PHOTO: One of the moments when Pope Francis hosted his friend Speaker Anita Among
BY MOSES MUGALULA
CRESTFALLEN Speaker of Uganda’s Parliament Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among has mourned the passing of her great friend, Pope Francis saying, the departed Holly Sea was passionate about social justice and world peace. Pope Francis returned back to God, yesterday morning, a day after her presided over Easter Mass.
Madam Speaker has talked about her closeness with The World’s Catholic Supreme leader and why we have lost a great leader!
In her message posted on X (former tweeter), Speaker Anita Among said, she was joining the Catholic Community, Mother Church, and the entire world in praying for the peaceful repose of the soul of the fallen Pontif.
“It is with deep sorrow and a profound sense of loss that I join millions around the world in mourning the Holy Father. During the many private audiences I had with him, he exemplified a life of humility and compassion. He was a powerful advocate for social justice and dedicated his life to serving God.” Reads Speaker Anita Among’s message.
The Bukedea district woman Member of Parliament revealed that, Pope Francis truly embodied humility, compassion, and a commitment to social justice.
“I have had the privilege and honor of meeting Pope Francis on several occasions. He was a devoted spiritual shepherd, committed to his faith and to the mission of uniting the Church throughout the world,“ Reveals Madam Speaker.
Talking about her personal friend, Rt. Hon. Anita Among said, Pope Francis was passionate about social justice and world peace. He boldly advocated for religious tolerance and forgiveness among the faithful in the Universal Church.
His passing, occurring after Holy Week—during which the Risen Lord Jesus Christ overcame death at Easter—is a true testament to the divine grace in which his mission and vocation were rooted. “The Parliament of Uganda and I join in prayer for the Catholic Church and all Christian believers. Eternal peace grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.” Speaker Anita Among.
POPE, AMONG FRIENDSHIP
As a matter of fact, Rt. Hon. Anita Among is a staunch Catholic who automatically pays allegiance to Pope. However, this isn’t enough for the two to be that close! Insiders say, Pope and Speaker Among have been friends for years. In fact, they have been talking on phone.
When Anita Among got elected as Deputy Speaker Parliament of Uganda in 2021, Pope Francis congratulated and blessed her to serve with perfection. Months later when she became the overall Speaker of the August House, Pope was the happiest. He has been relentlessly praying for our Speaker especially when some un identified wrong elements started trailing her. Vatican became another home for our Speaker and evertime she got challenges, would fly home for The Holly father to prayer and counsel her.
Recently when Speaker gave birth to twins, Pope invited them for the blessings. Pontif was very excited to receive the twins and their beloved mum.
We are reliably informed that, Pope Francis liked Speaker Anita Among for her resilience and determination to promote peace, unity and fighting for the girl child. He loved her more for the immense support towards Catholic Church. Insiders say, Pope had hopes in Anita’s leadership. Have you ever asked yourself, why Speaker Anita uses Pope’s photo on most of her social media pages?
Our heartfelt condolences to Madam Speaker for the great loss of her best friend, her Pope!
For views/Comments on this story, Whatsapp editor on 0701523039
PHOTO: UPDF on Mission in South South Sudan. In set is Adam Kungu, the author
OPINION BY: KUNGU AL-MAHADI ADAM
IN MARCH 2025, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) deployed special forces to Juba, South Sudan, under Operation Mlinzi wa Kimya (Silent Guardian), at the request of President Salva Kiir.
This move, approved by Uganda’s Parliament, has sparked debate, with critics like South Sudan’s First Vice President Riek Machar alleging violations of the 2018 peace agreement and UN arms embargo.
Yet, the deployment is not only timely but also a testament to Uganda’s enduring commitment to peacekeeping and regional stability in a volatile East African landscape.
South Sudan, the world’s youngest nation, teeters on the brink of renewed conflict. The house arrest of Machar, rising ethnic tensions, and clashes in Upper Nile and Jonglei states threaten to unravel the fragile 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan. The United Nations has warned of a potential return to civil war, with 21 civilians killed in a recent airstrike in Nasir.
Against this backdrop, the UPDF’s presence in Juba is a proactive measure to secure key population centers, protect humanitarian access, and prevent a security catastrophe that could destabilize the region. Uganda’s intervention is rooted in a history of stabilizing South Sudan.
