity
http://ugandaradionetwork.com/a/story.php?s=57247
Shortage of land for farming is causing food insecurity in families. Several farmers in Kabarole district lack adequate land for cultivating crops, ending up with too little to sell and not enough to feed their families.
Statistics at the district agricultural department indicate that 65% of the farmers in the district face a problem of scarcity of land to improve food production.
Some farmers have resorted to growing lesser quantities of food that fit on the available pieces of land, while others are spending too much money to rent land. Those who can’t afford the money to rent land have been forced to abandon farming.
Henry Katuramu, a farmer in Rwimi Sub County, says that he has only three acres of land and yet he requires more than seven acres to plant rice. Katuramu says that he is forced to sell what he has planted and raise school fees for his children. He then struggles to feed to feed his family.
In Kakonga parish, Kisomoro Sub County, some farmers have resorted to renting pieces of land, where they temporarily grow their crops as they look for money to purchase land.
David Kyomuhendo, a farmer says that he paid 400,000 shillings to rent one acre of land to grow maize but he isn’t reaping anything because of problems such as price fluctuations, pests and diseases, unpredictable weather and lack of market for his produce. He says the piece of land he owns isn’t enough to grow food on and feed his family.
//Cue in: “paying owner of…
Cue out: …nothing from it.”//
Some of the farmers who don’t have the funds to pay for renting land are now stuck with some of the seeds and are in search for cheaper land.
Florence Mwesige, a maize farmer in Kaina parish, Rwimi Sub County, says that he is stuck with 50 kilograms of maize seeds because she has nowhere to plant them. She says the landlords charge 450,000 shillings per season, which she can’t afford.
Amos Omono, the Kabarole district agricultural officer, blames the scarcity of land on the increasing population especially in Rwimi Sub County. Omono says that farmers have gone ahead to cut down trees to create more land for cultivation and have even encroached on gazetted natural forests.
Omono says that the department is encouraging farmers to use the small pieces of land they have, to only grow food for home consumption.
//Cue in: “degradation of land…”//
Cue out: “…nutritious food.”//
According to a new joint report by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP), scarcity of productive land for cultivation has created a vicious cycle of hunger and food insecurity for millions of families in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Shortage of land for farming is causing food insecurity in families. Several farmers in Kabarole district lack adequate land for cultivating crops, ending up with too little to sell and not enough to feed their families.
Statistics at the district agricultural department indicate that 65% of the farmers in the district face a problem of scarcity of land to improve food production.
Some farmers have resorted to growing lesser quantities of food that fit on the available pieces of land, while others are spending too much money to rent land. Those who can’t afford the money to rent land have been forced to abandon farming.
Henry Katuramu, a farmer in Rwimi Sub County, says that he has only three acres of land and yet he requires more than seven acres to plant rice. Katuramu says that he is forced to sell what he has planted and raise school fees for his children. He then struggles to feed to feed his family.
In Kakonga parish, Kisomoro Sub County, some farmers have resorted to renting pieces of land, where they temporarily grow their crops as they look for money to purchase land.
David Kyomuhendo, a farmer says that he paid 400,000 shillings to rent one acre of land to grow maize but he isn’t reaping anything because of problems such as price fluctuations, pests and diseases, unpredictable weather and lack of market for his produce. He says the piece of land he owns isn’t enough to grow food on and feed his family.
//Cue in: “paying owner of…
Cue out: …nothing from it.”//
Some of the farmers who don’t have the funds to pay for renting land are now stuck with some of the seeds and are in search for cheaper land.
Florence Mwesige, a maize farmer in Kaina parish, Rwimi Sub County, says that he is stuck with 50 kilograms of maize seeds because she has nowhere to plant them. She says the landlords charge 450,000 shillings per season, which she can’t afford.
Amos Omono, the Kabarole district agricultural officer, blames the scarcity of land on the increasing population especially in Rwimi Sub County. Omono says that farmers have gone ahead to cut down trees to create more land for cultivation and have even encroached on gazetted natural forests.
Omono says that the department is encouraging farmers to use the small pieces of land they have, to only grow food for home consumption.
//Cue in: “degradation of land…”//
Cue out: “…nutritious food.”//
According to a new joint report by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP), scarcity of productive land for cultivation has created a vicious cycle of hunger and food insecurity for millions of families in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Wednesday, 16 October 2013
King Oyo To Graduate Today
http://ugandaradionetwork.com/a/story.php?s=57243
The King of Tooro Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukiidi IV, will today graduate in the United Kingdom.
