Manny Pacquiao to donate money from Floyd Mayweather fight to charity

Pacquaio had his moments particularly in the fourth round when he rocked Mayweather with a smashing left to the jaw. 

Manny Pacquiao is set to donate half of his £80m fortune from fighting Floyd Mayweather Jr to charity.

Ring legend Sugar Ray Leonard warned Pacquiao about being too generous in the build-up to Saturday’s fight at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas.

But the Filipino’s promoter Bob Arum has revealed his man will no doubt give half of it to good causes.

He said: “I’m sure half of what Manny earns in this fight is going to go to charity. That is just Manny.

“We don’t like to talk about money too much as more charities line up.”
Pacquiao is keen to help his struggling compatriots as the Filipino congressman’s influence in the country rises.

The WBO welterweight champion will run for president in the Philippines once his fighting career comes to an end.

Filipinos take Pacquiao loss hard, demand rematch

Fans watch a live telecast of the welterweight unification bout between Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao and US boxer Floyd Mayweather, at a plaza in Marikina City suburban Manila on May 3, 2015. AFP Photo 

In Summary

In General Santos City, some fans cried while others called for an immediate rematch, saying Pacquiao deserved the win as he had been the aggressor, chasing Mayweather around the ring for much of the 12-round fight

Manny Pacquiao’s loss to undefeated American Floyd Mayweather Jr in their welterweight showdown in Las Vegas was met with tears, anger and accusations of foul play in his homeland of the Philippines on Sunday.

The American weathered Pacquiao’s early assault and seemed to get stronger as the fight wore on, finishing ahead on all three judges scorecards.

In General Santos City, some fans cried while others called for an immediate rematch, saying Pacquiao deserved the win as he had been the aggressor, chasing Mayweather around the ring for much of the 12-round fight.

“It’s a home court decision,” said Karlo Alexei Nograles, a lawmaker from Davao City. “Manny should’ve won. He had Mayweather running and cornered on the ropes. Manny did not disappoint Filipinos, he gave it his all.” The fight left streets deserted and brought the country to a virtual standstill as Filipinos packed into cinemas, hotels and parks to watch on big screens, while army bases across the Philippines also showed the fight for the troops.

President Benigno Aquino thanked Pacquiao for inspiring his countrymen to strive for better lives. “He fought for respect, not points,” Edwin Lacierda, the president’s spokesman, said. “He won the hearts of the world.”

While many fans vehemently disagreed with the result, some agreed Mayweather had come out on top. “I am sad, let’s accept the decision,” Isidro Santos, a shopping mall guard, told Reuters. “Manny will remain my idol, he lost to a better fighter, a clever boxer.” Local analysts thought Mayweather was better defensively and landed the more accurate punches, and while Pacquiao was the more aggressive they said he won only three or four rounds.

Ndeeba businessman Muhirwa released on bail over murder charges

KAMPALA. After spending seven months on remand without trial, Makindye Grade one magistrate George Watyekere has granted bail to Ndeeba Businessman Godfrey Muhirwa who is accused of shooting three people to death.
Mr Muhirwa requested for bail through his counsel Ms Ritah Kasijja who informed court that the mandatory period in which the state has to finalized investigations in all capital offences had elapsed.
“Continued detention of the accused after six months have elapsed will be an infringement of his constitutional right as enshrined in chapter four of constitution of the republic of Uganda, justice can’t seem to be done but usually should be done” Ms Kasijja said.
The state prosecutor Beatrice Adong had earlier on informed court that investigations into the case were still going on.
Muhirwa was given unconditional bail after presenting two sureties; Mr Jimmy Kinene and Mr William Mugerwa who were each bonded Shs10 million, not cash.
Subsequently, the case was adjourned to June 8 for further mention.
Prosecution alleges that on October 15, 2014 while in Ndeeba Nsiike Zone Muhirwa while using his pistol shoot and killed three people presumed to be robbers.
However Muhirwa has been further remanded to Luzira prison by Makindye court chief Magistrate Richard Mafabi over another case of unlawful possession of a fire arm.

jkigongo@ug.nationmedia.com

Mayweather's earning in Pacman fight can loan Ronaldo for a lifetime

Floyd Mayweather earned so much from Pacquiao fight he could loan Cristiano Ronaldo for the rest of time

Floyd Mayweather eased his way to the simplest paycheck he’ll ever earn with a routine win over Manny Pacquiao in Las Vegas last night.

The boxer nicknamed ‘Money’ never looked in trouble as he strolled to a win on points. And in doing so the 38-year-old undefeated fighter earned a massive £116,554,424 for his efforts.
We can only assume he doesn’t need most of that money to pay bills or anything so that’s a lot of money burning a hole in his pocket. And what could he spend it on?

Ronny and Floyd are pals but Mayweather could now legitimately hire the Real Madrid star for a 90 minute kick about.

It woild only cost him £2,366 (based on Ronny’s weekly wage of £265,000). So he could actually effectively loan Ronaldo for 49,262 matches if he wanted. During the Las Vegas fight, Mayweather earned Ronaldo’s weekly wage every FOUR SECONDS!

Money matters between husband and wife

In Summary

Say that the Shs450,000 has been able to take care of the bills, with a number of sacrifices here and there. When you get a promotion and start earning Shs700,000, do not increase your spending to Shs650,000 and keep saving Shs50,000. Increase your savings instead

Last weekend, our marrieds cell group had an interesting discussion on money. How does a couple handle money? Should you get joint accounts? Should the wife contribute anything to the household income or should the husband take care of all the bills? What about if she earns an income? How do they decide who pays for what? So many questions flew around the room and it made for an exciting interaction.

Each couple has to decide what works for them and what they are both comfortable with. But there were some things we agreed needs to happen for any couple to be comfortable with the discussion about money.

No secrets There needs to be transparency. Now, I know many people will scoff at this for what might seem like good reasons. But it is the principle behind the idea. It is good for both you and your spouse to know what is on the table. When that happens, you are likely to put it to better use; of course you might have different priorities but there will be also be similar goals. And that is somewhere you can start.

Being transparent will enable your spouse to trust your motives. It will also enable them help you plan because they will likely have good ideas on how you can invest or use the money.
The assumption is that you are with this person because they have good qualities in them, so listen to them. All that said, do not demand that your spouse reveals their earnings. Let them be willing to tell you. And when they do, do not abuse the trust or information. Use it wisely.

Plan ahead It does not matter if you are earning peanuts. Plan for that money. Plan on how much to save, what to use, how to use it and all such things. Plan, agree and set clear goals for how a joint account will be used if you want to open one. Plan for a windfall in case you get one.
Plan for the extra money you will get once a promotion comes in, even before the money comes. Here is another thing. Say you have been earning Shs500,000 and saving Shs50,000 while using Shs450,000 for all your other needs.

Say that the Shs450,000 has been able to take care of the bills, with a number of sacrifices here and there. When you get a promotion and start earning Shs700,000, do not increase your spending to Shs650,000 and keep saving Shs50,000. Increase your savings instead.

Continue using the Shs450,000 for the bills and start saving Shs250,000. You have goals right? You need to build a house, start a family, start a business and many other things. Your ambition to get these things needs to trickle down into your pocket. The cliché, “Forewarned is forearmed” will never run out of relevance. Use it.

Save and reward Some of us are good savers. Others are good spenders. Learn to balance the two. Between you and your spouse, figure out who watches the coins keenly and the one who spends them well; who has an eye for business, and who has an eye for accounts.

Then deploy the resources accordingly. You are a unit and are better off working together. If you haven’t started saving, start. It doesn’t matter how much you start with. Saving Shs50,000 a month with leave you with Shs600,000 at the end of the year and there are lots of things you can do with that amount.

In all this, do not forget to reward yourself occasionally. It could be a massage, a movie or buying yourself and a few friends a kalayi of roasted meat! The idea is to reward yourself for having worked hard to earn the money. Just remember to spend after saving, and within budget.
cbeyanga@ug.nationmedia.com

Police kill two gunmen at US Mohammed cartoon event

Police shot dead two gunmen Sunday outside a Prophet Mohammed cartoon contest in Texas attended by Dutch far-right politician Geert Wilders, authorities said.

While no immediate claim of responsibility was made, similar depictions of the Prophet Mohammed prompted a shooting at French satirical weekly Charlie Hebdo in January that killed 12 people.

US authorities are investigating the shooting and police said it was still unclear if the attack was related to the event.

The right-wing American Freedom Defense Initiative (AFDI) organized the event in a suburb of Dallas, featuring Wilders, who has been outspoken against Muslims and is targeted by radical groups.

Police said two men drove up to the conference center in Garland, Texas, and began shooting at a security guard.

“Garland Police officers engaged the gunmen, who were both shot and killed,” the city of Garland said in a statement.

The security guard was shot in the ankle and was treated at a hospital and released, the city said.