From 2013 to 2016, the UPDF played a pivotal role in preventing opposition forces from ousting Kiir’s government, preserving the state’s sovereignty during a brutal civil war that claimed over 400,000 lives. Today’s deployment builds on that legacy, focusing on peace enforcement, border security, and collaboration with South Sudan’s government to curb the flow of illegal arms across porous borders.
The UPDF’s mission aligns with bilateral security agreements, including longstanding pacts to combat threats like the Lord’s Resistance Army, and reflects Uganda’s strategic interest in a stable neighbor. As Defence Minister Jacob Oboth noted, “Peace in South Sudan means peace in Uganda.”
Critics, including Machar’s SPLM-IO, argue that the UPDF’s presence risks escalating tensions and undermines the 2018 peace deal. These concerns, while valid, overlook the immediate need to avert chaos.
The UPDF’s deployment is not a unilateral act but a response to a formal request from South Sudan’s government, endorsed by Uganda’s lawmakers in a spirit of, “brotherhood, solidarity, and shared historical ties.” Moreover, accusations of civilian targeting and arms embargo violations remain unsubstantiated, with the UPDF denying claims of airstrikes in civilian areas. The African Union’s deployment of a panel to mediate tensions further underscores the regional consensus on de-escalation, with Uganda as a key player.
Uganda’s contributions to peacekeeping extend beyond South Sudan. The UPDF has been a cornerstone of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), now ATMIS, neutralizing al-Shabaab and securing Mogadishu’s government.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ugandan forces have targeted ADF rebels, protecting civilians and fostering cross-border stability. These efforts have earned the UPDF a reputation as one of Africa’s most disciplined and effective militaries, often called upon when regional crises demand decisive action.
The $39.1 billion sought by the UPDF for its South Sudan operation reflects the scale of this commitment, ensuring logistical support for troops tasked with protecting lives and facilitating humanitarian aid.Skeptics may question Uganda’s motives, pointing to economic and political interests or the influence of President Yoweri Museveni’s inner circle.
Yet, these critiques risk overshadowing the broader imperative: a stable South Sudan benefits not just Uganda but the entire East African Community.Instability in Juba could trigger refugee flows, disrupt trade routes, and embolden armed groups, with ripple effects felt in Kampala, Nairobi, and beyond.Uganda’s proximity to South Sudan—sharing a 435-kilometer border—makes its stake in peace undeniable.The UPDF’s deployment is not a panacea. Lasting peace in South Sudan requires inclusive dialogue, adherence to the 2018 agreement, and reforms to address ethnic divisions and governance failures.
Regional bodies like IGAD and the AU must intensify mediation efforts, while the international community should support UNMISS’s 20,000 peacekeepers, led by India’s Lieutenant General Mohan Subramanian. However, in the face of imminent collapse, the UPDF’s rapid response provides a critical buffer, buying time for diplomacy to work.
As South Sudan navigates this perilous moment, Uganda’s role as a regional anchor cannot be overstated. The UPDF’s deployment in Juba is a bold yet necessary step to prevent a descent into chaos, reaffirming Uganda’s legacy as a guarantor of peace in a turbulent region.
For the sake of South Sudan’s people and East Africa’s future, the international community must rally behind this effort, recognizing that stability in one nation strengthens the entire continent.
The writer, Kungu Al-mahadi Adam is a Ugandan Journalist with Passion for current African Affairs. adamkungu7@gmail.com
THE Rt. Hon. Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among together with FUFA President Hon. Eng. Moses Magogo has flagged off Team Uganda for the CAF African Schools Football Championship that will take place in Accra, Ghana, between 23 –26 April 2025.
Madam Speaker has urged the players to maintain the spirit of pan-Africanism, discipline, and professionalism at the games.She pledged the government’s continued support to sports through talent identification and infrastructural development, adding that Parliament will also continue to prioritise sports financing.
In her tweet, Speaker Anita has posted, “This morning, I had the honour of sending off a team of exceptionally talented boys and girls from St. Mary’s Kitende and St. Noah Girls School. They will represent Uganda at the CAF African Schools Football Championship 2025 in Ghana.”
“I commend FUFA, under the leadership of Hon. Eng. Moses Magogo, for their ongoing efforts to promote sports and nurture young talent across the country. I also extend my sincere appreciation to His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for his unwavering support in developing sports infrastructure, which has been instrumental in unlocking and enhancing the potential of our young people.” Tweets, Rt. Hon. Anita Among.
