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LANDSLIDES: God did not plan for people to stay in those steep areas, move out to avoid landslides, Museveni tells Bugisu

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President Yoweri Museveni has advised the people of Bugisu sub region to stop staying in steep areas, explaining that God did not plan for people to stay in those areas, rather He wanted it to be for other purposes such as water, forests and so on but not for human settlement.

The President made the remarks Thursday while addressing a public rally at Maluku Sports Grounds, Mbale City.

The rally was part of the Presidential regional performance assessment tour on the Parish Development Model and wealth creation in Bugisu sub region.

 “We told you long ago that this is very dangerous, but some politicians were playing around with it. Now you have seen how many people we have lost. This mountain is a goldmine, it is catching water for us.

It is God’s project but we who are near, we can use it in a clever way. From the lowlands where the people can live or the footsteps of the mountain not on the cliffs, we can have hotels for tourism where people come and stay in them and go up. And we can do projects like beekeeping in the forests but don’t stay there.”

Govt to offer resettlement support

He also assured the residents in disaster-prone areas that the government is ready to offer all the necessary support to resettle them in safer areas.

“I’m glad that after seeing what happened, people are now willing to move away, and we are going to provide all the money to help you get away.”

Additionally, he informed them that he is going to involve the Ministry of Housing to see how they can help the people of Bugisu to start building standard houses, having discovered that some of them still use reeds and muds to set up houses.

Two acres of land per family

During the tour, the President paid an impromptu visit to Bunambutye, a government resettlement village in the eastern district of Bulambuli, where the victims of landslides are currently settled.

He has assured landslide survivors that the government will provide them with two acres of land per family and enough money to construct better houses for themselves.

“I’m sorry to hear what happened to you. The government people came here. I did not come because I had gone to Arusha, but I know the problem. I will buy you some land—two acres per family. The 10 million shillings they’re giving you is a partial payment because we want you to get money to build a small house for yourself and then the two acres and the capital to start with,” President Museveni said.

Landslides kill 30 people

Last month, over 30 people lost their lives after devastating landslides swept through Kimono Village, Buluganya Sub-County in Bulambuli District, burying over 20 homes.

While addressing the survivors, President Museveni urged them to encourage their relatives still living in the disaster-prone mountainous areas to evacuate, assuring them that the government will find them alternative safe areas to settle.

Landslides in the mountainous areas of Bulambuli and other parts of the Bugisu subregion are a recurring natural disaster during periods of heavy rainfall, posing severe risks to the people living in these areas.

WEALTH CREATION: Tough talking Museveni directs all unqualified PDM beneficiaries to return funds immediately

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President Yoweri Museveni has directed that all people who irregularly benefitted from the Parish Development Model (PDM) program, should pay back the funds immediately.

“During my tour, I have discovered that there are people who are not qualified for the PDM, “the bagagga” civil servants. Those ones got it, yet they are not supposed to get it. They should pay it back immediately. Those made a mistake of taking what is not theirs,” he ordered.

The President made the remarks Thursday while addressing a public rally at Maluku Sports Grounds, Mbale City.

The rally was part of the Presidential regional performance assessment tour on the Parish Development Model and wealth creation in Bugisu sub region.

President Museveni also revealed that he has already ordered banks to stop deducting charges from the Shs1 million being received by the PDM beneficiaries, saying it should be the government to pay all those charges.

“Now we have put PDM in every Parish. It’s Shs100 million per parish per annum. That means it should benefit 100 homes a year. The banks which have been knocking off money, I have stopped it, the government will pay the bank charges, they will not touch your Shs1 million,” he assured.

The President also said all the officials who have been stealing the PDM funds are going to refund the money and be arrested at the same time.

“Now there are those who knocked off some money and instead of giving the beneficiaries Sha980,000 after bank charges, they gave Sha200,000, Shs500, 000. There are two categories there, initially there are those who ordered themselves to give small money to various people without following what the government was saying. When we came to know we stopped it, we said it must be Shs1 million. If anybody knocked off money after that, you will pay back but also we are going to arrest him because that one is a thief,” he said.

President Museveni further assured Ugandans of PDM continuity, asking them to guard the project jealously because it’s meant to help them fight poverty and uplift their livelihoods.

“Let us move without stopping, each year we shall send Shs100 million. That means in 5 years, the Parish will get Shs500 million but also in the 3rd year, the one who got first will pay back and that money will come back to the fund of the Parish and by 5 years, the Parish bank would have got an extra Shs 300 million coming back from the initial borrowers.

