edgar's rocker room

Sumani, the African Queen

2006-12-08T08:09:00.000+03:00

EDGAR R. BATTE

HUMBLE BEAUTY: Nancy Sumani is beautiful, intelligent and ambitious. She is the holder of the Miss World Africa title. Edgar R. Batte talked to her

*How did you get to contest for the Miss Tanzania title?
sumani: One of the organisers Mange Kimambi was a friend. We met at a fast-food joint and she asked me whether I was interested and I told her I was. Were you convinced you had what it took for the contest?I was not exactly convinced; I contested just because I had all the time in the world. I had just finished high school, so I decided to give it a shot irrespective of the outcome.
*While at it, did the thought of losing cross your mind?
Sumani: No. I knew I would do well. You contest with hope of winning so I went into the contest with high hopes.
*When you got to meet your fellow contestants, did you feel you had any advantages Sumani: over them, as you knew one of the organisers?
I believed that all the other 25 contestants where really beautiful and intelligent. It was difficult for me to think I would beat them but I was confident and that motivated me to do well
*Tell us about the big day when you were crowned Miss Tanzania?
Sumani: It was a memorable day, September 2, last year. It was an exclusive event held at the Diamond Jubilee Hall. There was a big crowd and of course among us contestants there was high tension, nervousness as well as excitement. Above all, there was anticipation for the car to be won as the grand prize. Thank God, that at the end of the night, I was the winner.Being Miss Tanzania, you qualified for the Miss World contest in Sanya, China.

* How was the experience at Miss World?
Sumani: Exciting. It was one of those once in a lifetime experiences. I left home on November 10, 2005, and stayed a month in China with other contestants. It was overwhelming. We were given first class treatment. We stayed at the Sheraton, China and had legendary Alexander O'Neil perform live just for us. The Chinese performances were electrifying as well. Of course the main event was magical. Besides that, we had a lot of trips around China, visiting cities like Shanghai and places like the Nanshan temple in Sanya.
*How did it feel being chosen as Miss World Africa, and being so close to the title of Miss World?
Sumani: Unbelievable. I was left speechless for a while.
*How does it feel being the African queen?
Sumani: I am a simple person who is not into vanity. I carry myself around like any other average person.You earlier said that you contested for the Miss Tanzania title because you had a lot of time after finishing high school.
*Are you still in school?
Sumani: I just finished my O-level in Masai High School in Nairobi.
*You are Miss Tanzania, how come you studied in Nairobi not Tanzania?
Sumani: Both my parents Mr and Mrs Abraham Sumani have businesses in Nairobi so they decided that for convenience, I had to attend school in Nairobi. It was a good place. By the time I got there, I was a young girl from Dar es Salaam and growing up in Nairobi, a place with a different culture and way of life was pretty exciting because I love adventure.
*Tell us more about yourself?
Sumani: I was born in Arusha, Tanzania in 1986. I am turning 20 on August 7. I am a Leo. I spent most of my time in Nairobi but I usually go back to Dar es Salaam for holidays.Any childhood memories?I was a lucky naughty girl who was never caught 'in the act'.
*How would you describe your personality?
Sumani: Oh my God! (Smiles) I would put it in three words. I am open-minded, happy and content. You're such a beautiful young lady, are you still single?Very much indeed. *Well, would you mind painting us the picture of your ideal guy?
I like a confident 'brother' who is not easily intimidated. I like a person who is happy and content just like I am. He could be tall with a little bit of muscle though not too much.
*So you mean you've never walked past some guy and you feel like…he's cool?
Sumani: I have feelings and I have experienced crushes on guys but I am a pretty shy person. So I can't approach them.What things interest you?I love reading. I absolutely love adventure, more so adventurous travel for relaxation. I also love music.
*Talking about travelling, how many countries have you been to?
Sumani: I've been to Ireland, China, the UK and Kenya. I’ll visit Mauritius soon.
Why Mauritius of all places?
I will be travelling with Ms World. We shall be doing a little bit of charity work there. I guess it will be an adventurous trip because I have never been there before.
*Any future prospects?
Sumani: I intend to become a very prosperous corporate lawyer as well as business lady and entrepreneur. Who do you look up to in life?My parents. As a beauty queen, what's your most embarrassing moment?When I fell in a bank. It was very mortifying.

Struggling to survive amidst complex land policies

2006-12-08T07:45:00.000+03:00

EDGAR R. BATTE

The Benet’s situation is not helped by the biting poverty that the area faces. With poorly constructed houses, food shortage, frequent cattle raids and hardly any social services in the area, life only gets harder.Perched on a stone, this man seems deeply lost in thought. It is time to make a meal and despite the centuries passed since the Stone Age era, Kogeni makes his fire through the stone-age practice of rubbing two splinters and dry grass. He succeeds and the orange glow is evidence of that.It is just unfortunate that this Benet tribesman lives in the cold zones of Mountain Elgon in Kapchorwa District where dry grass is not that easy to come by. Minutes after a cup of sugarless tea, he makes for the garden but for a little while, he’s hesitant to start tilling. Dew is forming on almost everything from his hands and feet to the entire surrounding.His face tells it all. He just cannot seem to understand why after being a settler in an area his ancestors have occupied for over 200 years, he continues to be subjected to tilling land in order to earn a living. He is one of the other Benet natives that have been pushed off the bigger part of their homeland and restricted to staying in a small area between the two rivers of Kere and Kaptukoi. The rest of the land has been reserved for game.Restrictive land policiesAccording to the woman Member of Parliament for Kapchorwa, honourable Gertrude Kulany, there are actually some families that still don’t have definite areas to stay. “It is true that parliament gazetted the 6,000 hectares of the game park to resettle the Benet but still, there are some families that were left homeless,” the MP points out. She has also consequently made her pleas to government to come to their rescue and gazette more land to accommodate these people.The process of gazetting the land took place back in 1983 when government confined them to 6,000 hectares. In the same year, the red-line mark (a demarcation line between the game park and the Benet’s residential area) was put in place. The population back then were still low. At the time, the Benet were only 1,000 but currently, the figures have increased to approximately 7,000 people. Hon. Kulany adds that they have as well made an outcry to the district council to pass a resolution to enable the extension of the boundary beyond the currently designated area of occupation.Another leader and chairman of the Benet lobby group, Moses Muanga can hardly make any sense out of government’s decision towards them. “We have lived on the slopes of mountain Elgon for over 200 years. It is puzzling that we are forced to vacate. This is all due to government’s unclear land tenure policy in the area. How can you sideline human life for the case for mere animals?” he questions. Unanswered requests The chairman adds that the Benet have made various outcries and pleas to the government but all the efforts seem not to yield any results. He adds that they continue to be landless and marginalized in decision-making. He points out the resettlement process where the tribe was resettled without any compensation package. Hon Kulany attests to this, adding that the locals can hardly embark on any long-term plans within the area since they are not quite sure of their stay on the land. At times, conflicts between the locals and game rangers ensue, a situation Hon. Kulany blames on the failure of the locals and rangers to come to terms. The other reason is poverty, which has also frustrated their efforts to develop themselves. Poverty in the area is physical and their houses tell it all. They are made of a few reeds, leaves and mud. A matchbox is shared between seven families, each of them about half a kilometre apart. All Kogeni owns is a blanket, which he moves with during the day because of the cold and for bedding to warm him up at night. Despite the hard situation, he tries his best to impress his visitors; he slaughters a goat, which he prepares along with potatoes (locally known as sipatisi). On many occasions, food is obtained from the neighbouring Sabiny community in return for manual labour. In this community, women’s rights are highly respected. The Benet women are the pride of the land. Like the men, they are tall, dark and beautiful.They contribute a good share to the community. They barter the nicely woven baskets they make to the Sabiny who live eight kilometres away. This is across two streams, which, on a bad rainy day will get flooded to the extent that nobody can cross. That is when many will go hungry. The floods will also hinder the few school-going children from attending school. There hardly any social services in the area as Muanga explained: “There is nothing like Universal Primary Education in this place. Well, we would have constructed our own schools but we are a poor lot,” he pointed out.And before an NGO constructed the only health centre, the expectant mothers had an uphill task, especially when it came to labour. Today, many depend on handouts from Action aid and a few other NGOs operating in the area. Another problem Hon. Kulany highlights is that of the Karimajong cattle rustlers from the low lands of Ngenge. She explains that the raiders have caused unrest to the Benet, sometimes causing loss of lives in the course of the raids since some of them (the cattle-rustlers) are armed.MarginalizationIn addition, the Sabiny dominated the whole resettlement process accounting for the inclusion of the internally displaced and needy in the resettlement process, at the expense of the target historical inhabitants, the Benet. The population of the non-Benet has so far out-numbered the Benet in the area and during elections, the former take up all the leadership positions. At the sub-county for instance, none of the Benet is an executive member. On the whole, the Benet’s situation remains a hanging mystery. They need permanent structures to call homes, social services to compliment their hard work and recognition of their existence as well.

Edgar's Rocker Room

2006-11-29T07:09:00.000+03:00

edgar's rocker room

Meeting the simple Akon

2006-09-11T09:00:00.000+03:00

EDGAR R. BATTE
A moment with Akon just brings out the character of a simple and laidback star. During his visit to Tanzania last week, one could hardly believe the man before us was actually a multi-platinum superstar whose songs are topping world charts. If it were not for his mean crew and security detail that created airs around him, he could have passed off for any other average guy. Akon had all arms open for anyone. During a press conference on Wednesday, the US-based star revealed he would sign up any serious East African artiste.His most revealing moment was during an interview in East African radio studios where he was hosted alongside his six-man crew of notably more heavily built and taller guys.Ugandan born Dennis Busulwa a.k.a Ssebo hosted the show and introduced the star to Swahili phrases like mambo vipi (Swahili phrase What's up). "Kampala, Dar es Salaam and Nairobi mambo vipi," Akon kept interjecting all throughout the show, implying that he was a fast learner. When phone lines were opened, the callers asked Akon all kinds of questions and he answered them freely. One of the listeners asked him how he had 'found' the Tanzanian girls. "Well, I do not sleep around. Whenever, I am out on a show I move with my girlfriend," Akon answered. The star, who is a strict Muslim is said to be in his third marriage. He also neither smokes nor takes alcohol.
THIS IS GOOD: Akon admires a wood curving that was given to him a souvnier to remember Tanzania
ALL SMILES: Akon was down to earth and he didn’t carry himself around with airs. Below, he ponders after being asked a question during a press conference. Photos by Edgar R. Batte
After the show, Akon posed for photos with East African artistes like Uganda's Ngoni, Bebe Cool, Kenya's Necessary Noise and Nonini as well as the radio station's presenters.Later on , the star was hosted to cocktail party where he mingled freely with everyone. It is here that he revealed that he had actually been a Jazz percussionist like his father, who moved to the US with his family, when Akon was only Seven. After settling in the state of New Jersey, Akon learned how to play different percussion instruments. However, he was always on the wrong side of the law in a bid to make ends meet, leading to his imprisonment. While serving his term in jail, he wrote down what was going through his mind, coming up with the hot album Trouble. "The album is basically me. I wrote everything, basing on my experiences." He discovered that he could no longer do percussion and turned to hip-hop, becoming a successful songwriter, singer and producer. He freely obliged when people at the party asked to have a few photos with him. He was even eager to learn more Swahili and he tried to speak it with everyone he was chatting with.Although he was expected in Tanzania on Thursday, Akon arrived in the country two days before and explained that he needed sometime to move around and experience more about the social life in Dar es Salaam. "I decided to come early so that I could move around and meet people as well as enjoy my stay here before I get on stage," he said. Akon's debut album, Trouble, went multi-platinum worldwide, with hits like Lonely, Locked up, Ghetto, Keep On Calling, Bananza and Pot of God just to mention a few. During his stay, the down-to-earth Senegalese born star was able to visit Celtel Tanzania and Coca Cola offices, the main sponsors of his Friday show. He also visited a charity home and on his way, he kept waving to the crowds, occasionally saying, mambo vipi as he travelled throughout the city.

Professor Jay’s passion is music

2006-09-11T08:58:00.000+03:00

EDGAR R. BATTE
He loved to sing as a child and started writing his own rhymes at 15. Today, he has two albums to his name and has won several music awards back home in Tanzania. Edgar R. Batte caught up with him

*This should be your first visit to Uganda, how have you found it here?
Uganda is beautiful and the people are a lively lot. They know how to party. Of late, you've been in the media for sueing Jose Chameleone over stealing rights to your Nikusaidieje song and then you guys have made peace.

*Why the sudden change of mind?
We are talking about the growth of East African music and that is why I made peace. We have to build the music industry and need each other's support if we are to market our music across boarders. Such solidarity has worked in South Africa and West Africa and I believe it can also work here.

*So what was the beef all about?
I don't want to say we had beef. I think it was simply a misunderstanding. I would have gone to court but it's not cool. When I told Chameleone that I wanted us to make peace, he was shocked but I think sueing him won't benefit me. My dream is to see East African music grow. Chameleone is big in East Africa and I think we can do something together. As a matter of fact, when I came down, I realised many more artistes, both underground and big names, had recorded songs using the Nikusaidieje beats.

*Do you have any plans of working with Chameleone on any project?
Yeah. In fact we are in studio recording a duet as proof that we are back together. Our fans should look out for our forthcoming duet dubbed Ndivyo siyvo.

*Any plans for you in the Ugandan market?
I know people love my music but they don't know the guy behind it so I think I need to promote my music down here. I love the Ugandan crowd, it's so lively. I have talked to Klear Kut, Michael Ross, and Ngoni and we are set for some musical collaboration soon.

*As a big artiste in Tanzania, what is your career portfolio?
I have won best hip-hop award for BBC East Africa awards for the 2005 edition and in 2001, my single Mdio Mzee won an award for best hip-hop in the Kilimanjaro Awards followed by the best composer award in 2002 and yet another for best album (Mapinduzi Halisi) also in the Kilimanjaro Awards.

*You are really passionate about music.Is it something you grew up to like or an interest you developed over time?
As a kid, I always listened to music. My brother would bring home classic collections and this was the time when emcees like Running DMC hit big in the hip-hop circles. They sang about black solidarity and I always tried hard to sing like them. In the late 80s and early 90s, we (and my friends) started miming these songs at open school shows but this was just to win cheap popularity especially among girls. By and by, I started developing a deep interest in music.

*Tell us about yourself. Who is Professor Jay?
Professor Jay's real name is Joseph Haule and I was born to Mr Leonard Haule and Ms. Rosemary Majanjara on 29th December, 1975, in Dar es Salaam. I am the sixth child in a family of nine. I always want to reach out with a simple approach, which makes me a sociable person.

*How did you make headway into the music industry?
I didn't actually discover myself, my cousin Frank Majanjara did. He always encouraged me after discovering I had some potential. As I continued to mime rap and hip-hop, I started synchronising in my own words. At 15, I began writing my own rhymes and in 1995, I formed the Hard Blusters Crew, with my three friends Big Willy, Fanani and producer Ludigo. We released our first album Fungakazi (working together) which introduced us to the crowds.

*When you look back at your musical journey, what marked your big break through?
Off our maiden album, I wrote and released a song called Chemisha Bongo, which was tagged as a revolutionary song. Soon it was an anthem on all airwaves. This song brought our fathers to listen to our music. Hitherto, bongo flavour was considered to be music for the street/ghetto people. Chemisha Bongo opened the way for other artistes into the game. It had an irresistibly strong message.

*What was so magical about Chemisha Bongo?
It tells the story of a child who did not want to go to school because he came from a well-to-do family but was opened to the 'real' world when his parents passed away. Relatives stole all the property his parents had and he was left with nothing and regretted not having gone to school. So parents used this song to caution their children and encourage them to work hard for their future.

*When did you go solo?
I went solo in 2001 and released my first album titled Machos Jasho Na Damu (Tears, Sweat and Blood). I dedicated this album to those hustling with life, those living on the streets and the ghettos. It was a word of encouragement for them not to give up hope.

*How did you carry on from there?
In 2003, I released my second album, Mapinduzi Halisi which had the hit song Zali la Mentali that enjoyed some good airplay especially on East Africa television. And in 2005, I released J.O.S.E.P.H. It has the Nikusaidieje hit that has won me an award for best song in Tanzania in the country's Kilimanjaro Awards.

*Last message…
I think as artistes, we might borrow ideas from the West but I feel our pride as Africans shouldn't be compromised. We still need to represent Africa. We have so many problems and as artistes, have a voice which can cause change.

HIV/Aids Widow Gets House From Actionaid

2006-09-11T08:51:00.000+03:00

Edgar R. Batte
For a moment, she stood still and at as loss for words. A visibly excited Hadijjah Nakito expressed joy as tears rolled down her cheeks.
Nakito, an HIV/Aids widow living in Makerere had her house washed away by heavy rains and has since been living in a shack but Actionaid International Uganda came to her rescue and constructed her a house, which was officially handed over to her last Thursday.
Nakito revealed the painful experience of life without a home and 11 members of the family to fend for.
The Country Director Amanda Serumaga said Nakito's three bed roomed house, would help her fend for her family as a source of income through renting out the boys quarters.
"This is part of our concerted efforts to work hand in hand with community based organisation in trying to eradicate poverty," she said. Actionaid is visiting different local communities in Uganda under the Get on board, back on the road dubbed campaign.

What is Ziggy Dee up to?

2006-09-11T08:50:00.000+03:00

EDGAR R. BATTE
ONE HIT WONDER?: Tanzanian based musician Ziggy Dee burst onto the Ugandan music scene with his monster hit Eno Mic. He hasn’t brought out anything as big since and we asked him why.

The last time you could have heard about him was when he rode high on the fame of his Eno Mic hit. Who didn't dance to the hit? In the club, we danced to it and on radio it enjoyed such enormous airplay that it could have been billed an anthem of sorts. Given the popularity of the song and the artiste's fame at the time, Ziggy Dee got chance to perform before the Members of Parliament (MPs) and he got them grooving all the way.That was in 2002. Four years later, Ziggy Dee has not managed to drop a hit as big as Eno Mic (ya Ziggy Dee tesaga), which has prompted talk that the artiste has fizzled out. In fact there is a joke about him having gone down along with his hit. For that, he was soon christened a one-hit wonderer.
PLANNING BIG COME BACK: Ziggy Dee during the interview. He says he is working on a 24- track album, which will re-define him as a big artiste in East Africa. Photo by Mike Odongkara
DUET: Lately Ziggy Dee has songs with artistes like Trishilla. However, he is still based in Tanzania. Extreme left, he does what he likes best-being on the mic. Photos by Ismail Kezaala
In an interview with It's Friday, Ziggy Dee is on the defensive. He talks of big plans for a massive comeback, hitting big in Tanzania as well as trying to have sometime for his hobbies, fine art and community development. The artiste boasts of being a good painter. "I am in studio working on 24-track album which is timely to challenge critics. It will cover all music lovers because I have blended various music styles like Bolingo (Zairian style), Bongo flavour, Kwaito and dancehall among others. It's my proof to people that I've never 'burned out'. After all, there are other songs I have released besides Eno Mic," Ziggy Dee told It's Friday.Recovering from the 'big hit' Eno MicIn local music it is one thing to put out a hit or successful album, and another to follow it up with an equal one. This is what Ziggy Dee is fighting hard to prove. "I want to show people that it wasn't chance for me to get in the limelight." Ever since, Eno Mic, he has released songs like Doctor in which he featured Zazou of the X-Ray trio, Kimansulo, Agawalahi, Lollipop, Hakuna Matata and Mugoti. These have not been big in Uganda, but he says nonetheless, they have enjoyed good airplay on Tanzanian FM stations. Doctor has got fair play on East African television. Of late, Ziggy Dee has changed the look of his dreadlocks tinting the end bits with blonde. He now talks of doing music on another level.Bigger in TanzaniaAsked why his music is not receiving as much airplay, Ziggy Dee says people do not take time to listen to the lyrical richness of music but are taken up by musical beats. It is for this reason he claims to be bigger in Tanzania. "In Tanzania, people appreciate a song for its richness beyond the trendy beats unlike in Uganda, where music is all about beats." Ziggy Dee is based in Tanzania where he spends most of his time. There, he boasts of gracing big music fetes like the Fiesta as well as the Summer Jam on which he gets to rub shoulders with musical big wigs from Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania. Judging from the success of his music in the land, he likens his musical career in Tanzania to Kyeyo (foreign job) of sorts. With the support of Clouds FM, one of the local FM stations in Dar es Salaam, he has been able to market his music beyond borders into Sudan, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Malawi where he has held performances. He has also collaborated with Zazou, the first lady from the X-Ray trio. The two have been seen together on a number of occasions, prompting the tabloids to question their relationship. However, Ziggy Dee laughs this off and clears the air stating that it is all about music and friendship they share as artistes and nothing more. He also refutes tabloid reports that he recently fathered a child. In fact, he discloses that he has a girlfriend though she prefers to keep a low profile. Who is Ziggy anyway? Ziggy Dee was born Adam Mutyaba Mukiibi in Ggaba. He grew up in Uganda but left for South Africa where he pursued a Diploma in language studies for three years (1998-2001). On his return, he switched to Tanzania and enrolled for an advanced Diploma in Information & Telecommunication (I.T) studies for a year. He joined music in 2002. He says he wants to focus his career towards benefiting community development as one of his latest dreams. That is why he wants to keep a clean name. "There are many things we can teach our peers and fans, rather than taking on 'bad boy' roles like physical fighting and writing fighting lyrics." The artiste's outlook is community based. He is looking at helping the destitute in society through holding charity concerts. He wants to help children get off the streets as well as help stop child slavery and abuses from the face of East Africa. Career wise, he looks beyond the East African borders. So far, he is completing a house in Ggaba, Kampala. He is also looking at becoming a music promoter as well. For now, Ziggy Dee says he has put all effort on his multi-lingual 24-track album, which he expects to redefine him as a star on the local music scene.

Glamour at Virgin fashion show at Makerere

2006-09-11T08:48:00.000+03:00

EDGAR R. BATTE
The timing could have been wrong owing to the World Cup fever but the evening was a worthy one especially because the show was organised, with a receptive crowd and above all, the remarkable innovation by the university students. We are talking about the maiden Virgin Show exhibition that was hosted at the Margaret Trowel School of Industrial and Fine art at Makerere University.
The theme of the exhibition was Contemporary yet Cultural and the creative wear that was on display said it all. The works were a combination of the students and their lecturers.The show kicked off two hours later than scheduled. Some of the night's highlights comprised a showcase of creative, beach and evening wear as well as performances from Priscilla Kalibala. State Minister for Gender, Rukia Isanga represented the Gender Minister, Syda Bbumba. The students modelled as they showcased a variety of designs drawing cheers from their peers and guests as the emcee gave descriptions of different creations, designers and the models. The designs brought out the relevance of the theme with the fusion of both African and modern materials like backcloth, banana fibre, calabash as well as cotton. Meanwhile, the crowd was kept informed on the progress of the match. Kalibala who was apparently the only musical act at the exhibition lit up the house with performances of her songs Mwana Gwe, Gumikiriza and Yonno that attracted a round of applause from the crowd. The show went on till approximately 11p.m.

The ghetto president

2006-09-11T08:47:00.000+03:00

EDGAR R. BATTE
MISUNDERSTOOD: Despite his Toyota Landcruiser bearing the words ‘100 percent bad news’, Bobi Wine says he is not as bad as people perceive him to be
No other local artiste has come under more public criticism about his or her behaviour than Bobi Wine. And so EDGAR R. BATTE caught up with the dread locked "Bad Man from Kamwokya."
Good evening, bad man?I'm fine. This time round, I would like you to help me and make people know the real truth about me. I have never been justly written about. When they look at my muscular body, mean face and the scars on my body, they see me as a bad man yet I'm no longer a bad man.
Well, now you have the chance to say something about yourself…Bobi Wine is a 26-year-old educated husband of Barbie and father of Solomon Sekayi Nyanzi Kampala Galyenkanawa Kyagulanyi II. I work and earn but above all, most people especially the media have misunderstood me. You [media] don't hate me but you misunderstand me.
You must be talking about reports that you often fight. Honestly, don't you fight?Since 1996, I have been involved in only two brawls. Last year I beat up Ronnie Banton during the East Africa Music Festival at Munyonyo after he poured beer on me in front of my father. But I forgave him when he apologised. The other fight is when I punched Chameleone last year in Ange Noir and he sustained a swollen cheek. I have been provoked in every fight I have been involved in, but because people see that I'm more fierce and stronger, they say I beat up people. However, it's over a year since I last fought.
BAD MAN STATUS: Bobi Wine says people misunderstand him because of his mean looks. Photos by Willy Tamale
Maybe you are no longer fighting because people know you are bad news and they fear to provoke you.Perhaps, but even if they did, I would never fight again. I only have two more fights in life. One will be in court in case my wife tries to divorce me, and the other is fighting death. I will never go physical with anybody. Not because I'm no longer strong but because now I'm a parent.
A parent. How is Bobi Wine the father at home?At home I'm not Bobi Wine but Taata Solomon (father of Solomon). I'm not a ruler, though once in a while like any other man, I rule the house, but most times I'm a buddy to my wife, son and my young brothers. When we're together it's about playing, eating, praying and sleeping.
About praying, you once got saved but you're still doing secular music. How do you relate with God?I'm not a mulokole (saved); I'm a strong believer, a Christian and a God fearing man. I'm not under any pastor. Every Sunday we vote on where to go for services. Barbie likes KPC; I prefer Kansanga Miracle Centre and my brothers like Lubaga Cathedral but we always find reasons of going somewhere.If Barbie is the one driving she will take us to KPC but if we are going with Solomon, then it's Lubaga.
It seems Solomon is among the decision makers at home although he is too young to talk.I treat him like a little prince. Some times he wakes up earlier than me but he doesn't leave bed until I pick him to go and we eat berries. I have berries in my compound and he likes them very much. If there is any ripe jackfruit, I will climb the tree and leave him on the swing but if he insists on going with me, I will climb with him in my hands.
Don't tell me there's such a house to rent in Kampala where you have a compound with all kinds of fruits, swings and all sorts of things?Don't you know ? I built a 19-bedroom house in a place called Magere along Gayaza Road? I bought that land two years ago when it was a forest of nine acres but I've transformed it into a luxurious residential site suitable for me as the president.
By the way, we hear you're the president of the ghetto. Can you please elaborate?Initially I was the president of Firebase Crew, a group of upcoming artistes aspiring to greater heights. Coincidentally I was born in a ghetto like most of the crewmembers. Then there are those music crews that came up in different ghettos (slums) of Kampala who think like us. After I did the Ghetto song, they came to me and asked that we start a government of all ghettos and I become the president - so I did. Currently, I have ministers and Resident District Commissioners (RDCs) in every Kampala ghetto. I did my cabinet reshuffle a few months ago when I made Chagga the Prime Minister while Buchaman remained the Vice President. Chagga is also in charge of ethics and integrity because I believe he is the most disciplined local artiste after Gen. Mega Dee.
Who are the RDCs?Red Banton is the RDC Makindye, Mad Tiger is for Lubaga North, Original Designer is for Lubaga South, In Kawempe South I have Lord Beaten but for the sake of space I will have to mention only a few. They speak for and on behalf of the President Bobi Wine.
So, you don't recognise President Museveni since you have your own government?Our government is totally at par with the Central government and we are Kabaka's men. We are not a political government. We get directives from God. We fight to air the people's views through music.
So, Barbie is also a first lady?Definitely, she is. We spend 80 percent of our time together laughing but the rest of the time she's discussing politics and she's the brightest woman you could come across.Besides being loving, she also likes playing a lot. We compete in bike riding and she reaches the finishing line before me but I always win her in arm-wrestling. She is a stronger Christian and at home she has made it a law that we must pray before going to bed. Even if I come back home tired, I will have to thank God for the day.Does she also force you to do chores at home?Umm…I always cook the fish and pork, and maybe when we have an argument with her on who cooks what better than who. My main duty is to look after the compound, the flowers and feeding the birds and animals. I have all types of animals, from pigs, goats, cows, rabbits and horses. I have chicken, a parrot, and I had ducks but I threw them out, Barbie hates them because they are dirty. Duck meat is my favourite.
And you have a marijuana garden?When people who are believed to be violent talk about a gun, everybody gets alarmed, yet others move comfortably with them. When I talk about marijuana they say there goes a drug addict. Just like I can't come and tell everybody that I'm a coffee drinker, I won't come and say I take marijuana. But to me every creation is blessed as long as it enhances livelihood. My precise answer is that marijuana is like any other plant whether to be used or not to be used by man depending on their interests.
Sections of local press have linked you to having an affair with Juliana.People have said all sorts of things but clearly Juliana and I are good friends and musical partners. Of course if anybody saw you with a beautiful girl, they would imagine something deep going on. I know I could get any woman I want but I made my choice long time ago and I think it's the best choice I have done. I have a woman who loves and satisfies me in every aspect of life and that is Barbie.
What is your honest opinion on the Pam Awards?I know I will be the artiste of the year. What do you think? I don't know what other people think but I think I deserve it. This year I've done the biggest hits, Bada, Kabaseke, Adam Ne Kaawa and Ghetto.
Tell us about your launch today?The platinum show is at Hotel Equatorial tonight and on Sunday we will be at Ggaba beach where I will sing all my 60 songs. Gates open at 5 a.m. and performances start at 10 a.m. until 10 a.m. the next day. All Ugandan artistes will be there. My new cabinet will swear-in at Ggaba. I will also appoint new RDCs on that day.

