Press Release: African Countries Launch AFR100 to Restore 100 Million Hectares of Land (05.12.2015)

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Commitments from 10 countries announced at the Global Landscapes Forum

PARIS (December 6, 2015)—African countries launched AFR100 (African Forest Landscape Restoration Initiative), a pan-African, country-led effort to restore 100 million hectares (386 thousand square miles) of degraded and deforested landscapes by 2030. The AFR100 target of 100 million hectares has been endorsed by the African Union. So far 10 African countries have agreed to join AFR100 and committed at least 31.7 million hectares of land for forest landscape restoration. AFR100 partners are earmarking more than USD $1 billion in development finance and more than $540 million in private sector impact investment to support restoration activities.

The announcement was made during the Global Landscapes Forum at the Conference of Parties (COP21) in Paris, where forest landscape restoration is a key ingredient of the global movement to adapt to and mitigate climate change. Commitments made through AFR100 build on significant climate pledges made by many African countries to support a binding global climate agreement.

“Restoring our landscapes brings prosperity, security and opportunity,” said Dr. Vincent Biruta, Minister of Natural Resources in Rwanda. “With forest landscape restoration we’ve seen agricultural yields rise and farmers in our rural communities diversify their livelihoods and improve their well-being. Forest landscape restoration is not just an environmental strategy, it is an economic and social development strategy as well.”

For the first time, AFR100 brings together political leadership with an ambitious package of financial and technical resources to support a large-scale forest landscape restoration effort across Africa. Nine financial partners and 10 technical assistance providers have pledged support, led by the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD Agency), Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), and World Resources Institute (WRI).

“The scale of these new restoration commitments is unprecedented,” said Wanjira Mathai, Chair of the Green Belt Movement and daughter of Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Wangari Maathai. “I have seen restoration in communities both large and small across Africa, but the promise of a continent-wide movement is truly inspiring. Restoring landscapes will empower and enrich rural communities while providing downstream benefits to those in cities. Everybody wins. ”

Countries that have agreed to join the AFR100 initiative include:

• Democratic Republic of Congo | 8 million hectares
• Ethiopia | 15 million hectares
• Kenya | Committed, but finalizing hectare target
• Liberia | 1 million hectares
• Madagascar | Committed, but finalizing hectare target
• Malawi | Committed, but finalizing hectare target
• Niger | 3.2 million hectares
• Rwanda | 2 million hectares
• Togo | Committed, but finalizing hectare target
• Uganda | 2.5 million hectares

AFR100 builds on the climate commitments made by African countries. So far, 13 of the INDCs (Intended Nationally Determined Contributions) submitted by African countries include restoration, conservation of standing forests, or “climate-smart” agriculture. According to WRI analysis, following through on the commitments would cumulatively reduce emissions by 1.2 Gt CO2eq over the next 10 years, or 36 percent of Africa’s annual emissions and 0.25 percent of global emissions.

“Restoration is really Africa’s gift to the world,” said Dr. Andrew Steer, president and CEO, World Resources Institute. “As the world forges a climate agreement in Paris, African countries— which bear the least historic responsibility for climate change– are showing leadership with ambitious pledges to restore land. These countries are well on their way to meet the goal of restoring 100 million hectares of land, which will help sequester carbon and bring economic benefits to low-income, rural communities. These African leaders are turning their words into action and making a real contribution to respond to the global threat of climate change.”

AFR100 recognizes the benefits that forests and trees can provide in African landscapes: improved soil fertility and food security, greater availability and quality of water resources, reduced desertification, increased biodiversity, green jobs, economic growth, and increased capacity for climate change resilience and mitigation. Forest landscape restoration has the potential to improve livelihoods, especially for women. For example, 20 years ago, women in southern Niger spent an average of 2.5 hours daily collecting firewood, which was scarce in the degraded landscape. Now they prune on-farm trees saving two hours a day, time that can be spent on other income generating activities.

Commitments announced through AFR100 also support the Bonn Challenge, a global target to bring 150 million hectares of land into restoration by 2020 adopted in Germany in 2011, the New York Declaration on Forests that extends that challenge to 350 million hectares by 2030, and the African Resilient Landscapes Initiative (ARLI), an initiative to promote integrated landscape management with the goal of adapting to and mitigating climate change. With these new partners, the Bonn Challenge process has surpassed the 100 m hectare mark, on track to meet its goal well ahead of the 2020 target date.

AFR100 builds on a strong tradition of successful forest landscape restoration in Africa. In Ethiopia’s Tigray region, local communities have already restored over 1 million hectares, making the land more drought-resistant. In Niger, farmers have increased the number of on-farm trees across 5 million hectares of agricultural landscapes, improving food security for 2.5 million people. AFR100 will provide a forum for countries and communities to share knowledge and resources to achieve restoration at a greater scale.

