THE Rwenzuru cultural leader, Omusinga Charles Mumbere, has appealed to President Yoweri Museveni to firmly deal with corruption in the Government.
“Since President Museveni came to power, there has been peace in most parts of the country. The problem has been corruption right from top government officials to the grassroots,” the Rwenzururu leader said.
He made the remarks on Sunday when he received Kidima Mubarak, an Australian born in Kasese district, at his Royal Palace office in Kasese town. Mubarak was accompanied by his wife, Salima.
Mumbere noted that a leader cannot successfully fight poverty among the rural poor amidst corruption orchestrated by top government officials who are supposed to implement and supervise government programmes.
Mubarak told the Omusinga that he wanted parental blessings as he aspires to contest for a seat in the Australian parliament in 2012.
He, however, complained that he had secured some computers from friends in Australia for schools in Kasese but found that some of them did not reach their intended schools.
Mubarak also urged cultural institutions in Uganda to fight negative social practices such as corruption that have come with modernity.
By John B.B.Nzinjah
Tuesday, 29 December 2009
Kasese leaders Support AntiHomosexuality Bill
Local leaders in Kasese have threatened to de-campaign anyone who will support the dismissal of the Anti-Homosexuality Bill currently before parliament.
The Bill, tabled by the Ndorwa West Member of Parliament David Bahati, has generated too much debate and disagreement across Ugandans.
On one hand are politicians who believe that homosexuality is a western culture that has been introduced into Uganda to destroy the family structure and the wider society. And on the other hand are those who say the Bill is inhumane by prescribing death sentences for homosexual acts and want government to concentrate on other issues like corruption and better public service delivery.
During a function at his Buhikira royal palace on Sunday, the King of the Rwenzururu Charles Wesley Mumbere Iremangoma, said homosexuality will ruin African cultures. He said homosexuality should be rejected and outlawed.
He said cultural leaders in Uganda will lobby government to reject foreign assistance that is tagged to the support of homosexuality.
Earlier Dec.26, the Busongora South Member of Parliament Christopher Kibanzanga, speaking on Grace Radio talk show, threatened to quit politics if parliament rejects the Anti-Homosexuality Bill.
He said failure to pass the bill would be akin to selling Uganda 's cultural values.
Elijah Kyetunda, the Busongora North Member of Parliament who appeared together with Kibanzanga on the same talk show said he would not forgive government if the Bill is not passed.
Both politicians called on the public not to support anyone proposing the rejection of the Bill.
http://www.hivos.nl/eng/Hivos-news/Hivos-International-goes-digital/Homo-emancipation
http://www.hivos.nl/eng/Hivos-news/Hivos-International-goes-digital/Homo-emancipation/Ugandan-homos-may-get-death-penalty
The Bill, tabled by the Ndorwa West Member of Parliament David Bahati, has generated too much debate and disagreement across Ugandans.
On one hand are politicians who believe that homosexuality is a western culture that has been introduced into Uganda to destroy the family structure and the wider society. And on the other hand are those who say the Bill is inhumane by prescribing death sentences for homosexual acts and want government to concentrate on other issues like corruption and better public service delivery.
During a function at his Buhikira royal palace on Sunday, the King of the Rwenzururu Charles Wesley Mumbere Iremangoma, said homosexuality will ruin African cultures. He said homosexuality should be rejected and outlawed.
He said cultural leaders in Uganda will lobby government to reject foreign assistance that is tagged to the support of homosexuality.
Earlier Dec.26, the Busongora South Member of Parliament Christopher Kibanzanga, speaking on Grace Radio talk show, threatened to quit politics if parliament rejects the Anti-Homosexuality Bill.
He said failure to pass the bill would be akin to selling Uganda 's cultural values.
Elijah Kyetunda, the Busongora North Member of Parliament who appeared together with Kibanzanga on the same talk show said he would not forgive government if the Bill is not passed.
Both politicians called on the public not to support anyone proposing the rejection of the Bill.
PS: for the other face of this story See:
http://www.hivos.nl/eng/Hivos-news/Hivos-International-goes-digital/Homo-emancipation
http://www.hivos.nl/eng/Hivos-news/Hivos-International-goes-digital/Homo-emancipation/Ugandan-homos-may-get-death-penalty
Monday, 28 December 2009
KASESE RESIDENTS PROTEST OVER KILEMBE MINES THREATS OF EVICTION.
Residents of Kilembe Sub County in Kasese district have protested the
threats of evictions by the management of Kilembe mines limited.
threats of evictions by the management of Kilembe mines limited.
Residents say they are the indigenous occupants of the land on where
the mining activity is being done.
"We shall not get intimidated by these scarecrows of Kilembe mines
when we are very much aware that we are occupying our ancestral land,"
the residents charged.
They revealed this on December 3 after the management of Kilembe mines
limited called for a meeting and later failed to turn up.
According to the locals, the general manager Kilembe Mines Limited
(KML) Mr. Kyakony Fred called for the meeting on December 3 at 10 am
to discuss on the safety, theft of company properties and encroachment
on the company land but later delegated the company security manager
Mr. Gideon Kusemererwa in company with the police community liaison
officer at around 3pm.
Soon as the CLO took over his seat, the locals ordered the LC III
chairperson who was chairing the meeting to leave all the business and
dispersed leaving the police and Kilembe mines security manager
stranded on ground.
Locals lead by the sub county chairperson NRM Mr. Katya Nickson said
that the management of Kilembe mines has blocked the area from
development because of keep on threatening them that they are facing
eviction at any time.
He said Mr. Kyakony the general manager do overlook them the reason he
called for the meeting and adamantly refuse to attend it.
Katya dismissed allegations that conflicts are linked to politics as
the chairperson of the sub county belongs to FDC saying that all
parties are being affected by the way Kilembe mines is treating them.
Muhindo Binadamu the chairperson youth council kasese district and an
NRM cadre said that Kilembe is always at log heads with locals
accusing them of stealing their property that is not the case as the
properties are being stolen and vandalized by senior company
employees.
He said the company has never arrested any suspect with stolen
property from Kilembe but locals have been participating in arresting
the senior employers of the company with stolen materials and company
properties.
"you can imagine we even have a list of Kilembe mines officers who
have been caught stealing company properties but no one has ever been
prosecuted but are harassing us for nothing" Binadamu charged.
while speaking to this reporter the security manager Kusemererwa
Gideon said that Mr. Kyakony whom the residents demanded to see in the
eye was busy attending another busy meeting at kasese Cobalt Company
limited.
The District Community Liaison Officer Mr. Musana Joseph described
the protest by locals as a terrible one adding that the worst might be
in waiting.