The break that led to a break-up

2006-09-11T08:44:00.000+03:00

EDGAR R. BATTE
He looks calm, walks with grace and reaches out to you in serene manner. When you meet him, you have surely met a peaceful man. As he strides through towns, a few heads will turn for a second stare. Patrick Birungi is the peaceful guy who graced our screens as Ateenyi in the local drama series Hand in Hand. He is that dark handsome guy with an O-shaped moustache (read channel 'O') who played the character role of the electrician in the local drama. He confesses ladies have always taken special interest in him. And well being the hunk he is, you would expect him to have someone to complete the picture. But lo! The fine-looking guy is still on the shelf. He says he is yet to give love a second chance, having lost out on it in his first relationship that ended quite prematurely.Patrick is into some private business as well. He runs one of the modelling agencies in town called PM studios located along Lumumba Avenue. He is a model and a familiar face on the billboards. He is the face that graces the billboards that advertise Uganda Telecom online billing and landline phones. You could also have also seen him on some of the Nile Special beer brand billboards. He is simply setting the heights for himself and as he says the popularity has helped too.
Debut into acting Patrick has spent a considerable part of his life as an actor having been mentored into the profession by veteran actor Alex Mukulu. "At the time he spotted me I was one of the lead vocalists in the Christ the King church choir. He needed people to feature in his production "The Seven Wonders of Uganda" and was looking for people who could particularly sing 'tenor' harmony voices. So he chose me and that is how I made my debut into acting," Patrick recounts.
Patrick’s ideal partner is someone who is simple, loving and open. Photo by Willy Tamale.
He acted in Alex Mukulu's acclaimed local productions like The Seven wonders of Uganda and Thirty years of Bananas. He confesses this was a dream come true since he had always harboured a secret love to become an actor one day so when Alex Mukulu approached him, he obliged with open arms. As a novice, Alex Mukulu didn't have to train him much. He gave him one cardinal rule-to be himself and not 'over act'. He heeded to the advice and soon he was being hooked for acting roles by some big filming companies to feature in their projects. He has since had roles in movies like Get up this time, Full of energy, The Convict as well as his recent role in Hand in Hand. However, it was not smooth sailing for him as a start. He tells of the tension while on stage during his maiden days. He just did not know how the audience would react to him but he has overcome this. In Hand in Hand, which endeared him to the local audience; he took on a character trait of an electrician with a dream of working his way to America for greener pastures overlooking his craftsmanship in Uganda.
Taking his timeFor a handsome guy like him, you would expect a bevy of ideal partners but that is not the case. Patrick tells of his disappointment with love after falling out with his 'dream girl'.When he took on the role in Hand in Hand, it required a lot of his time, which his girlfriend couldn't stand. "It was all good till I became a little busier. She became insecure which was bothersome more so with the pressure of work, we gave each other a break which also led to our break-up," he says. Nonetheless, he is confident there is someone more ideal for him. When asked about his ideal kind of partner, Patrick paints a picture of someone simple with love and an open mind."I would like someone who is straight with inner beauty. She ought to be kind and more importantly open-minded. Well, I am not a perfectionist but just haven't met someone ideal." When not on stage acting or at his modelling agency, Patrick loves taking some time off to relax at the beach with a couple of friends. Otherwise, he loves making friends and a bit of adventure. He has also spread his interests to music and you can get him enjoying some classical and jazz notes. In the pop world, he like Rhythm & blues star, Joe. These make his day and put him in the right mood to face days as they come. The actor/model is grateful to God for what he has managed to achieve so far.
On the Uganda theatre sceneRiding on acting experience of approximately a decade or so, Patrick feels that the Ugandan theatre industry is still lacking. He says a lot is still missing. "There is too much of 'over acting' which is holding local theatre behind. It also lacks reality. Fact is we have good actors who if given more professional training can improve," he said.Incidentally Patrick Birungi discloses that he did not study any course to do with acting. In fact he says he studied accounting at University. Birungi was born in December 1972 to Mr. & Mrs. Ssembogga. He points out that his childhood was not the best and grateful to his parents who struggled to raise him.

Sumani the African queen

2006-09-11T08:43:00.000+03:00

EDGAR R. BATTE
HUMBLE BEAUTY: Nancy Sumani is beautiful, intelligent and ambitious. She is the holder of the Miss World Africa title. Edgar R. Batte talked to her
How did you get to contest for the Miss Tanzania title? One of the organisers Mange Kimambi was a friend. We met at a fast-food joint and she asked me whether I was interested and I told her I was.
Were you convinced you had what it took for the contest?I was not exactly convinced; I contested just because I had all the time in the world. I had just finished high school, so I decided to give it a shot irrespective of the outcome.
While at it, did the thought of losing cross your mind?No. I knew I would do well. You contest with hope of winning so I went into the contest with high hopes.
When you got to meet your fellow contestants, did you feel you had any advantages over them, as you knew one of the organisers?I believed that all the other 25 contestants where really beautiful and intelligent. It was difficult for me to think I would beat them but I was confident and that motivated me to do well
Tell us about the big day when you were crowned Miss Tanzania? It was a memorable day, September 2, last year. It was an exclusive event held at the Diamond Jubilee Hall. There was a big crowd and of course among us contestants there was high tension, nervousness as well as excitement. Above all, there was anticipation for the car to be won as the grand prize. Thank God, that at the end of the night, I was the winner.
Being Miss Tanzania, you qualified for the Miss World contest in Sanya, China. How was the experience at Miss World?Exciting. It was one of those once in a lifetime experiences. I left home on November 10, 2005, and stayed a month in China with other contestants. It was overwhelming. We were given first class treatment. We stayed at the Sheraton, China and had legendary Alexander O'Neil perform live just for us.
BEAUTIFUL: Miss Tanzania Nancy Sumani during the interview. Photo by Edgar R. Batte
The Chinese performances were electrifying as well. Of course the main event was magical. Besides that, we had a lot of trips around China, visiting cities like Shanghai and places like the Nanshan temple in Sanya.
How did it feel being chosen as Miss World Africa, and being so close to the title of Miss World?Unbelievable. I was left speechless for a while.
Being Africa's beauty queen. How does it feel? Don't you feel so special?I am a simple person who is not into vanity. I carry myself around like any other average person.
You earlier said that you contested for the Miss Tanzania title because you had a lot of time after finishing high school. Are you still in school?I just finished my O-level in Masai High School in Nairobi.
You are Miss Tanzania, how come you studied in Nairobi not Tanzania?Both my parents Mr and Mrs Abraham Sumani have businesses in Nairobi so they decided that for convenience, I had to attend school in Nairobi. It was a good place. By the time I got there, I was a young girl from Dar es Salaam and growing up in Nairobi, a place with a different culture and way of life was pretty exciting because I love adventure.
Tell us more about yourself?I was born in Arusha, Tanzania in 1986. I am turning 20 on August 7. I am a Leo. I spent most of my time in Nairobi but I usually go back to Dar es Salaam for holidays.
Any childhood memories?I was a lucky naughty girl who was never caught 'in the act'.How would you describe your personality?Oh my God! (Smiles) I would put it in three words. I am open-minded, happy and content.
You're such a beautiful young lady, are you still single?Very much indeed.
Well, would you mind painting us the picture of your ideal guy?I like a confident 'brother' who is not easily intimidated. I like a person who is happy and content just like I am. He could be tall with a little bit of muscle though not too much.
So you mean you've never walked past some guy and you feel like…he's cool?I have feelings and I have experienced crushes on guys but I am a pretty shy person. So I can't approach them.
What things interest you?I love reading. I absolutely love adventure, more so adventurous travel for relaxation. I also love music.
Talking about travelling, how many countries have you been to?I've been to Ireland, China, the UK and Kenya. I’ll visit Mauritius soon.
Why Mauritius of all places?I will be travelling with Ms World. We shall be doing a little bit of charity work there. I guess it will be an adventurous trip because I have never been there before.
What are your future prospects? I intend to become a very prosperous corporate lawyer as well as business lady and entrepreneur.
Who do you look up to in life?My parents.
As a beauty queen, what's your most embarrassing moment?When I fell in a bank. It was very mortifying.

Kidfox talks about his first girlfriend Straka

2006-09-11T08:42:00.000+03:00

EDGAR R. BATTE
Kidfox says Straka was a sweet girl. Photos by Walter Wafula
He is composed and his lifestyle is simple. His lyrics tell it all. He is the voice behind popular hits like Brothers and Sisters and Love is a good feeling. His name is Kidfox. The laidback budding dancehall gem once dated T.V star, Straka Mwezi. That was way back before Straka made her way into local television. She was his first girlfriend.
"Pamela Mwezi better known as Straka was my first girlfriend. “We met at a certain school show, which a friend of mine had organised. Pamela used to rap those days.
She was still a young girl then," Kidfox recalls. At this particular show, all they did was exchange formal courtesies but Fox confesses she was a beauty to behold. He had an eye on her but was quite a shy guy.
Meanwhile, a good number of guys (big stars now) also had an eye on her but for some reason, her eyes were glued on Kidfox. "She was this young, slender, beautiful girl with a nice figure and glowing eyes. So when we finished making our rounds on stage, I decided to take another look at her and well, I landed but could not let it out. We chatted a bit. I didn't know what to do. I was really raw when it came to relationships".
For fear of having to compete with all these many guys, Kidfox gave up and tried to silently deal with the crush he had had on Straka. On the contrary, Straka seemed not to be interested in any of the many guys that were interested in her. She had her eyes on Kidfox.
Like luck could have it, Pamela made her intentions known. She then started sending him gifts through one of his friends, Viboyo, another upcoming artiste. Before long, the magic had worked out.
Pamela was such a sweet girl and with the nice accompanying luring sweet messages she sent him, Fox was soon hooked. Before she could perform a song, she would dedicate it to Kidfox. He found love was all about being open and expressive. Soon he found out it was time to stop playing the dodgy little games. Interesting enough, some of his friends put him under pressure to give in.
So one day while at home, Boogie Woogie (Amooti of Amarula Family) brought Pamela home for a casual visit."She was serious and determined for us to have something concrete moving. We were together for three years," Fox recollects. As a young couple, they managed to understand each other. Both of them were still breaking through in local showbiz and frankly owned nothing much. Kidfox was still at Makerere University.
Straka's talent started landing her good money as an emcee at some of the joints like Sabrina's pub and DV8 bistro. Soon, they moved out and started a life on their own. "We were both willing to learn from each other. It was a little hard in the beginning but with time, I started hooking deals with big companies for promotions and we managed to survive."
The walk to stardom Straka tried her luck at WBS television, not only for her career development but also to improve their status as couple. She was a very hardworking young girl.
She was patient too. "I used to drink out with the boys but she was patient and really compassionate. I would always find her waiting for me.
She was really serious about our relationship irrespective of the many guys that were still after her," says Kidfox. As a young couple, they would freely talk about everything plus helping each other out. Fox would give her some tips on how best she could present her show.
But like fate would have it, soon Straka was getting older and more exposed. Back at home, Kidfox and Straka wrote applications but it was not easy as she was tossed up and down at WBS till she decided to go ahead and see the Managing Director, Gordon Wavamunno, who was somewhat impressed by her confidence and gave her the benefit of doubt. She started working at WBS television.
Hitting the snag"I started smelling a rat when they brought this guy Charles Oimuke on T.V who once presented African Rhythms. Meanwhile, I guess I was spending more of my time with my friends and not giving enough care so I think this guy (Charles) got enough space," Fox recounts.
In fact, Kidfox initially thought Charles was lining her for another guy, I was later to learn the bitter truth. Soon, they began hanging out together which only affirmed Fox's fears that Charles could have had intentions of moving out with his girlfriend, Straka. "One night, I retired before her and when I called her, in the background were some of her friends saying all these bad things about me. I was hurt and simply switched off the phone," says Fox.
The relationship went from bad to worse and the two had to separate. She later had a child with Charles. She moved on while Fox lost ground in the music industry.
"It was time for me to go back to my kind of crowd, my down to earth friends. I concentrated on the completion of my degree. Meanwhile, I also went back home to stay with my parents."
When he saw the lightWhen he returned home, it was yet another battle. His family had never liked the idea of him moving out with Straka. For his sisters, she had taken away all the attention and for the parents, they were too young to start a life on their own.
Plus, his family is born-again and he had messed up his life. With the help of his sisters, he decided to get saved, which he says has changed his lifestyle. "I used to smoke and take weed (marijuana) as well as drink but I have managed to change my life around to stop doing them all."
He is now focussed on making a greater mark on the local and international scene, sometime in the future.

Sheraton unveils plush suites

2006-09-11T08:40:00.000+03:00

EDGAR R. BATTE
The time was 7p.m, the venue-Sheraton Kampala Hotel and it was another reason to drink and make merry. It was the corporate cocktail where the Sheraton unveiled another floor of the newly renovated lavish Parksquare Suites. This was on Thursday last week. The suites are located on the third floor. While taking guests around the suites, Sheraton's General Manager, Jawad Akhtar, said that they anticipate that the Parksquare suites will be ideal for guests who check into the hotel for a period of a month to one year.
EXQUISITE: The new suites, above and top. Photos by Willy Tamale
"We are very honoured to have you around as we unveil these plush suites. We have so far spent $25m on general renovations.There are both doubles and singles. The doubles can accommodate a family where the couple and their children can have separate rooms. For a night, singles go for $750 and $1,200 for the doubles," Jawad said. The Parksquare rooms have very good furniture but even more amazing is the view of the double-roomed suites that overlooks the city. Sheraton recently unveiled its Superior suites on the 12th floor. The new Parksquare Suites are self-contained with a bar, kitchenette, coffee making machines, microwaves and a refrigerator, a king-size bed, as well as splendid shower rooms.Jawad also disclosed that they are targeting the Common Wealth Heads of Government Meetings (Chogm) due next year.

Meet the lady bouncer

2006-09-11T08:38:00.000+03:00

Edgar R. Batte
SEX DOESN’T MATTER: Rwemushera has always looked at girls things as too girlie for her to do. Her job manifests this
It's rare to find a lady involved in manly work, like working in a nightclub as a bouncer. However, Margaret Rwemushera, who was a regular nightclub patron, took the opportunity to become a bouncer at Ange Noir nightclub with open arms. Rwemushera is the type who has always loved to go to the gym and as a result, she was looking for a place where she could put her excess energy to good use. This does not mean that she bounces patrons in the nightclub. On the contrary, she has not manhandled anyone before and she prefers to talk to whoever is trying to wreck havoc. "Whenever the situation goes out of hand and there is a need to get physical, I leave it to the guys (male bouncers) to handle," she says.
ON THE JOB: Rwemushera at Ange Noir. Photo by Eddie Chicco
She is lucky she gets on well with her male colleagues and when you find her in the company of the well-built men, you could easily mistake her for another man. When you meet her for the first time, Rwemushera strikes you as a tough and strict lady. The strictness comes in to keep the rowdy patrons at bay. However, she is not the type that thinks that bouncers should wear mean faces to show that they are doing their jobs.The Rwemushera at her home in Kawempe is different from the bouncer at Ange Noir. There, you will find her playing and trying to cheer up children in her neighbourhood. No wonder you could never find her if you tried tracing her by her name. In her neighbourhood, she is more known by her nickname "Kiisa" meaning compassionate, because of her character at home. But for those who have met her in the line of duty, it is a different perception altogether. "When I try to interact with people who have come to know me because of what I do, they think I'm a reserved and withdrawn girl, but with time, they discover a completely different part of me," she says.When she has her day off from work on Wednesdays, Rwemushera says that her workmates admit that it is such a boring day for them as she is a talkative person. "Their conversations mainly revolve around women and they always want to get my views on girlie issues," she says while smiling. Obviously, the girl in Rwemushera has not died down. She loves being cheered up, gossiping, reading novels and cares about her looks too. Rwemushera joined Ange Noir through friends (from Ange Noir) when she used to work out at the Hotel Africana gym. They asked her to join them in the nightlife to work as a bouncer and when she went around to study whether she could handle the situation, Charlie Lubega, her current employer encouraged her and she joined the club in 2002. You could think her working environment is tempting, but she has reason to dread men. Rwemushera says that she has been in two relationships before and has nothing good to tell about the experiences. Fresh from secondary school, Rwemushera met a guy and she immediately fell in love with him, but she ended up regretting her choice. "He was a very unserious man. After getting two children with him, I could no longer contain his cheating and over protectiveness," she says. She moved on and decided she could do better as a single mother. She is now a responsible mother who loves to do the best for her children. That is not to say that her life revolves around Ange Noir and her home. Rwemushera actually takes sometime off to engage in her favourite sports. You will not find her playing netball, because she finds it very girlish and that is why she was nicknamed a tomboy.At school, she played football and basketball and still gets time to play her favourite sports. She has also gone against the odds and on Tuesdays, the place to catch her is surprisingly the rival Club Silk, where she joins other revellers on the dance floor till the wee hours of the morning. This helps her put off some stress as well as have some time out with friends. Rwemushera says her day begins before 7 a.m. to get her children ready for school. She has managed to make them appreciate her job. She is however optimistic that they have the opportunities to join better and more professional careers.

Ras B and Gloria

2006-09-11T08:36:00.000+03:00

EDGAR R. BATTE
When Ras B. Ssali first met Gloria, the magic of her glowing eyes took his breath away. She was one of the dancers he had hired for promotion drives. Her dance moves were exceptional and somehow held his stance.
All the while, she smiled at him alluringly. He couldn't fight the temptation any longer. He got her in private and poured out his heart.
"She was beautiful, attractive and reserved which prompted me to get closer to her if only to learn about the deeper part of her. When she gave me a chance, I discovered two treasures: Gloria had mutual respect and offered an avenue for open communication.""She was also ready for commitment with someone serious. Her simplicity, care and openness helped me to decide she was the ideal girl I could love and trust," Ras B. Ssali recalls.
Ssali (R) and Gloria
She was still at Makerere University Business School then, but has since completed her degree in Entrepreneurship Studies. He used to pay her courtesy calls at the university. They went out together to discover more about each other as well as water the seeds of their newfound love.
To Ssali, Gloria Nabweteme was and still is exceptional and the two have been together since 2002. But like all relationships, he says, they too, have had challenges. Ssali however, discloses that they never have fights or shout at each other, adding that silence has worked wonders for them.
"When we get misunderstandings, we give each other time to calm down so that we can cordially talk about the difference. We prefer to take it slow and easy," Ssali chips in.
Both partners are open to communication and solving their problems. For instance, Ssali confesses that given his kind of business, he meets several women but points out that for him, it is all about sticking to his principles and knowing that his actions subsequently affect his love life with Gloria.
Ssali is a reggae artiste as well as a businessman dealing in promotions and events management. Some women he interacts with in his line of duty send him suggestive messages that upset Gloria.
He confesses that she is quite jealous but has learnt that he's loyal. "We can count on each other. One thing about her is her honesty and the fact that she likes me for who I am," he says. But that's not all. Their shared interests and passions have reinforced their love.
When asked what drives him crazy about Gloria, Ssali smilingly says it's her generosity and thoughtfulness. In fact he also discloses that their wedding is in the offing, a reason he says will enable them celebrate their union with friends and fans.
Reggae's godfather Ras B. Ssali is a name that is synonymous with reggae music in Uganda. He has been at it for well over a decade and he loves what he does -singing and seeing reggae flourish. Fans prefer to call him the Rasta man.
If you want to talk about reggae, he could hold you around forever as he passionately talks about reggae. He is one of the people who have been at the forefront of propelling the reggae concept in the local market. He is a true Rastafarian and his music preaches love, unity and general society. He picks his inspiration from reggae legend, Alpha Blondie. This is discernible in his work. Born Geoffrey Ssali, Ras B. Ssali of the Blood Brothers Band is one of Uganda's earliest reggae voices. As early as 1989, he knew there was hope for the reggae genre in Uganda.
"A few of us had the heart for reggae. We came up as a group and wanted to relay positive messages through music. We felt that we could draw the attention of the crowds to the Aids scourge using reggae."
They did a song, which not only introduced them to the crowd but also had a message to send to the masses. It was called Immorality and for the youngsters then, Ras B. Ssali and Solomon Igona, it was one of their best moments because the hit was used for the various drives to sensitise the masses about the scourge. Later on, the duo adopted the stage name of Ssali Solis Blood Brothers. The group has since changed name to 'Roots Rockers.'
Born 38 years ago, Ras B tells of an eventful childhood but most of all, a passionate upbringing. His mother was tutor at Kibuli Demonstration School. He says he is very close to his mother and hardly tells a story, which does not start with her. "As a single mother, she sacrificed a lot to see me through school and cautioned me to always be patient and honest. I heeded to her words. That is why I have never cheated any person and have always had clean dealings with people," he said.

Proud to be Ugandan

2006-09-11T08:35:00.000+03:00

EDGAR R. BATTE
At first sight, Kakiiza might strike you as a Somali or a South Africa. But she is purely Ugandan. She is beautiful, selfless, intelligent and likes challenging situations. Ivy Kakiiza might not be a familiar name but she has made her mark in the Diaspora. She is the European Campaign Coordinator with Actionaid International. Her work among other issues involves advocacy for women's rights as well as trade justice. Nonetheless, she is a lady who is free with everyone. As a matter of fact she is always ready to listen and learn from anyone. She is an amazingly simple lady by nature. I discovered this as we went around visiting different communities and people with the Get on Board bus campaign. She was in the country to enhance the campaign as well as make comparisons with European cases. She loves children and she would generously listen to their experience, most times getting overwhelmed with emotion at their sad tales. This, she says, is one of the things she has learnt from her mother. Kakiiza, 29, hails from Kabale in South Western Uganda.At the age of four, Kakiiza's family left Uganda for Nairobi where her mother had got a job. This was the first time she ever travelled across the border. Little did she know that this was only the beginning of an endless travel story. Before she knew, she was going places. She attended her kindergarten in Nairobi, a town she says she loved. After three years, she moved on to Brussels in Belgium for a short while before she moved to London where she was not only introduced to a whole new life but started her basic school studies. She recounts that above all her mother, Faith Semitarabana, wanted her to give her the best upbringing. When she left Nairobi, she joined boarding school in England at Rookesburg Park, an all girls' school for her elementary education before she joined Westwing girls' School and Bristol for her high school, in London. She then went back to Brussels for her college before joining the prestigious Middlesex University still in South London. All throughout her school days, Kakiiza says one thing lay at the back of her mind. She had to work hard not to disappoint her mother who had single-handedly raised them (together with her other two siblings). At Middlesex University, she studied Politics and Philosophy.
DETERMINED: Ivy Kakiiza during her last trip to Uganda at Barlonyo Internally Displaced Person’s Camp. Kakiiza looks up to her mother as a role model. Photos by Wandera W’Ojumbo
Kakiiza has worked with IBM based in London as well as Webershand Wick Consultancy. "I was lucky that I immediately got a job and started working. IBM [International Business Machines] offered me a job as a consultant at their London base. It was good experience and I was there for a year before moving back to Belgium. That was in 2001. In Belgium, I worked for some International consultancy called Webershand for a year."She doesn't strike one as a Ugandan more so because of her accent which is foreign. Her general lifestyle also, is western but she occasionally made an exclamation in her mother tongue, which usually made heads turn. She hails from a family of four, two sisters and her mother. She says her great grandmother who she describes as a strong woman, lives with her bigger extended family. Her two other siblings are also out in the Diaspora. Vanessa Semitarabana King, who follows her lives in Liberia with her husband where they run joint family businesses. The other sister, Angella Semitarabana, lives in Brussels and works with IBM.
Patriotic"Sometimes when I tell people that I am from Uganda, they find it hard to believe me but I am a patriotic woman and I can tell you I love my mother country. I have made friends out there but I keep on coming back to check on my family and friends. I feel homesick at times," Kakiiza says. She adds that she has always had a passion for organisational work dealing with challenging issues. She says her work is all about engaging the South and North in terms of activities for programmes on issues like poverty eradication, HIV/Aids and debt cancellation. Asked about what has propelled her to such heights and repute, Kakiiza discloses that it has been hard work coupled with determination. She says she has always had a go-getter attitude and believed in herself. "I learnt this from my dear mother. As a single mother, she always encouraged us to believe in ourselves since she is a confident lady herself. “So as I grew up, this became a stronger reason to prove to her that I had heeded her advice. In life, I have also realised that it is actually very important to have self-drive," she says. It is obvious that her mother is her role model.As a young Africa lady working overseas, she says she has loved challenging herself to work hard to prove herself against men and learn from situations and the people she has met in her line of duty. This has helped her easily acclimatise with different environments and people. This has also been an avenue for her to make friends.
Representative"At some point I don't want to judge myself as being someone special. I want to think of myself as a woman doing a job and representing all that is good about being an African woman." She loves African crafts. The African bungles especially look good on her. She tells me she shops for these every time she comes around on her private trips to pay a visit to her family in Kabale. She has her country at heart and looks forward to retuning to Uganda one day. Meanwhile, she has a plan of buying one of her dream houses in Brussels. A peep into her lighter side reveals a playful big girl, if only she gets some time off her rather busy schedule.

Professor Jay, Chameleone bury hatchet

2006-09-11T08:33:00.001+03:00

EDGAR R. BATTE
Artistes Jose Chameleone and Tanzania's Professor Jay have made peace. And as if to provide tangible proof that the hatchet has been buried, the duo shared a stage, for the first time at Ange Noir on Thurday.
Friends again: Chameleone and professor Jay record their forthcoming song at No End Entertainment studios on Friday. Photo by Batte
Revellers could not hide their excitement and applauded the two as they performed Niasidieje, the song whose beats Chameleone is accused of having ripped and remixed into his song, Bomboclat.When contacted, the two disclosed that it was time to bury the hatchet and move on for the cause of harmony in the industry especially at a time when East African countries have started working together.
"It is so good to make peace. We are both big and ought to think about the image we hold out to the public. It's East Africa forward. We are now two big Js (Joseph and Jay)," they said of unison.
Chameleone took the initiative when he went down to Steak Out where Professor Jay had stopped over from the airport. The two made peace after a lengthy chat.
As a sign of reconciliation, they, on Friday, went down to No End entertainment studios where they started recording a song together. The stars revealed that their song titled Ndivyo Siyvo, would hit music shelves as soon as producer Henry Kiwuwa is through with it. The two also performed together at the Uganda Waragi-Steak Out street jam on Saturday.