Eight countries will be competing in Ghana for the US$300,000 prize, with the runners-up receiving US$ 200,000 and US$150,000 for 3rd best team.
For views/comments on this story, Whatsapp editor on 0701523039
JUST IN, West Nile Region Football Association has nominated six National delegates unopposed and also endorsed star Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim as sole candidate for FUFA President, for another term in office.
West nile is joining other regions in Uganda to back Eng. Magogo for another term in office saying, no sane manager can substitute a star like Magogo, at a time his team wants him most!
They revealed that, “Eng. Magogo is a star like Christiano Ronaldo. How can you bring out goal machine Ronaldo when his team is in need of more goals? For a short time Eng. Magogo has been in office as FUFA President, a lot has been achieved in football and more is yet to be achieved. As a great performer, a man of his word, we need Magogo at FUFA today, more than we needed him yesterday. As West nile, we give him full support, he is our President, our hope.”
Analysts say, Magogo will defeat hands down whoever shows interest for this top seat in Uganda’s football leadership.
Meanwhile, West Nile has mominated 6 delegates to FUFA. These are;
1. Ariga Rasoul Ibrahim
2.Gerimia Joan (women)
3. Bondo Muzamil
4.Andrew Onwangi
5.Letti Mike
6.Adee Fredrick Isaac (Regional Clubs)
For starters, each region sends 6 delegates: 1 woman, 1 for Regional clubs and 4 others. The Assembly has 88 Delegates that vote FUFA President and new Exco of 15 members.
What is your say on this story? Whatsapp editor on 0701523039
FOOTBALL administrators, lovers and fans in Uganda led by FUFA top leadership today, morning, welcomed back home our heroes, the U17 National football team which put a smile on our faces after trouncing Gambia 2:1 in Morocco on Sunday, to book a slot in the World Cup finals which will be played in Qatar, this year.
This will be the first time in Uganda’s history, our national football team to play in the World Cup finals. Thanks to the Government of Uganda, The Parliament of Uganda, FUFA President Hon. Eng. Moses Magogo and his hardworking team at FUFA!
In this story, we will look at Eng. Magogo’s maths, how his approach enabled our boys to make it to the World Cup finals. Then in the next article, we will bring Hon. Magogo’s speech at the function organised for our boys.
PHOTO: FUFA President Eng. Magogo
ENG. MAGOGO’S MATHS
Until 2015, when FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo had been in office for only years, that the National football governing body started a strategy to compete at youth football levels in CECAFA, Africa, and the world.
FROM YOUR SWEAT YOU WILL EAT: Boys line up for food on their return
The FUFA Juniors League U17 was founded in 2015, thanks to schools in Uganda that supported the youth football strategy, Odilo started in 2019, and the FUFA Tv Cup in 2023.
For starters, Mukwala Steven at Edgars Youth Programme in 2015 (now at Simba in Tanzania)was the top scorer of the FUFA Juniors LeagueNational Teams started to engage with U15, U17, playing international competitions. Some players like Lukyamuzi Ashraf, Langol Joseph, Ogema Thomas, Wanyama Simon, Okello Richard, and Owino John Brian were in the U15 Uganda National team Squad in 2023. Schools of football excellence identified for youth football projects lined up by FUFA to give every child a chance to play. Some of the players in ‘The Cubs’ who defeated Gambia in Morocco on Saturday have played Odilo (Langol Joseph and Simon Wanyama scorer against Tanzania).
Fans who went to Entebbe International Airport to receive our boys
Before 2013, FUFA didn’t have a permanent employee dedicated to youth football (now we have Mutyaba since 2015 as the Youth football Development Manager and under the Technical Master Plan he is the Elite Football Development Manager). Okello Richard played in the CECAFA U15 tournament at the FUFA Technical centre, Njeru.
Uganda schools take part in the CAF Pan Africa Schools championships under the Mostepe Foundation (of the CAF President). Some of the players like Mukwanga Adrian, Mubiru Trevor, Kyakuwa Ashiraf, and Ogema Thomas have participated in these championships at National, Zonal and Continental level and are part of the current Uganda U17 team.