King Oyo (21) will be awarded a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management at Winchester University in Hampshire South East London, where he has been studying for the past three years.
King Oyo left for London yesterday for the graduation ceremony accompanied by Queen Mother Best Kemigisa, Princess Ruth Komuntale, Oyo’s sister and the Batebe of Tooro and his personal assistant Jonathan Baguma.
In an interview with Uganda Radio Network, Tooro Kingdom’s information Minister, Vincent Mugume, said that after the graduation, King Oyo will be hosted by the Batooro community living in the United Kingdom. According to Mugume, the Kingdom will also organize a party for King Oyo when he returns from UK in two weeks’ time.
Steven Kaliba, the Prime Minister Tooro Kingdom, said that since the King has completed his studies, he will personally oversee the development of his Kingdom and be close to his subjects. Asked if King Oyo will now permanently reside at his palace in Fort Portal as his subjects demand, Kaliba said that it will be Oyo to decide where he wants to live.
While he was pursuing his studies, King Oyo was being helped to rule the Kingdom by two regents, who included Rev. Richard Baguma and Epafura Mugasa.
Prior to his university education abroad, King Oyo spent two years in the United Kingdom attending Preschool. He then returned to Uganda and attended school at Aga Khan Primary School and then Kabira International School.
King Oyo’s education abroad was in the past criticized by some of his subjects, who argued that he should emulate his grandfather, the late Sir George Rukiidi and his father, the late Patrick Mathew Kaboyo who were educated in some of the prominent schools in Uganda like Nyakasura School in Kabarole and King's College Budo.
Winchester University is one of the oldest universities in the United Kingdom. It was founded in 1840, based on a strong Anglican foundation.
The King of Tooro Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukiidi IV, will today graduate in the United Kingdom.
King Oyo (21) will be awarded a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management at Winchester University in Hampshire South East London, where he has been studying for the past three years.
King Oyo left for London yesterday for the graduation ceremony accompanied by Queen Mother Best Kemigisa, Princess Ruth Komuntale, Oyo’s sister and the Batebe of Tooro and his personal assistant Jonathan Baguma.
In an interview with Uganda Radio Network, Tooro Kingdom’s information Minister, Vincent Mugume, said that after the graduation, King Oyo will be hosted by the Batooro community living in the United Kingdom. According to Mugume, the Kingdom will also organize a party for King Oyo when he returns from UK in two weeks’ time.
Steven Kaliba, the Prime Minister Tooro Kingdom, said that since the King has completed his studies, he will personally oversee the development of his Kingdom and be close to his subjects. Asked if King Oyo will now permanently reside at his palace in Fort Portal as his subjects demand, Kaliba said that it will be Oyo to decide where he wants to live.
While he was pursuing his studies, King Oyo was being helped to rule the Kingdom by two regents, who included Rev. Richard Baguma and Epafura Mugasa.
Prior to his university education abroad, King Oyo spent two years in the United Kingdom attending Preschool. He then returned to Uganda and attended school at Aga Khan Primary School and then Kabira International School.
King Oyo’s education abroad was in the past criticized by some of his subjects, who argued that he should emulate his grandfather, the late Sir George Rukiidi and his father, the late Patrick Mathew Kaboyo who were educated in some of the prominent schools in Uganda like Nyakasura School in Kabarole and King's College Budo.
Winchester University is one of the oldest universities in the United Kingdom. It was founded in 1840, based on a strong Anglican foundation.
Tuesday, 8 October 2013
King Oyo Case Hearing Hits Snag
http://ugandaradionetwork.com/a/story.php?s=57025
A case in which some members of the Tooro Kingdom clan council sued the King of Tooro, Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukiidi IV for making unconstitutional decisions has failed to take off at Fort Portal High Court.
Early this year, Tooro clan leaders led by George Kusemererwa dragged the King to court challenging his decisions which include the suspension of the kingdom constitution and illegal appointment of Steven Kaliba as the Kingdom premier.
King Oyo suspended the Kingdom’s 1999 constitution and subsquently appointed an eight-member committee to amend some of its sections. this move was rejected by a section of clan leaders
However the case has dragged on since April, when the date for the first hearing was fixed.