Peter Miles outs new music

2006-09-11T08:33:00.000+03:00

EDGAR R. BATTE
When asked to define his style, Peter Miles says, "I do what comes from my inner heart. That is why I don't copy what's on the local market." And his music is unique and says it all. Born in a musical family, Peter Miles got inspired by his big brother, John Miles a.k.a Coco Banton whom he recognises for having shaped and made him. He introduced him to dancehall music, starting him off by teaching him how to play the bass and rhythm guitar plus the keyboard in addition to helping him perfect his vocal skills. Currently, a list of Uganda's top dancehall artistes is incomplete without his name. Peter Miles' music has also won him fame in the neighbouring Kenya where his One Time scooped the Best video award in Kenya's Kisima Awards in 2004. He was also nominated in the category of the best artiste from Uganda in the same year. Locally he has been nominated twice for best ragga artiste in the Pearl of Africa Music Awards, though he is yet to win.
Now, the Entebbe based star has something new coming out. You could have heard his latest single Love on the airwaves. He features his musical partner Menshan in this as well. "I am trying to put together an East African album and so far I have put out six tracks which include the gospel track Praise in which I feature Mr. Googz and Kristo Fabulous, Mukwano Gwa Bangi, Tanfako (Featuring Menshan), Muwala, Leya and another gospel track Yesu (featuring Kristo Fabulous)," Miles told It’s Friday. Peter Miles, who made his first recording Nakutaka way back in 2002, is also part of the talented artistes spotted by MTV base Africa. The local star has featured African star 2Face in the remix of his Rackus hit that he did with Navio. Courtesy of MTV base, Peter Miles anticipates collaborations with dancehall icons Beenieman and Wyclef Jean.

Pam kasiki excites Lira residents

2006-09-11T08:31:00.000+03:00

CROONING: DJ Michael and a dancer. Photo by Wandera W’Ojumbo
Bell Lager, Uganda Breweries flagship brand on Friday spiced up its Sales promotion in Lira town with a bash termed as the Bell Lager Kasiki ahead of the Pam Awards regional launch, with lots of entertainment featuring several artistes from Kampala.
The event, which took place at Crystal Discotheque in Lira town attracted hundreds of fans who danced the night away as they enjoyed Bell Lager. Artistes 'imported' from Kampala included Chagga, Red Banton and Entebbe based DJ Michael.
The curtain raisers were the lively City Rock Dancers who showcased a variety of dancing strokes leaving the crowd awed. By the time Chagga jumped on the stage, the crowds were already ecstatic and they danced to his popular tunes.
Bell Lager Brand Manager Oscar Mulira said the bash was to offer the beer brand's consumers in Lira a sneak preview of what was to be expected in the Pam Awards launch in Lira due the next day. Mulira said Bell lager has supported the music industry in Uganda, and the Pam Awards for the fourth year running.
"Bell Lager is proud to be associated with the music industry in this country. We understand the value our consumers attach to music as a way of life. We are therefore committed to continue supporting the industry," Mulira said.
Since the launch of this year's Pam Awards, Bell Lager has held the entertainment bashes for its consumers in the towns of Jinja and Lira. Residents left the venue after 4 a.m., awaiting the Pam Awards launch that was due the next day.

Orlandoh unveil his new look

2006-09-11T08:30:00.000+03:00

EDGAR R. BATTE

The last you could have heard of his was when he launched his Ssembera album at Hotel Equatoria sometime late last year. This time round local artiste, emperor Orlandoh has changed his look. The next time you bump into him, you might have to give him some good gawk. Welcome Orlandoh’s new look. The chubby star has a clean-shaven head and poses out timidly with dark shades, taking on an image you could probably have identified with the last time you watched Queen Latifah’s Set it Off.

In his words the Nakonkonna star said, “It is something I have wanted to do. It is still the same old emperor Orlandoh but with a clean head now. It has nothing to do with being Rastafarian. I have never been one. I just adopted the hairstyle as a style of rebranding Orlandoh as a product in the local showbiz.”

Well, it might be a little hard to get used to the new look of the local dancehall star after all the years he has worn dreadlocks. He also revealed that revellers will get to check his out his new image on his forthcoming tenth album dubbed Haki Yange, he expect to release and promote sometime soon.

Asked whether his family might possibly find it hard to get used to his new look, the chubby star laughed it off saying they spend more time with him than anyone and thus, he has already made a portrait for them to view every time they might want to view him. Emperor is famous for hits like Sirika Baby in which he featured singing partner, Menton Summer (R.I.P), Nakonkona, Mama Wange (a duo wit Jose Chameleone) only tom mention but a few.

Nakivubo roars as Simba clocks eight

2006-09-11T08:27:00.000+03:00

EDGAR R. BATTE
FARM MANAGER: Abdu Mulasi performs with his ‘wives.’ Photo by Eddie Chicco
The rapturous crowd at Nakivubo stadium were once again treated to another merry-making fete. Ekiggunda, loosely translated to mean a booming sound was the name of the concert, which waved local FM station Radio Simba to its eighth anniversary. Revellers could not ask for more. As early as 10 a.m. in the morning, gates were open for revellers who decided to start on the long night ahead of them quite early. The annual fete brings together one of the biggest crowds on the local scene and it only keeps growing by the year. This year, Ekiggunda was remarkably better organised, had a mammoth crowd and the fans had a good time. Robert Mbabazi, a cosmetologist won himself Shs1m when his number was drawn in the MTN raffle. At the fall of darkness, the grass had another story to tell. While the performances went on, couples romanced the night away oblivious of other people. Most of them were drunk by twilight.

Meet Kabelo at the Street Party

2006-09-11T08:25:00.000+03:00

EDGAR R. BATTE
The place to be tomorrow is Wilson Road. The street will be closed off to traffic, to create space for the Motorola Urban Massive street party. Channel O's Kabelo will be hosting the party that has been organised by KFM in conjunction with Motorola and Channel O. Gates open at midday and there will be performances by Juliana Kanyomozi, Bobi Wine, Bebe Cool and the Obsessions. Everyone is welcome and entrance is free of charge. You will have a chance to be on Channel O if you attend the party, on top of winning sleek Motorola mobile phones.During the week, KFM listeners have been winning Motorola mobile phones and Jkazoora will be giving out another state of the art Motorola during his afternoon show The Edge today. Jkazoora will co-host tomorrow's street party with Kabelo. Winners of V.I.P tickets will be able to attend an urban massive exclusive party where they will rub shoulders with Kabelo. Kabelo is here to film content for the Motorola Urban Massive show, a youth culture programme that premieres in August. The parties are meant to generate content for the Channel O show, Urban Massive. Expect to be on TV if you attend. The show will cover 11 different cities in Africa reflecting all things relevant to young people. In each episode, Kabelo's crew will visit nightclubs, bars, restaurants and also film at street parties like the one on Wilson Road tomorrow. Hope to see you there.

Loketo lee outs Mawe

2006-09-11T08:24:00.000+03:00

EDGAR R. BATTE
The former Karate champ caused excitement when he stepped on the stage in police attire to a salutation by the night's emcees Mosh and one Dembe Hebert. He did his Bigombe and We Don't Care hits before he launched his Mawe which led revellers onto the dance floor and others joining him on stage at Rock Katarina, Ntinda last Friday.
GUEST OF HONOUR: Salim Uhuru (R) with the day’s man Loketo Lee during the musician’s Mawe album launch on Friday. Photo by Edgar Batte
A visibly excited Loketo Lee, who is also 2005 Northern artiste of the year went on his knees and thanked fans for the support. The emcees then opened the C.D auctioning sessions where the chief guest Uhuru's Salim donated Shs 2m, Gulu LC5 Chairman Norbert Mao Shs500, 000, Member of Parliament Nusura Tiperu Shs 300,000, Youth Member of Parliament Dan Kidega Ushs200, 000 who were all absent. Fellow artiste Deejay Languna, who Loketo Lee introduced as his uncle, donated Ushs50, 000. The turn up was fair. 2006 female entrant Priscilla Kalibala and Fina Mugerwa excited guys with their pelvis moves and skimpy outfit. Other performances came from Angella Katatumba, Emperor Orlandoh, Bella, Chagga and Deejay Languna among others.

Lions eat up Cranes

2006-09-11T08:23:00.000+03:00

EDGAR R. BATTE
Hunks and babes: Fans watch the match between the Uganda Cranes and Morocco’s Atlas Lions at the Kampala Rugby Club on Saturday.
Off the pitch, one could not help but appreciate the yuppie trends
The stands and virtually every spot at Kampala Rugby Club were filled to capacity by the mixed crowd that turned up to watch the determinant game. The first half went on quite well in Uganda’s favour with a comfortable 3-0 till the last kicks of the second half.
How’s this? A young couple previews pictures of the match on their camera. Photos by Eddie Chicco
In attendance: UBL MD Baker Magunda (R) and Sports Minister Charles Bakabulindi.
At the climax of the game, it was emotional breakdown when the Cranes succumbed to the Moroccan rugby team, the Atlas Lions. A few cried their eyes out while the rest consoled themselves that in every game, there is always a loser and winner.
One thing though, you could not agree less at the fashion display on the pitch as the hippy girls graced the do with clothes that tightened their butts leaving little or no breathing space at all.
On average, it was a youthful crowd which livened up the pitch with some necessary noise to boost our boys. The guys hit the metallic stands in unison. It was simply the perfect mood and atmosphere as the sun made its way to the west. The game kicked of fat 4:30p.m.

Wea are a team: The Cranes and Atlas Lions help their colleagues score
Off the pitch, one could not help but appreciate the yuppie trends. The beautiful girls were worth every glimpse in their tight jeans outfit made complete with shades as some held onto their Bell Lager.
On their last weekend home, the wazzup lot did not miss out. With their trousers belted at waistlines, you could not miss them as they went about in their phoney accents and heavy slang.
In the crowd were notables such as Sports Minister Charles Bakabulindi, Aggrey Awori, Abdul Katuntu, UBL MD Baker Magunda, utl's Paul Hulsen, who at some moments, threw out composure and yelled out in excitement as the game took on a good turn. Music bellowed throughout and minutes to the end of the game, people were still streaming in.

A lawyer with a passion for music

2006-09-11T08:22:00.000+03:00

EDGAR R. BATTE
When you have love something, you have to go against all odds to live your dream. This is the story of advocate John Kabagambe. The lawyer has had to stand criticism from family members, because of his love for music, but he is not deterred. After his court sessions, John Kabagambe the lawyer becomes Jon K the musician. Jon K is probably not a name you have seen on the colourful posters publicising a big concert, but he is putting together a 10-track album, which he expects to release soon. A sample off his compilation reveals a gifted mind. He waxes his youthful voice to music styles like Rn'b, hip-hop, dancehall and African contemporary as he presents his message. On this forthcoming album he has worked with Klear Kut's Papito and Lyrical G.
His collection so far includes songs like Lugambo, which hits at naysayers who are always out to pull others down. He features Papito in this one. He explains his reason for singing (his hobby) and likens himself to a lark in Like a lark. He visits the hardships of city dwellers in Sente, brings out the lighter side of life in Party, Nakupa Penzi and Mpenzi and goes nationalistic in Africa, What's Wrong? in which he questions when Africa's problems will end. For the start, Jon K sounds average but anticipates working hard to establish a name in the music industry. So far his music videos have enjoyed some fair airplay on UBC and WBS television.

Maurice enchants at Kisima Awards

2006-09-11T08:18:00.000+03:00

MOSES SERUGO & EDGAR R. BATTE

Ugandan crooner Maurice Kirya left a lasting impression at Kenya’s Kisima Music Awards held last Saturday at the Carnivore Grounds. Maurice’s full throttle acoustic guitar performance comprising two songs- Bina Damu and Beera Naabo earned him the loudest ovation. His vocal gymnastics and impeccable guitar-playing got him instant endorsements from high profile guests while others offered as much as Kshs1000 (Shs 25,000) for his promotional CDs. This reception made up for his losing the Best Uganda song award to Chameleone who was a no show. Chameleone also won the Best Ugandan Video award for his song Mama Rhoda that features Tanzania’s Bushoke.

Obsessions, who were lined up to perform at the gala, were absent because the organizers had failed to secure the girl quintet airline tickets in time. Oscar Muwonge, a Best Ugandan Video nominee, made it to the gala in time though for the award show which also features Tanzanian artistes in its catalogue. Kenyan-based radio personalities Seanice Kacungira and Marcus Kwikiriza boosted Uganda’s presence as emcees, a role they shared with Didge, a former Kenyan Project Fame contestant and Pinky, an Asian celebrity.

Nameless was the biggest winner of the night with four trophies. The architect-turned-musician took home the Best Kenyan Male Artiste Award while his runaway hit Sinzia earned him the Best Afro Fusion, Best Kenyan Video and Best Kenyan Song awards.

The hyper Longomba Brothers took home three awards for Best Boomba Group, Best Group Kenya and a social responsibility award. Amani, a bubbly singer was named Best Kenyan Female Artiste the perfect end to her seven-year wait for that particular accolade. She also won the Best Collaboration award for her duet with Nyashinki on the song Bad Boy.

Wyre beat off his East African Bashment Crew [EABC] counterparts Bebe Cool and Nazizi to scoop the Best Raga award. His song Make A Choice beat off the more prolific Fire Anthem. The artiste who sports killer boyish reciprocated his win with a dance infused performance after which he sang a slow-tempo song during which he handed an ecstatic female fan a red rose. EABC suffered another loss when its song Africa Unite lost out the Best Reggae award to Ousmane’s Nuks.

Homeboyz Eric Musyoka beat our own Washington Ebaangit to take the Best East African producer award but the Kenyan producer was booed by his compatriots- a sign that he did not deserve the award.

The award show lived up to its billing as portrayed in its theme this year-our heritage, our splendor. High-energy performances, a display of Kenyan fashion, a fusion of traditional and modern Kenyan music buoyed the gala that was dogged by a biting financial crisis brought on by a lack of big name sponsors to bankroll the event.

The show opened with a breathtaking acrobatic display by Shanglia, a set of youngsters whose founder, the late Anne Wanjugu was given a posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award. A live band backed up most of the night’s performances while awards like Best Asian Music [won by DJ SAK] were testimony to Kenya’s cosmopolitan musical scene.

Ugandans Nominated for Kisima Awards

2006-09-11T08:17:00.000+03:00

Edgar R. Batte
As the East African countries aim towards regional integration, the three countries of Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania are also coming together through music. Kenya's premier music accolades, the Kisima awards have also integrated awards that recognise musicians in sister countries.
Uganda artistes have been nominated for the awards under the two categories of Best song Uganda and the Best Video Uganda. In the Best song Uganda category nominees are Ngoni for their Nasima Gwe hit, Chameleone-Mama Rhoda, Maurice Kirya-Beera Nabo as well as the Obsessions for Wekuume.
The Best Video Uganda category has Benon & Vamposs for Mumuleete competing with Chameleone's Mama Rhoda and Ngoni's Nasima Gwe. Washington Ebangit from Dream studios is nominated under the Best Producer (East Africa) category.
The East African Reggae Bashment Crew that has Bebe Cool and the Neccesary Noize dou of Nazizi and Wyre has got two nods under the reggae and ragga categories for their songs African Unite and Fire Anthem respectively.
In an exclusive telephone interview with Victor Mayeya Odwori the Chief Executive Officer Kisima Awards, he said that the Kisima awards are aiming to get more presence in the region.
The Kisima awards gala night is set for July 15. Last year, Blu*3 won two Kisima awards.

Kabelo is in love with Noonks

2006-09-11T08:12:00.000+03:00

EDGAR R. BATTE
I have waited approximately half an hour and despite the comfort of Kabira Country Club, my mind cannot concentrate on anything particular.
It is the anxiety that hits you as you wait to meet a big star. When he finally emerges, he will stop at nothing to bring out the entertainer in him. He calls me on my cell phone and I signal him to come over but he still wants to pull some funny stunt on me. He smiles at me but playfully turns round and round dancing, calling out for me, he acts as if he had not seen me. Well, he finally drops it and comes over.
One of the most revealing things about television star Kabelo "KB" Ngakare is his down-to-earth nature and sense of humour. He is dramatic and full of life. He is very talkative and when he starts chitchatting, you don't want him to stop. He is well-travelled, has a bevy of fans and most of all he is an inspiration. His name, Kabelo, means an offering. Kabelo is one of the main presenters on Channel O, the musical Mnet channel.
From grass to graceAs a child, Kabelo discloses that he did not believe in himself. He says, he had wanted to become a doctor but did not come to live his dream. Along the way, destiny had it that he had to make a life as an entertainer. At one point, he had thought of becoming an actor.
Born in the slum of Soweto in South Africa, Kabelo was raised by his grandmother among other relatives. His parents. They divorced while he was still a child and for some reason, he was raised in different places. Kabelo is born to Peter Thandi Ngakare."I went to multi racial schools in the ghetto.
I didn't know much English when I got to those schools. I leant English asking (these) American kids what phrases like "What's up" meant. My interest was in life and the adventure that came along with it," says Kabelo. He went to primary school and finished at grade 12 (standard 10). He then joined high school.
"I tried to study mechanical engineering but it didn't work. I then went and studied computer software support which somehow got me into Mnet."
Getting into showbiz When Kabelo, 29, got into Mnet, he did not head straight to the screen. He joined Mnet as a personal assistant. He used to carry boxes around from one side of Mnet to another. In 1999, Mnet advertised the post of music scheduler. They wanted someone who was computer literate and knew music.
Well, Kabelo loved music and was computer literate so he gave it a shot and got the job. He started presenting on television in 1999. He is a presenter on Mnet's Channel O. Some of the TV star's achievements, he says, are being on Channel O, getting a gig on National Radio (Metro FM in South Africa) and featuring on some of the biggest reality TV productions on the continent like Big Brother, Project Fame and Idols). Kabelo is also currently involved with Unicef as a Goodwill Ambassador for South and Eastern Africa.
"I produced the Speak Africa Documentary broadcast on Channel O and I am currently working on the second production of Urban Massive on Channel O. I have also joined 5FM as a sports presenter on the Breakfast Show," he adds.
Last week, he was in Kampala for the Motorola Urban Massive Campaign, which is aimed at showcasing the evolution and development of music across Africa. The weekly one-hour programme aired on Channel O is designed to capture the essence of African music.
The campaign will be taken to a number of Africa countries. Kabelo's other interest is football and his favourite team are the Kaiser chiefs. Favourite player? David Obua. The star is also into basketball, computer games and travelling in Africa.
He’s in loveAbout his love life, Kabelo says he is close to love. "I tell her that I love her and I guess sometimes we've got to give it time for the infatuations to get over and you are guaranteed that she is the right person-even if you argue with them, you're angry with them, hurt one another, you still wake up and still want to be with them. That is love. Give me more time but I'm really enjoying this young lady in my life," Kabelo spells out. The star is in love.
He is hooked to a young lady he describes as marvellous. She lives in South Africa but will not reveal her name. However, he discloses only her nickname. He prefers to call her 'Noonks; KB and Noonks met at one of South Africa's prestigious awards last November and since then, his brighter days opened way to endless joy as well. He had asked her to come along with him to give him some company. However, it was not easy for the star to make his way into her heart.
"She had given me her number but trying to go on a date with her was difficult. She was just a difficult lady. When I invited her to come along with me, I wasn't sure she would accept but she did. She has taught me to appreciate people more."

Glamour at Virgin fashion show at Makerere

2006-09-11T08:11:00.000+03:00

Get On Board bus back on the road

2006-09-11T08:10:00.000+03:00

EDGAR R. BATTE
It was a delightful moment at the reception of the Get On Board bus at Mutukula, the Tanzania-Uganda border. The campaign which was taken to local communities last year is back with the theme Get On Board. This time round, the Action Aid crew will be reporting back to the communities they visited last year.
IT’S HERE: A cultural dancer in front of the ‘bus’ as it crossed the Uganda-Tanzania border at Mutukula. Photo by W. W’Ojumbo
"We went out, collecting views from the locals, which we presented at the G8 summit last year. This year, we are taking stock and reporting back to the communities informing them of the outcome of the summit," the Communication Officer, Action Aid International Uganda, Rebecca Musoke told Daily Monitor. The bus will be collecting views of locals on the issues of poverty eradication, HIV/Aids and debt cancellation.
Action Aid Uganda Director of Programmes, Specioza Kiwanuka received the bus from the Tanzanian crew. In a procession of cultural dances and a 10-vehicle convoy, Mutukula was filled with excitement.
The locals took the afternoon off to dance as Mesach Semakula, Joanita Kawalya, Percussion Discussion, Sophie Gombya and a number of local cultural performing groups were on board energising the crowd at the Mutukula Custom grounds where the bus made its first stop.
The bus will be travelling to the local communities of Kalangala, Lira, Gulu, Kampala, Bwaise, Entebbe, Soroti, Kapchorwa, Masindi, Kabelabiong and Katakwi.

Friendship has now blossomed into love

2006-09-11T08:09:00.000+03:00

EDGAR R. BATTE
It started with a smile, grew with a hug of comfort and now has blossomed into love. The chemistry between actors Charles Bwanika and Ruth Kalibala has not been an overnight spell. Their love has grown through stages. First they were friends before they eventually became lovers.
How they metBwanika discloses that at one time, he was Kalibala's number one fan. They were both still in school then. Ruth who started acting while still in school had landed a stint as an actress with the Afri-Talent drama group. Bwanika says, "Meeting her was overwhelming. I had all along looked forward to this moment. When I approached her for the first time, I didn't know what to expect but to my surprise, she was a simple and social person."They instantly became friends and the trust between them gradually grew. Soon, they began confiding in each other as well as trying to learn more about each other's lives. They shared experiences both happy and sad, and this was a good start for a relationship.

At university, Bwanika had studied Music, Dance and Drama (M.D.D) and been spotted by Mulindwa Muwonge who signed him up with his Nalubaale drama group. So the two had something in common -they both loved acting. Later, Nalubaale went into recess and John Segawa who had also noticed Bwanika sold him the idea of joining Afri-Talent, which he received with open arms.
This also gave him a chance to spend more time with Ruth. Currently, Bwanika and Kalibala are both actors with the latest drama outfit, The Scavengers and workmates at local radio station, Super FM.
The romance Meanwhile, Kalibala had had a man in her life who she was destined to marry but unfortunatly, he had passed away in a car accident. This was a trying time for her and as dependable friends, she sought solace from Bwanika. Time was the best healer and she eventually got over the awful experience. About this time, the attraction between Ruth and Charles was evident.
They were honest, truthful and open-minded within one another and so it wasn't hard for them to acknowledge their new-found love. Bwanika says he could not look further than Ruth for a partner. She was ideally beautiful and the kind of woman who could understand him.
According to the dictionary Ruth is not just a name. It also means a feeling of sympathy and sorrow for the misfortunes of others -someone of great compassion. When Bwanika fell in love with Ruth, her personality was proof of the connotation."When you're close to someone and have trusted each other for long, there is so much that binds you together. To me, Ruth is a friend, lover and ultimately someone I chose to spend the rest of my life with," he says of her.
Settling downBwanika discloses that as born again Christians, they needed to sanctify their relationship. "We went through the normal procedure. For the act, we decided to do that to express ourselves to the people that we were serious and committed to each other. We had a one-month's notice in church.
The only peculiar thing could have been how fast we made it but we made our point." Although their decision raised some eyebrows, the couple maintains that they simply wanted to formalise their relationship and that their parents and a few next of kin were aware.
So straight from office, they headed to church. At the marriage ceremony held at Omega Healing Centre, the couple exchanged their vows before Pastor Michael Kyazze and that was it. Pastor Peter Sematimba witnessed the union. There was no party or merry-making after the wedding but that weekend, the newly weds hosted some friends and family to a dinner at Emin Pasha Hotel in Kampala. However, they say that they are planning to host relatives and friends to grand wedding celebrations sometime this year.
Asked about their secret, the couple reveals that it is about being able to do little things like expressing love for each other often. "We also believe genuine love is about being able to agree with each other," they say.

For Iryn love does not ask why

2006-09-11T08:05:00.001+03:00

EDGAR R. BATTE
She came into the limelight when she joined Da Hommies which was made up of Ragga Dee and Deejay Messe. At the time, her popularity rode on the fame of her single "Learn to Say Goodbye." She was a novice to music. As a kid, Irene Namubiru sang in the church choir, having drawn inspiration from her mother and one of the church ushers in the neighbourhood Jaaja Sikyeyama. Come rain or sunshine, she was always in time every Sunday for the seven o'clock mass where she sang in Sunday school choir. For this, she became a favourite with the church flock who identified with the little girl who loved music. Little did they know that she was destined to make it in life as a star. Iryn is the voice behind songs like Nkuweki, Zinsanze, Simbalala, Sembera, Ensi, Lwaki Onzanyirako, featuring Bebe Cool, Nujeri, which was nominated for the Kora Awards, among other songs.
'Made in Namasagali'As a skilled young artiste, when Iryn joined Namasagali College School, it was a dream come true. This was when Namasagali College ruled the theatre. It had produced local stars like Alex Ndaula, Goldies man Bangi, Ronnie Mulindwa of Obsessions as well as other artistes. Music was her first love and at college, she was popular for her acts especially when she performed during the school arts days. She had a great voice and singing being one of the in-things in school, she won popularity from her peers.
LOVELY: Iryn (above), and her husband Franck Morel and their son Eko Morel (below). Photos by Willy Tamale.
However, there was one among all the many. He left a mark on Iryn. "Douglas Ismael was the guy. He was in a class lower than me. When I was in my S.6 I cant quite recollect how it all began but I just found myself in love with this guy and precisely everything about him. He was definitely handsome but there was something more to his looks that was deeply infectious." The attraction between them grew and whenever they could, they met simply to talk and share tit bits of teenage romance. They walked by the River Nile and had a chat. Soon they became a common sight on the school compound.Meanwhile, Iryn's friends could not understand the chemistry between her and Douglas; they said she was stooping low for a younger guy. She just didn't care and turned a deaf ear. Nothing could stop the feeling inside that seemed so strong. Neither could she fight it. She simply wished it could grow stronger. At some point she found that the love she felt within was almost eternal. "It was like music within me and I just didn't want it to stop playing because it made me feel like I had never felt before. Douglas made me feel like a lady. He always raised my spirits; being together was satisfying in itself," Iryn recounts. This lasted a year and when Iryn left college, she lost touch with Douglas as well, the last she heard was that he was a contestant for Mr. Namasagali College.
A big heart for the children When Iryn talks about children, it is with affection. The subject carries her away. She feels she could do so much if she had more means. On June 8, during her album, Nkuweki launch, she also unveiled her foundation, “Together for the Children foundation”."So many children out there are suffering because of different reasons and I believe we can do something however little. Some of these have been orphaned to HIV/Aids." For a start, she donated all the proceeds from her launch concert to the foundation, a charity organisation she co-owns with her French music partner Julien Grot. She is also planning to put up a children's home as well as facilitate the children with the basic needs.
Love doesn’t ask whyShe had never dreamt of dating a white man but like they say, love doesn't ask why. Iryn, like many girls, had visions of who she wanted to spend forever with; but when Franck Morel came into her life she had to rethink herself. He was so sweet she found it impossible to disappoint him. Even then, she wanted to make sure he was serious. She played hard to get and he took it easy till he got her."We met at a show. He used to perform around town with some of the jazz groups. At one time, he played with the Blue Moon Jazz band. It happened that I performed with him at one of the corporate shows and somehow, I caught his eye. Since then, he has never let go. In the beginning, I simply could not imagine myself going out with a white man, but Franck's personality demystified my fears," she recalls. Franck was affectionate, understanding, and openly shared his love with Iryn. He wanted her to allow him into her life. Soon, he took her to Paris and introduced her to his parents and family. This was in 2000. She had also introduced him to her parents who lived in Makindye. Eventually, she moved to France where more opportunities came her way. She did her degree at Stendhall University of Grenoble in France, which took two years. With her rich talent, Iryn managed to land a deal with one of the recording labels in France, Bloom Records, with whom she produced her Nujeri album. On 5th March 2003, God blessed them with a son Eko Morel-who 'has shaped her into a more responsible woman.' Nevertheless, her heart still reaches out to Uganda with love. For the future, she is looking at doing more quality music that can measure up to international standards as well as having more children.