Local police said the shootout lasted “seconds,” and organizers said they had prepared extra security for the event due to the general risk of an attack.

Wilders has long been targeted by Islamists because of his extreme views on Islam.

“I am shocked. I just spoke for half an hour about the cartoons, Islam and freedom of speech and I had just left the premises,” Wilder told AFP in an email.

“This is an attack on the liberties of all of us!” Wilders wrote, adding: “I hope it is not connected to death list (of) Al-Qaeda.” He added that he was safe with police.

The Dutch politician said he is returning to the Netherlands Monday but would come back to the United States next week for another speaking engagement.

Prophet Mohammed cartoons

Many Muslims find depictions of the Prophet Mohammed offensive and such cartoons have triggered violent protests. The Danish daily Jyllands-Posten published 12 satirical cartoons in 2005, triggering deadly protests in some Muslim countries.

Cartoon images of the Prophet Mohammed were also published in French satirical weekly Charlie Hebdo in Paris, where Islamist gunmen killed 17 people during three days of attacks in January, including 12 at the magazine itself.

Unmarried couples banned from motorbike rides

A district in Indonesia’s Aceh has passed legislation banning unmarried men and women from riding together on motorbikes 

A district in Indonesia’s Aceh has passed legislation banning unmarried men and women from riding together on motorbikes, a lawmaker said Monday, the latest new Islamic regulation in the conservative province.

Members of parliament in North Aceh district last week approved the regulation, which will come into effect in a year, said lawmaker Fauzan Hamzah, adding that authorities were making “efforts to implement sharia law fully”.

“Unmarried people sitting closely together on a motorcycle is clearly against Islamic sharia as it could lead to sinful acts,” Hamzah told AFP.

Aceh, on the northern tip of Sumatra island, is the only province in the world’s most populous Muslim-majority country that is allowed to implement Islamic law, and gay sex, gambling and drinking alcohol are already punishable by caning.

The province began implementing sharia law after being granted special autonomy in 2001, an effort by the central government in Jakarta to quell a long-running separatist insurgency.

The latest move to ban shared motorbike rides, which will affect more than 500,000 people on North Aceh, came after one city in Aceh in 2013 prohibited women from straddling male drivers on motorbikes, requiring that they ride sidesaddle instead.

The new regulation was the most eye-catching in a series of Islamic bylaws approved in North Aceh on Thursday, which also included a ban on live music performances and the separation of male and female students in school. The new rules will take effect in May 2016 after a one-year grace period.

Hamzah did not say what punishments would be meted out to unmarried couples caught together on a motorbike.

He did list several punishments that could be implemented for all the new Islamic laws, which ranged from a formal reprimand to fines and people being expelled from their villages.

“We will make efforts so that deeds which can lead to sin are eliminated gradually in North Aceh district,” he added.

The provincial parliament in Aceh, as well as district parliaments, can pass their own Islamic bylaws.

Solome’s musicial Love Story - Entertainment

Solome sings at her concert which took place at the Golf Course Hotel. PHOTO BY DOMINIC BUKENYA.  

Her strong warm voice was soothing to the soul. She was confident, composed and above all fierce. The crowd, that was comprised of mainly her Worship Harvest Church (found in Naalya) family welcomed her with cheers and ululations, which she received with a bright smile that lit up the beautifully designed stage. Her white fitting dress matched perfectly with the white floral stage background design. She took to the stage singing a sweet ballad, Love Affair, and it was evident that it indeed was show time.
Never mind this being her maiden concert, Gospel artiste Solome Busuuta put up a top notch performance on Friday at Golf Course Hotel during her My Love Story, 10 track album launch.
The songstress who has for long been “six feet away from fame” (has always been a backup singer for Maurice Kirya, Pragmo and at Worship Harvest church), ministered to the crowd with her mellow songs, I’ll Sing For You Love, Anjagala, and the popular Nze’ani single that is currently dominating the Christian radio stations’ playlists.
Just as we thought we had had enough, Kimera, took to the stage with his guitar, and oh boy, his voice stole the girls’ souls as he performed his latest single, Slow Down and the popular Gwe Wange hit. Ruyonga and Sandra (Akullo) also showed some love for this new talent, joining her on stage to perform the What Does A Girl Do song. For a first timer, Solome impressed.

editorial@ug.nationmedia.com

Eating right for your age

The major nutrients required for ageing adults include proteins, Vitamin D and plenty of fibre, which can be got from fish, eggs and pumpkin, among other foods 

In Summary

Understanding what is happening can help you be in control of your diet and maintain a good nutrition status. Below are some of the physical changes your body will most likely go through and tips on how to manage them

Every season of life from infancy to adulthood brings changes and adjustments to your body. When you turn 50 and above, these changes will affect your food and nutrient intake in ways that could be both surprising and confusing.

Understanding what is happening can help you be in control of your diet and maintain a good nutrition status. Below are some of the physical changes your body will most likely go through and tips on how to manage them.

Slow metabolism: This means that even if you continue to eat the same amount as when you were younger, you are likely to gain weight because you are burning fewer calories. In addition, you may be less physically active. So watch your weight. Consult your doctor to decide if you should cut back on calories.

Weakened senses: Your taste and smell senses diminish with age. Older adults tend to lose sensitivity to salty and bitter tastes first, so you may be inclined to salt your food more heavily than before—even though older adults need less salt than younger people.

Use herbs, spices, and healthy oils—such as olive oil—to season food instead of salt. Similarly, older adults tend to retain the ability to distinguish sweet tastes the longest, leading some to overindulge in sugary foods and snacks. Instead of adding sugar, try increasing sweetness to meals by using naturally sweet food such as sweet potatoes, fruis and juices.

Medications and illness: Some prescription medications and health problems can often negatively influence appetite and may also affect taste, again leading older adults to add too much salt or sugar to their food. Ask your doctor about overcoming side effects of medications or specific physical conditions.

Digestion: Due to a slowing digestive system, you generate less saliva and stomach acid as you get older, making it more difficult for your body to process some animal proteins, certain vitamins and minerals, such as B12, B6 and folic acid, which are necessary to maintain mental alertness, a keen memory and good circulation.
Up your fibre intake and talk to your doctor about possible food and enzyme supplements.
Loss of appetite: First, check with your doctor to see if your loss of appetite could be due to the medication you are taking, and whether the medication or dosage can be changed. Try natural flavour enhancers such as olive oil, vinegar, garlic, onions, ginger, and spices to boost your appetite.

Difficulty in chewing: Make chewing easier by drinking smoothies made with fresh fruit, yoghurt, and protein powder. Eat steamed veggies and soft food such as irish potatoes, rice, and yoghurt. Consult your dentist for help with your teeth, and to make sure your dentures (if any) are properly fitted.

Dry mouth: As we age, some of us are prone to dehydration because our bodies lose some of the ability to regulate fluid levels and our sense of thirst may not be as sharp. Drink eight to 10 glasses of water each day to avoid urinary tract infections, constipation, and even confusion. Take water after each bite of food; add sauces and salads to your food to moisten it. Avoid commercial mouthwash because it worsens the dryness.

Getting adequate nutrition can be a challenge as we age. Our bodies become less efficient at absorbing and utilising nutrients.

The major nutrient requirements for adults 50 years and beyond include; energy, protein, calcium, folic acid, vitamins B12, vitamin D and water for hydration. Consult your doctor for more help with adjusting to these changes.

Supplementary nutrients for mothers - Healthy Living

On the market are several prenatal supplements with various ingredients. It is said the most crucial are folic acid, iron, and calcium. In addition, vitamin D, DHA and iodine are also needed. Below are some reasons.

Folic acid
This vitamin is a B vitamin. It is taken before and during pregnancy. It is required for healthy growth and development of our body cells. Folic acid when taken as described above is said to prevent birth defects of the brain and spinal cord (neural tube).

There are some studies that show that it also prevents heart defects and oral-facial (mouth-face) called cleft lip and palate. The recommended dose is 500 micrograms daily. Fortified foods have folic acid in them as well as foods such as beans, leafy green vegetables such as spinach, and orange juice.

Iron
Iron is a basic component of haemoglobin. Haemoglobin transports gases such as oxygen throughout the body. A lot more iron is used when one is pregnant because there is an increased need for blood such that the baby also gets an adequate supply. The formulation Fefol contains 47 mg of iron.

Iron deficiency in pregnancy exposes one to anaemia, fatigue, lowered immunity, low birth and /or premature babies.
Calcium

This, like iron, is a mineral and is needed for the proper growth of our bones and teeth. It is needed for the proper functioning of muscles, the heart and nerves that are media for transmission of messages in the body. Dairy products such as milk, yoghurt, cheese and butter are rich in calcium.

Vitamin D
The body needs this vitamin to absorb calcium. When in contact with the skin, the sun triggers the body to make this vitamin, which can also be got from eggs, fish, and fortified milk.