On Tuesday morning, Kusemererwa and his lawyer, Johnson Musana appeared at Fort Portal High Court for hearing of the case. However King Oyo’s legal team wasn’t at the court.
Kusemererwa and his lawyer held a meeting with the Grade II magistrate, Nathan Mulindwa who said that the case can’t proceed, because Justice Dan Akiiki Kiiza, the Fort Portal resident judge was presiding over High Court sessions in other districts in the region.
Mulindwa told Musana and his client that the case will be adjourned to November 4th for the next hearing.
This is the third time that the case has been adjourned. The first was in April when it was adjourned to June 14th. However the then resident judge, Justice Mike Chibita failed to turn up and it was adjourned to October 10th. Chibita was later appointed the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
However one of King Oyo’s lawyers in Fort Portal who preferred anonymity told Uganda Radio Network that there are plans to have the case settled out of courts of law.
In a telephone interview, Kusemererwa confirmed that he has been approached by some members of King Oyo’s legal team to settle the case amicably. He however said that he will not adhere to their demands, unless they are promises of reforms in the kingdom.
Kusemererwa says that he doesn’t want a repeat of 2011, when members of the clan council sued King Oyo, but later withdrew the case out of court after the King promised to adhere to their demands like proper management of kingdom resources and interference in kingdom administration by palace officials, but have never been addressed.
A case in which some members of the Tooro Kingdom clan council sued the King of Tooro, Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukiidi IV for making unconstitutional decisions has failed to take off at Fort Portal High Court.
Early this year, Tooro clan leaders led by George Kusemererwa dragged the King to court challenging his decisions which include the suspension of the kingdom constitution and illegal appointment of Steven Kaliba as the Kingdom premier.
King Oyo suspended the Kingdom’s 1999 constitution and subsquently appointed an eight-member committee to amend some of its sections. this move was rejected by a section of clan leaders
However the case has dragged on since April, when the date for the first hearing was fixed.
On Tuesday morning, Kusemererwa and his lawyer, Johnson Musana appeared at Fort Portal High Court for hearing of the case. However King Oyo’s legal team wasn’t at the court.
Kusemererwa and his lawyer held a meeting with the Grade II magistrate, Nathan Mulindwa who said that the case can’t proceed, because Justice Dan Akiiki Kiiza, the Fort Portal resident judge was presiding over High Court sessions in other districts in the region.
Mulindwa told Musana and his client that the case will be adjourned to November 4th for the next hearing.
This is the third time that the case has been adjourned. The first was in April when it was adjourned to June 14th. However the then resident judge, Justice Mike Chibita failed to turn up and it was adjourned to October 10th. Chibita was later appointed the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
However one of King Oyo’s lawyers in Fort Portal who preferred anonymity told Uganda Radio Network that there are plans to have the case settled out of courts of law.
In a telephone interview, Kusemererwa confirmed that he has been approached by some members of King Oyo’s legal team to settle the case amicably. He however said that he will not adhere to their demands, unless they are promises of reforms in the kingdom.
Kusemererwa says that he doesn’t want a repeat of 2011, when members of the clan council sued King Oyo, but later withdrew the case out of court after the King promised to adhere to their demands like proper management of kingdom resources and interference in kingdom administration by palace officials, but have never been addressed.
Thursday, 3 October 2013
Empaako Tradition Submitted To UNESCO For Inscription
http://ugandaradionetwork.com/a/story.php?s=56864
The proposal to have the Empaako tradition inscribed as an intangible heritage has been submitted to the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
The UNESCO committee in-charge of intangible heritage will meet in Azerbaijan in December to consider the proposal.
Empaako or pet-name is a local practice of giving a special name which is specifically used for greeting, praising, honouring and pleading for a favour. It is shared by communities in Tooro, Bunyoro, Busongora, Butuku, Kitagwenda and Bunyaruguru.
Steven Rwagweri, the Executive Director of Engabu Za Tooro (EZT), a local cultural organisation in the region which initiated the idea of having the tradition inscribed, says the proposal was submitted on Monday to the UNESCO headquarters in Paris. EZT collected views from several personalities, institutions and organizations in areas where the tradition is shared. Rwagweri says that consultations were also made with the King of Tooro, Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV and his Bunyoro counterpart, Solomon Gafabuza Iguru. Ivan Rutakirwa Bwebale, the self-styled cultural leader of the Basongora and clan heads from Tooro and Bunyoro also shared their views.
