Press Release: China donates USD 1.2 Million to support the AU Mission in Somalia (08.09.2015)

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A Cup of tea: The recent Tea-export numbers from Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda

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There been in the recent days fresh export numbers. And they are either positive or staggering in the different countries. I have taken the massive cup of tea and how much of the leaf that are being sold abroad. So we can see the difference between Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda. Which has stories; the most significant is Burundian Tea Export especially considering the turmoil and issues after the “election and swear-in” on the third-term of Pierre Nkurunziza. But I believe the numbers will speak for themselves. I will take it country by country.

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Numbers from Burundi:

“Burundi’s tea export earnings in the first half of the year were up 61 percent on the same period of 2014” (…)”Burundi’s state-run tea board (OTB) reported first-half earnings of $17.9 million, against $11.1 million in the same period last year, on export volumes that jumped to 6,262,710 kg from 5,229,351 kg” (Nduwimana, 2015).

Tea-Board

Numbers from Kenya:

“Kenya’s tea output fell 22 percent in the first-half of 2015 from a year before, according to data from the industry regulator, after the country was hit by drought at the start of the year” (…)”The data also showed Kenya exported 247.57 million kg of tea, down from 249.8 million kg in the first six months of last year” (Clarke, 2015).

1361404042_RWANDA MOUNTAIN GREEN TEA.WGT.100g(50 tea bags.Price-US$3.1(Rwf.2000)

Numbers from Rwanda:

“Rwanda’s tea export earnings increased by 27 per cent to over $6 million in July, driven by better prices on the international market, the National Agriculture Exports Board (NAEB) monthly report indicates” (…)”Tea prices were up 55 per cent to $3.49 (about Rwf2, 617.5)/kilo in July, up from 2.25 (about Rwf1, 687.5)/kilo during the same period last year, according to the report” (Tumwebaze, 2015). Auctioned of sale of tea at the Mombasa Market: “Kenya, the leading contributor on the Auction, offered 5.6 million kilogrammes and was able to sale 4.5 million, indicating a 24 per cent sale” (Nakaweesi, 2015).

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Numbers from Uganda:

“The data shows value of exported tea fell by 4.6 per cent or Sh5.3 billion ($51 million) in the period to stand at Sh110.4 billion” (Irungu, 2015). More scary numbers of this cup of tea:  “Uganda has about 200,000 hectares suitable for tea production, but only 14 per cent (28,000 hectares) is utilised both by small holder and estate owners” (Nakaweesi, 2015).

Afterthought:

That Burundi has gotten such a leap forward and Kenya going down because of drought. Rwanda is earning more per kilo and Uganda export also slowed down. And this is important for the rural agriculture and export business. The rural famers need security of export and prices. Therefore the worldwide change of prices together with the weak local currencies isn’t making things safe for farmers. That is not their business to keep the inflations at bay. They are making sure we’re drinking a superb cup of tea. Therefore when we see these prices the Governments has an issue to make sure the value of export is stabile for the sake of the farmers. This are not just numbers for crunchers to swallow and by “futures” to secure stock in the trade and a quick buck. They don’t see the hard-work on the ground. The farmers should be paid fair for their work and surplus of their produce. As everybody would be given what they deserve for their harvest, right? Peace.

Reference:

Clarke, David – ‘Kenya’s tea production falls 22 pct due to drought’ (08.09.2015) link: http://af.reuters.com/article/kenyaNews/idAFL5N11E2P020150908

Irungu, Geoffrey – ‘Shilling under pressure as export-import gap rises by Sh115bn’ (06.09.2015) link: http://www.businessdailyafrica.com/Export-import-gap-up-by-Sh115bn/-/539552/2860600/-/item/1/-/yhbrw0z/-/index.html

Nakaweesi, Dorothy – ‘Regional tea prices go down’ (03.09.2015) link: http://mobile.monitor.co.ug/Business/Business/Regional-tea-prices-go-down/-/2471014/2856212/-/format/xhtml/-/3qljyl/-/index.html

Nduwimana, Patrick; Drazen Jorgic and Goodman, David – ‘Burundi first-half tea earnings jump by 61 pct’ (08.09.2015) link: http://af.reuters.com/article/investingNews/idAFKCN0R80S120150908

Tumwebaze, Peterson – ‘July tea exports rake in Rwf4.7b, earnings from coffee drop 21%’ (04.09.2015) link: http://www.newtimes.co.rw/section/article/2015-09-04/192182/

Press Release: TDA condemns the violent and forceful eviction in Apa, Uganda (08.09.2015)

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Kampala, Tuesday, 8 September, 2015:

The Democratic Alliance (TDA) has learnt with shock and consternation of the deployment of heavily armed police and the military in Apa Parish, Pabbo sub county, Amuru district. The aim of the deployment is to subdue the residents violently in order for the government to demarcate boundaries between the districts of Amuru and Adjumani. They also claim that they want to demarcate the boundary of East Madi Hunting Area.

