This season Travel and Party Ugandan Style

In case you are still wondering what you or your family should be up to when you finally retire from your work stations for the serene atmospheres of Uganda this festive season, then the wait is over. When you get into this mother land of Africa, once declared the Pearl of Africa by the British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, the party and adventure just got better.

From the Jamaican song bird sisters, Brick n Lace, Akon, Kevin Lyttle, Elephant man, Coolie Buddz, Shaggy, Montel Jordan, KCI and JoJo, Wyclef Jean, the legendary British band group UB40 and acclaimed gospel artist Kirk Franklin, have all had a good feel of this beautiful nation, so what you still waiting for?It all starts on arrival at the newly refurbished Entebbe airport, after so many years of hectic check-ins, the airport finally offers one a feel good atmosphere on landing. While in the heart of the city for all of you who love travelling take a deep breath for your about to go on a ride of a life time.

You may choose to start east, west, south or north any way round, the expedition will always be a voyage of a life time. Heading to the western part of the country one may choose from a variety of national parks to visit, from lake Mburo national park that harbors the most gracious variety and species of mammals and birds, to Bwindi impenetrable forest and Mgahinga Gorilla park bordering Rwanda and Congo, these two offer the best Gorilla tracking experience world over, to queen Elizabeth national park that borders lake Edward and lake George which are connected by the kazinga channel. Not to forget the snow capped peaks of Rwenzori Mountains and Semiliki national park which is one of the richest areas in the world in terms of both flora and fauna, more so a great place to catch the birds. While in this area of course, for first timers in Uganda to receive VIP treatment, you will need to visit Mweya safari lodge for first class accommodation.

While for those who may choose to start north, the journey of recent may start as far as southern Sudan following the normalization and the return to peace in northern Uganda. But if you choose to stick to the pearl of Africa, then the best place to start up your sight seeing would be Murchison Falls. Situated in the northern district of Masindi, boat trips to Paraa safari Lodge a sister to Mweya safari Lodge may last up to three hours guaranteeing you an up close meeting with the Hippos and Crocodiles, not to forget a bird full event. The area also offers a chance for one to trek Chimpanzees, these are mainly at the Kaniyo Pabidi on the Masindi Paraa road.

As you get closer to summing the voyages, you may need to travel east starting, from the Kidepo Valley National Park; this area north east of the country is home to the nomadic cattle keeping ethnic group the Karamojong. Not only does meeting this nomadic group of people that live a modest life style make it a memorable experience, it also offers a chance for you to come face on with Leopards, Lions, Cheetahs, herds of elephants and Buffalos, more so its also home to large birds of pray and the Ostrich.

And when you move closer east to the mountain districts of Mbale, you will be mate by the striking futures of the extinct Volcano commonly known as Mountain Elgon. In this beautiful eastern town, the party gets underway at the Club Oasis. After an eventful climb and trekking circuit of 4-5 days to complete, before you make your way back to the city, one may need to visit this beautiful establishment. A fully stocked bar with patrons from University to working age groups, Oasis offers room for unwinding in the night life of Mbale town.

As you may seem mesmerized by the eventful night life in the Bamasabaa land, closer to the city, one is struck by the once Industrial giants of Uganda, Jinja town still struck by the owe of celebrating its recent one hundred years of existence. At this stage before you cross the Owen Falls Damn, take heart and branch off to Bujagali falls, the home to Jinja Nile Resort and adrift, at this stage you will get to explore your imaginations, for not only will you experience the best white water rafting point in the world, but you will also have a chance to go, Fishing, Bungee Jumping and Buggy Climbing and Ridding in the most challenging terrains. Restaurants to be visited at this point are in plenty and fish is a main part of the menu.
After all these memorable voyaging experiences, when you finally burst into the heart of the city, you are reminded to take it slow coz you are finally journeying into the Los Angles of Africa, where the party never stops. From Ethiopian to Cuban, Mexican to Italian, Japanese to Thai, Lebanese to Indian, Turkish to Ugandan, one will never seize to find a restaurant or bar that serves his or special treats.

