Earthquake strikes off Greenland's east coast, no injuries

The quake, initially reported at a magnitude 7.0, was centered 266 miles east-northeast of Ittoqqortoormiit in Greenland and occurred at a depth of 5.3 miles, the USGS said.
Police in Ittoqqortoormiit, with some 500 inhabitants, were aware of the quake but did not feel anything. They said the island does not have a tradition of issuing tsunami warnings.
The meteorological institute in Norway's Tromso said the quake could be felt at Jan Mayen, a Norwegian island, but that no one was injured.
"I would say our experience of this was that it was rather undramatic," said Jo Valseth, a meteorologist working at Jan Mayen.
(Reporting by Paul Simao, Mia Shanley in Copenhagen and Victoria Klesty in Oslo; Editing by Andrew Roche)

source: Reuters 

Rick Ross ‘wants Nigeria’s oil money’

Popular US musical act Rick Ross, recently performed in Nigeria at the St. Eve’s Magazine Summer Jam Fest which took place at the Expo Hall of Eko Hotel Lagos.

The day after, he went on to shoot scenes for his forthcoming video, Hold Me Back, at the teeming Sura market in Obalende, Lagos where the locals eagerly came out to support him and feature in the video.

The tweets that followed on his official twitter page, @rickyrozay, described some of his activities and thoughts:

@rickyrozay: Filming in the slums in Lagos. I just bought out the whole grocery store and gave it to the village. #MMG presence strong in our homeland

@rickyrozay: Nigeria is rich with Oil. Generational wealth. I need some.

@rickyrozay: Officially joining the "Oil Money Gang".

In recent times, Ross has been one of the more frequent international music superstars to play in Nigeria and the Teflon Don has always had nice words about his experiences here.

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Madonna Goes Wild at U.S. Launch of MDNA Tour

Already thirty-four dates into the globetrotting MDNA Tour, Madonna embraced the opportunity to address her first American audience at Philadelphia's Wells Fargo Center on Tuesday (Aug. 28).

"In my country we have freedom of speech. We have freedom of expression," she began in a mid-show breather, referencing her world tour, which began May 31 in Tel Aviv, Israel. She made a string of relevant references, from jailed homosexuals in St. Petersburg to a show of support for the recently imprisoned Russian punk protestors Pussy Riot. "Don't get fat and lazy and take that freedom for granted."

Being a socially conscious 53-year old performer capable of championing the MDNA Tour's theatrics, Madonna is setting a pretty good example. The first American performance of her ninth world tour was a show of strength for the pop star, as she and her ensemble tore through nearly two-dozen cuts from her ever-deep catalog. She generally avoided her earliest albums (with a somber piano rendition of "Like a Virgin" and "Papa Don't Preach" the main exceptions) and crafted an eclectic mix of highlights from her post-1980s material.

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The many faces of Didier Drogba

There's nothing more exciting than seeing a countryman fly his national colours and be a success on an international platform.

This can definitely be said of Ivorian soccer star, Didier Drogba. From humble beginnings to a superstar for English club Chelsea, Drogba has indeed been a source of inspiration for many young kids.

But there's so much more to the man than just scoring those winning goals and helping his team secure that all-important victory.

 The Humanitarian

Drogba isn't shy to wear his heart on his sleeve. In 2009, he started The Didier Drogba Foundation, which was instrumental in the construction of a hospital in his hometown, Abidjan.

Funds for the construction came from his £3m fee from his Pepsi deal, and a further contribution from Chelsea. The foundation also helped build two orphanages and some of its future plans include building schools in Ivory Coast.

Yes, a lot of money will be needed, and that's why he hosts a charity ball to help raise funds. In March this year, his Chelsea teammates (including Ashley Cole, Frank Lampard and Michael Essein) supported him at the ball, where they raised £250 000.

The Music Video Star

Aside from being a philanthropist and an uber-amazing football player, Drogba has taken time out to play the love interest in a music video. Yes, Drogba is a music video, uhm star!

He can be seen in French singer Julia Channel's debut track, Forever In A Day.

The Peace-Maker

After years of unrest and instability, Drogba literally fell to his knees on national TV and begged the two factions causing the turmoil for peace.

This came after an Ivory Coast victory and a coveted spot into the 2006 FIFA Soccer World Cup.

Within a week of his request, Drogba managed to secure peace, something that negotiations and political interference couldn’t get right. His plea clearly had an impact on the faction leaders, as they were seen side by side a few weeks later, singing the national anthem as Ivory Coast played Madagascar.

The Soccer Legend

Yes fine, he is still young and still has a lot to achieve in his career, but few will doubt Drogba as a soccer legend. Since his debut at Stamford Bridge in 2004, Drogba has left his mark with the club.

He scored his first goal on debut for the team – they even won the league that year, for the first time in 50 years. Drogba scored the winning goal in the 2005 Carling Cup Final and in 2007 he once more kicked the winning goal to beat Manchester United in the FA Cup Final.

