Opinion: A never ending story called the Northern Bypass…

This is becoming a never ending story. Where the state, all the various ministries, state owned organizations and whoever gotten the tender has been able to finish the project of 21 kilometres or 23 kilometres. Since on that one this project even differs.

What we do know is that this have been in the courts over battle over payment for land. It has been postponed and stopped, because the company doing the work has been shoddy. There been plenty of controversy and not all good news. That is why these kilometres has taken so long to build and still isn’t finished.

It is really amazing how this continues and it seems that this will be prolonged even longer. Because, we know what season its getting into. Election season and then all sorts of budgets and campaigns whacks out everything else. Even if this one is now scheduled to be done by 2021. But we know how flexible the end-dates are. So don’t be confused if it is still unfinished in 2023 or 2025. Because this project that was launched in 2004 seems to be alive and kicking a little bit longer.

New Vision 2008:

“THE public is still awaiting the opening of the 21km Kampala Northern Bypass. The project was launched on May 20, 2004 and was to last 30 months, ending on November 19, 2006. It was later extended by 10 months to September 2007. This was later to change to March this year, which deadline was also not met. This delay is causing public concern. Apart from reports of extortion by the guards who allow motorists to use the road illegally, accidents are beginning to happen” (Chris Kiwawulo – ‘Will the Northern Bypass ever be completed?’ 25.04.2008).

JICA Report in 2010:

“The recent cooperation of the EU for the GKMA urban road sector is as follows:

• Kampala Northern Bypass: €47.5 million, Construction of 21 km bypass to relieve congestion in Kampala City (completed and opened to the public in October 2009).

• Technical Assistance to RAFU/UNRA: €2.0 million (on-going)” (JAPAN INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION AGENCY (JICA) – ‘THE STUDY ON GREATER KAMPALA ROAD NETWORK AND TRANSPORT IMPROVEMENT IN THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA –

FINAL REPORT EXECUTIVE SUMMARY – NOVEMBER 2010).

CSBAG Paper 2018:

“For example,the works on Kampala Northern Bypass registered a cumulative progress by end of June 2017 of 46.7% against the programmed 97.95%. The elapsed time was 98.81% based on the Original Program of Works. The major issues affecting progress is delayed site access, Design issues and Relocation of services” (…) “ Kampala Northern Bypass highlighted as a project to be concluded in FY 2018/19. This is not feasible as none of the six roundabouts which have sizable infrastructural and structural undertakings has been commenced on” (CSBAG – ‘CSO POSITION PAPER ON THE WORKS AND TRANSPORTSECTOR BUDGET FY2018/19’ 12.04.2018).

Article October 2019:

“The upgrade of the Kampala Northern by pass into a four-lane high way started back in 2014 with the completion date set for November 2018. However, the date has been pushed to 2021 due to a couple of challenges hindering the project which include; changes on the original design and compensation of the affected people. Mr. Allan Ssempebwa, UNRA’s media manager last month said that the works stood at 60% and mentioned that the interchanges at Sentema and Namungoona will be handed over to the government by the end of this year” (Patrick Mulyungi – ‘Uganda to launch three new footbridges on Kampala Northern Bypass’ 02.10.2019).

So, we are seeing the stages of building is either not done or postponed. This is all done by various of reasons. The Kampala Northern Bypass are really a long prolonged project that seemingly seems never to end. Even the government own paper wondered about that 11 years ago and we have to wait another two years. But knowing how this ones goes. Don’t expect the state to follow its timeline.

What I wondering about, how proud is the European Union for supporting the project and the longevity of this. There should be questions from the ones who has funded it and why it takes so long. Since, they are accepting it and surely gotten the explanations. Because, we who follows haven’t really.

There are lame duck excuses with the land and the state paying the ones living there. Where the state has to pay for the hurt of building a road on private land. If they planned this and commenced this in 2004. By the time of 2019, the state should have been able to settle this and know the route of the road. However, they are showing lack of due diligence and putting the work in.