For Iryn love does not ask why

2006-09-11T08:05:00.000+03:00

Expelled Bishop now stuck in property row

2006-09-11T08:04:00.000+03:00

EDGAR R. BATTE
KAMPALA
The Charismatic Episcopal Church bishop who was recently expelled for alleged insubordination and indiscipline , is now locked in a bitter controversy with the church over property.
The church is apparently angry that Mr John Obokech Obokech, who has been managing the church property on Plot 4 Nakasero, has vehemently refused to handover the assets.
The assetsAmong the assets is a church house called the Trinity Church. According to the Bishop elect Yusto Muhereza, who says he is working on instructions of the church head, Rev Charles W. Jones, Obokech has refused to transfer the assets with intent to personalise the property, which was bought and leased to the host church in Uganda.
“He wanted to register the properties in his names against the right ownership yet this was property that the Episcopal Church leased to the host church for the faithful to congregate,” Muhereza said.He said Obokech, a “self-styled archbishop”, had been kicked out of the church for a good reason.
“He had since started referring to himself as an archbishop and carrying out roles beyond his title such as the announcement of five new dioceses as well as consecrating a new bishop yet he was merely a bishop himself,” Muhereza said. “The Charismatic Episcopal Church in Uganda and indeed the whole of Africa has only one Archbishop, His Grace Charles W. Jones,” he said.
“If John has told anybody that he is the Archbishop of the Charismatic Episcopal Church in Uganda, that is a deliberate lie and he knows it. It can only be wishful thinking.”
When Daily Monitor contacted Obokech, he sounded irritated. “When I was concecreted as Bishop, I did not contact Daily Monitor,” he said.
However, the church maintained yesterday that Obokech must relinquish the property.
The banMuhereza said Obokech is “no longer authorised to serve as bishop or even as an ordinary priest or deacon in the Church or to enjoy any of the privileges associated therewith.”
The International Communion of the Charismatic Episcopal Church, which first came to Uganda in 1995, is a worldwide religious organisation.

East African Bashement Crew is on fire

2006-09-11T08:03:00.000+03:00

EDGAR R. BATTE
MEANT TO WORK TOGETHER: The East African Bashment Crew became an overnight success after Bebe Cool went into studio with the Necessary Noize duo of Nazizi and Wyre. Their Fire Anthem says it all
Some snobs claim that true reggae must come from Jamaica, but like the universal message the genre carries, reggae is becoming a universal voice of unity spreading to all corners of the earth. In East Africa, there is a rich talent of African reggae, with a new wave of reggae and dancehall artists becoming best sellers in their own markets as well as breaking through on to the international music markets. The latest act to make a mark on the world music scene is the East African Bashment Crew (EABC), comprising of Kenya's Necessary Noize-Nazizi and Wyre (the love child) and Uganda's Bebe Cool. Hardly two years together, the trio is already curving out a niche on the international market as Africa’s reggae ambassadors. Their hit Africa Unite, off their maiden album, received a Kora Award nod under the category of the Best African Reggae Group. The song was also part of the collection of the biggest reggae tunes that feature on the African Reggae collection cover CD. Their Fire Anthem has topped a number of East African charts and the crew; says they have just begun their journey onto the international musical scene. Fire Anthem has also been nominated for Kenya's Kisima Awards. Coming togetherThe collaboration between Nazizi, Wyre (the Love Child) and Bebe Cool is not new. Bebe Cool started his career in Nairobi, where he established close ties with Nazizi and Wyre from Necessary Noize who were also cutting their musical teeth. Meanwhile, on his return to Kampala in 1998, Bebe Cool rose to stardom as one of the local artistes. Even then, he did not lost touch with the then upcoming duo of Necessary Noize. Soon, he was talking them into coming down to launch themselves onto the Ugandan market as well. "Bebe Cool brought us to Uganda for our first concert which was at Steak Out. It was his show-'the return of the King' after his sojourn in the states (US)," the first lady of Necessary Noize, Nazizi, recalls. That was in 2004.
HOT TRIO: East African Bashment Crew’s Nazizi (left), Bebe Cool (centre) and Wyre. Photo by Edgar R. Batte
That marked the beginning of the trio's musical journey. On their way back from the performance, Bebe Cool asked them whether they could take their association to another level by doing a song together. When they went to studios, they did five songs instead of one. "From there, everything just happened so fast. We decided to form the East African Bashment Crew simply because we mixed so well," Nazizi chips in. The outcomes of their collaboration are hits like the Fire Anthem and Africa Unite. Nazizi points out that they were meant to be, because it is not that easy to find someone with whom one can do five songs with in a matter of three days and you end up sounding like you have worked together for a while. Since then, every time Necessary Noize comes down to Uganda they make sure they record some new music. When they talk about their future, it is with so much optimism. Breathing fire "From the first time we came together, we have just been growing bigger and bigger. We are spontaneous when it comes to style but strictly a reggae group that wants to bring up the picture of African reggae," Bebe Cool says of their union. He says that they decided to particularly do reggae because it is the only music genre that can connect an African group to the rest of the world. Since they want to develop to doing live music, the Bashment Crew feels it can be pulled off more easily with reggae music. Bebe Cool has already started fine tuning his live performances with the assistance of Afrigo band. He also discloses that the EABC plans to work with them (Afrigo). The crew, arguably the most successful group in East Africa currently, judging from the positive response their music is generating. "We have just sold our album strictly for the internet market to Swift Global Kenya for Kshs1m (approximately 25million). We have sold the buyer the copyright for one year. He (the buyer) is a good businessman and has already paid for the music," the crew exclusively revealed to It's Friday. They were able to make a trip to Ethiopia to shoot the video of their first song Africa Unite, leading to a Kora nod. The new Fire Anthem video has also played a part in promoting the song in Kenya, Tanzania and beyond the African borders. "I think Africa Unite was just the beginning for us and like the song said, it was the beginning of uniting East African music. We still have a long way to go and people have just had an introduction. They have a lot to see and hear (from us)," Nazizi put it. Big plans for the Future Riding high on their good fortune, the trio is grateful for the success of their maiden album and they have now embarked on new projects. The group is slated to perform at two concerts in London this November. They also have an upcoming tour in the US in August.Their main focus at the moment is signing a promotion deal with one of the big East African companies. "I have drawn up proposals for this plan and some of the regional companies like the idea," Bebe Cool notes. He argues that this would make them superior in East Africa as well as enable them produce more quality work. On their first album, they worked with Dream Studio, First Love Studios and the work was finalised by Nairobi's Ogopa deejays.They have now started working on their second album with the help of the Ogopa Deejays and other Nairobi producers. "The upcoming album is going to attract international interest. Basically the album has nothing to do with local languages. All songs are in English. This is not to mean that we do not like our local languages but of course we do different work for the local audience as well. We need to attack the international market with the same energy and quality of work," the crew pointed out. Unlike their maiden reggae album, the trio discloses that their forthcoming album is going to be more of dancehall. They have already collaborated with Peter Miles and Menshan; the product is expected to be out soon. On the album they have also featured two other international artistes who remain a surprise for their fans, just to prove how big they are. Besides their joint mission, the artistes are also looking at developing their solo careers. Wyre has a new solo 15-track album. Nazizi is also releasing her album soon, whereas Bebe Cool has just released his Sente album. Watch this space.

Dar, the Swahili speaking city

2006-09-11T08:01:00.000+03:00

One of the interesting aspects of the city is the tea vendor, who moves around with a steel kettle placed on a locally-made stove with a long handle, writes Edgar R. Batte
Namanga is about a 12-hour drive to Dar-es-Salaam, the capital city of Tanzania. From the Namanga border point, the countryside opens up to endless green scenery with a handful of homesteads here and there, most of them grass-thatched.
magnificent: The impressive Sea Cliff Hotel that graces Dar-es-Salaam City. Photos by Edgar R. Batte
COOL: The customer-friendly interior of Sea Cliff Hotel
SMOOTH: A well maintained road in the city
City roads are well maintained and so smooth that the man at the wheel inevitably finds himself speeding, sometimes getting you to the edge of your seats.
Besides the smooth ride, Tanzania has a lot to offer, especially in terms of nature. The hills, valleys, coconut trees and the heads of cattle the Masai herdsmen graze provide a very impressive scenery.
As you ride by, it is common to see some locals chatting by the roadside while others are busy quarrying stones or selling snacks, soft drinks and roasted chicken and foodstuffs along the way. In Dar-es-Salaam, you find a completely different picture. The city buzzes with dynamic businesses and vibrancy. Besides, it has so many beautiful buildings and places.
A myriad of stalls welcome you to Dare-es-Salaam. As you ride around the city , a vendor carrying coconuts, biscuits and a pair of jeans on his shoulders comesby and taps your car window. In a very fast spoken Swahili (probably a hundred words in less than a second) the vendor tries to attract your attention and convice you to buy any of his stock.Interestingly, if you cannot speak Swahili, you only need to smile back at him as way of sending him away. Otherwise, your silence would just encourage the vendor to keep bothering you. Here, anyone who cannot speak Swahili is easily identified as a stranger. Unlike Uganda, where you will find roads and streets named after colonial personalities, in Tanzania patriotism is very much alive.
The city streets or roads have names like Jomo Kenyatta, Zambia, Morocco, Chiluba among the many high profile African personalities and places. However, the public transport in the city is a little uncomfortable. The 14-seater taxis carry as many as 20 passengers. This means that some passengers have to stand in the taxi. Fortunately, the passengers do not seem to mind this.
Given my experience in Uganda, I can comfortably say that Tanzanians are some of the most friendly people that I have met . You would hardly passby a Tanzanian without them saying ‘Mambo Vipi?’ (meaning what’s up).
Dar-es-Salaam is strategically situated. Little wonder, therefore, that travellers have over the years christened it the ‘call on the way’ to more exotic destinations. Dar-es-Salaam is the connecting centre for travellers to the breath-taking tourist attraction places, including Zanzibar, Pemba and Mafia Islands.
One of the interesting aspects in Dar-es- Salaam is the a tea vendor, who moves around with a steel kettle placed on a locally-made stove with a long handle. The kettle sits on burning charcoal and the vendor moves with it from one neighbourhood to another calling out for those who would like to have some tea.
“Chai” he calls. He also carries along groundnuts as a possible accompanment for the tea. Talk of killing two birds with one stone. The tea is, however, sold in very small cups.To the north of Dar-es-Salaam is a hidden haven. The Sea Cliff hotel located just after the Coco beach, is a spectacular place. The place depicts the fusion of African creativity and modern construction skills. At every entrance to the hotel, are Masai statues in cultural outfits complete with ivory earrings and rubbers scandals.
The Sea Cliff hotel is a one-stop- centre. It has an area for relaxation
where there are with grass-thatched huts that overlook the beach, swimming pool, a number of bars, Internet cafes, children’s playing centres, shopping centres and open drinking areas. The place is inspiring and quite irresistible for one to spend hours at the water’s edge as they watch dhows lazily sailing.
Other attractions worth visit in Tanzania include the National Museum, Mountain Kilimanjaro, the Serengeti National Park, the Ngorongoro Crater and the Island of Zanzibar.
There is a common saying that no matter where you go, you can fail to find a Ugandan? Well, Dar es Salaam is no exception. Right in the heart of the city, you get attracted by a group of people speaking Luganda. Kibodiya hotel, a few metres away from Scandinavia Bus terminal, offers fairly a cheap service.
For instance, the cost of accommodation in the hotel is relatively affordable. And no matter where you are in the city or what language you speak, all you need to say is ‘Kibodiya’ to a taxi driver and they will ask whether you are Ugandan before they take you there. It is probably the only place in the city where you can find steamed matooke (for those who might crave for it).
With world cup fever on, Ugandans in the city jam the reception lounge and yell out phrases in Luganda as they watch the matches.

Forester wins one million in Crane bank world cup promo

2006-09-11T08:00:00.000+03:00

EDGAR R. BATTE

Alfred Olama, 32, a Jinja based forester with High Ply Wood Ltd became the lucky winner of one million shillings last Tuesday in the final Crane Bank/Sanyu FM World Cup promotion. The promotion began at the onset of the world cup early in June and recently ended. Olama won through a draw.

Speaking during the handover of the cheque at the Crane chambers rooftop the Head of Marketing Crane Bank, Aldrine Nsubuga Snr pointed out new and old Crane Access customers were eligible to enter the promotion and have a shot at the grand prize by ‘texting’ in their predictions on who would win the world cup.

Nsubuga also disclosed that 34 contestants predicted correctly. The promotion was dubbed
World Cup Cash, where listeners could win (1,000,000/-) one million shillings by predicting the winner of the world cup with a simple SMS.
Hundreds of SMSs were received.

When contacted Olama an overjoyed said he would invest the cash prize in a tree nursery. He also disclosed that he hesitant to participate tried his luck. Other participants received consolation prizes like caps and shirts.

Channel O partners with Kisima awards

2006-09-11T07:59:00.000+03:00

EDGAR R. BATTE
Channel O, one of Africa’s leading TV entertainment powerhouses has partnered with Kenya’s Kisima Music Awards, to screen and market the event across the continent. According to Victor Mayeya, the Chief Executive Officer of the Kisima Music Awards, this is a plus as the regional annual ceremony spreads its wings across the continent.
NOMITATED: Obsessions
Preparations to host this year’s edition of the event that takes place this Saturday July 15 at the Carnivore grounds are in final stages and this time round, a number of Ugandan local artistes have been nominated in various categories. Ngoni for (Nasiima Gwe), Benon & Vamposs (Mumuleete), Chameleone (Shida Za Dunia), and Oscar Muwonge (Murembo) were nominated under the best Video Uganda category.
The East African Bashment Crew (Necessary Noize and Bebe Cool) were nominated under both the reggae and raga categories for African Unite and Fire Anthem songs. Dream Studios’ Washington Ebangit got a nod for the best producer (East Africa) and Obsessions (Wekuume), Maurice Kirya (Bera Nabo) and Jose Chameleone (Mama Rhoda) were nominated for the best song from Ugandan.Artistes expected to perform live at the event are Wyre, Nameless, Jua Cali, Longombas, Sunny Singh Jimwat, Deux vultures, Dola kabbary, Krystin Ndela (from Kenya) while Uganda will be represented by theObsessions and Maurice Kirya and Juma Nature will represent Tanzania. The emcees on this day will be former Sanyu FM presenter, now based at Kenya’s Capital Radio Seanice Kacungira, plus another Ugandan Marcus and Kenya’s representative to M-net’s 2004 Project Fame Didge.
For Ugandans who are interested in attending the event, tickets at the gates are going for approximately UShs73,000 for VIP tickets and Ushs25,000 for the gallery. Advance Tickets are available for about Ushs68,000 for VIP seats and Ushs22,000 for the gallery.

Boyz in September for September Night

2006-09-11T07:58:00.000+03:00

EDGAR R. BATTE
Eight years in the game, Boyz in September are still hanging in there. The duo, Cascas and Baby Snake whose real names are Innocent Ssendegeya and Ayoub Kalumba have finally launched themselves professionally into the music business with their debut single Kankwagale, in which they feature former Ogopa deejay Vinny Banton. Cascas started singing as a back-up vocalist for local dancehall artiste Shanks Vivi Dee in the mid '90s. The duo has now followed in Shanks' footsteps by doing dancehall music, though they blend it with Afro-beats. The Boyz in September have two new songs including Tebematira in which they feature Ziggy Dee and Tosula Step, done with Sweden-based Marble. They also have other songs like Konyoma and Omulembe Gunno.The two lads have come up with an idea of promoting their music as well as that of other budding artistes by staging a free monthly show. "We are planning to launch a night dubbed the September Night and it will feature all upcoming artistes. Being our home area, we shall use the Kibuli playground as our venue," Cascas told It's Friday.The duo says they are also looking forward to compiling an album, releasing more music as well as winning more recognition on the local scene.

Bobi Wine’s sold out launch

2006-09-11T07:57:00.000+03:00

EDGAR R. BATTE
Hundreds of fans were locked out of Hotel Equatorial as musician Bobi Wine launched his Bada album on Friday. The turnout was great and midway in the show, gates had to be closed as the venue was filled to capacity and the number of revellers who were closed out was almost twice as that of those who had fought their way into the venue. Many of the fans who were locked out blamed Bobi Wine for choosing such a small venue yet he has a large fan base.
SCUFFLE: Fans fight to get into the venue. Main picture is Bobi Wine performing. Photos by E. Chicco.
Several musicians who were supposed to perform were also locked out of the venue. Steve Jean and his Blu*3 girls abandoned plans of singing when they found the gates locked. Mesach Semakula and Juliana had to plead with the hotel's security personnel for more than half an hour before they could be allowed in.
Save for fans who couldn't see their star, other things like the sound and lighting were fairly good and the gig kicked off promptly at 7 p.m. with KFM's Aisha and Mosh were the emcees.

Banjo Man, Bobi Wine's younger brother, opened way for the night's other acts. Amarula family, decked in Zulu warrior outfits, left revellers in bouts of laughter with their hilarious jokes before an agile Super Charger came on and wooed the crowd with his dance strokes. Then Fina 'Masanyaraze' picked up from there, and her enticing acts on stage worked the drooling guys who could not help but yell in excitement.
The Ssebagalas, Meddie and Latif, were right on time and found it quite difficult to remain firmly in their seats as they joined artistes on stage to shake a bit. These also donated Shs5 m to 'His Excellency' Bobi Wine.
Jerome Nsubuga a real estate dealer also gave Bobi Wine Shs2m in cash. Bobi Wine came on with his Fire Base Crew members blowing fireballs from cans. One fan caused a stir when he swam to the stage area to get up close to Bobi Wine as he performed.
After a few performances, Bobi Wine went political, hitting at the hypocrisy of the leaders who have chosen to turn against the 'common man.' He drove the crowd into frenzy when he called his girlfriend Barbie to join him on stage. He described her as the best thing that ever happened to him.
Other performers included Bebe Cool, Ragga Dee, The Obsessions, Gen. Mega Dee, Mesach Semakula, Juliana Kanyomozi and the Dream Girls. The show, on the sponsorship ticket of Bell Lager, KFM and WBS TV among others went on until 1 a.m.

Big do at UTAKE nite

2006-09-11T07:55:00.000+03:00

EDGAR R. BATTE
Last Saturday, it was UTAKE night yet again and the partying mood was high. First, revellers were given a treat of the world cup fever on plasma screens and after the match, it did not matter whether your team had lost or won, the music bonded the crowd. Nairobi's deejay Pinye was at the "wheels of steel" and he stopped at nothing to get the crowd excited. At the stroke of 7p.m., the crowd had started streaming in and it just did not stop. The parking lot at Steak Out was a hint of how many revellers they were. There was a fleet of vehicles. The crowd at UTAKE was a mixed one and there, you'll meet the hip girls and lads as well as bump into one of your favourite radio or TV star or artiste. Talking of stars, Bebe Cool was there and the reggae man stopped at nothing to utilise his moment at the turntables. He proved he could also mix, scratch and rhyme to the beat as the fans gave him the big hula. If you want to catch the latest trends in fashion, the girls who grace the night have it all.From tight jeans, to revealing tops and g-funk kind of wear, all fashion styles were well represented. The lads represented a few of the American teenage styles and for some reason, they maintained their trousers at the waistline (read balance). While the middle working class had enough money to have themselves a number of rounds (drinks), the youngsters held onto a bottle of mineral water the whole night as they puffed away.When the music was rolling, the couples danced away while others preferred to enjoy the moment in circles as they drunk away washing down some nyama choma as well. Now in its third year running, the night has grown big and this year, Steak Out plans to hold the third UTAKE anniversary.

Bebe’s cool launch

2006-09-11T07:54:00.000+03:00

DARIUS MUGISHA & EDGAR .R. BATTE
Top: Main man Bebe Cool with a queen dancer. Photo by Ismail Kezaala
Artiste celebrates birthday at first ever dual album launch
Not even Julian Ferdinand, father to the world's most expensive soccer defender, Rio Ferdinand of Manchester United, could resist joining the hordes of revellers that crammed the spacious Kyadondo Rugby Club on Friday, as Bebe Cool celebrated his 29th birthday at the first ever dual album launch.
Atleast a touch: Fans struggle to touch Kenyan Artiste of the year Nameless at Bebe’s launch. Photo by Willy Tamale
Grand appearance: (L-R), Julian Ferdinand, father of Manchester United and West Ham English Stars - Rio Ferdinand and Antwon Ferdinand, Martin Senyomo and the Cools cut the cake during Bebe Cool's duo album launch at Kyadondo Rugby Grounds on Friday. Photo by Eddie Chicco
By 8p.m, kick off time, a heavy traffic jam ensued and getting into Kyadondo Rugby Club was a hustle.At about 11:30p.m, Omulangira Ndausi, Ken Love and Karitas, the nights' emcees announced the commencement of the night's long awaited act. Ululations followed as a shirtless Bebe Cool, clad in the white suit and a pair of white snickers, stepped on stage and took over 10 minutes pulling photogenic stunts.
Cool sang a Jamaican God- praising hit, before expressing displeasure at the way Africans have failed to get rich at a tender age. He cited English Premiership Soccer league players Arsenal's Fabregas (18 years) and Man U's Wayne Rooney (20), who are young and rich.
With live instrumentals by Afrigo Band, Bebe Cool sang his tracks Oga, Sente, Gunz and Bombs, Entalo Zange and Lonely, before inviting Julian Ferdinand on stage to join him cut the cake to mark his birthday. 2006 Kenyan Artiste of the Year Nameless then took the crowd through his songs, which had fans sing along.
The Necessary Noise duo of Wyre and Nazizi came next and were later joined by Bebe Cool to do their famous Fire Anthem, Kube, and Africa Unite hits.
Peter Miles and Menshan later joined the EABC trio for their latest breathtaking hit Combination, which marked the end of the concert.As usual, the show hosted curtain raisers who included Mosh, Kid Fox, Phina, KS Alpha, and the Ngoni, Gen. Mega Dee.

Bebe Cool eyeing international stardom

2006-09-11T07:53:00.000+03:00

EDGAR R. BATTE & DARIUS MUGISHA
NOT CONTENTED: Despite being looked at as among the best artistes in Uganda, Bebe Cool thinks that’s not enough
At the beginning of this year, you had a beard that was tinted blonde. Many people thought you had lost it. Why a blonde beard?I did it to attract attention, since there was nothing to talk about at that time. That is what showbiz is all about. I also wanted to look a little different since I was shooting many videos at the same time and I needed a different look. When time came for it to expire, I removed it but I hope to do another outrageous one when I go to the US soon.
The rumour mill had it that you were not paid by the National Resistance Movement for the role you played in President Museveni's third term campaign. Is it true? I was the first musician who came out to record and perform for the Movement. I sacrificed splitting my fans because they belong to different political camps and the sad bit is that I have never been paid. I spent 25m, used my car to traverse the country and it got battered. I wonder if these guys can get ashamed and at least repair my BMW. I guess, the president doesn't know about this!
Your dad, Jaberi Bidandi Ssali is in the opposition, the leader of the People's Progressive Party, yet you're an outspoken NRM supporter. Doesn't that spoil your relationshp? I am in the Movement because I like the president and not the NRM as a party. Even those who left [including his father] were comfortable in the Movement at one time. So I guess when my time comes, I'll go. You can never satisfy all Ugandans but he [the president] has tried to satisfy at least 40 percent. If he can deal with the Kony issue, the load shedding and poverty alleviation, then I could have reason to think about supporting him for another term.
THINKING BIG: Bebe Cool. Photo by Willy Tamale
So how do you get on with your dad?Our relationship is perfect. He was the first person to tell me that I had to get paid during the campaigns. It is just that he moves during the day and I move in the night considering our careers, so we meet less often. More so, I am now a father with responsibility and you don't expect me to keep running back to him all the time, but we meet every weekend at the beach or at Kiwatule Recreation Centre for some light talk.
Of late, you have become a gentleman, which is so different from your former bad boy image? I wanted to attract attention as a bad boy and I got it. I am now a father and I plan to have more than five children, so I can't go on with the bad boy image because it is a bad example to the kids. The industry is growing and I guess fans expect us to behave maturely. I am looking at an international breakthrough and I need to convince the corporate world if I'm to get their endorsements. That is where the gentleman image comes in.
Are you saying you don't see yourself fighting with other musicians again?There are still a few people who try to set me up to get involved in fights, but I know better about their tricks and I will not fall prey to them. It is difficult for me fight. I feel grown up.
Your wife Zuena is no doubt an attractive lady. How have you managed to keep men off? I handle issues of my lady with a lot of care. The reason I think many women would divorce is that they find the sweetness of a relationship elsewhere. When we got our first child, Alpha, I knew she was the ideal woman. Alpha is a bright and a 'sharp' child who bonds us. I give Zuena whatever she wants-the cars, phones, money, love and all. I am protective of my woman. We always go out together when I have no show. I am planning to open for her one of the biggest salons in town. I budgeted to spend approximately Shs150m on it.
Tell us a little more about your son He is still young and has been getting home-based orientation. His mother teaches him basics in English and Mathematics using computer. He will be travelling to London where he will attend at a football academy. I want him to become a footballer, probably he will become as big as his namesake Theirry Henry.
Is there anything you would change, if you had the chance to?If I had a chance, I would change my temper. I have a seasonally bad temper.
What was your childhood like?I grew up with my mother, Ms. Samalie Ssali. I come from a family of nine and I am the last-born. Some of my siblings are into business, others are doctors and I am into showbiz (laughs).
What was the reaction of your family when you joined showbiz, knowing that your father was a Minister at that time?It was difficult for them to allow me go into showbiz since the industry was still down. I had a lot of trouble but my mother was the only person who believed that I could become a star one day.
Any expectations in this year’s Pam Awards?I know I am the best artiste this year. I don't work for awards though. I am looking more towards career progress.
What career progress?I am trying to get into contact with two big American artistes and plan to spend about $50,000 (approximately Ushs190, 000,000) to do collaborations with them. If I succeed that will be my launch onto the international scene. I'm looking at being an international star. In the short run, I am planning to take my wife for a holiday in the U.K. and I also forthcoming tours with Necessary Noize [East African Bashment Crew] in South Africa and Ethiopia.

Nasty memories of Barlonyo massacre still live on

2006-09-11T07:52:00.001+03:00

EDGAR R. BATTE

The year 2004 massacre will forever leave bad memories to the people of the war-tone Northern Uganda. On the nightfall of February 21, 2004, an estimated 300 people lost their lives following an attack by the Lords Resistance Army (LRA) rebels on the Barlonyo Internally Displaced Person’s (IDP) camp, in Lira district.
Blood flowed in the camp as dead bodies piled up, one against another, and local administrators were stopped from accessing the premises of the IDP camp. According to the Lira District Woman Member of Parliament, Amuge Rebecca Otengo the atrocity is still a nightmare.
The massacre came a week after some other people had been killed and Lira locals were still recovering from the deaths in Abia in Moroto country where prayers were held. Barlonyo camp was home to 4,800 people.

A night’s sad tale
At approximately 5p.m, the Lord’s Resistance (LRA) rebels integrated themselves into the local community. The locals could hardly recognise them since they were dressed in brand new Amuka uniform. There was market place that day and most of the men had gone out to take part. Most of those who had remained behind where women, children and the aged. Barlonyo camp was full of house and huts.
At nightfall, the rebels began their attacks. There was a barracks in the camp and when the attacks began, the rebels fired at barracks first before they descended onto the wanainchi. The people in Lira town only heard about the attack the next morning (Tuesday 22nd), from the army in town, which had been notified.
“When we came down, we thought there could have been minimally 10-20 people killed. As we approached, we realised the atmosphere was very tense. The army stopped us from getting in even after introducing ourselves. There was general confusion and disorder. When we asked about how many people had been killed, they told us only 84. We finally forced our way through,” the vice Chairman Lira district, Tony Ogwang Adwari recounts.
In the camp, dead bodies were scattered, some wheezing with blood. Some were heaped and still burned.
“One UPDF officer, Colonel Otema Awany ordered for the immediate burial of the corpses. We counted 68 people and were stopped. There was a lorry carrying dead bodies of army officers. One Amuka soldier called us aside and cautioned us that the rebels had planted a landmine near the borehole. We came into disagreement with the UPDF officers there and left at 2p.m,” Ogwang continues.
The rebels had taken with them some properties. In one hut a kid died in the embrace of his mother. Some people were buried in the wreckages of their houses/huts. The survivors had to be transferred to other camps. After the massacre, wild dogs had become so rampant. Those who had managed to make it to Lira hospital were a bit lucky. The medical personnel, at the time, dealt with 75% cases of burnt people.
The president visited the area and Amuge quotes him to have apologised to the locals on behalf of the UPDF army. She quotes him as having remarked that there had been some mistakes and promised it would never happen again. He henceforth donated 5 million to help the victims. He also laid a memorial stone on one of the mass graves in the camp.
As Lira leaders, they had to work together irrespective of political and any differences whatsoever. They worked with the army. Meanwhile, they were also underwent some military training and dressed in military attire and had to heed whenever called upon by the army.
Until recently, the road that led to Barlonyo was in poor shape. It stretches for a number of kilometres before you can reach the camp. The Get on Board bus stopped at the camp where a monument has been erected on a mass grave for scores people massacred by rebels in 2004.
Along the road was a school with primary students carrying placards carrying different strong messages about war, peace, dejection and reconciliation. Most of the learning centres were destroyed during the massacre. Many locals here say the both parties ought to be serious about achievement of peace.