“We know that restoration works for Africa. We’ve seen it work in countries as diverse as Malawi, Ethiopia, and Mali,” said Dr. Ibrahim Assane Mayaki, CEO of NEPAD and former Prime Minister of Niger. “But we need to scale up restoration across the whole continent- more than 700 million hectares of land in Africa have potential for restoration. AFR100 provides a platform to work together more effectively to accelerate the achievement of restoration successes to benefit tens of millions of people who are currently searching for ways to adapt to climate change and improve their well-being.”

AFR100 will help to translate ambitious commitments into action with support from private sector investors, foundations, development banks, and bilateral and multilateral funders. AFR100 will leverage a variety of financing, including grants, equity investments, loans, risk management guarantees and funds for specific interventions.

So far, AFR100 partners have set forth over USD $1 billion of development financing:

  • World Bank: USD $1 billion in investment in 14 African countries by 2030, as part of the Africa Climate Business Plan to support Africa’s climate resilient and low carbon development
  • Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) is providing support for the development of the AFR100 initiative

Impact investors have already earmarked USD $546.5 million for restoration under AFR100:

  • Ecoplanet Bamboo: USD $175 million by 2020
  • Sustainable Forest Investments – Netherlands: USD $150m by 2030
  • Terra Global Capital: USD $100 million by 2030
  • Green World Ventures: USD $65 million by 2020
  • Moringa Partnership: USD $56.5 million by 2030
  • NatureVest (impact investment arm of the Nature Conservancy)
  • Permian Global

Through AFR100, we expect to trigger one of the largest investments in forest landscape restoration the world has ever seen,” said H.E. Dr. Gerd Müller, Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, Germany. “This investment is vital for empowering local communities to scale up the inspiring restoration successes we’ve seen in Africa over the last decade.”

In addition to new financing, a coalition of organizations will provide technical assistance on a wide range of activities, including the mapping of restoration opportunities, securing further financing, and implementing restoration efforts on the ground. Partners include World Resources Institute (WRI), Clinton Foundation, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Jane Goodall Institute (JGI), Kijani, New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD Agency), The Landscapes for People, Food and Nature Initiative (LPFN), and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and The Greenbelt Movement.

Press Release: U.S. Citizen Deported from Uganda to Face Counterfeiting Charges in Western Pennsylvania (07.12.2015)

Counterfeit-Money

PITTSBURGH—A United States citizen has been deported from the Republic of Uganda and brought to the Western District of Pennsylvania to face charges of leading an international counterfeit currency operation headquartered in that African nation. The announcement was made today by David Hickton, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania and Eric Zahren, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service—Pittsburgh Field Office.

Ryan Andrew Gustafson, aka Jack Farrel, aka Willy Clock, 28, is charged with conspiracy, conspiracy to launder money, and the passing and receiving of counterfeit money from December 2013 until December 2014. The indictment alleges more than $1.4 million in counterfeit Federal Reserve Notes have been seized and passed worldwide, both overseas and in the U.S. as part of this scheme.

Gustafson had been on trial in Uganda on a number of charges, including possessing counterfeit money. He was deported Dec. 3 and arrived in Pittsburgh on Friday evening. He will be presented before Chief U.S. District Magistrate Maureen Kelly today at 2:30 p.m. for an Initial Appearance. The case is assigned to United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak.

“Identifying, charging and returning Ryan Gustafson to the United States from Uganda required extensive cooperation among diverse international law enforcement partners and expert coordination among the Secret Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service,” stated U.S. Attorney Hickton. “As a result, a multimillion dollar international cyber counterfeiting scheme has been disrupted and its principal will face justice on American soil. This investigation demonstrates our relentless resolve to identify cyber criminals overseas and bring them back to the United States to be tried for their crimes.”

“This international counterfeit currency investigation and subsequent arrests illustrate Secret Service expertise in safeguarding the Nation’s financial infrastructure since inception,” said Special Agent in Charge Zahren. “We will continue to work closely with our network of law enforcement partners to dismantle criminal enterprises seeking to victimize innocent victims, regardless of geographic distance or borders. Special thanks to Ugandan law enforcement officials and the United States Embassy Uganda for their assistance.”

“This investigation was an excellent example of a partnership between multiple federal law enforcement agencies across the country and overseas, working together to identify and bring down those responsible for a worldwide conspiracy. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service remains vigilant, pursuing criminals like Gustafson to ensure the public’s trust in a safe and secure mail system.” added Inspector in Charge, Tommy Coke, Pittsburgh Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

Gustafson, a U.S. citizen residing in Kampala, Uganda, was originally charged by criminal complaint in December 2014. The April 1, 2015, indictment naming Gustafson also charged three additional defendants with conspiracy and conspiracy to launder money from December 2013 until December 2014. Those defendants are:

  • Zackary L. Ruiz, aka Mr. Mouse, 19, of Las Vegas, Nevada, who is pending trial;
  • Jeremy J. Miller, aka Sinner, 31, of Seattle, Washington, who is pending trial; and
  • Michael Q. Lin, aka Mlin, aka Mr. Casino, 21, of Bethlehem, Penn., who pleaded guilty on Nov. 9, and is scheduled to be sentenced on March 16, 2016.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Shardul S. Desai is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended numerous agencies and organizations for conducting the investigation leading to charges in this case, including the Directorate of Public Prosecution, the Criminal Investigations and Intelligence Department, the Special Investigations and Intelligence Unit, and Stanbic Bank in Uganda; the U.S. Secret Service; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; Homeland Security Investigations; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; and the National Cyber-Forensics & Training Alliance.

