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The Mengo government has been asked to repackage Buganda's Federo demands to consolidate support for a federal system of government from other regions. This was contained in a paper presentation by Democratic Party aspirant and Gulu District chairman Norbert Mao at the annual Buganda conference held at Hotel Africana on 17th December 2009.
Mr. Mao one of the leaders from Northern Uganda agitating for a Nile state citing isolation by the NRM government advised the leadership at Mengo to repackage the Federal idea to attract the support of other regions as a way of warding off isolationism. According to Mao, though Buganda's demands are legitimate as evidenced by the Odoki constitutional commitee report, opponents of the federal system always point to it as a creation of Buganda's sub-nationalism and not as a universal aspect involving other regions of Uganda. Citing a common luganda saying nsibambi edibya mutere(poor packaging diminishes the quality of the contents), the soft spoken former Gulu Municipality legislator called upon the Mengo government to seek the views of other regions in the process of repackaging the Federal demands.
Mr. Mao also warned Mengo against criticsing the decentralisation system arguing that while the idea came as an alternative to the Federal system and had many faults, it would be naïve to deny mention of some successes in service delivery as a result of the decentralisation system. Mr. Mao also attacked the regional tier system of government calling it a window-dressing strategy. Mao likened government's proposal for a regional tier system of government to one who smears an ulcer with Vaseline which does not cure the ailment.
The Katikkiro of Buganda Eng J.B Walusimbi called upon other regions of Uganda to embrace the Federal system of government arguing that it is wrong to approach it as a Buganda idea. Retired Supreme Court judge and notable Museveni critic Prof. George William Kanyeihamba urged Mengo to remain unmoved by intimidation and stand by its demands even if these demands are in conflict with any one's ideas in what was received as a direct attack to Mr. Museveni. Other speakers included Mengo information minister Charles Peter Mayiga, Attorney general Apollo Makubuya, MP Betty Kamya, and Hussein Kyanjo among others. Also in attendance were former Buganda Katikkiro Dan Muliika, Jeoash Mayanja Nkangi and Mulwannyammuli Ssemwogerere. This year's Buganda conference attracted a large number of delegates compared to previous ones with delegates coming from a wide spectrum including business proffesionals, civil servants, and politicians among others. Unlike last year's conference where two Buganda cabinet ministers Charles Peter Mayiga and Medard Lubega Sseggona and an official of the Civic Education CommitteeBetty Nambooze were arrested, this year's event has not been hit by any major mishap. This year's conference was opened by Buganda queen Lady Slyvia Nnagginda Luswata. The Kabaka of Buganda His royal Majesty Ronald Muwenda Mutebi is expected to close the Conference.
However some Baganda in exile are unhappy about the scheduling of the conference. They have suggested that it would make much more sense for Mengo to hold the conference on weekends so that internet radios can cover the event live.
Meanwhile Ngoma radio listeners voted 'Kanywamusaayi' as the new name for dictator Museveni last Saturday (12/12/09). The Uganda Citizen understands that the reasoning behind voting Kanywamusaayi as the the christmas present for Museveni is that 'he has killed thousands of Ugandans and millions of Africans - more than any other Ugandan leader' listeners claimed. Over 10 names were proposed after Mustapha Semanda of Uganda Federo Confederates (UFC) sugguested that Museveni should be given a name that describes his actions or leadership since he came to power in 1986. Some of the proposed names by listeners included 'Butwa' and 'Mutasiima' among others. The voting campaign lasted for two weeks whereby listeners voted by email and some called the studio to put forward their proposals. Ngoma Radio presenters also urged their listeners to contribute any little they can to sustain the independent radio station. Our sources indicate that Ngoma radio needs around £2000 to stay on air but ever since Mustapha requested donations from well wishers about 4 months ago, only £110 has been received. Dr Henry Gombya one of the presenters said that as things stand, he does not see Ngoma radio operate beyond two months. The radio has become very popular by criticising the NRM government through grilling Uganda politicians as well as offering the opposition parties a platform to hold the government to account. But most importantly Ngoma radio has provided a voice for Ugandans in the diaspora for over two years especially those who find it necessary to keep the struggle for democracy and a federal Uganda alive.
The radio is run by volunteers who do not get paid or have their travel expenses reimbursed yet some travel for over 100km to present on Saturdays. Moses Nsubuga one of the most dedicated presenters urged Ugandans not to give up the struggle and said Museveni and his henchmen will one day stand for trial for their crimes against humanity in Uganda, Congo and Rwanda.
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Tanzania used to invade Uganda on the Mutukula boader and at one time overun Mbarara military barracks but Amin never killed people in mbarara like Museveni has done to norther region whenever attacked by KONY from the Sudans boader. He only flushed out soldiers and life was back to normal.
Former President Milton Obote refused Museveni's gorrilla war method to fight Idi Amin sighting that such wars resulted into massive killing, displacement and suffering of innocent people, especcially women a...