Hope at last?!
In their opening speech at the on-going Juba peace talks, the LRA recognised that Uganda has continued to suffer from political haemorrhage for the better part of its post-colonial history.
“Innocent blood has been spilled, social and economic progress has stagnated, there is political imbalance and disunity in the country. Our national pride and sovereignty has been subjugated and traded off cheaply for the political convenience and economic benefit of a few; and the principles of democratic practice and good governance are in shambles….. The regime in Kampala has all along found it fashionable to blame all these on others,” their speech reads.
However, the group said they would use the opportunity to explain the root causes of the war to those who are genuinely concerned about the conflict in northern Uganda, its manifestations and ramifications. They also added that they would give their side of the story against what they described as extremely negative and malicious distortions, misinformation and outright lies about the role of the NRM/A in the conflict, and to a no less extent, against the people of Northern Uganda.
The LRA also promised to commit themselves to the peace negotiations for the attainment of a just and lasting peace. M.P Amuge Rebecca Otengo, who was at the Juba talks during the initial stages with religious leaders from the region, says they are praying for the realisation a comprehensive peace building and reconciliation programme.
“On the other hand, although many victims and so many humans rights organisations have come out with clear evidence implicating the UPDF in complicity in the atrocities in Northern and Eastern Uganda, neither the UN nor or International Criminal Court (ICC) has raised a finger against commanders of the UPDF. Where is the justice and fairness about UN and its agencies including the ICC? the rebels question.

Nasty memories of Barlonyo massacre still live on

2006-09-11T07:52:00.000+03:00

Barclays’ wash raises Shs55m

2006-09-11T07:51:00.000+03:00

ASHAH NTABADDE & EDGAR R. BATTE
Kampala
BARCLAYS Bank in partnership with the African Medical and Research Foundation AMREF has raised Shs55 million for malaria prevention and control projects in Nakasongola district.
Speaking during the fundraising car wash at Kololo Airstrip on August 12, the Barclays Bank Managing Director, Mr Nick Mbuvi, said the event that attracted over 100 vehicles raised about Shs48 million, which Barclays would top up to make Shs55million.
The fundraising drive was conducted in partnership with Celtel, MTN, Utl, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Rosebud, United Assurance and Quality Chemicals among others.
"We made this open and invited all our corporate and individual customers to participate by buying packages in order to raise our contribution for AMREF," Mbuvi said.
Packages were in form of cards in two categories for corporate and individuals. Corporate stickers were sold at Shs500,000 (Bronze) for three cars; Shs1 million (Silver) for six vehicles and Shs15 million (Gold) for nine cars. Individuals bought stickers at Shs20,000 each.
Mbuvi said Barclays' 2006 Community Investment initiative focuses mainly public health and education.

And the nominees for this year’s Pearl of Africa Music awards are....

2006-09-11T07:50:00.000+03:00

And the nominees for this year’s Pearl of Africa Music awards are....

Best Hip-Hop Single
1
Hey U (Lyrical G)
2
Rafiki (Rocky Giant)
3
Praise The Lord (BSG Labongo)
4
Brand New Day (Hip-Hop All Stars)
Best Hip-Hop Artiste/Group
1
Klear Kut
2
Lyrical G
3
Rocky Giant
4
Qute Kaye
Best Afro Beat Single
1
Jangu Jangu (Obsessions)
2
Nasiima Gwe (Ngoni)
3
Bada (Bobi Wine)
4
Ani Akumanyi (Gatimo, Grace & Paragon)
Best Afro Beat Artiste/Group
1
Chagga
2
Ngoni
3
Jose Chameleone
4
Bobi Wine
Best Gospel Single
1
Endongo Ya Yesu (Martin Sseku)
2
Beera Nange (Judith Babirye Niwo)
3
Ali Omu (River Nile Crew)
4
Asaana Kwebaza (Betty Namaganda)
Best Gospel Artiste/Group
1
Judith Babirye Niwo
2
Angel Mukiibi
3
Betty Namaganda
4
Father Anthony Musaala
Best Cultural Artiste/ Group
1
Annet Nandujja & The Planets
2
Ndere troupe
3
The Samads
4
Ngyenzi Cultural Troupe
Best Folk Pop Artiste/ Group
1
Richard Kaweesa
2
Orchestral Group
3
Percussion Discussion Africa
4
Geo Bless
Best Kadongo Kamu Single
1
Babigambo Boys (Mathias Walukagga)
2
Enkulu Tenywa (Abdu Mulaasi)
3
Olulimi Lwange (Paul Kafeero)
4
Muka Boss (Lord Fred Sebatta)
Best Kadongo Kamu Artiste/ Group
1
Paul Kafeero
2
Lord Fred Sebatta
3
Matthias Walukagga
4
Abdu Mulaasi
Best Ragga Artiste
1
Peter Miles
2
Gen. Mega Dee
3
Ragga Dee
4
Bobi Wine
Best Reggae Artiste/Group
1
Roots Rokas
2
Eppy (Jeckaki Band)
3
Maddox Sematimba
4
Bebe Cool
Best RnB Single
1
It's Over Now (Michael Ross)
2
Wekuume (Obsessions)
3
Woah (Blu*3)
4
Nkuwe Ki (Iryn Namubiru)
Best RnB Artiste/Group
1
Blu*3
2
Maurice Kirya
3
Iryn Namubiru
4
Michael Ross
Best Live Band
1
Bantu's Band
2
Jeckaki Band
3
Eagles' Production
4
Afrigo Band
Best Live Band Single
1
First Aid (Mesach Semakula)
2
Ekibuga (Willy Mukaabya)
3
Tuli Ku Bunkenke (Ronald Mayinja)
4
Easy Come Easy Go (Geoffrey Lutaaya)
Northern Artiste of the Year
1
Dogman
2
Ghetto Boys
3
DJ Languna Komakech
4
Peacock Family
Western Artiste of the Year
1
Rama P
2
Prossy Kankunda
3
Lady Mariam
4
B. Rare
Eastern Artiste of the Year
1
Mark P
2
No Creature
3
Sylvia Kyansuti
4
Menton Kronno
Audio Producer of the Year
1
Steve Jean
2
Henry Kiwanuka
3
Joe Tabula
4
Eddie Yawe
Best Female Artiste
1
Sheila Nvanungi
2
Mariam Ndagire
3
Harriet Kisakye
4
Iryn Namubiru
Best Male Artiste
1
Bebe Cool
2
Jose Chameleon
3
Mesach Semakula
4
Bobi Wine
Artiste of the Year
1
Bobi Wine
2
Jose Chameleone
3
Mesach Semakula
4
Bebe Cool
Song of the Year
1
Fire Anthem (East African Bashment Crew)
2
First Aid (Mesach Semakula)
3
Bada (Bobi Wine)
4
Nkuwe Ki (Iryn Namubiru)
Video of the Year
1
First Aid (Mesach Semakula)
2
Bada (Bobi Wine)
3
Bomboclat (Jose Chameleone)
4
Oyagala Cash (Ragga Dee)
Best New Artiste
1
Lady Aisha
2
Gatimo, Grace & Paragon
3
Phina Mugerwa
4
Dream Galz
Songwriter of the Year
1
Mr Saxess
2
Steve Jean
3
Titi
4
Sylver Kyagulanyi
Best Male Artiste - Kenya
1
CMB Prezzo
2
Wyre
3
Red San
4
Nameless
Best Male Artiste - Rwanda
1
Mani Martin
2
Rafiki
3
Jean Paul Samputu
4
Big Dom
Best Male Artiste Tanzania
1
Bushoke
2
Mr Nice
3
Ferouz
4
Hezron "Bob" Rudala
Best Band/Group - Kenya
1
Longombas
2
Deux Vultures
3
Kleptomaniax
4
Necessary Noize
Best Band/Group - Rwanda
1
Holy Jah Doves
2
Family Squad
3
Brothers
4
KGB Group
Best Band/Group - Tanzania
1
FM Academia
2
TMK Wanaume
3
Msondo Ngoma Band
4
Upedo Group
Best Female Artiste - Kenya
1
Amani
2
Nazizi
3
Wahu
4
Esther Wahome
Best Female Artiste - Tanzania
1
Sabah Machacho
2
Ray C
3
Kimobiteli
4
Lady Jay Dee
Best Female Artiste - Rwanda
1
Miss Channel
2
Queen Ally
3
Miss Jojo
4
Kayirebwa Cecile
Compiled by Edgar R. Batte

Govt to Blame for Insecurity in Amuria - Ochen

2006-09-11T07:48:00.001+03:00

Edgar R. BatteAmuria
The LC5 Chairman of Amuria district, Mr Julius Ochen, has blamed the government for the persistent insecurity in the area owing to cattle rustling.
Ochen was on August 2, speaking at the official reception of Actionaid's Get on Board team at Kapelebyong Internally Displaced Peoples' (IDP) camp in Amuria.
He said the district was so insecure that in the previous week alone, Karimojong cattle rustlers had killed a local guard and a local leader and raided 37 head of cattle.
Ochen said the government was answerable for the persistent insecurity.
He threatened to take the government to the International Criminal Court for atrocities committed against the people of Teso for the last 27 years.
Amuria district is in Teso region. "If security were privatised, I would be accountable for the security of [my] people but at the moment, I tried all I could to stop cattle rustling in vain,"Ochen said.
The Defence Minister, Dr Crispus Kiyonga , recently apologised to the people of Teso, Acholi and Lango for the government's failure to protect them from the constant killing wraths of LRA rebels led by Joseph Kony.
He said killings by the Karimajong warriors and LRA rebels were a result of government's failure to provide security and protect its people.
Kiyonga, who was the chief guest at a prayer ceremony to commemorate the first LRA attack in Teso in 2003, was quoted to have said, "It is very sad for me to be here today to remember this very sad day when LRA rebels entered Teso and butchered people like chicken. We are here to reflect on two things; our suffering and chat a way forward."
Kapelebyong is one of the IDP camps in the highly insecure region. With over 2,000 inhabitants, the camp is menaced by other problems apart from insecurity.
It lacks clean water, has health and food inadequacies and the only primary school there cannot accommodate the big number of pupils it has.
Such are some of the other indirect atrocities Ochen says continue to ruin the people at the hands of the government's failure to provide (security).
However, Actionaid, through its Get on Board anti-poverty campaign, has committed itself to include Kapelebyong IDP camp in its plan to address food shortage through setting up food reserves this year.
Actionaid Country Director Amanda Serumaga affirmed their commitment to working with communities in Teso.
The Get on Board bus team continues with its anti-poverty campaign to communities in the districts of Kalangala, Lira, Gulu, Kampala and Soroti, among others.

Govt to Blame for Insecurity in Amuria - Ochen

2006-09-11T07:48:00.000+03:00

Amon is yet to get over Juliana

2006-09-11T07:44:00.000+03:00

EDGAR R. BATTE
She is gorgeous and a true diva but her love life has not sang the right tune. For the six years she dated Amon, they seemed the ideal couple.
Then the two lovebirds separated. To date, fans cannot comprehend what really could have come between the two lovebirds. The rumour mill had all kinds of allegations that could have ended it all.
Amon says he didn't see their break-up coming, adding that he tried to do everything that Juliana could ever wish for. It is clear as Amon speaks that he is not over Juliana yet. "She was a loving, supportive and hardworking partner and clearly an unforgettable girl," he says of Juliana.
STILL HEARTBROKEN: Amon says he didn’t see the break-up coming. Photo by Walter Wafula & Willy Tamale.
"We had reached a point in the relationship when I was almost certain she was my future wife. We had been blessed with a son who bonded us even closer,"
How they met
They met at Fido Fido ice cream parlour back in 1999. She was seated with two other girls but he singled her out. He loved something about her: She was dark, beautiful and her infectious smile prompted something within him to go over and whisper something into her ear. He had fallen for her and confessed it.
"At the time, I didn't know she could sing. I first heard her sing two years later at my brother's wedding. After sometime, I had to go back to London. While there, she called to tell me about her debut single with Irene Namubiru and that they had formed I-Jay, an R'n'b duo. I was happy about her innovation and when they broke up, I comforted her that she was meant for bigger things," he recalls.
Amon subsequently paid Steve Jean so she could record her debut single Seven Days. Meanwhile, he had to spend more time here since it was around the time she was expecting their child and needed his support. In 2003, God blessed them with a lovely son, Keron Kabugo Lukwago.
In an interview last year, Juliana maintained that their relationship was romantic but argued that there were 'disguised' issues on Amon's side that could not be sorted out. When asked whether the rumours about Amon's infidelity were the reason for the split, Juliana refuted the allegations and maintained that there were other problems she could not reveal.
"We would talk over these issues and appear to be fine but ultimately, Amon failed to adjust," she is quoted to have said. Nonetheless, she disclosed that Amon is a good father to Keron, always supportive, loving and one of those people who have helped her a lot in her career not only emotionally and physically but also financially.
So what really went wrong?
It was a painful break-up and Amon refers to the six years as 'wasted time'. He had devoted so much hope and dreams in it. Having spent approximately 17 years in Britain, Amon acquired British citizenship. However when he tried to acquire a British passport, Juliana didn't seem thrilled.
"I explained to her the benefits she stood to gain as well as our son and that both would subsequently acquire British citizenship but I guess she simply didn't like the idea. A month after I had left, she sent me a CD of her Nabikowa single.
It was lovely and I told her so." However, later, a friend called him and told him to open the Daily Monitor website.
"I asked him what was there but he insisted that I open the Women & Men pages and then asked me whether it was true. When I opened the website, there was the headline before me "Juliana now single and not searching". I did not think anything particularly and assumed she just wanted to promote her song. I was not bothered. She spent four weeks without calling me. When I called her, she told me she wanted some space."
He respected her decision and soon, the space between them only grew wider. He couldn't bring himself to imagine he could lose the person he had shared so much love and joy with and contemplated whether it was the fame.
It's one year now and Amon discloses he has not yet gotten over the break-up. He is not seeing anyone and is comfortable for now. "When you have just come out of a relationship, it is quite difficult to enter another. I think I am currently married to my businesses, the gym and money. I don't believe in searching. I believe the woman who was meant for me will definitely come my way."Amon, among other things, is the proprietor of Liquid Nightclub in Masindi, and Sound Room on Sunset Arcade along Wilson Road, which promotes upcoming artistes and distributes music.
Amon says he still has to make sure that their son Keron gets the best upbringing and he shares the responsibility with Juliana. Keron is in Nursery school.
Amon left Uganda after Primary School studies for the UK where he studied at West Ham College in London. There, he pursued a NVQ certificate in Introduction to music. He then joined East Leigh College where he did Sound Engineering. From there, he did a stint as a deejay at Moonlight Granaries in London. It was there that he met a friend, Sylvia Owori, who convinced him to come back to Uganda. He returned in 1997 for month, after 15 years. He also met Peter Miles who introduced him to his current best friend, Roger Mugisha.
"Roger asked me what we could do and I sold the idea of the angels to him. This turned into Shadow's Angels. Meanwhile, I got job in London but was to be based in Uganda," Amon reveals.
Amon appeared recently in Daily Monitor in the company of a mysterious girl who was consequently suspected to be his 'new catch'. Well, he says, she's simply his companion. "She's a student at the university. I consider her a good friend who has helped me to somehow forget the past," he explains. He prefers not to disclose her identity for the sake of her privacy.

Developing countries saved from bad deal

2006-09-11T07:43:00.000+03:00

EDGAR R. BATTE
Trade justice remains central in fighting poverty and following the collapse of the world trade talks in Geneva, Actionaid looks to the future for global trading system.
“There must now be root-and-branch reform of the WTO if it is to be a force for good in the world, rather than a forum for the rich to exploit the poor,” says Aftab Alam Khan, head of Actionaid's Trade Justice Campaign.

Attempts to rescue the latest round of international trade talks collapsed as rich nations such as the United States and European Union refused to budge over key issues related to agriculture.

World Trade Organisation director general Patrick Lamy admitted the talks were now in “crisis” as talks ended, prematurely. The latest round of negotiations, known as the Doha development round, was supposed to put the interest of poorer countries at the heart of international trade.

Instead, rich countries have been bullying poorer ones into accepting a deal which could leave them collectively $60bn worse off.

Subsidies
Any deal stitched together by the EU and US would not have ended trade-distorting subsidies that cause the dumping of farm goods in Africa. ActionAid estimates that the EU and US still spend $100 billion per year on farm subsidies that undercut producers in poor countries.
All rich countries promised was a re-packaging of existing domestic support rather than real cuts to the amount of money going to rich farmers and corporations. There is no guarantee that the rest of the WTO membership would have accepted it.
Doesn’t this mean that Africa won’t get a trade deal to help make poverty history?
That was never on the table. The US and Japan vetoed a deal for 100% duty-free, quota-free access for the world’s poorest countries and the US and EU failed to offer real cuts to their enormous farm subsidies, particularly on cotton.
Further, rich countries’ aggressive stance in the talks on goods and services sought to place African governments in a strait-jacket that would prevent them from choosing the best policies to end poverty, empower women and protect the environment.

Who’s to blame?
The US has replaced the EU as the current chief baddie, but both are equally to blame. By refusing to cut its farm subsidies whatever the circumstances the US put the final nail in the coffin of the development round. But most of the other nails had been hammered in by the EU by making minimal subsidy cuts while asking for massive concessions from developing countries.

Will there be a flood of bilateral trade agreements now that the WTO negotiations are in cold storage?
No. Rich countries have always pursued bilateral trade agreements in parallel to WTO talks. And the US fast-track negotiating authority that expires in 2007 applies to bilateral trade agreements too. Actionaid remains opposed to unfair bilateral deals.

Is this the end of the multilateral trading system?
No. The WTO will still exist – it is only these particular negotiations that have been put on ice. But their suspension does offer an opportunity for root-and-branch reform that bans exclusive meetings and makes the organisation more inclusive and democratic.

Action Aid Get on Board arrives

2006-09-11T07:42:00.000+03:00

EDGAR R. BATTE
Rakai
Action Aid International's Get on Board team has arrived in Uganda to re-launch its anti-poverty campaign. The team arrived aboard their branded mini bus on Friday through Mutukula, Uganda's border with Tanzania. AAI-Uganda Director of programming Specioza Kiwanuka, country coordinator Amanda Sserumaga and Rakai district LC5 Chairman Vincent Semakula Settuba received the team.The bus has been on a two-week tour in some African countries, having started in South Africa. The team is here to share with communities the results of their 2005 anti poverty campaign. "This year we are taking stock and reporting back to the communities, informing them of the outcome of the G8 summit," AAI-Uganda Communications Officer Rebecca Musoke told Daily Monitor. In May last year, the AAI team drove a mini bus 12,000 miles across Africa to Scotland, collecting messages, stories and voices across the continent to take to the G8 leaders at the Gleneagles Summit.The bus will be visiting a number of local communities in Uganda, trading anti poverty messages and collecting views on debt cancellation and poverty alleviation.Areas to be visited include Rakai, Kalangala, Lira, Gulu, Kampala, Bwaise, Entebbe, Soroti, Kapchorwa, Masindi, Kabelabiong and Katakwi. While addressing a gathering during the team's arrival at Mutukula customs grounds, Settuba, who was the chief guest at the welcoming function, said HIV/Aids and high poverty levels were the biggest problems affecting the people of Rakai district. He said the HIV/Aids infection percentage stands at 12, and that as a result, the district has suffered a setback in production levels and increased dependency level by over 45,000 orphans.Settuba echoed a call against deprivation and hunger in the area, which he said, were major millennium development goals.Ms Serumaga said there was key need for community-based participation in the campaign drives as a preliminary stage in creating pressure to the G8 countries to answer the Africa call.

AAR reaches out to underprivileged babies

2006-09-11T07:40:00.000+03:00

EDGAR R. BATTE
Barbara Namakula was abandoned by an unidentified person in the compound of Namirembe Cathedral Church in May last year. As she relentlessly cried out, the staff of the church got concerned and went out in the night to see what had happened.
AAR personnel examine the children. Photo by W. Wafula
She had been abandoned. They took her and in and finally took her to Sanyu babies home. Barbara's case is not different from that of many other babies in the home. These children need love, care and affection.Last Saturday morning, AAR Health Services and renowned paediatrician, Dr. Edward Kasirye, offered free check ups and treatment to the babies that constituted de-worming, verification of nutritional status and vaccination in addition to treatment for various common medical conditions in children. Speaking during the occasion, AAR Health Services Public Relations Officer, Stella Kanyike said the partnership was intended to benefit underprivileged children who are unable to access or afford adequate medical care. "We wish to give back to the community by availing medical care to the underprivileged who may otherwise be unable to gain access to it. This is in line with our mission to deliver quality healthcare," Kanyike said.Sanyu Babies Home takes care of 38 abandoned children aged between a few hours and two years.

Uganda: Action Aid Get On Board Arrives

2006-09-11T07:39:00.000+03:00

Edgar R. BatteRakai
Action Aid International's Get on Board team has arrived in Uganda to re-launch its anti-poverty campaign.
The team arrived aboard their branded mini bus on Friday through Mutukula, Uganda's border with Tanzania.
AAI-Uganda Director of programming Specioza Kiwanuka, country coordinator Amanda Sserumaga and Rakai district LC5 Chairman Vincent Semakula Settuba received the team.
The bus has been on a two-week tour in some African countries, having started in South Africa.
The team is here to share with communities the results of their 2005 anti poverty campaign.
"This year we are taking stock and reporting back to the communities, informing them of the outcome of the G8 summit," AAI-Uganda Communications Officer Rebecca Musoke told Daily Monitor.
In May last year, the AAI team drove a mini bus 12,000 miles across Africa to Scotland, collecting messages, stories and voices across the continent to take to the G8 leaders at the Gleneagles Summit.
The bus will be visiting a number of local communities in Uganda, trading anti poverty messages and collecting views on debt cancellation and poverty alleviation.
Areas to be visited include Rakai, Kalangala, Lira, Gulu, Kampala, Bwaise, Entebbe, Soroti, Kapchorwa, Masindi, Kabelabiong and Katakwi.
While addressing a gathering during the team's arrival at Mutukula customs grounds, Settuba, who was the chief guest at the welcoming function, said HIV/Aids and high poverty levels were the biggest problems affecting the people of Rakai district.
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He said the HIV/Aids infection percentage stands at 12, and that as a result, the district has suffered a setback in production levels and increased dependency level by over 45,000 orphans.
Settuba echoed a call against deprivation and hunger in the area, which he said, were major millennium development goals.
Ms Serumaga said there was key need for community-based participation in the campaign drives as a preliminary stage in creating pressure to the G8 countries to answer the Africa call.

2Face powers new face of Guinness bottle

2006-09-11T07:36:00.000+03:00

EDGAR R. BATTE
YOU ARE WELCOME: UBL’s MD, Baker Magunda with the Nigerian High Commisioner Orike Chukudi at the function. Photo by John Nsimbe
TASTY: UBL’s Brenda Mbathi tastes Guiness after unveiling the new bottle. Photo by Willy Tamale
If you were at the launch of the new look of the Guinness beer bottle at Sheraton Hotel last Friday, you ought to kick yourself because you missed out on great fun. It is not everyday that you will be at a party broadcast live on television.
If you were glued to WBS however, you didn't miss out on all the fun as Africa's premier star, Nigeria's 2Face Idibia drove the crowd into a dancing mood while he performed some of his popular songs.
CHIC: Designer Sylvia Owori who recently showcased her designs at the Cape Town fashion week at the party. Photo by John Nsimbe
SHOW TIME: Bebe Cool. Photo by John Nsimbe
When he did his African Queen, the crowd sang along and the star poured out his heart as he continually professed his love for Uganda. What more could make a night worthwhile?
The Guinness bottle has been given a new look but the content-the dark frothy beer remains the same, as the Managing Director of Uganda Breweries, Baker Magunda explained. “We feel the new look is clean and modern, yet it retains the classic essence of the Guinness brand," he said as he unveiled the new look of the Guinness bottle that is consumed by 10million people worldwide everyday.
2Face Idibia. Photo by John Nsimbe
As early as 7 p.m., well dressed guests had started heaving into the Guinness branded confines of the Sheraton Hotel's Rwenzori ballroom for a great night ahead of them.
The organisation of the event was commendable and it brought together guests from different classes of the corporate sector, the entertainment world, a few dignitaries as well as the Uganda Breweries folks.
Some of the night's highlights included performances from local artistes as curtain raisers for 2Face. Guests were thrilled by performances from local favourites like Blu*3, Juliana Kanyomozi, Bebe Cool, Iryn Namubiru, Infinity dancers and the Ngoni who all performed non-stop one after another.
2Face sang for approximately half an hour within which he got guests grooving, many of whom had already had one Guinness to many, bringing out the power in them, like Guinness slogan goes.

edgar's rocker room

2006-09-11T07:33:00.000+03:00

edgar's rocker room

Priscilla and Bella unveiled

2006-06-03T10:03:00.000+03:00

Priscilla and Bella unveiled
EDGAR R. BATTE
OUR DAY: bella (left) and Priscilla Kalibala performing at Steak Out.
Some of their fans at the do.
TREASURE YOU: Angela Kalule sings while sitting on the laps of an excited fan. (Right) Photos by Willy Tamale
Singing after 2005 Pam award winning female artiste of the year Juliana Kanyomozi was enough testimony that Priscilla Kalibala and Bella have finally arrived on the music scene. It was expected of them to sing last because it was their show, on which the two atistes launched their music albums. The venu, Steak Out on Lumumba Avenue was filled to capacity, an indicator of the love that people have for these new artistes.
Priscilla’s new song Mwana Gwe has received enormous ariplay on theairwaves and it was not surprising that the artiste who released her first song Gumukiiriza last year now has a large fan base.
THIS MIC: ziggy Dee of Eno Mic fame samples one of his new songs at the launch. (Left)
Priscilla sent the crowd wild when she got onto stage to do Mwana Gwe. The only problem was what was termed as a “wardrobe malfunction,” when Janet Jackson’s breast accidentally popped out and was broadcast to a live audience during the Super Bowl event a while ago.
Priscilla also had a wardrobe malfunction of sorts as parts of breasts were visible to the audience -as if a bare midriff and micro mini skirt were not enough.
Bella a former Shadow’s Angels dancer knows how to gyrate her waist and she worked the crowd with her new song Dance. Several other musicians performed during the night including Irene Namubiru, Bobi Wine, Buchaman, Chagga, Master Parrot, V.I.P, Titi, Angela Kalule, Ziggy Dee, Trishla, Vamposs and others.
It was the Firebase musicians Bobi Wine and Buchaman’s words that amused the crowds even more than their performances. Buchaman ridiculed Chameleone and Bebe Cool for having failed to get visas to perform during the Easter weekend in the UK yet Bobi Wine got a visa.“They are not big enough. But Buchaman and Bobi Wine are big, “ Buchaman said sending the audience wild.

