Category: Civil Service
President Museveni is officially the NRM Flag-bearer (We already knew it in a way)
NRM Electoral Commission Chairman Tanga Odoi verifies aspirant Yoweri Museveni’s documents!
President Museveni arrives in the company of First Lady Hon. Janet Museveni for nomination as NRM Presidential Flagbearer!
“NRM is the only party that does not plead with any one when fighting corruption. It is therefore only NRM that has got the capacity to end corruption” – H.E Yoweri Museveni
Afterthought
Really? The only one? Interesting thing to say… What about UNRA and all the other recent stories? But good luck with your continuation of fear campaign until the 2016 election! We all knew you would run again and run the party a little more with you first lady. We all will know you was running! Nobody was like – did he? Did he? No! So welcome to yet another term. We sure has a feeling you will rigg this especially with the reports of UPDF guys put into the Electoral Commission! Peace.
Press Release: Kenyan Government must respect lawful order and pay teachers (17.09.2015)
NAIROBI, 16TH SEPTEMBER 2015 | The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) is a premier and flagship non-governmental organization with a mandate to entrench human rights-centered governance at all levels. It is on this basis that the KHRC is deeply concerned by the current standoff between the government and the two teachers unions: KNUT and KUPPET over salary increment for teachers.
The two giant unions called the ongoing national teachers’ strike based on the Government’s refusal to effect the Industrial Relations Court order that the Teachers’ Service Commission (TSC) awards a 50-60 percent salary increment to teachers, a decision which the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court upheld. Unless the order is reversed by a higher court, the rule of law demands that the government complies with the current decision. For the refusal by the Government and any actor to implement court decisions sets a bad precedent of abetting anarchy and impunity.
KHRC is concerned that the disruption of learning due to the ongoing teachers’ strike comes at a time when learners should be preparing for the national exams. The strike, now in its third week, has paralyzed learning in public primary and secondary schools; putting the fate of about 12 million learners in limbo, with children in public schools hurting the most. This perpetuates inequality because learning in private schools continues uninterrupted.
The right to basic education for children in Article 53 of the Constitution is an unqualified right, realizable immediately and is not pegged on availability of resources. Further, Kenya being a signatory of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), has undertaken under Article 2 (1) of the covenant to deploy maximum available resources for the achievement of Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, education being one of them.
However, a look at the gross misappropriation of tax payers’ money, unnecessary government expenditure, misplaced priorities such as the laptop project, over funding of some ministries such as the security ministry currently supported to the tune of Kshs. 200 billion, grand corruption both at the national and county governments and hefty salaries for and extravagance by State officials is evidence of the government’s unwillingness to deploy maximum available resources for the realization of access to education. Granted, the billions of money lost in tax evasion estimated at KSh.639 billion annually is more than enough to pay the KSh.17 billion that teachers are asking for.
Davis Malombe, Ag. Executive Director at KHRC says: “By delaying to obey the Court order, the Government is condoning a continuing violation of children’s rights under the Constitution.” It is also a blatant contravention of Article 21 of the Constitution that obligates the State and State organs to observe, respect, protect, promote and fulfill rights and freedoms. The excuse of lack of funds by the Government to pay teachers adequately is unjustifiable and unacceptable. Teachers have had to put up with a never ending circus on their salaries for years now. The billions lost in imprudent and irresponsible financial expeditions is more than enough to pay the 17 billion that teachers are asking for.
In view of the foregoing, KHRC demands that:
- The TSC immediately pays the increment ordered by the Courts without any further delay;
- A return-to work formula is negotiated and agreed on to allow normalcy to return to public schools. The strike MUST END NOW!
- The TSC and teachers’ unions engage in open and constructive dialogue towards finding a lasting solution to the never ending teachers’ strikes;
- The government MUST zealously guard, respect, promote and protect the right to education. This right is a fundamental right that MUST NOT be compromised for whatever reason.