Iodine
Iodine is needed by the body for the proper functioning of the thyroid glands. It is a constituent of thyroid hormones, which help our bodies use and store energy from food. Fish, milk and iodised salt contain the mineral.

The writer is a pharmacist

Chameleone- 15 years and counting

Chameleone performs. Photo by Eddie Chico 

By Edgar R. Batte
Posted 


Monday, May 4 

2015 at 

13:51

Hungering fans waited patiently. Act after another came on and showcased their talent. Jose Chameleone was taking it slow in his tent, browsing his phone and tablet and taking a moment to watch television in his tent backstage.

His two sons, Abba Marcus and Alfa Mayanja who rapped to a cheering crowd that included their mother Daniela Atim Mayanja and socialite Judith Heard opened for him as he celebrated 15 years in the music business.

The music star then came on with an upbeat Gimme Gimme-Owakabi, leading his 90-minute performance in which he journeyed back and forth his music career.

He went down the memory lane with breakout songs like Nekolera Mali, Kuma Obwesigwa, Dorotia, Bayuda, Shida Za Duniya and Ffuga Bbi, among other songs that got fans dancing.

Chameleone held a moment of silence for his fallen brother AK47 before doing an emotive tribute song for him.

The singer later on shared stage with his brothers, Weasel and Pallaso. He also performed with Irene Ntale (Easy), Melody (Nkoleki) and Leila Kayondo (Relaxing).

Chameleone did not have kind words for media. He took a swipe at members of the fourth estate for negatively portraying him. “I would like to thank media and my fans for enabling me become a big star but again I am hurt that you report carelessly about not only me but also my family.
I am also human and I get hurt. I wish I could relocate to Nairobi where people are more accepting and loving. Who do you want to kill the seed that you planted?” he questioned.

Curtain-raisers at the show included Bobi Wine, Ragga Dee, Renah Nalumansi, Ziza Bafana, King Michael, Nince Henry, and Pastor Wilson Bugembe who prayed for fellow artistes and the audience for life and prosperity. At exactly midnight, the show ended.

rbatte@ug.nationmedia.com

King Saha fans fill Freedom City Mall

Singer Mansur Ssemanda alias King Saha proved to the music industry that his fans are different from Chameleone’s fans. This was evidenced by the turn up at Freedom City during his Gundeze Diamond concert on Friday. On the same day, Dr Jose Chameleone had also organised a concert dubbed Wale Wale Double Trouble at Kyadondo Rugby Grounds in Lugogo.

Gundeze was the second concert the singer has organised in his music career, the first being the Mulirwana concert that was held last year at Theatre La Bonita.

Unlike outdoor concerts that end at midnight because of the Kampala City Council Authority regulations, King Saha took to the stage at exactly midnight, dressed in all black. He opened his performance with Remember Me by the late Lucky Dube, a South African singer, as a way of paying tribute to the fallen singer Ak47 who passed last March.

King Saha also performed the late singer’s Tukikolemu song. He performed all his songs like Winner, Signal, Tereza, Bantu Baffe, Suzanna, and Vimba among others.

After 30 minutes of King Saha’s performance, Sylvia Namutebi aka Mama Fiina, the leader of the traditional healers in Uganda, joined him on stage and appreciated his talent. “I didn’t attend Chameleone’s concert at Kyaddondo Rugby Grounds, not because I don’t like him, it is because he is established and I want to give my support to young talent. That was the reason came to Freedom City,” she said. Namutebi bought Saha’s music CD at Shs3m.

King Saha then came back on stage and performed Mulirwana and then closed the show with the title track Gundeze. The event ended at a few minutes past 1am.

Other artistes who performed at the concert included Sheebah, Geofrey Lutaaya, Gravity Omutujju, Bobi Wine and Big Eye among others.

Safety tips for women who must fly during pregnancy

While on a flight, expectant women are advised to wear loose clothing and adjust the seat belt so that the buckle is below the belly.  

In Summary

Pregnancy is associated with a number of body changes which make flying risky at certain stages during a woman’s gestation period. Getting a medical checkup beforehand may help to minimise the risk

When Brenda Arinaitwe and her gynaecologist decided it was best for her to deliver her child in a facility out of the country, there were other considerations to think about.

“I could not travel earlier because I was not sure whether I would get leave from my employer. I also had to consider the cost of living in Nairobi and evaluate if I could sustain myself.”
Arinaitwe travelled in week 35 of her pregnancy. Travelling earlier was out of the question. The airline asked for a letter from the gynaecologist because they do not allow pregnant women above seven months to fly.

“My gynaecologist signed the letter indicating that I was in good shape although I had only one week to go.”

Dr Mariam Kinene, a gynaecologist, says the question of whether a pregnant woman should fly or not depends on the gestation stage she is in.
“During the first thirteen weeks of pregnancy, it is not safe because there is a risk of miscarrying the pregnancy,” says Dr Kinene.

Miscarriages put the life of a woman at risk due to blood loss. Prenatal bleeding is a leading cause of maternal death. Before considering travel, a pregnant woman should have medical checkups to ensure there are no complications.
The doctor will evaluate both the mother and the foetus and prescribe drugs as is necessary.

High risk pregnancy
Some pregnancies are more complicated than others. Kinene says if a pregnant woman suffers hypertension it is not safe to fly.

“A hypertensive pregnancy needs to be monitored by doctors round the clock. Any complication may develop on the plane due to discomfiture in landing or takeoff.”

In Arinaitwe’s case, the complication was pre-eclampsia, a potentially dangerous condition characterised by high blood pressure. Her gynaecologist feared she would not receive the appropriate treatment in Uganda.

“I was constantly in touch with the specialist in Nairobi, who insisted on seeing me as soon as the flight touched down. I developed swollen legs on the flight yet it was only 45 minutes long, ” narrates Arinaitwe.

Those who have recently suffered from malaria, prior to the flight, are at risk because the parasites may still be in the body.

Kinene adds that since the placenta is supposed to be in the upper part of the womb, women with low-lying placentas are at risk and their movements should be restricted and closely monitored.

Low risk pregnancy
“The safest period for flight is between 28 to 30 weeks. Beyond that, there is a risk of early labour,” says Kinene.

The beginning of the third trimester or late second trimester is the ideal time to fly. At seven months, the nausea is gone and fatigue has not yet set in.

Faith Chaitezvi, British Airways country manager says, “For uncomplicated single pregnancies, we restrict travel beyond the end of the 36th week, and for twins and triplets, beyond the end of the 32nd week.”

After your pregnancy has entered its 28th week, we ask that you carry with you a letter from your doctor or midwife, stating the pregnancy is uncomplicated and confirming the expected date of delivery,” adds Chaitezvi.

Understanding cervical cancer - Healthy Living

Cancer of the cervix affects the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. Cancer of the cervix happens when the cells at the opening of the uterus become abnormal and start to grow out of control. If not detected early through screening, the abnormal cells may lead to cancer of the cervix.

The major cause of the cancer is Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). There are many HPV types, but the two types commonly associated with cancer of the cervix are type 16 and 18.

Dr Judith Ajeani a consultant at the association of gynaecologists and obstetricians at Mulago warns that, “Anyone who engages in sex risks getting the HPV infection. Both men and women can get the HPV

infection. Although HPV infection is considered a sexually transmitted infection (STI), it can also be spread through skin to skin genital contact without sexual intercourse.”

Prevention
While abstinence can prevent HPV, condoms can only reduce, but not prevent it. HPV vaccination can also protect young girls from becoming infected with HPV later in life. All girls between the ages of 9-13 years should be vaccinated against HPV.

In Uganda, all girls in Primary Four irrespective of age and all 10-year-old girls who are not in school should be vaccinated against HPV . The vaccine is given in the form of an injection in the upper arm. It is given in two doses – six months apart. The vaccine works best when

girls are vaccinated before they are exposed to HPV (before they start having sex).”
The vaccine is safe, effective, and has been approved by the Government of Uganda. It has been tested in many countries and the results show that it works. The HPV vaccine does not cause infertility.

“Research has shown that the HPV vaccine is highly effective against the commonest HPV types that cause cancer of the cervix. It is most effective if all three doses are completed on schedule,” says Dr Mayanja.

He adds that, “There are no serious side effects reported but one may feel a little pain and soreness at the site of the injection and dizziness. These usually go away without treatment.”

'No room' for gays in Kenya, says deputy president

Kenya’s deputy president, William Ruto, has told worshippers at a church service in Nairobi that homosexuality had no place in the east African nation, reports said Monday.

Homophobia is on the rise across much of Africa and remains illegal in many countries, including Kenya where it was outlawed under British colonial legislation.

“We will not allow homosexuality in our society as it violates our religious and cultural beliefs,” Ruto was quoted as telling a cheering congregation at the Jesus Winner Ministry Church on the outskirts of the capital.