Youth Player regulations include double licences by FUFA to allow players to feature in both the senior league (Uganda Premier League, Big League) and youth competitions. While on the CAF Executive, Eng. Magogo advocated for the regional underage qualification, and this has given Uganda and CECAFA countries better opportunities.The FUFA Technical Master Plan (TMP) was introduced in 2024 to improve elite player development path from identification to development.TMP by FUFA is being studied by FIFA for worldwide implementation. Kenneth Semakula, Gavin Kizito, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Travis Mutyaba, Rogers Mato, Azizi Kayondo, shaban Mhamamed now with the senior national team-Uganda Cranes from the junior Leagues and national youth teams in continental competitions.
WHY ALL THIS NOW YET SINCE 1985 THESE COMPETITIONS HAVE BEEN IN EXISTENCE
First of all, FUFA set up the Football Development Department in 2018. Clubs resisting initially the start of the FUFA Juniors League but later embraced the FUFA Youth football programmes.
ACHIEVEMENTS
● Trophies won by Uganda at men’s youth football includes:
1. Uganda U17 Qualifies for FIFA Worls Cup U17
2. Uganda U20 finished runners up AFCON U20 in 2021 in Mauritania and had it not bene due to covid, the U20 team would have played at the FIFA World cup but the tournament a cancelled.
3. Uganda U17 Cubs Qualifies for AFCON in 2021 but tournament cancelled due to covid
4. Three (3) time winners CECAFA U17
5. CECAFA U18 Champions
6. CAF/CECAFA U20 Zonal Qualifiers Champions
7. Champions CECAFA U15 in 2015 (Travis Mutyaba was part of this team)
8. Silver Medallist CECAFA U15 FUFA’s youth football initiatives have flourished since the launch of the FUFA Juniors League in 2015 under President Moses Magogo Hassim.
For views/comments on this story, Whatsapp editor on 0701523039
KABUBI John Calvin, a resident of Natete, has been appreciated and rewarded by The Federation of Uganda Football Association (FUFA) President Hon. Eng. Magogo Moses Hassim for his creative display of Uganda football team spirit.
According to Mr. Ahmed Hussein, the Communications Director at FUFA, “This heartwarming gesture showcases the bond between FUFA and its passionate fans.”
Kabubi receiving cash prize and a ball from Eng. Moses Magago
Late last month, the FUFA President shared a post on his X account, searching for a photo of a fan holding a placard with an inspirational message about Uganda Cranes, the National football team, during its FIFA World Cup Qualifier match against Guinea at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
The photo that caught Eng. Magogo’s attention featured Kabubi John Calvin and it had gone viral.
CAUGHT FUFA BOSS MAGOGO’S EYE: Here is Kabubi’s award winning photo
As a token of appreciation and recognition of his dedication, the FUFA President presented Kabubi with an authentic customised Uganda Cranes players’ version jersey, a high quality Zakayo ball and a cash prize of 500,000 Ugandan Shillings.
PHOTO: Calvin receiving Cranes’ jersey given to him by FUFA boss Eng. Magogo
Thanks to Mr. President for this wonderful initiative. Let’s continue showing love to Uganda Cranes!
For views/comments on this story, whataspp editor on 0701523039
PHOTO: Lubaga South MP bought Kabaka’s birthday run kits for his constituents. His name isn’t on the list of MPs who bagged millions in a cash bonanza at Parliament
NEWS EDITOR MEDIA
WE have the latest on the information which started circulating on different media platforms since yesterday about our Members of Parliament pocketing UGX 100M each in a Cash Bonanza! However, in today’s sitting, Speaker Thomas Tayebwa distanced self from this cash bonanza and asked whoever received his share to vomit it, as soon as possible!
Members of Parliament who subscribe to the ruling NRM Party, some from DP, FDC MPs, and some NUP MPs received 100M each, apart from a few, especially NUP legislators who are accused of being Hon. Bobi Wine’s loyalists!
NUP MPs who did not receive the money include Mityana Municipality’s Francis Butebi Zaake, Lubaga South’s Aloysius Mukasa, Hon. Muwada Nkunyingi (Kyadondo East), Nakaseke Central’s Allan Mayanja Sebunya, Makindye East’s Derrick Nyeko and Frank Kabuye (Kassanda South), among a few other Bobi loyalists! Some of these MPs have already released statements denying knowledge of such a cash bonanza.