It will no longer be Shs500 million but Shs 800 million. This money will not come back to the government, it will stay in your Parish bank. This is your money, make sure you guard it properly. You don’t have to borrow from the money lenders or even the commercial banks, this is your money, so please don’t miss this chance.”

TRANSITION: Church of Uganda hands over Busoga University to government

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The Church of Uganda has handed over Busoga University to the Ministry of Education and Sports. The former private, church-founded institution will now be developed as a public university in the Busoga region.

At a ceremony hosted at Nakasero State Lodge on Tuesday, Church of Uganda Archbishop Dr. Stephen Kazimba formally transferred the university to the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Mrs. Janet Museveni.

The handover included a 215.4-acre land title, a Memorandum of Agreement between the Government of Uganda (represented by the Ministry of Education and Sports), the Registered Trustees of Church of Uganda, and Busoga University Limited. The Auditor General’s Report, which verified the assets and liabilities of the former university, was also presented.

Notable attendees included First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs Rebecca Kadaga, Third Deputy Prime Minister Lukia Nakadama, and several Cabinet Ministers: Matia Kasaija (Finance, Planning and Economic Development), Jacob Oboth Oboth (Defence and Veteran Affairs), Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka, and JC Muyingo (State Minister for Higher Education). Also present were the Katukiro of Busoga Kingdom Dr. Joseph Muvawala, Ministry of Education Permanent Secretary Dr. Kedrace Turyagyenda, Bishop Hannington Suubi of East Busoga Diocese, and Bishop Patrick Wakhula of Central Busoga Diocese.

Response to stakeholders’ appeals

First Lady Janet Museveni expressed gratitude to the Church of Uganda for donating the land to establish the public university. She highlighted the significance of this moment as the beginning of a government-established university in the Busoga region.

“We thank God for how far He has brought us in the process of establishing a public university in Busoga region. We can confidently say, ‘Ebenezer, thus far has the Lord brought us!'” she said.

She explained that the government’s acquisition of Busoga University came in response to stakeholders’ appeals after the National Council for Higher Education revoked the institution’s provisional license in 2017.

She thanked President Museveni for his responsiveness to public needs and commended the Presidential Committee, led by Hon. JC Muyingo, for their feasibility study and guidance on the takeover.

“Now that the land is available for Government to make the investment, we hope to move faster with the establishment of this university,” she said, adding that the government will begin improving the infrastructure to meet university standards.

Govt to pay Shs7.05 billion debt

Mrs. Museveni reported that the government has settled most of the inherited liabilities. “Out of the verified liabilities of Shs. 15.2 billion, only Shs. 7.05 billion remains unpaid and this will be handled as soon as possible,” she said, noting that the dissolution of Busoga University Limited would soon be completed.

She urged all stakeholders to remain patient as the process reaches its conclusion.

The First Lady then transferred authority to the Task Force Management Committee, which will oversee the university on behalf of the Ministry of Education and Sports. She asked the committee to complete the establishment process and called for stakeholder cooperation.

Citing Isaiah 58:12, she encouraged everyone to contribute to building Busoga University with excellence and integrity.

Centre of learning, community engagement

Archbishop Kazimba noted widespread support for the university’s transition to public status. “I owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to His Excellency the President of Uganda, General Yoweri Museveni, for fulfilling his pledge of taking over former Busoga University,” he said.

He encouraged the faithful to maintain the values of compassion, forgiveness, and service that characterized the Church of Uganda’s involvement. “As we embark on this new chapter, let us remain steadfast in sharing knowledge, commitment to community transformation, spreading love, justice, forgiveness and peace,” he added.

Kazimba expressed hope that the public university would maintain its academic excellence while becoming more responsive to society’s needs. “We envision a university that is not only a centre of learning but also a hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and community engagement—and above all, a university which aligns with the Nation and Church’s core values of serving the common good and promoting the well-being of all citizens who put God first,” he emphasized.

As founders, he requested that the Church of Uganda maintain permanent representation on the University Council. He also asked the government to expedite settling the remaining liabilities and compensation for verified assets.

Resolve outstanding liabilities

Canon Edward Gaamuwa, speaking for Busoga University Limited, expressed appreciation for all contributions toward the long-awaited government takeover.

He recounted that the late Bishop Bamwoze founded the university in 1993, working with the Board of Governors of Busoga College Mwiri. The institution opened to students in December 1999 after receiving its Tertiary Institution License.