The winning goals also came from his golden boot to help secure victories in the 2009 FA Cup Final and the 2010 FA Cup Final.

Drogba recently transferred to the Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua, but not before ensuring a winning 2012 for Chelsea. He scored the winning goal in the FA Cup Final against Liverpool, and it was his late equalizer (and only goal for Chelsea) that forced the 2012 UEFA Final against Bayern Munich to a penalty shoot-out.

Of course he scored the winning penalty, and helped the Blues lift the trophy. Now all that's left is for us to see how Drogba will fare at his new club.


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Ice Prince to tour the UK

Ice Prince is releasing new music. The Nigerian rapper, who is currently on tour in the US, will release two new tracks next week, reports Nigerian Entertainment Today.

In October, he will also headline his first UK gig at the London O Islington Academy.

In June, Ice Prince experienced the British crowd at Hackney Weekend, where he joined Jamaican reggae star Gyptian on stage.

Gyptian and Ice Prince had earlier teamed up for his remix of Magician.

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Jennifer Tete: Miss Earth Ghana 2012

Twenty year-old medical student from the University of Ghana, Jennifer Maame Yaa Kyekye Tete, has been crowned Miss Earth Ghana 2012 at a keenly contested finale at the National Theatre.

She won an official car, GH¢10,000, wardrobe for one year, and will represent Ghana at the world finals of Miss Earth.


The top five out of the 18 contestants were Martha Mensah, Chaana Abdul-Razak, Aseye Eleblu, Maame Yaa Kyekye Tete and Rhoda Brown Wood.

They answered several questions on the environment, to determine who was best fit for the Miss Earth Ghana crown.

Tete came tops when she impressed the judges on what she would do as Miss Earth Ghana to promote the conservation of the environment.


Other special awards on the night include Miss Earth Walk – Martha Mensah, Miss Earth Project – Aseye Eleblu, Miss Earth Talent – Selina Antwi, Miss Earth Eloquence – Farouza Bawah, Miss Earth Face – Rhoda Brown Wood, and Miss Earth Poise and attitude – Imaculate Siddick.
The ‘green’ themed finale was directed by Seth Osei Nyarko and saw performances from top music acts including Kwabena Kwabena, Keche, Yaa Yaa and others. Miss Earth Ghana is sponsored by ACI Construction, Somotex Ghana Ltd (LG Somovision), Primus Africa, Schwarzkopf; and supported by Ministries of Environment, Science and Technology, Land and Natural Resources, the Environmental Protection Agency, Ghana Wildlife Division and Society the Dept. of Parks and Gardens.

P Square, May D part ways

Weeks after rumours began circulating hinting at an imminent break-up between the Okoye Brothers and their prodigy May D, we can now authoritatively confirm that May D is no longer part of the P Square crew.

In a text message to us, Jude Okoye confirmed the schism with a terse reply: "True."

Although not much has been heard regarding why May D, who gained nationwide recognition with his risqué single Soundtrack, is being dropped many are concerned because his debut album was being prepped for release.

After featuring on their Chop My Money remix track alongside Akon, May D, whose real name is Akinmayokun Awodumila, was considered a bona fide member of the P Square crew and the release of five songs from his highly anticipated debut was greeted with tons of optimism.

Tracks like Ile Ijo and Soundtrack were teasers of his latent promise and just last week in THISDAY publication, the artist was quoted as saying he relished his time with the pair and his dream was "to have the same level of success as they have if not even better. So there is no fear, just inspiration".

May D’s departure from P Square, where he had said he was signed on to for the long term, recalls the soured relationship between the twins and J. Martins who was hitherto rolling with the crew.

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Passionate hosts for Headies!

Organisers of the annual hip hop awards, or Headies as it is now called, have announced that Omawunmi Mgebele, sultry singer of Bottom Belle and MI, the face of Hennessy Artistry 2012, will be co-anchoring the event.

The choice of both artists was informed by the award's tradition of picking talented entertainers to compere a ceremony that will parade the continent’s biggest entertainers.

According to Ayo Animashaun, the brain behind the awards, this year is important. MI and Omawunmi have been found to be both passionate about their work and great sources of inspiration to young and upcoming artists.

The Hip Hop Awards, which is in its seventh edition, will take place in October at the expo Hall of Eko Hotel and Suites.

D’Banj, Don Jazzy – are they back?

All those already celebrating the supposed re-union between D'Banj and Don Jazzy may well have some waiting to do.

The blogosphere and social networks were abuzz with news that Kanye West, whose deal with D'Banj and Don Jazzy has been cited as the reason behind their split, is making serious overtures to the two uber talented artists to sheathe their swords and work together again.