- The Government must pursuant to Article 201 of the Constitution ensure equity, accountability and prudence in the allocation and utilization of public resources.
Kenya is a State governed by the Constitution. The Government, just like any other stakeholder, has an unqualified and uncompromising obligation to uphold the rule of law and respect Court Orders.
Press Release: 2015-200-EN – Development banks confirm multi million dollar backing for African Renewable Energy Fund (18.09.2015)
- Fund headquartered in Nairobi
- Reaches final close at its hard cap of US$200m
- Mixture of DFI investors and private capital, including European Investment Bank (EIB) and the Global Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Fund (GEEREF)
- Cornerstoned by African Development Bank with seed funding and active support from SEFA and concessional contributions from SEFA and GEF
- Promoted in partnership with African Biofuel and Renewable Energy Company (ABREC)
- Already invested and developing 4 renewable energy projects with an additional pipeline of projects
The African Renewable Energy Fund (AREF), a dedicated renewable energy fund focused on sub-Saharan Africa successfully reached its final close today at its hard cap, with USD200 million of committed capital to support small to medium scale projects, with investment at the final close from European Investment Bank (EIB) and the Global Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Fund (GEEREF), among other investors.
African Development Bank (AfDB) is the fund’s lead sponsor, bringing US$55min an equity investment package from its statutory resources as well as climate finance instruments such as Sustainable Energy for Africa (SEFA) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) to leverage commercial and institutional investment. SEFA has additionally committed a US$10m Project Support Facility (PSF), which will provide resources to be deployed at an early stage to structure bankable deals.
The fund which is headquartered in Nairobi held its first close of $100m in March 2014 and since that time has been investing capital in grid-connected development stage renewable energy projects including small hydro, wind, geothermal, solar and biomass.
AREF is the first dedicated sub-Saharan African renewable energy fund and is managed by Berkeley Energy, a fund manager focused on developing and investing in renewable energy projects in emerging markets. Berkeley Energy also manages dedicated renewable energy funds in Asia. Berkeley Energy has more than 30 staff in 5 offices globally, shortly expanding into West Africa.
The final investor group also includes West African Development Bank (BOAD), Ecowas Bank for Investment and Development (EBID), FMO, Calvert Investments, CDC Group, BIO, OeEB – the Development Bank of Austria, Wallace Global Fund, Sonen Capital, Berkeley Energy, ABREC and now the European Investment Bank, the Global Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Fund, and a number of other private investors.
AfDB had originally selected Berkeley Energy as the fund manager for AREF following a global competitive procedure and with the fund having reached its hard cap as well as successfully closing a number of transactions in its initial period, Berkeley Energy has justified the AfDB’s selection. The Berkeley Energy team comprises Managing Partner TC Kundi; Partner Alastair Vere Nicoll; Chairman Andrew Reicher; Investment Director and AREF lead Luka Buljan, Project Director David Hastings; and Investment Committee members Thierno Bocar Tall, Chief Executive Officer of ABREC; and Eddie Njoroge, former Chief Executive Officer of Kenya Electricity Generating Company (Kengen).
Berkeley Energy’s Partner and Co-Founder, Alastair Vere Nicoll said: “We are very pleased to have reached our target fund raising and look forward to continuing our work focusing on the technical delivery of our projects with our project partners from concept to generating reality”.
“AfDB is pleased to see that AREF is now fully capitalised to deliver on its pan-African mandate. We are also equally excited that SEFA and GEF participation have been catalytic in mobilizing significant amounts of commercial capital into AREF over a short time-frame; this is key for accelerating deployment of modern, clean and affordable energy in the continent” said Alex Rugamba, Director of Energy and Climate Change Department.
“As one of the world’s largest investors in renewable energy the European Investment Bank is committed to ensuring that new projects can be implemented around the world. This engagement is demonstrated through our support for the Global Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Fund, GEEREF. Our combined backing for the African Renewable Energy Fund will provide both financial support and share technical experience essential for smaller renewable schemes being implemented for the first time,” said Pim van Ballekom, European Investment Bank Vice President.