Because, the Northern Bypass should have been done by now. That isn’t rocket-science. This is made like this since people are eating of this project. Not like it should take this long to finish a 21/23 kilometres long tarmacked road around Kampala. But apparently it does. Peace.

Heartbreaking story from Bwaise, Kampala yesterday: “A young man and girl friend who fell into a gang holding out to be a national army has sent me this message for your attention.” – Charles Rwomushana

Afterthought: 

This what the state and the army is doing to young people, civilians, citizens who hasn’t done anything else then passing by. This is just sad and heartbreaking as this is maybe one of many, but not everybody have the stomach to drop the knowledge to Charles Rwomushana or anybody else.

If you believe the government of Uganda cares or have an army for the people, you are wrong, they are only there to secure Museveni, not the rest of the people. Only his wealth and riches. The UPDF is now even scouting their prey instead of being a force securing the borders of the country. This story is sad, but need to be spread so the world can know of the violence and mentality of the army there. Peace.

Dr. Kizza Besigye statement on the Police-Force, how he was detained and the house-arrest during the 25th of February (26.02.2016)

Tonight, I feel like becoming a real “terrorist”! This is the effect of endless acts of impunity on the part of the Uganda Police. When the people assigned the responsibility of maintaining law and order become deliberate and arrogant law breakers, where does one turn to? The day (Thursday 25th Feb 2016) started on a bright side, with a visit by my colleague Maj Gen (rtd) Benon Biraro, who shared a number of ideas on how our country could be put back on rails.

I was also expecting a visit from some Human Rights defenders, including Ms Maria Burnett of the Human Rights Watch. These visitors had come to see me the previous day but were blocked by the police at the barricade they erected on the driveway to our home. In spite of sending my aide to plead with the police (since I couldn’t be allowed to get there myself), they were turned away after waiting for more than 2hrs. They were, instead, asked to come back today at 9am. The Human Rights defenders, who arrived at the police blockade at 8.45am, eventually left about 10am without seeing me. After the usual lengthy “consultations”, that involve talking to the top police commanders, my visitors were told that they won’t be allowed to see me! Shortly after 10am, some visitors, who hadn’t informed me of their visit (a normal occurrence), arrived at the police blockade in a minibus from Kakiri, in our District of Wakiso.

As they inquired from the police whether they could be allowed in to see me, the goons that man the notorious police van UP 4860 sprung into action. They opened the minibus, pulled out two of the occupants and threw them into their van. The driver of the minibus quickly reversed and sped off with the other visitors. At 11am, I made my attempt at leaving home for Najjanankumbi, our party headquarters. As before, I was told that I wasn’t allowed to move out. When I insisted, I was arrested and pushed into the notorious van.

Here, I found two terrified men that were in immense pain. The van had a strong smell of pepper spray that immediately made my sore throat worse and affected my eyes. The two men informed me that they had been badly beaten and pepper-sprayed while in the van. One of the men held in the van, named Jamilu Budde (whom I know) was crying with pain and holding his left arm in a manner that suggested he could have had a broken collar bone.
I pleaded with the “Commander” of the van, one Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Kidandi to let me help Budde with First Aid and get him taken to the clinic, but this was denied. Instead, the two men were roughly thrown off the van and I was carried away alone. After driving through Matugga, Kawempe, Mpererwe, Kisaasi, Northern Bypass, and Naalya, I was deposited in Kira Division police Hqs. This is where I stayed until I was given a bond and “released” at about 9pm.

I made it clear, like before, that if the reason they arrested still existed, then they should keep me in detention. Otherwise, once freed, I should be truly free and not expect the police to detain me at my home. As before, I was told that I’d no choice but to be taken back home. I am now back home and, as before, detained there! I tried as much as I could, unsuccessfully, to demand that they take me to a proper (gazatted) detention place or let me free. My sore throat was worsened by the pepper spray I found in the van. I informed my captors about this and that I would do well to consult my physician. All this fell on deaf ears. I have since found out that Mr Budde and his colleague, who were tortured and left on our home’s driveway earlier, were later briefly held at Kasangati Police Station and later transferred to Kireka Police. Mr Budde hasn’t had any medical attention that I am sure he badly needs.
This is the dilemma of leaving in a country governed by a rogue regime. This is the very reason I wake up early everyday to do something about it. I am confident that, by the Grace of God, we shall overcome.
One Uganda, One People!!