While for the night animals, the traditional clubs Age Mystique and Club Silk in industrial area still rule the park, with the fanciest nights, from campus nights to ladies nights, tough gong nights for the reggae lovers, fashion nights for those who are into fashion, just to mention but a few, here the blend of music is un marched and always to be remembered. But for those who may not wish to meddle into the city traffic jams, you can catch your party zones at some of the latest clubs in town. For you living on Entebbe road you may catch the fun from Club volts or Night Riders in Entebbe. While some one in Ntinda may do so at Club Pa Lui one of the latest additions into Uganda’s social scene located right at the Ntinda shopping centre.

If you chose to enjoy your drink in the open, Steak Out Bar and Restaurant is the place to be, with its blend of music from Monday to Friday and the best Nyama Choma in town/Kenyan style you will live not to forget this Lumumba Avenue Bar, it also gives you a chance to blend with the university and corporate class. There are so many more open style bars and theme nights, right from Monday, when you can catch the party at the National Theatre, and here it’s the Jam session, with all the budding musicians and celebrities doing their thing on stage. While on Tuesday its Super Tuesday at the stick out bar and restaurant with beers at a reduced price, on Wednesday it’s rock night at club Rouge, a blend of music that is not yet so popular with the Ugandan public though it seems to be gaining some fire in town Thursdays you may catch the fun at Bubbles O’Learys the Irish Bar and if you are so luck you may witness the bar quiz that happens every first Thursday of the month and if you need a crazy night out, you could also head for the red light districts of Kabalagala, where bars never go to sleep.

And to all you coffee lovers, yes the coffee culture in Uganda just got better, with the introduction of café pap, Mokka Terrace Café, Java’s Café and a new out let Bann Café at the Nakumat mall, a new and Panorama Coffee shop into the market, 1000 cups, Bann Cafe and Design Agenda have all stepped up their game. So rest assured to grab yourself some of the best cappuccinos in town.

But before you jump out of the picture take time out to grab yourself some of the best beautiful artifacts from Banana Boat, Nommo Gallary, Katch the sun or any of the numerous art galleries in town as you crown your stay in Ug. Till then have a blast in Uganda and Bone Voyage.

Moses Amone: List of MP's that did not return the 20M bribe fro...

Moses Amone: List of MP's that did not return the 20M bribe fro...: "FOR THE RECORDS: OPPOSITION MPS WHO DID NOT RETURN THE SHS.20M BRIBE FROM PRESIDENT M7 IN 2010-11 ELE..."

List of MP's that did not return the 20M bribe from President M7 in 2010 - 2011

FOR THE RECORDS: OPPOSITION MPS WHO DID NOT RETURN THE SHS.20M BRIBE FROM PRESIDENT M7 IN 2010-11 ELECTIONS:

NOT RETURNED

1.Ogenga Latigo (FDC former MP Agago)
2.Alex Ochieng Penytoo, (FDC, former MP Gulu)
3.Judith Franca Akello (FDC, Agago District)
4.Simon Toolit Akecha (FDC, Omoro)
5. Patrick Amuriat Oboi (FDC, Kumi)
6.Simon Oyet (FDC, Nwoya)
7.Charles Ekemu (FDC, Soroti Municipality).
8. Cecilia Atim Ogwal (Ind, Dokolo)
9.Christine Bako Abia (FDC, Arua)
10.Bihande Bwambale Yokasi (FDC, Bukonjo)
11.Geofrey Ekanya (FDC, Tororo)
12.Akbar Godi (former, FDC Arua Municipality)
13.Florence Ekwau Ibi (FDC, Kaberamaido)
14.Epetait Francis (former, FDC, Ngora)
15.Hassan Fungaroo Kaps (FDC Obongi)
16.Abdu Katuntu (FDC, Bugweri)
17. Winifred Kiiza (FDC, Kasese)
18.Odonga Otto Jr. (FDC, Aruu)
19.Ronald Reagan Okumu (FDC, Aswa)
20.Elijah Okupa (FDC, Kasilo)
21.Peter Omolo (FDC, Soroti)
22.Susan Nakawuki (former, Busiro East)
23.Joseph B Mutebi (DP, Busiiro South)
24.Michael B Lulume (DP, Buikwe South)
25.Muhamed Kawuma (DP, Entebbe)
26.Issa Kikungwe (DP, Kyadondo South)
27.Micheal Mabikke (Independent/SDP)
28.John Kawanga (DP, Masaka Municipality)
29.Jimmy Akena (UPC,Lira Municipality)
30.John Ogwang (former, Ind Kole)
31.Willy Anokbonggo (former UPC, Kwania)
32.David Ebong (former UPC, Maruzi)
33.Benson Obua Ogwal (UPC, Moroto)
34.Ishaa Otto (former, UPC Oyam South)
35.Betty Omongi Ongom (former, UPC Apac)
36.Ben Wacha (former, Oyam North)
37.Mathias Nsubuga (former, DP Bukoto South)
38.Achiro Concy (former FDC, Amuru Woman)
39.Julius Peter Emigu (FDC, Kaberamaido),
40.Harry Kasigwa (former FDC, Jinja Mun.West)
41.Michael Ocula Nyeko (former FDC, Kilak).
42.Simon Euku (former UPC, Kalaki)
43.Simon Mallinga (former FDC, Kaberamaido)
44.Christopher Kibanzanga (Busongora South)
45. Francis Kiyonga (former Ind/FDC Upe)
46.Alex Onzima (former FDC, Maracha)
47. Rebecca Otengo Amuge (Ind, former MP Lira)
48. Kassiano Wadri Ezati (FDC, Terego)

RETURNED
1.Beatrice Anwar (FDC, Kitgum Woman)
2.Nathan Nandala Mafabi (FDC, Budadiri West)
3.Alice Alaso (former FDC, Soroti Woman)
4.Oduman Okello (former FDC Bukedea)
5.Latif Ssebagga (DP, Kawempe North)
6.Hussein Kyanjo (Jeema, Makindye West)
7.Ssebuliba Mutumba (DP, Kawempe South)
8.Erias Lukwago (former DP, Kampala Central)
9.Sam Kalega Njuba (FDC, Kyadondo South)
10.Betty Nambooze (former DP, Mukono North)
11.Nabilah Ssempala (FDC, Kampala Woman)
12.Susan Nampijja Lukyamuzi (CP, Lubaga South)
13.Beti Olive Kamya (former FDC, Lubaga North)
14.Jack Wamai Wamanga (FDC, Mbale)
15.Aol Betty Ocan (FDC, Gulu Woman)

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"To announce that there must be no criticism of the president, or that  we are to stand by the president right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic  and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public."

DENUNCIATION OF APPOINTMENT AS PRESIDENTIAL ADVISOR (Haji Badru Kendo Wegulo)

PRESS RELEASE: 15th September, 2001

Last night I was shocked to learn from Uganda Television and WBS that I Haji Badru Kendo Wegulo, National Chairman UPC and Chairman Party Representative Council (PRC) and member of the Presidential Policy Commission (PPC) had been appointed a Presidential Advisor by Lt. General Museveni. This morning I have with horror and consternation read a report on page three of the New Vision Newspaper titled "Wegulo Appointed Museveni’s Advisor". It is reported that I have been appointed as one of the "new special Advisors on Political Affairs".

I wish to state categorically that no one has ever approached me and asked me whether I would be prepared to serve as Museveni’s political advisor or otherwise. I wish it to be known in no uncertain terms that if I had been approached and asked to serve as Museveni’s advisor my answer would be an unequivocal "No" to such a suggestion and or overtures.
Accordingly, I wish to inform Lt. Gen Yoweri Museveni that I reject his so-called appointment with the utmost contempt it deserves.

Every sane person knows that I have been at the forefront, as a leader in the UPC, of opposing the 16 years of terror, misrule, corruption, plunder, dictatorship, and genocide perpetuated by Museveni’s regime. I and millions of other Ugandans have tremendously suffered under Museveni’s oligarchy.
Museveni should be reminded that he personally ordered my arrest together with Professor Rubaihayo in 1994. Our crime was that we had signed a UPC Manifesto on the Constituent Assembly Elections advocating for a democratic Constitution.

