What Uganda’s current and future politicians can learn from the life and character of Mzee Byanyima Although I knew he was old (at 96) and was aware of his declining health I was still shocked when I heard the news of the death of Mzee Boniface Byanyima. I have …
Read More »Five decades in five strides
A national art treasure goes unnoticed Uganda’s commemoration of 50 years of Independence saw the grandest celebration of national pride. The media hype, national gatherings in all districts, well-crafted speeches by government officials, branding the city with that famous Uganda@50 logo, even a special currency designed for the event. The …
Read More »NGUGI WA THIONG’O: Teach me to be me
INDEPENDENCE SPECIAL: By Ngugi wa Thiong’o In 1969 Gacamba, a bicycle repairer in Nyeri, a town about a hundred miles from Nairobi, discovered some kind of engine, a scooter engine, and, using the scrap metal he could find in his backyard, made an aeroplane that he called Kenya One. The plane …
Read More »Obama salutes Uganda ahead of Independence celebrations
The US has promised to support Uganda’s efforts to build peace and security in the region by supporting the African Union Mission in Somalia. Secretary of State John Kerry gave the reassurance in a special message to Uganda as the nation prepared to celebrate Independence Day October 9. Uganda was declared an independent …
Read More »Obama celebrates US military, daughter’s 18th birthday on July 4 holiday
Washington, United States | AFP | US President Barack Obama celebrated the country’s military as well as his daughter Malia’s 18th birthday at the White House to mark America’s Independence Day holiday on Monday. “We all know that our freedoms are dependent on an incredible group of men and women …
Read More »Independence and 2016 elections
By Ian Katusiime Most turning points historically occurred at election time Among the five East African nations of Uganda, has arguably had the most turbulent political history since it attained independence in 1962. As it celebrates its 53rd independence anniversary – with the 2016 general elections three months away, political …
Read More »Independence as never seen before
By Flavia Nassaka The events around this year’s Independence Day celebration have been remarkable and unprecedented To many all over the world, the month of October marks the commencement of plans for Christmas and other end of year festivities. For Uganda, this month is held in high regard because on …
Read More »The children of Independence speak-out
By Rukiya Makuma People were poorer than today but they did not notice it – James Tumusiime In 1962, James Tumusiime, now Group Managing Director of Fountain Publishers Limited was barely 10 and a primary four pupil at Kinoni Primary school in Mbarara district. He could tell that something important …
Read More »Watch out South Sudan independence
By Andrew M.Mwenda Because the CPA did not define borders clearly, Khartoum will not want to see the evolution of an effective state and stable government in South Sudan Last Saturday, South Sudan became the newest nation in the world. Yet beyond the celebrations in Juba that featured President Omar …
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