“We will stand with religious leaders to defend our faith and our beliefs,” he said. “There’s no room for homosexuality in this country. That one I can assure you.”

Ruto’s comments came on the day US Secretary of State John Kerry arrived in Kenya promising to push human rights, alongside discussions on security and terrorism.

Ruto, who is on trial at the International Criminal in The Hague accused of crimes against humanity, said his stance was about morality not politics.

“When we say this, we are not saying so as to get votes but to protect what we all believe is right,” he said, according to The Star newspaper.

In conservative Christian and Muslim countries in Africa, homophobia is a vote-winner.

In Uganda legislators sought the death penalty for homosexuality and although the anti-gay bill has since been watered down, ruling party MPs remain eager to see it passed.

Nigeria and Gambia have passed tough new anti-gay laws in recent years, with Gambia’s President Yahya Jammeh, calling homosexuals “ungodly, Satanic… vermins [sic]” in a speech last year.

Homosexuality is illegal in 36 out of 54 African countries and punishable by death in four, according to human rights group Amnesty International.

In Kenya, too, a cross-party parliamentary group is seeking stricter application of existing anti-gay legislation.

Binyavanga Wainaina, a prominent Kenyan writer who last year came out as gay, took to social media to attack Ruto’s comments.

“Our Deputy President Ruto is building himself to be the most dangerous man in Africa. If his strategy works much will burn,” Wainaina told his 18,000 followers on Twitter.

The Jesus Winner Ministry Church specialises in prophecies and describes itself on its website as “an oasis” for people “under the yoke of curses, witchcraft, stagnation, ancestral spirits and other evils brought by Satan.”

Fimbo: Uganda’s goal-scoring gem derailed by mental illness

In Summary

The name Andrew ‘Fimbo’ Mukasa rings bells in Ugandan football fans’ ears. His finesse in front of goal made him a darling for fans across the footballing divide. However, today, Mukasa lives a miserable life after a chronicle mental illness halted his career

How many players can score 45 league goals in a season? Few. Andrew ‘Fimbo’ Mukasa is the only Ugandan to have achieved that feat. Footballers, coaches and fans alike, rate him highly, some arguing that he is the best Ugandan striker, ever. However, Mukasa’s career fell from sublime to ridiculous when a mental illness struck him hard. Today, he lives in desperation, a pale shadow of his former imposing self which had become every opposing defender’s nightmare.

Rise of a gem
No one can explain this better than Simon Kirumira, the coach that groomed Mukasa. Kirumira says there has always been something unique about Mukasa.

“I first saw him in 1990 around Martin Road [Kampala]. He was about 11 years. He had a group of friends he used to play with. Whereas others had shoes, Mukasa always played barefooted. They were playing Kaayi (playing football with a ball made of banana fibre). He was the tiniest of all but the most talented,” Kirumira recalls.

In 1994, Mukasa joined Baggery FC, a second division side, and his goals eased the club’s promotion to the First Division. “I kept monitoring him and in 1995, I convinced him to start training with Puma, the club I was coaching.

“At that age, he couldn’t play for Puma. But I wanted him closer because I had seen his potential. After joining us, Mukasa got very serious with his football. While we could report for training at 5pm, Mukasa would be there at 3pm playing with his friends,” Kirumira recounts.

During Puma’s training sessions, one trait became characteristic of Mukasa’s career: his dislike for physicals. Instead, he used to ask for the ball to juggle around while the rest struggled with the physicals. Kirumira says he used to exempt Mukasa because he was young, short and skinny.

In mid-1995, Puma offered Mukasa a licence. But still, he was only a trainee. He later started to play, but sparingly. He also got his first pair of boots. A few months on, he started playing regularly and scored a few goals for Puma.

From boy to man
However, Kirumira says, Mukasa’s big break came in late 1995 where he grew into a “man”. “That year, we were all astonished by how Mukasa’s body started to change. He suddenly grew taller. He also got some muscle and his shoe size shot up from six to nine. His game took the same stride. That season, he scored 18 goals.”.

In 1996, he ended the season with 36 goals which earned him the nickname ‘Fimbo’ (canning rod), a derivative from the way he tore defences for goal. KCC FC came calling and soon, Mukasa started training with them.

“Mutebi [Mike] wanted to sign him. He requested us to let him train with them. He would train with KCC but play for us,” Kirumira remembers.
That season, Mukasa’s stock skyrocketed. He was selected for the national U-18 team that played in the 1998 Coca-Cola East and Central African Junior Championships in Ethiopia. It was unusual for a player in the lower league to don national colours.

“Paul Ssali was the coach. I told him about Mukasa and he asked me to take him to the team’s training at Lugogo. On reaching there, everyone, including the players, started laughing at him, calling him a ball boy.

“Three days into training, Ssali was impressed. He told me he was going to drop some ‘senior’ players to accommodate Mukasa,” Kirumira adds. Eventually, Baker Mbowa and Livingstone Mbabazi, both playing in the top-tier, were dropped.

Mukasa was the striker Ssali had always longed for. “He had everything; first touch, vision and above all, an eye for goal. He had a big foot, which is an advantage in shooting.”

Mukasa did not disappoint, becoming Uganda’s best player at the tournament, scoring three goals as Uganda reached the finals.

KCC’s loss, Villa’s gain
When KCC delayed to snap up the red-hot striker, SC Villa pounced. During the 1997 season, Puma faced Kiwi FC in their last match of the season at Nakivubo, where Mukasa scored three goals in the 5-1 victory.

61 journalists killed - National

In Summary

In a statement, AMISOM also pays tribute to the journalists in Somalia who have lost their lives in the course of their work and pledges continued support to the media to facilitate an environment in which they can operate freely

The United Nations estimates that 61 journalists were killed while carrying out their work in 2014.
This has been revealed by Maher Nasser, the Director of the Outreach Division in the UN Department of Public Information as media fraternity marked the World Press Freedom Day on Sunday.
The day is marked to celebrate the contribution of media workers to promoting free speech and democracy.
Nasser says as conflicts rage around the world journalists, editors and publishers are increasingly experiencing harassment and sometimes even deadly attacks.

Meanwhile, despite the constitutional provision that guarantees freedom of expression, there are Contradicting laws in place and official actions that take away those guarantees.
The observation has been made by Dr. Peter Mwesige, the Executive Director of the African Centre for Media Excellence.
He says despite the fact that Uganda’s media seems to be dynamic; this is not entirely the case, arguing that there should be an environment that enables the media to be at its best.
He however notes that compared to other African countries, Uganda is in a much better place in as far as the promotion of press freedom is concerned.

In a related development, the African Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) has commended the media for playing a crucial role in disseminating important information regarding its work in the war torn country.
As the media fraternity marked the World Freedom Day, AMISOM appealed for sustained dissemination of information that enhances peace and stability.
In a statement, AMISOM also pays tribute to the journalists in Somalia who have lost their lives in the course of their work and pledges continued support to the media to facilitate an environment in which they can operate freely.

Burundi army chief of staff pledge loyalty to embattled authorities

The chief of staff of Burundi’s army pledged the military’s loyalty to the country’s authorities on Sunday after the defence minister had declared the army’s neutrality following a week of violent political protests.

General Prime Niyongabo said the military “remains and will remain a republican and loyalist army that is respectful of the laws and rules of Burundi and of those who govern it.”

A statement by Defence Minister General Pontien Gaciyubwenge on Saturday declaring the army’s neutrality and calling for an end to attacks on citizens’ rights appeared to flag up possible divisions in the army.

The small central African nation has been rocked by a week of demonstrations against a bid by President Pierre Nkurunziza to serve a third term in office.

The government linked a grenade attack that killed three people, including to police officers, in the early hours of Saturday to the opposition protests and branded the demonstrators “enemies of the state”.

Since the protests started, the army has regularly come between the police and demonstrators to avoid further clashes and the protesters believe the soldiers are neutral.

Despite his pledge of loyalty, the chief of staff warned against trying to use the army for political ends.

General Niyongabo called on soldiers “to stay calm, united and not to give in to any political approaches”.

At least 10 people have died and scores more have been hurt since the protests began last weekend. Nearly 600 people have also been arrested, according to police.

Journalists in Burundi gathered on Sunday to mark World Press Freedom Day in sombre mood — radio stations have been shut down as part of the authorities’ efforts to quash the protests.

“It’s a sad day for the Burundian press because radio stations are closed, journalists are jailed,” said Antoine Kabuhare, head of an independent media rights group.

President Nkurunziza has been in power since 2005. His supporters, however, say he is eligible to run again, since his first term in office followed his election by parliament — not directly by the people as the constitution specifies.

The opposition protesters announced a two-day truce over the weekend but have threatened to return to the streets on Monday unless Nkurunziza backs down.

Consummate pro Mayweather no people's champion

For all that Floyd Mayweather says it’s not in his make-up to lose, there’s one fight he just can’t seem to win.