By Wilson Asiimwe in kasese
0791389776
Bidandi Ssali raps inter party coalition.
The Executive Chairperson for People's Progressive Party (PPP) Jaberi
Bidandi Ssali has rapped the recent formed Inter Party Coalition by
opposition political parties in the country as wastage of time.
Bidandi Ssali has rapped the recent formed Inter Party Coalition by
opposition political parties in the country as wastage of time.
Bidandi also a presidential hopeful said the coalition was not a
demand for members of the parties but only a thought and a dream by
selfish politicians who heads different parties.
He was addressing party members and launching of the party office in
Kasese district on December 19.
He said he could not join the coalition because most of its members
are failures that have lost the ground and that others are those
parties that exist by names in Kampala only but without members.
While in Kasese Bidandi held meetings in the FDC strong hold
constituencies of Bukonzo East and Busongora North.
He said the coalition will never agree 100 and even in other issues
but only on agenda which is becoming song of the day adding that at
the end of the members end up in exile and being imprisoned.
"People have always have coalitions but the end result is death for
the members so it was good to confront death when you already know,"
Bidandi said.
He cited the history of Kabaka Yekka (KY) and Uganda people's congress
that made a coalition to remove Ben Kiwanuka and the end result was
for Obote to abolish kingdoms to punish the Kabaka, the coalition that
toppled Amini which also failed after Obote re captured power and
forced Museveni to go to bush.
He said his party is well prepared to see Museveni waving at Masaka
residents after 2011 general elections as he heads to his country home
Rwakitura to look after his cows.
Bidandi challenged the public to produce evidence where he was cited
in any corruption scandal and promised a big reward.
He said the movement government has committed a lot of crimes than
that of Amini and Obote two governments.
"During Amini and Obote's regimes people died and blood was shed but
there was no theft, land grabbing and their families to take over
control of state unlike the NRM where the presidents family is in
charge of the country," he charged.
He lashed at NRM government and president Museveni of creating safe
houses and illegal detentions that was a major cause to fight the past
regimes.
Bidandi condemned the manner in which WBS T.V presenter Serumaga was
arrested recently.
"You people i cried, i got stigmatized on witnessing the TV journalist
being forced into the car boot but had no option," Bidandi said.
By Asiimwe Wilson in Kasese 21/12/2009.
Thursday, 17 December 2009
Kasese District Staff train in Website updating Skills
Objective: To enhance effective and efficient information sharing mechanisms between the Kasese District Local Government and the Civil Society
Outputs: Functional district web site, regularly updated, that contributes to improve transparency, speedy information dissemination, and higher administrative efficiency and improved public services, particularly in the water, health and education sectors.
The district web site will provide information systems support for core business and regulatory functions, particularly in the areas of regulation and revenue generation in the district.
The web site will also provide convenient and easy access to other information services on opportunities that people in both urban and rural areas can access to improve their living conditions in the Kasese district.
Outcome: Improved access to official District of Kasese information
Saturday, 28 November 2009
Kasese to get a Shs24m ICT centre
KASESE district is to get Information and Communication Technology (ICT) equipment worth about shs24m, from the Rwenzori Information Centres Network, (RIC-NET).RIC-NET is supported by the Dutch Humanist Institute for Cooperation with Developing Countries (HIVOS) and the European Union.
The equipment, which will include twelve computers, a multipurpose photocopier that will also serve as a printer and scanner, will be stationed in the District Information Office at Rukoki, the district headquarters.
A Local Area Network and internet services will also be set up to facilitate information-sharing between the district, the civil society organisations and other stakeholders in and outside the district.
The ICT facilities will be part of the information Desk that the two sides have agreed to set up under the Public-Private Partnership that the district and stakeholders mooted in 2006. The equipment is to be hosted by the District Information Office, which the district is expected to equip with furniture.
This is contained in an agreement signed between RIC-NET and Kasese district Local Government November 25th at a ceremony that took place in the office of the district Deputy Chief Administrative Officer (DCAO).
The support is being provided under the auspices of HIVOS and the Europena Union, the funders of RIC-NET.
The Deputy CAO, Willy Bataringaya and the RIC-NET boss, John Silco Murugahara, signed on behalf of their respective organisations at the function, which was witnessed by the Coordinator Rwenzori consortium of Civic Competence, James Mwrima and the District Information Officer.
John Silco Murugahara said the equipment would be delivered around 4th December.The agreement, that is valid for the 24-months, follows a series of partnership activities between Kasese district and RIC-NET, which has included a dialogue meeting in June this year and training of select district and civil society staff in web 2.0 tools that took place at Kabarole Information Centre.
The dialogue and the training were facilitated by the International Institute for RIC-NET is also in the process of helping Kasese district to revive her district website (http://www.kasese.go.ug) and in the creation of the d-group (an electronic platform for information-sharing among stakeholders in and outside the district accessible on http://rwecovoice.blogspot.com.
RIC-NET will also train district heads of department in web content development and information sharing tools including sms messaging skills.
By John Thawite
Wednesday, 11 November 2009
Lover hits former army commander in the head
By Steven Candia
FORMER army commander Maj. Gen. James Kazini is no more.
Kazini was allegedly murdered by his girl friend, Lydia Draru, in Namuwongo, a Kampala suburb, during a scuffle at her residence yesterday morning.
Draru was arrested and whisked away to the Kampala Central Police Station where she was held together with her cousin, a girl in Senior Six.
“We are treating it as an outright case of murder,” said Edward Ochom, the director of criminal investigations, who rushed to the scene of the crime.
Kazini, whose army number is RA 0133, had been one of the longest serving army officers.
The circumstances surrounding his killing remained unclear yesterday. However, both the Police and security sources said Kazini was killed by a blow on his head with a blunt metallic object during a domestic quarrel between 5:00am and 6:00am.
An iron bar believed to have been used in the attack was recovered at the scene.
Police officers dusted the place for fingerprints and collected other exhibits.
The blow left a deep gush on the general’s head, causing him to bleed to death. Wearing a yellow shirt, the general, who had a career of mixed fortunes, died in the doorway of the house he was renting for the girlfriend.
For several hours, his body lay in a pool of blood as a combined force of the Police and the army sealed off the place while detectives and experts from the Government analytical laboratory went about their duties.
As news of the death filtered through, several senior people, among them the Inspector General of Police, Maj. Gen. Kale Kayihura, and trade minister Kahinda Otafiire visited the scene.
Kazini’s wife Phoebe arrived at about 9:00am. She saw the body and broke down, weeping uncontrollably. Hundreds of shocked residents trooped and gathered outside the house. Just before 10:00am, the body was removed and transferred to Mulago hospital for a postmortem check.