PHOTO: Bobi Wine with opposition MPs at Parliament recently
In fact, these very MPs have been missing on such lists whenever there has been a Cash bonanza at Parliament. They are taken to be Kyagulanyi’s spies at Parliament and who report any bad deal, to Principal.
PHOTO: Hon. Muwada Nkunyingi with his leader, Hon. Kyagulanyi after eid prayers, last week
PHOTO: Hon. Mayanja Sebunya (left) with a colleague during the reading of opposition alternative budget
According to latest information, this money was not banked on MPs’ bank accounts, the beneficiaries were called in person to pick his or her sack of money, to kill any traces of evidence.
It is alleged that this money is intended to help them in improving on mobilization strategies for government programs although rumour has it that, it is a handshake to thank Members for passing the coffee bill and also, kind of a bribe to pass the UPDF amendment Bill which will empower the court martial to try civilians!
It is on record that most opposition MPs led by LOP Joel Ssenyonyi walked out of Parliament on a day the Coffee Amendment bill was passed after security men attacked and beaten some opposition Members of Parliament.
We will give you a full detailed list of Mps who have not revieve the 100M cash bonanza.
For views, comments on this story, Whatsapp editor on 0701523039
INFORMATION reaching our news desk, FDC dangerman Ibrahim Kasozi who once served as Makindye East Member of Parliament in the 10th Parliament, has been approached by leading opposition gurus, religious and opinion leaders in Kampala to offer himself for Lordmayoral seat in the forthcoming elections to help change the face of the rotting Capital City of Uganda.
Will this race between counsel Ibrahim Kasozi and Ssalongo Erias Lukwag be a replica of Kafumbe Mukasa Vs Capt. Francis Babu, the ever deadliest election campaign in Kampala Central?
In an improputu meeting held today morning, opposition leaders want to retire Erias Lukwago saying he has overstayed as Lordmayor and therefore has nothing new to offer the residents of Kampala apart from involving himself in useless fights and driving in expensive cars as Kampala rots to the bone every passing day.
Their view is that, Lukwago should go seek a member of parliament seat instead, or else go home and rest!
By press time, our calls to Hon. Kasozi were going unanswered, we wanted him to confirm whether he will stand for Lordmayor in 2026 as requested by Kampala political Kingmakers.
However our reliable sources say, all is set for this generous young man to contest and win this seat and the opposition leaders in Kampala are not about to reverse their move to remove Lukwago from this top job!
“Mr. Lukwago has been lordmayor since 2011. He has messed up the whole capital city. He is fond of useless fights whereas Kampala people more so traders and the informal sector goes through hardships with heavy taxes levied on them. Look at the floods in Kampala, the poor drainage system, the poorly disposed waste and potholes in Kampala. The best from Mr. Lukwago is lamentation and useless tears. Enough is enough, Kampala deserves better, we can’t have more 5 years of Lukwago’s lame excuses. Let’s save our capital city from going to the dogs.” Revealed one of the leading opposition politicians in a crisis meeting held today.
Those who attended this meeting agreed to put up a spirited fight and save Kampala, the heart of Buganda.They urged that since Lukwago is now the president of Besigye’s party, he should be left to concentrate on building their Party, if need be, contesting for president but anything concerning coming back for Lordmayor in 2026 should be forgotten.
ABOUT HON. IBRAHIM KASOZI
Now serving as one of the FDC top leaders, Hon. Kasozi lives an exemplary life. He served with honesty and integrity as Member of Parliament for Makindye East.The Parliamentary Score card depicted him as one of the best Members of Parliament. He didn’t involve himself in any scandals and perfectly served as Chairman COSASE!
Infact the report he made, was an eye opener for government that was losing assets worth billions yearly over Indian Assets.
Back in the constituency, Kasozi was a great lobbiest who evidently supported youth groups, women associations, sports, church and Mosque construction. Most people prefer to refer to him as Mr Performer. Although he didn’t make it back to parliament due to the political wave at that time, Kasozi didn’t leave his constituents. It is on record that he was the first to congratulate NUP man Hon. Derrick Nyeko for winning the elections and through his whole term, Kasozi has not fought Nyeko. Up to date Kasozi Is invited on different functions as a chief guest in the constituency because of his benevolent and Generous spirit.
A man of all seasons and man of the people, Kasozi has never hesitated in standing with his people at a time of need. Many think that, he will be the best Lord Mayor Kampala will ever have.
