The Ministry of Agriculture Animal Industry and Fisheries

Opinion: A man for his cows…

It is now revealed that the President Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni appointed Dr. Nassan Tandekwiire to Senior Presidential Advisor on Indigenous Cattle on the 31^st July 2022. Since then the individual has been banking 15 million shillings a month.

What is striking is that the Ministry of Agricultural, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) has technically 4 ministers. With one Minister in Frank Tumwebaze and 3 other Minister of State, which one happens to be designated to Animal Industry, this being Bright Rwamirama. So, partly there is two high ranking officials on the matter, which would easily deem the need for Presidential Advisor on the matter.

No one can be shocked by this, because Museveni has been busy appointing cronies and associates for decades. His created so many positions, parastatals and whatnot to get people on the payroll. Therefore creating a new role or an office, which happens to be designated for indigenous cattle was bound to happen eventually.

Surely, Dr. Tandekwiire is the most well-versed individual on cattle. He must have a PHD. and have documents to prove his knowledge. Since you should be unique and brilliant about it. The good doctor should be able talk about it and enlighten the public at large on a NBS/NTV/UBC program in the near future. That man should explain the vast differences between the cattle in the Republic. And be more hard-hitting information that you can find on Wikipedia or any other platform like that. It should be levels of a scholar and not a random bloke from Entebbe.

I’m looking forward to Tumwebaze defending this, just like he defended Muhoozi lately. The President must be “pulling a leg” here. This cannot be serious. Isn’t there enough professionals and people who are technocrats knowing their field in the Ministry itself? Do they need a unique and special dude to be focused on one animal? Seriously?

The good doctor must have something about Ankole cattle. Why him and not Gen. David Sejusa? What is so special or significant by the Dr. Tandekwiire?

He must really be a living encyclopedia and have the knowledge we all never would ever know about the cattle. President Museveni has always been proud of his cows and his farm. This is just an extension of it. However, is it worth 15 million shillings a month?

I don’t know about that, because it’s hard to defend it. Especially, when the Republic already has so many ministers and possible technocrats in the Ministry itself to handle it. Therefore, the President really needs to explain himself. If not, I anticipate a funny explanation from Hon. Tumwebaze on the matter in the near future. Peace.

Opinion: Minister Tumwebaze over-the-top tractor scheme…

There are about 10,694 parishes in the Republic. At this current time there are 4,000 tractors in both private and public ownership. Some of these are said not to be operational. However we don’t have an exact amount of working tractors or farming equipment that is working.

The golden boy of the regime and unopposed MP, Minister Frank Tumwebaze has a statement on the performance of the Tractor Scheme. We have seen the performance of Tumwebaze in the past. As the man tried to get everyone to register their SIM-Cards and unleash the 200 shillings tax OTT services on their smart-phone devices. So, we know the man is working and been a loyal subject of the National Resistance Movement.

Now that his the Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry & Fisheries has released a statement on the 18^th August 2022 about the Tractor Scheme. So, the newest idea of the NRM is to buy more tractor and get one in every parish. That’s to beat army-worms and combat food insecurity. The idea itself isn’t foolish or dumb in any sense. However, how will this government ever make this happen? Who will fund it and where will find the organizational skills to make it happen?

Because, the NRM regime has all the programs of the books. They have schemes and ideas out of this world. Nevertheless, over the years we have seen them turn into get-rich-schemes of the chosen elite and little-to-none service delivery. Should we think any different of this one? No, it is a continuation of others.

That’s why the statement of Tumwebaze mentions the SACCOs. NAADs, OWC and the newly minted Parish Development Model (PDM). The PDM that haven’t become functional or working of yet.

In addition, the Minister acknowledges that the Cabinet approved the operationalization of 19 Zonal Agricultural Mechanization/Irrigation Centres. However, by the time of the statement only 3 of these was operational and 2 are in the works. So, there is a long time before all the larger regions has this even. These are supposed to be up and be place of workshops, repair and get maintenance skills. Which is all a fine idea too, but shows how slow this process is.

In the medium term, the Tractor Scheme needs not only to make 16 Zonal Agricultural Mechanization/Irrigation Centres operational. They need to find funds and get tenders to buy at least over 6,000 tractors, which needs to be donated or designated to each parish.