Seventh Day of Presidential Rallies in Uganda and a letter on illegal fishing and reports of a kidnapping ++

There been a slow Sunday. Seems like many of the camps has little to offer today, I am sure it will be more on tally tomorrow. Especially considering the KCCA ruling will happen tomorrow. The others is the continuation this next week of the other candidates. Will be NRM based today, but Go-Forward was dealing with getting venues and their new radio. FDC was silent and celebrating soccer result to the Cranes. Abed Bwainka, nothing? TIC Candidates, not much! And so I can go on. To little meat on the barbeque and little food. But try to enjoy this meager supper.

NRM rally:

The Dream Live Team with Maurice Ochol and Suhail Mugabi was heading to Zombo for the rally.  After Zombo rally he has later had a rally in Nebbi.

Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s best quote today: “People who live along the border should take you along to campaign for me” and the second best in Madi: “Is there internet here?”

Only in the NRM:

“President ‪Museveni at Rhino Camp Arua: 242,000 children in primary school in Arua more than the whole population of Zombo”.

NRM Youth League deflects to Go-Forward:

“A section of NRM party youth members from the districts of Mbarara, Isingiro, Ibanda, Sheema and Ntungamo have defected to the Go-Forward camp, declaring to support Mr Amama Mbabazi for presidency in the next general elections” (…)”The Ankole region DP/Go-Forward coordinator, Mr Didas Lukyamuzi, said they are ready and willing to work and support those that show allegiance to Mr Amama Mbabazi in his presidential bid” (Mugume, 2015).

NRM Member Cards dumped:

There was certain members who dropped their member cards at Kololo. This former members was from Kassanda South in Mubende District.

Going Independent:

Jessica Alupo has now planes to run as an independent in the race for the ballots and polls in the 18^th February. She will try for a Place as Woman MP in Katakwi District.

NOTICE OF 21^ST MEETING OF THE TDA SUMMIT

This if to inform all members of the Summit of The Democratic Alliance that the 21st meeting of the Summit will take place on Tuesday November 17, 2015 starting at exactly 8:00 am. We are conscious of the busy schedule of the campaigns but you are encourage to ensure that all members are represented at the meeting. All the best wishes on the campaign trail to all candidates and campaign teams sponsored by TDA members. – TDA Secretariat

Message from the FDC after Rakai district rally:

“This is Kyotera in Rakai District. They have never let us down. We want to say thank you Abakoki for the love and support you show to the People’s President Dr. Kizza-Besigye and FDC in General. Liberation is soon. We are taking back our power. We shall over come. Kigwa Leero”.

FDC Message on the KCCA Act:

“‪Dr. Kizza Besigye’s Campaign Message is that Ugandans no longer have power/rights in their country, then ‪#Frank Tumwebaze introduces a law to stop People in Kampala from electing their own leaders/Lord Mayor”.

Parliamentary race of Toroma County:

“The new entrant in the race is former Kampala International University (KIU) student, John Moses Odeke. The 27 year old, graduate of Human Resources revealed to the Investigator that the “cries” of the people of Toroma forced him to give a shot at the race” (…)”Odeke says the cries of the people of Toroma basing on poor performance on the part of the incumbent Amodoi Cyrus Imalingat prompted his desire coupled with the love for his people. “I want once in parliament to ensure that issues of Health, security, education and sports, agriculture, religious institutions, youth and women are revamped,” he said. Odeke who is an agriculturalist notes that the infrastructure in Katakwi is so bad. ‘Now with the current rains, roads become impassable, gardens are water logged,” he said” (Jaramogi, 2015).