Kasozi started his politics at a tender age as Dr. Besigye’s Personal Assistant a job he performed to his best.He was a great strategist and is very much remembered during 2006 Besigye’s presidential campaigns, an election many believe that was won by the Rukungiri man.
Kasozi is a political survivor, he was involved in a fatal accident and got a fracture while serving his master, then, Dr. Besigye.
A lawyer by profession, a farmer and a successful businessman, Hon. Kasozi has politically groomed many leaders, bailed out youth, financially supported opposition politicians and he is truly a man of action not words. He is known to be a darling to many opposition figures, very close to Prince Kassim Nakibinge, Archbishop Church of Uganda Dr. Kazimba Mugalu and the Catholic Church leadership.
HARD WORKING: Hon. Kasozi
About two years ago, Kasozi donated a lorry full of Cement to Namirembe Diocese to help in the construction of Mission House. He did the same to Gaba Catholic Parish. Such generous leaders in Kampala, are few.
He is in very good books with Buganda Kingdom and insiders say, him and the Kingdom are really close.
KASOZI, BOBI TIES
The two are great buddies. For starters, whereas the likes of Hon. Betty Nambooze Bakireke tried to frustrate Hon. Robert Ssentamu Kyagulanyi’s Kyaddondo East MP hopes during a by-election in 2018, then MP Ibrahim Kasozi held a meeting with Bobi and gave him full financial support. Kasozi has never attacked Bobi on any front and Nubian Li normally hangs out with Hon. Kasozi. About why then, Bobi fronted Nyeko against Kasozi in last elections, that will be a story for another day.
But the fact of the matter is, Kasozi and Bobi, are politically brothers of the same father from a different mother.
WHAT ABOUT MP HOPES?
HON. KASOZI: Former MP Makindye East
Although Kasozi originally had hopes for the re- election of Makindye East Member of Parliament in 2026 and his teams were already on ground for kakuyege, the new developments have not left him the same. His camp is already buying the changes and might consider to contest for Lordmayor, a seat he can easily win.
OTHER CONTENDERS
NUP is still at crossroads on who to front for Lordmayor.Rumour has it that the party has zeroed on Nakawa East Member of Parliament Hon. Eng. Ronald Nsubuga Balimwezo who once served as Nakawa Mayor.
Analysts say, Balimwezo is good in matters of local government and a great mobilizer but lacks network and funds to drive his move. The religious factor also disturbs him!
Of recent, winning such a big seat in Kampala when you are not a moslem, is like milking a rock! For the ruling NRM, they look as if they are not interested in the seat, true they will front a candidate but as usual, it’s just for accountability. This is a developing story!
For views/comments on this story, send us an email on newseditor.info@gmail.com
OF recent, the public has been treated to internal wrangles in Justice Forum (JEEMA) Party, that date back to last year when I showed interest in the party’s top seat.
First, I was condemned by some founders for wanting to lead their party without their will and consent, and for that, I was ‘indisciplined and bad hearted’ for that matter.
For them, the person to lead JEEMA and critical decisions in the party must be made by them and the role of the official structures of the party should be to rubber stamp their decisions. This is something we object to because it is contrary to democratic principles and common sense.
I found their problem to be “foundism” also known as “founder syndrome” which has affected progress in many organisations and some opposition political parties.
Founders tend to forget the principles set by themselves in management of affairs of organisations and get obsessed with; “twatandika ekintu kyaffe,” (luganda for – we started our thing) craze; like Gen Museveni’s; “we hunted our animal…” assertion which is affecting us as a country.
My contention is that; the makers of the law governing political parties envisaged a situation where a group of people can start a political party and would want to govern it as a private company.
So, they put in place a regulation requiring citizens that want to start a political party to collect 50 signatures from two thirds of the districts of Uganda. Unfortunately, some of the founders of JEEMA have not yet come to this truth.
Therefore it’s the members responsibility to tame them by putting Article 12 (i) of the party constitution in practice, which states that: “Members shall have a right to vote and to be voted to any position, provided they are of voting age.”
Additional to that, the conduct of our leaders also calls for an immediate action before the wider membership of the party is affected. Because of their conduct, the public thinks JEEMA is one of the parties in cooperation with the regime. Members of the party who want to vie for various positions in the elections are faced with a challenge of tagging them to actions of the regime because their leaders have become regime apologists.