Eyewitness said shortly after the murder, Draru walked to a nearby boda boda stage and declared that she had killed her husband. She then reportedly asked the cyclists to inform the Police.
“She told us that she had killed her husband and she did not care,” Bernard Turinabo, a cyclist who was at the stage, recounted. “She even told us to go and see the body.”
It is then that the Police rushed to the scene of crime and arrested her. During arrest, Police sources said, Draru openly confessed: “I have killed him and I don’t care where you take me.”
It is said that the two had returned home in the wee hours of the morning. It is not clear what triggered the disagreement. Shortly before returning home, the two were sighted at International Hotel Muyenga.
They reportedly rode back home in the general’s latest top of the range Toyota Land Cruiser, bearing a Southern Sudan registration number plate, which they parked outside before walking into the house.
Police sources yesterday said Draru, who is popularly known by residents as Munene, earlier claimed that she acted in self-defence after the general allegedly drew a pistol on her. But no pistol was found in the house. Instead, Kazini’s pistol was discovered several hours after the incident in his brown hand bag in the Land Cruiser.
Emotions ran high outside his compound. A man wondered how a general who had emerged triumphant from various battles could die at the hands of a woman.
The demise of Kazini left many of his colleagues disturbed. The Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Aronda Nyakairima, yesterday described his death as untimely. The nation and the UPDF as an institution, he said, were still to benefit from his enormous experience and skills.
“We were still to work together as an institution to consolidate peace and stability. What we are seeing now is the passing on of a patriot, a hardworking man and a committed nationalist,” Nyakairima said.
Kayihura, whose relationship with the deceased goes back to the NRA bush war, said Kazini played a heroic role in the difficult history of the country, his woes notwithstanding.
“There is no doubt about the contribution Kazini had towards achieving peace and security in the country. He played a crucial role in fighting various insurgencies, right from 1986 up to when he became army commander. Obviously he had problems but that cannot wash away his tremendous contribution to this nation,” Kayihura said.
Maj. Gen Mugisha Muntu (FDC), also a former army commander, described Kazini as a good combat officer.
“He served through the ranks in various capacities. In some, he performed well and in others, just like many of us, he did not. It is unfortunate that he has passed on still young. As for those other issues in the army, we leave that in the hands of God.”
In March 2008, Kazini was convicted and sentenced to three years imprisonment for causing financial loss of over sh61m to the Government. He was still battling in court to overturn his conviction.
Kazini was also facing a string of other charges that included causing financial loss, forgery, uttering false documents, conspiracy to defraud and disobedience of lawful orders. But his trial by the Court Martial was put on hold after he petitioned the Constitutional Court challenging the legality of the trial.
The Constitutional Court dismissed his petition mid last month, clearing the army court to try him.
FORMER army commander Maj. Gen. James Kazini is no more.
Kazini was allegedly murdered by his girl friend, Lydia Draru, in Namuwongo, a Kampala suburb, during a scuffle at her residence yesterday morning.
Draru was arrested and whisked away to the Kampala Central Police Station where she was held together with her cousin, a girl in Senior Six.
“We are treating it as an outright case of murder,” said Edward Ochom, the director of criminal investigations, who rushed to the scene of the crime.
Kazini, whose army number is RA 0133, had been one of the longest serving army officers.
The circumstances surrounding his killing remained unclear yesterday. However, both the Police and security sources said Kazini was killed by a blow on his head with a blunt metallic object during a domestic quarrel between 5:00am and 6:00am.
An iron bar believed to have been used in the attack was recovered at the scene.
Police officers dusted the place for fingerprints and collected other exhibits.
The blow left a deep gush on the general’s head, causing him to bleed to death. Wearing a yellow shirt, the general, who had a career of mixed fortunes, died in the doorway of the house he was renting for the girlfriend.
For several hours, his body lay in a pool of blood as a combined force of the Police and the army sealed off the place while detectives and experts from the Government analytical laboratory went about their duties.
As news of the death filtered through, several senior people, among them the Inspector General of Police, Maj. Gen. Kale Kayihura, and trade minister Kahinda Otafiire visited the scene.
Kazini’s wife Phoebe arrived at about 9:00am. She saw the body and broke down, weeping uncontrollably. Hundreds of shocked residents trooped and gathered outside the house. Just before 10:00am, the body was removed and transferred to Mulago hospital for a postmortem check.
Eyewitness said shortly after the murder, Draru walked to a nearby boda boda stage and declared that she had killed her husband. She then reportedly asked the cyclists to inform the Police.
“She told us that she had killed her husband and she did not care,” Bernard Turinabo, a cyclist who was at the stage, recounted. “She even told us to go and see the body.”
It is then that the Police rushed to the scene of crime and arrested her. During arrest, Police sources said, Draru openly confessed: “I have killed him and I don’t care where you take me.”
It is said that the two had returned home in the wee hours of the morning. It is not clear what triggered the disagreement. Shortly before returning home, the two were sighted at International Hotel Muyenga.
They reportedly rode back home in the general’s latest top of the range Toyota Land Cruiser, bearing a Southern Sudan registration number plate, which they parked outside before walking into the house.
Police sources yesterday said Draru, who is popularly known by residents as Munene, earlier claimed that she acted in self-defence after the general allegedly drew a pistol on her. But no pistol was found in the house. Instead, Kazini’s pistol was discovered several hours after the incident in his brown hand bag in the Land Cruiser.
Emotions ran high outside his compound. A man wondered how a general who had emerged triumphant from various battles could die at the hands of a woman.
The demise of Kazini left many of his colleagues disturbed. The Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Aronda Nyakairima, yesterday described his death as untimely. The nation and the UPDF as an institution, he said, were still to benefit from his enormous experience and skills.
“We were still to work together as an institution to consolidate peace and stability. What we are seeing now is the passing on of a patriot, a hardworking man and a committed nationalist,” Nyakairima said.
Kayihura, whose relationship with the deceased goes back to the NRA bush war, said Kazini played a heroic role in the difficult history of the country, his woes notwithstanding.
“There is no doubt about the contribution Kazini had towards achieving peace and security in the country. He played a crucial role in fighting various insurgencies, right from 1986 up to when he became army commander. Obviously he had problems but that cannot wash away his tremendous contribution to this nation,” Kayihura said.
Maj. Gen Mugisha Muntu (FDC), also a former army commander, described Kazini as a good combat officer.
“He served through the ranks in various capacities. In some, he performed well and in others, just like many of us, he did not. It is unfortunate that he has passed on still young. As for those other issues in the army, we leave that in the hands of God.”
In March 2008, Kazini was convicted and sentenced to three years imprisonment for causing financial loss of over sh61m to the Government. He was still battling in court to overturn his conviction.