Unknown kidnappers of Charles Kafeero Mutaasa:

Unknown kidnappers have kidnaped Charles Kafeero Mutaasa who is the Chairperson of the Red Top National Youth Activist in Uganda. He was kidnapped by unknown people, possibly suspected security agents at around Kidnapped Monday at around 11.12pm, at Church road, Kamwokya. However today there has been a new development, he was dumped at Northern bypass strapped up in ropes and saved by boda boda cyclists. At the moment he is at case clinic Buganda Road, under intensive care because he was beaten to pulp. We welcome any information that could help us raise a case against his kidnappers.

Go-Forward change the tour:

“Go-Forward officials said: “a formal letter to the Electoral Commission shall be dispatched on Monday morning” and that “We are working with the teams on ground to book venues for each of these locations” (Aine, 2015).

Erias Lukwago comments today:

He said today: “If the program was laid out by Electoral Commission I wonder why the Police came in” (…)“I am doing my civic duty and am not duty bound to respond to police directives” (…)”It is my supporters suggestion the Nakawa plan for their concern of government frustrating me” (…)”I am yet to consider standing in Nakawa, but for now I am preparing for nomination tomorrow”

Hon. Frank Tumwebaze Statement today:

“My equally humble appeal goes also to our media partners, who by virtue of their impartial-umpire-role can help their audiences to probe with rigor the substance of the issues from each presidential candidate , ask what they stand for and how realistically their promises translate to the social economic well being of the citizenry” (…)”But what can also be true as I suspect, is that the same camp of the man desperately craving for sympathy could have hired those same goons to do it themselves so as to portray the Museveni camp in bad light. There is much reason to suspect and believe that. Every day in every campaign including this very one, President Museveni’s posters get defaced especially in kampala. We however don’t make a mountain of weird allegations about it. The masaka posters’ story was not the only one. There was the famous ping-pong the lawyers of mbabazi tried to create with the DPP over their own created and headline seeking story that their man was to be arrested for offenses they listed on the eve of his nomination. Fortunately mbabazi was not arrested as they had desperately wanted and the DPP rebuked them to stop playing political gimmicks with his independent office” (…)”The various candidates in this campaign must address how they intend to manage and mitigate certain adverse effects that arise from wrong monetary and fiscal policies ; like inflation. Good Monetary and budgetary policy settings are always aimed at low and stable inflation and sound public finances that are conducive to long-term growth. Sometimes these policies will also help to contain shocks, but there can be trade-offs. Monetary policy that has ensured a firm anchoring of inflation expectations will allow a stronger response to shocks and helps guard against deflationary spirals in the wake of large negative shocks” (Tumwebaze, 2015).

Official: UPC has strike a deal with NRM

There is now official and not a rumor anymore. That means that UPC and Jimmy Akena is parting way with their heritage and selling their soul to the NRM and to  their now Presidential Candidate Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. Somewhere is Milton Obote turning in his grave. 

Read more about it: 

Weird team-up between UPC and NRM; getting crazier by the moment; beating history

Something else: 

Think this mediocre supper is enough. Hope you have patience will pick up more goodies and more juicy stuff on another day. Peace.

Reference:

Aine, Kim – ‘Mbabazi changes campaign programme’ (15.11.2015) link: http://www.chimpreports.com/mbabazi-changes-campaign-programme/

Mugume, Colleb – ‘Youth defect to Mbabazi camp’ (15.11.2015) link: http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/Youth-defect-to-Mbabazi-camp/-/688334/2956316/-/vof70a/-/index.html

Jaramogi, Patrick – ‘Former KIU Student John Moses Odeke To Tussle Out With NRM Incumbent For Toroma County In Katakwi’ (15.11.2015) link: http://theinvestigatornews.com/former-kiu-student-john-moses-odeke-to-tussle-out-with-nrm-incumbent-for-toroma-county-in-katakwi/

Tumwebaze, Frank – ‘Let us Probe for issues in this campaign and reject idealistic propaganda’ (15.11.2015)