Kanye is said to have insisted that D’Banj get back and work with Don Jazzy and even feature him in the remake of the single, Scapegoat. The two former friends were said to have begun talks on working together once again.

However, Don Jazzy has come out on twitter to debunk the tales. Responding to a direct question on twitter Don Jazzy, tweeting under his twitter handle Michael Collins, tweeted: "False. thanks for asking".

His tweet was in response to a question from @nope2famzers who had asked: Pls How tru Is De Kanye Donjazzy And Dbanj Story Sir!!Confirm?


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Africa-Unplugged-Stopped-Before-Chameleone--Fally-And-Ashawo-Performances

Jose Chameleone, Uganda’s only representative at the Africa Unplugged concert held at Wembley Arena yesterday was among the many African stars that never got time to perform after the concert was ended prematurely.

While chatting with this reporter, yesterday night, a disappointed Jose Chameleone said that he had been lined up to perform in the same category with Fally Ipupa but the show was stopped before he could step on to the stage.

Fred Zink, Chameleone’s international manager also noted that the concert had organization failures that saw it start late and thus many of the stars could not get the chance to entertain revelers.

Chameleone later posted on his Facebook account, highlighting what exactly happened.

“Apologies to all the fans who turned up to Wembley Arena. Africa Unplugged. Time couldn't favor the many acts like: ME, FALLY IPUPA, MIC INITY, ASHAWO (Mr Flavour) and many more! Next time folks,” Chameleone said.

Details to follow.

Stay logged on to East Africa’s leading Social Entertainment website for the latest from Uganda’s music industry. 

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Let’s Not Hide Our Heads In The Sand; Ugandans Are Now More Critical

A short while ago, I was bemused to the marrow by an entertainment commentary that I landed on almost by accident. The commentator claimed that the Demarco/Wayne Wonder concert was attended overwhelmingly well. The same commentator claimed that the media houses which had reported poor attendance were biased. For a moment, it sounded like he was talking about a concert different from the one I had attended; but I did not take it seriously since I respect everyone’s opinion even when I don’t agree with it.

However, after the low turn up at the recently held Sisqo concert; we have to face the facts. We can’t continue to hide our heads in the sand and claim everything is well. Let’s instead embrace reality and try to find out what’s going wrong.

In my opinion, a number of factors are responsible for a low turn up at the recently concluded international musicians’ concerts.

I’ll tackle the choice of musicians first. Experience has shown that international musicians who have had successful concerts in Uganda are those who cut across social class and age brackets as well those who have very successful hit/hits at the time they come to Uganda. The ability to cut across a wider platform helps increase the space from which a concert will attract an audience. A successful hit just has the magic as can be traced in The Bend Over concert. 

Those two factors can be traced back to the successful concerts of such musicians as Lucky Dube; through to UB40, Shaggy, Akon and R Kelly, to mention but a few. Those similar factors were in my opinion absent from the last two concerts. Ugandan music fans are more critical and will not fall for an artiste simply because he comes from Jamaica or America.

In addition to that, successful international musicians’ concerts in Uganda have been those whose organisers left no stone unturned in the marketing arena. Remember how widely marketed the UB40 concert was! Even when UB40 was big enough, the organizers did not leave anything to chance. They explored every marketing avenue available then. I personally believe that the marketing strategy for both The Demarco/ Wayne Wonder as well as Sisqo concerts was lacking.

Finally, the bad weather supported by hard financial times helped serve a final blow to these concerts. On both occasions, heavy rain in the “hinterland” as well as drizzles at the concert venues helped prevent some numbers of people from attending.

My opinion in here is a sincere and realistic effort aimed at addressing an issue that many would not be brave enough to face. Feel free to objectively disagree with me and give your point of view. 

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Chameleone Spits Fire, Ready for the Africa Unplugged Tonight

Heavy weight doctor Jose Chameleone is spitting fire as he warms up for tonight’s Africa Unplugged Concert to be held at Wembley Arena London.
“Tell Those Goats to shut up,” Chameleone tweeted earlier in the day.  In another tweet, he said: “AFRICA'S BIG SHOTS! Africa unplugged tonight.”
Jose Chameleone is the only Ugandan musician that was selected to be part of the African unplugged show. He will share the stage with about 20 other African stars including 2face Idibia, Femi Kuti, Fally IPupa, Mr. Flavor,Cabo Snoop, and Madtraxx.
Before living for London, the Moto Moto star told HiPipo.com that he was “going to represent whoever never made it to this list.” Africa Unplugged Concert will have African musicians perform to a crowd of up to 12000 people.
Chameleone traveled together with his younger brother Ak47, Seleckta Ivan and his booking agent Fred Zink.
The Valu Valu musician is one of the few Ugandan musicians that have performed on international big crowd events. In 2010, he was one of the few musicians that performed at the 2010 FIFA world cup in South Africa.
 
Stay logged on to East Africa’s leading Social Entertainment blog for the latest from Uganda’s music industry.