Kazini was also facing a string of other charges that included causing financial loss, forgery, uttering false documents, conspiracy to defraud and disobedience of lawful orders. But his trial by the Court Martial was put on hold after he petitioned the Constitutional Court challenging the legality of the trial.
The Constitutional Court dismissed his petition mid last month, clearing the army court to try him.
Tuesday, 10 November 2009
Maj. Gen. James Kazini
Maj. Gen. James Kazini, the former army commander, died Tuesday morning after his girlfriend, Lydia Draru, allegedly hit him with an iron bar.
Family and security sources say General Kazini was killed at his girlfriend's home in Namuwongo, a Kampala suburb near this newspaper’s offices on 8th Street, Industrial Area.
The girlfriend has been arrested and taken for questioning at Kampala Central Police Station. Mourners, among them military officers and relatives, trickled in to the Namuwongo residence as the shocking news spreads.
The country was preparing for the burial later Tuesday of vice President, Prof. Gilbert Bukenya’s son, Bryan, who died at the weekend after suffering serious head injuries in a motor crash.
By 8:00 a.m. his body had not yet been moved. Senior Police detectives arrived shortly after to take notes and examine the crime scene. Later, at about 10 a.m, his body was taken to Mulago Hospital mortuary.
Family and security sources say General Kazini was killed at his girlfriend's home in Namuwongo, a Kampala suburb near this newspaper’s offices on 8th Street, Industrial Area.
The girlfriend has been arrested and taken for questioning at Kampala Central Police Station. Mourners, among them military officers and relatives, trickled in to the Namuwongo residence as the shocking news spreads.
The country was preparing for the burial later Tuesday of vice President, Prof. Gilbert Bukenya’s son, Bryan, who died at the weekend after suffering serious head injuries in a motor crash.
By 8:00 a.m. his body had not yet been moved. Senior Police detectives arrived shortly after to take notes and examine the crime scene. Later, at about 10 a.m, his body was taken to Mulago Hospital mortuary.
Tuesday, 20 October 2009
Rwenzururu’s King announced cabinet
Rwenzururu’s King Charles Wesley Mumbere Iremangoma has announced his cabinet on 16th October 2009, three days ahead of 43rd coronation anniversary.
1. Mr Costa Bwambale, Prime minister
2. Ms Loice Biira Bwambale, Deputy Prime Minister
3. Mr Isaya Kyaye, second deputy prime minister and minister in charge of public relations.
4. Rev. Johiada Mutoro Third Deputy prime minister and minister in charge of constitutional affairs
5. Hajji Ibrahim Muhongya, fourth deputy prime minister and minister in charge of state affairs
6. Mr Jackson Mbaju, The Attorney General
7. Rev.Fr Balinandi Kambere, Minister of Religious Affairs and Language Development
8. Mr Tembo Kitsumbire, Minster of Security and Royal Transportation,
9. Mr Erisania Cameroon, Minister of Royal Protocol in the Office of the Obusinga
10. Mr Noah Nzaghale Minister in charge of Cultural Development,
11. Mr Joseph Kule Muranga, Minister of lands and natural resources,
12. Dr Syahuka Muhindo, Minister for agriculture,
13. Mr Moses Kalemba, Minister for clan affairs.
14. Mrs Teddy Walina, Minister in charge of trade and commerce
15. Mr Patrick Nyamunungu, kingdom spokesperson
16. Mr Godfrey Kabyanga, Minister of finance, planning and economic development.
17. Mr Kule Balitazale, Minister of education and sports
18. Mr Pascal Mubi, minister for local administration.
1. Mr Costa Bwambale, Prime minister
2. Ms Loice Biira Bwambale, Deputy Prime Minister
3. Mr Isaya Kyaye, second deputy prime minister and minister in charge of public relations.
4. Rev. Johiada Mutoro Third Deputy prime minister and minister in charge of constitutional affairs
5. Hajji Ibrahim Muhongya, fourth deputy prime minister and minister in charge of state affairs
6. Mr Jackson Mbaju, The Attorney General
7. Rev.Fr Balinandi Kambere, Minister of Religious Affairs and Language Development
8. Mr Tembo Kitsumbire, Minster of Security and Royal Transportation,
9. Mr Erisania Cameroon, Minister of Royal Protocol in the Office of the Obusinga
10. Mr Noah Nzaghale Minister in charge of Cultural Development,
11. Mr Joseph Kule Muranga, Minister of lands and natural resources,
12. Dr Syahuka Muhindo, Minister for agriculture,
13. Mr Moses Kalemba, Minister for clan affairs.
14. Mrs Teddy Walina, Minister in charge of trade and commerce
15. Mr Patrick Nyamunungu, kingdom spokesperson
16. Mr Godfrey Kabyanga, Minister of finance, planning and economic development.
17. Mr Kule Balitazale, Minister of education and sports
18. Mr Pascal Mubi, minister for local administration.
Thursday, 15 October 2009
Omusinga hails Museveni on Buganda riots
Mumbere hailed the President Museveni for having spearheaded the restoration of monarchies in the country.
“I thank President Museveni for restoring kingdoms; they can help government to mobilise the population for to engage in development,” he said.
He also commended the President for amicably addressing the recent Buganda riots in which several people died and property worth billions of property destroyed.
Mumbere was Monday launching a commemorative tree-planting campaign in the Rwenzori region, with the planting of more that 1,200 tree seedlings at a royal forest at Rukoki, the district headquarters.
The tree-planting is one of the activities to mark the 43rd coronation anniversary of the Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu slated for October 19th and to be officiated by President Museveni.
He pledged that once restored, the Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu is determined to support government and urged the Banya Rwenzururu to appreciate President Museveni’s efforts to have the kingdoms restored.
“Cultural leaders should respect and cooperate with Museveni because it took him a lot of effort to convince his tot government officers to accept the idea of restoring kingdom in this country,” he said.
Kingdoms were abolished in 1966 during the first Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) government led by former president Dr Milton Obote.
They were restored by the article 246 of the 1995 Uganda Constitution but since then the Obusinga is yet to be recognised on 19th October.
Presiding at Church of Uganda South Rwenzori Diocesan donors' conference and 25th founding anniversary August 30th, the President announced that that he had agreed to recognise the long-awaited Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu and that he would attend the Obusinga 43rd anniversary.
“I assure you RDCs who are here that the people of the Rwenzori will support the NRM government,” he said attracting applause from the audience.
The gathering included Rwenzururu Prime Minister, Constantine Bwambale and the security minister, Thembo Kitsumbire and civil servants led by the Chief Administrative Officer, Giles Kahika.
Mumbere added, “I am not an NRM but I can see that Museveni is handling things well. I hope that when it comes to giving, Yoweri Museveni deserves to be given,” he said but did not explain.