Press Release: The relaunch of the Lord Mayoral Campaign for Erias Lukwago (07.12.2015)

Lukwago-Eria

I would wish to inform you that following my formal complaint to the Chairman Electoral Commission, regarding the illegal disruption of my campaign program by the Police, a stakeholders’ meeting, involving inter-alia a team of senior police officers led by the Commandant Metropolitan Police Abbas Byakagaba, was conducted today at the office of the Returning Officer Kampala. It was unanimously agreed that I organise the launch of my campaign platform at the Old Taxi Park(Kisansa yard adjacent to Ben Kiwanuka street). Modalities for a peaceful rally at Nakasero Market Yard will be arranged in liaison with the market leadership on a future date.

Old Taxi Park

You’re therefore kindly invited to attend the launch of my campaign platform on Friday 11th December at 2.00pm at theOld Taxi Park Kisansa Yard. Looking forward to seeing you in hordes on that day. #Omuloodi Waali

NRM EC Letter betweeen Mr Kafalanga & Mr Lukyamuzi (Dated: 20.11.15)

NRM 071215

Worth looking that NRM candidates are buying their NRM Candidature, right? Really democratic! Peace.

Press Release: Clarification on Hon. Norbert Mao’s failed bid for Nomination as a Parliamentary Candidate (03.12.2015)

Norbert Mao NTV

On 2nd December 2015, Hon. Norbert Mao presented himself for nomination for Member of Parliament, Gulu Municipality, Gulu District. However, the Returning Officer could not nominate him because his name was not found on the National Voters Register, which is a requirement for nomination under Section 4 (1) (b) of the Parliamentary Elections Act of 2005 (as amended).

The Electoral Commission has noted the false commentaries that have arisen out of this failed bid for nomination of Hon. Norbert Mao, and would like to clarify on the matter as follows:

1. The Electoral Commission compiled a National Voters’ Register for purposes of the 2015-2016 General Elections, and for this purpose, extracted the data containing the particulars of registered and verified Ugandan citizens from the National Identification Register;

2. The extracted data of the successfully verified Ugandan citizens was displayed for public scrutiny at the respective update centers in each Parish/Ward during the update period from 7th April to 11th May 2015. The exercise had been scheduled to end on 30th April 2015 but was extended twice, from 30th April to 4th May, and again, to 11th May 2015;

3. During the above period, the Commission conducted an update of the National Voters’ Register, which involved fresh registration of Ugandan citizens of 18 years and above, who had missed out on the registration conducted for purpose of issuance of a National Identity Card.

The Commission extensively publicized the exercise to ensure that Ugandan citizens register to participate in the 2016 General Elections;

4. During the update exercise, the Commission clarified that all persons who registered for purposes of elections prior to the 2010/2011 General Elections and consequent update exercises conducted for purposes of by-elections, but had not registered during the Enrolment exercise for purposes of issuance with a National Identification Card, were required to register (afresh) for purposes of voting during the 2016 General Elections;

5. In a Press Statement dated 1st April 2015, the Commission announced that effective 31st March 2015, the 2011 National Voters’ Register (as updated) had been retired and degazetted, and accordingly, it would not be used for purposes of elections and/or referenda in 2016 and beyond;

6. The information available to the Electoral Commission is that Hon. Mao Norbert did not register during the above exercises, which he, too acknowledges in his letter to the Chairperson, Electoral Commission, dated 16th October 2015, requesting for consideration and inclusion on the National Voters’ Register;

7. The Commission, in response, advised that his request was time barred, since it was raised after conclusion of the General Update whose cut-off date was 11th May 2015; and,

8. Please note that only persons whose particulars appear on the National Voters Register are eligible to participate in the ongoing electoral processes, including nomination to an elective position.

The above facts clarify the failure of Hon. Mao to be nominated as a candidate, since he never registered as a voter for purposes of the 2016 General Elections.

Finally, the Commission calls on all stakeholders in the ongoing electoral process to refrain from making statements that are likely to misguide the general public. I would like to thank those Ugandans who seek to understand the electoral process, and give informed opinion on the processes. The Commission is available to guide on any matter related to the electoral process.

For God and My Country

Eng. Dr. Badru M. Kiggundu
Chairperson, Electoral Commission

Cleanliness in Leadership is one rare commodity in Uganda: In the cases of Beatrice A. Anywar & Nabilah N. Sempala

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We have seen deflections during the election period. That is not news. Something that is expected! Everybody changes fields for better fortune or ideology, even losing hope in the place they have been in. Get a better state of mind or have more faith in another leader. This here is about two woman who has been loyal and hard-core FDC, Pro-FDC if you want to say so. Even if Beatrice Atim Anywar have been rumored to have a close relationship with Mzee. That is kind of confirmed while NRM Presidential Flag-Bearer Yoweri Kaguta Museveni had his campaign in town. The other one which is more silent, but still showing lacking moral and party loyalty is Nabillah Nagayi Sempala. They both proved that they we’re interested in Go-Forward. They both have some kind of suction at times with NRM. If they are all true then it’s really deserves a spiteful chant. But that is for another day. I will not go into their CV’s. More just from summertime this year till today’s movement; this should be interesting enough.