Mayweather burnished his perfect ring record and reputation as a consummate craftsman with a 12-round unanimous decision over Manny Pacquiao on Saturday only to depart the MGM Grand Garden Arena to a chorus of jeers.

It was an unequivocal victory that stamped the 48-0 American the best of his era.

But in the crowning moment of his career, the 38-year-old champion was defiant in the face of the evidence that his undeniable skills haven’t earned him a place in the hearts of boxing fans of greats like Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Robinson and Sugar Ray Leonard.

Mayweather professes not to care.

“A 19-year career with no punishment on the body — and the money,” he says of what he considers the defining characteristics of his greatness.

Those hallmarks, however, diminish him in the eyes of some.

Mayweather’s impressive resume lacks the kind of wars that make the greatest ring theater: Ali versus Joe Frazier, Marvin Hagler versus Thomas Hearns.

Although he’s ridden his perfect record to a reign as the highest-paid sportsman in the world, his insistence that the money is the goal makes him hard to root for.

Making it even harder is a string of incidents of violence against women — including a two-month jail stint for assaulting the mother of three of his children.

Perhaps it’s no wonder Mayweather sounded tired of it all.

“At one particular time, I loved the sport of boxing,” he said. “I wanted to go to every fight. But I’ve just lost the love of the sport.

“My love and my passion for boxing is not the same, like it once was, but this is my job, to go out there and be at my best when doing my job.”

Mayweather insists that breaking Rocky Marciano’s 49-0 record is not a goal for him.

He says he’ll retire after one more fight in September — and it may not even be for a championship if he follows through with a plan to relinquish all of his title belts.

5,800 migrants rescued in Mediterranean

Another 5,800 migrants desperate to reach Europe were rescued this weekend as they tried to cross the Mediterranean on rickety boats, more than 2,150 of them on Sunday, the Italian coastguard said.

The number rescued this weekend was one of the highest recorded in recent years, raising fears that the tide of people risking their lives to reach Europe from Africa and the Middle East has not been slowed by recent disasters.

On April 12 and 13 alone, more than 6,000 people were rescued.

Not all those trying to reach Europe made it, as the bodies of eight migrants were found on board two of the vessels on Sunday, the coastguard said.

It was unclear how they died, but migrants face many dangers and extreme conditions on board overcrowded, flimsy vessels that set sail from Libya to Italy.

Two other people drowned after they jumped into the sea to rush towards the rescue teams, the coastguard said.

Sunday’s rescues came as the Libyan coastguard intercepted five boats carrying 500 people and ordered them to return.

Another 50 migrants reached the Italian island of Lampedusa, the closest to north Africa’s shores, on Sunday.

The Italian navy said its patrol ship Bettica picked up more than 570 migrants from four vessels on Sunday, among them some 60 women and around 15 children.

The MV Phoenix, a ship operated by the NGO Migrant Offshore Aid Station and Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders), also rescued 369 on Sunday, a day after setting sail from Malta for a six-month aid mission, MSF said.

Meanwhile the Libyan coastguard intercepted five boats with some 500 people on board, some eight nautical miles off the coast, and ordered them to head back for the city of Misrata east of the capital Tripoli.

Colonel Reda Issa of the Libyan coastguard told AFP that most of the migrants were Africans. He did not say what would happen to those intercepted, but Libya has a detention centre for migrants in Misrata.

People smugglers have taken advantage of the chaos gripping Libya since the 2011 uprising that toppled dictator Moamer Kadhafi.

On April 19, some 750 migrants were killed when their trawler sank between Libya and southern Italy, sparking global outrage and demands for action.

British grandmother prepares for execution in Indonesia

A British grandmother on death row in Indonesia is writing goodbye letters to her family and believes she could be executed at any time, she wrote in an article on Sunday.

Lindsay Sandiford, 58, said she was expecting to die shortly, after seven foreign drug convicts were executed last week, causing a storm of international protest.

“My execution is imminent and I know I might die at any time now. I could be taken tomorrow from my cell,” Sandiford wrote in British newspaper the Mail on Sunday.

“I have started to write goodbye letters to members of my family.”

Sandiford, originally from Redcar in northeast England, wrote that she planned to sing the cheery popular song “Magic Moments” when facing the firing squad.

“I won’t wear a blindfold. It’s not because I’m brave but because I don’t want to hide — I want them to look at me when they shoot me.”

She said her greatest sadness is that she may never meet her two-year-old granddaughter, who was born after her arrest.

Sandiford was sentenced to death on the island of Bali in 2013 after she was convicted of trafficking drugs.

Customs officers found cocaine worth an estimated £1.6 million ($2.4 million, 2.2 million euros) hidden in a false bottom in Sandiford’s suitcase when she arrived in Bali on a flight from Thailand in 2012.

Sandiford admitted the offences, but says that she agreed to carry the drugs after a drug syndicate threatened to kill her son.

She described Andrew Chan, 31, one of two Australians killed by firing squad on Wednesday for his role in a plan to smuggle heroin, as “one of the heroes of my life”.

The two had become close friends in prison, where Chan had spent a decade after being arrested as one of the so-called “Bali Nine” group of smugglers.

The execution of Chan, who became a Christian pastor in prison, and another Australian Myuran Sukumaran, 34, cast a pall over relations between Australia and Indonesia.

A mentally ill Brazilian man and four African men were also executed. A Filipina single mother, Mary Jane Veloso, was granted a last-minute reprieve.

Sandiford’s family have recently launched a fundraising drive to raise money to lodge an appeal at the Indonesian Supreme Court, after the British government refused to fund the legal fight.

Chelsea champions - Soccer

A first half penalty from Player of the Year Eden Hazard handed Chelsea the points they needed to become champions of English football again. photo by AFP 

In Summary

Soccer. With the Premiership title in the bag, Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho now averages a staggering feat of a trophy every 34 matches

In the end it worked out as most of those at Stamford Bridge had hoped and Roman Abramovich was waving and grinning from the posh seats. Chelsea won, thanks to a goal by the star of the season and clinched the title, their first in five years.

Eden Hazard scored the goal, nodding in the rebound after missing his first penalty in the Barclays Premier League just before half-time. Cue champagne corks and celebrations down the King’s Road.

They defended the lead, produced another clean sheet and the best team in the land are the champions. Bring on the streamers and the Queen song. Hazard was an appropriate match-winner on such a day, and yet his goal came with accusations that he dived for the penalty and there were more uneasy moments when the party seemed capable of falling flat and Jose Mourinho’s touchline activities provided a strange sideshow.

Mourinho sulked moodily, clearly dissatisfied with the level of support of the home crowd for his team as they went in pursuit of the win they needed.

He seemed to court the Palace supporters as they sang in one corner of the Shed End, ignored his own fans when they later sang his name and reacted angrily when they sang Frank Lampard’s name, in the closing stages.

Netballer Peace crowned Uspa sports person of 2014

In Summary

All Sport. She Cranes skipper Proscovia became the only sixth female to win the top Uspa gong since 1974, joining the cast of Susan Muwonge, Dorcus Inzikuru, Catherine Webombesa, Rosette Musoke and Ruth Kyalisiima.

In the midst of Jose Chameleone’s hit Wale Wale, astonishment and ecstasy were felt in equal measure as netballer Peace Proscovia was crowned 2014 Best Sports Personality at the Nile Special Uspa Annual Awards Gala at Imperial Royale Hotel on Saturday night.

The 25-year-old had beaten Uganda Cranes footballer Yunus Ssentamu, 10000m Commonwealth gold medalist Moses Kipsiro and basketballer Claire Lamunu to become the only sixth female to win the top Uspa gong.

“I give God the glory,” an emotional Proscovia, smartly clad in black dress and heels, told the elegant gathering upon receiving her diadem from
chief guest Vice President Edward Ssekandi.
“I am so excited and surprised to have won this,” the 6ft 6 inch goal shooter said as she was flanked by her parents George Agondua and Winfred Amaguru. “I dedicate this award to my parents here who have guided my life.”

Kipsiro had been viewed as favourite to add to his 2007, 2008 and 2010 crowns after he overcame a bitter relationship with Uganda Athletics Federation, and knee and hamstring injuries to retain his 10000m title in emphatic style at the Commonwealth Games.

But it was quite befitting for the towering Proscovia to win, having lifted her old club NIC to the Netball League title and helped the Gazelles qualify for AfroBasket and All Africa Games. The greatest of them all was her purple-patch that helped the under-funded She Cranes coast to a flawless streak as they won the Africa qualifiers in Botswana to qualify for their second Netball World Cup due August 7-16 in Sydney, Australia.