He recalled that when he was still living in America, the NRM government used to facilitate his flight into and out of Uganda and provide him with state house security during his tour of the Rwenzori region.
He said that despite the disagreements with defence minister Dr Kiyonga over the Obusinga, the too used to have top discussion meetings to iron out their differences.
“We discovered that without the two of us interfacing, we were leading the Rwenzori nowhere,” he said.
Now Kiyonga is doing more of my spokesperson’s job and even doing more foreign affairs advocacy than God Frey Kabyanga (the official Obusinga spokesperson).
Mumbere’s announcement exited RDCs Barnabas Bamusede Bwambale (Masaka), David Masereka (Nakasongola) and Captain James (Kasese), who were present at the function.
Captain Mwesigye hailed the Omusinga for spearheading the environmental campaign said it was in line with government’s conservation programmes.
The district chairman pledged the district’s support to the campaign and urged all the people in the region to emulate the Omusinga, who had earlier knelt down in the dust to plant trees at the function
“I thank President Museveni for restoring kingdoms; they can help government to mobilise the population for to engage in development,” he said.
He also commended the President for amicably addressing the recent Buganda riots in which several people died and property worth billions of property destroyed.
Mumbere was Monday launching a commemorative tree-planting campaign in the Rwenzori region, with the planting of more that 1,200 tree seedlings at a royal forest at Rukoki, the district headquarters.
The tree-planting is one of the activities to mark the 43rd coronation anniversary of the Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu slated for October 19th and to be officiated by President Museveni.
He pledged that once restored, the Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu is determined to support government and urged the Banya Rwenzururu to appreciate President Museveni’s efforts to have the kingdoms restored.
“Cultural leaders should respect and cooperate with Museveni because it took him a lot of effort to convince his tot government officers to accept the idea of restoring kingdom in this country,” he said.
Kingdoms were abolished in 1966 during the first Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) government led by former president Dr Milton Obote.
They were restored by the article 246 of the 1995 Uganda Constitution but since then the Obusinga is yet to be recognised on 19th October.
Presiding at Church of Uganda South Rwenzori Diocesan donors' conference and 25th founding anniversary August 30th, the President announced that that he had agreed to recognise the long-awaited Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu and that he would attend the Obusinga 43rd anniversary.
“I assure you RDCs who are here that the people of the Rwenzori will support the NRM government,” he said attracting applause from the audience.
The gathering included Rwenzururu Prime Minister, Constantine Bwambale and the security minister, Thembo Kitsumbire and civil servants led by the Chief Administrative Officer, Giles Kahika.
Mumbere added, “I am not an NRM but I can see that Museveni is handling things well. I hope that when it comes to giving, Yoweri Museveni deserves to be given,” he said but did not explain.
He recalled that when he was still living in America, the NRM government used to facilitate his flight into and out of Uganda and provide him with state house security during his tour of the Rwenzori region.
He said that despite the disagreements with defence minister Dr Kiyonga over the Obusinga, the too used to have top discussion meetings to iron out their differences.
“We discovered that without the two of us interfacing, we were leading the Rwenzori nowhere,” he said.
Now Kiyonga is doing more of my spokesperson’s job and even doing more foreign affairs advocacy than God Frey Kabyanga (the official Obusinga spokesperson).
Mumbere’s announcement exited RDCs Barnabas Bamusede Bwambale (Masaka), David Masereka (Nakasongola) and Captain James (Kasese), who were present at the function.
Captain Mwesigye hailed the Omusinga for spearheading the environmental campaign said it was in line with government’s conservation programmes.
The district chairman pledged the district’s support to the campaign and urged all the people in the region to emulate the Omusinga, who had earlier knelt down in the dust to plant trees at the function
Omusinga launches Rwenzori tree planting
RWENZURURU cultural leader, has launched a commemorative tree-planting campaign in the Rwenzori region, with the planting of more that 1,200 tree seedlings at a royal forest at Rukoki, the district headquarters.
Omusinga Charles Wesley Mumbere, Irema-Ngoma launched the campaign by planting a bark tree and an acacia tree at Rukoki, the district headquarters Monday.
He commended the Kasese District Local Government leadership under rev Canon Julius Kithaghenda, the district chairman, for donating the land.
He said global warming devastating the snow-capped Rwenzori and other areas in the country, which required intensified tree planting in the region.
According to Uganda Wildlife Authority Executive Director, Moses Mapesa, snows and glaciers are receding at a rate of 0.7 Km2 per decade due to increase in temperature rising at a rate of 0.50 C per decade.
“At this rate the snows in the Rwenzoris could disappear in 2025,” Mapesa told The New Vision yesterday.
In his brief to the Omusinga earlier, the District forestry Officer, William Wilberforce Bwambale, said forest cover accounted for only 5,972 hectares or 1.7% of the total district land area of over 3,300 sq kms.
“We in the Rwenzori region should be proud of our good geography that enables us to plant our crops.
“With many trees widely planted in the Rwenzori region, we cannot easily suffer like other areas,” he said.
“I thank President Museveni for restoring kingdoms; they can help government to mobilise the population for to engage in development,” he said.
“Cultural leaders should respect and cooperate with Museveni because it took him a lot of effort to convince his tot government officers to accept the idea of restoring kingdom in this country,” he said.
Kingdoms were abolished in 1966 during the first Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) government led by former president Dr Milton Obote.
They were restored by the article 246 of the 1995 Uganda Constitution but since then the Obusinga is yet to be recognised on 19th October.
Presiding at Church of Uganda South Rwenzori Diocesan donors' conference and 25th founding anniversary August 30th, the President announced that that he had agreed to recognise the long-awaited Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu and that he would attend the Obusinga 43rd anniversary.
Mumbere hailed the President for having amicably addressed the recent Buganda riots in which several people died and property worth billions of property destroyed.
He pledged that once restored, the Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu is determined to support government and urged the Banya Rwenzururu to appreciate President Museveni’s efforts to have the kingdoms restored.
“I assure you RDCs who are here that the people of the Rwenzori will support the NRM government,” he said attracting applause from the audience.
The gathering included Rwenzururu Prime Minister, Constantine Bwambale and the security minister, Thembo Kitsumbire and civil servants led by the Chief Administrative Officer, Giles Kahika.
Mumbere added, “I am not an NRM but I can see that Museveni is handling things well. I hope that when it comes to giving, Yoweri Museveni deserves to be given,” he said but did not explain.
He recalled that when he was still living in America, the NRM government used to facilitate his flight into and out of Uganda and provide him with state house security during his tour of the Rwenzori region.
