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our friendship
Thank you for being beside meWhen I needed someone that cared,And thank you for all your loyaltyFor the times together we shared.
Thank you for our friendshipFor it's something even money can't buy,Thank you for holding me tightlyWhen there was a need I had to cry.
Thank you for always smilingWhen I couldn't smile at all,And thank you for boosting my egoFor the times I felt so small.
Your friendship I cherish so deeplySo this message to you I send,May God bless and always watch over youAnd may you always remain my friend...
Thank you for our friendshipFor it's something even money can't buy,Thank you for holding me tightlyWhen there was a need I had to cry.
Thank you for always smilingWhen I couldn't smile at all,And thank you for boosting my egoFor the times I felt so small.
Your friendship I cherish so deeplySo this message to you I send,May God bless and always watch over youAnd may you always remain my friend...
WONDERFUL STATEMENT
Sweet wonderful Angel,Rest in your dreams,The love that I send youIs more than it seems.
When you awaken,Awaken in peace,And know that I held youWhile you were asleep.
Thank you
Since the moment I first met you,I knew that I had found a wonderful friend.Your humor always makes me laugh or smile,And your gift of wit never ceases to amaze me.
You’re Always Finding ReasonsTo Make Someone Feel A Part..Of All The Love And GentlenessYou Carry Within Your Heart!
You brighten my dayHelp me choose the right wayyou are my friendyou lend me your hand
Thank you for all of the times that we have shared,For going to God and lifting my name up in prayer.
As far as the ocean is widethrough miles and miles of sea;
You will be someone speciala true miracle to me.
Thanks giving
Even though I clutch my blanket and growl when the alarm rings each morning, thank you, Lord, that I can hear. There are many who are deaf.
For the hay and the corn and the wheat that is reaped,For the labor well done, and the barns that are heaped,For the sun and the dew and the sweet honeycomb,For the rose and the song and the harvest brought homeThanksgiving! Thanksgiving!
Dear Lord,We come to you this joyful day,to fold our hands in prayer -to acknowledge all the gifts you gave,and the blessings we did share.
Thanksgiving Day we celebrateHome and familyAll that we are blessed to shareNow remembered thankfully
Wishes
Many blessings arrivewith the cool November winds,reminding us to be thankfulfor the love of ourfamily and friends.
It will soon be thanksgiving once againTime for families to eat, celebrateBut not everyone will be so fortunateNot every soul will be blessed with a full plate
Turkeys, table spreads, being together,Happiness and homes to protect us from all weather,Aunts and uncles, a reunion in Fall,Nieces and nephews, family members all!
Poem
May your stuffing be tastyMay your turkey plump,May your potatoes and gravyhave nary a lump.
When you awaken,Awaken in peace,And know that I held youWhile you were asleep.
Thank you
Since the moment I first met you,I knew that I had found a wonderful friend.Your humor always makes me laugh or smile,And your gift of wit never ceases to amaze me.
You’re Always Finding ReasonsTo Make Someone Feel A Part..Of All The Love And GentlenessYou Carry Within Your Heart!
You brighten my dayHelp me choose the right wayyou are my friendyou lend me your hand
Thank you for all of the times that we have shared,For going to God and lifting my name up in prayer.
As far as the ocean is widethrough miles and miles of sea;
You will be someone speciala true miracle to me.
Thanks giving
Even though I clutch my blanket and growl when the alarm rings each morning, thank you, Lord, that I can hear. There are many who are deaf.
For the hay and the corn and the wheat that is reaped,For the labor well done, and the barns that are heaped,For the sun and the dew and the sweet honeycomb,For the rose and the song and the harvest brought homeThanksgiving! Thanksgiving!
Dear Lord,We come to you this joyful day,to fold our hands in prayer -to acknowledge all the gifts you gave,and the blessings we did share.
Thanksgiving Day we celebrateHome and familyAll that we are blessed to shareNow remembered thankfully
Wishes
Many blessings arrivewith the cool November winds,reminding us to be thankfulfor the love of ourfamily and friends.
It will soon be thanksgiving once againTime for families to eat, celebrateBut not everyone will be so fortunateNot every soul will be blessed with a full plate
Turkeys, table spreads, being together,Happiness and homes to protect us from all weather,Aunts and uncles, a reunion in Fall,Nieces and nephews, family members all!
Poem
May your stuffing be tastyMay your turkey plump,May your potatoes and gravyhave nary a lump.
MAKE IT A GREAT DAY
I woke up early today, excited over all I get to do before the day ends. I have responsibilities to fulfill today. I am important. My job is to choose what kind of day I am going to have.
Today I can complain because the weather is rainy or ...
I can be thankful that the grass is getting watered for free.
Today I can grumble about my health or...
I can rejoice that I am alive.
Today I can mourn my lack of friends or...
I can excitedly embark upon a quest to discover new relationships.
Today I can whine because I have to go to work or...
I can shout for joy because I have a job to do.
Today I can murmur dejectedly because I have to do housework or...
I can feel honored because Life has provided shelter for my mind, body and soul.
Today stretches ahead of me, waiting to be shaped. And here I am, the sculptor who gets to do the shaping.
What today will be like is up to me. I get to choose what kind of day I will have! Why not make it a GREAT day???
Have a great and wonderful day!
Today I can complain because the weather is rainy or ...
I can be thankful that the grass is getting watered for free.
Today I can grumble about my health or...
I can rejoice that I am alive.
Today I can mourn my lack of friends or...
I can excitedly embark upon a quest to discover new relationships.
Today I can whine because I have to go to work or...
I can shout for joy because I have a job to do.
Today I can murmur dejectedly because I have to do housework or...
I can feel honored because Life has provided shelter for my mind, body and soul.
Today stretches ahead of me, waiting to be shaped. And here I am, the sculptor who gets to do the shaping.
What today will be like is up to me. I get to choose what kind of day I will have! Why not make it a GREAT day???
Have a great and wonderful day!
How to define a friend
A story tells that two friends were walking through the desert. During some point of the journey they had an argument, and one friend slapped the other one in the face. The one who got slapped was hurt, but without saying anything, wrote in the sand: “TODAY MY BEST FRIEND SLAPPED ME IN THE FACE.
They kept on walking until they found an oasis, where they decided to take a bath. The one who had been slapped got stuck in the mire and started drowning, but the friend saved him. After he recovered from the near drowning, he wrote on a stone: “TODAY MY BEST FRIEND SAVED MY LIFE.”
The friend who had slapped and saved his best friend asked him, “After I hurt you, you wrote in the sand and now, you write on a stone, why?” The other friend replied: “When someone hurts us we should write it down in sand where winds of forgiveness can erase it away. But, when someone does something good for us, we must engrave it in stone where no wind can ever erase it.” LEARN TO WRITE YOUR HURTS IN THE SAND AND TO CARVE YOUR BENEFITS IN STONE.
They say it takes a minute to find a special person, an hour to appreciate them, a day to love them, but then an entire life to forget them. Send this phrase to the people you’ll never forget and remember to send it also to the person who sent it to you. It’s a short message to let them know that you’ll never forget them. If you don’t send it to anyone, it means you’re in a hurry and that you’ve forgotten your friends. Take the time to live!!!
“May the Lord of peace himself give you His peace no matter what happens. The Lord be with you all.” 2 Thessalonians 3:16
They kept on walking until they found an oasis, where they decided to take a bath. The one who had been slapped got stuck in the mire and started drowning, but the friend saved him. After he recovered from the near drowning, he wrote on a stone: “TODAY MY BEST FRIEND SAVED MY LIFE.”
The friend who had slapped and saved his best friend asked him, “After I hurt you, you wrote in the sand and now, you write on a stone, why?” The other friend replied: “When someone hurts us we should write it down in sand where winds of forgiveness can erase it away. But, when someone does something good for us, we must engrave it in stone where no wind can ever erase it.” LEARN TO WRITE YOUR HURTS IN THE SAND AND TO CARVE YOUR BENEFITS IN STONE.
They say it takes a minute to find a special person, an hour to appreciate them, a day to love them, but then an entire life to forget them. Send this phrase to the people you’ll never forget and remember to send it also to the person who sent it to you. It’s a short message to let them know that you’ll never forget them. If you don’t send it to anyone, it means you’re in a hurry and that you’ve forgotten your friends. Take the time to live!!!
“May the Lord of peace himself give you His peace no matter what happens. The Lord be with you all.” 2 Thessalonians 3:16
I luv U
I’m sending this card,sealed with a warm embracethat I hope puts a smileupon your lovely face.
Between the lines,I hope you’ll see,how very dearyou are to me.
For there’s a magic inwritten wordsthat can speak a happinessthat’s felt not heard.
So across the miles,I’m reaching outlike a warm wind,to let you know that Iappreciate you, friend
Day after day as nights go byMy love for you will never dieI always love youIn all the things that I do
I love you ~ you hear me sayIn good days and in bad daysIn the sunshine and in the rainIn joy and in great pain
In the darkest nightsMy love is your lightIn the fiercest tempestsMy love gives you rests
Day after day as nights go byMy love for you will never dieI always love youIn all the things that I do
We dance in the moonlightAnd kiss in gentle breezeThen snuggle in our love nest;Sleep in each other’s embrace
I love you when you’re awakeAnd in the slumber of your sleepI love you when you’re awaywhen near, your sweet love I reap
Day after day as nights go byMy love for you will never dieIn all the things that I do,I will always love you
My friend, I need you nowPlease take me by the hand.Stand by me in my hour of need,Take time to understand.
Take my hand, dear friend,And lead me from this place.Chase away my doubts and fears,Wipe the tears from off my face.
Friend, I can’t stand alone.I need your hand to hold,The warmth of your gentle touchIn my world that’s grown so cold.
Please be a friend to meand hold me day by day.Because with your loving hand in mine,I know we’ll find the way.
Author Unknown – Submitted By: Candice L.
Since the moment I first met you,I knew that I had found a wonderful friend.Your humor always makes me laugh or smile,And your gift of wit never ceases to amaze me.
When the woes of the world overwhelm me,You are there with comfort and perspective.Your sense of humor makes me smile;Your compassion and understanding makes me rejoice.
There are billions of people in this world.And of all these people, I met you.Fate has bonded us together;Fate will never tear us apart.
Because of you, I know that fate must exist.You are living proof.Although I may not say it often,I value you immensely.Thank you for being my friend.
Between the lines,I hope you’ll see,how very dearyou are to me.
For there’s a magic inwritten wordsthat can speak a happinessthat’s felt not heard.