Aisha, Mayinja's heart throb

2006-06-01T08:11:00.000+03:00

Aisha, Mayinja‘s heart throb
EDGAR R. BATTE
Ronald Mayinja is the voice behind the hit, Tuli Kubunkenke. Loosely translated, this means 'being on tension' and that is exactly what he went through in the wake of the popularity of the song, early this year.
“One day, I received a phone call from someone who claimed to have called from Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI). He told me to report to CMI and added that that I had a choice to turn up or to decline. Out of fear I lied that I was in Masaka for a show when I was in Kampala," Mayinja recalls. So, did the song have any political connotations?
UNTAINTED: Mayinja and Aisha relax at home
"This is a song I sang after research and from the heart. I know it had an effect on a number of people in their respective capacities but had no political connotations. It is basically a song about social issues because all of us have at one point gone through a problem and it was exactly because of that, that I sang the song," says Mayinja.
Like many upcoming artistes, Mayinja's struggle to break through was not easy . He began singing in 1996 after his A-level. He was inspired by veteran artiste Elly Wamala (R.I.P). He released his first album Sinzoba in 1996, which was received with fairly good response. He also used to mime at Pride Theatre where other upcoming artistes performed. He was talented and soon Univox mirrors band took him on.
His popularity rode on his song Necklace, which sold out. Around the same time he teamed up with friends Geoffrey Lutaaya, Mesach Semakula, Fred Maiso, Fred Seruga and Grace Sekamatte to form Eagles Production band.
With a good reputation as a musician something was still missing in Mayinja's life. He needed someone to make it complete; someone who was open-minded, kind, patient, focussed and resilient. He found the girl of his dreams in Najjanankumbi, at a friend's place. Soon he found himself making more visits even when there was no match to watch. "One of the things I found very attractive about Aisha was the way she carried herself.

The cream of the crop

2006-05-31T09:20:00.000+03:00

Young Achievers
EDGAR R. BATTE

Elijah Kitaka, 27-True African
In his first year at University, Elijah Kitaka was already optimistic for bigger dreams in the life ahead of him. His mind set was tuned to changing the face of the Ugandan job market. This was the time when age and one’s qualifications were big issue before any company could take you on. Versed with his computer knowledge, felt he could generate an income even without a conventional job.
As early as 19, Elijah had a vision of establishing a long-term investment like a company registered and functional in all legal binding so he joined one of his lawyer friends. He wanted a company as an entity. The reality of his dream was Computer Software Systems (C.S.S). He wanted to start with software-powering websites, just the same things True African is currently doing.
The reality was the establishment of long hopeful dream that led to the first commercial internet services under his True African company.
“In 1998 I got a few partners, friends of mine who could also do the work. There were a few people with ICPs in town and through my clients, I got into a partnership and we started a project which started as Sanyu Africa. I realized he had a lot of equipment and resources that were under-utilized so I sat down and wrote a business plan of some ideas I had. I told him what I wanted to do and we made an agreement and off we started,” Elijah recounts.
That is how Sanyu Africa started and was on TV a few times; however just along the way, the partners got some complications. Elijah pulled out and then started True African. This was around 2000. For the new venture, Elijah wanted to do something in the in the line exuding information and communication business.
“I got four people to help me start that-mostly in terms of skill. I recruited people I knew could do programming, people that were system administrators and knowledge in the computer field at the time. We started the project and it went well. We delivering what we considered critical information to people cheaply, effectively and conveniently,” he adds. SMS was definitely one of these ways and started working off a sim card before they could go to MTN or any network. There were the sites, which had a lot of business information, and more profiles it presently has. Well, the idea was well received and the young proprietors were focused-they had a business plan and knew were the money would come from and precisely had began seeing some of it. With the success, D.Mnet also doing something similar partnered with Elijah’s and True African was strengthened in membership size and skills. From then, it was aggressive marketing. Through the short lifespan of True African, Elijah speaks with authority as one of Kampala’s young achievers. On his list of clients are big companies like MTN, UTL, Nile bank. In addition, is some good equipment that does media monitoring. He currently cruises a cool Audi 50, plus the company is consistently growing.
Well, for the challenges Elijah is quick to point out the set back he faced when thieves broke into his house that at the time doubled as the company office. They thieves took off with all the computer only leaving behing the CPUs. This setback left them back at square one but did not give up.
Angela Crystal Newman Kavulu 26-P.R.O Kampala Casino
She is confident, extremely hard working, of integrity, fun loving, and to add-would add quite receptive. For her funs, she is simply the best sound on radio and just a person anyone would love to meet. Her talk is inspiring which reveals to you the hardworking lady in her. Her name is Crystal Newman Kavulu, a presenter at Sanyu FM and Public Relations Officer (P.R.O) for Kampala Casino. She graduated from Makerere University where she did Mass Communication. She had a friend at Sanyu who connected her there. She passed the voice test and henceforth taken on.
Well, she recently left the spinster world and she is married to Mr. Fred Kavulu with whom they already have a kid. She will not feel comfortable revealing the type of car she drives but believe me it tells the success of the lady who sits behind its wheels.
For all the young folk out there-don’t, be meek. Make your try at self discovery and in that way your prospective employee can have the courage to take his risk on you. Just do not think of life as a smooth sail, people are out there anticipating to take advantage of especially you because of your weak spots.

Dorcus Inzikuru, 23- World Champion, athletics
The 2005 IAAF season has seemed to be rolling in the right direction for Inzikuru. From a humble background of Verra Ezuku in Arua, Dorcus last month ran her way to the historic achievement when she won the first world women's 3,000 metres steeplechase Title giving Uganda its first gold medal in the 22-year history of the World Athletic Championships ever since huddle champion John Akibua. To see her through her success has been her manager Lambogini.
Dorcus Inzikuru started her track career in 1995 with his home district team Arua Athletics club during her primary school days at Mvara primary school. She won the district 5,000m competition in a commendable 19 minutes and 30 seconds when she was only 13 years old and this caught an eye of the national governing Federation then Uganda Amateur Athletics Federation (UAAF) that encouraged the district to prepare the runner for national championships. She was named on the national team that was going to represent the country at the 2000 world junior championships in Santiago, Chile. She surprised Ethiopian star Meseret Defar in the 5,000m final and won the country’s only gold medal at the meet.
In 2004, she broke her own record at an IAAF Grand Prix meet held in Belgium and also qualified officially for the Olympic games that were held in Athens but unfortunately she couldn’t go beyond the first round of the race after suffering from a right knee injury with only a couple of days to her race in Athens.

Xenson Ssenkaba Samson, 28 -Founder Urban Fashion Brand
He is fit to be rightly described as an ambitious artiste who has tried to keep good pace with what he can do best and for this you could let it pass when he chores to come out unique. A rare thing to come across having a name starting with letter ‘X’. He says this stand for extravagant, excellent, exclusive, excessive, extreme, exotic, exhilarating, exquisite, extra-ordinary and you could have him go on and on. He graduated with a first class degree from the School of Fine art in Makerere University. During his stay at University, he was president of the Fine art students association and entertainment minister of entertainment in the former Northcote hall. When Studio on Mnet came to Uganda, they featured him as part of the breed of the country’s new artistes and designers. This was December last year.
At 28, he is founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Urban Fashion Brand-Xenson, owns Xensona multimedia Art Company dealing in art, graphic design, and interior design Graffiti advertising and corporate branding.
Xenson’s artistic content is all about urban culture inspired by a tradition.
“I look at my accentual past then try to incorporate it with the modern day philosophies to get what you call urban ethnic because before you know where you are going you need to know your history,” Xenson points out. His art is multimedia. It is a mixer of performance art poetry and the sot. He has s studio in his studios inn Nina.
He has had his live graffiti performances in Nairobi at the World Bank sponsored Aids concert. In Tanzania, he was there for the hip/hop concert his skill was given a knob and in Kigali he met designers from UK, South Africa, Gabon and Senegal. At the beginning of this year, he was in Germany where he spent three months. He had gone for an exhibition workshop. In Germany, he left a graffiti wall of fame. He has also been to France where he visited a number of art galleries of some of the big designers down there.
Next month he looks forward for a trip to West Africa in Niger, Senegal and Nigeria where he will present a collection. The winner in the festival will win a sponsored trip to France for two months plus other benefits. Well, you can as well call him the jack-of-all-trades but he is also one of the founders for the hip/hop foundation in Uganda

Steve Jean, 28-Producer and Proprietor Fenon Studios
Steve Jean has done his thing for quite sometime. He started as an artiste in the early 1990s. To date you will he owns Fenon studios which have churned most of the big hits in the land. He has produced hits of local stars like Titi Tabelle, Michael Ross, the Blu*3, his own tracks among other artistes.
When asked about just how he feels about all that has come his way, he simply brushes this off jokingly wit a smile claiming he has not yet got there.
Well, he done thing out there in the States and despite the fact that he wouldn’t disclose what he has to his name Steve Jean undoubtedly stands out as one of the biggest producers in the country.

Seanice Kacungira, 23-Brand manager Sanyu FM
Seanice been in radio for the last half decade and she says its something she has enjoyed immensely and true it is because this has also enabled her break through into many other areas.
Her principal on life is Do it if love it and if do not then leave it. Simple! She does everything with a passion and this has inspired through a progressively successful career trend. Seanice started out at Clouds FM in Tanzania on which she hosted a late night show. She came back to do her A-level and went back to Tanzania during her vacation. She switched stations to East African FM. At East African FM, she was producer channel director where she was charged with over seeing the different communications there. She was the youngest administrator in the whole establishment. When she came back for her University she was spotted by Sanyu FM. While still in Tanzania she also served as a dance instructor at one of the International school for six months, which she did alongside he main job. She recently resigned her job as P.R.O of Kabira Country Club due to the accumulated workload on her.
For her sweat, she has managed to buy herself a chunk of land in one of Entebbe’s posh corners. In addition she runs a private promotions and event managing company-Blue Flamingo. Her latest wheel is Pajero short Chassis. Seanice is also Sanyu’s brand manager and whenever she goes back to Kabira and looks at the work force she trained and the systems she put in place, it goes off with some good pride at heart.

Mark Munyonyi, 22-Proprietor Mark Merkie Promotions
He runs Mark Merkie promotions, an American based company that targets the African community in Washington D.C. They host their crowd at Corner pocket which has grown to become one of the most popular spots for the African crowd in the state.
“In D.C it is a hyper kind of night-life and quite a number of Africans who are interested to hang out and have fun. So when we started, it did not surprise that were getting a progressively growing crowd,” Mark explains. He adds that the least they have hosted is eight hundred people and up to 3000 which was in October last year. The whites have also been attracted to the corner pocket.
Munyonyi owns small mansion in D.C, X5 BMW, three kangaroo pick-ups which he expects to help him in his promotion business he is currently establishing in the East African market. He is also clearing three other cars at the Mombassa port.
The young proprietor is looking forward to bring a change (concept) in East Africa’s entertainment. Mark looks forward the crowd of having to be treated to same performances from the same people all the time. He has tried something similar with Safari.com in Kenya before and it registered a fair success.
His mother always jokes with him about being a nightlife freak. She attributes this to him having been born during the night.

Mujib Kasule 27-KCC Midfielder
Mujib Kasule prefers to describe himself as a simple and down to earth person and this is something those that have met him and had one-on-one with the handy football star. He owned his first car at the age of sixteen. At eighteen he was one of the few lucky Ugandans that were called on to join under-nineteen side of Chelsea but his dad dream for him was not to get into money without proper education so he had to sacrifice his dream for his father’s.
“Football has taken me places and won me favors. In school, I was exempted from all chores. When I joined secondary school in Kibuli I was studying on scholarship not because my parents had no money to pay for my school dues but as was a favor extended to me for my good talent,”Mujib recounts. When he continues you might think it is just nothing more than the laurels for himself. Before he even sat for his P.L.E Kibuli Secondary School had already offered him a place with favors attached. While still at Kibuli he was tipped by local club K.C.C football club. He was seventeen then. At the University Mujib was admitted on government for Arts in arts but felt was not ready to pursue a flat course. He was offered a scholarship to study in the U.SA for five years where he did a bachelor in economics. He runs the Kasule Properties Company and works as a research consultant. In addition, to his name is the newest Sports paper called The Goal Post. He has a love for cars and drives a Ford Windsor. He looks up to Michael Owen. For the young people out there, he says you should chase after your dreams.

Michael Kasaija, 29-Manager Kombart Dance Group
When he steps on stage, it is just display of good strokes. Right from his Obsessions days, he always stood out as a guy with an exceptional talent. When de left Obsessions, life was a completely new life and he could not rule out the emotion from his fans. His girlfriend, Natasha, with whom he has a three months’ kid, too pursued him to get back onto stage.
Michael had served as a director for the crumbling Obsessions dance group as well as Cleo graphics manager. Before rejuvenating his talent into his Kombart dance group, he was doing private business but he confesses having liked to entertain ever since his child. He runs a tours and travel business.
“ I had the interest since I was young. I could participate in traditional dances in Buganda road Primary where Mr. Rwanjies, head of Ndere troupe, was my entertainment teacher. I particularly loved the energy and love with which he could conduct his training at school,” Kasaija recalls.
He featured on the first M-NET Face of Africa competitions that were here. He joined Obsession while still at campus. It was by then known as Pulse & Jungle. He served director and Cleo graphics manager while still with the Obsessions dance group.
To date he owns the Kombart dance group whose membership size has grown to twenty members. The group has claimed the number one spot as top dance group and you’ll not be surprised to see Michael cruising in BMW B5 with his son Shawn Kasaija.
He looks up to pushing Kombart to greater heights and worthy competitions and his mind is open to absorb into new ideas. The group is into event planning and management. You have to judge them on Michael Ross’ upcoming album launch come 24th.

Silver Kyagulanyi, -Song Writer
You will be surprised that at his age, he has penned most of the big hits and this only goes down as something he does as a hobby. It is inopportune that people like him are not put in the limelight just like the west has given the great some of the good songwriters. Nevertheless, Silver immediately appears the kind who will not pop big even if he is deservedly good as both an artiste and songwriter. He has penned form the latest, Juliana Kanyomozi’s Nabikoowa, Nvanungi’s Eriso and Ekiwangula Omutima Gw’omukyala, Marium Ndagire’s Kiki Onvuma album, Kato Lubwama’s maiden duo hit Kirabe Ebisso among other big hits of prominent artistes whose egos he wouldn’t hurt as confided to him to the effect.
However that is not to say the songwriter has let this forsaken his singing career. Silver has three good albums to his name. These are Ekyasa Kyabakyala, Omuzadde Katonda and Abanna bbo and if you’ve been at occasion like Introduction ceremonies then you must have felt how popular in terms of musical content his music has proved to be.
“When I sing about love in whatever category, I make sure I am sensitive to the general crowd. In whatever I do it is never for fame but to positively affect my generation,” he points out. When asked about his magic at the good lyrical code progression all he can say is the confidence artistes have in him because he’s always ready to share the little he has in terms of ideas. He loves the guitar.
Silver Kyagulanyi started his career in singing as early as kid leading others in singing nursery rhymes. Form there he joined choirs in Nswangere seminary and St. Charles Lwanga in Kasasa before he joined one of the celebrated local choirs in the country. This was the I0a.m. Christ the King church choir. In I995, he was happy to appear in one of the dailies. Simplicity and the appreciation for all music attributes, he says, has led him all throughout.

Boniface Kiprop, 20-Juniour Champion
It is not merely a lexical coincidence that Kiprop bears the same name as several Kenyans athletes, such as Fred Kiprop (the 2:06.47 marathoner). The meanings of the names are the same-born while it is He is a son to a little known Robert Toroitich. He finished fourth at the Olympic Games 10,000m, which almost ranks him as one of the world’s best.
In five years of junior competition, he finished third once (2002) and second twice (2003, 2004) at the World Cross-country, won four medals at 5000m and 10,000m at the African Junior Championships of 2001 and 2003 (silver at 5000m in 2001, the rest gold) and last summer finally picked up his first global junior gold in the World Junior Championships 10,000 in Grosseto. As a young athlete, he looked up to the likes of Haile Gebrselassie who has won major races.
Kiprop came into limelight when he won his first silver medal at the world cross-country championship in Ireland in 2002. An English Ricky Simms talked to him and took him to sports ware company Puma where he was offered a deal.
“I was so happy that these guys (Puma) give me whatever I want to compete on the international scene and my only duty is to train and go and collect my money at the end of every year,” he said.
Puma renewed my contract when he won another silver medal at the next world cross-country held in Switzerland and still sponsor him up to now. After winning the silver medal, Kiprop became the African junior champion after winning gold in 5,000m and 10,000m and he was nicknamed ‘Gebrselassie’ by fans in Cameroon where the championship took place.
Kiprop has competed in a number of international races that include Golden league series, Grand prix, road races and cross-country meets where he has won at least 50 medals of which 15 are gold, 10 silvers and many uncountable bronze medals.
Kiprop adapted athletics when he was still a kid during his days of fetching water. “Mum used to send me to the well and she wanted the water as quick as possible so I had to run down a few kilometers and return home,” this is how I came to love the game.

Edwin Karugire-Lawyer
Those who have something, to them opportunities will always flourish, so they say and true is for some of the young men. One of them is lawyer Karugire. He is one of the first son’s in-law and to his name is one of the success law firms. As a young man, he runs Karugire & Kiwanuka advocates which she owns alongside another young lawyer by name Kiwanuka.

Other Young achievers
-Hussein Kashilingi, President’s legal Officer
-Kenneth Kamyuka, one of the successful young golfers
-Tina Byarihanga-PRO MTN
-Paul Mwanda-Mymusicuganda.com
-Phillip Besimire-MTN Promotions
-Peter Magona-One of the country’s good rugby players
-J. Kazoora-Presenter WBS, K-fm and commercial emcee

Mathias on his girlie character

2006-05-31T09:17:00.000+03:00

EATV presenter Mathias Ruhweza is known for his girlie character; lip-gloss, rolling eyes and wacky hairstyles.
Edgar R. Batte sat him down to explain why he does things the way he does them.

Can you describe who Mathias is, in three words?
Most importantly God fearing, charismatic, ambitious and fun loving.
How old are you?
I am nineteen. I was born on August 23, 1985 and that makes me a Virgo.
People have taken your character to be more of feminine than the guy in you, what is your comment?
I grew up in a female dominated environment. I have three lovely sisters and I was fond of my mum. Besides, almost all my friends are girls. I’m not bothered by people’s comments. Why do people have to bother about my kind of character? I have grown to appreciate myself the way I am.
So what’s with the lip-gloss that you wear?
I see no problem with that. In fact many guys wear make-up. You have checked most of the international showbiz figures they do use these toners so I guess that is no offence.
And your wacky hairstyle?
It is something unique to identify myself in the entertainment industry. Actually it was my boss Katherine who chose this particular style for me. She said that I looked so much of a schoolboy and that I needed me to look different. Other artistes have also taken on different styles; take for instance Bebe Cool and Bobi Wine. They are identified with their standing dreadlocks. It’s a showbiz thing.
One tabloid recently ran a story to the effect that you had been sacked from EATV. Is this true?
No it is not true. I am just on leave because I am doing BA exams at Makerere University. I am about to finish my first year and I am majoring in Communication Skills and Literature. Probably those guys have not seen me on T.V for quite sometime and they have come to their conclusions that I have been sacked.
But I take it that you read the story?
Yeah, I did but what can you do. You read the story shake it off and get over it. I am taking my leave. Top management has been changed but no one has been fired yet.
How did you get into EATV in the first place?
There were auditions in Kampala and they were looking for a presenter. I had a previous working experience with WBS as a Teen’s Club presenter during my S.4 vacation. I had worked there for two years, so I thought this was a new opportunity to build my career. Well, I gave it a shot and I was selected.
People in the limelight usually have several admirers, so are you hooked up with one of them at the moment or you are single?
Ah…Yeah I think I’m single. Let us say I am playing a little game with someone but I am not sure where we lie. You know, I take myself as career driven and I have my job and books to think about. I have some big dream I cannot reveal. Relationships are very taxing. They weigh a lot on somebody. They tend to strain you a lot-emotionally, your time and your money. So if I could stay out of one, I would opt for that, but if it was inevitable of course like life, love doesn’t ask why, it would happen.
Q: So who is the lucky girl with whom you are playing this little game of yours?
A: Unfortunately I cannot let you in on this one. It is quite confidential.
EATV was recently under fire and it was threatened with closure over pornography, what is your take on this one?
I think that was a very political thing. Everything that is shown on EATV is shown on WBS. Kazoora shows the same music videos on Jam Agenda all the time. If parents don’t want their kids to watch it, they can tell them not to watch or lock their TVs up. There are very many channels and sincerely it’s all about choice. It was not fair at all because there is nothing pornographic that is shown on EATV.
What is your definition of pornography?
Pornography is naked men and women engaging in sexual activity. It is something sexual and meant to arouse. In the African culture where we come from, some people are always nude or showing different body parts. For example in South African tribes, women walk around bare-chested, but this is not pornographic.
What is your idea of a good time?
Swimming, going out dancing with friends, watching a good movie, hanging out with my boss Katherine Lorena and having a family dinner somewhere in a quiet place.
What do you hate about you job?
Sometimes I have to stay out late, even when I don’t want to. No one cares if you are tired or sick or not feeling well or you are in a bad mood.
What has been your saddest memory?My saddest moment in life was losing my mum. It was just a day before my birthday. It was very hard for me to recover from the incident because I was very close to my mum.
What about the fondest memory?
It was during our social dance in high school. I was the emcee. It is kind of day everyone waits for and I was playing a major role. Then in my S.6 I wrote and directed a play for the drama day and came third.
When choosing your friends, what qualities do you look out for?
Honesty and liberal mindedness. I like people who are liberal minded because being conservative is very bad.
What was your first crush like?
Oh my God I have had so many crushes in my life but there are some significant ones that stand out. There is Natasha Sinayobe, the former Obsessions dancer, the first time I saw her, my goodness, I was in love. I knew everything about her and her stunts. I would read everything about her in the papers and cut out her clips and pictures. I really, really liked her a lot. Hellen of Obsessions is also very cute. We are very good friends. Of course I have so many others but those have stood out.

Reggae Vibrations

2006-05-31T09:15:00.000+03:00

Reggae Vibrations
EDGAR R. BATTE

If you thought that the 1998 Lucky Dube show that sold out in Namboole Stadium was the best thing that ever happened on Uganda’s reggae scene, then you should visit one of the popular clubs in town. You will find crowds swaying to the buzz of the soft Caribbean coconut beats. It is the sound of reggae music, swaying the Ugandan souls.
Initially, reggae was developed as a voice of the downtrodden, it is also the music of the Rastafarian movement usually in praise of Jah (who is the supreme being among the Rastafarians), but current trends have proved otherwise. Reggae is now a music genre like any other and it’s the hottest kind of music appreciated by all outgoing Ugandans. A case in point is Club Silk’s reggae/ragga night every third Friday of the month. Here; you will hardly find space after midnight and you have to shove your way to wherever you are going. Resident Dee Jay, Shiru affirms to the fact that it is the biggest crowd puller in Club Silk.

Other hang out joints like Blue Africa, Volts club, Hunters in Kansanga, DV8 Bar & Bistro, Rock Catalina in Ntinda and many others have reggae theme nights that attract throngs of people.
The number one station in the country KFM has included two hours of reggae music on it’s daily programming schedule. The programme, KFM Hotspots is aired every Monday to Friday between 8 and 10 p.m. Mr Peter Kabba the station’s Programmes Controller explains that KFM plays its listeners’ taste of music and reggae is part of that taste.
“Our target audience is 25-35 years, who are mostly urban people. We found out that we had to introduce the reggae/ragga concept because this was the kind of response we got from our listenership,” he explained.

The background
Winston ‘Tshakarama’ Mayanja now of Blackroots and Ras B. Ssali of the Blood Brothers Band, are some of Uganda’s earliest reggae voices. As early as 1989, Ras B. Ssali knew there was hope for the reggae genre in Uganda.
“A few of us had the heart for reggae. We came up as a group and we wanted to relay positive messages through music. This was when the HIV/Aids scourge had come in. We felt that we could draw the attention of the crowds to the scourge using reggae.”
They did a song, which not only introduced them to the crowd but also had a message to send to the masses. It was called Immorality and for the youngsters, Ras B. Ssali and Solomon Igona, it was one of their best moments because their hit was being used for the various drives to sensitise the masses about the scourge. The duo went under the stage name of Ssali Solis Blood Brothers. Many more young men were captivated by this style of this music and they joined in, the group grew and they changed their name to Blood Brothers.
It was around the same time that Winston Mayanja, had also come up and had become another prominent name, thanks to hits like Rasta Wange and Twerile. Ras B. Ssali gives him credit as one of Uganda’s reggae father figures, for Ugandans started appreciating reggae because of him especially when he became a music promoter. Under his promotion company Yohannes Ham Inxs, he brought in all the big Jamaican names like Chaka Demus and Pliers, Spanner Burner, Aswad, Buju Banton, Third World, Shaba Ranks, Papa San, Cedella Booker Marley, Red Rat and South Africa’s Lucky Dube.
“People are doing reggae now mostly because it is what’s hot at the moment,” Tshaka who is now part of the duo Black Roots with K’Angie explains the current trend.
Proof that reggae music is sweeping Uganda was the Bob Marley anniversary celebration at Steak Out in February, where a big crowd of all classes from the upmarket to the middle and lower classes all turned up for the event.

Local reggae crooners
Due to reggae’s growing popularity in Uganda, several musicians have made their mark on the local music market using this genre. Bebe Cool is one of reggae’s fresh talents. He has retained the Pam award reggae artiste of the year for two years running. Bebe Cool, Together with the Necessary Noize duo of Kenya who share a stage name as the ‘East African Bashment Crew’ have been nominated for the Kora awards in the continental reggae category for their Pan African hit Africa Unite.
However, when he compares the love of reggae in Kenya and Uganda, Bebe Cool reveals that Kenyans have deeper reggae roots that Uganda does.
Bebe Cool who was initially better identified with dancehall broke into the reggae frontiers with his Never trust No People reggae hit.
Another artiste, who has done the reggae genre proud, is Sweden’s based Maddox Semanda Sematimba. His album title track Namagembe became a party classic, which ruled the local airwaves for close to a year plus being heavily rotated in most hang outs, but that is not to say the other hits where not as big.
General Mega Dee is another reggae star who has been around for some time with a brand of reggae that he christened dynamic music. Right from his first songs, that he did while still singing with Menton Kronno like Nze Ndeeka, Mugulu Teriyo Mwenge (In Heaven There’s No beer), Tutemere to Oli Mukazi to his latest Woman of My Life, Mega Dee has been a reggae crooner. The Pam award winning Eastern artiste of the year will soon be rocking Sweden with his reggae vibrations as he has been invited to perform there.

Reggae theme nights
Thursday night is Reggae Night at DV8 Bar. It is brainchild of Sidney Mukasa, the Public Relations Officer of Cineplex Cinema and DV8. Reggae enthusiasts flock the dark confines of the venue and dance to reggae till late. The in house DJs, Ras Brown and Ras Nesta believe that everyone loves reggae.
“That is why you will find people from all walks of life here on Thursday. Even those who are avowed hip-hop artistes will come. It is not about loud beats and image. I believe it is really about the soul. Reggae is soul music and everyone needs a refill at some point in time so they come.” Ras Brown says.
Club Silk’s deejay Shiru describes reggae as more of a feeling than just music yet it also carries realistic messages.

Rastafarian flock
Reggae is usually associated with Rastafarianism and taking marijuana. It is not the case in Uganda because many Ugandans who enjoy reggae are not necessarily Rastafarians. However, there is also a Rastafarian following in the country. Rasta Jjuko Munyenye is the Chairman of the Rastafarian community in Uganda and disclaims the practice linked to their association. He says that the Rastafarian community does not live for marijuana, but doesn’t deny that some members take it and he is quick to add that it is not what someone does that makes that particular thing bad but just the way he does it. Well, reggae and Rastafarianism seem to be compatible and Rasta Jjuko appreciates the fact that reggae is on the rise but criticises the way it is being consumed claiming people use it more for their business ends disregarding the message that the music is supposed to drive home.
Rasta Jjuko argues that the spread of the reggae message should have been a role of the Rastafarians, but has been taken over by artistes and entertainment place owners.