Gaamuwa urged the government to resolve outstanding liabilities and clarify the status of students who haven’t graduated since 2018.

Prof. Tabuti John Robert, who chairs the Task Force Management Committee, thanked key stakeholders for their role in establishing the public institution and expressed hope for the Church of Uganda’s continued involvement.

The ceremony was also attended by MPs Iddi Isabirye (Chairperson, Busoga Parliamentary Caucus) and James Kubeketerya (Chairperson, Parliament’s Committee on Education and Sports), alongside representatives from the Church of Uganda, Busoga University Limited, the Auditor General’s Office, Ministry of Education and Sports, UPDF, Uganda Police Force, and local government leaders from Jinja, Iganga, Kamuli, and Bugiri.

RECKLESS TWEET: Sudan demands for official government apology from Uganda after offensive & dangerous remarks from Museveni’s son Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba

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The ministry of foreign affairs in the government of Sudan, through the Office of the Spokesperson and Media Directorate, has issued a not happy press statement on Wednesday demanding an apology from the government of Uganda.

This follows a series of comments made on X (Twitter) by Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Commander of Defense Forces, and son of President Yoweri Museveni.

In the tweets, Gen. Muhoozi threatened to capture Khartoum, the capital of Sudan, when Donald Trump fully takes over President of USA.

The Sudanese government has described the comments from Gen. Muhoozi as “reckless and irresponsible remarks”; explaining that the “unprecedented and deviant utterances” display “an incredible level of disrespect for international laws, the ethos of interstate relations and the principles of mutual respect between sisterly and friendly nations.”

“Threatening war, violating national sovereignty or defying the United Nations Charter, the African Unions Constructive Act, and international law is too serious to be trivialized or as a means of seeking attention or sensationalism,” the statement said.

Sudan has also called on the African Union, regional and international organizations to condemn the comments made by Gen. Muhoozi.

Sudan stated that these offensive messages from Gen. Muhoozi are a threat to regional peace and undermines the values of Africa.

Gen. Muhoozi has deleted the tweets but this is not the first time he is using social media to threaten capturing the capital of a neighboring country.

He recently vaused an uproar when he said it can take him only 24 hours to march and capture Nairobi, Kenya’s capital. The Kenyan government wasn’t amused and Kenyans ‘cooked him’ on social media.

His father, President Museveni recently apologized to the US when his son threatened to expel the US ambassador to Uganda from Uganda.

Looks like Museveni, who has been president of Uganda for now 38 years, will have to apologize to Sudan – another act to clean up his son’s diplomatic dirt.

PROGRESSIVE: Works ministry reveals date it will roll out registration for new digital number plates for all Vehicles

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The ministry of works and transport officials have told a stakeholder workshop for motor vehicle agents and dealers in Kampala on Wednesday that registration of new digital number plates for private and all other vehicles will be rolled out on January 6th, 2025.

All new vehicles registered from 6th January onwards will be required to register with the New Intelligent Transport Monitoring System (ITMS), the ministry said.

The ministry explained that one component of this project is the installation of digital number plates fitted complete with a digital tracker and vehicle owner’s particulars for improved road safety and general transport regulation.

Progress with motorcycles

The ministry also revealed that a total of 9,784 motorcycles have been fitted with the New Digital Registration Number Plates since commencement on 1st November 2024.

The new Intelligent Transport Monitoring System will enable real time tracking and identification of motor bike users which will greatly mitigate the security threats that are posed by criminals who wrongfully use motorbikes.

OPINION: Busoga must adopt a multifaceted approach to address economic & social development challenges in region

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By Baluye Michael Waiswa

The Busoga sub-region, despite its natural resources and historical importance, faces significant challenges in development particularly in poverty reduction and infrastructure.

To address these issues, the region should adopt a multifaceted approach focused on both economic and social development.

Here are some key actions that can help improve the situation:

1. Harness Natural Resources and Promote Economic Activities:

The people of Busoga, particularly the youth, need to engage in economic activities that exploit the region’s natural resources including agriculture, fisheries, and animal husbandry.

The sub-region’s proximity to lakes and rivers offers opportunities in aquaculture and irrigation-based farming which could lead to improved productivity.

Re-establishing communal agriculture on unused government land can help mitigate the fragmentation of individual land holdings. This would also promote collaboration and resource-sharing, making it easier to access markets and improve yields.

2. Establish Older Persons’ Forums:

A major gap in Busoga’s political and social structure is the lack of organized forums for older persons who could play a crucial role in advocating for development.