The last nail in the coffin, came a few weeks back when they disregarded the party constitution and the constitution of Uganda by extending their term of office to 2028.
In the first place, they are in office illegally because the JEEMA National Delegates Conference of 2020 extended their leadership for two and a half years that ended in April 2023 but since then, no NDC has ever convened to give them another mandate. Their purported extension if not challenged puts their term in office to 8 years contrary to section 10(3) of the Political Parties and Organisations Act (PPOA) and 16(e) of the JEEMA constitution. Obviously, we are soon challenging this in the courts of law.
Lastly, I think the JEEMA founders should accept that, the party has to be run by its set rules and that all members have equal rights. They might opt to register a private company limited by share capital where their will could not be challenged.
Today, whoever challenges their authority, is either rewarded with suspension letters or told off to exit for there is free entry and exit from their mighty JEEMA kingdom. I want to remind founders of political parties that political parties and organisations are public entities that feed on the tax payers purse, members subscriptions, donations etc.
So a few individuals and their founders can’t claim exclusive rights in making un democratic decisions on behalf of their members. I thank you.
The author, Ssentongo Abdulnoor Kyamundu is aspiring JEEMA president and Chairman of the Holy Alliance pressure group.
PHOTO: From left; Nakibinge (Kojja Ham), Hamis Kiggundu smartly dressed in a suit and Ambassador Godfrey Kirumira. Second photo: President Netumbo welcoming tycoon Ham before her swearing-in
BY MOSES MUGALULA
ON Friday March 21, 2025, Uganda’s leading investor and owner of Ham Agro Processing Industries, Dr. Hamis Kiggundu, in a company of H.E Godfrey Kirumira, the Honorary Ambassador of Namibia to Uganda, received a high level of attention and preferential treatment in Namibia, as this SADC member country was swearing-in its first female President, Her Excellency Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, commonly known as NNN!
SO HELP ME GOD! President Ndaitwah swearing-in
Madam President acknowledged Dr. Hamis Kiggundu, during her inauguration at the State House in Windhoek, Namibia.
HAPPY TO SEE YOU MY SON: President Ndaitwah welcoming Dr. Hamis Kiggundu to Namibia for her inauguration. The two held a meeting after President’s swearing-in
Outgoing leader, Mbumba aged 83, handed over power to Nandi-Ndaitwah at a ceremony attended by Heads of State from several African countries including Angola, South Africa and Tanzania. The inauguration coincided with country’s 35th independence day.
President Ndaitwah becomes the second directly elected female President in Africa, after Liberia’s Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. The continent’s only other female president at the moment is Tanzania’s Hajjat Samia Suluhu Hassan, who took up the role after her predecessor John Pombe Amos Magufuli (JPAM), died in office in 2021. We will come back to this, later!
In company of the Ambassador of Namibia to Uganda His Excellency Godfrey Kirumira, Business mogul Hamis Kiggundu who owns over 10 local and international multi-billion companies received extra attention and personalized service, going above and beyond standard protocols. A team of Government officials were assigned to ensure tycoon Hamis Kiggundu is catered for as a special guest for the swearing in Head of State in Namibia.
From left: Dr. Hamis Kiggundu with entourage from Uganda
This leading investigative News Website can authoritatively report that, it is Madam President Netumbo who personally invited Dr. Hamis Kiggundu and on his arrival, the two held a meeting before the swearing-in fete.
‘I AM HERE FOR THE MARKET OPPORTUNITIES OF AGRO PROCESSED PRODUCE’, HAMIS KIGGUNDU
Speaking to us from Namibia, businessman Hamis Kiggundu revealed that he wanted to exploit the market in South African Nations for his Agro processing produce.”We want to export our agro processed products to the entire South African nations. So we have to exploit the opportunities.” Said, Mr. Kiggundu adding that, “It is indeed an honour physically attending the swearing in of the Namibian new president… a mother and a friend…..may Allah bless the work of her hands.”
For starters, Kiggundu owns Ham Agro Processing Industries with headquarters on Entebbe Expressway.
PHOTOS: Headquarter of Ham Agro-Processing Industries in Uganda
He believes that Uganda is a non tapped food world Bank. “Agriculture is the backbone of our economy. Agro-Processing and value addition is the only clear path from poverty to prosperity. We need a productive Agro food chain through value addition to cater for the domestic, regional and international markets.” Said businessman Hamis Kiggundu.