He said that despite the disagreements with defence minister Dr Kiyonga over the Obusinga, the too used to have top discussion meetings to iron out their differences.
“We discovered that without the two of us interfacing, we were leading the Rwenzori nowhere,” he said.
Now Kiyonga is doing more of my spokesperson’s job and even doing more foreign affairs advocacy than God Frey Kabyanga (the official Obusinga spokesperson).
Mumbere’s announcement exited RDCs Barnabas Bamusede Bwambale (Masaka), David Masereka (Nakasongola) and Captain James (Kasese), who were present at the function.
Captain Mwesigye hailed the Omusinga for spearheading the environmental campaign said it was in line with government’s conservation programmes.
The district chairman pledged the district’s support to the campaign and urged all the people in the region to emulate the Omusinga, who had earlier knelt down in the dust to plant trees at the function.
Omusinga Charles Wesley Mumbere, Irema-Ngoma launched the campaign by planting a bark tree and an acacia tree at Rukoki, the district headquarters Monday.
He commended the Kasese District Local Government leadership under rev Canon Julius Kithaghenda, the district chairman, for donating the land.
He said global warming devastating the snow-capped Rwenzori and other areas in the country, which required intensified tree planting in the region.
According to Uganda Wildlife Authority Executive Director, Moses Mapesa, snows and glaciers are receding at a rate of 0.7 Km2 per decade due to increase in temperature rising at a rate of 0.50 C per decade.
“At this rate the snows in the Rwenzoris could disappear in 2025,” Mapesa told The New Vision yesterday.
In his brief to the Omusinga earlier, the District forestry Officer, William Wilberforce Bwambale, said forest cover accounted for only 5,972 hectares or 1.7% of the total district land area of over 3,300 sq kms.
“We in the Rwenzori region should be proud of our good geography that enables us to plant our crops.
“With many trees widely planted in the Rwenzori region, we cannot easily suffer like other areas,” he said.
“I thank President Museveni for restoring kingdoms; they can help government to mobilise the population for to engage in development,” he said.
“Cultural leaders should respect and cooperate with Museveni because it took him a lot of effort to convince his tot government officers to accept the idea of restoring kingdom in this country,” he said.
Kingdoms were abolished in 1966 during the first Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) government led by former president Dr Milton Obote.
They were restored by the article 246 of the 1995 Uganda Constitution but since then the Obusinga is yet to be recognised on 19th October.
Presiding at Church of Uganda South Rwenzori Diocesan donors' conference and 25th founding anniversary August 30th, the President announced that that he had agreed to recognise the long-awaited Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu and that he would attend the Obusinga 43rd anniversary.
Mumbere hailed the President for having amicably addressed the recent Buganda riots in which several people died and property worth billions of property destroyed.
He pledged that once restored, the Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu is determined to support government and urged the Banya Rwenzururu to appreciate President Museveni’s efforts to have the kingdoms restored.
“I assure you RDCs who are here that the people of the Rwenzori will support the NRM government,” he said attracting applause from the audience.
The gathering included Rwenzururu Prime Minister, Constantine Bwambale and the security minister, Thembo Kitsumbire and civil servants led by the Chief Administrative Officer, Giles Kahika.
Mumbere added, “I am not an NRM but I can see that Museveni is handling things well. I hope that when it comes to giving, Yoweri Museveni deserves to be given,” he said but did not explain.
He recalled that when he was still living in America, the NRM government used to facilitate his flight into and out of Uganda and provide him with state house security during his tour of the Rwenzori region.
He said that despite the disagreements with defence minister Dr Kiyonga over the Obusinga, the too used to have top discussion meetings to iron out their differences.
“We discovered that without the two of us interfacing, we were leading the Rwenzori nowhere,” he said.
Now Kiyonga is doing more of my spokesperson’s job and even doing more foreign affairs advocacy than God Frey Kabyanga (the official Obusinga spokesperson).
Mumbere’s announcement exited RDCs Barnabas Bamusede Bwambale (Masaka), David Masereka (Nakasongola) and Captain James (Kasese), who were present at the function.
Captain Mwesigye hailed the Omusinga for spearheading the environmental campaign said it was in line with government’s conservation programmes.
The district chairman pledged the district’s support to the campaign and urged all the people in the region to emulate the Omusinga, who had earlier knelt down in the dust to plant trees at the function.
Friday, 9 October 2009
E-Governance Project in Western Uganda Kicks Off
| urce: | Marc Lepage [mlepage(at)iicd.org] |
| Country: | Uganda [UG] |
| Sector: | Governance |
The project aims to help both local government and civil organisations build skills to produce quality information on their activities. This will be accessible through the web, regular meetings and trained information officers.
Currently, there is very little information exchange between the two groups. NGOs, for example, have little access to government information to enable them to play a role in planning. Local governments need to build their capacity to produce useful information and make it available externally.
The project is run by the Rwenzori Consortium for Civic competence (RWECO). The project focuses on the sectors Health, Water and Education.
Fight HIV/AIDS with mercy, love, peace and pity – Kasese Deputy RDC
The Deputy Resident District Commissioner, Kasese, has challenged orgnisations dealing with HIV/AIDS to fight stigma, rejection and discrimination that is being inflicted on people living with the disease.
"HIV/AIDS should be fought with mercy, love and pity for the infected and affected persons," he said.
Isingoma was recently closing a two-day HIV/AIDS annual partnership forum organised by Kasese district and funded by the Ministry of Local Government in conjunction with the Uganda AIDS Commission.
The partnership forum took place at Virina Gardens in Kasese town and drew participants from local government, the civil society and the private sector.
Isingoma challenged the participants to strengthen partnership for service providers to address the scourge of HIV/AIDS.
The main facilitator from the Uganda AIDS Commission, who is also the District Health Officer, Kisoro, Dr Assay Ndizihiwe, reported that medical male circumcision reduces the risk of contracting HIV.
"Uncircumcised men are partly responsible for the increasing cases of cervical cancer among women.
According to the Kasese Distinct HIV/AIDS Focal Person, john Thawite, the HIV/AIDS prevalence in Kasese district stands at 11.2% from testing sites in the district.
Thawite said though Kasese belongs to the western region whose general prevalence is 6.9%, there is need for a district-specific sero-prevalence survey to ascertain the specifics of the HIV infections.
Sunday, 4 October 2009
Government injects some 18bn/= into primary education in Kasese
By John B. Thawite 2.10.2009
Kasese will get close to 900m/= for the Universal Primary Education in the 2009/2010 financial year, bringing the money injected into the sector close to Shs 17.9 billion since the introduction of UPE in 1997.
"This financial year the Government UPE capitation is 889,205,500= and we have already received 202 million for the 1st quarter," the District Education Officer, Douglas Katemba said.