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School-hungry Karimojong girls lured into housekeeping

A survey carried out by independent NGOs has indicated a rise in child trafficking in Karamoja Sub-region. The vice has been attributed to unscrupulous charities that pose as NGOs offering support to vulnerable children in Karamoja.

A survey carried out a year ago by Avocats Sans Frontieres (Layers Without Borders) and Federation of Uganda Women Lawyers on the situation of child trafficking in Teso and Karamoja, established that at least 65 per cent of housemaids in the sub-regions are Karimojong children.

“The girls are lured from their homes with a promise that they will be taken to school but end up as domestic servants without the knowledge of their parents,” the Katakwi district deputy chief, Ms Margaret Ikulot, said.

Ms Ikulot said those involved in the business are mainly women who earn a lot from the ‘trade’. “The children are traded for mostly food, which is sent back to their families, while some are rented and others sold,” Mr Ikulot said.

Mid-Eastern Police Spokesperson Juma Hassan Nyene said many of these children are promised education and provided with shelter but instead they are subjected to a lot of domestic work.

“Some children have been handed over by their parents for as low as Shs40,000. Poverty is pushing the parents to this,” Mr Nyene added. The law in Uganda provides for protection from social and economic exploitation for children below 16 years, prohibits child servitude and forced labour, all offences punishable by a maximum of seven years in jail on conviction.

However, enforcement of these laws has not been effective enough to curb child trafficking in Karamoja and the neighbouring districts. A head count of Karimojong children in Katakwi by the district’s probation and social welfare department in 2009 established that there were more than 300 Karimojong children employed as domestic servants.

A Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act of 2009 that requires the Minister of Internal Affairs to designate an office to be responsible for the coordination, monitoring and overseeing the implementation of the law, is yet to be effected.

cap: A Karimojong girl grinds millet in Katakwi District. A survey carried out a year ago by Avocats Sans Frontieres, an NGO, and the Federation of Uganda Women Lawyers on the situation of child trafficking in Teso and Karamoja sub-regions, established that at least 65 per cent of housemaids are Karimojong children. PHOTO BY RICHARD OTIM

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Kyambogo VC, 10 others moved out

The Vice Chancellor of Kyambogo University, Prof. Isaiah Ndiege, and 10 other senior staff have been sent on leave as the University Council tried desperate measures to calm a tense situation at the institution.

The decision reached on Sunday night was, according to sources, intended to stop further deterioration of the situation at the other major public university in the city.
There were threats that students would join a strike started by lectures last week.
The lecturers had, among others, demanded that Mr Ndiege steps down as administrative head of the university over accusations of mismanagement.

Also sent on leave are University Secretary Samuel Akorimo, Academic Registrar Rose Bwire, Dean of Students Winfred Buga, Dean of Arts and Social Sciences Cyprian Adupa, Assistant Dean Faculty of Engineering Daudi Mugisa, Head department of Mechanical and Production Engineering Francis Jidongo, Head of Department Sociology and Social Sciences Deborah Mulumba, Procurement Officer Richard Muwanguzi, former Estates Officer Ambrose Areija and Deputy Registrar Admissions Christine Kyambadde a statement signed by Mr Akorimo announced.

Step aside calls
“Following a sit down strike by the university staff that started on Friday 23rd August 2012, due to one unfulfilled demand by the staff namely; that the Vice Chancellor Prof. Isiah Ndiege steps aside to pave way for investigations into his mismanagement of the University...,” a statement reads.

The university has not been dogged by administrative and management wrangles since it was founded in 2003 following a merger of the Kyambogo Polytechnic, Uganda National Institute for Special Needs Education and National Teachers’ College, Kyambogo.
Yesterday on campus, riot police was engaged in a series of confrontations with student groups for at least seven hours but no major fights were reported.

On Sunday, various staff associations, the University Council and student leaders met for more than 16 hours before resolving to force the 11 officers on leave.
A seven-member Ad hoc committee was established to investigate allegations against the Vice Chancellor and the other officers. They will have two months to report their findings.

“It is intrigue, intrigue, intrigue, nothing else!” said a senior lecturer at Kyambogo University when asked to explain what could be the driving force behind the current bickering between management and a section of university staff.

Mr Ndiege, a Kenyan professor assumed office in 2009. Education permanent secretary Francis Xavier Lubanga, denied accusations of being among “external factors behind the frustration” of Prof. Ndiege’s stay at Kyambogo.

” advised his accusers to first “go to the hospital since all (their allegations) are completely ridiculous”.
What is at stake:

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Kabaka names new ministers

Kabaka Ronald Mutebi II has appointed four new ministers and two Lukiiko members, making a cabinet of 31 ministers. The new appointments include Mr Noah Kiyimba (State for youth), Mr Nsamba Kumama (State for cooperatives), Mr Denis Walusimbi (State for culture) and Mr Damulira Muguluma (State minister for Health).