What is also making this more expensive the need for monitoring device and software to be able to follow up on the usage of the tractors donated to the parishes. This is surely meant as a supplement and to advance the agricultural sector.

However, I wonder if Tumwebaze ever studied the Soviets, because this sort of out of their play-book: “Conceived as a voluntary union of peasants, the kolkhoz became the dominant form of agricultural enterprise as the result of a state program of expropriation of private holdings embarked on in 1929. Operational control was maintained by state authorities through the appointment of kolkhoz chairmen (nominally elected) and (until 1958) through political units in the machine-tractor stations (MTSs), which provided heavy equipment to kolkhozy in return for payments in kind of agricultural produce” (Britannica – kolkhoz).

That didn’t add more produce or make the production of the agricultural produce in the Soviet Union. These sorts of entities crippled the Kolkozy and the leaders tricked their numbers. So, this actually caused famine and more hardships.

We can wonder, if Tumwebaze ever looked into that or even cared to see how it worked. It is sort of ushering in the mechanical agricultural revolution by the parish model. In such a manner, that can be seen as similar to the ones of the Soviet.

There are so many questions to this… not only the funding and the supposed operation of it. After that… how is the oversight? What are the goals? Are it to buy over 6,000 tractors and that’s it? What happens after that?

If there is no plan or sort of objective after that. What does it really do? Except making the MAAIF busy and have something to say in Parliament. Peace.

UNDP: Decision on SECU Case No. SECU0002 – On Bidco connection to UN Global Compact (13.03.2017)

Ugandan farmers praise UN report citing flaws with Bidco (22.11.2016)

The report acknowledges that a partnership with Bidco “could adversely damage UNDP’s reputation and the communities it seeks to help”

KAMPALA, Uganda, November 22, 2016 – Embattled Ugandan farmers fighting threats and land grabbing by Bidco have praised a draft report by U.N. investigators that calls into question the company’s business practices.

The report is the result of a complaint by the Bugala Farmers Association to the U.N.’s Social and Environmental Compliance Unit (SECU).

The report can be found on the following link: APO.af/cWkh3e

In the complaint, the farmers stated that the United Nations had not performed sufficient due diligence on Bidco before inviting it to join Business Call to Action, which is part of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The farmers provided evidence that Bidco has engaged in human rights, labour and environmental violations in the Kalangala District of Bugala Island, Lake Victoria, Uganda, where Bidco has grabbed land from smallholder farmers and cut down over 18,000 acres of rainforest to make way for a large-scale palm oil business.

The U.N. investigators found fault with the decision to invite Bidco into partnership with UNDP: “After the fieldwork and additional research, SECU concluded that the processes employed by UNDP for admission of Bidco were not consistent with UNDP policies.”

The report acknowledges that a partnership with Bidco “could adversely damage UNDP’s reputation and the communities it seeks to help”, and Bidco’s activities “may be considered risky”.

Kenya-based Bidco has tried to distance itself from the allegations of land grabbing and environmental destruction in Uganda, but the UNDP investigators found there is a clear link between the company’s corporate structure, overseen by CEO Vimal Shah, and operations in Uganda.

The investigators also determined that Bidco’s claim of not being involved in land acquisition in Uganda is not accurate. Bidco “knew of, relied on, and encouraged the purchase (of land) by the government.” Bidco Uganda also was “engaged in decisions and discussions related to the purchase,” the report says.

John Muyisa, a representative of the Bugala Farmers Association, commended the work of the U.N. investigators, who visited remote Kalangala District as part of their research.

“We are very pleased that the United Nations has performed an objective evaluation of its internal processes and determined that it is risky to partner with Bidco. The United Nations is a globally admired organisation, and it is absolutely correct that, as the report says, ‘Communities should be empowered’ and not be trodden upon by predator corporations like Bidco.”

In light of the report’s findings, the Bugala Farmers Association has called on the United Nations to terminate its partnership with Bidco.

Any member of the public can comment on the U.N. draft report until 7 December. The report can be found on the following link: APO.af/cWkh3e

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

FDC Cranes 15.11.15

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?”

NRM 15.11.15 Nebbi

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 Membership Cards 15.11,15

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.

Jessica Alupo Independent 15.11.15

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 15.11.15

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).

JinjaRoad Roundabout Kampala

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”

Cars 051115 Frank Tun.. P2

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:

Musevenis-letter-on-illegal-fishing1