Douglas Katemba revealed this September 30th, in a report to the primary education state minister, Kamanda Bataringaya.
The minister was chief guest at a one-day district education stakeholders' dialogue held at the Kasese catholic Social Services Hall in Kasese town.
The dialogue, which was also attended by officials from the ministries of Public Service and Local Government, was organised by the education department to address the achievements and challenges in the sector and to pave a way forward.
"Since the government introduced the school facilities grant for primary schools, over 7bn/= has been sent to the district," Katemba said, adding that the district had received shs182m from the grant.
This, he said, was in addition to another 750m/= to St Theresa Girls secondary school for the construction of standard, update and fully equipped library and science laboratories and the numerous scholastic materials to various schools in the district.
He said there were 258 Universal Primary Education (UPE) Grant Aided primary schools with 152.974 pupils 26,318 of them boys and 7,8179 girls and 2,993 government-paid teachers.
Katemba further revealed that there were 162 private primary schools with 25,572 pupils, 18 Grant Aided secondary schools and 16 private secondary schools (34) secondary schools benefiting from Universal secondary Education (USE)
"There are also 34 secondary schools with 18,789 students, of whom 14,824 are under the Universal Secondary Education (USE)," he further told the more that 300 guests at the dialogue.
He also said there were 30 private Registered Secondary schools and 10 private licensed secondary schools with an enrolment of 5,694 students (3,192 males and 2,502 females).
He said tertiary institutions include Bwera Primary Teachers College offering Grade III certificate to primary school teachers.
Other tertiary institutions include Katwe Technical Institute (152 students); Katwe Wildlife Training Institute which is the only institution which offers Diplomas has enrolment of 117 students.
Katemba hailed the various education development partners including Save the Children, UNICEF, Churches and Mosques Bishop Masereka Foundation, KALI, Irish Aid and Hima Cement Factory only to mention a few
But Katemba said the district needed 400 more teachers for the primary schools, more classrooms, latrines, desks, teachers' houses and post-primary education facilities for children with special needs.
Rwenzururu queen discharged
By John B. Thawite,
HER Royal Highness Nyabaghole Agnes has been discharged after delivering a Prince to Irema-Ngoma Charles Wesley Mumbere, the Rwenzururu cultural leader.
The Rwenzururu spokesperson, Godfrey Kabyanga, confirmed Saturday that the bouncing baby prince left Kampala International Hospital
Government has footed all the hospital bills, which are worth several millions of shillings," Kabyanga said, declining to divulge the amount of money.
"The baby and the mother are o.k and throughout her labour up to now the Omusinga has kept by her side," Kabyanga said.
He said the prince, who weighed 4.1Kgs at birth and his parents would travel to Kasese and that the prince would be named after eight days in accordance with Bakonzo traditions.
"I am not yet sure when we are coming home because we still want the child and the mother to stabilise," Kabyanga said.
The birth of the prince is a blessing to the kingdom. While we are all anxiously waiting for government to recognise it on October 19th, we also receive another gift of the prince," Kabyanga said.
Presiding at the South Rwenzori diocesan donors' conference August 30th, President Yoweri Museveni said he had agreed to recognise the Bakonzo and Bamba cultural institution, Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu.
"Mumbere has written to me proposing October 19 for confirmation and I have agreed," he added.
Museveni said he wanted to recognise the institution a long time ago, but he could not because of the disagreements between the supporters and the opponents of the institution in the Rwenzori region.
Meanwhile congratulatory messages continue to exchange hands on FM radios, public gatherings and on the internet.
"Your Majesty Omusinga and Her Royal Highness Nyabaghole, congratulations upon the delivery of the Prince. This is wonderful news to all of us. We have reason to celebrate," wrote London-based David Nguru.
Pastor Simon Bwambale Haggai (currently in the Philippines
"May the Mountains of the Moon (Rwenzori Mountains
Ibrahim Asuman Bisiika, a journalist, writes, "People. Let's praise the Lord. But please see attachment for my poetic creation on the issue. Asuman."
"This is a special moment for the Royal Family and the people of the Rwenzoris. Congratulations," says another message.
The Bamba-Bakonzo king will also to mark his 43rd anniversary since he took over the Rwenzururu Kingdom
Kibanzanga was among the Bamba fighters who led a rebellion against the Toro kingdom, demanding independence in 1962.
Kibanzanga was among the Bamba fighters who led a rebellion against the Toro kingdom, demanding independence in 1962.
The author is the Kasese District Information Officer
Wednesday, 30 September 2009
KASESE DISTRICT
By John B. Thawite
Rwenzori Mountain National Park
Rwenzori Mountain National Park is a mountain range gazetted as a National Park in 1991. It covers 996 square km, with its highest peak, Margherita at 5,109 metres. Due to its international recognition, it was designated a world heritage site in 1994.
The mist-shrouded peaks of the mountains of the moon provide a stunning backdrop to this magnificent park, located on Uganda’s western border. In the center of the range, some of the peaks are permanently covered in snow and glaciers, while the lower slopes are covered with dense forests. Here is the third highest mountain in Africa, Mt Margherita, which rises to 5100 metres above sea level. Walking tours in the foothills are a feature, although only the experienced and fit t should attempt an ascent on the peaks, which rival the Alps in difficulty. Some of the wildlife to be found in the mountains includes the chimpanzees, along with the blue monkey, hyrax, giant forest hog and many unique bird species such as the Rwenzori touraco, the francolin and the olive pigeon.
Attractions
• Water falls
• Rivers, notable among them being, rivers, Maghoma, Mubuku and Bujuku.
• Lakes, notable among them being, lakes Maghoma, Bujuku and Kitandara.
• Primates which include, blue monkeys, black and white Colubus monkeys and chimpanzees
• Plants which include among others the giant lobelia and everlasting flower.
• Multiple zones/ecosystem including grassland, Montana forest zone, bamboo zone, enyehathius / Heather zone, Afro Alpine zone.
• Rock shelters which include, Kabamba, Bujongolo.
• Three horned chameleon (endemic).
• Rwenzori touraco.
Current activities
i. Mountaineering
ii. Primate viewing
iii. Bird viewing
iv. Nature walks
v. Research
vi. Filming
vii. Scenic viewing.
Tourism Opportunities
Other tourism opportunities that can be developed
a) Lodges.
b) Guiding & porter services
c) Rock climbing
d) Chair lifts e.g. in Kilembe
e) Chimpanzee viewing (habituation)
f) Boating on lakes
g) Visits to cultural sites
h) Trans-boundary tourist management
i) Community tourism
j) Opening of other trails.
