Latter-Day Saints gets the disabled on the move

By Valerian Kkonde

PEARL NEWS SERVICE

It was a dream comes true as the visibly excited People with Disabilities (PWDs) received state-of-the art wheelchairs, free of charge, from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The 354 wheelchairs were donated at the closing of a four-day Wheelchair Basic training and Distribution, in line with the Church’s humanitarian services.

“My heart is throbbing with happiness for receiving this wheelchair. Thanks to the donors. We promise to work with you to help our fellow PWDs also acquire wheelchairs.

Thank you donors for easing our mobility; we shall be able to go to Church, visit friends, go for work and attend conferences,” sang Sserwanga Robert who represented the beneficiaries.

“With the help of these wheelchairs, I can now tell the people that: move! And they move! We now have a vibrant community,” said Mukasa John as he moved from one side of the hall to the other in his new wheelchair.

For John Bazira Sam, the wheelchair means more than mobility; it means saving a lot of shillings. He said that he has an old wheelchair but cannot fold it when traveling.

“Whenever I use a taxi, I have to pay for two seats. With this gift, all that is of the past. I will just fold my wheelchair, put it in the boot, and comfortably move on.”

The beneficiaries commended Bongole Rose for a job well done.

Bongole Rose, the National Wheelchair Coordinator- Ministry of Health- said that the association was started in 2004. This was after a conference on disability organized by the Norwegian Association of the Disabled.

“We discovered that we lacked equipment, technology and personnel. That is what makes this day a special one to us. We have not only received quality wheelchairs but also training to assemble and determine the size of the wheelchair.

This will reduce the secondary disabilities which result from use of inappropriate wheelchairs.”

Rose urged the 32 trainees to go out and put to use the skills acquired. She reminded them that the country is going to depend on them to make the right decisions. The trainees were selected from government hospitals and private rehabilitation centers.

Congratulating Kakeeto upon receiving a new wheelchair after the one he had was stolen, because where he was visiting there was no ramp, she pointed out that the wheelchairs donated have serial numbers which will make it easy to track them.

Rose further revealed that a program to recycle the old wheelchairs was in the pipeline, and that that will be their contribution in the struggle to avail Ugandans with wheelchairs.

Each of the wheelchairs donated is estimated to cost at least 700, 000 shillings. This is far beyond the reach of majority Ugandans who yearn for them. One hundred of the wheelchairs donated will be produced locally.

“The wheelchair initiative is about what you are going to do. The most important issue to us is one to find joy, satisfaction and help others progress,” Jimmy Carter Okot the representative of the Church declared.

Pointing out that all the money that bought the wheelchairs was from the church, he told the gathering that the message was that Christ did not come to give people fish but to teach them how to fish. In 2010, the Church spent US $ 15 million on 119 disasters in 50 countries.

Receiving the wheelchairs, the minister for health revealed that 1.5 million Ugandans need wheelchairs. Of these only 15000 have access to one. The rest just cannot afford due to poverty.

“Among those who have access to a wheelchair, very few have access to appropriate wheelchairs. An appropriate wheelchair, among other things, is the one that meets the user’s needs and environmental conditions; provides proper fit and postural support, is safe and durable.”

The minister too commended the Church for training the staff in assessment, fitting and maintenance of the wheelchair. She said that since the ministry has regional referral orthopedic workshops, the training will boost their production and thus reach out to many more people.

The trainers from America comprised of Doctors and Physiotherapists. As they saw off their trainees, they were headed for Kigali- Rwanda, Uganda’s South-Eastern neighbours, where they wee going to perform the same exercise.

Dialogue, not lethal weapons will solve Uganda’s problems- Bishop

By Valerian Kkonde

PEARL NEWS SERVICE

The bishop of Arua diocese, His Lordship Sabino Ocan Odoki, has urged Ugandan leaders to resort to dialogue so as to solve the pressing concerns of those they lead.

Bishop Odoki sounded this warning during his homily at the Uganda Martyrs’ Shrine- Namugongo- to hundreds of thousands of pilgrims who turned up to honour the 22 Catholic martyrs.