Setting up these forums at district and sub-county levels would provide platforms for older citizens to influence local planning, lobby for government support, and contribute to the social cohesion of the region.

3. Create a Special Ministry for Busoga:

Busoga should advocate for a specialized ministry dedicated to the region, similar to Bunyoro and Karamoja. This ministry could focus on the specific needs of the sub-region, addressing critical issues like dilapidated schools and health centers.

By pushing for this, the region could receive targeted attention and resources for infrastructure development and public services.

4. Focus on Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Programs:

The Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Industry should intensify programs that focus on improving animal husbandry, aquaculture, and the provision of essential tools like irrigation equipment and post-harvest machinery.

These initiatives can greatly enhance the productivity and sustainability of agricultural activities in the region.

5. Develop Infrastructural and Social Services:Investments should be made in building seed schools and health centers, especially in areas where these services are lacking.

Improved access to education and healthcare would directly benefit the region’s human capital, fostering long-term growth and reducing poverty.

By implementing these strategies, Busoga can begin to realize its potential and move away from being a region associated with poverty.

Economic activities must be promoted, and the social and political structures that support development need to be strengthened. With focused efforts and government support, Busoga can thrive and become a model of growth and prosperity.

Baluye Michael Waiswa is the ONC Coordinator for Buyende district

MUHOOZI KAINERUGABA: Bob Marley was a Munyankore with organized teeth unlike Bobi Wine who is an imbecile

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The Chief of Defense Forces of Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) woke up on Tuesday in the mood to cheekily attack the President of National Unity Platform (NUP), Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu also known as Bobi Wine.

https://twitter.com/mkainerugaba/status/1868848873403564129?t=Jeqs_MNje5tLR7K_UdLZbw&s=19

In one post on X, Muhoozi, who is President Yoweri Museveni’s son and Senior Presidential Advisor on Special Operations, said Bobi Wine is an imbecile and halfwit and vowed to demolish the singer cum politician in the 2026 elections.

Using the moniker Kabobi, Muhoozi lashed out at his father’s competitor for pretending to be Bob Marley’s successor.

Bob Marley is a legendary reggae singer from Jamaica. He is worshiped globally because of his iconic songs.

“First of all, Bob Marley sang legendary music! Bob Marley was a handsome Munyankore whose teeth were organised! Kabobi’s teeth are very disorganised!” Muhoozi posted.

https://twitter.com/mkainerugaba/status/1868869177827901857?t=001nHLRZJYgI6syoguLsjw&s=19

The two posts bout Bobi Wine attracted equally cheeky replies from both Muhoozi supporters and NUP and Bobi Wine supporters.

The two former acquaintances have a cat and mouse affair ever since Bobi Wine took the political path to oppose Muhoozi’s father’s unending rule. Bobi Wine has on several occasions occasions describes Muhoozi as a drunkard and many not good superlatives.

CHRISTMAS GIFT: Govt has cleared copyright law – Eddy Kenzo

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The cries to have a law that protects the copyright creatives (artists) will soon go silent when the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights(Ammendment) Bill 2024 is tabled on the floor of Parliament for debating and eventually passed into law.

Singer Eddy Kenzo, real names Musuuza Edrisah, the Special Presidential Advisor on Creatives and also President of Uganda National Musicians Federation, reveals that the draft Bill was returned from the Parliamentary Counsel on Monday and has been approved and overwhelmingly supported by Cabinet.

The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs after then will publish the Bill in the Gazette and introduce the Bill in Parliament for debate and Enactment, he explained.

The Ministry of Finance has also confirmed issuing the Certificate of Financial Implication to clear the Bill, he added.Our wish of having the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights (Amendment)Bill ,2024 as a Christmas gift I think has been fulfilled, he said.

Adding: “We are grateful to H.E the President for listening to our concerns and guiding us appropriately.”

“Let’s patiently wait through the remaining final process and celebrate this achievement together. I thank all of you for the support, love and prayers,” he conclude in what looked a message to other artists.

Dr. JOSE CHAMELEONE: Son reveals bedridden legendary musician is suffering from pancreatitis and has two years before he dies

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Marcus Abba, the eldest son of Dr. Jose Chameleone, real names Joseph Mayanja, has used social media platforms to post a video in which he revealed that his father is suffering from pancreatitis, a disease caused by over consumption of alcohol.

The teenager who resides in the USA also revealed that doctors have told the controversial but loved musician that he has two years to live if he doesn’t quit alcohol.