2016/082/AFR: World Bank Approves a Social Safety Net Project for Madagascar (17.09.2015)
More than 162,500 vulnerable people are targeted
WASHINGTON, September 17, 2015 – The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors has approved a US$40 million credit for a social safety net project in Madagascar.
“This operation will support the government in increasing the access of extremely poor households to safety net services and in laying the foundations for a social protection system,” said Andrea Vermehren, Lead Social Protection Specialist at the World Bank.
The economic and political crises in Madagascar coupled with the country’s recurrent exposure to natural disasters have had adverse effects on food security and human development. The enrollment rate for children between 6 to 10 years old dropped sharply from 80 percent to 75 percent between 2005 and 2010, and over 40 percent of Malagasy children under the age of 5 suffer from chronic malnutrition, one of the highest prevalence rates in the world. “In response to this situation, the Government’s General Policy (Politique Générale de L’Etat) has made it a priority to develop the social protection sector” reminded Onitiana Realy, the Minister of Population, Social Protection, and Promotion of Women.
This three-year project will focus on five regions selected jointly by the Malagasy Government, the National Nutrition Office and the Intervention Fund for Development (FID), based on data related to the poverty level, malnutrition rates, school attendance rates, food security, productive potential and complementary programs/interventions. Following this process, the project will be implemented in Atsinanana, Atsimo Andrefana, Haute Matsiatra, Vatovavy Fitovinany and Vakinankaratra. It will target 32,500 extremely poor households, thus reaching more than 162,500 individuals, with an overall equal participation of men and women.
The Social Safety Net Project will help establish a systematic and programmatic approach to social protection, focusing on investing in the human capital and productive assets of Madagascar’s extreme poor in addition to supporting the government’s leadership capacity.
“This project is in support of the Malagasy Government’s goal to promote inclusive growth by giving work opportunities to the poorest families and helping them in sending their children to school. The World Bank shares this goal which is at the core of its mission to eradicate extreme poverty and is proud to help the poorest gain livelihood and dignity”said Coralie Gevers, World Bank Country Manager for Madagascar.
Press release: Drought in Somaliland (17.09.15)
September 17, 2015: More than 240,000 people in Somaliland are severely food insecure due to a continuing drought in the region.
Somaliland is currently experiencing an acute drought that has affected more than 240,000 people (40,000 Households) due to the shortfall of the Gu (April-June) rains in 2014 and 2015. The most affected regions are Awdal, Maroodijeeh, and Gebiley, which are traditionally the main food producing regions. Other regions affected include Selel and Sahil.
Uganda – Road to 2015: “High Level Scenario-Building Colloquium on the Run Up to and Beyond the 2016 Elections”
Press Releases on the Coup d’etat in Burkina Faso
It’s been a day with heavy deployment in Burkina Faso. The recent activities are still under way and the reports from the ground and they will continue to come. The Coup d’etat which is happening as we speak is strange especially thinking about the recent process that the nation has been under in recent months. That the military has all of a sudden carried out! The releases that are released are from certain big organization, multilateral organization and bigger nations that have a say in the world.
African Union statement:
“The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU), Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, continues to follow with deep concern the situation in Burkina Faso following the abduction yesterday, in Ouagadougou, of the President of Faso, Michel Kafando, Prime Minister Yacouba Isaac Zida and some members of his Government, by elements of the
Régiment de sécurité présidentielle (RSP), as well as today’s announcement of the appointment of “new authorities” (…)”She welcomes the unanimous condemnation by the international community of these acts, which constitute a serious threat to peace, stability and security in Burkina Faso, the region and the rest of the continent. She calls on all the AU Member States and the international community as a whole to ensure that this attempt to undermine the Transition is defeated. The AU considers the announcement by the military of the “dismissal” of President Michel Kafando and the attempt of substituting him with “new authorities” as null and void” (…)”The Chairperson of the Commission reiterates the imperative for the defense and security forces to operate under the control of the political authorities. She stresses that the repeated destabilization attempts by elements of the RSP since the beginning of the Transition highlight the need for security sector reform in Burkina Faso, as part of the efforts to deepen democracy and strengthen the rule of law in this country” (African Union, 2015).