NRA M7

Yoweri Kaguta Museveni said this once upon a time:

“Cleanliness in leadership is one of the rarest commodities in Uganda” (Weekly Topic June 6, 1980).

Nabila Sempala

Some stories on Nabillah:

“Kampala woman Member of Parliament Nabillah Nagayi Sempala has withdrawn from the race for the Secretary General position of Forum for Democratic Change party citing anomalies in the compiled list of delegates meeting in Kampala today for the FDC Delegates Conference” ( 12.06.2015, 91.0 Best FM).

2nd September Statement:

“In a perfect world politicians wouldn’t lie. But when the voters elect politicians who lie over those who tell the truth then the voters shouldn’t be surprised when they get caught being less that truthful. But in order for politicians to tell the truth, the voters are going to have to stop punishing honesty. The voters are going to have to be ready to face the truth and the hard decisions that the politicians have to face in passing fair laws that are good for the people. Some issues are tough issues and require tough choices and require a solution that is more complicated than a slogan. So when someone running for office tells you that global population is a real issue and it’s not going away on it’s own, listen!”.

NABILLAH SEMPALA Traitor

The real reason why she pulled out was so she could show support for TDA/Go-Forward candidate Amama Mbabazi as she did on 2nd November when she went away from FDC to do so (Fakebeast, 2015).

On the Nomination day of Dr. Kizza Besigye, Nabilah Sempala turned back, just a week after saying she would be behind Amama Mbabazi. She was sitting at Namboole where the Electoral Commission issued the verification on the candidature of the FDC flagbearer. Which are strange moves from the woman (Observer, 2015).

On the 3rd December she became an FDC MP candidate in Kampala today. She has really done some actions that have been questionable, but still been able to get back to the fold.

30.11.15 KItgum FDC

Some stories on Beatrice:

On 22nd September:

She said: “What is wrong with welcoming Amama Mbabazi? I even foresee beyond that. If we came into government, Museveni [safety] should be secured. The NRMs who have done bad things in this country – there should be a reconciliation [ for them], they should be forgiveness, otherwise we are going to continue being in war. That is why am giving a challenge and a burden of challenge to Dr Besigye as a founding member of this party [FDC]. If TDA has decided on another [candidate], don’t bring other issues that ‘he was in government, he did this and that’” (Observer, 2015).

On 3rd November her statement:

“I am a fighter. I fought the Mabira war and won it. I am a staunch FDC member, but I belong to an FDC that goes forward”.  She also said this: “I’m tired of being in one place stagnating. I want to move forward. All those FDC supporters who want to go forward, Amama is the man”.

Team JPAM Statement the same day:

“As proposed by Beatrice Anywar and Seconder Rosette Nsonga, Amama Mbabazi will run with the people’s flag, the go forward flag. See you at Nakivubo then, mid-day. Come one, Come all!”

On Amama Mbabazi nomination:

“Candidate JPAM’s papers already presented to the EC returning officer Eng Badru Kiggundu for scrutiny by Hon Beatrice Anywar” (88.7 Arua One FM).

She said this on 11th November:

“We Should Move As One And Not Sit Back, we As People Must Unit. Amama Came With Keys That Can Open The Doors To State House… With Mbabazi Our Votes Will Not Be Stolen, jobs For The Youth, safety Of Mothers, plus Keys To State House” (Greenfield Radio).

M7 21.11.15

Mzee states on 22nd November on the Boma Grounds at Kitgum:  

“According to the files I have looked at, the nodding disease has been contained. It was being brought by the flies from the river and we have sprayed, it has now gone down. We fought this with my daughter Anywar Beatrice but now she went to another party, we shall continue doing this without her”.

On 24th November:

“The FDC spokesperson Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda has said the Kitgum woman member of parliament Beatrice Anywar by act of abandoning the party presidential flag bearer Rtd. Col. Dr. Kiiza Besigye to support the Go Forward candidate Hon. Amama Mbabazi has left the party” (Crooze FM 91.2)

On the 27th November:

“FDC electoral commission chairman, Dan Mugarura says Anywar was denied the party flag because of her hostility to the party and its presidential candidate, Dr. Kizza Besigye. She continues to canvass for votes for former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi despite the collapse of the Democratic Alliance (TDA)” (Radiocity 97FM).

On the 30th November:

“Hon. Beatrice Anywar aka Mama Mabira bounces back to FDC in support of Kizza Besigye-Kifefe after she had publically decided to nominate Amama Mbabazi”.