“Uganda is known, worldwide, as a beautiful country, for its hospitality and the Martyrs. Unfortunately, it is also known for the turbulent political history. Even today Uganda still suffers from tribal and political conflicts.

 Instead of using teargas and other lethal weapons, dialogue will be the best.”

Every June 3, hundreds of thousands of believers flock to Namugongo to honour the martyrs executed between 1885 and 1887 on the orders of Ssekabaka (late king) Basammula Mwanga. Namugongo used to be a dreaded place; Buganda kings used it as an execution ground. That is how the Catholic and Protestant converts ended there.

On October 20, 2011 there will also be a pilgrimage to Paimol- Kitgum district- to honour Uganda’s two other blessed martyrs: Daudi Okello and Gildo Irwa. They were catechists. They were speared to death in 1918. The now Blessed Pope John Paul 11 beatified them on 18^th October, 2002.

Miraculously, the 22 Catholic martyrs were executed separately from the 23 Anglicans. Next to the Anglican shrine, 72 Muslims were killed for refusing to eat meat slaughtered by non Muslims. Former president, the late Idi Amin Dada, constructed a mosque at the site in their honour. That is all about these Muslims.

Referring to the unity and courage of the martyrs as the role model, Bishop Odoki called upon the pilgrims to emulate them and to be courageous amidst the challenges that face them. He warned the pilgrims against valuing life to the extent of losing God the ultimate prize.

“Unwavering strength in suffering is visible in the life of our martyrs Karoli Lwanga and companions and the blessed Gildo Irwa and Daudi Okello. If they defended their faith to death, how about us in Uganda today?”

Ugandans today are faced with challenges similar to those of their ancestors in faith. Government is completely oblivious of the needs and suffering of the people they lead. When people come out to express their grievances, the rulers respond with lethal weapons. At least ten people have been murdered by the government as they opposed Museveni’s autocracy.

“We need to look at the nation as one body; when one part of the body is ill, the whole body suffers.

“We need more courageous youths, parents, political and cultural leaders now than ever before. We want leaders to provide role models. We do not want to ruin the country.”

  

Dangerous time for Ugandan Journalists covering Dr. Besigye’s return

By Valerian Kkonde

PEARL NEWS SERVICE

As the opposition leader finally returns home

 Without any provocation, policemen get sticks to beat Dr. Besigye's supporters waiting for him.  Photo by Valerian Kkonde                                                         

Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) president general, Retired Colonel Dr. Kiiza Besigye finally returned home from Nairobi on May 12, 2011. He had gone there for treatment after security agents attacked him on August 28 and sprayed him with chemicals in the eyes and all over the body. They also smashed the windows of his car using a hammer and pistol.

This savage attack left him partially blind, necessitating more advanced treatment from the neighbouring country. Besigye had intended to return on the 11^th of May but, on boarding the

Kenya Air Ways

plane, was told to disembark because “the Ugandan government had warned not to allow the plane to land in Entebe with Besigye on board.”

I positioned myself at Kibuye round about. This spot is along the Kampala- Entebe airport road; another road branches from here to Masaka through Nateete, leading to the South- West and Western part of the country. It is also here that the road to Makindye, a residential area slowly turning into a commercial area, connects.

Through Makindye it is possible to go up to Ggaba and also turn to Nsambya and then connect to the city centre. The plan for Besigye’s return indicated that he would be holding a rally in Nsambya.

We were over 15 journalists stationed here. There was also a Police, Army and plain clothed security operatives’ command and control post. As time went by, interesting events started to unravel. All the roads were filled with jubilating supporters of Dr. Besigye. The supporters kept saying that the Electoral Commission chairman Badru Kiggundu had rigged the elections for the rapper. Museveni sang a song during the election period. Supporters also kept saying that Museveni had bribed them to go to Kololo for his swearing in but they could not go to the den of thieves. We are waiting for the real president of Uganda…Museveni is fake…The president of the people is back… Museveni wanted to assassinate our president but we are bringing him back alive…On Monday we are walking to work…The security operatives were not spared the taunts.  