In 2012 the Uganda Wildlife Authority sent armed Rangers with the backing of police and the army to forcefully evict the residents of Apaa. People were beaten up, their livestock raided, their houses burnt and their crops set on fire. Some young men were shot dead in the operation. Twenty five men were arrested, beaten severely, taken to Adjumani where they were charged with offenses ranging from criminal trespass, being idle and disorderly to threatening violence.

Primary schools were closed down, the pupils and teachers sent away and the school desks were being used as firewood by the army and police. In fact the school became the command post of the army complete with a road block along the road leading to the school.

We are aware that this forceful eviction is being driven by a profit motive. We are also aware that at the instigation of Hon. Moses Ali, the area had been offered by Adjumani district to one Bruce Martin, a foreign investor, to be developed as a private game ranch and hunting area. We feel that since the affected area is not under the exclusive jurisdiction of Adjumani district, it requires cross border collaboration and a joint discussion and a shared decision and consent by the neighboring districts of Amuru and Adjumani.

After the incident where mother of Apa exposed themselves naked be fore the government delegation in protest, government made a commitment that a border meeting would be convened to listen to the concerns of the residents and the leaders.

To our surprise, we were told that three days ago a team comprising the army, police and other government officials were already on the ground and had come in via Adjumani district and were carrying out a survey, boundary opening and were also planting mark stones. This was in total contravention of the spirit of dialogue. Leaders tried to access Apa but roadblocks were set up and they were prevented from speaking to the people.

Three people are now confirmed dead by sources in Apa. Several people suffered grave injuries and are being treated at Amuru health centre. The Member of Parliament Gilbert Olanya was arrested and is believed to be detained in Masindi police station.

We condemn the greed behind this illegal and violent eviction of people trying to settle down after twenty years in concentration camps. We demand that this illegal survey and boundary demarcation he halted immediately.

Only open and transparent dialogue with the affected communities can resolve this matter. Force and violence by the army and police will only escalate an already volatile situation. For centuries the people of Madi and Acholi have coexisted and lived peacefully and there has never been any dispute over the administrative boundaries of the two districts. A case in point is Bibia Parish which is located in Attiak Subcounty, Amuru district and has a considerable population of ethnic Madi people. The administrative boundaries of Amuru and Adjumani are well known. That is why we believe that this current dispute is being orchestrated by greedy people who have selfish interests.

We now propose the following way forward:-

1. Any attempt at a unilateral process of survey and boundary opening at the instance of Adjumani district or the central government should be halted.
2. A high level meeting of government representatives, leaders from the districts of Adjumani and Amuru should be convened by to clarify issues of contention and provide an initial platform for dialogue.
3. A meeting of the communities that reside in the affected area should be convened in order that they become part of the efforts to seek a solution rather than being victimized by decisions and actions imposed from above.
4. Trusted mediators should be sought and asked to get involved in facilitating dialogue by the affected communities. The residents of Apa have for instance proposed that Archbishop John Baptist Odama and retired Bishop Macleod Baker Ochola be asked to mediate in this conflict.

TDA stands in solidarity with the people of Apa. We demand that the media blackout and the isolation of Amuru stops. This brings back memories of Operation North when the entire region was cordoned off as soldiers violated human rights with reckless abandon.

Finally, we know that the NRM regime doesn’t adhere to the rule of law but we wish to state that the matter is before the courts of law and the court has issued an injunction against any further survey and boundary opening.

Government should act impartially and without any undue delay in order that an amicable solution to this problem be found.

Uganda – Recent events on the Independent Candidature of Dr. Aggrey Kiyingi and his aide

Kiyingi

Here is a recent story on what has happen with one presidential hopeful. The independent candidate Dr. Aggrey Kiyingi, who seem to run out of gas before starting the election engine this campaign before the Presidential election of 2016. First his application to get the form gets rubbished. Then his aide that was supposed to pick it up gets visits from the police and his home sieged today. Here are the reports on the matters.

Stated from the Electoral Commission on the 4th September:  

“Dr. Aggrey Kiyingi wanted to pick the forms but could not confirm that he was a Ugandan”. The Spokesman for the electoral commission Paul Bukenya stated: “presidential nomination forms are issued to only Ugandans and aspirants must prove they are Ugandans” (Nsubugu, 2015).

On the 4th of September Jothan Taremwa said this about Dr. Aggrey Kiyingi’s presidential aspiration form: “He said we should issue the forms to Bulira because he was not available. That he was out of the country and had financial constraints, but when we verified his registration status we were informed that he was not registered and, therefore, ineligible to stand for any elective office” (…)”The first requirement is that you need to be a registered voter. Dr. Kiyingi is not on our register, and even Bulira is not a registered voter”. Commissioner Secretary Sam Rwakoojo said: “”First of all, I haven’t seen the letter but if the department concerned denied him those forms, they are correct. If you are not a registered voter, how do you pick forms? For what? It would be a mockery of the system” (Kashaka, 2015).

Earlier today Dr. Aggrey Kiyingi commented on the matter: “The house of Frank Bulira, (at Mengo along Lunguja Road, Plot 20) one of Dr Kiyingi’s mobilisers who went to the Uganda Electoral Commission to pick up nominations papers for Dr Kiyingi last week has been surrounded by military personnel early this morning” (Nteeza, 2015).