The Kabaka also appointed Mr Richard Kabanda as the youth representative and Mr Feffeka Sserubogo as the Bugerere County representative to the Lukiiko.

“We welcome all those who have joined us to serve as we open the 20th Lukiiko,” the Kabaka said during the official opening of the 20th Lukiiko yesterday.

Call for unity
Kabaka Mutebi also called on the leaders to unite and fight Buganda’s key challenges, especially those affecting the common people.

He said several challenges, including the poor education system, poor healthcare, poverty and poor social utilities, have remained unaddressed, creating a need for collective effort.

“As the kingdom, we have struggled to change this but the journey is still long. What encourages us is the fact that at least leaders at different levels have started working together, uniting and talking with one voice,” the Kabaka said, adding that it is upon all leaders to improve people’s social welfare.hare This Story

In his address, the Katikkiro commended Buganda legislators in Parliament and district heads for the continued support and corporation to the kingdom.

He said the kingdom has also drawn a clear developmental plan to improve its financial performance.

Late Oromait's daughter wins Usuk NRM primaries

Proscovia Alengot Oromait was on Sunday elected flag bearer for NRM party in the forthcoming by -election for Usuk County parliamentary seat

Alengot is a daughter to the late MP of the area, Michael Oromait (Independent) who died on August 21, 2012.

Alengot garnered 17,322 votes (69%) beating her closest rival Richard Ongorok who got 7,468 votes representing 29.74 percent.

Charles Ojok Oleny who earlier withdrew from the race, got 317 votes representing 1.26 percent. He has declared himself an independent candidate.
The NRM returning officer NRM in Katakwi district, Charles Oduk declared the results on Sunday night.

The resolution to carry out the party primaries in the constituency was reached at in a meeting held by the party electoral commission chaired by Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda on Friday.

Oleny who is the district NRM chairperson said he was not nominated to contest in the primaries.

"Yes we did agree in the Friday meeting that they include me also in the race though I did not pick the nomination forms, but since it was a hatched up plan, my supporters advised me not to go ahead to participate in the primaries," Oleny said on Monday.

Ongorok said there was a lot of intimidation, bribery, multiple voting and lack of registers in some polling stations.

source: newvision.co.ug

EA women top in use of contraceptives

The number of women using contraceptives in East Africa has risen from 12 million in 2008 to 17 million today, according to a continent-wide study.

A study done by African Population and Health Research on the population and use of contraceptives in Africa indicates that among the marrieds, the number of women who use modern methods of family planning has also risen from 20 million to 27 million.

The United Nations Populations Fund report 2010 puts the population of East Africa at 131 million people.

Presenting the report at Speke Resort Munyonyo on Monday, Dr. Estelle Sidze, one of the facilitators, said awareness, education and investment were among the highest contributing factors in the use of modern contraceptives.

This was during a meeting by Africa women parliamentarians to discuss issues of leadership, family planning and reproductive health.

“Compared to other regions, East Africa is doing somehow well but more funding is needed to help more women, especially in rural areas, access the contraceptives,” she said.

According Sidze, despite the improvement, the number of women who need but cannot access modern methods of family planning in East Africa has risen from 19 million in 2008 to 20 million.

She noted that lack of contraceptives has led to increased school dropouts, death as a result of complicated pregnancies and increased cases of unsafe abortions.

The gender minister, Rukia Nakadama, said: “As women leaders, we must continue to call for investment in women and girls’ healthcare and monitor how the money is spent.”

source: newvision.co.ug

Woman arrested at Parliament for allegedly trying to bribe MP

Police are holding a woman who allegedly tried to bribe a Member of Parliament at the House yesterday. The woman, only identified as Rose, was yesterday arrested and handed to police detectives attached to Parliament after allegedly trying to bribe Eastern Uganda Youth MP Peter Ogwang.

According to information given to Daily Monitor by a House police officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he is not allowed to speak to speak to the press, the woman, who was wearing a blue and white stripped T-shirt, had come to influence Mr Ogwang to drop evidence he is believed to have implicating senior officials in alleged misappropriation of public funds in the Office of the Prime Minister.

“That woman came in here at around 9am and we were called in to arrest her by the bodyguards of the honourable member who said she had tried to bribe the MP,” the officer said.

“We have already sent her to the main office in town to continue with investigations,” he added. While speaking to the detectives in the presence of journalists, Mr Ogwang said the woman telephoned him on Saturday and asked to meet him over the documents he has implicating officials in the OPM in the on-going investigations.

The arrest
He said he asked the woman to come to Parliament on Monday since he was busy attending a committee meeting in Entebbe and could not meet her.

It was when she turned up yesterday morning that he asked his bodyguards to arrest her and hand her over to Parliament police.