Date of birth: Nov, 1 1989
Nickname: ‘Warid’
Club: Loughborough Lightning (England)
Position: Goal Shooter
Height: 193cm
2014 Honours: Zone V Basketball Champion, National Netball League (NIC), Mapinduzi Cup & Ticket to 2015 Netball World Cup for She Cranes

Athlete of the Year: Peace Proscovia
Team of the Year: She Cranes
Legendary Award: Arthur Blick Snr
Lifetime Service Award: Fred Ssekitto
Best Organized Sports Event: Nile Special National Pool Open
Best Run Federation: Uganda Golf Union

dkyeyune@ug.nationmedia.com

Genius Mayweather seals legacy with Pacquiao win

In Summary

The fighters were also paid royally for their night’s work, with Mayweather guaranteed $120 million and Pacquiao $80 million although both men could pocket much more depending on the number of PPV purchases

Las vegas
Floyd Mayweather Jr cemented his place among the pantheon of boxing greats by improving to 48-0 with a unanimous decision over Manny Pacquiao on Saturday in a fight that lived up to its immense hype and price tag.

Mayweather weathered an early assault from the Filipino southpaw before winning the later rounds using his reach and jab to finish ahead on all three scorecards in a welterweight showdown set to be the top grossing prize fight of all-time.

“When the history books are written, it was worth the wait,” Mayweather said in the ring after a four-belt unification bout that was more than five years in the making.

Though Pacquiao repeatedly forced Mayweather to backpedal, the wily American blunted his opponent’s best efforts by using his renowned defensive skills while getting in several telling jabs and punches of his own. It was an archetypal Mayweather masterclass.

Mayweather and Pacquiao had promised to deliver on years of hype and give fans their money’s worth and were true to their word in delivering an entertaining contest that had the capacity crowd on its feet roaring from the opening bell to the end of the 12 round showcase.

“Manny Pacquiao is a hell of fighter, I see now why he is at the pinnacle of boxing,” the 38-year-old Mayweather said after an emotional embrace with Pacquiao. “I’m a smart fighter, I outboxed him.

“We knew what we had to do. He’s a tough competitor… a very awkward fighter and I had to take my time and watch him closely.”

The fight between the two greatest boxers of their generation was one that appeared might never happen as Pacquiao resisted Mayweather’s demands for blood-testing for five years. When the two camps finally hammered out a deal, it was the richest in boxing history, setting new records for pay-per-view (PPV) buys and gate receipts.

$120m guaranteed
The fighters were also paid royally for their night’s work, with Mayweather guaranteed $120 million and Pacquiao $80 million although both men could pocket much more depending on the number of PPV purchases. For Mayweather, the fight was one that will shape his legacy.

Even if he were to have retired unbeaten there would have forever been a question mark hanging over his career without at least one meeting against his Filipino rival.

Mayweather said in the ring that he would fight again but that his next bout would be his last.

BOXING’S OTHER UNDEFEATED
WORLD CHAMPIONS

Joe Calzaghe
Retired at 46-0
Championship years 1997-2008
(WBO super middleweight, IBF and The Ring super middleweight, WBA and WBC super middleweight, The Ring light heavyweight)
Calzaghe is the longest-reigning Super Middleweight world champion in history, having held the WBO Super Middleweight title for over ten years and made 21 successful defenses.

Jimmy Barry
Retired at 59-0-9
Championship years 1894-1899
Barry won 59 bouts, 39 by knockout, and had nine draws and two no-contests. He is one of just twelve world boxing champions to retire without a loss.

Rocky Marciano
Retired at 49-0
Championship years 1952-1956
One of the greatest heavyweight champions of all time. His record of 49-0 is one Floyd Mayweather is seeking to emulate.

Low food supply blamed for inflation

In Summary

Still growing. The inflation rate has been predicted to grow even higher.

KAMPALA. Persistent depreciation of the Shilling and a reduction in food supply has contributed to a rise in Uganda’s annual inflation headline rate.
Uganda Bureau of Statistics said last week, the rise in the inflation rate, which is the highest in nine months, reflects the increasing costs of goods and services the public is incurring amid constant income.
Releasing the Consumer Price Index (CPI) at Statistics House last week, the director macroeconomics at Uganda Bureau of Statistics (Ubos), Dr Chris N. Mukiza said: “There was a rise in annual inflation to 2.2 per cent in April 2015 compared to the deflation of 2.2 per cent recorded during the year ended March 2015. The main driver was an increase in prices of some staple foods in most centres.”
Dr Mukiza added: “In addition, the annual non-food inflation registered 4.5 per cent increase for the year ending April 2015 compared to 4.1 per cent recorded for the year ended March 2015.”
On the side of annual core inflation, which excludes metered water, food crops and fuel from the consumer price index basket, Ubos says it increased to 4.6 per cent in the last 12 months, which ended April 30, up from 3.7 per cent recorded for the year ended March 2015.
Dr Mukiza said the increase in Uganda’s core inflation, which government uses to control the rate of the country’s inflation at five per cent, was as a result of the exchange rate depreciation (Shilling depreciation against the US dollar), which is making the cost of manufactured and imported goods more expensive.
“The Uganda Shilling has continued to depreciate against the US dollar, this has seen increases in the price of imported goods into the country,” he said.
Statistics from Bank of Uganda show that by March 2015, the Uganda Shilling had depreciated by 16.5 per cent against the US dollar on year-on-year basis to an average of Shs2951.74 per US dollar.
With the harvesting seasons still far and with no signs of the Shilling appreciating against the US dollar in the near future, Dr Mukiza expressed fear that inflation in the coming months is likely to be higher.
“I don’t want to speculate at this moment, but the inflation rate is likely to be higher than it is due to seasonal factors and a weak shilling. A combination of high food prices, clothing, education and other services is contributing to a rise inflation levels in Uganda,” he said.
During the period under review, the annual energy fuel and utility (EFU) rose to 1.4 per cent for the year ending April 2015 compared to 0.8 per cent registered in March 2015.
Statistics shows that the annual inflation for goods increased to 3.4 per cent in April 2015 compared to 2.4 per cent recorded for the year ended March 2015.
Following a similar path was the annual inflation in services, registering a 5.6 per cent in April 2015 compared to 4.8 per cent recorded in the year ended March 2015.

3.4%
The current inflation headline rate in Uganda.

moketch@ug.nationmedia.com

Last call to get on the voters’ register

As the general elections draw closer, the country is already saturated by politics. Ideally, it should be obvious for Ugandans of voting age – 18 years and above – to ensure they are on the national voters’ register. But this is not always the case. That is why we are appealing to those who have not yet registered to do so today – the last day of the exercise.
For months now, civil society organisations, notably the Citizens Coalition for Electoral Democracy (CCEDU), have been carrying out civic education in different parts of the country through public events, community radios, newspapers, etc., to inform Ugandans – particularly the youth – about the voter registration exercise. The purpose is simple: It is the duty of every Ugandan who has attained voting age to elect the country’s leaders. But you cannot vote if you are not on the national voters’ register.
While civil society organisations and the Electoral Commission (EC) have carried out awareness; there are still gaps in information flow on participation in the elections as voters. As CCEDU’s coordinator, Mr Crispy Kaheru, says, it is mostly the young people who have consistently shunned electoral processes in previous election cycles.
This revelation is telling and highlights gaps that must be bridged before next year’s elections. According to CCEDU projections, “this is going to be the first register in Uganda’s history that will carry the highest number of young voters. It is estimated that more than 60 per cent of the people on the register will be aged between 18 and 40 years.’
The challenge, therefore, is: how do we ensure this significant bloc of the young vote will participate in next year’s elections, given that this is the very age group that have shunned past elections? The primary task is to ensure all eligible Ugandans, especially young people, register to vote; similarly, those who want to verify their details, or switch to new voting locations, should complete the exercise today.
The EC last week extended the national voters’ register update exercise, which was slated to end on April 30, to May 4. This is, therefore, your last opportunity to register to vote in next year’s polls. Participating in this vote is hugely significant; that is why we must seriously tackle the underlying issues that deter young people from participating in elections.
While registering to vote is crucial; casting your ballot is even more significant. But you cannot vote if you don’t register. By disenfranchising yourself, you are ceding your responsibility of shaping Uganda’s future by using your vote to demand better service delivery, democracy and economic development.

The issue: Voters’ register update
Our view: This is your last opportunity to register to vote in next year’s polls. Participating in this vote is hugely significant; that is why we must seriously tackle the underlying issues that deter young people from participating in elections.

Councillors accuse NFA officials of abetting illegal tree-felling

By SADAT MBOGO & AL-MAHDI SSENKABIRWA
Posted 


Monday, May 4  

2015 at 

01:00

In Summary

Complaint. Mpigi District councillors are seeking the eviction of NFA officials from the district, claiming they are abetting illegal felling of trees.