Dr. Aggrey Kiyingi said today on the siege on his aide: “It’s home is still surrounded” (…)”Every peace loving person should voice their objection of this tyranny and intimidation” (…)”But they [operatives] gave his wife a very hard time and wanted to arrest her instead” (…)”Now the Military Personal have backed off after seeing the heavy presence of the media” (The Insider, 2015).

I wonder this will go and how this will be. But something is fishy! Peace.

Reference:

The Insider – ‘Military surrounds home of Dr. Kiyingi’s aide’ (08.09.2015) link: http://www.theinsider.ug/military-surrounds-home-of-dr-kiyingis-aide/

 

Kashaka, Umaru – ‘Dr. Kiyingi ‘ineligible to stand for elections’ (04.09.2015) link: http://www.newvision.co.ug/news/673011-dr-kiyingi-ineligible-to-stand-for-elections–ec.html

 

Nteeza, Michael – ‘Dr Kiyingi: My Aide’s Home is Besieged by Military’ (08.09.2015) link: http://chimpreports.com/dr-kiyingi-my-aides-home-is-besieged-by-military/

 

Nsubuga, Benon – ‘Dr. Kiyingi denied nomination forms’ (04.09.2015)

Link: http://www.elections.co.ug/new-vision/election/1000482/dr-kiyingi-denied-nomination-forms

Press Release: Nexans delivers submarine fiber optic cables to West-Africa (07.09.2015)

Nexans

Press Release: (RSA) Parliament Rejects Recent Reports About Precautionary Suspensions (07.09.2015)

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Parliament, Monday, 07 September 2015 – Parliament notes and strongly rejects various newspaper reports related to the precautionary suspension of the senior managers in Parliamentary Protection Services, as a desperate attempt to sensationalise and dramatize a management and labour process that is aimed at stabilising security arrangements in Parliament.

Parliament notes that these actions are aimed at damaging the image of the institution, its management and the Parliament Protection Services by way of engaging in unbecoming ‘politiking,’ against the integrity of the institution. Parliament will not be drawn into this type of engagement because it lacks integrity.

Parliament stands by its previous statement that the precautionary suspension is without prejudice, it is put in place to allow for an independent investigation to take place without any negative influence.

Parliament wishes to reiterate that it is precisely for such reasons as demonstrated by the unprofessional behaviour of some staff members that it wishes to protect the integrity of the process from those who seek to influence and direct the outcomes of this process in a manner that is not consistent with our policies and general professional conduct. Through such utterances in the media, any official is in direct violation of the terms of Parliament policies regarding the Code of Ethics and Conduct for Employees and the Media policy of Parliament, which are very clear on the rules of staff engagement with the media. Parliament notes the brazen disregard for organisation processes, authority and policies in regards to speaking with the media.

Parliament urges all involved to allow the due process of Parliament to take place without interference and attempts to influence the process or its outcomes. To this end, Parliament has engaged with the suspended employees to take the process forward as quickly and smoothly as possible and has not received cooperation in this regard.

Parliament will not respond to each and every utterance as covered by recent media reports.

Parliament notes that its security environment has progressed positively towards stabilisation and it is working hard to ensure a more sustainable solution.

ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENT of RSA

Press Release No215/2015 – Lusaka Hosts Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Capacity Building Workshop on Ending Child Marriage and Other Harmful Tradition Practices in Africa (07.09.2015)

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Professor Lumumba at PAV Ansah Foundation Forum – “On the Subject of Governance!”

PLO Lumumba interesting as always! Right?

Ask ourselves! We should Ask Ourselves!

Peace.

Land Grab – Uganda’s farmers battle with palm oil producers and insights to the business.

What the Ministry of Agriculture press release earlier this august:

The Press Statement from the Government of Uganda

Here is another blogger who has followed the land grabbing and has great article:

BIDCO Oppressed poor Ugandans

And a few sheets of information to prove that their more to this business then just some words here and there!

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Another fact sheet as well:

OLOB P1OLOB P2OLOB P3

More information read this:

WilmaPalmOil P1WilmaPalmOil P2WilmaPalmOil P3WilmaPalmOil P4WilmaPalmOil P5

Peace!

Press Release: NRM moves party elections to Monday (05.09.2015)

MuseveniNRM2016Election

The ruling party NRM elections body has postponed internal elections for LCI and other party structures to next week.

According to NRM EC boss Tanga Odoi, the rains disrupted the schedules but everything is in place to hold elections starting from September 7.

Odoi also said in Karamoja, northern, eastern and western regions, elections will be held on Monday starting at 8am to 1pm while structure elections will start from 1pm to 5pm.

On Wednesday elections will extend to Kampala and central Uganda.

Earlier, the Secretary General, Kasule Lumumba, dismissed reports of missing funds as misleading, adding that: “The money was released to the EC’s accountant.”

Meanwhile ballot boxes have already been delivered to polling centres while ballot papers are alredy on their way.

Odoi said NRM will present their list of candidates to the National Electoral Commission on September 10