The drop in number of the tourists during 1995 to 1999 was due to the ADF insurgency that hit the region. With stable security in the region, the number is increasing and Kasese district is reasserting itself as a must tourist destination
Queen Elizabeth National Park:
It has been designed as a Biosphere Reserve for humanity under UNESCO auspices.
The park, in the western arms of the greatest East African rift valley, covers 1,978 sq km and includes a remarkable variety of ecosystems, from semi deciduous tropical forest to green meadows, savannah and swamps.
It was first gazetted as Kazinga National Park on 22nd July 1952 and two years later the Queen of England visited this park and in commemoration of her visit it was renamed Queen Elizabeth National Park.
It borders to the north by the Rwenzori mountains, to the west by Lake Edward which borders Virunga National Park in The Democratic Republic of Congo and to the east the Western rift valley escarpments.
It is the home of the famous tree- climbing lions as well as the Uganda Kobs, other antelopes’ species, elephants, baboons, hippos, buffaloes and chimpanzees. Over 600 species of birds have been recorded, making the park a magnate for bird watchers.
The bird species include the black bee-eater, 11 types of king fisher, and several species of falcons, eagles and other raptors. In the crate lakes to the north, flocks of flamingos can be found. A favourite way to view the game is by launch trip on the Kazinga channel between lakes George and Edward.
Generally investment opportunities in the tourism sector include:
• Tour and Travel business.
• Provision of quality hotel facilities that meet international standards.
• Training facilities in tourism industry.
• Development of specialized eco-tourism.
• Marketing Kasese District both in and outside Uganda.
• Promotion of avi-tourism.
• Promotion of sports in the district.
• Expansion of mountaineering services.
The tradition hospitality of the Kasese people is another important draw-card. The district’s population is united in providing a warm welcome to foreign guests; so even in the smallest of villages, local people will go out of their way to make tourists feel at home. The National Parks have been designated a Biosphere.
Financial services
The financial services offered in Kasese District are offered by the following:
• Commercial Banks.
• Micro finance institutions, which include NGOs’ and formal
Cooperative Savings and Credit Societies.
There are four commercial banks: Stanbic, Centenary Rural Development Bank and Barclays bank, all in Kasese town.
The micro finance services include those offered by:
• Pride Africa.
• Church of Uganda – Rwenzori Diocese.
• Catholic church - Kasese Diocese.
• Savings and Credit cooperative societies.
· Equity bank
They have been able to meet their initial capital and operating costs. They have been meeting a
real and genuine demand since most of the rural population has been left out from the
formal banking sector.
The overall objective of the financial sector reforms is to increase competition and
efficiency.
7. Investment opportunities in this sector include:
• Provision of professional accountancy services.
• Establishment of rural commercial banks.
• Provision of rural investment advisory services.
• Provision of rural agricultural finance scheme.
A number of factors make Kasese district a major potential investment area.
Strategic location
Kasese District occupies a strategic position in western Uganda, which gives it an advantage for the eventual development of exports to the nearest countries of Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Burundi and Tanzania with a railway line connected to Mombasa, Kenya.
Good political environment
The political governance in Kasese district is committed to economic growth through the liberal economic policies.
Multinational companies like, Kasese Cobalt Company Ltd, Hima Cement (U) Ltd,
Kilembe Mines Ltd, Mweya Safari Lodge and Tronder Power among others are investing millions of dollars in expanding their operations in the district.
The Belgian Technical Cooperation (BTC) has committed a lot of millions of shillings in
improving the rural community based projects in agricultural extension, education, health, community mobilization, water and feeder roads, UNICEF among other donors has also committed funds in the district for improving health, roads, community mobilization, water and sanitation facilities.
Supportive infrastructure
Kasese district has benefited a lot in the development of its infrastructure with assistance from the central government. All sub counties are linked with accessible feeder roads. Kasese district is linked with its trade partners with a well-maintained trunk road system. The rail transport, which was used for bulk cargo transport to Kampala, is temporarily out of service.
Kasese district has an operational airfield, which is capable of handling air traffic c to all major
business centres in Uganda. Government is in the final stages of upgrading it to an international airport, capable of accommodating a Boeing 737. The telecommunication infrastructure is well developed which include mobile cellular phones (MTN, Zain, Uganda telecom, Warid and more recently, Orange optic and fixed line services.
Tourist accommodation is currently being catered for by two standard hotels
(Margherita and Mweya Safari Lodge) and other good local hotels in the district. The Ministry of Tourism, Trade and Industry in its Integrated Tourism development Master Plan, recognizes the need to create additional capacity, particularly in the National Parks.
Trainable English Speaking Labour Force.
Kasese District has an exemplary trainable English speaking labour force as other
investors in the district have found out. The district has been heavily committed
towards education. Compensation rates for both skilled and unskilled labour are
provided for under the Workmen’s compensation Act that is a statutory instrument of
Government of Uganda. More important, there has been no history of labour disputes
and industrial strikes in the district.
Abundant opportunities and Natural Resource Base
Kasese’s resource endowment is in its rainfall, favourable temperature range, fertile soils, national parks, lakes, rivers and unexplored mineral deposits that allow the district to offer a wide range of opportunities for investors.
It offers a wide range of opportunities in a wide range of areas of agriculture and agro processing, fisheries, livestock, mining, financial services and tourism.
33
12. Utilities: power and water
There is reliable hydropower supplied by Uganda Electricity Generation Company Ltd, Kilembe Mines Ltd and Kasese Cobalt Company Ltd. Water is supplied by the National Water and Sewerage Corporation to Kasese Town Council, which flows by gravity from the Rwenzori Mountains. There are several water gravity flow schemes in the district.
Other Services
Legal, Immigration, Medical, Clearing & Forwarding, & Insurance services are all available in the district. There is a grade I Magistrates court in Kasese Town and other lower magistrate’s courts at sub counties and the provision of the High Court is underway. Immigration services are provided at Mpondwe, which is at the border with the Democratic republic of Congo 50km from Kasese Town.
There is one government hospital (Bwera) and two semi-private ones (Kagando and Kilembe in Kasese District with Health units in all sub counties.
Other services include the National Social Security Fund and clearing and Forwarding services (Panalpina, Transami, Spedag) in Kasese town and Mpondwe respectively.
Quality of life
The quality and cost of living in Kasese District compares favourably with what investors
may hope to find else where in Uganda. Two standard hotels; Margherita Hotel is found in Kasese town while Mweya Lodge is in the Queen Elizabeth National Park. Leisure facilities exist for such pass time as golf, football, swimming, tennis and other indoor games. Primary Education is among the
best in the country with good schools in Kasese town.
Housing and accommodation with all the necessary facilities are easily available in Kasese town and Kilembe Mines estates within easy reach.
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