On the 1st of December: “FDC  maintained that Mr Denis Okalit was the party flag bearer for the Kitgum municipality MP seat even as Ms Beatrice Anywar made last minute attempts to persuade the party to reconsider the decision” .

FDC Kitgum 02.12.15

Today:

“Beatrice Anywar, the embattled Kitgum Woman Member of Parliament has been nominated to run for Kitgum Municipality parliamentary seat as an independent” (…)”Anywar, who formerly belonged to the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party, promises to cooperate with the party in parliament, despite their frosty relationship at the moment” (3.12.15, Radio Buddu 98.8 and 95.5)

Afterthought:

We have should wonder about how long and at what reasons they sudden return to FDC and for much is their trade. I am glad that they didn’t take back Beatrice Anywar even if they gave her space at the campaign rally in Kitgum, her area. The Kampala Woman MP Nabillah Nagayi Sempala will still rally under the FDC banner and organization. Even if she has been trifling and wonder how she gets the forgiveness from the party… What is her suction for the Kampala position since Gen. Mugisha Muntu could easily done the same and given another person the post and nomination. She can’t be the only woman in Kampala who could stand for the FDC. That I doubt, though not as experienced. So that this election period turns interesting, that is for sure and the losing grip of Amama Mbabazi is showing. While FDC stay strong and relevant, at the same time NRM continue to pay for patronage like giving alcoholic’s free beer at the bar. Go-Forward lost already in few days 100 people and now two high-profile candidates. Even if Beatrice Anywar haven’t been let into the fold in FDC, she has proven she is not loyal to Amama Mbabazi either. That is something you… can think about. Peace.

Reference:

Fakebeast – ‘Nabilah, Kidandala, Segona join Amama’ (02.11.2015) link: http://www.fakebeast.com/nabilah-kidandala-segona-join-amama/

Observer – ‘Wolokoso: Nabilah dashes to be the ‘acting Winnie’ (09.11.2015) link: http://www.observer.ug/news-headlines/40889-wolokoso-nabilah-dashes-to-be-the-acting-winnie

Observer – ‘Besigye TDA stand selfish – Beatrice Anywar’ (22.09.2015) link: http://www.observer.ug/news-headlines/40017-besigye-tda-stand-selfish-beatrice-anywar

Press Release: UPF has been withdrawn from all landing sites, following complaints to H.E. the President about misconduct and even criminality (03.12.15)

IGP 03.12.15

The President Musveni Letter on the matter last month in case you forgot! 

Musevenis-letter-on-illegal-fishing1

 

Norbert Mao the DP chief not Nominated as MP for Gulu Municipality

Norbert Mao NTV

Today is a special day, a former presidential candidate Norbert Mao who happen to be the Democratic Party in 2011, is after today not allowed to compete to become a MP from the Gulu Municipality, and we’re today told by Gulu Electoral Commission registrar Benson Obete for the reason of missing his National ID card. To top it all off now he cannot run as a MP, because he doesn’t have that National ID card(Had to say that twice!).

He had issues last time with photos and got a few hours to fix it(by the same Electoral Commission before the 2011 Nominations. This time it wasn’t that easy; because when the issuing of the National ID Cards he was sick (Reports are saying so). On that matter hen wrote to the Ministry of late General Aronda to get a reissue of the card. In so return nothing ever happen and Eng. Dr. Badru M. Kiggundu; has now said today; that he cannot give special treatment to any candidate.

Just a friendly reminder: Well, he did that with Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of the NRM, who didn’t need to be nominated by his party before he verified his nomination form like the other candidates did (I’m just saying). But that is another issue (Indeed it’s Mzee we’re speaking about).

Norbert Mao has been under fire since last election and the reckless fall of one of the oldest parties in the Ugandan country. He has been hectic activity since 2010. He was also parts of the ‘Walk to Work’ protest and a presidential candidate before that. He has had issues with the Police a dozen of times, seen rallies destroyed by police and been jailed. As so many opposition leaders and MPs has been now and then. Even totally pinked by tear-gas in Kampala (that picture is legendary); also rumored dead for a while during 2015, which we all know is not true. So let me give you some more quotes and issues in his political life!

Norbert-Mao 2011

Backdrops on today:

Mao we’re born on 12. March 1967. In 1991 he had been able to get bachelor degree in Law at Makerere University where he was Guild President school year of 1990/91. In 1992 he got the Post Graduate Diploma from Law Development Center in Legal Practice. From 1992 to 1996 he worked in two companies as a lawyer. From 1996 till now he has been an MP. And in General Election in 2011 he tried to be the DP Presidential Candidate.

DP Mao

Some of his love-life:

“Naomi Odong Achieng was seen leaving UK 16/10/98 in the company of Nobert Mao MP with whom she is reported to be deeply in love. Nobert Mao is a regular visitor to London and the relationship between the two has been going on for some time to the annoyance of Nobert Mao’s family” (…)”Last night I called Prof Ogenga Otunnu at his Offices at the York University Toronto Canada where he is a lecturer. I asked him if there was any rumour in the story that his wife had been snatched. He was reluctant to speak to me. He however confirmed that it was indeed true Mao had stolen his wife. He said that it was not news the relationship has been going on for some time now” (Masaba, 1998).