While at police, the suspect told the officers that she works at National Water and Sewerage Corporation but she was found with an expired identity card belonging to the firm, which detectives said appeared false.

Detectives declined to provide a second name and did not say how much money the woman had on her. MP Ogwang did not give details of the money, either. The MP sits on the Presidential Affairs Committee, which has been investigating alleged misappropriation of money from the OPM.

Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi is expected to appear before the committee this morning to assist the investigation.

source: monitor.co.ug

Eight-foot cassava tuber thrills Mityana

There was excitement at Bbanda trading centre in Busujju county in Mityana when a prominent farmer harvested an eight-foot long cassava tuber.

Pascal Kaweesi harvested the cassava tuber from his two-acre cassava garden, which he has been tending for two-and-a-half years.

“When I started uprooting it, I felt the tuber was too long. I continued digging up the soil until I realised that the cassava was about eight feet long,” Kaweesi said.

Kaweesi called some neighbours, who tied two long sticks around the tuber so as not to damage it and helped him carry it to his home.

Residents later gathered at Kaweesi’s home to catch a glimpse of the imposing tuber.

Some took photographs with the tuber as others congratulated the owner on the great harvest.

Kaweesi said he had spared the cassava for over two-and-a-half years because he had other types of food in the garden.

“I cannot recall where I got the cassava cuttings, which I planted there so I do not know the variety.
However, I ask experts to examine the variety and establish the factors that enabled it to grow to such a length so that they can be promoted.
It is a great and unusual harvest,” Kaweesi said.

On Friday, more people continued to visit Kaweesi’s home to see the cassava.
Among them was the director of the Mityana Agrovet Institute, John Kintu, with over 20 students who are pursuing a diploma in agriculture.

Kazinda fraud case investigations incomplete

Investigations into the alleged sh316.8m fraud purportedly committed by embattled principal accountant in the Prime Minister's office Godfrey Kazinda is incomplete, court  has been informed.

State attorney Robert Mackay on Monday informed principal magistrate grade one Emmanuel Baguma of the Anti-Corruption Court, that the Police probe was yet to be completed.

He asked for more time to enable the Director of Public Prosecutions compile enough evidence against Kazinda and his three co-accused.

They are alleged to have embezzled funds for procurement of fuel and lubricants for motor vehicles meant to deliver relief and food from the central relief stores to disaster victims in various districts.

The case was adjourned to September 25, and the bail of the accused was extended till then.



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Kabaka Mutebi opens 20th Buganda Lukiiko

THE Kabaka of Buganda Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II on Monday opened the 20th Lukiiko (Parliament) at Bulange Mengo in the capital Kampala.

He arrived at Bulange at around midday. Hundreds of Buganda loyalists lined up along the Kabaka Njagara road to welcome the Kabaka.

Kabaka Mutebi opens the Lukiiko once every year after the coronation anniversaries.

Last month Bwanika House was burnt down at Naggalabi Coronation Site. This came three years after fire gutted Kasubi royal tombs. Kasubi tombs housed the remains of four fallen Buganda great kings. 

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Kabwegyere thrown out of appointments committee

The Parliamentary appointments committee on Monday afternoon threw out a ministerial nominee for gender, labour and social development Prof. Tarsis Kabwegyere.

The committee is chaired by the Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga and it’s closed to the press.

Kabwegyere who was the second to appear before the committee after Frank Tumwebaze was told to wait until the committee seeks a clarification from the President.

 “I was told that I will be considered after clarification from the President. They will get back to me in four days’ time,” Kabwegyere told reporters.

Third to be vetted was Richard Todwong.

The new ministers that are set to be vetted include Sarah Kataike (Health), Frank Tumwebaze (Presidency), Earnest Kiiza (Bunyoro affairs), Rose Najjemba (Urban Planning), Shem Bagaine deputy (East African Affairs), Aidah Nantaba (Lands) and Richard Todwong (without portfolio /Political mobilization).

Last week President Museveni wrote to the speaker of parliament Rebecca kadaga notifying her of the names of the new cabinet nominees after a cabinet reshuffle that saw many of the old ministers retained.

The President also forwarded to parliament the list of the board members for the Bank of Uganda for approval. They include James Kahoza, Ibrahim Kabanda Chris kassami, William Kalema and Jude Guma.

The committee requires the candidates to come along with their academic documents as a requirement for their endorsement.

Other perquisites include personal integrity, personality and previous working experience. The committee has in the past rejected individuals like Margret Mbeiza, Nasser Ntege Ssebagala, James Kakooza, on academic and personality grounds.


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The Big Story Col. Muhoozi promoted to Brigadier, to command Special Forces

President Museveni who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) has promoted several army officers, including naming the first commander of the Special Forces Command, Brig. Muhoozi Kainerugaba.

Col. Kainerugaba has been promoted to Brigadier and appointed commander of the restructured Special Forces Command, which has been expanded from a group. It now comprises of Special Forces One (VIP protection) and Special Forces Two (Motorised Infantry).