Meet Simon Kasyate

2006-05-31T09:01:00.001+03:00

Simon Kasyate
EDGAR R. BATTE

At slightly below six feet, with a not-so-dark complexion, well-trimmed hair is Simon Kasyate; reporter and programme presenter with Daily monitor and KFM respectively. As an award-winning journalist who has worked in both electronic and print media and yet for not longer than five years, it is no doubt that his is now a household name in the business.
Born 25 years ago to an average family in Bugolobi flats, Kasyate is the first born to Kenneth and Hope Kasyate.
He passes as a go-getter who will not give up on anything until it works his way. He will not hesitate to break a social norm if that is what it takes to archive his goal-little wonder his CNN Africa journalist of the year award was born from an interview with a lesbian, off Kampala’s street.
"The bashing I got for this story was due to societal stereotypes here and the homophobia, but I had this gut feeling it was well done," said Kasyate of the stir his story caused at the Monitor FM when it aired.
“Much as to describe an evil is not to condone it, many of my colleagues were branding me a homosexual sympathiser yet all I did was put aside my sentiments and just interviewed a lesbian who was willing to tell her story, thank goodness it won,” says Kasyate, adding that “as a journalist, one should have his/her ears open to whoever for as long as they have a story to tell.”
The award judges could not agree further. "The interview is intriguing, informative, revealing and often entertaining. What is nice about it also is that it is very conversational and manages to break stereotypes regarding homosexuality," was their citation of Kasyate’s works.

Break-through into Media
First he thought he was destined be a medical doctor because that is what his mother wanted me him become. He had studied Physics, chemistry, biology and Mathematics at high school but as good fate would have it, Kasyate was among the few in his class at St. Mary’s College Kisubi that did not make it for human Medicine. Out of disappointment he rejected Veterinary medicine which he was offered and sought an Arts course on private sponsorship. He is now a graduate of Social sciences from Makerere University Kampala.
“Much as I offered sciences, all indicators were such that I had a niche in the arts world,” he said “Look, I owed a tabloid at Ntare School, was information minister at SMACK and also Deputy Editor-in-chief of the college Magazine The Eagle and yes, read a bulletin to the school every Monday at assembly.”
So during his S.6 vacation, a inner voice commandeered him to enter WBS offices and ask to be part of the Teen’s Club cast.
Jackie Sengendo, the then producer of the popular Teenage show immediately showed him the exit sighting he was a little to old for the show and had no flare. He was not convinced though so he decided to give Jackie another visit and this time give her ‘double barrel’.”
He did not find Jackie there as she was reportedly on leave and managed to convince Jacinta Kagoro, her assistant and that day went in for as screen test. Despite being star struck by the famous Teen’s club cast, the screen test went just fine and as they say, the rest is history.
“Soon I clocked twenty and Teens’ Club was not it for me anymore, I had to think fast,” he said.
He had made friends with Yusuf Kalyango Jr, the News Editor who then took him on as sports news anchor after Daniel Vien and Khan Ramathan had left WBS.
This exposed him to many challenges and lessons a he revealed Soon he was doing the Prime news, the breakfast news and Week In focus, a weekly news review. From all this he appreciates WBS TV helped him learn the art of reporting.
About the same time, Monitor FM opened and being initially a news-oriented station, Kasyate gave it try. He sold the idea of presenting a youth show-tackling issues affecting the youth to one of his friends, Andrew Mwenda who gave him the green light. However, he found he just couldn’t balance between the two jobs, since he the remaining serving member at WBS, the rest having left. So when he fell out with management, he decided to concentrate on his job at Monitor FM. But he did this along side a short stint at Uganda television where he anchored the Sports news next to veteran News Anchor Bbale Francis.
At Monitor FM, he began writing a few feature/leisure pieces for the News Paper and soon realised his hand at the print media with his debut hard news story, the AGOA girls’ strike.
But most recently, Kasyate is a name that comes to mind whenever the underwear scandal that involved the Director of Information at the Movement Secretariat, Ofwono Opondo is mentioned. On the issue, Kasyate smiles and discloses that he has never had a problem with Ofwono Opondo.
“It was just so unfortunate that he happened to be under the watchful eye of Simon Kasyate but I have no problem with Ofwono Opondo,” he smilingly points out. When he looks back to all this, he prides himself for his self-driven ambitious and aggressive character.
On the hand, tabloids have had a field time in what he calls ‘demonising’ him.
“They have exaggerated my actions and parts of my body much to my chagrin but what can I do, these are things that serve to please the people,” he elaborates, “one thing that never gives me sleepless nights are those reports because my conscience is always clear.”
One thing though hurt deep inside him. He wishes his mother should have lived longer to ‘unlimitedly’ enjoy the fruit of his son’s hard work.
His philosophy for life? “A wise man will seek an opportunity in every problem; a foolish man will see a problem in every opportunity, I always strive to be the former.”

Meet Simon Kasyate

2006-05-31T09:01:00.000+03:00

Fighting AIDS through photography

2006-05-31T08:08:00.000+03:00

Fighting AIDS through photography
Wendy Glauser & Edgar R. Batte
2005-10-26

Positive Lives, an international black-and-white photo exhibition currently on at the UMA Conference Hall, profiles HIV positive people in their most vulnerable moments. It is organised by Action Aid Uganda. You see a young South African woman, who is all shoulder blade, rolling over in her hospital bed a Zimbabwean mother carrying her grown son like a baby and a pierced American punk rocker swallowing his pills. But you don't feel as though you can pass judgment on any of them. Instead, it's as though they're judging you, saying, What if you were in my position?

In Mike Abrahm's, Stories of Eyes in India, the photos of HIV positive people's eyes follow you around the room, luring you in to read their testimonies. I had no choice in life, reads the caption of a photo of a Muslim woman's eyes, which are bordered by the material of a Burka. When I confronted my husband he committed suicide.

Other photos speak for themselves. Ugandan photographer James Akena shows a woman holding two one-year-old babies. They're kicking their feet and pulling on her collar, but her half-closed eyes look somewhere in the distance, as if waiting for someone to come and take her away. Matthias Mugisha shows the strain in a shop owner's arm as she leans out her door to pass a bag of cooking oil to a boy. Those who come do not want to touch me, the caption reads.

But not all the photos portray suffering. You also see HIV positive people throw their heads back in laughter, sway their hips to music, and join hands in solidarity. Aside from showing the social and emotional impact of Aids, the exhibition also aims to illuminate positive human responses to the world's crisis, according to its website, www.positivelives.org.

Meanhwile, last Friday Action Aid hosted a discussion at the same venue, to educate young people about HIV/Aids. The main speaker of the day and team leader of the positive lives campaign, Ms Beatrice Were is one of the people living positively and has used her life experience in fighting the scourge for the last fourteen years. The exhibition ends on November 10.(

2006-05-31T08:06:00.000+03:00

AngeNoir for Tuff Gong reggae night
Jan 22, 2006
EDGAR R. BATTE

If you are a lover of pure reggae then you finally have the place to have it all. Angenior discotheque will on, February 10 launch the first all-clean reggae night under the code-name Tuff Gong reggae night. Tuff Gong happens to be the nickname of reggae legend Bob Marley.
According to veteran reggae artiste and the brainchild behind the concept, Winston Tshakarama Mayanja, revellers should look forward to the best of the various blends of reggae music that will include roots and culture, lover's rock, reggae dancehall, rock steady, ska, rockers (steppers), dancehall (ragga) and the recent Puerto Rican addition dubbed the reggae tone. Of late reggae tone, which is basically Sly Dunbar's Murder She Wrote, seems more popular with the Ugandan crowd.
"We at Ange-Noir have been at the forefront of promoting reggae music in Uganda since we opened," Tshakarama pointed out. Ange Noir in the past has been linked with bringing in big reggae stars like Shaggy, Chaka Demus and Pliers, Spanner Banner, Third World, Papa San, Rayvon, Brian and Tony Gold, Shabba Ranks, Buju Banton, Twiggi, Neisha K to Uganda.
Tshakarama added that right from the outside of the club and inside, reggae patrons will have the opportunity of identifying with Jamaica. He said the place will be decorated accordingly, to provide patrons a fit-in Jamaican reggae feel.
The launch of the reggae night comes at about the time when reggae legend Bob Marley's birthday is celebrated worldwide. The celebrations annually kick off on February 6, which is the reggae king's birthday. There will be much to learn about the music genre too. There will be live videos on big screens playing throughout.
"Reggae is popular, but somehow its identity in Uganda has been abused. Ange-Noir is glad to play its part in continuing this mission of promoting, One Love, One Aim and One Unity, which is the Reggae philosophy. We have the biggest collection of reggae in this country, so be very prepared to bubble and shuffle to reggae," Charlie Lubega, proprietor of Ange Noir said.
-EDGAR R. BATTE, Daily Monitor

Lyrical: the Hip Hop Gem

2006-05-31T08:03:00.000+03:00

Edgar R. Batte

He has been described as one with "the finest sound on the hip-hop scene" in the last year's Pearl of Africa Music (Pam) awards magazine.

When he steps out, he leaves no questions; he simply looks the hip-hop star in him - bling bling, smartly done cornrows, black designer jeans and dark tinted lenses. Welcome to the world of the gemstone of Ugandan rap/hip-hop -- Lyrical G whose real name is Jeff Kintu.

If you have heard or/and seen him do his thing on stage, you are one of those who have witnessed one of the most promising luminaries for the hip-hop genre. For the cool guy he is, the girls have found him quite charming and unavoidable. He confesses to this and is quick to register the fact it could be the reason his relationship is on the rocks. Just at the time when he is on silent treatment with his supposed girlfriend, another kindhearted person makes her way into his life. He says she is caring and a good friend too.

"We met recently at the Nominees Bash at Club Silk, so she asked me where my girlfriend was and I had no definite answer to give her. We took it on as friends but my heart is in 'balance' because my girlfriend could possibly make a u-turn, at the same time I wouldn't want to lose this new girl in my life. She is my friend and I think she's nice too. I am confused," he says.

He explains that his girlfriend drew him into this due to her unbecoming ways. He says she is too possessive and protective yet he is the kind of guy who loves hanging out with his boys. "What my girl has failed to appreciate about me is that when I go out, I keep my faith and principles. For this, I would not break down for every female sweet voice. Most of the girls my girlfriend gets upset about are my fans and you won't just brush off fans like that," he adds. This sometimes has made him think that he will never find someone to truly appreciate him for who he is rather than what he is.

Nonetheless, he thinks that it could be the love and insecurity she feels that that are making her to like she does. This comes with pain to him.

Lyrical G says the experience has become something that triggers the memory, opening the door to a flood of emotions. Him and his girlfriend have been together for the last four years but he says it has been an experience of affection with lots of drama.

"One time we agreed to have a break, we felt the struggle was going on too long and too far," he chips in. Learning to live with the pain comes to the youngster as a sad trial that at times leaves him contemplating whether he should actually throw in the towel on the relationship but as a prize in life, in the end he is lost for words.

His ideal soul mate: The sad tale does not mean the brother has lost all hope. He seems to be seeing his dream in the girl he is currently dating. He is taking sometime to study her to see if she might be the dream girl. He would like to get involved with a pretty girl in both looks and in the heart, very spiritual, patient, enduring with the will to listen; not too possessive but someone to let him be.

He does not want to be pressured and is tired of the drama of struggling to be himself when he is actually not complete in heart and soul.

Happy moments: Lyrical G's happiest moment so far was when he got to meet Jada, an actor in the Yeyo commercial. This was last year when she walked up to him at the Pam Awards Nominees Bash at Kabira Country Club.

"She came up to me and confessed her love for my music. She promised to feature in the next music video I would shoot and I think that was sweet from somebody especially I had always looked forward to meeting," he says.

The other and probably his biggest moment was coming face to face with his icon JayZ in Manchester (UK) where he had gone for a recording session. He was part of the crowd, which the international star had gone to entertain in a live concert with the entire Roc A Fella crew. For thebudding star he is, that still rings fresh in his memories. He has also tasted his side in stardom with the young female fans who he claims send messages confessing their crushes on him but he wonders why his admirers wouldn't face him yet he takes himself to be one of the most approachable people around.

One of the biggest pluses in his career was when he alongside Blu*3 and Steve Jean went on a school tour in some of the big schools.

"You go to this school and cannot believe you have all those young people appreciating your thing. So, when they approach you to sign their autographs they would request for the telephone number as well.

You can imagine how busy my phone could get during the holidays and these are young girls but so bold for their age," he says. Most times these are the under-age in their mid-teens so he simply laughs it off when they call him.

His career

He has two albums to his name and a number of collaborations with some of the regional stars like Klear Kut, Maurice Kirya among others. 11 years into singing, all Lyrical G prays for is the longevity in the game. He has the good will for others and sees himself helping out budding artistes in the years to come.

He is currently in studio doing final touches to his Narudi album, which he expects to open more doors for him.

Further studies are definitely one of the priorities for him to pursue. He has been to South Africa where he shot a musical documentary and also recorded a collaboration with Channel O's presenter, Proverb. He plans to shoot a video for this track.

He is one of the artistes nominated in the Pam awards with two nominations in the hip-hop categories.

His last message: His appreciation to his fans and a call for the crowd to continue supporting the hip-hop genre.

From AllAfrica.com

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Helping Cotton Growers to Their Feet

2006-05-31T07:57:00.000+03:00

EDGAR R. BATTE
Uganda: Helping Cotton Growers to Their Feet

Growing cotton may be key to helping alleviate poverty in some African countries if the government and global trading community can provide a helping hand.Date Posted on Global Envision: March 14, 2006
Joan Asio, a local from Pallisa district has the skill to grow cotton but she cites the problem of prices. "I am too poor to buy the expensive inputs like spraying pumps, insecticides, fungicides let alone the much needed money for cultivating land, planting, sorting and marketing," Asio explains.
She says that if the government addresses the issues of high costs of inputs and increases prices of cotton, then she could ably grow cotton. Asio's call is not in isolation. Many cotton farmers actually share the same experience and their biggest problem remains that of the low cotton prices that have consequently kept them within the vicious poverty circles. That is where they expect the government to intervene.
Some candidates in the presidential campaigns have come out to tackle the cotton issue. Speaking on Mega FM in Gulu district weeks back, presidential hopeful Dr. Abed Bwanika accused the NRM government of failing to exploit the agricultural potential of Uganda. He said he would encourage mass and quality production, establish silos, restore co-operative unions and introduce credit lines for farmers.
He also promised to reintroduce massive cotton growing in Northern Uganda to help fight poverty as well as try to improve on security in the area. He said this while on his campaign mission in Kitgum and Pader districts.
According to statistics provided by the Cotton Development Organisation (CDO), cotton can be grown by literally two thirds of Uganda which would mean that if favourable policies are put in place and the marketing is good, Uganda's 50 percent subsistence farming community can depend on cotton as a cash crop and this would go a long way in eradicating poverty.
For many cotton farmers in Uganda, the biggest problem is still the low cotton prices that have kept them within the vicious cycle of poverty. That is where they expect the government to intervene.
Meanwhile, as the commodity prices continue to affect the local cotton farmers in Least Developed Countries (LDCs), the global trade negotiation rounds of the just concluded World Trade Organisation (WTO) Ministerial meeting in Hong Kong seem to have long-term promises for the third world countries.
The WTO member nations have debated for years the best way to promote free and fair trade, something the World Bank says could add $300b to the global economy.
At the five-day talks held between December 13-18, the Minister Of Trade, Tourism and Industry Daudi Migereko, while presenting a paper on Uganda's call to the global talks, highlighted the importance of the cotton sector in many African countries and thereby said it should be addressed as such. "However, it is our belief that as we address the cotton issue, the problems faced by other agricultural commodities on which most of our economies depend should also be addressed.
It is our hope that a positive decision regarding commodity issues will also be taken during this ministerial conference," Migereko pointed out. During the negotiations, the African ministers called upon the world powers, more so the European Union to consider creating a levelled trade ground through cutting down on subsidies given to its local farmers.
This would be best geared towards crafting more meaningful trade and opening way for countries like Uganda in accessing the lucrative markets of the north. Thanks to the solidarity geared towards removal of subsidies forthwith, in order to provide an opening for free and fair trade, the US offered to cut its cotton subsidies starting this year.
But notably, the viability of the US' offer could be a little doubtable given its past rigidity in trying to realise the 'African Dream' of cutting subsidies as the case has recurrently been tabled at a similar forum in Seattle and Cancun.
During the negotiations, the African ministers called upon the world powers, and especially the European Union, to level the playing field by cutting subsidies to their own farmers.
In fact rather than being an important milestone towards the achievement of the much-touted development round, Hong Kong has ended as a platform for anti-development outcomes. For instance, much of the ministerial draft consists of promises rather than concrete resolutions as a result of manipulating weaker states to concede most of the positions they hitherto went with to Hong Kong.
Challenges
The clearest loss is in the area of services, where their right to choose which service sectors to open and to what extent, according to their own national needs, was undermined.
Cotton when put into perspective, for instance as regards the end date of 2013 for the elimination of export subsidies, loses in significance when compared to the damages to African farmers caused due to the domestic support measures in the rich countries. This all reveals just how mortifying the global trade negotiations are towards the African cause.
In Uganda during the late 1970s, the cotton industry started losing out at the time when the prices started declining. The inputs got scarce as agricultural liberalisation begun to take its toll on small farmers.
Today, the government through the Cotton Development Authority is urging farmers to come out and help revive the cotton industry. According to a report released by Actionaid, the farmers have been left solely at the mercy of the private sector in the acquisition of input and in the marketing of the cotton.
Cotton farmers in Uganda started losing out during the late 1970s when the prices started declining. Then, inputs became scarce as agricultural liberalisation begun to take its toll on small farmers.
On top of that, Uganda still has a challenge of addressing supply side constraints as well as adding value to cotton. Migereko pointed out that there must be an integral part of a comprehensive approach in, "addressing the development aspects of cotton."
According to data from the Ministry of Trade, Tourism and Industry, cotton was the second most important traditional cash crop in Uganda, contributing 25 percent of the total agricultural exports during the 1950s. By the late 1970s, this figure had dropped to 3 percent, and government officials were pessimistic about reviving this industry in the near future.
Farmers had turned to other crops in part because of the labour-intensive nature of cotton cultivation, inadequate crop-finance programmes, and a generally poor marketing system.
The industry began to recover in the 1980s. The government rehabilitated ginneries and increased producer prices.
In 1985, 199,000 hectares were planted in cotton, and production had risen from 4,000 tonnes to 16,300 tonnes in five years. Cotton exports earned the country $13.4m in 1985. Earnings fell to $5m in 1986, representing about 4,400 tonnes of cotton.
Production continued to decline after that, as violence plagued the major cotton-producing areas of the north, but showed some improvement in 1989. Cotton provided the raw materials for several local industries, such as textile mills, oil and soap factories, and animal feed factories.
Farmers had turned to other crops in part because of the labour-intensive nature of cotton cultivation, inadequate crop-finance programmes, and a generally poor marketing system.
And in the late 1980s, it provided another means of diversifying the economy. The government accordingly initiated an emergency cotton production programme, which provided extension services, tractors, and other inputs for cotton farmers.
At the same time, the government raised cotton prices from Shs32 to Shs80 for a kilogramme of grade A cotton and from Shs18 to Shs42 for Grade B cotton in 1989. However, prospects for the cotton industry in the 1990s were still uncertain.
New Hope
In fully reviving the cotton industry, Migereko added that LDCs are in for interventions that would yield sustainable outcomes citing the crop as one of Uganda's leading cash crops and a source of livelihood for the local farmers too.
Adding to the African cause during the Hong Kong talks, United Nations Secretary General, Kofi Anan called upon world trade authorities to place the needs and interests of developing countries at the heart of the ministerial negotiations.
In the latest development, African cotton farmers could as well be hopeful. This comes after the launch of a new website, cottonAfrica.com that will enable them to share experiences and boost cotton trade in Africa. Organisations that work with some of these cotton farmers could share information with local farmers and localise some of the concepts from the site. According to the BBC, the electronic trade link will allow cotton traders and manufacturers from the Eastern and Southern African region to do business on the Internet.
Buyers and sellers of cotton and textile products in Africa will be able to access information on cotton prices, international grade standards, policy updates and a directory of all major players in the cotton industry in the continent as well as be linked to other cotton and textiles related websites.
The website is hosted by the Regional Agriculture Trade Expansion Support (Rates), a programme funded by the United States Agency for International development to increase agricultural trade within the East and Southern Africa region and the rest of the world. 70 percent of raw cotton produced in countries such as Egypt, Malawi, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Uganda and Tanzania is exported out of the region.
Cotton experts hope capitalising on regional markets will help strengthen prices for the commodities as campaigners continue to lobby the WTO to remove cotton subsidies for European and Asian farmers.
Contributed by Edgar R. Batte from the Monitor in Kampala, Uganda. Reprinted with permission from Allafrica.com.
To read another Global Envision article

Mbale Warms Up to Pam Awards.

2006-05-31T07:54:00.000+03:00

Uganda: Mbale Warms Up to Pam Awards

The Monitor (Kampala)
May 12, 2006Posted to the web May 11, 2006
Edgar R. Batte
This weekend the Pearl of Africa Music (Pam) Awards head to the home of Mountain Elgon, Mbale. It will be a search for talent as well as a launch of the Pam awards in the region.
According to the Chairman of the Pam Awards organising committee Isaac Mulindwa, the regional launch will mainly focus on giving audience to the upcoming local artistes from the far eastern towns like Mbale, Tororo and Soroti.
Mbale Resort will host the big party tomorrow. Revellers will part with a pocket friendly Shs3,000 as entrance fee. There will also be artistes from Kampala to perform at the Mbale launch.
Relevant Links
East Africa Uganda Music
"We will be travelling with some artistes like Bebe Cool, Blu*3, the Infinity Dancers, Mosh and the Obsessions. Just like the case was in Fort Portal, we will be screening some music videos of artistes from the region before the main stage performances," one of the organisers, Elvis Sekyanzi revealed.
Mulindwa pointed out that there will be no need for artistes from the areas of Jinja and Iganga to travel to Mbale, since there will be a regional launch in Jinja town. Gen. Mega Dee is the 2005 Pam Award Eastern Artiste of the year.
This year, the awards will cross boarders to also tour the major East African cities of Nairobi, Kigali and Dar-es-Salaam. There is also a new category for the best songwriter bringing the total number of awards to 34. Bell lager and Celtel Uganda are the sponsors of the event.

When rugby rules fans

2006-05-31T07:52:00.000+03:00

When rugby rules fans
EDGAR R. BATTE
It was fun all the way. The thick muscles on the pitch could have been something but more to it were the cheerleaders who stood out for their act. They danced away to every point in favour of the Cranes.
OFFICIAL SPONSOR: Uganda Breweries External Affairs and Communications Director Brenda Mbathi cheers the National rugby team during the friendly match against the Kenyans on Saturday.
The Ugandan Cranes were taking on the Kenyan rugby team in a friendly match that ended in a draw on this wet Saturday afternoon.The large number of fans said it all. The Kampala rugby grounds were filled to capacity. Among the crowd were UBL boss Baker Magunda, Brenda Mbathi and her husband Kitili Mbathi, Barclays Bank MD Nick Mbuvi and UTL’s Hans Paulsen. Smartly adorned in skimpy outfits of the Ugandan flag colours of black, yellow and red, the girls treated us to a display of flesh (thighs and navels) and soon, we inevitably found ourselves pocketing for no precise reason but only cover up our ‘embarrassment’ (or was it excitement?)Fans kept loyal to their respective teams. The spirited Ugandan fans who overshadowed the Kenyans could not let their teams down.
FEMALE ATTRACTION: The girls too love the game like crazy.
The young and fresh beaus almost screamed their lungs out for their favourite teams. Minutes into the game, all the players were tinted with mud. On average, the Kenyan guys seemed thicker than the Cranes but this was no reason for any fear. The game went on till twilight when the usual tradition of partying took centre stage for both sides. When the players went to refresh, the fans took their rounds on the pitch flying high with their flags.‘The 'ruggers' (read rugby players) were hosted to a sumptuous dinner at Kati Kati Restaurant. You could hardly believe they were the lot that had been all soiled up minutes before. The chunky guys were now smartly decked out in their suits.Although the heavy downpour signalled luck for both sides, the cranes would have walked home victors had they not lost the numerous chances.

The Rugby Fad

2006-05-31T07:51:00.000+03:00

The rugby fad

EDGAR R. BATTE

LIFESTYLE: Rubgy is not just about mascular guys on the pitch, but also the beautiful girls who cheer them on

Every Saturday, a youthful cheery crowd keeps their allegiance to the game of rugby at either Kyaddondo Rugby Grounds or Kampala Rugby Club, Lugogo. As the sun heads west, you would be sure to catch a big game at either grounds.

Thanks in part to the to the lively atmosphere, the game of rugby has gained popularity and is now a favourite pastime for many young people. Well as a good number of people go down to enjoy the game, to others, rugby is a form of entertainment-it is only a way of spending their Saturday evening.

These include a good number of youths and middle aged people, though you would also not miss a few grey heads that have chosen to identify with the game as a favourite pastime too. The older patrons who are young at heart have learnt to fit with the younger fans and will let out a wild cheer when their side scores a point, or gnash their teeth when their team misses of good chance.
Rugby teams include the likes of MTN Heathens, Hima Impis and Utl Kobs among others. These days, even the girls play rugby.

Being a fan of the game teaches you that it is not a game of the roughnecks, as many have perceived it to be. To add icing on the cake, rugby is not just about the game on the pitch but the fun that the fans have. Off the pitch, it is pomp and showbiz.

There are all these girls who cling onto the muscular guys with one hand and use the other to pour the contents of their beer bottles down their throats. Another girl will be screaming as her rather lean boyfriend, dribbles his way through heavily built players. This proves the fact that just like any other game, rugby also requires skill, though mass is also a factor in the game.

When the last whistle goes, it is always a big party as the fans dance to the latest tunes like the East African Bashment Crew's Fire Anthem. At the pitch corners, it is serious business for those roasting muchomo.

For a stick of five little pieces of meat, one parts with shs1,000, so the guys make a killing because everyone in the big crowd wants a bite of their tender meat. Still looking for weekend programmes? Try out the rugby grounds.

2006-05-31T07:50:00.000+03:00

Silk Street bash is back

Edgar R. Batte

For the eighth year running, the club Silk street jam is back. This year, Kenya's Homeboyz will be the main guest act. One of the jam's main highlights will be the live Audio-Video (Veejay) mixing on large screens by the Homeboyz and local Club Silk DJ Shiru. The stage performances will also be screened live on the screens.

The Homeboyz are not a new act to the Ugandan crowd though. They have done their thing at Steak Out's Utake Night and they were recently here during the launch of Silk's Hot Night.

This year's performers will include Kenya's sensational duo of Nazizi and Wyre 'Love Child' of Necessary Noize who will also perform together with Uganda's Bebe Cool under their stage name as the East African Reggae Bashment Crew.

Speaking during a press conference held recently, one of the organisers, Isaac Mulindwa promised an energetic show. He said the jig will feature musicians like Jose Chameleone, the new Infinity dance troupe, Sweet Kid, General Mega Dee, Ragga Dee, Blu*3, Obsessions, Juliana Kanyomozi and the Ngoni duo. Upcoming artistes will also be given a chance to showcase their talent.

Entrance to the show will be Shs10,000. The party will be hosted in the First Street Industrial area stretch, just outside Club Silk. This year, the jam has been sponsored by Smirnoff Black Ice, Coca Cola and Hot 100 radio. Gates will be open at 7p.m.

2006-05-31T07:48:00.000+03:00

Ragga Dee heading for North America
EDGAR R. BATTE
Trust Ugandan artistes on making it big and eating big too, with the latest being through their musical trips to the west to make extra pounds, euros and dollars. The most recent is 2005 Pearl of African Music award winner, Ragga Dee (pictured) who is scheduled to perform in Toronto, Canada between May 19 and June 3rdAs a kick off of the summer festivities this month, the Ugandan community in Toronto City is set to receive Ragga Dee, that is according to Music promoter Fred Kinene. "After his tour of several African cities as well as London and Sweden, he now comes to Toronto, Ottawa, Edmonton and British Columbia as the first leg of his North American tour before heading to the USA," Kinene disclosed in an interview with Daily Monitor.Kinene further explained that the show would aim at creating awareness for children who live in war-conflict areas in Uganda. In Canada, Ragga Dee is expected to show the new breed of African music. The show is slated to host other acts from Canadian performers like Malachi.