MPIGI. Mpigi District councillors have accused the National Forest Authority (NFA) officials of abetting illegal felling of trees in forest reserves in the district.
Mr Benon Nsamba, the deputy chairperson for natural resources committee, said they would move a motion in the next district council meeting to evict NFA officials from the district.
According to Mr Nsamba, the district’s forest cover is slowly disappearing and in a few forests where replanting of trees has been done, NFA is planting only eucalyptus and pine trees.
However, NFA denies the allegations
Addressing journalists at the district headquarters last Friday, Mr Nsamba said 60 per cent of the forests in Mpigi have been destroyed, adding that the most affected areas are Bunjako Islands, Kalandazi, Kabuwuuwo, Bongole, Mpanga, Muduuma and Jalamba.
“We believe districts can ably manage and conserve these natural forests and we ask government to give back that mandate to local councils,” he added.
He said findings by the district natural resources committee indicate that in the first five years, NFA has operated in the district, it managed to evict encroachers and restored some depleted forest reserves, but it later resorted to allocating a number of them to private developers who carry out logging without replanting trees.
However, Mr Michael Okot, the Mpigi NFA branch manager, dismissed allegations that NFA officials were involved in illegal tree-felling in the district. He blamed the disappearing forest cover on what he called stubborn residents who are evicted from forest reserves but later return to them.
Mr Okot accused the district leaders of rushing to the media to incite the community instead of working with NFA to address the problem.
“I have on several occasions facilitated meetings with the district stakeholders to devise means of saving forests, but they just say we don’t want NFA here. We are a statutory body and if you don’t want us, you have to first change the law,” he said in an interview.
He added that their efforts to restore forests together with various corporate companies and organisations have led to restoration of 350 hectares of trees in two years.

editorial@ug.nationmedia.com

Uganda should not force Kenyan refugees to return to their country

The commissioner for refugees in the Office of the Prime Minister, Mr Apollo Kazungu, is wrong on Kenyans who fled to Uganda during the 2007/2008 post-election violence in Kenya.
The Daily Monitor of April 30 reported that Kazungu “told this newspaper that since there is calm in Kenya, there is no need for the refugees to stay in the country.”
However, the newspaper also quoted Mr Patrick Mwangi, one of the refugees, as saying the Kenyans “were informed at short notice hence are unprepared to go back to Kenya.”
These views suggest that Uganda is possibly contravening international conventions it is party to regarding the treatment of refugees and asylum seekers. Article 1 of the 1951 United Nations convention relating to the status of refugees defines refugees as persons residing outside their country of nationality, who are unable or unwilling to return because of a well-founded fear of persecution.
The fear could be linked to matters of race, religion, nationality, membership in a political or social group or holding of political opinions. In many instances, such fear makes it difficult for forced migrants to rely on the protection of their own government.
The matter of post-election violence in Kenya is not a settled one. Individuals suspected to have masterminded the generalised violence, including Kenya’s Deputy President, William Ruto, are still on trial at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague.
Even President Uhuru Kenyatta, whose charges were dropped late last year, could find himself back in the dock if ICC chief prosecutor Fatou Bensouda, adduces fresh evidence against him.
I am not an alarmist to say the ruling of the ICC on this case could trigger another wave of generalised violence in Kenya. Which means that fear is still there in the minds of these refugees.
The fundamental human rights principle of “non-refoulement” holds that people should not be returned to a country where their lives or liberty are at risk.
I am assuming that the 1,350 Kenyans now living in Kiryandongo in Masindi District were all officially recognised by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. If, however, there are some who were not, then those ones have a right to seek asylum in a third country.
Whatever the case, only voluntary repatriation or resettlement in a third country seem to be the proper solution, not some vague Memorandum of Understanding between Kenya and Uganda.
These people lost land, housing and other properties in 2007/2008. Appropriate interventions, such as skills training or access to credit can help them to reestablish livelihoods back home.
Yet Mwangi reportedly complained that, “We are forced to go back … we do not have an option but to go into the IDP (internally displaced persons) camps in Kenya.”
That complaint should be addressed from the perspective of refugees as agents of development. In the seven years those Kenyans have been in Uganda, what was their contribution to the local economy in Masindi, especially since they reportedly had gardens there?
It is safe to assume that these refugees spent money, time and physical effort to cultivate their gardens since the onset of the rains in March; only to be told on April 10 that they would be going home on May 5. If this is not an act of cruelty to foreigners, what is it?

Mr Akwap is a lecturer at Kampala International University. okodanakwap@yahoo.com

Educate us about cancer, diabetes, locals tell govt

Mr Moses Mukundane, the SCOHA director of programmes, speaks to Kashari County residents at Bwizibwera Health Centre IV at the weekend. PHOTO BY RAJAB MUKOMBOZI  

Mbarara. Mbarara District residents have blamed the increasing spread of non-communicable diseases on lack of education by government.
The concern was raised at the weekend during a cervical cancer camp facilitated by Spring Community Health Access (SCOHA) at Bwizibwera Health Centre IV in Kashaari County.
SCOHA is an NGO that seeks to improve quality of healthcare among communities.
“We hear some diseases such as cancer and diabetes can be avoided but we don’t have information on how to guard against them. There is no body coming up to educate us,” said Ms Evelyn Rwamwojo, a resident.
Ms Marble Twongirwe, another resident, said instead of spending money on stocking drugs, government should instead increase funding for health education.
Mr Moses Mukundane, the SCOHA director of programmes, acknowledged that awareness in communities on health issues is inadequate yet it should be a primary focus for government and other stakeholders.
“We are engaging health workers to make sure they embrace an integrated health outreach programme. First, to educate the communities on basic health issues such as family planning, nutrition, anti and post-natal care,” said Mr Mukundane.
The district health educator, Mr Mildard Kazooba Lubega, attributed lack of health education to lack of manpower and low morale among health workers due to poor pay.
“Imagine the whole of Mbarara; 11 sub-counties and six divisions, I am the only health educator yet every health centre IV should having an assistant health educator,” Mr Kazooba said.

Bigger picture
The Uganda National Household Survey Report 2009/2010 shows that non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases and cancer, are claiming many Ugandans at an increasing rate.

editorial@ug.nationmedia.com

Revive community, citizenship values to fight corruption

I like the tone Chief Justice Bart Katureebe has come with into office. It is not only a tone of quickly delivering on justice through expeditious trails – but importantly, confronting corruption in the Judiciary and by extension the country. This enthusiasm of Chief Justice must be supported, encouraged and not extinguished.
The country is optimistic and looking forward to action. Yet I strongly believe, that to strengthen this new energy manifested in Chief Justice, the discourse on how to fully confront and defeat corruption must go beyond a forest of laws and plethora of anti- corruption institutions, often grandstanding in parliamentary oversight committees, political sound bites and playing to the gallery – to concrete actions that balance laws and morals in this country. Recently, Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta remarked that “corruption is the greatest threat to our security, fundamental rights and social-economic transformation” His nerve remark is not only true for Kenya- but for Uganda, and perhaps the entire world. Instead of reaching out to each other as a citizenry, we are stealing from each other. The battle against corruption is frustrating and sometimes sucks energy, but we shouldn’t give up. Citizen action is critical. Beyond political actors; Where is Black Monday? Where are our religious and cultural leaders? Where are our teachers, trade unionists, community organisers, traditional healers, Facebookers, tweeps, farmers, brethren, wives and husbands?
Folks, it’s now clear an iron curtain of corruption has descended across our nation. Most sectors of everyday life are affected- be it churches, mosques, homes, universities, schools, sports clubs, government offices, private offices, gardens, etc. For example, farmers are reportedly conniving with extension workers to inflate input prices, some local councils and community leaders are taking bribes to make unfair decisions in village courts, police constables are reported receiving ‘facilitation’ to intervene on behalf of cunning village landed gentry to cheat peasants, teachers are riding boda bodas for quick buck and receiving salaries (from tax payers) while our children are receiving no lessons, milk vendors are powering water in milk to cheat consumers, traders are tampering with weighing scales and cheating farmers, politicians are buying votes, voters are selling their votes, business men are cheating government taxes, etc – this trend may not be in the headlines –but it is sadly entrenched. Will a compendium of anti-corruption laws and legislations alone stop this anarchy? As a country- we need a renewal and a return to our core ancestral values that define us a people that lived by code of respect, fairness, community and honesty.
All leaders and parents of this country must engage in preaching and stop pointing fingers- because, givers and receivers of bribes are in summary all criminals. I hope this will not be dismissed by sceptics and law puritans as moralising the fight against corruption. It is also not a lamentation – but call to action. My hunch tells me we have focused more on putting in place hardware administrative, legislative and judicial systems while relegating software incentives that entrench powerful value systems and social sanctions in our country. The NRM government has worked to strengthen investigative organs that deal with corruption. For example, the government reformed the office of the Auditor General (AG) and Director of Public prosecutions (DPP) from mere departments to substantive and independent institutions. The Parliamentary Accounts Committee (PAC) has powers of high court and is visibly interrogative and very much on the scene in the corruption fight. The anti- corruption court is in place. These institutions have sometimes delivered – and most corruption scandals are exposed by the Auditor General’s office- a government institution. But citizens want more than mere discovery and exposure of corruption scandals to actions that deliver justice and build competent systems that make corruption untenable and dangerously risky. Efforts at eliminating payroll corruption are yielding positive results. Administrative sanctions issued by Ministry of Finance permanent secretary Keith Muhakanizi were at first painful to genuine public workers but have since saved billions of tax payers’ money. But how do we holistically defeat corruption?
A sustainable solution to corruption lies in return to a robust struggle for revival and entrenchment of values of community and citizenship. Especially so with young people in our schools, clubs and everywhere. They need to learn that the world must be shared and every one must have an opportunity. That to own 20 houses you can’t sleep in at once and four cars you can’t drive at once is meaningless and backward. Parents must live by example- we must for instance go to our children’s schools and request to speak to children classes about the subject of values like morality and community. If we don’t live by example and preach our historic values- society is gone! Not even the fiercest of laws and prison sentences will avert this dangerous trend. Does this sound simplistic? No. It’s the only credible journey we must start. Nelson Mandela, in his latest 2011 book – Conversations with My Self; tells a compelling story about real progress. He counsels that “…. In judging our progress as individuals, we tend concentrate on external factors such as one’s social position, influence and popularity, wealth and standard of education. These are of course important in measuring one’s success in material matters and it is perfectly understandable if many people exert themselves mainly to achieve all these. But internal factors may be even more crucial in assessing ones development as a human being. Honesty, sincerity, simplicity, humility, pure generosity, absence of vanity, readiness to serve others – qualities which are within reach of every soul – are the foundations of one’s spiritual life. Development in matters of this nature is inconceivable without serious introspection, without knowing yourself, your weaknesses and mistakes….never forget that a saint is a sinner who keeps on trying”
The foregoing gospel according to Mandela is important. Interpreted seriously, it summons our courage as a country to engage in serious introspection. He reminds us that those internal factors like honesty and readiness to serve others are the most important and within our reach. Aren’t those we need to overcome corruption? Can we defeat the reigning dominant psychology that is bent on material factors that Mandela talks about? Can we rally to the principle of common citizenship that Winston Churchill talked about on March 5, 1946?
Mr Rwakakamba is a special presidential assistant – Research and Information, mrwakakamba@gmail.com.