23rd October 2009:

He said: “In Gulu Municipality we had to exercise serious vigilance to beat electoral fraud. In 1996, my toughest election yet, even dead soldiers ‘voted’!! But I know only one way to meet a cchallenge – HEAD ON!! when you stand up to bullies you get beaten down. But at least you can get up…unlike those who lie down voluntarily…they will be down for good…So let us stand up for our right to make our votes count…”

18th November 2010:

He cited: “We are in Moroto! Last night 4 UPDF soldiers were busy tearing down my posters while putting up President Museveni’s. When challenged by my team, one cocked a gun. His colleague ordered him to shoot. Our police escorts disarmed him. If UPDF soldiers can do this then we are in a circus not a campaign. We are not campaigning against a party but the state itself. It is a mockery of democracy!”.opposition-leaders-sam-lubega-2l-upcs-olara-otunnu-and-others-were-weted-by-tear-gas-yesterday-picture-by-michael-kakumirizi1

In 2010 the year before General Elections in 2011:

He said this: “hose holding guns are entirely dependent on the gun. Those who are spending tax payers’ money on campaigns are dependent on money but we are relying on the ordinary Ugandan and everybody should know that DP has resurrected” (…)”We welcome whoever had temporarily taken refuge elsewhere to return home. Whoever fears rain can even seek shelter in a night dancer’s home but the rain is no more” (…)”I told them I am a Ugandan and I never filled any form to be a Mucholi (sic). I told them those who attacked the Lubiri did so before I was born” (DP, 2010).  If you forgot the troubling paperwork on the 2010 nomination: ““I declare Nobert Mao of DP, who has complied with all the regulations,” Dr Kiggundu said, amidst ululations and shouts of joy from the 20 man team.

However, Dr Kiggundu also said because of natural justice, Mao would be allowed some few hours to present another set of postcard photographs to the EC “because the ones submitted have one ear.”The team comprised of MPs, John Kawanga, Joseph Balikudembe, Mathias Nsubuga, and Jinja Mayor Kezaala among others” (DP, 2010).

April 18 2011 Statement:

We are now detained at Kiira Road Police Station. Seven of us are here facing ridiculous charges of being part of an unlawful society. They claim to have reinstated the old charges of inciting violence and holding an unlawful procession. We shall not be cowed. We remain resolute about the cause we have embraced”.

walk-work-@3double8

Reports from 2012:

Norbert Mao has already been a disappointment to the party, including all the neutral potential supporters who would have joined DP.  It is two years since Mao was elected, and there’s nothing that one can show” (…)”I have not seen or heard Mao and his executive in villages consulting and building the party, or empowering supporters, except during the elections. Yet DP would probably find it a lot easier to mobilise people since its values are very close to people’s hearts, and it has no history of engaging in killings” (…)”he has failed to reconcile the DP young leaders who connect very well with the voters. These are Ms Betty Nambooze, Mathius Mpuuga, Medard Ssegona and Erias Lukwago, among others” (…)”The DP that Mao leads has not even got an official website.  Ironically, Mao has a personal website where he regularly communicates to his followers, but not to the entire DP membership” (…)”Surely the DP party leadership can afford to build four rooms somewhere in outer Kampala to house our offices in a clean and respected area. I am not expecting Mao to use his personal wealth, and that’s why I am talking about fundraising not bankrolling the party” (Mwaka, 2012).

30th March 2012:

He cited saying: “My heart wept to see that displaced people who had returned to their homes in Apa, Amuru District have been beaten, killed and their houses burnt by the army and police on orders of the government. 25 people are in detention for saying no to this injustice. 9 people are unaccounted for. Police claims they shot dead two people but only produced one body. This is going to be a long struggle against a so called foreign investor who wants to turn our home into a game ranch! On Tuesday we shall see how to get the detainees out on bail…Truth will ultimately triumph…”.

norbert-mao-quote-museveni-has-not-kept-his-promises-to-west-nile-i

6th August 2012:

He said this: “We have just had a serious clash with NRM officials at Messiah FM when the radio talk-show host wanted to stop our program because Crispus Kiyonga and the NRM entourage were pressurizing him to close our program. We are filing an official complaint with the Media Council and the Broadcasting Council. Our program was cut to only 30 mins! Not just bad politics but also bad manners….”

30th July 2013:

He stated: “Police today surrounded the DP headquarters. Six pick up trucks downstairs, a police bus and our balcony swarming with armed riot police. My Press Officer Fred Mwesigwa bravely faced them off when they claimed that they had heard that DP was planning to deliver foodstuffs to families of police officers and so they had come to search DP offices. Mwesigwa told them that unless they produce a search warrant from court the party would exercise its right to self defence and protect its right to privacy. Eventually they cops went to the street level when it became apparent that no one was afraid of them”.

In August 2013:

He said: “The Public Order Management Act is the last nail in the coffin of civil liberties in Uganda. It is a monument to arbitrariness. It has amended the constitution by the back door concluding the formality of turning Uganda into a police state”.