So across the miles,I’m reaching outlike a warm wind,to let you know that Iappreciate you, friend
Day after day as nights go byMy love for you will never dieI always love youIn all the things that I do
I love you ~ you hear me sayIn good days and in bad daysIn the sunshine and in the rainIn joy and in great pain
In the darkest nightsMy love is your lightIn the fiercest tempestsMy love gives you rests
Day after day as nights go byMy love for you will never dieI always love youIn all the things that I do
We dance in the moonlightAnd kiss in gentle breezeThen snuggle in our love nest;Sleep in each other’s embrace
I love you when you’re awakeAnd in the slumber of your sleepI love you when you’re awaywhen near, your sweet love I reap
Day after day as nights go byMy love for you will never dieIn all the things that I do,I will always love you
My friend, I need you nowPlease take me by the hand.Stand by me in my hour of need,Take time to understand.
Take my hand, dear friend,And lead me from this place.Chase away my doubts and fears,Wipe the tears from off my face.
Friend, I can’t stand alone.I need your hand to hold,The warmth of your gentle touchIn my world that’s grown so cold.
Please be a friend to meand hold me day by day.Because with your loving hand in mine,I know we’ll find the way.
Author Unknown – Submitted By: Candice L.
Since the moment I first met you,I knew that I had found a wonderful friend.Your humor always makes me laugh or smile,And your gift of wit never ceases to amaze me.
When the woes of the world overwhelm me,You are there with comfort and perspective.Your sense of humor makes me smile;Your compassion and understanding makes me rejoice.
There are billions of people in this world.And of all these people, I met you.Fate has bonded us together;Fate will never tear us apart.
Because of you, I know that fate must exist.You are living proof.Although I may not say it often,I value you immensely.Thank you for being my friend.
An impotent man cannot make me feel like a woman
Gloria Ingabire Mbabazi, aka Pretty Glo, is a former member of the
Wafagio Girls, a dance group in Kampala. She released her solo song, Kabuuki, recently. Nickson Turyahikayo talked to the Makerere University Business School student about relationships
What secret do men in braids have?
I do not know because I have not dated any.
What about the one in the Goodlyfe Crew?
I am just his friend. It doesn’t mean because we always meet, I’m in love.
So, are you single?
Yes, I am single.
Then launch a search in the
Saturday Vision section of Meeting Point
I cannot search for a man. I am confident that I will get married. In fact, I am already eyeing someone.
How do you call him?
He is my boyfriend.
How is he?
He is a caring and understanding guy,
with a potential of meeting my needs as a woman.
What are you waiting for to introduce him?
I don’t think it is too late for me to get married. I will look into it when I complete my studies.
Don’t you think he ever cheats on you?
Since I have no information of him cheating, I think he does not.
Can’t you set spies on him?
Setting spies can confuse me because they will need to show that they are working. That creates more problems in a relationship.
Would you stay with a partner if he is impotent?
Being impotent means he cannot make me feel like a woman, so I cannot stay with him. I have seen many marriages breaking up because of impotence.
Wafagio Girls, a dance group in Kampala. She released her solo song, Kabuuki, recently. Nickson Turyahikayo talked to the Makerere University Business School student about relationships
What secret do men in braids have?
I do not know because I have not dated any.
What about the one in the Goodlyfe Crew?
I am just his friend. It doesn’t mean because we always meet, I’m in love.
So, are you single?
Yes, I am single.
Then launch a search in the
Saturday Vision section of Meeting Point
I cannot search for a man. I am confident that I will get married. In fact, I am already eyeing someone.
How do you call him?
He is my boyfriend.
How is he?
He is a caring and understanding guy,
with a potential of meeting my needs as a woman.
What are you waiting for to introduce him?
I don’t think it is too late for me to get married. I will look into it when I complete my studies.
Don’t you think he ever cheats on you?
Since I have no information of him cheating, I think he does not.
Can’t you set spies on him?
Setting spies can confuse me because they will need to show that they are working. That creates more problems in a relationship.
Would you stay with a partner if he is impotent?
Being impotent means he cannot make me feel like a woman, so I cannot stay with him. I have seen many marriages breaking up because of impotence.
great and wonderful day
I woke up early today, excited over all I get to do before the day ends. I have responsibilities to fulfill today. I am important. My job is to choose what kind of day I am going to have.
Today I can complain because the weather is rainy or ...
I can be thankful that the grass is getting watered for free.
Today I can grumble about my health or...
I can rejoice that I am alive.
Today I can mourn my lack of friends or...
I can excitedly embark upon a quest to discover new relationships.
Today I can whine because I have to go to work or...
I can shout for joy because I have a job to do.
Today I can murmur dejectedly because I have to do housework or...
I can feel honored because Life has provided shelter for my mind, body and soul.
Today stretches ahead of me, waiting to be shaped. And here I am, the sculptor who gets to do the shaping.
What today will be like is up to me. I get to choose what kind of day I will have! Why not make it a GREAT day???
Have a great and wonderful day!
Today I can complain because the weather is rainy or ...
I can be thankful that the grass is getting watered for free.
Today I can grumble about my health or...
I can rejoice that I am alive.
Today I can mourn my lack of friends or...
I can excitedly embark upon a quest to discover new relationships.
Today I can whine because I have to go to work or...
I can shout for joy because I have a job to do.
Today I can murmur dejectedly because I have to do housework or...
I can feel honored because Life has provided shelter for my mind, body and soul.
Today stretches ahead of me, waiting to be shaped. And here I am, the sculptor who gets to do the shaping.
What today will be like is up to me. I get to choose what kind of day I will have! Why not make it a GREAT day???
Have a great and wonderful day!
friendship is forever
True friendship is forever and lasts for more than a whiledon’t think about saying neverjust look around and then smile
true friendship will stand the test of timeno matter what people say or doone like yours and mineare proof that it’s all too true
true friendship is one great giftwhen you are down and lowit will give you a big liftwhen you don’t think it’ll show
true friendship is like a magic wandwhenever you might be lostit’s never any kind of conit’s there when you need it most
Submitted By: norman
God is no stranger in faraway places,He’s as close as the wind that blows on our faces.It’s true we can’t see the wind as it blows,But we feel it around us and our heart surely knows,That God’s mighty hand can be felt every minute.
There is nothing on earth, that God is not in.The sky and the stars, the waves and even the sea,The dew on the grass, the leaves on a tree,Are constant reminders of God and His nearness,Proclaiming His presence with crystal-like clearness
So how can we think God was far, far away,When we feel Him beside us every hour of the day?
We have plenty of reasons to know God’s our friendand this is one friendship that time cannot end!
God Bless!
true friendship will stand the test of timeno matter what people say or doone like yours and mineare proof that it’s all too true
true friendship is one great giftwhen you are down and lowit will give you a big liftwhen you don’t think it’ll show
true friendship is like a magic wandwhenever you might be lostit’s never any kind of conit’s there when you need it most
Submitted By: norman
God is no stranger in faraway places,He’s as close as the wind that blows on our faces.It’s true we can’t see the wind as it blows,But we feel it around us and our heart surely knows,That God’s mighty hand can be felt every minute.
There is nothing on earth, that God is not in.The sky and the stars, the waves and even the sea,The dew on the grass, the leaves on a tree,Are constant reminders of God and His nearness,Proclaiming His presence with crystal-like clearness
So how can we think God was far, far away,When we feel Him beside us every hour of the day?
We have plenty of reasons to know God’s our friendand this is one friendship that time cannot end!
God Bless!
U mai Friend
You don’t always show it,but I know that you care.If I’d ever need you,I know you’d be there.
You I’m glad you’re my friend.Your smile makes me smile.Your pain makes me hurt.
I want you to know:If you need me…I’m there.to make you happy,to make you laugh.
You My friendSometimes you make me mad,but I can’t stay mad.Sometimes I want to get away from you.And sometimes there’s nothing I want more than:
to talk to you,to tell you about my day,to hear about yours,to laugh with you,to tease you,to share an inside joke,that no one else would get,to argue with you,but know we’re just kidding…
Do you remember the time when…?There are so many times.
Don’t ever lose the wonderful person you are.Stay happy.Stay healthy.Stay you.
I’ll never stop being your friend.Don’t ever stop being mine.
You My friendJust wanted to tell you:I care.
Beautiful
I will hold your hand when we walkI will listen intently when you talk
I will dry your tears when you cryI will hold you close when you sigh
I will do my best to make you smileI will make you laugh once in awhile
I will support you in all that you doI will do all of this because I love you
U A MAI FRIEND
You don’t always show it,but I know that you care.If I’d ever need you,I know you’d be there.
You I’m glad you’re my friend.Your smile makes me smile.Your pain makes me hurt.
I want you to know:If you need me…I’m there.to make you happy,to make you laugh.
You My friendSometimes you make me mad,but I can’t stay mad.Sometimes I want to get away from you.And sometimes there’s nothing I want more than:
to talk to you,to tell you about my day,to hear about yours,to laugh with you,to tease you,to share an inside joke,that no one else would get,to argue with you,but know we’re just kidding…
Do you remember the time when…?There are so many times.
Don’t ever lose the wonderful person you are.Stay happy.Stay healthy.Stay you.
I’ll never stop being your friend.Don’t ever stop being mine.
You My friendJust wanted to tell you:I care.
Beautiful
I will hold your hand when we walkI will listen intently when you talk
I will dry your tears when you cryI will hold you close when you sigh
I will do my best to make you smileI will make you laugh once in awhile
I will support you in all that you doI will do all of this because I love you
Take my Care
Somebody cares if you're happy today, If your heart is cheerful and light.
Somebody cares if you're feeling goodAnd everything's going just right.
And somebody hopes that thismessage will show, In a warm little heart-to-heart way..
You're thought of, remembered, and happily wished An especially wonderful day!
And That Person Is Me!
I will always care for you!
Somebody cares
Somebody cares if you're happy today, If your heart is cheerful and light.
Somebody cares if you're feeling goodAnd everything's going just right.
And somebody hopes that thismessage will show, In a warm little heart-to-heart way..
You're thought of, remembered, and happily wished An especially wonderful day!
And That Person Is Me!
I will always care for you!
Today I smiled
Today I smiled, and all at once Things didn't look so bad. Today I shared with someone else, A little bit of hope I had.
Today I sang a little song, And felt my heart grow light. I walked a happy little mile, With not a cloud in sight.
Today I worked with what I had, And longed for nothing more, And what had seemed like only weeds, Were flowers at my door.
Today I loved a little more, And complained a little less. And in the giving of myself, I forgot my weariness.