Address PWD electoral challenges - Letters

As we approach the 2016 general elections, it should be recalled that for a long time, PWDs have been excluded from political decision making processes in Uganda, largely due to the absence of policies.
There have been positive efforts such as the election of PWD representatives to Parliament. While we recognise these efforts, we still face challenges that impede meaningful participation in electoral democracy. Voters, especially PWDs, many times fail to participate in the electoral processes because of the social and environment barriers.
Some polling stations are not accessible to most physically challenged voters. Secret ballot system of voting is still a challenge to the visually impaired, while the voter education mechanisms have remained inadequate. There is also inadequate funding to support the electoral processes for PWDs. Above all, political representation of youth with disabilities is almost unheard of.
The above issues contravene the provisions of the Constitution of Uganda. For instance, Article 68 (1) of the Constitution emphasises secret ballot voting. Unfortunately, this is a myth for voters with visual impairments who have to depend on the second party to cast their vote. The challenges from this is that the second party could influence the voting and may end up voting for someone else other than the preferred candidate of the actual voter. The aspect of confidentiality is equally difficult to realise.
How to deliver the right information at the right time in the right format for the benefit of persons with speech and hearing challenges, visually impaired, people with psychosocial challenges, is also lacking in various aspects.
Availability and application of alternative communication methods is scanty if not entirely disregarded. The situation is exacerbated by the prevalent levels of illiteracy, negative social stereotypes and cultural beliefs against PWDs. Lack of sign language interpreters in conducting voter education partly explains the inefficiency in elections. There are also no mechanisms for mobilisation and engagement of PWDs.
There is no provision for funding for special ballot papers in tactile and braille formats, sign language interpretation services during general electoral processes at various levels countrywide, and any other relevant support services to enable PWDs exercise their constitutional right are not prioritised. There is low or no financing at all for PWD electoral colleges by the Electoral Commission.
Inclusive participation of all youth in their diversities in all electoral processes involves having youth with disability representatives at all levels. Otherwise, making of informed decisions, holding their leaders accountable, providing a unified system through which they can communicate to coordinate their ideas and activities, would be greatly hampered.
We need deliberate efforts by government to address these challenges.
David Nangosi,
Legal Assistant and a disability rights activist at NUDIPU,
davidnangosi@yahoo.com

Making sense of a complex blood deficiency problem

Leonard Ssengoba with his son Arnold Ntongo, who has suffered from haemophilia since he was an infant. photo by Pauline Bangirana.  

In Summary

On April 16, the world marked Haemophilia Day in an effort to raise awareness and provide support for those who are living with the inherited bleeding disorder. The condition is costly, not only to the patients but also their families

Haemophilia is a bleeding disorder which causes abnormal or exaggerated bleeding due to poor blood clotting resulting from lack of certain factors in the blood. According to Dr Susan Nabadda, a haemotopathologist, (a doctor who analyses blood samples) at Mulago hospital, the condition used to be an inherited bleeding disorder but can now be acquired. If an individual lacks a count in factor eight, they are termed as haemophilia A while a Haemophilia B lacks factor nine.

Clotting factors
“When our blood is clotting, there are different clotting factors or proteins that prevent excessive bleeding by forming a clot so that it forms a seal in the place that has been bleeding.

The factors are the building blocks so if one of them is missing, the final clot will not be formed. A single block required in forming a final clot block is termed as a factor and the major ones are factors eight and nine. If one of them is missing, the final clot will not be formed, which makes the bleeding place hard to seal off,” Dr Nabadda highlights.

There are 13 factors needed in blood clotting but the major ones are factors VIII and IX. One might lack any other factors and will not have haemophilia but when you lack factors eight and nine, you suffer from haemophilia.

Dr Nabadda elaborates that the bleeding disorder used to be inherited but now, it can be acquired especially if one has an inhibitor, where the body develops antibodies towards the factor concentrates used to treat bleeding patients, and therefore activates an immune response in the patient to destroy the foreign substances (factor VIII or factor IX). This can limit factor eight in the blood, and this can be detected during treatment.

With acquired haemophilia, the individual has all the factors in the body but something is preventing them from functioning properly. The disease is not a lifestyle-related disease like some of the major diseases.

Causes of acquired haemophilia
“With acquired haemophilia, one’s body is producing the normal factor but something is preventing the factor from functioning properly and this can be because one has acquired antibodies in the body against the factors which prevents factors eight and nine from working properly. This is a very rare situation,” Dr Nabadda explains.

Signs and symptoms
Due to the fact that haemophilia causes abnormal or exaggerated bleeding, it is not a common disease although many have mistaken it for other local conditions.

The condition manifests with abnormal bleeding. One will get bruises or swellings and this leads to internal bleeding. However, once you notice that you are bleeding for longer than usual, it could be a wakeup call but it is no cause for alarm. You could get a check up to be sure.

Haemophilia is a genetic, sex-linked condition, which Dr Nabadda says, mothers carry in their chromosomes but which mainly affects boys. “If we give it to the boys who have only one X chromosome, it manifests.

If a man with haemophilia later meets a woman and they have a girl child, they transfer the X onto the girl and she will become a carrier of the disease.

When the carrier gives birth to a boy, she will transfer the X to the boy and the boy will become a haemophilia patient. So the girls are carriers and that is why it is advisable for one to go for genetic screening so that if you discover you are a carrier, you can avoid passing the condition on to the child and medical assistance can be offered,” explains Dr Nabadda.

Treatment
The right mode of treatment is by replacing the missing factor in the patient’s body although in some patients, the body can form inhibitors and this is similar to the body forming a resistance against something which makes treating and managing the disease difficult.

Haemophilia is a condition in which the clotting factors in one’s blood are malfunctioning, leading to excessive bleeding.

“It is because of continued use of the factor that the body forms antibodies against the factor. At the beginning, it can be managed by the body but with continued use, they overpower the factor hence forming inhibitors,” says Dr Nabadda.

It is important to know which factor one is lacking and this is detected from the test.Once this is established, it can be replaced in the body. Agnes Kisakye, the executive secretary, haemophilia association in the country, shares that treatment and managing haemophilia can be difficult and costly at times especially if one’s body develops inhibitors during the treatment.

“Most of the treatment is acquired from occasional donors since there is no treatment in Uganda. Some of the donors are from countries such as South Africa or Australia, which have haemophilia associations. However, once someone forms inhibitors, it becomes hard to manage the disease because it rejects all possible treatment,” adds Kisakye.