Norbert Mao Quote

In November 2014:

“Mao said that he declined the Prime Minister’s position because he knew it was going to yield nothing for him and the people of Uganda whose interests he fights for” (…)”He says that the only way he was ready to work with Museveni was to restore peace in northern Uganda and take Internally Displaced people back to the homes” (ThemBokaHunga, 2014).

In September 2015:

He said: “The opposition is not as weak and unkempt as it seems. If the opposition was so weak and utterly in disarray as some people seem to think, Museveni would not be running around scared of losing elections” (…)”He (Museveni) would not be seeking to be guest of honour at every little ceremony in the country. Museveni is running around scared because for once he can smell defeat and he knows that the army will not defend him and keep him in power when he is defeated at the polls. He is desperate for a semblance of legitimacy” (Musinguzi, 2015).

And in a statement: “The Bank of Uganda will still be used like Museveni’s private ATM, the military and police will serve the role of appendages to the regime and the Electoral Commission will be but a figurehead as state operatives run the elections behind the scenes” (…)”Museveni was a Minister at the time when I was a primary school pupil. I am now 48. Museveni is combatting the onset of senility. He struggles to present an image of youthfulness. He does press ups to dupe the unsuspecting public that he still has stamina. He dabs in rap music to project the image of a man in tune with modern musical trends. But all that cannot beguile Ugandans. As Bob Marley sang, you can fool some people all of the time and you can fool all the people some of the time but you can’t fool all the people all of the time” (Musinguzi, 2015).

Mao Masaka Mbabazi 091115

Afterthought:

If he doesn’t get it fixed to become really nominated to be MP for Gulu Municipality which gives a free for all for the other candidates in that constituency and the candidates that are nominated there either UPC or NRM. This gives other parties than DP who has made head-weight by the voters in that area. Since one of their big men and main candidates since 1996 is not on the ballot in February 2016. I am sure this has something to do with his affiliation at the current moment. He has been on the trail with Amama Mbabazi and supported him as a TDA Joint Presidential Candidate that is one of the reasons why DP doesn’t have a Presidential candidate, the same with Justice Forum Uganda (JEEMA) and People’s Progressive Party (PPP) so on. DP is not alone, even the UPC who now has a deal with NRM has the same conundrum. They solved it differently and directly having a deal with Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.

For some time it seemed that DP was lingering towards NRM. That train has now left station. This proves the situation and how rigged the elections are. Certain bunch of losers from NRM Primaries can still be a part of the elections in 2016. They are running as Independents and have now worries. A number of them have been in talks with statehouse and they are already reassured from the Mzee.

The Gulu Municipality MP election results will be mind boggling and be weird. Since Norbert Mao will not be on the ticket. And he was going in for the President in 2011! Only – Made in Uganda! Peace.

Reference:

DP – ‘DP HAS RESURRECTED, SAYS MAO’ (26.10.2010)

DP – ‘I AM UGANDA’S OBAMA SAYS MAO’ (28.10.2010)

Masaba, Tony – ‘MP MAO STEALS EXILE’S WIFE; UK ACHOLI COMMUNITY OUTRAGED’ (17.10.1998)

Musinguzi, Bianshe – ‘Museveni Is Scared—Norbert Mao’ (08.09.2015) link: http://www.redpepper.co.ug/museveni-is-scared-norbert-mao/

Mwaka, Timothy – ‘Norbert Mao is a very weak DP leader’ (28.05.2012) link: http://www.ugandacorrespondent.com/articles/2012/05/norbert-mao-is-a-very-weak-dp-leader/

ThemBokaHungu – ‘NORBERT MAO REFUSED MUSEVENI’S OFFER FOR PREMIER’ (01.11.2014) link: http://thembokahungu.blogspot.no/2014/11/norbert-mao-refused-musevenis-offer-for.html

Press Release: URC, KCCA and RVRU resume Passanger Rail Service in Kampala (02.12.2015)

URC KCCA 021215

They have done it before, take a look:

KCCAUG 2014

In 2012:

“The Ministry of Transport at the weekend authorised the Rift Valley Railways (RVR) to temporarily run passenger rail services in a move to add pressure on striking taxi drivers.RVR will transport passengers Monday to Friday, from Namanve to Kampala and back at Shs1,500. In the morning, there are two shifts that depart Namanve at 7am and 8am. Evening shifts leave Kampala at 5:30pm and 7pm. Each shift can transport 550 passengers using five coaches”.

Quick thinking:

So they have done it before, will be able to do it now? Secondly, how long will it last before it break down or the money is gone and the trains lay astray somewhere? Peace.

 

NRM buying loyalty the only way they know…

Uganda Shillings

Today is the epitome of how the National Resistance Movement or NRM. They have a fear for everybody and use every institution or committee to shut down “silently” opposition.