Wishing You Many SmilesToday and Everyday!
Today I sang a little song, And felt my heart grow light. I walked a happy little mile, With not a cloud in sight.
Today I worked with what I had, And longed for nothing more, And what had seemed like only weeds, Were flowers at my door.
Today I loved a little more, And complained a little less. And in the giving of myself, I forgot my weariness.
Wishing You Many SmilesToday and Everyday!
United Nations investigating LRA killings in Congo
Kampala
The United Nations is investigating the alleged LRA massacre of at least 100 people in DR Congo in February. Mr John Holmes, the UN humanitarian chief, said on a visit to the country last week that an investigation was underway to find out what exactly happened, the agencies said.
If the claims are true, it would bring the number of people killed between December and March to 500. The LRA leader Joseph Kony, a war indicted criminal, has killed, maimed and continues to attack and abduct civilian population in DR Congo, south Sudan and Central Africa Republic (CAR). The Enough country Representative in Uganda, Ledio Cakaj, who is assigned to follow LRA activities in the region, said he had heard about the probe.
Unreported atrocities
“I have heard about the probe. LRA have committed many unreported atrocities in DR Congo and Central African Republic,” he said. Mr Holmes was quoted by BBC as saying LRA rebels had carried out the massacre in the village of Kpanga in the north-east of the country, near the border with southern Sudan and CAR.
A report released by Enough last month indicated that the notorious rebel group had killed at least 1,400 in DR Congo by March, a figure that was disputed by the UPDF. The UN investigation comes at a time when the foreign affairs committee of the US House of Representatives unanimously voted last week to approve the LRA Disarmament and Northern Uganda Recovery Act, a law that will authorise the use of specialised forces and resources by the US to deal with the LRA. The UN says between December and March, more than 300 people, were abducted and unknown number of villagers mutilated.
Legislator slaps beggar over child abuse
Monday, 24th May, 2010
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Kizza slapping the Karimojong woman for allegedly torturing the child she is carrying
Kizza slapping the Karimojong woman for allegedly torturing the child she is carrying
By Patrick Jaramogi
THERE was drama at the Kampala Central Police Station (CPS) yesterday when the Kasese Woman MP Winifred Kiiza slapped a Karimojong beggar during a press briefing.
Kiiza was at the Police station to report a case against Edward Smith, alias Ali Mubarak, over attempting to con her of sh50m in a fake gold deal.
But she turned her attention on Lukiyo Agino, a 23-year-old Karimojong girl, who was arrested over child abuse.
The drama unfolded when the Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson, Henry Kalulu, dragged in Lukiyo along with a malnourished two-year-old child she was using as bait to get money from sympathisers.
“This lady has been arrested in connection with torturing this innocent child. She has been using this child to solicit cash in the streets. This is child abuse,” said Kalulu. “And the worst part of it all is that the child is not even hers,” Kalulu explained
The child belongs to Lokwere Mongesi, another Karimojong woman who was already under Police custody.
The MP, who was seated next to Kalulu during the press briefing, walked towards Lukiyo who was seated about three metres away.
“Why do you subject this child to such acts?” asked Kiiza.
The legislator demanded to know whether Lukiyo knew the pains of childbirth.
Lukiyo, who apparently did not understand the question, laughed instead, angering the MP further. This prompted her to swing a slap into her face, sending the journalists into laughter.
”Mwongere (slap her more),” some journalists shouted.
Lukiyo started crying as the furious MP added another slap before she was blocked from landing another whack.
Lukiyo was then whisked away by the Police to another room.
Kalulu declined to state whether Kiiza would be reprimanded for assaulting a suspect in Police custody. He instead said the two Karimojong women would face charges of child neglect.
Several Karimojong children beg on various streets in the city. Efforts to take them off the streets have so far failed. When the city council rounds them up, they somehow reappear after a few weeks. The council says the children are ferried back by “unfriendly” people.
Meanwhile, the Police are holding the Asian man over trying to extort money from the Woman MP. Edward Smith was nabbed in Parliament just as he was to about rip Kiiza of $25,000 (sh50m).
He had allegedly promised the MP ‘gold’ worth sh50m, which she would sell for about sh70m and make a profit of sh20m.
Smith, whom the Police showed to journalists yesterday, reportedly belongs to a city gang carrying out “intellectual robbery.”
Smith’s mother is Egyptian, while the father is from Yemen but the son says he is a Ugandan of Asian origin, the Police disclosed.
The gang, according to Kalulu, has been engaged in extortion rackets, targeting leading businessmen and politicians.
“We have a case of a leading businessman who was conned of sh1b early this year by this ‘muzungu’ after he promised him gold. The businessman (name withheld) had to sell his prime land and get bank loans to sustain his business,” said Kalulu.
Also arrested were three other people over trying to con Geoffrey Anouk, a city businessman, of sh36m. John Mugisa, Daniel Okot from Gulu and Abubaker Masaba from Busia were arrested from Quality Super Market in Old Kampala.
“They tricked Anouk that they had brought him gold. But when he checked the polythene bag, it contained a packet of glucose biscuits and juice,” Kalulu said.
In the same swoop, George William Kasirivu, the manager of a Kasirex Company Limited, was also arresrted. Kasirivu, who once worked in Iraq as a guard, is allegedly behind the theft of money from over 300 Ugandans who were working in Iraq.
“He was smart and evaded the Police like Osama Bin Laden does. He doesn’t board cars and walks between midnight and 5:00am. But we finally pounced on him,” said Kalulu.
Kasirivu, dressed in a dark blue suit, looked composed as journalists took his picture. He even smiled during the interaction.
He is accused of obtaining sh750m from the Ugandans, promising them jobs in Afghanistan.
“He was smart. He personally called these innocent boys from Iraq and sent them e-mails. The boys were earning $700 (sh1.4m in Iraq) but he promised them $3,000 (sh6m) for jobs in Afghanistan. The boys saw this as a lucrative deal and abandoned their Iraq jobs,” explained Kalulu.
He said once they jetted into the country, Kasirivu asked his “prey” to deposit sh2.5m into his Stanbic Bank in Lugogo.
“After getting their money, he engaged a cat-and-mouse game, shifting offices daily from Mengo, Kajjansi, Ntinda, Lugazi, Natete and Nsambya,” said
Kasirivu’s lack ran out when some of his new clients called him, promising him more money on Saturday.
“As he rushed to pick the money, his older clients had mobilised and handed him over to the Police,” he said.
Kasirivu faces up to seven years in prison if convicted of obtaining money by false pretence. The Police have urged people who were promised jobs in Iraq by Kasirivu to report to CPS.
Managing stress with food
JAMES, 30, is a busy man. He works with a highly reputable organisation, travels abroad monthly and is studying a postgraduate course. He is also constructing a big house and sitting in for a colleague who resigned a month ago. To make matters worse, his fiancé just moved in and wants to have a baby.
This has become James’s way of life. His fiancé has become a shockabsorber/ buffer to James’ stress.
The inability to accept uncertainty, negative talk, perfectionism and setting unrealistic expectations has filled modern life with hassles, deadlines, frustrations and demands, leaving many people stressed.
The economic crisis (credit crunch), death of a spouse/relative, divorce/separation, serving a jail term, injury/illness, marriage, loss of job and retirement are common causes of stress.
Our bodies respond to stress by releasing a flood of stress hormones (adrenaline and cortisol) which rouse the body for emergency action.
The heart pounds faster, muscles tighten, blood pressure rises, breath quickens and the senses become sharper.
These physical changes increase strength and stamina, speed reaction time and enhance focus, preparing one to fight or flee from the danger at hand.
Importance of stress
It is good for protection
Keeps one focused, energetic and alert.
Saves life in emergency situations, thus helping an individual rise to meet challenges
Keeps you on your toes at work
Sharpens your concentration
Beyond a certain point, stress stops being helpful and starts causing major damage to health, mood, productivity, relationships and quality of life.
Stressed people may feel sick, tired, heated, keyed up, overly emotional and unable to sit still. Others are withdrawn or depressed, they shut down, space out, show very little energy or emotion, are unable to do anything and may look paralysed yet extremely agitated.
They tend to eat more or less, sleep too much or too little and isolate themselves from others. Others procrastinate or neglect responsibility, use alcohol, cigarettes, or drugs to relax and often have nervous habits like nail biting, pacing, scratching the head and lip biting.
Emotionally, one may experience inability to concentrate, poor judgment, seeing only the negative, anxiety or racing thoughts, constant worrying and moodiness.
Others are irritability or short temper, agitation, inability to relax, feeling overwhelmed, loneliness and isolation and depression or general unhappiness.
One could also feel body pain, diarrhea or constipation, nausea, dizziness, chest pain, rapid heartbeat, loss of sex drive and frequent colds are also common
Managing stress
Fruits and vegetables provide B complex, an anti-stress vitamin and Vitamin C, an anti oxidant. Fruits and vegetables also provide magnesium, a natural mood stabiliser and pacifier.
Folic acid helps manage bad mood and depression.
Fruits and vegetables, especially spinach and natural orange juice contain high levels of folic acid
Selenium reduces emotional stress and possible depression crisis.
Food sources include sunflower and cereals. Choline belongs to B complex vitamins and enhances memory. It boosts concentration by contributing to the secretion of the chemical acetylcholine in the brain, which is related to strengthening of memory.
People who lack this nutrient experience memory problems and are more vulnerable to Alzheimer’s disease. Eggs are also a rich source.
Foods that cause stress
Caffeine, coffee, tea and cocoa stimulate stress, anxiety and insomnia.
High fat foods like fast foods, egg yolks, butter, cheese, and red meat contain high levels of cholesterol which should be avoided because stress increases its production.
Nuts like coconut oil, cashews, almonds and other nuts also contribute to stress. Large quantities of alcohol increase stress and cause a sleep disorder.
Beverages including soda, chocolate drinks and soft drinks should also be avoided.
Although many believe that smoking (nicotine) contributes to relaxation, in reality, it increases stress levels.
Sugar should be avoided in stress, as the person will be already having increased blood glucose levels with a higher risk of getting diabetes.
This has become James’s way of life. His fiancé has become a shockabsorber/ buffer to James’ stress.
The inability to accept uncertainty, negative talk, perfectionism and setting unrealistic expectations has filled modern life with hassles, deadlines, frustrations and demands, leaving many people stressed.
The economic crisis (credit crunch), death of a spouse/relative, divorce/separation, serving a jail term, injury/illness, marriage, loss of job and retirement are common causes of stress.