Sabiiti Magyenyi, who has been promoted from Lieutenant colonel to Colonel, will command Special Forces One, while Maj. Don Nabasa will command Special Forces Two.

The former Chairman of the UPDF court-martial, Brig. Charles Angina, has been promoted to Major General and appointed Chief of Staff, Land Forces. Gen. Angina replaces Brig. Silver Kayemba.

In other changes, Maj. Gen. Fred Mugisha, the former AMISOM commander has been appointed Joint Chief of Staff. He replaces Lt. Gen. Robert Rusoke who was last week sent to Juba, South Sudan, as ambassador.

The Acting army spokesperson, Capt. Chris Magezi confirmed the promotions.

source: monitor.co.ug

Heavy Police deployment at Kyambogo University

Anti-riot police have deployed heavily at Kyambogo University following reports of a looming students’ strike.

Students were on Monday demanding for the release of a fellow student who was arrested for allegedly masterminding the strike. They wanted their colleague released.

The development follows a two-day lecturers’ strike which started on Friday. The lecturers were demanding for the resignation of the Vice Chancellor Prof. Isaiah Ndiege.

The lecturers’ strike was called off over the weekend. Lectures were meant to resume today (Monday) but message calling off the strike was sent late on Sunday night. Lectures have not been conducted.

The university council has issued a one-week notice to the Vice Chancellor Ndiege to step aside to pave way for investigations over mismanagement allegations.

Other top officers asked to step aside include: the University Secretary Sam Okorimo, Academic Registrar Rose Bwire, Dean of students Winfred Buga, Dean of arts and social science Cyprian Adupa and Dean of engineering Daudi Mugisha.


source: newvision.co.ug

Nandala Mafabi under pressure to step aside

Mafabi is under increasing pressure to step aside until the process of electing the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party president is finalised.

This is on the grounds that he is using facilities in his office to edge out his opponents in the race for party president.

Three candidates have been nominated to replace the current president, Col. Rtd Kizza Besigye. They are Mafabi, Maj. Gen. Mugisha Muntu who is also the party’s secretary general and Tororo County MP Godfrey Ekanya. The elections will take place in November.

A group of MPs allied to Muntu led by Ngora County MP Francis Epetait are accusing Mafabi of using his office to mobilise voters in the name of “tours” to inspect Government programmes. The group is planning to petition the Speaker of Parliament to ask Mafabi to step down or be forced out of office.

“If we are to have a fair playing field, it is only honourable for him to respect the resolution of the National Executive Committee (NEC). It is important for us to walk the walk. Even in Parliament, we took a decision that no Government minister should use government facilities to carry out campaigns,” Epetait told Sunday Vision.

 According to Epetait, Mafabi was part of the party’s NEC that drafted the guidelines that state all candidates will campaign on an equal platform. The group cites Mafabi’s trip to western Uganda, where he met delegates last month.

However Mafabi’s supporters have lashed out at Muntu’s camp over what they referred to as irrational attacks.

“Most of those people are frustrated. They wanted to be Leader of Opposition now they want to punish him for that. That is jealousy,” Kap Fungaroo said.

Article 82 of the 1995 Constitution provides for Mafabi’s position under the multiparty system. The Administration of Parliament (amendment) Act, 2006 defines leader of opposition as an MP belonging to an opposition party with the greatest numerical strength, who acts as the leader of the opposition.

Under the Act, the Leader of Opposition (LOP) is accorded the status of a cabinet minister. The entitlements include a state-of-art heavy-duty vehicle, fuel, armed guards, a chase car, stationery and a budget determined from time to time by the parliamentary commission.

 The race to replace Besigye has polarised the party into different camps, the two major ones being Muntu and Mafabi.

Those backing Mafabi include Saalam Musumba, Kassiano Wadri, Amanya Mushega, Jack Sabiiti, Odo Tayebwa, and Ssemujju Nganda. Muntu has received the backing of Cecilia Ogwal, Alice Alaso, Abdul Katuntu and Francis Epetait


source: newvision.co.ug

Great Armstrong dead.

Posted on Mon Aug 27 2012

An image obtained from NASA shows Neil Armstrong during preparations for their journey to the moon. Armstrong commanded the Apollo 11 spacecraft in July 20, 1969, a mission watched by more than 500 million television viewers. PHOTO BY AFP 

By AFP  (email the author)

Posted  Monday, August 27  2012 at  01:00

In Summary

Death beckons. Neil Armstrong, who was considered the first man on the moon, having led a NASA team there, died on Saturday at 82 years.

President Barack Obama and astronaut Buzz Aldrin have led tributes to the famed Apollo 11 commander Neil Armstrong, the first man on the moon, lauding him as a reluctant but true American hero.