1.30 pm The police officer who had arrested Besigye during his walk to work campaign comes and gathers police officers under the Warid bill board. He is putting on a black overall with a pistol dangling from his right thigh.

1.37 pm Police moves and blocks people from using the road to Nateete. We start receiving conflicting messages: some people say that Besigye had used a different route. Others say he is using the Entebe road and should stay put.

1.48 pm Police start beating people without any provocation! After 15 minutes people return and start jubilating.

The boda bodas-commercial motor cycles- are all over the place. They carry up to four people, dancing and waving branches as well as flashing the V sign. This is the sign for the FDC. They ride from all sides and make all sorts of antics.

2.00 pm MP Ken Lukyamuzi drives from Entebe side and confirms that this is the route Besigye is using. He is leading a long convoy of supporters.

2.15 pm Jubilating supporters block the road to Nateete. Traffic comes to a stand still. Traffic officer tells the drivers to manouvre their way out. She stands on the sides and watches.

2.27 pm Police tells the people who had come in the middle of the round about to leave. They refuse and sit down. They start to exchange words. They tell the police that they should abandon Museveni and join Besigye who will liberate them from living like pigs.

2.33 Three armoured vehicles drive-by. People shout at them: “Those are our taxes. Use them properly.”

2.36 The convoy for the Buganda queen- Sylvia Nagginda- arrives going towards Entebe. People come closer singing the Buganda anthem- Ekitiibwa kya Buganda- and wish her a safe journey.

2.40 Inspector General of Police (IGP) Major General Kale Kayihura arrives. Gets out his vehicle talks to the officers around and gives them orders. Journalists follow him. There is commotion as some people try to stone him.

2.42 IGP drives off towards Entebe.

2.43 President Museveni’s convoy arrives. People start shouting that he rigged the vote and are waiting for the true president. They also shout that they are tired of him and has out lived his usefulness. The Kenyan president, the Papal Nuncio and the Germany ambassador convoys follow in quick succession.

2.52 Traffic officer complains on phone that the convoys are following each other very closely.

2.55 Police water canon Reg. No. UP 2339starts spraying people standing along the road to Makindye, then Entebe and Nateete! The people scamper to safety. Stones start flying from all sides.

3.06 pm Police start taking positions. Two military jeeps arrive with soldiers covering their noses with handkerchiefs. They block the road to Makindye.

3.11 pm A journalist from Entebe side tells us that he has left Besigye’s convoy at Kajjansi.

3.14 Besigye supporters come with a box of water bottles to distribute to the police officers. They turn down the offer. People shout at them that they are pretending yet they are hungry and thirsty.

3.15 IGP returns. Heard telling officers how to manage the situation.

3.17 Vice President Bukenya’s convoy arrives. People are in the middle of the road jubilating.  Escorts start shooting to disperse the crowds. People give way calling the VP a member of the clique robbing them.

3.18 Police starts beating people, throwing teargas and shooting in the supporters. People retaliate with stones.

3.22 pm More police come in. Tear gas and bullets intensify. Tear gas is thrown in the houses along Nateete road. Gun shots continue ringing out. Many boda bodas are abandoned.

3.31 Minister Henry Oryem arrives, comes out and conveys a very short verbal message to Kayihura and drives away. 

3.34 The two jeeps drive off towards Entebe.

3.37 People begin to return

3.40 A police officer stops an ambulance driving towards the city centre from Entebe side. It reverses towards Shell filling station. Police go inside the station and come out carrying an injured man. He had been shot during the fracas. Police tries to send us away but manage to identify him as Walulya Vincent. He was taken to Mulago hospital.

3.52 Defence minister Crispus Kiyonga drives past towards Entebe.

3.56 Police start beating boda bodas jubilating and flashing the V sign. Three taxis park around the road to Nateete with their passengers. They said that they had been attacked because they were wearing Museveni’s t-shirts.

4.04 The notorious police officer in black overall tries to arrest Channel 4 journalist. The journalist had just entered the car which came to pick them. The police officer said that he heard the journalist say that the IGP had been stoned.