Our bodies respond to stress by releasing a flood of stress hormones (adrenaline and cortisol) which rouse the body for emergency action.
The heart pounds faster, muscles tighten, blood pressure rises, breath quickens and the senses become sharper.
These physical changes increase strength and stamina, speed reaction time and enhance focus, preparing one to fight or flee from the danger at hand.
Importance of stress
It is good for protection
Keeps one focused, energetic and alert.
Saves life in emergency situations, thus helping an individual rise to meet challenges
Keeps you on your toes at work
Sharpens your concentration
Beyond a certain point, stress stops being helpful and starts causing major damage to health, mood, productivity, relationships and quality of life.
Stressed people may feel sick, tired, heated, keyed up, overly emotional and unable to sit still. Others are withdrawn or depressed, they shut down, space out, show very little energy or emotion, are unable to do anything and may look paralysed yet extremely agitated.
They tend to eat more or less, sleep too much or too little and isolate themselves from others. Others procrastinate or neglect responsibility, use alcohol, cigarettes, or drugs to relax and often have nervous habits like nail biting, pacing, scratching the head and lip biting.
Emotionally, one may experience inability to concentrate, poor judgment, seeing only the negative, anxiety or racing thoughts, constant worrying and moodiness.
Others are irritability or short temper, agitation, inability to relax, feeling overwhelmed, loneliness and isolation and depression or general unhappiness.
One could also feel body pain, diarrhea or constipation, nausea, dizziness, chest pain, rapid heartbeat, loss of sex drive and frequent colds are also common
Managing stress
Fruits and vegetables provide B complex, an anti-stress vitamin and Vitamin C, an anti oxidant. Fruits and vegetables also provide magnesium, a natural mood stabiliser and pacifier.
Folic acid helps manage bad mood and depression.
Fruits and vegetables, especially spinach and natural orange juice contain high levels of folic acid
Selenium reduces emotional stress and possible depression crisis.
Food sources include sunflower and cereals. Choline belongs to B complex vitamins and enhances memory. It boosts concentration by contributing to the secretion of the chemical acetylcholine in the brain, which is related to strengthening of memory.
People who lack this nutrient experience memory problems and are more vulnerable to Alzheimer’s disease. Eggs are also a rich source.
Foods that cause stress
Caffeine, coffee, tea and cocoa stimulate stress, anxiety and insomnia.
High fat foods like fast foods, egg yolks, butter, cheese, and red meat contain high levels of cholesterol which should be avoided because stress increases its production.
Nuts like coconut oil, cashews, almonds and other nuts also contribute to stress. Large quantities of alcohol increase stress and cause a sleep disorder.
Beverages including soda, chocolate drinks and soft drinks should also be avoided.
Although many believe that smoking (nicotine) contributes to relaxation, in reality, it increases stress levels.
Sugar should be avoided in stress, as the person will be already having increased blood glucose levels with a higher risk of getting diabetes.
Crazy but true
Husbands tired of harassment INDIA-A group of husbands, tired of being harassed by their wives, are demanding the local government to create a male protection society to address their grievances. The men, who said they had enough of their "nagging" wives, dressed up in traditional grooms’ attire and paraded through Lucknow this week to ask for a National Commission for Men. The president of the All India Welfare Committee for Husbands, Indu Pandey, cited abuse of a section of the Penal Code meant to protect women against their husbands.
Meeting family after 56 years
US-Babies, who were switched accidentally at Pioneer Memorial Hospital in 1953, discovered the truth too late. DeeAnn Angell and Kay Rene Reed were given to wrong parents, grew up, got married, had kids, became grandparents. Last summer, they took DNA tests after rumours of wrong parents, and discovered they grew up in wrong families. The hospital offered to pay for counselling, but both women declined, saying it was too late to change
what is your say about Paul's teaching on celibacy life
Will married Catholic priests be a blessing or a blunder?
Monday, 30th November, 2009 By Henry Mulindwa of the newvision A sizeable number of Christians in the 77-million worldwide Anglican Communion has been disgusted and disappointed by the Communion’s acceptance of openly homosexual people to become bishops. Another group from the same Anglican Communion is disheartened and disillusioned by the ordination of women to ministerial priesthood and even to the episcopacy (becoming bishops). In Rome, they speak of half a million lay Anglicans and between 20 and 30 Anglican bishops who want to join the Catholic Church (National Catholic Reporter, November 13). We hear of some 4,000 traditional Anglican priests worldwide who have requested to be accepted in the Catholic Church. Pope Benedict XVI has given them green light by proposing to create structures to accommodate them. Technically, these structures are called “Personal Ordinariate”. This means that Anglicans who come to the Catholic Church may have a non-territorial diocese governed by their “ordinary” (in most cases their own bishop), with its own clergy, religious orders and laity. This kind of amendment in the laws of the Church will also pave the way for married Anglican priests to be ordained Catholic priests. Do not ask me how “Catholic” they will be! The Pope also proposed that these Anglicans would keep their own liturgical rites or at least most of them. Liberal disciples of Vatican II applauded this move, believing that the Church can be universal without being uniform. Others burst into shouts of joy: “Our prayers have been heard, the Church is becoming one. Welcome back home, our separated brothers and sisters,” so they believe. However, all is not well. The move seems to be like handling the tiger by the tail. For some Anglicans, the Vatican’s suggestions are tantamount to poaching on the Anglican Communion, fishing in its waters, weakening it further and jeopardising the ecumenical movement. If all these priests leave, what will happen to the churches they have been leading? If a priest converts with most of his community, do they continue to use the church buildings? They are the community that built them, yes, but they are Anglicans no more now! If Anglicans keep their own liturgical rites, will mainstream Catholics be free to receive sacraments from these rites and vice versa? If yes, how about those sacraments and beliefs Anglicans do not recognise or do not believe in the same way Catholics do, like the Eucharist or Mary, the saints and the icons? If no, then what will be the sense in calling these converts Catholic? Anglicans have, for over 500 years, rejected that the pope is the top leader of the Church founded by Jesus and the heir to Saint Peter. Will they begin to recognise the pope once they become Anglican-Catholics? Moreover, what will be Catholic about them if they keep their own separate traditional Anglican rites? Liberal Anglicans are shrilled, on the other hand, to see these “catholicizing” traditionalists go. “They have been keeping us from progress with their centralistic medieval ideas”, so they are likely to be saying. However, Catholic liberals, especially women, are not excited. They are scared by the possible influx of a million traditionalists. “They are going to take us back, mining and poisoning the land we have covered so far. Conservative Catholicism has been loosening and losing ground. That is their concern. Other Catholics wonder what kind of Catholics these would be since they may not have gone through the usual Rite for Christian Initiation of Adults to prepare them to become Catholics. As one woman put it to me, “We are going to have Protestant- Catholics who know nothing of our traditions. They will either divide our Church or convert all of us to their side.” At St. Theresa’s parish, Kansas, in Missouri, there is already a former Episcopalian priest who converted to Catholicism and was ordained Catholic priest in 2002. Now married Fr. Ernie Davis leads mass with a group of other converts he came to the Church with. The parish has included another mass on its schedule and this mass is in the Episcopalian rite. Parishioners are watching, some with joy yet others with suspicion and discomfort (National Catholic Reporter, November 27). When it comes to the clergy question, things become even more intricate. Taking the example of Uganda, where the norm is that a candidate to Catholic ministerial priesthood begins his training in Senior One, which means at least 14 years of training, and at least two university degrees before ordination. Most Anglican priests, with all due respect, never get this kind of training. It is therefore most likely that Anglican-Catholic priests, in case of Uganda, would never be more than second class priests in the Roman Catholic Church, considering the criterion of education and training alone. Will the Vatican give some training to these Anglican priests before ordaining them to Catholic priesthood? Remember there are fundamental doctrinal differences between Anglicans and Catholics. Will they be forgotten and we go with what unites us other than what divides us? Fortunately, traditional Anglicans are mainly in Africa and India. So it is not likely that Anglicans in Uganda, for example will opt to leave their church. They have no reason to. Whereas Catholics would easily accept married priests, since there are already millions of lay ministers, men and women, who are totally accepted, the married Anglican-Catholic priests would definitely make some laity uncomfortable but largely irritate the Catholic clergy. There is already discontent over resistance to reform the medieval celibacy requirement. And now you expect those Catholic priests who would love to remain priests but also be married, to tolerate married converts living alongside them? Without going into the administrative challenges of having both married and celibate priests, the fact of married “Catholic” priests will trigger off a movement of priests within the church. There is an Australian Anglican bishop who was a Catholic priest but converted in order to get married without losing his faculties (authority and power) as a priest. Just recently, on hearing the Vatican’s move, four priests in South Korea converted to Anglicanism in order to get married (The Catholic Northwest, November 26). They said they will come back to the Catholic Church as “Anglican converts” since they are now sure that they will keep their preaching job as married Anglican-Catholic priests. If the Vatican implements the proposals to accommodate married Anglican priests coming into the Catholic Church, what good reasons will it advance to not let Catholic priests who want to get married and remain active priests? What will this be prohibiting anyway? It will be very contradictory. This is the time to ask questions and questioning the answers. I think it is possible that things will be the same but more likely they will be different!
At a bazaar R.Nile
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This will provide a range of updates that is news around the wound for people to give comments and opinions.
Is it wise to venture into tendering as our first business?
Dear Dennis Three of us are considering getting into the tendering business next year. We are yet to agree on the scope of operation. Is it wise to venture into tendering as our first business?Raymond, KampalaVarious businesses will come with challenges that are unique to the nature of the business. Some businesses will appear more convenient for first-timers than others. Tendering in Uganda has the unfortunate reputation of being riddled by kick-backs and other forms of corruption. Of course the cancer of corruption runs through almost every sphere of life in Uganda but it is clearly more pronounced in certain areas. As new players in the business, you need to be mindful of the challenges just as much as you might be aware of the opportunities that there are for you. Winning a tender is equivalent to entering a legal and binding contract, which requires you to complete the work as stipulated in the tender contract. In fact, when a business submits a tender document, it essentially becomes an offer. Once those who have called for tendering have accepted the offer, it then becomes a contract. You will need to be certain of your readiness. In your case, there is no experience that can guarantee your ability to deliver goods and services consistently. This means that you will need to work a little to earn a reputation of consistency and reliability. Do you for instance have the necessary finances to complete the work? Business integrity and efficiency might be key attributes for any business but you will need them even more if you are looking to survive in the tendering arena. It helps to know that you will not always win the tender. However whenever you apply you need to learn something more as this increases your future chances of winning.Getting into the tendering business when you are not ready could have a damaging effect on your business. This could come in form of a damaged business reputation or even worse penalties for breach of contract. That said, being a novice in a business does not mean that you will not excel at it. You could actually get into the business and steadily work your way into being one of the finest players.