Amnesty:
“The situation in Burkina Faso is deeply worrying. The interim president and all those detained must be immediately freed and their physical integrity protected,” said Gaetan Mootoo, Amnesty International’s West Africa Researcher” (…)“The security forces must respect the right of the population to protest peacefully, and take action to avoid any more deaths or injuries,” (…)”The coup d’état comes just two days after the National Reconciliation and Reforms Commission recommended that the RSP be disbanded following accusations that its guards opened fire on unarmed protesters during last year’s anti-government protests” (Amnesty, 2015).
Freedom House:
“The Presidential Guard’s decision to detain key members of the transitional government weeks before the election is a direct threat to Burkina Faso’s transitional process,” said Vukasin Petrovic, director of Africa programs. “It is imperative these officials be released and citizens of Burkina Faso be given the opportunity to peacefully vote for their new government” (Freedom House, 2015).
South Africa;
“South Africa strongly condemns any attempt to seize power through extra-constitutional means or the resolution of political disagreements through the use of force. This incident is a serious violation of Burkina Faso’s Constitution and the country’s Transitional Charter. South Africa calls for the immediate release of Interim President Kafando, Prime Minister Zida and other leaders, and appeals to the people and all political leaders in the country to refrain from any violent activities that may further undermine peace, security and stability in the country. We urge all involved, including Burkina Faso’s security forces, to adhere to non-violence, and to debate issues in a peaceful and inclusive manner” (RSA, 2015).
United Nation:
“The United Nations stands firmly behind the transitional authorities and President Kafando. The Secretary-General notes the strong support of the people of Burkina Faso for a peaceful transition and urges compliance with the transitional calendar, including the upcoming elections.”(United Nation, 2015).
U.S. Statement:
“The United States strongly condemns any attempt to seize power through extra-constitutional means or resolve internal political disagreements using force” (Kirby, 2015).
On a total different note:
“today confirms that operations at its Mana Mine in Burkina Faso have not been interrupted by the coup d’état that erupted yesterday in the Ouagadougou area” (…)”The Mana Mine is located 270 kilometers southwest and a five-hour road trip from the capital of Ouagadougou. We are closely monitoring the situation with our partners to ensure the continued safety and security of SEMAFO employees” (La Valliere, 2015).
Afterthough:
Hope this was some insights and hope when it has transgressed over the recent day. I have nearly ever read that governments and human rights organizations have been positive to a coup d’etat in any country. So that they are telling and condemning of the actions of the military should been seen as reasonable in any sense. The process of the matter and the reactions is normal. I and other just pray that this lead to security and safety for the public. The Burkinabe should get political and economic freedoms that they deserve, because there to many coup d’etat’s in the country. If they get this by yet another coup d’etat we cannot be sure of. That this will generate wealth or generate any kind of stabile government is not certain. Especially when they jail the ones that we’re leading the transitional government that was in place for the moment and time. And the outcome of this will lead to outrage and issues between the public and the new military government. The issues between the Burkina Faso and the outside world will also be in jeopardy and the legitimacy of the government would be hard task. Reasons for the coup and knowledge will be dropped later and the stories behind will surface. For now we will hope and pray that this will lead to something good. Though it’s hard to know since the ones grabbing guns and taking it by force isn’t often a way to a healthy democracy or peoples republics. The last one who stepped aside and made a difference this way was Ghana’s Jerry Rawlings. But he is a rarity in this world. Peace.