He aims at adding value to Ugandan agro produce, market farmers produce domestically, regionally and internationally. He says, this will improve farmers incomes, create employment opportunities and widen the tax base in the long run.
A year ago, Hamis Kiggundu travelled with President Museveni to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and discussed with richest investors, business partnerships for Agro-Processing, value addition and setting up Ham Agro Bank which will see majority of Ugandans become direct beneficiaries and participants in the development of their country.
Ham wants to be a leading supplier of Agro produce in South African Nations with headquarters in Namibia. And his friend, President Netumbo welcomed him with open hands. That is the secret behind his invitation as a VVIP at her swearing-in.
PRESIDENT NETUMBO & HAMIS FRIENDSHIP
All started in January 2024, when, then Namibia’s President in-wating, Dr. Nandi-Ndaitwah Netumbo visited the newly constructed State-of-the-art Hamz Stadium Nakivubo, located in the heart of Kampala, Uganda’s Capital City. The Stadium was constructed by Hamis Kiggundu, CEO Ham Enterprises (U) Ltd.
The impressed Namibian leader who was in Uganda to attend NAM and G77 plus China Summits, invited tycoon Hamis Kiggundu to Namibia to exploit business opportunities. She saluted Ham for putting up such a magnificent facility saying, Africa can only be truly developed by sons of the soil! No wonder, on her swearing-in, she had to proudly invite Ugandan Businessman Hamis Kiggundu.
In attendance when she visited Hamz Stadium, was H.E Godfrey Kirumira, Namibia’s Honorary Ambassador to Uganda.Kirumira heads Bagagga Kwagalana, an association of Wealthiest businessmen and businesswomen in Uganda. Ham, as a leading local investor in Uganda, automatically subscribes to Bagagga Kwagalana Association.
BRIEF NOTES ABOUT NAMIBIA’S NEW PRESIDENT NETUMBO
She was sworn in on Friday to lead a country facing high rates of unemployment, inequality and poverty. In addition to that, she will be be dealing with it with the additional burden of being the only ever Africa’s second directly elected female president and Namibia’s first female head of state.
“If things go well then it will be seen as a good example,” Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah told BBC’s Africa Daily podcast. “But if anything then happens, like it can happen in any administration under men, there are also those who would rather say: ‘Look at women!“
The 72-year-old, won November’s election with a 58% share of the vote.Nandi-Ndaitwah has been a long-term loyalist of the South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO) – which has been in power since the country gained independence in 1990 after a long struggle against apartheid South Africa. She joined Swapo, then a liberation movement resisting South Africa’s white-minority rule, when she was only 14.
While the party has made changes and improved the lives of the black majority, the legacy of apartheid can still be seen in patterns of wealth and land ownership.
“Truly, land is a serious problem in this country,” she told the BBC ahead of the inauguration. We still have some white citizens and more particularly the absent land owners who are occupying the land.” From freedom fighter to Namibia’s first female president,Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said, she is committed to the “willing-buyer, willing-seller” principle, which means no-one is forced to sell up.
Namibia is a geographically large country with a small population of three million.Government statistics show that white farmers own about 70% of the country’s farmland. A total of 53,773 Namibians identified as white in the 2023 census, representing 1.8% of the country’s population.
It is one of the world’s most unequal countries, with a Gini coefficient of 59.1 in 2015, according to the World Bank, which projects poverty is expected to remain high at 17.2% in 2024.The unemployment rate rose to 36.9% in 2023 from 33.4% in 2018, according to the country’s statistics agency.
Nandi-Ndaitwah said the economy, which partly relies on mineral exports, should work more on adding value to what the country extracts from the ground rather than exporting raw materials. She also wants Namibia to focus more on creative industries and get the education sector to adjust to new economic realities.
Nandi-Ndaitwah is only the second African woman to be directly elected as president, after Liberia’s Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.The continent’s only other female president at the moment is Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu Hassan, who took up the role after her predecessor John Pombe Amos Magufuli (JPAM) died in office in 2021.
She wants to be judged on her merits, but she said that it was a “good thing that we as countries are realising that just as men [can do], women can also hold the position of authority”.
For views/comments on this story, or if you want your story published, Whatsapp editor on +256 701 523039