Movement, opposition talks hang in balance
The ruling National Resistance Movement party yesterday disagreed with opposition parties at a closed interparty dialogue over a proposals to reinstate presidential term limits in the Constitution. The six major political parties met in Kampala, 39 days after they first met in Ghana, in a political get-together to patch up relations ahead of the 2011 general elections. DisagreementAlthough parties had agreed that the Memorandum of Understanding, drafted in Ghana be signed within one month, it emerged yesterday that disagreements over term limits allegedly delayed the entire process.“Reinstating the presidential term limits is a constitutional matter and the process is clear. It has to go through Parliament,” the government Chief Whip, Mr Daudi Mugereko, told Daily Monitor. In July 2005, Parliament voted to scrap the two-term presidential term limit, paving way for President Museveni to stand for a third term in 2006 general elections.Sources in the meeting told Daily Monitor that the opposition have demanded that restoration of the presidential term limit and electoral reforms be put as conditions for NRM to show seriousness on the need for political reforms ahead of the general elections.“We cannot talk about democracy when those in power don’t want to leave power,” a source said. “This is the main reason why some of us in opposition are calling for the restoration of the presidential term limits in the Constitution so as to make this new political dialogue practical. Otherwise with the current arrangement it seems we are just flogging a dead horse,” the source added.
How to finance the purchase of a new acquisition
Hello Mr Kawuma,After four years of running a restaurant, which a friend of mine and I started, we are considering an opportunity to buy an already established restaurant in addition to the one we own. What would be the best way to finance the purchase of a new acquisition? Janet, Entebbe.
First, you need to be confident that the opportunity you are considering is too good to miss. You need to have a good degree of certainty about what you intend to purchase before you consider how to finance it. After establishing that you can take on even more roles, you can then focus on ensuring that you have enough capital to buy that business.
Bear in mind though that you will need to take care of the running costs as soon as you make that new acquisition. Financing your new acquisition is not entirely different from financing a start-up business.
Just like a new business venture would require you to choose between Debt or Equity financing, a finance decision for your new acquisition would require to make the same choice. For purposes of being sure, Debt financing refers to financing through a loan from a bank or financial institution whereas Equity financing refers to using your own funds or money from friends or shareholders among others.
Normally equity financing would be the better option because it tends to be less risky. However if you choose to go for debt financing, ensure that you provide the evidence of feasibility. This would require you to have a sound business plan that outlines details of your current business and the business that you intend to acquire. Your business plan would need to show strong anticipated cash flow.
To gauge your financial muscle further, the plan will need to show the abilities that you and your partner possess in regard to the skills that are required to run the new business.
In addition, make sure that your credit application mentions among others, profit projections, cash flow forecasts, history and background of your business. Lastly of course, have an outline of what you want and why you want it.
First, you need to be confident that the opportunity you are considering is too good to miss. You need to have a good degree of certainty about what you intend to purchase before you consider how to finance it. After establishing that you can take on even more roles, you can then focus on ensuring that you have enough capital to buy that business.
Bear in mind though that you will need to take care of the running costs as soon as you make that new acquisition. Financing your new acquisition is not entirely different from financing a start-up business.
Just like a new business venture would require you to choose between Debt or Equity financing, a finance decision for your new acquisition would require to make the same choice. For purposes of being sure, Debt financing refers to financing through a loan from a bank or financial institution whereas Equity financing refers to using your own funds or money from friends or shareholders among others.
Normally equity financing would be the better option because it tends to be less risky. However if you choose to go for debt financing, ensure that you provide the evidence of feasibility. This would require you to have a sound business plan that outlines details of your current business and the business that you intend to acquire. Your business plan would need to show strong anticipated cash flow.
To gauge your financial muscle further, the plan will need to show the abilities that you and your partner possess in regard to the skills that are required to run the new business.
In addition, make sure that your credit application mentions among others, profit projections, cash flow forecasts, history and background of your business. Lastly of course, have an outline of what you want and why you want it.
Operating a franchise
I would like to operate a franchise on behalf of an established business. What are some of the things that I need to look out for?Operating a franchise might seem attractive on the face of it but there are a number of details pertaining to it that need to be ironed-out if it is going to work. The right place to start is by establishing whether the franchisor (the company which grants the right to someone to trade under a particular brand or trade name) is suitable for you. Franchising for one who might not know what it’s all about is a way of doing business based on an already established business format. In essence, you who wants to operate a franchise will have to pay money; usually on an up-front basis. After paying, this allows you to use your franchisor’s intellectual property. Depending on the terms of the franchise contract, you may also benefit from various forms of training and or technical support. It doesn’t matter whether you are dealing with a reknown brand like Pepsi or MacDonald’s, a thorough check on the business principles, profitability, management and long term strategies of your franchisor are important. You will also need to establish if the brand or trademark you are considering has the ability to gain respect within your prospective market. Be sure not to downplay the marketing role. There’s a tendency for the franchisee to assume that the already established brand name will be sufficient for them to ride on. It’s never safe to depend on self marketing. You will need to develop a marketing strategy that is geared towards your target market. Usually as a new franchisee, the prospect of starting out comes with excitement and this may sometimes lead to setting unrealistic expectations. Be careful to keep your feet on the ground. It may take two or even more years before your franchise operation starts generating any considerable profit. Finally, running a franchise successfully will obviously require stable financial flows. Be sure you can rely on your bank or any other finance partner to provide the working capital that you will need.
How to operate a franchise
I would like to operate a franchise on behalf of an established business. What are some of the things that I need to look out for?
Operating a franchise might seem attractive on the face of it but there are a number of details pertaining to it that need to be ironed-out if it is going to work. The right place to start is by establishing whether the franchisor (the company which grants the right to someone to trade under a particular brand or trade name) is suitable for you.
Franchising for one who might not know what it’s all about is a way of doing business based on an already established business format. In essence, you who wants to operate a franchise will have to pay money; usually on an up-front basis.
After paying, this allows you to use your franchisor’s intellectual property. Depending on the terms of the franchise contract, you may also benefit from various forms of training and or technical support. It doesn’t matter whether you are dealing with a reknown brand like Pepsi or MacDonald’s, a thorough check on the business principles, profitability, management and long term strategies of your franchisor are important. You will also need to establish if the brand or trademark you are considering has the ability to gain respect within your prospective market. Be sure not to downplay the marketing role.
There’s a tendency for the franchisee to assume that the already established brand name will be sufficient for them to ride on. It’s never safe to depend on self marketing. You will need to develop a marketing strategy that is geared towards your target market.
Usually as a new franchisee, the prospect of starting out comes with excitement and this may sometimes lead to setting unrealistic expectations. Be careful to keep your feet on the ground. It may take two or even more years before your franchise operation starts generating any considerable profit.
Finally, running a franchise successfully will obviously require stable financial flows. Be sure you can rely on your bank or any other finance partner to provide the working capital that you will need.
Operating a franchise might seem attractive on the face of it but there are a number of details pertaining to it that need to be ironed-out if it is going to work. The right place to start is by establishing whether the franchisor (the company which grants the right to someone to trade under a particular brand or trade name) is suitable for you.
Franchising for one who might not know what it’s all about is a way of doing business based on an already established business format. In essence, you who wants to operate a franchise will have to pay money; usually on an up-front basis.
After paying, this allows you to use your franchisor’s intellectual property. Depending on the terms of the franchise contract, you may also benefit from various forms of training and or technical support. It doesn’t matter whether you are dealing with a reknown brand like Pepsi or MacDonald’s, a thorough check on the business principles, profitability, management and long term strategies of your franchisor are important. You will also need to establish if the brand or trademark you are considering has the ability to gain respect within your prospective market. Be sure not to downplay the marketing role.
There’s a tendency for the franchisee to assume that the already established brand name will be sufficient for them to ride on. It’s never safe to depend on self marketing. You will need to develop a marketing strategy that is geared towards your target market.
Usually as a new franchisee, the prospect of starting out comes with excitement and this may sometimes lead to setting unrealistic expectations. Be careful to keep your feet on the ground. It may take two or even more years before your franchise operation starts generating any considerable profit.
Finally, running a franchise successfully will obviously require stable financial flows. Be sure you can rely on your bank or any other finance partner to provide the working capital that you will need.
what is needed to startup a business?
Dear Dennis,My friends and I have been considering starting up a business but we are challenged because none of us has knowledge on how to develop a business plan. We think that this is important for us to succeed. Please advise on what we need to do?
It is not common for me to get questions from start-ups who highly regard the issue of having a business plan. Many of them will have a fair idea of what they what to achieve and they tend to be preoccupied by the returns on investment without giving adequate attention to the processes and the general plan of the business. Having a business plan is obviously helpful because among others it helps you to focus better on your key objectives. In other words, it creates a road map for your business. A clear business plan will also raise your profile before potential financiers. Having a good business plan need not be such a challenge as some might want you to believe.
It is basically about setting goals and outlining how and when you want to attain these goals. Yes, the business plan ought to be comprehensive but its better off being written in a concise manner. Achieving comprehensiveness and brevity at the same time will mean you have a business plan that is easy to grasp in a short time. Setting out to write the business plan will require you to establish the type of audience that you are writing it for.
By the time you are done with that, the presumption is that you understand what your business is all about and you are ready to get into outlining what the plan entails. Key areas in the business plan will include: Vision, Mission statement, Executive Summary (basically summary of what the business is all about), Product or service offering, Target market, Marketing plan, Industry and competitive analysis (normally this should include competitors and all stakeholders in the business including regulatory and governmental agencies), Profiles of company directors and financial statements.
Finally, when you are done with the writing, it helps to have a lawyer look at the business plan in case of any errors or omissions.
It is not common for me to get questions from start-ups who highly regard the issue of having a business plan. Many of them will have a fair idea of what they what to achieve and they tend to be preoccupied by the returns on investment without giving adequate attention to the processes and the general plan of the business. Having a business plan is obviously helpful because among others it helps you to focus better on your key objectives. In other words, it creates a road map for your business. A clear business plan will also raise your profile before potential financiers. Having a good business plan need not be such a challenge as some might want you to believe.
It is basically about setting goals and outlining how and when you want to attain these goals. Yes, the business plan ought to be comprehensive but its better off being written in a concise manner. Achieving comprehensiveness and brevity at the same time will mean you have a business plan that is easy to grasp in a short time. Setting out to write the business plan will require you to establish the type of audience that you are writing it for.