Reference:
African Union – ‘THE AFRICAN UNION REJECTS AS NULL AND VOID THE ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE MILITARY OF THE “DISMISSAL” OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE TRANSITION IN BURKINA FASO’ (17.09.2015) link:http://www.peaceau.org/uploads/auc-press-release-burkina-faso-17-9-2015-.pdf
Amnesty- ‘Army must free detained leaders in Burkina Faso and avoid violent repression of protests’ (17.09.2015) link: http://www.amnestyusa.org/news/press-releases/army-must-free-detained-leaders-in-burkina-faso-and-avoid-violent-repression-of-protests
Kirby, John – ‘Recent Actions by Elements of the Presidential Guard in Burkina Faso’ (16.09.2015) link: http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2015/09/246990.htm
LaValliere, Robert – ‘Business as Usual at SEMAFO’s Mana Mine in Burkina Faso’ (17.09.2015) link: http://www.canadianminingjournal.com/press-releases/story.aspx?id=1003706346
Freedom House – ‘Burkina Faso: President and PM Detained Ahead of Vote’ (16.09.2015) link: https://freedomhouse.org/article/burkina-faso-president-and-pm-detained-ahead-vote
RSA – ‘South African Government expresses concern over the Republic of Burkina Faso’ (17.09.2015)
UN – SG/SM/17080-AFR/3208: ‘Outraged over Reported Detention of Burkina Faso Leaders, Secretary-General Calls for Immediate Release’ (16.09.2015) link: http://www.un.org/press/en/2015/sgsm17080.doc.htm
FDC Youth Forum reacts to the TDA approval of Amama Mbabazi and want Dr. Kizza Besigye out of the coalition
The saga continues. The race between the Amama Mbabazi new position in the TDA has set things on fire. The same is with the FDC and FDC Youth Forum whom has rights to question the position of their flag-bearer which they wish to have as the leader of the opposition and not the fallen out of grace from the NRM which the other guy has.
Pretext:
“The group of FDC youth have raided storm Royal Suites Bugolobi, the venue for the TDA summit meeting demanding for their party’s withdraw from the opposition alliance” (Odongo, 2015). “The youth who were armed with placards demanded that Besigye leaves the summit and announces that FDC has quit the Alliance. Despite hesitating, Besigye came out of the meeting to address the rowdy youths. He advised them to go to the party headquarters in Najjanakumbi where he would address” (…)”The Youth were lead by MPs Odongo Otto, Geoffrey Ekanya and Jack Sabiiti who some days ago petitioned that FDC withdraws from the Alliance” (Waiswa, 2015). “The National Candidates Selection Committee of the Opposition coalition, The Democratic Alliance, recommended Mbabazi as the most favorable to joint presidential candidate. Not long ago Mbabazi as prime minister was being faulted by the opposition for stifling democracy in the country” (Waiswa, 2015).
This is what really went down:
“Dr Kizza Besigye, the FDC flag-bearer in the 2016 presidential elections has called for restraint and calmness after a group of radical party youth dragged him from a meeting of The Democratic Alliance on Thursday” (…)”The youth warned that FDC would not accept TDA’s endorsement of Amama Mbabazi as the alliance’s flag-bearer in the 2016 election, as alleged in the media” (…)”The youth claimed that while they did not have anything personal with Mbabazi, his alleged “involvement in the suppression of our struggle are still fresh in our minds, he is responsible for our continued suffering” (Aine, 2015).
Dr Kizza Besigye said this: “Our people are concerned by this alleged unfairness” (…)”They are saying the process is unfair. The people are right, it must be questioned. The process must fair” (…)”NEC must sit and discuss concerns of unfairness. People are confused that how can a coalition of opposition support Hon Mbabazi who is an NRM member” (Aine, 2015).