AmamaNRMElection2016

First is the pay-off of Uganda National Youth Council. They was recently elected into their positions in the council. The council has a massive numbers of members who affiliated to NRM like Felix Safari Kayihura, Samuel Odong, Oliver Mutesi and Ibrahim Kiata.  Even former Miss Bunyoro of 2010 Caroline Karungi who I am sure is not a part of NRM. And some who was independent candidates like the newly elected leader Lillan Aber who said this: “the best package for youth in this country”. That was Shs700m to be shared in-between the new council to give their support to NRM and Museveni. Surely the National Youth Council is paid to be branch of NRM instead of a functioning partisan council for Youthful questions that are in Uganda. If you wonder where that gravy train went, it went into the coffers and arms of President Museveni. A fun fact: Aber was a pro-FDC back in the day, but seems the coins prove where the loyalty is. And she alone got shs100m to eat herself for it, hope you’re proud.

G-F 01.12.15

Second pay-off Go-Forward paid to go back to NRM:

Idris Kizza and Ronald Tumwine is the plain example of leaders in the Go-Forward who could be brought back to the mother-party for a SUV. They sell their political soul for a car, it got and engine and will work for a while, but your honor and pride, loyalty towards something you stand for. You two showed today that your loyalty is worth a box of metal with an engine. Congrats Idris and Ronald. Hope you get a Minister without Portifolio or something. Because a SUV should not be enough to sell your political future and loyalty from ones party like they was supposed to be loyal to Amama Mbabazi by now.

Cars for G-F 01.12.15

The same fellow was reported to be loyal to NRM the whole time. Here is a report from 25th November:

“Ronald Tumwine Sekitoleko and Idris Kizza  who have been holding top offices in the TDA – Go Forward secretariats were relieved of their duties after they were suspected to be selling confidential information to President Museveni” (Mugume, 2015).

Hope the cars was worth it to be devious and play around in the TDA and Go-Forward camp and pretend to be somebody else then who you really are, pawns on the Museveni’s chess set. That must be beautiful to listen to while you drive in your new SUV and the SUV is now the proof of your loyalty and what your words mean.

TDA Adress

Not only these two went back, there are certain other people also returning to NRM:

“A group of over 100 staff members of the former Prime Minister AmamaMbabazi’s Go Forward secretariat have crossed over and joined President Yoweri Museveni’s campaign team” (Kazibwe, 2015).

NRM-P

The leader of the group who left Go-Forward Ronald Tumwine Ssekitooleko:

“We have officially left the TDA/Go Forward Uganda pressure group to rejoin the ruling NRM after being misled   by Hon. Amama Mbabazi, who since the beginning was telling us that he was to bring about the desired change within the NRM by participating in the party primaries, something   he rejected and stood as an independent candidate” (…)”We noticed we were fighting personal wars between Mbabazi and President Museveni as the former was serving his own interests, contrary to what he always told us and the public at large. We reflected on it and realized it was a bad scheme we could not continue with” (…)”We were not sacked as they claim because we were the ones who invited delegates who attended the launch of the nomination for Mbabazi recently. We however realized that he was serving foreign interests, which was unpatriotic of him” (Kazibwe, 2015).

With this also there are reports floating around that 44 losers that NRM Primaries who has been in talks with Go-Forward have been going to Entebbe and the statehouse. At the Statehouse they have been offered future positions and jobs. That is from Ambassadors and directors… even top jobs in government state bodies.

Some sells their future for a job at least and not just a metal box with an engine. Congratulations to you! We know that the 144 people has as much credibility as loaf of bread. That means the slice of bread has loyalty to the first one putting cheese on it and making a sandwich. Noting else matters since they are after the cheese, the money and the bribe, not about any political place or standing for anything. We could expect that point from the NRM losers. They tried and now want a simple way out. 

Biafra

Well, the National Youth Council of Uganda has now been paid to be loyal to NRM. Same happen with certain characters cashing-in with a brown envelope in the size of SUV. The same was given to my estimate: 144 more people; must be a lot of new Embassies opening in new countries. Are Biafra and Katanga becoming new states in 2016? Is the Azawad a place where NRM-Regime opening the first Embassy to validate their rush for freedom? Like Kurdistan also? Since you President Museveni has so many more people who are promised positions. Or are you planning to create 100 new sub-countries? Because Uganda really need that! So they get enough places to fill the new loyal people of Yoweri Kaguta Musveni and the NRM-Regime! Be proud people, ladies and gentleman. Let me end there. But, look at this.

And a historical document from Katanga: 

moniteur-katangais-1960

Peace!

Side-note:

Fox Odoi one of the losers of the NRM-Primaries was dismissed today in court and has now said that he will go into the election as an Independent Candidate.

Reference:

Kazibwe, Kenneth – ‘Go Forward Secretariat Team Joins Museveni’ (01.12.2015) link: http://www.chimpreports.com/go-forward-secretariat-team-joins-museveni/

Mugume, Paul – ‘Go Forward Camp Infiltrated By NRM Spies, Mbabazi Fires Two’ (25.11.2015) link: http://www.hotspot.ug/2015/11/25/go-forward-camp-infiltrated-by-nrm-spies-mbabazi-fires-two/