By the time you are done with that, the presumption is that you understand what your business is all about and you are ready to get into outlining what the plan entails. Key areas in the business plan will include: Vision, Mission statement, Executive Summary (basically summary of what the business is all about), Product or service offering, Target market, Marketing plan, Industry and competitive analysis (normally this should include competitors and all stakeholders in the business including regulatory and governmental agencies), Profiles of company directors and financial statements.
Finally, when you are done with the writing, it helps to have a lawyer look at the business plan in case of any errors or omissions.
How can one ensure that they have a stable cash flow?
Dear Dennis,After three years in operation, I have realised that I tend to encounter cash flow problems arise even after making a profit. How can one ensure that they have a stable cash flow? Remmy, Mbarara
Negative cash flow is a fairly common occurrence amongst small businesses. This however does not mean that the challenge is to be taken lightly. Whenever it has been taken for granted, poor cash flow has invariably led to the collapse of businesses. In fact it is particularly deemed to be one of the major causes of failure for small businesses.
Simply put, cash flow is what helps to give you an indication as to whether at the end of the period you have enough cash on hand to pay your bills and remain in operation. On the other hand it helps you figure out whether you are running an efficient and sustainable business operation. If your cash flow is positive, it means that you are getting in more cash than you are paying out. If it is negative, the implication is that you are paying out more than you are taking in. So how do you control or improve your cash flow?
First, try as much as possible to avoid bad debts. Usually, they are the quickest way fail a small business. See to it that you develop clear payment terms which are agreed upon before your sales are made. It is normally wise to seek legal expertise/advice at this stage. When it comes to debt collection, do not waste time! Just like Waren Buffet would say at this point; Rule No. 1 Never lose money. Rule No.2 Never forget Rule No.1.
So be sure to start knocking on those doors as soon as your money is due. As you might have realised by now, new debts tend to be much easier to resolve than old debts. Also, how you manage your stock will play a role in defining the state of your cash flow. Be careful not to stock too much and endeavour to keep it at the minimum. Besides stock costing money to buy, transport and store, it could be stolen, damaged or become outdated with time.
Finally try as much as you can to keep your overheads down. Remember it's always easier to save costs than to grow profits.
Negative cash flow is a fairly common occurrence amongst small businesses. This however does not mean that the challenge is to be taken lightly. Whenever it has been taken for granted, poor cash flow has invariably led to the collapse of businesses. In fact it is particularly deemed to be one of the major causes of failure for small businesses.
Simply put, cash flow is what helps to give you an indication as to whether at the end of the period you have enough cash on hand to pay your bills and remain in operation. On the other hand it helps you figure out whether you are running an efficient and sustainable business operation. If your cash flow is positive, it means that you are getting in more cash than you are paying out. If it is negative, the implication is that you are paying out more than you are taking in. So how do you control or improve your cash flow?
First, try as much as possible to avoid bad debts. Usually, they are the quickest way fail a small business. See to it that you develop clear payment terms which are agreed upon before your sales are made. It is normally wise to seek legal expertise/advice at this stage. When it comes to debt collection, do not waste time! Just like Waren Buffet would say at this point; Rule No. 1 Never lose money. Rule No.2 Never forget Rule No.1.
So be sure to start knocking on those doors as soon as your money is due. As you might have realised by now, new debts tend to be much easier to resolve than old debts. Also, how you manage your stock will play a role in defining the state of your cash flow. Be careful not to stock too much and endeavour to keep it at the minimum. Besides stock costing money to buy, transport and store, it could be stolen, damaged or become outdated with time.
Finally try as much as you can to keep your overheads down. Remember it's always easier to save costs than to grow profits.
How to revive a dying business
My business has been in existence for two years now but I am currently not making progress especially in terms of sales. What do I need to do to reverse this trend?Simon, Nakawa
The average business will go through phases before its growth trends become more predictable. In most instances, how you react at a particular phase will define your levels of progress.
Many businesses, particularly small businesses need to adapt to changing market conditions and new sales opportunities if they are to continue growing.
As a business owner, you need to play the key strategic role of focusing on the horizon for new opportunities that might arise. You will however need to do this concurrently by keeping another eye on the daily operational issues of the business.
By keeping a tab on the quality of daily operations whilst being on the lookout for fresh opportunities, you’ll be in position to make a balanced approach towards taking your business in the right direction. To increase your sales, you first of all need to review the definition of your business.
Find out if you are on course to meet the needs or demand which you presumably set out to meet at the very beginning. You could also consider adding complementary products and services onto what you are already offering. If you notice you have branding or customer care problems, make sure these are sorted.
Tagging your products and services onto popular events and causes might also be helpful. For instance, tagging your products onto popular festivals, tourism sites and sports events among others could give you that leap that you’ve been looking for.
Also, strengthen your network with what you consider to be your niche market. Be sure to grow and cherish your relationships with your that niche market.
Whether you can afford to pay for a market survey or not, it helps to appreciate that having friendly conversations with your staff and customers could give you a better insight of what you need to better your sales.
Overall, returns on some of these initiatives might not be immediate but they will pay off most of the time.
The average business will go through phases before its growth trends become more predictable. In most instances, how you react at a particular phase will define your levels of progress.
Many businesses, particularly small businesses need to adapt to changing market conditions and new sales opportunities if they are to continue growing.
As a business owner, you need to play the key strategic role of focusing on the horizon for new opportunities that might arise. You will however need to do this concurrently by keeping another eye on the daily operational issues of the business.
By keeping a tab on the quality of daily operations whilst being on the lookout for fresh opportunities, you’ll be in position to make a balanced approach towards taking your business in the right direction. To increase your sales, you first of all need to review the definition of your business.
Find out if you are on course to meet the needs or demand which you presumably set out to meet at the very beginning. You could also consider adding complementary products and services onto what you are already offering. If you notice you have branding or customer care problems, make sure these are sorted.
Tagging your products and services onto popular events and causes might also be helpful. For instance, tagging your products onto popular festivals, tourism sites and sports events among others could give you that leap that you’ve been looking for.
Also, strengthen your network with what you consider to be your niche market. Be sure to grow and cherish your relationships with your that niche market.
Whether you can afford to pay for a market survey or not, it helps to appreciate that having friendly conversations with your staff and customers could give you a better insight of what you need to better your sales.
Overall, returns on some of these initiatives might not be immediate but they will pay off most of the time.
Beyond the cultural leaders’ meeting in Masindi Hotel
Beyond the cultural leaders’ meeting in Masindi Hotel
Charles Mwanguhya Mpagi & Francis Mugerwa
Masindi
Between November 12 and 13, cultural leaders (13 of them) from across the country, met at Masindi Hotel in Bunyoro Kingdom to discuss issues that affect them.
Buganda and Tooro that are two principals of the seven more recognised cultural institutions did not attend. While Buganda gave an official explanation for snubbing the invitation, arguing that the king could not attend a meeting of cultural leaders where there were appointed ones - hitting more or less directly at the Banyala and Baruuli leaders, observers say what stands out more is that the Kabaka stayed away from a meeting that was bound to mark a second meeting between him and President Museveni since the September riots.
For its part, Tooro said it only missed the meeting due to poor coordination after the appointed delegate had to travel suddenly. Tooro insists it was aware, involved and in agreement with the objectives of the meeting though it failed to attend.
SNUBBED THE INVITE: Kabaka Ronald Mutebi. FILE PHOTO
Isolate BugandaInside Politics can reveal that the Masindi meeting was primarily aimed at placating the apparent growing government discomfort with their external sources of funding, partly blamed for fuelling the Buganda September riots. The second reason was seen as the government’s effort to put Buganda in its place. The snub by Kabaka Mutebi was seen in some circles as a direct reaction to that. Buganda’s information minister, Mr Charles Peter Mayiga, told Daily Monitor, that the Kabaka could not attend a meeting with appointed cultural leaders.
“Initiative of the cultural leaders to discuss but also to send a message to the government that their intensions are genuine for social, economic and cultural engagement and that we mean no animosity - that’s the message we want to send, laid against the backdrop of government discomfort with cultural institutions and their funding, the meeting helped - walking towards a positive synthesis to negate previous animosity,” said Tooro Kingdom information and foreign affairs minister Phillip Winyi. Mr Winyi said there was no reason for Buganda to stay away from the meeting arguing that if the Kabaka felt the representation was below him, he could have delegated. Officially, Bunyoro which since discovery of oil in the sub-region seems to be the blue-eyed kid and a major staging ground between Museveni V Buganda fights, sponsored the meeting that allowed the leaders the two-day stay at Masindi Hotel. Some sources say the money came from the central government.
With Buganda staying away, the other cultural institutions gave their unreserved support to Buruuli and Bunyala to be recognised as independent cultural institutions and asked the government to compensate or pay rent to facilities it is using in those domains, a major slap in the face of Buganda.
While the government might have tried and succeeded in isolating Buganda as it pursues the fight for what it claims belongs to her, President Museveni did not return with a full grin. Hardly hours before he arrived at Masindi Hotel, Nkore’s unrecognised king, Prince John Barigye, left the conference.
In the memorandum that was to be presented to Mr Museveni on Wednesday afternoon, was a demand that the Kingdom of Ankole should be recognised. Prince Barigye and President Museveni belong to the same ruling clan in Ankole, a minority in that area. That Prince Barigye has gained support of other cultural leaders to re-assert his claim for recognition of the Ankole throne; his enthronement could present new challenges. Just last month, Mr Museveni was chief guest at the crowning of king for the Bakonzo.
Buganda focusBut the focus is remaining on Buganda where two months and still counting, the kingdom’s CBS radio remains closed and talks between the kingdom and the central government seem not to have moved since that handshake between Mr Museveni and the Kabaka on September 30.
In Masindi, Mr Museveni lectured the leaders on their roles, promised budgetary support to their respective kingdoms in the next financial year and a share on royalties from natural resources discovered in their cultural institutions under the regional tier system which the leaders unanimously backed.
This effectively was a blow to Buganda’s quest for federal states. Mengo which snubbed the invitation looked more isolated when the cultural leaders wrote a joint memorandum declaring that “all cultural leaders under this forum are equals”.
The Issabaruuli Ssalongo Mwogeza Butamanya and the Issabanyala Capt. Baker Kimeze whom Buganda doesn’t recognise, attended the meeting. Mengo avers that Nakasongola and Buruuli, which constitute Buruuli and Bunyala respectively, are part of it and views leaders from there as state creations to weaken the kingdom. The cultural leaders further petitioned the government to offer privileges to Buruuli and Bunyala.