4.07 Gun shots begin ringing out along Makindye road. It was an exchange of fire among the security operatives.

4.10 A white mini-bus comes and parks besides the road to Makindye. Men in suits, wielding pistols jump out and seem to rescue a man from other operatives. They were said to be from the presidential guard brigade.

4.12 The officer in the black overall issues order to arrest anyone seen taking photographs. Police becomes hostile to the journalists.

4.28 A police officer on a Patrol vehicle tells me that Besigye would have long arrived here safe for the security interferences with his convoy.

4.33 Police personnel embark on a pick up truck, cling on one another and drive off towards Entebe

4.52 We get information that Besigye is in Lweza

4.58 IGP arrives from Entebe side and drives towards Makindye

5.08 Numbers of Besigye supporters begin swelling once again and chant his praises

5.24 IGP returns from Makindye side and moves to the command post. Over ten senior police officers join him.

5.26 I move forward to take the picture. IGP grabs my camera. Asks me why I am taking his photo without his permission.

“But this is a public place,” I point out

Gives the camera to an officer he calls an IT specialist and tells him to delete the photos. He fidgets with the camera but fails to operate it. I tell him that I had not taken any photos. He believes me and returns it. I move some seven meters away and start taking notes.

5.28 Kampala metropolitan chief- Grace Turyagumanawe- grabs my note book. Tries to read what I am writing but makes no sense and throws it back at me. “We are tired of you (journalists). Have I ever killed a person?” he asks me seething with anger. A colleague moves closer.

“Have you heard me accuse you of killing one?” I shoot back.

“That is what some of you are writing. Do you know that I can cause trouble for you?” Turyagumanawe thintimidates.

“Better be specific Afande Grace. If someone makes a mistake don’t generalize,” the colleague challenges him. He walks away.

5.32 Grace orders the water canon at ready and to spray journalists with the coloured water. The driver defies the order. We communicate among ourselves and move next to the water canon.

5.39 We receive information that Besigye’s convoy has arrived in Zana. Many jubilating supporters arrive singing, dancing and waving tree branches.

5.50 A military police pick up truck drives from Entebe side, they start shooting towards the supporters. Police at the command post join in and it is total chaos: gun shots intensify, tear gas is lobbed at Besigye supporters, the water canon is in full operation and the police are beating whoever they come across. Journalists take cover.

6.02 A WBS TV journalist, clearly identified, is attacked by police. He is kicked, slapped and pushed about. There is a queer silence as all Besigye supporters have fled. It is only police, the military, plain clothed operatives and journalists around. But everyone is sobbing from tear gas.

6.49 Dr. Besigye’s convoy finally arrives. An armoured vehicle is in the lead and it is followed by over ten security pick ups. Two armoured vehicles close the convoy.

6.58 About ten of us decide to leave for the city centre through Katwe. Between the Clock Tower and the road to Katwe along Queen’s Way it is real hell: Police are battering people like they are beasts. It is the military police trying to restrain them but in vain. They are over fifty. The military police tell us to stop for some time to study the situation as our equipment could easily be lost. After over thirty minutes two police officers escort us through the chaos, past the Clock Tower.

At least ten journalists were injured and many equipment confiscated by the police and the military while covering Dr. Besigye’s return. On the same day president Museveni was swearing-in for another five years. This will make it 30 years in state house!

The day’s events make a statement to the effect that journalists are under attack by government.

In my upbringing and school days, I was always told to refrain from unbecoming acts. If the security agents feel ashamed of having their uncouth acts exposed, the best and wise thing to do is to refrain from such;Battering journalists and confiscating or damaging their equipment is not the solution.

Lawyers Mourn State brutality and death of Judicial independence

By Valerian Kkonde

PEARL NEWS SERVICE

                 Lawyers in the High Court premises. Photo by Valerian Kkonde

  Ugandan lawyers, under their umbrella association- Uganda Law Society (ULS) - on May 4, 2011 camped at the High Court premises to demonstrate against government’s continued brutality against peaceful demonstrators.

ULS also demonstrated against government’s interference with the independence of the judiciary, leading to the death of rule of law. The lawyers declared a three-day strike.