The office of political advisors in Museveni’s government is used to squander taxpayer’s money and bribe political opponents and silence them. It is public knowledge that the so-called advisors do not actually render any advise on any national matter. They are conscripts who are bribed into acquienscence and thus silenced.

This attempt to conscript me is part of Museveni’s terrorist attack on the UPC. In these dying moments of the NRA/NRM regime we expect many more such terror attempts at our leaders and members. UPC shall resist them.
If Museveni’s needs advise and I believe he desperately does, then he should heed the advise consistently given to him by the UPC to stop harassing the opposition, to open up political space, and to allow multiparty political activities. He should dismantle his so-called Movement System and pave way for a genuinely open competitive multiparty political system in Uganda. He should stop the politics of manipulation, bribery, intrigue, plunder, war, genocide, aggression, terrorism, nepotism and cronyism.

I appeal to all members of PPC, PRC, and the entire membership of Uganda Peoples Congress, all peace loving Ugandans and all friends of Uganda not to accept to be lured and conscripted into the selfish service of Lt. Gen. Museveni in any capacity. Instead every one should intensify the political efforts and struggles to free Uganda from the shackles of Museveni’s dictatorship. I have said all this.

FOR GOD AND MY COUNTRY
HAJI BADRU KENDO WEGULO

World celebrates world habitat day, while jiggers plague Ugandans

 Moses Amone

Uganda on Monday October 1, 2010 will join the rest of the world in celebrations to mark, World Habitat Day. According to the official United Nations website, the idea is to reflect on our towns and cities and the basic right of all, to adequate shelter. So it is against the back drop of these ideals that it chose the theme for this years celebrations as Better City, Better Life to highlight our collective vision of a sustainable urban world that harnesses the potential and possibilities, mitigates inequalities and disparities, and provides a home for people of all cultures and ages, both rich and poor. 

In Uganda, the celebrations are set to take place in Wakiso district, but if it were my place to decide, I would have shifted these celebration to Mufumi Village in Nabijingo Sub-county, Bugiri District or if not any where, but around Busoga region. Why some may ask? The people in this area have for a longtime been in dire need, for proper housing facilities, since they are cruelly plagued by jiggers. 

These celebrations come at a time when major media houses have been running a number of sad and mind boggling news articles clearly portraying how jiggers have gravely ravaged, tortured, maimed, stigmatized, and contributed to illiteracy and to a sad extent led to death of humans, both children and the elderly around Busoga region in this twenty first Century.  And truth be told this infestation is mainly caused as a result of poor hygiene which to a larger extent can only be traced to people living in deplorable dwelling conditions, poor housing and accommodation facilities like houses that are dusty, with cracked floors and walls which in part is a result of sharing of accommodation facilities with animals and poultry which carry the jiggers. 

Historically speaking, the jiggers’ problem in Busoga region may be tracked as far back as the colonial days when colonial masters found it difficult to spread their activities within the region as a result jiggers. And the worst scenario was witnessed in 2008 when Honorable Members of Parliament seating on the committee for Food Security and Population Forum, employed under hand methods by demanding the immediate arrest of all Ugandans living with jiggers. At this rate one was bound to imagine that soon or later they would demand the arrest of all Ugandans that suffered any ill health. But at a time when world leaders are stressing the need for Developing countries, especially in Africa to meet their desired Millennium Development Goals (MDG’s), one wonders why people in Uganda should still be dying as a result of jiggers and if the government is truly interested in achieving her MDG’s? Because I don’t believe arrest alone would provide a solution to this menace. 

Reading the statement by the Honorable Minister of Health to Parliament on, The Problem of Jiggers in Busoga Region, the minister clearly pointed out that Jiggers infect people who leave in houses with dusty, cracked floors and walls. Now that the ministers know this and the media houses have clearly portrayed these to be some of the conditions in which these jiggers affected Ugandans leave in, what plans has the line ministry that is; Lands, Housing and Urban Development, done to help save Ugandans from this plague? Speaking cheek in tongue, it is sufficed to say that the Ministry has no clearly laid out housing policy for this nation, and without a clearly laid out housing policy, all government policies aimed at abetting the number of deaths in the region which have occurred as a result of jiggers will only come to naught.  