“As a special request, the assets in Buruuli and Bunyala should be transferred to the ownership of the cultural institutions in those areas”, the memo addressed to Mr Museveni dated November 17 and signed by the Omukama of Bunyoro, Dr Solomon Gafabusa Iguru, reads in part.
Forum reachThe Iguru, who is the chairperson of the forum for Uganda’s cultural leaders and kings, said the forum reaches out to over 20 million Ugandans who are under the cultural institutions which have formed the network. Bunyoro, the host of the forum, agrees that its relationship with the central government is cordial.
“We have absolutely no problem with the central government. It is our partner in development,” Bunyoro Kingdom’s deputy premier, Mr George Kyaligonza, who was in charge of protocol at the meeting, said.
Mr Museveni said the forum will help unite Ugandans. He cautioned cultural leaders against engaging in partisan politics adding that the country has enough politicians. He said the cultural institutions should concentrate on preservation of culture and uniting the people. The leaders concurred with the President when they unanimously agreed that their cultural institutions will neither participate in politics nor be used as platforms “for disgruntled politicians”.
Buganda is, however, unmoved by the forum. Mengo has persistently accused the government of trying to use Bunyoro to marginalise it - an allegation Bunyoro Kingdom and government have denied.
“We shall continue pushing for our demands single-handedly as we have done previously,” Mr Mayiga said. He said Buganda singularly pushed for the restoration of cultural institutions and registered success in its pursuit. “None of the people who are in that forum supported us on this.”
Cultural institutions were restored in 1990s under the NRM government. They had been abolished in 1967 under the Obote I regime. But cultural leaders demanded for the recognition of Ankole kingdom, Mr Museveni said unlike Buruuli and Bunyala institutions that were backed by resolutions of Nakasongola and Kayunga districts councils, that had not been done in Ankole
Charles Mwanguhya Mpagi & Francis Mugerwa
Masindi
Between November 12 and 13, cultural leaders (13 of them) from across the country, met at Masindi Hotel in Bunyoro Kingdom to discuss issues that affect them.
Buganda and Tooro that are two principals of the seven more recognised cultural institutions did not attend. While Buganda gave an official explanation for snubbing the invitation, arguing that the king could not attend a meeting of cultural leaders where there were appointed ones - hitting more or less directly at the Banyala and Baruuli leaders, observers say what stands out more is that the Kabaka stayed away from a meeting that was bound to mark a second meeting between him and President Museveni since the September riots.
For its part, Tooro said it only missed the meeting due to poor coordination after the appointed delegate had to travel suddenly. Tooro insists it was aware, involved and in agreement with the objectives of the meeting though it failed to attend.
SNUBBED THE INVITE: Kabaka Ronald Mutebi. FILE PHOTO
Isolate BugandaInside Politics can reveal that the Masindi meeting was primarily aimed at placating the apparent growing government discomfort with their external sources of funding, partly blamed for fuelling the Buganda September riots. The second reason was seen as the government’s effort to put Buganda in its place. The snub by Kabaka Mutebi was seen in some circles as a direct reaction to that. Buganda’s information minister, Mr Charles Peter Mayiga, told Daily Monitor, that the Kabaka could not attend a meeting with appointed cultural leaders.
“Initiative of the cultural leaders to discuss but also to send a message to the government that their intensions are genuine for social, economic and cultural engagement and that we mean no animosity - that’s the message we want to send, laid against the backdrop of government discomfort with cultural institutions and their funding, the meeting helped - walking towards a positive synthesis to negate previous animosity,” said Tooro Kingdom information and foreign affairs minister Phillip Winyi. Mr Winyi said there was no reason for Buganda to stay away from the meeting arguing that if the Kabaka felt the representation was below him, he could have delegated. Officially, Bunyoro which since discovery of oil in the sub-region seems to be the blue-eyed kid and a major staging ground between Museveni V Buganda fights, sponsored the meeting that allowed the leaders the two-day stay at Masindi Hotel. Some sources say the money came from the central government.
With Buganda staying away, the other cultural institutions gave their unreserved support to Buruuli and Bunyala to be recognised as independent cultural institutions and asked the government to compensate or pay rent to facilities it is using in those domains, a major slap in the face of Buganda.
While the government might have tried and succeeded in isolating Buganda as it pursues the fight for what it claims belongs to her, President Museveni did not return with a full grin. Hardly hours before he arrived at Masindi Hotel, Nkore’s unrecognised king, Prince John Barigye, left the conference.
In the memorandum that was to be presented to Mr Museveni on Wednesday afternoon, was a demand that the Kingdom of Ankole should be recognised. Prince Barigye and President Museveni belong to the same ruling clan in Ankole, a minority in that area. That Prince Barigye has gained support of other cultural leaders to re-assert his claim for recognition of the Ankole throne; his enthronement could present new challenges. Just last month, Mr Museveni was chief guest at the crowning of king for the Bakonzo.
Buganda focusBut the focus is remaining on Buganda where two months and still counting, the kingdom’s CBS radio remains closed and talks between the kingdom and the central government seem not to have moved since that handshake between Mr Museveni and the Kabaka on September 30.
In Masindi, Mr Museveni lectured the leaders on their roles, promised budgetary support to their respective kingdoms in the next financial year and a share on royalties from natural resources discovered in their cultural institutions under the regional tier system which the leaders unanimously backed.
This effectively was a blow to Buganda’s quest for federal states. Mengo which snubbed the invitation looked more isolated when the cultural leaders wrote a joint memorandum declaring that “all cultural leaders under this forum are equals”.
The Issabaruuli Ssalongo Mwogeza Butamanya and the Issabanyala Capt. Baker Kimeze whom Buganda doesn’t recognise, attended the meeting. Mengo avers that Nakasongola and Buruuli, which constitute Buruuli and Bunyala respectively, are part of it and views leaders from there as state creations to weaken the kingdom. The cultural leaders further petitioned the government to offer privileges to Buruuli and Bunyala.
“As a special request, the assets in Buruuli and Bunyala should be transferred to the ownership of the cultural institutions in those areas”, the memo addressed to Mr Museveni dated November 17 and signed by the Omukama of Bunyoro, Dr Solomon Gafabusa Iguru, reads in part.
Forum reachThe Iguru, who is the chairperson of the forum for Uganda’s cultural leaders and kings, said the forum reaches out to over 20 million Ugandans who are under the cultural institutions which have formed the network. Bunyoro, the host of the forum, agrees that its relationship with the central government is cordial.
“We have absolutely no problem with the central government. It is our partner in development,” Bunyoro Kingdom’s deputy premier, Mr George Kyaligonza, who was in charge of protocol at the meeting, said.
Mr Museveni said the forum will help unite Ugandans. He cautioned cultural leaders against engaging in partisan politics adding that the country has enough politicians. He said the cultural institutions should concentrate on preservation of culture and uniting the people. The leaders concurred with the President when they unanimously agreed that their cultural institutions will neither participate in politics nor be used as platforms “for disgruntled politicians”.
Buganda is, however, unmoved by the forum. Mengo has persistently accused the government of trying to use Bunyoro to marginalise it - an allegation Bunyoro Kingdom and government have denied.
“We shall continue pushing for our demands single-handedly as we have done previously,” Mr Mayiga said. He said Buganda singularly pushed for the restoration of cultural institutions and registered success in its pursuit. “None of the people who are in that forum supported us on this.”
Cultural institutions were restored in 1990s under the NRM government. They had been abolished in 1967 under the Obote I regime. But cultural leaders demanded for the recognition of Ankole kingdom, Mr Museveni said unlike Buruuli and Bunyala institutions that were backed by resolutions of Nakasongola and Kayunga districts councils, that had not been done in Ankole
Stop beeping; just send an SMS
Beeping someone’s mobile phone is certainly an unfortunate culture. For a start, it is irritating. Next it is bad manners; and thirdly, it has a strange assumption that the recipient has more phone credit than the beeper. That however is really arrogant and deceptive.For the ‘time cost’ of a beeping, surely it would be easier to send a concise SMS. That would take hardly anytime, nor clog up the networks and possibly bring back a more positive response. So beeping should be a thing of the past as it is not developmental in forging good reciprocal relationships.
Roger de Budo Otim,Rogerdebudo.otim@gmail.com
Roger de Budo Otim,Rogerdebudo.otim@gmail.com
White is a wrong choice for traffic police uniform
The traffic police white uniform introduced during Chogm was the most appropriate for the function. The traffic officers on duty currently use the uniform on daily basis.
However, while the traffic cops are smart in the uniform, I don’t believe there was a prior study and proper assessment on the suitability of the white uniform for their kind of work. White as uniform for the cops is not suitable and sustainable for the following reasons:
The roads where the traffic police are usually stationed to monitor traffic are usually very dusty during the dry season and very muddy during the rainy season and both conditions do not favour anything white.
Errant motorists usually spot the ‘white angels’ at a distance and this enables them to cover up their traffic offences. Some of the traffic officers live in condemned-like houses characterised by poor sanitation and unhygienic conditions that make it difficult for them to maintain the white uniform.
It is difficult to maintain the purity of white as it requires special washing detergents such as Jik, Ariel or Omo some of which the traffic police officers cannot afford on a daily basis given their meager salaries.
When you critically observe the smartly dressed officers, you find marks on their uniforms, a sign that they live in unhygienic conditions. The additional costs for maintaining the white uniform is likely to increase corruption among the traffic officers.
I therefore propose that Afande Kayihura considers the following; Restricting the use of the white uniform to only special national functions or government occasions.
The black, brown, purple, dark-blue and red uniforms should be considered for use by the officers as these colours are more suited to our environmental and hygienic conditions.
Providing incentives such as washing detergents and gumboots among others to the traffic officers to enable them maintain their white uniforms in case the uniforms are retained.
Faridah Namukasa, Kampala
Quick investigations of high profile deaths will stem growing suspicions
Whenever a high profile person in Uganda dies, a cloud of suspicion starts to hang over the circumstances under which death occurred.
The death of Cadet Bryan Bukenya, the son of Vice President Gilbert Bukenya (see: Bukenya’s family questions son’s death ( Daily Monitor, November 30) and that of Maj. Gen. James Kazini are no exceptions.
There is no doubt that the tragedy that hit the Vice President’s family will remain etched on their psychological blackboards forever.
Therefore, the CID personnel investigating the mystery surrounding the accident have a herculean task to bring the truth to bear and prove that there was no iota of foul play.
