Situation may get worse in 2011 when opposition enters race Kampala, Uganda | BY THE INDEPENDENT TEAM | Dan Mugarura, the Chairman for Electoral Affairs of the main opposition party, the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), is a very worried man. ‘If you can shoot your own child and wife, …
Read More »Is Rwanda really a police state?
By Andrew M. Mwenda President Paul Kagame last week won presidential elections by 95 percent of the vote. Such high performance was common in Sadam Hussein’s Iraq and other dictatorships. Basing on this analogy, many observers have concluded his victory was a product of political repression. But such an approach …
Read More »The HIV Shift
By Henry Zakumumpa Unfaithful couples contributing to ominous rise in national infection rates New studies in Uganda show that married or co-habiting couples today stand a higher risk of contracting HIV than single or young people. This marks an astonishing shift in the pandemics infection patterns in the country. Uganda’s …
Read More »Uganda Youth Convention falls short
By Rukiya Makuma Allegations that NRM politics taint convention deprives youth of the help they need They are everywhere on the streets young boys hanging out doors of speeding matatus, shouting, gesturing, hoping you’ll come in so they can make a couple hundred shillings. This is the only job that …
Read More »The making of a needy district
By Eriasa S. Mukiibi Unfulfilled commitments continue to hamper development in Butambala county, Mpigi district Clad in a somber black suit, Bavekuno Kyeswa, acting chairperson of the newly launched Butambala district, flips through a thick bundle of papers in his small, worn-down office. After a few moments of silence he …
Read More »Kagame: Running Rwanda for Rwandans
By The Independent Team On August 7th, President Paul Kagame of Rwanda called a press conference for international journalists in Kigali. He responded to allegations of reppression, widening trade deficits and deviant generals. Below are the excerpts. Mr. President, your government is accused of repression. What do you have to …
Read More »Bomber confessions
By Independent Team Is Tinyefuza backing Mugira against Kayihura? When they were brought in one at a time with their well-trimmed marine-style hair, designer moustaches, and warm jackets and neat T-shirts draped over their fit bodies, they seemed out of place. They are terrorism suspects and the Chieftaincy of Military …
Read More »Do the Hutu and Tutsi of Rwanda nurse ancient hatred?
By Andrew M. Mwenda In the summer of 1995, former US president, Jimmy Carter, organised a conference on Rwanda in Tunis to ‘convince the RPF to be more ethnically inclusive by appointing Hutu politicians to cabinet’. In attendance were the presidents of Rwanda’s neighbours: Zaire’s Mobutu Sese Seko, Uganda’s Yoweri …
Read More »Empty pockets speak loudest in Kibaale
By Haggai Matsiko Gaping illiteracy, poverty and ethnic tensions stand in the way of participatory governance Along the dusty roads of Kaluguuza, a small town in Kibaale district, western Uganda, Moses Kahwa, a local shopkeeper, passionately debates the upcoming elections with other local self-proclaimed political analysts. Baguma cannot win Matia, …
Read More »Apacs mosquitoes refuse to die
By Mubatsi Asinja Habati Now health experts debate wisdom of switching chemical sprays Lying on flat land near the swampy Lake Kyoga, Apac district in northern Uganda, Lango sub-region, is not only the most malaria infected region of Uganda, but perhaps of the entire world. A study conducted from 1994 …
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