2006-05-31T07:47:00.000+03:00

Priscilla and Bella unplug tonight
EDGAR R. BATTE
You have definitely seen them performing during shows. The smiles on the posters advertising their show are luring. We are talking about the two girls, Priscilla Kalibala and Bella whose short spell on the entertainment scene has certainly unveiled new talent. And for the smiles? The duo is luring you to their album launch this Friday. The jig is scheduled for Steak Out on Lumumba Avenue and it has been dubbed G-Power (read girl power) 'unleashing Priscilla and Bella'. The releases off their album are currently hot favourites for young partygoers and the old alike with good air play on a number of local FM stations.The show, according to their Manager Innocent Nahabwe, is also focussed towards celebrating the talent of ladies (G-Power) in the music industry. For this, a number of female artistes will grace the show. Look out for acts from artistes like Irene Namubiru, Titi, Angela Kalule, Grace Nakalema plus Bebe Cool, Bobi Wine, Chagga and Gen. Mega Dee. Gates will be open at 7p.m and entrance fee is Shs5,000.

2006-05-31T07:46:00.000+03:00

Planning to go for Kyeyo?
EDGAR R. BATTE
A Ugandan based in Netherlands is to release a film intended to create awareness amongst Africans about the risks and consequences of irregular migration to Europe. The film titled Surprising Europe is a mastermind of the Ugandan journalist Ssuna Golooba who went to Europe to investigate how economic immigrants from Africa work and live. He did research in Berlin, Amsterdam, Paris and London before teaming up with the Dutch filmmaker Martin Hansen.
GRIM REALITY: Golooba behind the camera. Courtesy Photo
The film will be a docudrama (a film based on facts), which shows the dilemma African immigrants are facing in Europe. A lot of them are struggling with big problems and want to give up and return home. But this is not so easy for them, because their families and friends will never accept their failure, resulting into being outcasts. The film is especially aimed at enlightening people in Africa who are gainfully employed but are often tempted to abandon their jobs in pursuit fortunes in Europe.
The film will be shot in September in Netherlands with some parts in Uganda. Casting companies in Europe will provide the actors and actresses. The plan is that the world premiere will be in Kampala in April next year.
The film also brings out the true picture of what is in store for the illegal immigrants in Europe so that people weigh their options before they go to seek greener pastures in the land of opportunity as they call it. According to Ssuna Golooba, the film is not intended to discourage Africans from going to Europe but rather advise then to weigh their options before they leave their homelands.
"I am fully aware of the severe economic difficulties, increased poverty and the political instability and other problems that Africans face, but we are simply saying in this film that Europe is no longer as blissful for Africans as it was before 9/11. We want to create awareness among potential African migrants about the consequences of irregular immigration," said Golooba.He said that there is no reason why people in gainful employment should be conned into abandoning their jobs to go for Kyeyo because the situation is increasingly becoming difficult for illegal immigrants to secure jobs in Europe and when they become frustrated, they turn into criminals who are later deported or even commit suicide.
Uganda will be used as a model for the rest of Africa for the simple reason the author is from the country. However, later on the movie will be screened in other African countries including Kenya, Nigeria and Ghana.

2006-05-31T07:45:00.000+03:00

Maintaining security under tough conditions
EDGAR R. BATTE
Meagre wages and tough working conditions in many security organisations may prompt negligence and misconduct among private guards
From one of the top offices on Crested Towers, a blue figure paces up and down as he controls the traffic coming in and out of the parking area. Radiocall in hand, this security guard hardly has time to take a rest at his wooden seat on the right hand side of the gate. Static can be heard regularly from his handset.Perhaps it's another comrade somewhere trying to cheat the boredom out of the gruelling routine of security guard work by reaching out. But for this particular guard, it seems it's duty first and no distractions. He maintains an expression that makes it hard to decipher his emotions. Neatly dressed in a nicely pressed blue outfit complete with a cap, belt and a pair of black shinny shoes. It's close to dusk when I call on him but in fact, his day had just begun. This week, he will be working on the night shift, which starts at 4:30p.m. till 7 o'clock in the morning. If he has to work on the day shift, then he’s required to report to duty by 7a.m and leave his station at 4:30p.m. Onega (not real name) is employed by one of the more successful security companies. His normal day starts at 6a.m. He hardly has the time to fix himself a cup of tea at home and hits the road. Having no money to pay for his travel, he has to walk up to his designated duty station wherever it may be. At a brisk pace, it takes him half an hour to get to his current work place. He says he has to make sure he is at the station a few minutes to 7a.m., before his supervisors can make an inspection and dully allocate him the workstation for the day. He has to sign in on reaching the deployment centre. This fairly defines the routine Onega has gone through for the last year he has served as a guard. He says he was enrolled on February 18th, 2005. Onega resides in Nsambya where he rents a one-roomed house. He enrolled as a guard having learnt about it from his brother who is a police superintendent. In his mid-30s, Onega does not take alcohol. Our conversation is interrupted every now and then as he continues to manage the cars coming in and leaving. Crested Towers, he says, is quite busy because it’s home to many big offices including Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) offices, Stanbic bank, MTN and popular entertainment spots like the Grand Casino, Blue Africa bar, and Boldwin's café.
Challenging jobBut despite the high-class surroundings he guards, Onega can only afford supper and has to forego breakfast and lunch. He has a wife and two children to look after in his village. So he has to make sure he effectively splits his meagre salary to cover up all his responsibilities. He says he’s paid Shs90,000. "However, there are those places where we work and out of goodwill, the clients provide us with lunch at least," he chips in. It is because of the high cost of living in the city that he chose to leave his family in the village. As he works though, one thing he confesses stays on his mind is his family.In the line of duty, he points out some of the other challenges he has faced. One is staying awake at night despite the boredom, the cold especially during the wee hours of the night, not forgetting the mosquito bites. Armed with a baton (carries no gun), he says he sometimes has to face off with "big shots" that demand parking space at night despite the restrictions. "The parking here is partitioned for the respective offices but during the night, we go through harassment by some people who expect us to work against orders simply because sometimes they are driving cars with government number plates or because they are 'big'," he says. These are usually visitors to the Grand Casino. As a guard, Onega has worked in places as far as Hoima (on Lake Albert) where he guarded the oil explorer Hardman's Project premises. Apart from the rather cold atmosphere there, malaria was another threat. "Being near a water body, it had lots of mosquitoes. I worked during the night and for fear of contracting malaria, I had to spend most of the time in the unit box," he reveals. He had gone with a light sweater provided by the company but later realised he needed a heavier coat. Now, unlike some employees, Onega has no allowances to fallback on given that his employers do not give him any allowances and it's entirely upon him to wisely budget his expenditure. "In case you fall sick, they (the employers) will give you some money to go to hospital then slice it off your salary at the end of the month." Onega has also guarded places like Lonrho Motors and House of Eden both in Industrial area, AON Insurance company on plot 25 along John Akibua road and Rwenzori Courts.
Barely equippedSurprisingly, he has not had to use his baton in all the places he has guarded and confesses that God must have been on his side throughout. He also attributes this to the seemingly secure areas he has been assigned to guard. However, he points out that where security is compromised, he is required to call in a "quick reaction" team of colleagues who carry guns. He works every day of the week but says Saturday is his favourite day and so he cannot afford to skip lunch. He celebrates it by buying himself a bowl of rice and meat. Soon, he will be given a month's leave during which he plans to visit his family after almost two years. He is very excited about this.For now though, Onega feels guarding will remain his best option for work because he "did not go far with his studies."

2006-05-31T07:44:00.000+03:00

Deejay Styles to grace UTAKE night
EDGAR R. BATTE

This Saturday it is UTAKE night and the music will do the talking with Deejay Styles from Nairobi’s celebrated Deejay squad-CodeRed. Well, we are talking about hosting some of the best music from Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania and someone behind the turntables to put a spin to it. Deejay Styles is slated to live up to this. He is exactly as the name depicts-stylish. He is the true definition of an artist driven by passion having been drawn to the art of deejaying at the age of 15. He’s done his thing with the likes of Deejay Pinye and DJ Sheel (Nairobi’s).

According to the Managing Director Steak Out, Peter Wacha, they expect to parade some good music mixing antics with some of the latest technology and mixing semantics. “This time round we are also charging an entrance fee. It will be pocket friendly in a sense that when someone pays Shs2, 000 at the entrance, she or he will be entitled to a token which they can redeem with a beer, sodas or Uganda Waragi,” Wacha pointed out.

Kick off time for the UTAKE musical ride will be 7p.m. and the party run till the wee hours of the night. Meanwhile, it will be the second anniversary of the UTAKE night this September (02nd) with lots of highlights to look out for. Plus the Wooden house will also be celebrating its 5th anniversary this year at a mother of all parties. On the whole 2006 seems to be a buzzing year for local showbiz. The UTAKE night has also hosted regional celebrated deejays like Tanzania’ Bush Baby, the Homeboyz, the Homegalz, Deejay Adrian et cetera.

2006-05-31T07:43:00.000+03:00

Helping cotton growers to their feet
Edgar R. Batte
Joan Asio, a local from Pallisa district has the skill to grow cotton but she cites the problem of prices. "I am too poor to buy the expensive inputs like spraying pumps, insecticides, fungicides let alone the much needed money for cultivating land, planting, sorting and marketing," Asio explains.
She says that if the government addresses the issues of high costs of inputs and increases prices of cotton, then she could ably grow cotton. Asio's call is not in isolation. Many cotton farmers actually share the same experience and their biggest problem remains that of the low cotton prices that have consequently kept them within the vicious poverty circles. That is where they expect the government to intervene.
Some candidates in the presidential campaigns have come out to tackle the cotton issue. Speaking on Mega FM in Gulu district weeks back, presidential hopeful Dr. Abed Bwanika accused the NRM government of failing to exploit the agricultural potential of Uganda. He said he would encourage mass and quality production, establish silos, restore co-operative unions and introduce credit lines for farmers.
He also promised to reintroduce massive cotton growing in Northern Uganda to help fight poverty as well as try to improve on security in the area. He said this while on his campaign mission in Kitgum and Pader districts.
According to statistics provided by the Cotton Development Organisation (CDO), cotton can be grown by literally two thirds of Uganda which would mean that if favourable policies are put in place and the marketing is good, Uganda's 50 percent subsistence farming community can depend on cotton as a cash crop and this would go a long way in eradicating poverty.
REWARDING: A man sorts cotton at a ginnery in Busitema, Tororo (above) while farmers harvest cotton at a farm in Busitema (blow). With favourable policies, the cotton industry can thrive as it did in the past. Photos by Wandera w'Ouma

Meanwhile, as the commodity prices continue to affect the local cotton farmers in Least Developed Countries (LDCs), the global trade negotiation rounds of the just concluded World Trade Organisation (WTO) Ministerial meeting in Hong Kong seem to have long-term promises for the third world countries. The WTO member nations have debated for years the best way to promote free and fair trade, something the World Bank says could add $300b to the global economy.
At the five-day talks held between December 13-18, the Minister Of Trade, Tourism and Industry Daudi Migereko, while presenting a paper on Uganda's call to the global talks, highlighted the importance of the cotton sector in many African countries and thereby said it should be addressed as such. "However, it is our belief that as we address the cotton issue, the problems faced by other agricultural commodities on which most of our economies depend should also be addressed.

It is our hope that a positive decision regarding commodity issues will also be taken during this ministerial conference," Migereko pointed out. During the negotiations, the African ministers called upon the world powers, more so the European Union to consider creating a levelled trade ground through cutting down on subsidies given to its local farmers.
This would be best geared towards crafting more meaningful trade and opening way for countries like Uganda in accessing the lucrative markets of the north. Thanks to the solidarity geared towards removal of subsidies forthwith, in order to provide an opening for free and fair trade, the US offered to cut its cotton subsidies starting this year.
But notably, the viability of the US' offer could be a little doubtable given its past rigidity in trying to realise the 'African Dream' of cutting subsidies as the case has recurrently been tabled at a similar forum in Seattle and Cancun.
In fact rather than being an important milestone towards the achievement of the much-touted development round, Hong Kong has ended as a platform for anti-development outcomes. For instance, much of the ministerial draft consists of promises rather than concrete resolutions as a result of manipulating weaker states to concede most of the positions they hitherto went with to Hong Kong.
ChallengesThe clearest loss is in the area of services, where their right to choose which service sectors to open and to what extent, according to their own national needs, was undermined.
Cotton when put into perspective, for instance as regards the end date of 2013 for the elimination of export subsidies, loses in significance when compared to the damages to African farmers caused due to the domestic support measures in the rich countries. This all reveals just how mortifying the global trade negotiations are towards the African cause. In Uganda during the late 1970s, the cotton industry started losing out at the time when the prices started declining. The inputs got scarce as agricultural liberalisation begun to take its toll on small farmers.
Today, the government through the Cotton Development Authority is urging farmers to come out and help revive the cotton industry. According to a report released by Actionaid, the farmers have been left solely at the mercy of the private sector in the acquisition of input and in the marketing of the cotton.
On top of that, Uganda still has a challenge of addressing supply side constraints as well as adding value to cotton. Migereko pointed out that there must be an integral part of a comprehensive approach in, "addressing the development aspects of cotton."
According to data from the Ministry of Trade, Tourism and Industry, cotton was the second most important traditional cash crop in Uganda, contributing 25 percent of the total agricultural exports during the 1950s. By the late 1970s, this figure had dropped to 3 percent, and government officials were pessimistic about reviving this industry in the near future.
Farmers had turned to other crops in part because of the labour-intensive nature of cotton cultivation, inadequate crop-finance programmes, and a generally poor marketing system. The industry began to recover in the 1980s. The government rehabilitated ginneries and increased producer prices.
In 1985, 199,000 hectares were planted in cotton, and production had risen from 4,000 tonnes to 16,300 tonnes in five years. Cotton exports earned the country $13.4m in 1985. Earnings fell to $5m in 1986, representing about 4,400 tonnes of cotton.
Production continued to decline after that, as violence plagued the major cotton-producing areas of the north, but showed some improvement in 1989. Cotton provided the raw materials for several local industries, such as textile mills, oil and soap factories, and animal feed factories.
And in the late 1980s, it provided another means of diversifying the economy. The government accordingly initiated an emergency cotton production programme, which provided extension services, tractors, and other inputs for cotton farmers.
At the same time, the government raised cotton prices from Shs32 to Shs80 for a kilogramme of grade A cotton and from Shs18 to Shs42 for Grade B cotton in 1989. However, prospects for the cotton industry in the 1990s were still uncertain.
New hopeIn fully reviving the cotton industry, Migereko added that LDCs are in for interventions that would yield sustainable outcomes citing the crop as one of Uganda's leading cash crops and a source of livelihood for the local farmers too.
Adding to the African cause during the Hong Kong talks, United Nations Secretary General, Kofi Anan called upon world trade authorities to place the needs and interests of developing countries at the heart of the ministerial negotiations.
In the latest development, African cotton farmers could as well be hopeful. This comes after the launch of a new website, cottonAfrica.com that will enable them to share experiences and boost cotton trade in Africa. Organisations that work with some of these cotton farmers could share information with local farmers and localise some of the concepts from the site. According to the BBC, the electronic trade link will allow cotton traders and manufacturers from the Eastern and Southern African region to do business on the Internet.
Buyers and sellers of cotton and textile products in Africa will be able to access information on cotton prices, international grade standards, policy updates and a directory of all major players in the cotton industry in the continent as well as be linked to other cotton and textiles related websites.
The website is hosted by the Regional Agriculture Trade Expansion Support (Rates), a programme funded by the United States Agency for International development to increase agricultural trade within the East and Southern Africa region and the rest of the world. 70 percent of raw cotton produced in countries such as Egypt, Malawi, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Uganda and Tanzania is exported out of the region.
Cotton experts hope capitalising on regional markets will help strengthen prices for the commodities as campaigners continue to lobby the WTO to remove cotton subsidies for European and Asian farmers.

2006-05-31T07:40:00.000+03:00

Karaoke buzz in our pubs
EDGAR R. BATTE

First it was an exclusive to Sabrina’s Pub but in the wake of what seems to be the growing popularity of karaoke sessions, almost every other nook and cranny has gone for it. The karaoke craze is the latest kick drawing patrons to most local pubs and bars. There is some great fun that comes along with the jigs and there are a number of places where you can catch up on the fun. Friday night buzzes with karaoke from Alleygators at Garden city down to Zandiz bar on Kimathi Avenue and all the way to Sabrina’s pub, filtering out to some of the local pubs in the suburbs. Banners displaying names and troupes to perform the jigs can’t be missed.
On Friday night, talent is portrayed as patrons croon away to favourite hits. It’s an attraction with fans and the troupes attempting to put up a good show. Excuse the fact that sometimes the performers can get really sleazy as they wiggle to Shakira’s Hips don’t lie. Some girls live up to telly images and splash out as much flesh as they can and perform some seductive stunts. This often works up the crowd
So on Friday night after making the rounds in town in search of an ideal spot to spend the evening, the blaring music from Kimathi Avenue is tempting. The crowd here is young and their comments and jokes speak volumes about their tastes. Their talk runs from women to football and which club is buying ‘who’ and the speculations about the transfers. Nevertheless, music takes centre stage as revellers guzzle their beers. There is plenty of club beer for performers beyond the reward of 90 percent. The bubbly guys let out laurels and jokes to the ladies that take to the stage to do a favourite number, probably a classic those awakens/brings back fond memories. They won’t hesitate to concoct a few of their lines in the songs just to suit them. Ssali hosts the night with his karaoke memory machine with over 1,000 songs. The loud cheers show the crowd is having a good time. Alkright’s John Ntimba is one of the patrons. The old timer swirls, twists and helps the young souls recapture the glee of the good old days till the wee hours of the morning.
Meanwhile in an attempt to sound American, the emcee loses pomp when his accent lets him down and he gets his share from the crowd that boos him down. The dance and karaoke troupes will stop at nothing to impress the crowd and will make sure the people get their money’s worth. By this time of the night, the revellers have taken one too many and excitement clouds the bar.
Karaoke sessions seem to be a big attraction in many pubs in and around Kampala. This explains the numerous dance groups formed to compliment the karaoke acts.
Sober Royals, the Challenger dance group, Impressions International, Oceanz Queens, the Paradise angels are just a few of them and they usually perform at the Rubaga-based Hanny’s Pub, Pride Corner on Namirembe road, Sabrina’s Pub, Lumas Pub, Club Sahara, Eden park and Sax Hotel.
The troupes mostly constitute teenage boys and skimpily dressed girls who do more miming than the actual karaoke and even then, they are unsure of the lyrics.

At Zandiz bar Impressions dance group international are the usual main act of the night. With no dressing room or stage to perform, the four-member group steer their way through a five-hour entertainment sail to a largely youthful crowd, who after a few drinks start throwing nasty jokes at the group members who are trying hard to live up to their catchphrase “Impressions will get you impressed” as relayed on a dingy banner that greets revellers at the pub’s entrance.
Generally, the session is nothing more than the usual school gigs with lads making attempts at Ginuwine and Usher slides, and break dance strokes and later trying to add some thrill to local hits.
Apparently, the performers don’t gain much either. For instance apart from the inconvenience of lacking a dressing room in the case of the Impressions dance group international, (which means girls hardly have any privacy from their male colleagues and the audience), a performance according to Ssali may fetch Shs80, 000 or less. After cutting off costs such as transport, each member could retire with Shs5,000. For the stage costumes, it is upon each member to improvise and for shelter, they have to share a house in order to save something. It is such a hard knock life them!

East Africa Dances to One Beat

2006-05-06T18:20:00.000+03:00

If you missed the East African Carnival-Dance to the Beat show at Speke Resort Munyonyo on Saturday, you ought to kick yourself. In one night, revellers were able to go to Kisumu, the coastal town of Mombassa, down to Dar es Salaam and back to Kampala.
The Celtel sponsored East African Carnival took revellers on a musical trip into the region with performances from some of the finest musicians. The line-up included our very own Richard Kaweesa, silky voiced Maurice Kirya, Tanzania's sensational ballad queen Pauline Zongo, the East African Bashment Crew as well as 2002 Kora Awards nominee Suzanna Owiyo from Kenya.
It had to be a great show, more so for the fact that everything came in its natural form. Forget about those shows where artistes get away with it after miming their songs while the DJ plays their music. At the carnival, artistes performed with a live band.
Talking about value for money, the plush resort could have been something to behold but more to it was the good organisation of the jig. Just imagine yourself letting out a scream, applauding a good note from the gifted Suzan Kerunen besides the likes of Sudhir Ruparelia, the tycoon himself. Well, the crowd was a mixed one but profoundly one of the corporate class. There were a number of dignitaries, and affluent figures too.
The place was suitably decorated with African décor, and the beautiful sculptures stood out, among other African pieces. The African wear dress code was also well respected. The stage had all the three East African flags and to kick off the show, an anthem that accommodated stanzas from all the three East African anthems was sung with all the pride and honour.
Well, amidst the captivating performances, Umeme had to spoil the fun but soon all was back to normal. Suzan Kerunen came on first with one of her mystical Alur tunes, Ngom. Maurice Kirya came on next and in a laid back mood with his guitar and did Bina Damu (Genda Okole) and Bera Nabo to a great ovation.
He was simply wonderful. An elated Richard Kaweesa who was decked out in snow white attire then joined him. Maurice strummed the guitar while Kaweesa sang two tracks off his Kanimba album. Pauline Zongo and Suzanna Owiyo were equally marvellous with their coastal blends that got the old timers onto the dance floor.
An up-tempo Bebe cool and later joined by Necessary Noize who together make up the East African Bashment Crew, warmed up the audience with some of their favourite hits, the Fire Anthem being the crowd's favourite. To crown the show, all the night's performers did Les Wanyika's 70's Swahili classic Sina Makosa in unison. Oh, what a night!

Maintaining security under tough conditions

2006-05-06T18:13:00.000+03:00

Meagre wages and tough working conditions in many security organisations may prompt negligence and misconduct among private guards
From one of the top offices on Crested Towers, a blue figure paces up and down as he controls the traffic coming in and out of the parking area. Radiocall in hand, this security guard hardly has time to take a rest at his wooden seat on the right hand side of the gate. Static can be heard regularly from his handset.Perhaps it's another comrade somewhere trying to cheat the boredom out of the gruelling routine of security guard work by reaching out. But for this particular guard, it seems it's duty first and no distractions. He maintains an expression that makes it hard to decipher his emotions. Neatly dressed in a nicely pressed blue outfit complete with a cap, belt and a pair of black shinny shoes. It's close to dusk when I call on him but in fact, his day had just begun. This week, he will be working on the night shift, which starts at 4:30p.m. till 7 o'clock in the morning. If he has to work on the day shift, then he’s required to report to duty by 7a.m and leave his station at 4:30p.m. Onega (not real name) is employed by one of the more successful security companies. His normal day starts at 6a.m. He hardly has the time to fix himself a cup of tea at home and hits the road. Having no money to pay for his travel, he has to walk up to his designated duty station wherever it may be. At a brisk pace, it takes him half an hour to get to his current work place. He says he has to make sure he is at the station a few minutes to 7a.m., before his supervisors can make an inspection and dully allocate him the workstation for the day. He has to sign in on reaching the deployment centre. This fairly defines the routine Onega has gone through for the last year he has served as a guard. He says he was enrolled on February 18th, 2005. Onega resides in Nsambya where he rents a one-roomed house. He enrolled as a guard having learnt about it from his brother who is a police superintendent. In his mid-30s, Onega does not take alcohol. Our conversation is interrupted every now and then as he continues to manage the cars coming in and leaving. Crested Towers, he says, is quite busy because it’s home to many big offices including Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) offices, Stanbic bank, MTN and popular entertainment spots like the Grand Casino, Blue Africa bar, and Boldwin's café.
Challenging jobBut despite the high-class surroundings he guards, Onega can only afford supper and has to forego breakfast and lunch. He has a wife and two children to look after in his village. So he has to make sure he effectively splits his meagre salary to cover up all his responsibilities. He says he’s paid Shs90,000. "However, there are those places where we work and out of goodwill, the clients provide us with lunch at least," he chips in. It is because of the high cost of living in the city that he chose to leave his family in the village. As he works though, one thing he confesses stays on his mind is his family.In the line of duty, he points out some of the other challenges he has faced. One is staying awake at night despite the boredom, the cold especially during the wee hours of the night, not forgetting the mosquito bites. Armed with a baton (carries no gun), he says he sometimes has to face off with "big shots" that demand parking space at night despite the restrictions. "The parking here is partitioned for the respective offices but during the night, we go through harassment by some people who expect us to work against orders simply because sometimes they are driving cars with government number plates or because they are 'big'," he says. These are usually visitors to the Grand Casino. As a guard, Onega has worked in places as far as Hoima (on Lake Albert) where he guarded the oil explorer Hardman's Project premises. Apart from the rather cold atmosphere there, malaria was another threat. "Being near a water body, it had lots of mosquitoes. I worked during the night and for fear of contracting malaria, I had to spend most of the time in the unit box," he reveals. He had gone with a light sweater provided by the company but later realised he needed a heavier coat. Now, unlike some employees, Onega has no allowances to fallback on given that his employers do not give him any allowances and it's entirely upon him to wisely budget his expenditure. "In case you fall sick, they (the employers) will give you some money to go to hospital then slice it off your salary at the end of the month." Onega has also guarded places like Lonrho Motors and House of Eden both in Industrial area, AON Insurance company on plot 25 along John Akibua road and Rwenzori Courts.
Barely equippedSurprisingly, he has not had to use his baton in all the places he has guarded and confesses that God must have been on his side throughout. He also attributes this to the seemingly secure areas he has been assigned to guard. However, he points out that where security is compromised, he is required to call in a "quick reaction" team of colleagues who carry guns. He works every day of the week but says Saturday is his favourite day and so he cannot afford to skip lunch. He celebrates it by buying himself a bowl of rice and meat. Soon, he will be given a month's leave during which he plans to visit his family after almost two years. He is very excited about this.For now though, Onega feels guarding will remain his best option for work because he "did not go far with his studies."

Rafting is a journey to hell and back

2006-05-06T18:02:00.000+03:00

Ever heard of or tried rafting? Well, if you are not daring, you might perhaps never want to be part of the rather creepy fun. For starters, rafting is an experience that will surely add a dash of adventure as well as a splash of fun. No matter how many times you raft, it remains a daring act and every time one rafts is like the first time. One could as well call it the journey to hell and back. Rafting involves groups of about six to eight people paddling their way down a river in an inflated boat.The waters are usually wildest during the mid-morning hours and for one's safety, it is advisable that you follow the safety precautions given by the guards.Before we started our rafting ride, we were required to go through the practical test. The guide would immerse you in the water and you had to struggle to find your way back into the moving boat. This is where one was required to put their swimming skills to good use. Meanwhile, the roaring torrents could be heard from a distance and I could feel my adrenaline levels rising. When you are rafting, the torrents inevitably bind the heart into fear for dear life especially at the sight of the untamed waves and rapids. This, I guess basically happens to everyone taking their maiden attempt, not ruling out the thought of abandoning the adventure altogether. If you have the guts to raft, you are given a life jacket, and a helmet in case you fall out and hit your head on a rock. The guides, in a rather relaxed manner, double-checked whether everyone had their safety equipment properly attached just before the ride. It is only when the ride began that we calmed down and enjoyed the scenic beauty of Uganda as we rafted down the Nile. At the source of the Nile, the waters were still and boats floated around slowly, being tattled by effortless waves.
DOWN THE RIVER: Rafting is a great experience. Net PhotoThe beautiful scenery of the Nile breathtaking, complete with flying birds and thick shrubs in the water. In a distance, monkeys played about. Despite the scorching sun, the waters were fresh and cool. Here, the rafting guide told us about the different levels in the water, level six being the strongest of all. "Fall in and hold tight to the boat," the guide yelled out as the boat spontaneously descended into the rapids. Amidst the boiling foam that slapped hard against my headgear, I swallowed some water as I tried to scream out, but one thing I had to remember was to hold on tight to the boat's handrail. Otherwise, I could have found myself at the bottom of the Nile hitting against rocks. The guide told us that there was a possibility of capsizing and the waves pushing any of us down stream, but he cautioned that in case that happened, the best thing to do was to swim and let out a scream for the rescuers in lifesaver boats to save the day. Well, you can trust that these guides have mastered their game and you cannot help but get a little jealous as they fearlessly plunge themselves into the waters. That is rafting for you-a fast-paced adventure.

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