President Yoweri Museveni, during the burial of Bryan said a thorough investigations should be carried out. I strongly believe that this executive order should be honoured to the letter. Otherwise, conspiracy theories will continue flying around given the status of the victim and the family involved. God Bless Bryan’s Soul!
Ronnie Walusimbi, Third World Media Agency
However, while the traffic cops are smart in the uniform, I don’t believe there was a prior study and proper assessment on the suitability of the white uniform for their kind of work. White as uniform for the cops is not suitable and sustainable for the following reasons:
The roads where the traffic police are usually stationed to monitor traffic are usually very dusty during the dry season and very muddy during the rainy season and both conditions do not favour anything white.
Errant motorists usually spot the ‘white angels’ at a distance and this enables them to cover up their traffic offences. Some of the traffic officers live in condemned-like houses characterised by poor sanitation and unhygienic conditions that make it difficult for them to maintain the white uniform.
It is difficult to maintain the purity of white as it requires special washing detergents such as Jik, Ariel or Omo some of which the traffic police officers cannot afford on a daily basis given their meager salaries.
When you critically observe the smartly dressed officers, you find marks on their uniforms, a sign that they live in unhygienic conditions. The additional costs for maintaining the white uniform is likely to increase corruption among the traffic officers.
I therefore propose that Afande Kayihura considers the following; Restricting the use of the white uniform to only special national functions or government occasions.
The black, brown, purple, dark-blue and red uniforms should be considered for use by the officers as these colours are more suited to our environmental and hygienic conditions.
Providing incentives such as washing detergents and gumboots among others to the traffic officers to enable them maintain their white uniforms in case the uniforms are retained.
Faridah Namukasa, Kampala
Quick investigations of high profile deaths will stem growing suspicions
Whenever a high profile person in Uganda dies, a cloud of suspicion starts to hang over the circumstances under which death occurred.
The death of Cadet Bryan Bukenya, the son of Vice President Gilbert Bukenya (see: Bukenya’s family questions son’s death ( Daily Monitor, November 30) and that of Maj. Gen. James Kazini are no exceptions.
There is no doubt that the tragedy that hit the Vice President’s family will remain etched on their psychological blackboards forever.
Therefore, the CID personnel investigating the mystery surrounding the accident have a herculean task to bring the truth to bear and prove that there was no iota of foul play.
President Yoweri Museveni, during the burial of Bryan said a thorough investigations should be carried out. I strongly believe that this executive order should be honoured to the letter. Otherwise, conspiracy theories will continue flying around given the status of the victim and the family involved. God Bless Bryan’s Soul!
Ronnie Walusimbi, Third World Media Agency
Are ‘Animal Farm’ political antics playing out in Uganda?
I have been carefully watching George Orwell’s captivating magnum opus titled Animal Farm for quite some time. Orwell explicitly brings to fore the argument that; as a revolution progresses, it chews its proponents one by one. What I find most interesting is the incredible similarity between the political theatrics in Animal Farm and the political antics characteristic of the current political status quo in Uganda. Check this interesting similarity:
1986 Commandments All animals shall promote and protect animalism All animals are equal For God and My Country No animal leader shall sleep on more than two Bisanja All past animal leaders are stupid swines Power belongs to all animals Greed is bad, Greed is wrong No animal shall sacrifice another animal No animals shall torture another animal No animal shall kill another animal All animals are equal in dignity The Movement is a non-partisan no-party political dispensation All animals shall have freedom of expression All animals shall have freedom of opinion No animal leader shall privatise animal properties and resources
2009 Commandments All animals shall promote and protect piggism All animals are equal but those with politically correct facial paraphernalia are more equal than others For Satan and my family, relatives and our tummies Animal leaders can sleep on more than two Bisanja No animals shall call another animal a stupid swine Power belongs to animals with the ability and capacity to manage a state Greed is good, Greed is right, Greed works No animal shall sacrifice a Pig or piglet No animal shall torture other animals except in a ‘safe house’ No animal shall overtly kill another animal All animals are equal in dignity but some investors are more equal than millions of animals The Movement was a non-partisan no-party political dispensation on the road to partisan political party metamorphosis All animals shall have freedom of expression except on Bimeeza All animals shall have freedom of opinion except some politicians No animal leader shall publicly privatise animal properties and resources.
Michael George Kizito,Kizitomg@gmail.com
1986 Commandments All animals shall promote and protect animalism All animals are equal For God and My Country No animal leader shall sleep on more than two Bisanja All past animal leaders are stupid swines Power belongs to all animals Greed is bad, Greed is wrong No animal shall sacrifice another animal No animals shall torture another animal No animal shall kill another animal All animals are equal in dignity The Movement is a non-partisan no-party political dispensation All animals shall have freedom of expression All animals shall have freedom of opinion No animal leader shall privatise animal properties and resources
2009 Commandments All animals shall promote and protect piggism All animals are equal but those with politically correct facial paraphernalia are more equal than others For Satan and my family, relatives and our tummies Animal leaders can sleep on more than two Bisanja No animals shall call another animal a stupid swine Power belongs to animals with the ability and capacity to manage a state Greed is good, Greed is right, Greed works No animal shall sacrifice a Pig or piglet No animal shall torture other animals except in a ‘safe house’ No animal shall overtly kill another animal All animals are equal in dignity but some investors are more equal than millions of animals The Movement was a non-partisan no-party political dispensation on the road to partisan political party metamorphosis All animals shall have freedom of expression except on Bimeeza All animals shall have freedom of opinion except some politicians No animal leader shall publicly privatise animal properties and resources.
Michael George Kizito,Kizitomg@gmail.com
Next to the comedian at the R.Nile Source
Land Bill only answers half the question
Picture this: You own 10 acres of land in Mukono, five of which are occupied by a tenant who settled there 40 years ago. The tenant grows vanilla and earns Shs2 million a year.
In return for using ‘your’ land, the tenant gives you a nominal rent of Shs1,000 – okay, let’s say, Shs100,000 per year. You feel that this is a tad unfair and decide to cash in your chips; you will sell the land and take what you can.
Under the Land (Amendment) Bill 2007 passed by Parliament last week, you have two options to reclaim ‘your’ land. One is to hope that the tenant defaults on the nominal rent for two years, up from one year, paving the way for you to go to court to get an order allowing you to evict the tenant.
The second option is to sell the land. The law, with good reason, says that you should give the first option to buy to the tenant. Assuming you can agree on a price that is fair to both parties, this shouldn’t be a problem.
Assume, however, that you ask for Shs10 million for the five acres but the tenant is willing to only pay Shs500,000?Therein lies the problem with the Bill. While it does what it says on the tin – makes it harder for landlords to evict lawful or bona-fide tenants – it does not address the underlying problems with our land either for tenants or the landlords.
The core problem, in my view, is the dual and competing interests on land between the landlords who ‘own’ the land and the tenants or bibanja owners who occupy and use the land.That landlord in Mukono cannot easily sell off his land and neither can he take it to the bank and borrow against it because it is ‘occupied’. However, the tenant is not that much better off; while he can’t easily be thrown off the land, he, too, faces hurdles in trying to sell it because he has to give the landlord the first right to buy.
This dilemma is not new; an informal secondary market in land has developed over the years where tenants negotiated with landlords to allow them buy the land they lived on, or sell it to third parties and give the landlords a cut in exchange for ceding full rights of ownership to the buyers.
Of course nothing in the law stops this practice from continuing, and there are tenants who genuinely need protection to stay on land they have lived on for generations.
However, the law is a short-term solution to a long-term problem. The more sustainable solution is to help tenants become landlords. This requires money, either through grants given through the Land Fund or concessional commercial lending guaranteed by the government with the land providing security.The government says it lacks the money needed for a nationwide land redistribution project and has instead chosen the populist option of legislation.
Unfortunately, with the price and value of land rising every month and with our population doubling every generation, this is a problem whose solution becomes more expensive by the day. How long before the price of failure is paid in blood?
Mr Kalinaki is the managing editor of the Daily Monitordkalinaki@ug.nationmedia.com
We will not bend over for aid, Buturo tells donors
The government yesterday reiterated its opposition to homosexuality and said donors were free to withdraw their funding if they wish. Ethics and Integrity Minister James Nsaba Buturo was responding to a Daily Monitor story that Sweden had joined other countries that are pressuring the government to discard a proposed law that would severely punish homosexuality in the country. “Homosexuality will not be promoted, encouraged or supported in Uganda,” Mr Buturo added. Mr Buturo told journalists at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala that: “We should remind them (the donors) that there is integrity to be defended and threats are not the way to go. If one chooses to withdraw their aid, they are free because Ugandans do not want to engage in anal sex. We do not care.”Life imprisonmentLife imprisonment is the minimum punishment for anyone convicted of having gay sex, under an anti-homosexuality Bill currently before Uganda’s parliamentHe said Ugandans are sober people who consider homosesuality abnormal.According to comments attributed to Ms Gunilla Carlsson, Sweden’s development assistance minister, the Swedish government says it would cut aid to Uganda over an anti-gay law they find “appalling”.Mr Buturo said ever since the Bill was tabled in Parliament; various countries have been overreacting and castigating Uganda for having such a law debated by Parliament.As Mr Buturo was castigating donors, the Uganda Human Rights Commission announced that it will scrutinise the Bill and make recommendations before it is debated. Commission Chairman, Mr Med Kaggwa, said the exercise will help establish whether the Bill, which has been criticised by some rights groups, violates human rights.“What I can say is that we are human rights defenders and if they (gays) come and complain of discrimination we shall handle their cases,” he said without divulging details.Mr Butoro warned donors against making statements in the press.He urged them to channel official communication through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.“The government welcomes views that well-wishers of Uganda make concerning her governance. It should be noted from the outset that when such views are from diplomats who are accredited to Uganda, the standard diplomatic practice world over is for such views to be communicated to government through well known diplomatic channels,” he said.Not civilised “It is never, ever, a standard practice in the civilised world for a diplomat to address the press of a country in which he or she is serving on how the host country is handling affairs of its land,” he added. The European Union envoy to Uganda, Mr Vincent De Visscher, in an interview with Daily Monitor on Wednesday, demanded that the government stops offering lip-service in the fight against corruption.But Mr Buturo said such a statement can only be made by a person who is “unaware of what is going on in the country.” “It is clear to government and whoever cares to understand the complexities of corruption, that it will take more than the government alone to defeat the corrupt,” he said.He said the corrupt usually enjoy the support of foreign companies. “The corrupt are found everywhere,” he said.