Once it has been inscribed as an intangible heritage, the pet-name tradition will be listed among the important cultural intangible heritages in need of safe guarding.
UNESCO will provide funds for four years meant to implement the programme of safeguarding the tradition through activities such as sensitization.
Last year, EZT received a boost when the government endorsed the request by the Batooro to have the pet-name tradition recognized by UNESCO, as an intangible heritage.
Rev. Richard Baguma, an elder in Tooro Kingdom who has been part of the team seeking peoples' views, says he is eagerly waiting for the outcome of the Azerbaijan meeting. Baguma says the demand to have the Empaako tradition inscribed by UNESCO is overdue because it is currently under threat. Baguma cites some religious groups such as the Bisaka cult of the Faith of Unity, who have distorted the meaning of the pet-name tradition and encouraged their followers to abandon Empaako. Baguma says such cults have associated the pet names with the demi-gods and yet the pet name is used to praise, greet and adore.
He says such misconceptions will be fought once the tradition has been inscribed.
The Intangible Cultural Heritage was established in 2008 by UNESCO aiming to ensure the better protection of important intangible cultural heritages worldwide and the awareness of their significance.
Only those countries that have ratified the Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritages can present elements for inscription on the lists. Currently, there are 146 countries that have ratified the Convention, which was adopted by UNESCO’s General Conference in 2003.
The committee on intangible heritage meets annually to evaluate nominations proposed and decide whether or not to inscribe those cultural practices and expressions.
In 2012, the Bigwala, gourd trumpet music and dance of the Basoga was inscribed by UNESCO on the list of intangible cultural heritage in need of urgent safeguarding.
The proposal to have the Empaako tradition inscribed as an intangible heritage has been submitted to the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
The UNESCO committee in-charge of intangible heritage will meet in Azerbaijan in December to consider the proposal.
Empaako or pet-name is a local practice of giving a special name which is specifically used for greeting, praising, honouring and pleading for a favour. It is shared by communities in Tooro, Bunyoro, Busongora, Butuku, Kitagwenda and Bunyaruguru.
Steven Rwagweri, the Executive Director of Engabu Za Tooro (EZT), a local cultural organisation in the region which initiated the idea of having the tradition inscribed, says the proposal was submitted on Monday to the UNESCO headquarters in Paris. EZT collected views from several personalities, institutions and organizations in areas where the tradition is shared. Rwagweri says that consultations were also made with the King of Tooro, Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV and his Bunyoro counterpart, Solomon Gafabuza Iguru. Ivan Rutakirwa Bwebale, the self-styled cultural leader of the Basongora and clan heads from Tooro and Bunyoro also shared their views.
Once it has been inscribed as an intangible heritage, the pet-name tradition will be listed among the important cultural intangible heritages in need of safe guarding.
UNESCO will provide funds for four years meant to implement the programme of safeguarding the tradition through activities such as sensitization.
Last year, EZT received a boost when the government endorsed the request by the Batooro to have the pet-name tradition recognized by UNESCO, as an intangible heritage.
Rev. Richard Baguma, an elder in Tooro Kingdom who has been part of the team seeking peoples' views, says he is eagerly waiting for the outcome of the Azerbaijan meeting. Baguma says the demand to have the Empaako tradition inscribed by UNESCO is overdue because it is currently under threat. Baguma cites some religious groups such as the Bisaka cult of the Faith of Unity, who have distorted the meaning of the pet-name tradition and encouraged their followers to abandon Empaako. Baguma says such cults have associated the pet names with the demi-gods and yet the pet name is used to praise, greet and adore.
He says such misconceptions will be fought once the tradition has been inscribed.
The Intangible Cultural Heritage was established in 2008 by UNESCO aiming to ensure the better protection of important intangible cultural heritages worldwide and the awareness of their significance.
Only those countries that have ratified the Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritages can present elements for inscription on the lists. Currently, there are 146 countries that have ratified the Convention, which was adopted by UNESCO’s General Conference in 2003.
The committee on intangible heritage meets annually to evaluate nominations proposed and decide whether or not to inscribe those cultural practices and expressions.
In 2012, the Bigwala, gourd trumpet music and dance of the Basoga was inscribed by UNESCO on the list of intangible cultural heritage in need of urgent safeguarding.
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