“We are here to condemn the brutality of the state and its security agencies, the wanton shootings and killings of innocent Ugandans standing up to their rights. We invite the Hon. Chief Justice, as the voice of reason, to join us,” ULS president Bruce Kyerere told the gathering.

Kyerere in particular singled out Magistrate Justine Atukwasa who, in Nabweru court, Wakiso district, refused to hear Dr. Kiiza Besigye’s bail application claiming she was too busy. Besigye is the leader of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), the leading opposition party.

After Easter, she was drafted onto Nakasongola court circuit- more than 100 km away to preside over the same matter. She slapped a 50 million non-cash bail on Besigye and each of the three co-accused.

A day later, she turned up in Kasangati court to again hear allegations of unlawful assembly against Dr. Besigye.

“A magistrate with multiple jurisdictions is a new phenomenon. We need answers to this,” Kyerere told the CJ amid applause from the members.

Kyerere further pointed out the magistrate’s abdication of duties to hear bail application as well as the Mengo chief magistrate’s refusal to comply with a High Court order as disturbing signs of a country that has lost direction towards rule of law and order.

“Please we need assurance from you that the institution of the judiciary is independent, sober and still in a position to administer justice,” ULS president told the CJ as the members clapped and urged the CJ to do exactly that.

Kyerere went on to fault government on refusing media houses to air live coverage of the public exercising the right to express their concern about events affecting them.

“The violation of human rights, brutal arrests of members of the public, indiscriminate shootings and use of tear gas, all tantamount to crimes against humanity. They cannot go unchallenged.

Handing over their petition to the CJ, Kyerere said that they were not taking a copy to the speaker of parliament “because the public has lost trust in the legislators. We are not taking a copy to the Executive because it is an accomplice in this brutality.”

ULS resolved to offer pro bono legal services to all those arrested during the walk to work campaigns, and to meet after to assess the situation.

“All those people are facing trivial charges and we shall offer them all the services they will require.”

Addressing the lawyers, the CJ told them not to negate their duty to fight for the independence of the judiciary without which “there is no civilized society.” He promised to be their ambassador to other stake holders.

Maintaining that the judiciary is still independent, the CJ said that the cases cited had the backing of the administration but that all errors committed will be corrected.

The CJ pointed out that evil is growing in society because good people do nothing about it. He promised that as long as he is the CJ he will always work with them to ensure the independence of the judiciary and proper administration of justice.

CJ Benjamin Odoki made a special invitation to newly elected Kampala mayor, Ssalongo Erias Lukwago. Lukwago is a renowned lawyer who has been instrumental in offering services to members of the opposition.  As the outgoing Member of Parliament for Kampala Central, he has been at the fore front of fighting for the rights of market vendors and other less advantaged groups that government wanted to trample upon.

“I want to appeal to my friend Erias Lukwago. I know you have been elected mayor and you are going to be the mayor Kampala. But please the door to my office is always open. You should always come and we talk.”

This appeal seems to have been influenced by the fact that Lukwago is counsel to Kasibante Moses whose case has left the judiciary in an awkward position. Kasibante was at first declared winner of Lubaga North constituency, by Kampala returning officer Molly Mutazindwa. He had secured 24,054 votes compared to president Museveni’s preferred Singh also known as Katongole who managed to secure 18,595 votes.

Later, Sigh secured a vote recount at a chief magistrate’s court in Mmengo before chief magistrate Philip Odoki. Lukwago secure an injunction from the high court but the chief magistrate rubbished it. The recount went ahead, in the absence of Kasibante’s lawyers, and declared Singh the winner!

During the judges’ conference in February this year, the Prime Minister Professor Apollo Nsibambi told the judges that mob justice was on the increase because the public had lost confidence in the judiciary.

On his part, the CJ called for speedy punishment of those, among their ranks, engaging in unbecoming conduct. To date, complaints about corruption in the judiciary are so rampart that justice is considered a privilege for the rich while resorting to the courts is considered wastage of time and money.

Such is the degeneration in Uganda’s judiciary, raising fears in the public about the administration of justice and the rule of law.