“I am choosing to break silence over a very, very serious issue that need action with immediate effect,” Marcus started off in the video.

Adding: “As you already know, my father is not doing well. He is in hospital. You guys probably only know the surface level of information of really is going on.”

“To start things off, my father suffers with acute pancreatitis. In most cases, this is a condition caused by repeated alcohol use. In this case this is what is going on with my father,” he revealed.

Adding: “To put things plain and simple, my father struggles with alcohol addiction. This is something that he has been suffering with for quite a while now. Henceforth the weight loss that people keep talking about.”

Marcus used the video to lash at his grandparents who he accused of not loving and helping Chameleon. He called them irresponsible, saying he lost two uncles because the grandparents didn’t care about their wellbeing.

He called on called the people who love Chameleon, his fans, to help the struggling singer change his ways and beat the alcohol addiction.

According to online sources, pancreatitis is the swelling (inflammation) of the pancreas. People with acute pancreatitis often look ill and have a fever, nausea, vomiting, and sweating. Other symptoms that may occur with this disease include: Clay-colored stools. Bloating and fullness.

WINNERS: Butembe crowned champions of the 7th edition of MTN Busoga Masaza Cup

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By Musa Kikuuno

The 7th edition of the MTN Busoga Masaza Cup concluded in spectacular fashion on Sunday, December 15, 2024, at the Kyabazinga Stadium in Bugembe.

The thrilling final match, which kicked off at 3:00 PM, was graced by His Royal Highness, the Kyabazinga of Busoga, William Wilberforce Kadhumbula Gabula Nadiope IV.

The Kyabazinga was joined by a host of dignitaries, including the Katukiro of Busoga, Owek. Joseph Muvawala Nsekere, the First Deputy Prime Minister of Busoga, Owek. Prof. Dr. Muhammed Lubega Kisambira, and the Second Deputy Prime Minister, Owek. Noor Ousman Ahmed.

Other notable attendees included the Busoga Kingdom Minister of Sports, Owek. Amin Bossa Nkono, the Minister for Kyabazinga Affairs, Owek. Babirye Yudaya, and Hon. Naigaga Mariam, Member of Parliament for Namutumba District.

Sports enthusiasts were also thrilled by the presence of Uganda Cranes head coach Joseph Paul Put and his assistant, Sam Simbwa Bamweyana.

In front of a packed Kyabazinga Stadium, Butembe County emerged victorious, defeating Bukono County 1-0.

The lone goal of the match came in the 7th minute, courtesy of an impressive strike by Ivan Nakalanga, sealing Butembe’s second Masaza Cup title.

This victory places Butembe on par with Kigulu, both counties having won the prestigious trophy twice. Butembe’s first triumph came in 2017, when they defeated Bunha on penalties after a 1-1 draw.

A Historic Streak Continues

This year’s victory also extended a unique pattern in the tournament’s history: any county that eliminates Bugabula in the semifinals goes on to win the title.

In 2022, Bukholi-Namayingo eliminated Bugabula and later clinched the championship by defeating Kigulu 1-0. Similarly, in 2023, Busiki ousted Bugabula and secured the title with a 1-0 victory over Butembe.

The 2024 edition followed suit, with Butembe knocking out Bugabula in the semifinals before claiming the title against Bukono.

Prizes and Recognitions

The champions, Butembe, received a cash prize of UGX 13 million, while Bukono, the runners-up, walked away with UGX 9 million. Bugabula, who finished third, took home UGX 6 million, and Buzaya, in fourth place, received UGX 4 million.

Individual accolades were also awarded: Goalkeeper of the Tournament – Kaduyu Paddy (Buzaya)

Top Scorer – Ibrahim Musisi Kazindula (Bugabula) with 7 goals, was presented with a new ball.

Best Coach: Amadoi Martin (Bukono)

Team of the Tournament: Bukono

Friendly Match Ends in a Draw

Adding to the day’s excitement, the Uganda Cranes Select team played a friendly match against Eastern Select at the same venue.

The game ended in a goalless draw, serving as a warm-up for the Uganda Cranes ahead of the upcoming CHAN tournament.

Looking Back on a Memorable Tournament

The Busoga Masaza Cup has continued to strengthen unity and sportsmanship across the Busoga region, and the 2024 edition was no exception.

The event was not only a celebration of football but also a testament to the cultural pride of the people of Busoga.

Congratulations to Butembe for a well-deserved victory as they etch their name once again in the history books of this prestigious tournament.