Against this background therefore, it is important to note that before the Ministry of Health can call upon the local leaders to sensitize and mobilize the public on need of prevention and control of these jiggers or the call for arrests of all Ugandans living with jiggers by MP’S, the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development has to first secure and guarantee proper housing facilities for such people as those living in Mufumi village and other affected and surrounding villages in Busoga and the country as a whole. For instance they may either choose to borrow a leaf or partner with Habitat for Humanity which has been able to provide low cost housing to a number of people living within poor communities in Uganda. 

Once this is achieved, the work to be done by the other line Ministries like Health, Education and the community leaders will have been simplified. For as long as people have proper housing and better standards and conditions of living, it is bound to minimize the spread and carriers of jiggers, avoid stigmatization which has led to a total drop and reduction in the number of school going children enrolled for UPE. This will also improve health and lifestyle which will encourage a sense of belonging and patriotism. And in the long run is bound to culminate into a productive community living a Better Life for the betterment of this country.

Transparency in Labeling is key, to Increased Domestic Coffee Consumption

Moses Amone

Uganda is currently witnessing a growth in the coffee shop sector and an increase in the number of different coffee brands, on offer at different supermarkets and retail outlets, such as; Good African Coffee, Star Café, Zigoti Coffee, Elgonia One Café, Masaba Coffee, Elgon Coffee, Nguvu and so much more. This trend is making coffee a fashionable drink and coffee shops the best meeting points offering an alternative to the regular beer bars, hence increasing on domestic coffee consumption.


But despite these positive attributes, it is important to note that domestic coffee consumption in the country is still at its very low and is estimated at about 0.8% of the total production in the country, a very dismal figure indeed given the quantities produced. These dismal figures according to research have been attributed to a number of factors, but the major ones can be pegged to the negative perceptions as relates to coffee and health and a lack of transparency in labeling (coffee mark of quality)

In order to curb these negative perceptions and help boost domestic coffee consumption, there is need to lower resistance to coffee drinking, which will act as a step to predispose existing coffee consumers to drink more coffee and non consumers to try out the product. Consumer education about coffee products can only be successful and efficient if it is coupled with a campaign to lower resistance to the product.


It has been noted that coffee consumers in the country always have difficulties in identifying and understanding the characteristics and contents of the coffee products offered in the market. This in most cases has led the consumer to drink a poor cup of coffee either because they bought the wrong product or used a preparation system that was not compatible to the product they bought. This lack of understanding about coffee products and unclear labeling of these products creates a confusion that is detrimental to consumer satisfaction and curtails the growth of the coffee market.


Based on the above findings, this therefore calls for a campaign aimed at educating consumers about the type and qualities of coffee available on the market. This campaign should be able to emphasize positive coffee and health attributes and its main focus should be to explain to consumers what is found inside the packages offered by retail outlets, for instance the type of product; roast and ground (R & G), soluble coffee, ready to drink coffee beverages, etc. presence or absence of non coffee products for example sugar, chicory and added flavors, etc. and the preparation system adequate for each product. At the initial stage, this campaign should aim at having proprietors of the coffee roasting establishment, label and more so providing directives on how to make a good cup of coffee, written on each packaging material of the coffee they produce.


This is important in that, in some instance consumers have been found to perceive other grades of coffee to be inferior to others, which may not necessarily have been the case. In line with this, it would be important to let consumers know that coffee being a product of great value, it comes in different forms as compared to its close substitutes. For example it would be important to explain to consumers that R & G is not necessarily an inferior grade of coffee as compared to instant coffee, as some consumers have perceive it to be but there major differences in terms of texture (fines & roughness), flavors, color etc. is simply for the benefit of the kind of satisfaction that each individual consumer may seek to derive from the final cup of coffee.

By so doing, this campaign will be able to address the issue of different coffee recipes for example espressos, cappuccinos, mocha, latte etc. and how they can be prepared, as well as the curiosities about the product. But most important of all, this campaign will put to rest the lingering doubts and questions related to coffee and health. Hence in the long run this will help boost the sector in terms of expansion of the tax base, employment generation and economic development.