Armstrong, who died from complications following cardiac bypass surgery on Saturday, was praised for his willingness to embrace and then conquer challenges that had once seemed impossible.
“When he and his fellow crew members lifted off aboard Apollo 11 in 1969, they carried with them the aspirations of an entire nation,” said Obama, who was two weeks short of his eighth birthday when the historic mission succeeded.

“They set out to show the world that the American spirit can see beyond what seems unimaginable -- that with enough drive and ingenuity, anything is possible,” he added in a statement.
“When Neil stepped foot on the surface of the moon for the first time, he delivered a moment of human achievement that will never be forgotten.”

Paying tribute
Aldrin, who with Armstrong was watched by an estimated global television audience of 500 million as they gingerly bounced on the moon’s surface in their chunky spacesuits, praised his comrade’s skill, dedication and selflessness.

“I know I am joined by millions of others in mourning the passing of a true American hero and the best pilot I ever knew,” Aldrin said, noting that his thoughts were with Armstrong’s devastated but proud family.

The third Apollo 11 astronaut, Michael Collins, the command module pilot who orbited the moon while his crewmates landed, said Armstrong “was the best, and I will miss him.”

Armstrong, a Korean War veteran who was decorated by 17 countries and received a slew of US honors, was never comfortable with the worldwide fame that stemmed from the Apollo 11 mission, and he shied away from the limelight.

“He didn’t feel that he should be out huckstering himself,” John Glenn, the first American to orbit Earth told CNN, recalling Armstrong’s legendary humility.

“He was a humble person, and that’s the way he remained after his lunar flight, as well as before,” the former Ohio senator added.

Obama’s Republican challenger, Mitt Romney, said the space pioneer was an inspiration who now “takes his place in the hall of heroes.”

“With courage unmeasured and unbounded love for his country, he walked where man had never walked before,” said Romney, who spoke with Armstrong just a few weeks ago. “The moon will miss its first son of Earth.”

Republican House Speaker John Boehner said: “A true hero has returned to the heavens to which he once flew.”

What you have to know about The Sisqo Concert at Kyadondo Rugby Grounds

The Sisqo in Uganda Concert was poorly attended with about 1000 people in attendance at a venue that can accommodate up to 20,000 revelers. The low turn up undermined both the weight of the show and the popularity of Sisqo.  

This came exactly one week after the Demarco concert at Lugogo Cricket oval also recorded low numbers.

On a good note, both Sisqo and Ghanaian musician Azonto put up great performances at Kyadondo Rugby Grounds, supported by state of the art music systems and stage from Silk Events.

HiPipo.com’s Levin Maurice was there and here is what transpired.

By 7:00pm, Kyadondo was already set to host a concert. The sound system and stage were perfect for the hype of the show. However, partygoers were coming in at a rather very slow pace.

At about 9:00am, the concert finally got started with curtain raise performances from Leone Island’s Young Mulo. Leila Kayondo, Bobi Wine, Jackie Chandiru AK47 and Jose Chameleone were the other musicians that prepared the way for the performances of the two foreign artists.

After the Ugandan performances, Azonto from Ghana stepped on stage, performed two songs plus taking time off to showcase his dance stokes. He performed together with the fans and many seemed to enjoy his moves.

After this, the ground was finally set for the American RnB star Sisqo real names Mark Althavean Andrews.

When he stepped on stage, he never disappointed, putting up an energetic performance till the end. He performed many of his popular hits including Thong song, Got to get it, Dance for me and the fans favorite; Unleash the dragon. Sisqo’s performance was interrupted by drizzles but this did not stop the party as the fans endured the condition. And that was it for the night; low turn up but great performances.

Kats and Salvador; the MCs of the night did a good job, engaging with the audience at different intervals. 

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Why the Poor Attendance?

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Different people we talked to attributed the low turn up to mainly the current hard economic times that have left many with barely any money to spend on partying.

“You know what is going on. People do not have money. Very few can pay Shs 25,000 to attend a show these days. When a show is at 25,000, you need a minimum of Shs 40,000 and that is if you are alone. Remember at the concert, you have to drink and eat something,” a fan highlighted.

In the same token, poor marketing strategy and the choice of musicians brought can also explain the poor turn up trends.

Lately, promoters are failing to do intensive marketing for their shows. This is partly related to lack of sufficient funds to spend on the whole marketing process. But for any show to sale out, more funds need to be spent on marketing. Take for example the UB40 show, R Kelly in Uganda and Sean Kingston Live in Kampala. In all these concerts, the organizers spent much on marketing than anything.

Far still, the choice of media used still leaves a lot to be desired. While majority of the party-lovers currently depend on online channels for what is happening in town, event organizers are still stuck to traditional advertising platforms. It is important to know that of late, social media is the trend and thus event organizers need to embrace the new opportunity.

Others also related the low turns to the poor promotion and marketing models that events’ organizers and promoters use.