Afterthought:
Well, with the recent actions from the FDC Youth Forum proves that the issue of whom is running for the flag-bearer post in the TDA. That will also create issues between the parties in the alliance and coalition. The frictions that it takes when a independent man that was the former menace to society is now the front-runner of the opposition. Now he is the man to run for office after being split from the mothership or the party he was a poster-child in.
Dr. Kizza Besigye was the same for the NRM, but went out earlier and was involved also from the Bush to the rewrite of the constitution so that President Museveni could sit until indefinite and not leave the office. So after that Dr. Kizza Besigye has lost elections in 2006, 2011. Who even made the issues with the government over the famous ‘Walk to Work’ riots!
That’s why the FDC Youth Forum reacts when the opposition candidate to fight the NRM sole candidate who has been there since 1986, which everybody already knows. The issue that is concerning is the reaction, not from the Youth Forum since they already has addressed their plea. It’s the reaction from FDC flag-bearer Dr. Kizza Besigye who is the people’s president. That has addressed the matter and how it changes the power struggle in the coalition of the TDA. But it’s frightening if this is the way that Dr. Besigye is now addressing the procedures of NEC in the TDA. If this is now really weakening the coalition then it will hard to go back, that the issue becomes a struggle between Amama Mbabazi and Dr. Kizza Besigye, instead of a unity going to show strength towards NRM regime. They need to stay strong against it, if not the fractions and frictions will always be in a coalition, but the way it’s turning isn’t making a solid effort to achieve the changes in electoral reform and also making sure of giving an honest fight against the NRM party. If they go back to scratch then the time was a wasting in a unity that didn’t leave a trace in the 2016 race other than failure. That Dr. Besigye or any of the other opposition party leader want to see happening. Peace.
Reference:
Aine, Kim – ‘Besigye Calls Crisis FDC NEC Meeting as Youth Denounce Mbabazi’ (17.09.2015) link: http://chimpreports.com/besigye-calls-crisis-fdc-nec-meeting-as-youth-denounce-mbabazi/
Odongo, Otto – ‘Otto, FDC youth stir chaos at TDA meet’ (17.09.2015) link: http://www.theinsider.ug/otto-fdc-youth-stir-chaos-at-tda-meet/
Waiswa, Baz – ‘Youth Storm TDA Summit, Force Besigye To Withdrawal From Alliance’ (17.09.2015) link: http://news.ugo.co.ug/youth-storm-tda-summit-force-besigye-to-withdrawal-from-alliance/
Press Statement: NRM Poor Youth Forum Position (17.09.2015)
Our goal is to defeat President M7 in 2016 Presidential Election.Our Go Forward Candidate is H.E Amama Mbabazi.If TDA summit consider Mbabazi as TDA Presidential Candidate,we will commit our efforts towards actualising the principles of TDA but operating independently as NRM POOR YOUTH Forum as we struggle to bring an end to the reign of president M7.
As NRM POOR YOUTH FORUM, we have no problem with Col Kiiza Besigye contesting as FDC presidential candidate or an Independent candidate.We see no harm .We support this position and it’s an advantage in the struggle to defeat the 30 years dictatorship.We need to reach out to the masses, we must prepare the masses for the aftermath of the election.The bitter truth is M7 must go in 2016.
Lastly, If TDA summit consider Col Besigye Its presidential candidate, NRM POOR YOUTH FORUM will request Hon Amama Mbabazi to contest on Go Forward Ticket.
In other words, Both Besigye and Hon Mbabazi must contest for presidential election if we are to defeat M7 in 2016..M7 strength is only in rigging but with two strong candidates all against him, the rigging will not go him.President M7 has no support .He used to enjoy support in rural areas but things have changed, peasants are for JPAM only anxious for change.Col Besigye has great support in urban areas yet m7 has meagre support in urban areas, Jpam has support amongst the students,elites and middle class yet M7 has support from Asian investors in Uganda.
For God and my country,
We repair Broken Eggs.
Luzindana Adam Buyinza

















