THE GOVERNMENT OF UGANDA CAN GET TO IMPLEMENT CAGE FISH FARMING TO INCREASE THE COUNTRY'S EARNINGS

From the information available at the Aquaculture Research and Development center - Kajjansi, it is clear that if money is put into Cage Fish Farming, in a period of about 8 months, the country may start realizing good money from the proceeds of this business.  There is all the hope that Government will do some good homework to have this strategy off ground.

William Kituuka Kiwanuka

CAGE CULTURE: A NEW STRATEGY FOR INCREASING FISH YIELDS AND PROFITABILITY

By Aquaculture Research & Development Center – Kajjansi

P. O. Box 530, Kampala.

Tel: +256 414 375668

Email: fish@aqua.go.ug

Growing Fish in Cages

Commercialization of Fish Farming in Uganda is achievable through efficient production systems like cages.  Cage Farming is mainly practiced on lakes, rivers and reservoirs after approval from the Government of Uganda.

Advantages of growing Fish in Cages:

         i.        Cost of the cage is about 1/10^th that of a pond which produces the same yields.

       ii.        Land ownership is not required.

      iii.        Cage materials are available in Uganda.

      iv.        Cage Fish Farming provides alternatives to Fishing.

       v.        Floating feeds (extruded pellets) are available in Uganda.

Requirements for production of Fish in Cages:

1)   High quality Fish Feed: preferably extruded pellets with a complete diet and these are available in Uganda.

2)   Proper Cage Design that is practical, cost effective and prevents predators.

3)   Good quality and healthy Fingerlings from Government or Certified private hatcheries.  Preferably, the Fingerling Seed should be all males because they grow faster.

4)   Lakes or reservoirs with good water quality; and temperatures above 25 degrees Celsius.  The use of low quality feed pollutes the water and can make cage Culture unprofitable.

5)   Security for Cages is very important after they are installed.  NOTE: It is highly recommended that one consults an Aquaculture or Cage Specialist when selecting a site for Cage Farming.

Productivity from Cages

Yields from a Cage are 180Kg/cubic meter when growing Tilapia using floating feeds.  Yields from ponds are usually 0.2Kg/cubic meter.

Profitability from Cages:

Tilapia grown in Cages is sold profitably because of good taste, size and texture.  The enterprise budget below shows profits from one Cage.

Enterprise budget for Nile Tilapia grown in (2x2x2) cubic meter Cage for seven months:   

Cages will improve yields and profits

With an existing enabling policy, availability of good quality Fish Seed, Feed and Water Resources, Fish farmers can improve their yields and profits.

Yields from Cages are about 180Kg/cubic meter compared to pond based (0.2Kg/cubic meter).  Never the less, better management practices are crucial to achieve the profits or yields. 

UGANDA'S FISH EXPORTS FALL AS FISHERMEN DEPLETE L. VICTORIA

Uganda’s fish exports fall as fishermen deplete L. Victoria

Business

Written by Jeff Mbanga

Wednesday, 11 June 2008 22:22

The heavy price Uganda will pay for not stopping indiscriminate fishing is now visible. The value of fish exports fell by about 14% in 2007 after the volume dropped by nearly the same amount. It is the first fall in five years. The decline happened at the time when demand in Europe, the main market for Uganda’s fish had gone up. “Formal fish exports fell, breaking a five-year continous annual growth trend,” the Uganda Export Promotion Board (UEPB) has revealed. UEPB arrived at this conclusion basing on the recent figures from the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS). The decline is a blow to Uganda’s struggling export industry in which fish has for the last five years played a major role—as the country’s third foreign exchange earner after remittances by Ugandans working abroad and coffee. Industry source said it was likely that fish exports will slump further because of the rising food prices. It is predicted that indiscriminate fishing, blamed for the decline in exportable fish, will go up as food prices continue to rise. “Uganda is beginning to see the first signs of over-fishing and this trend is likely to dampen supply to the major markets of the EU,” the Export Promotion board notes. Figures released by UBOS indicate that the value of fish exports declined from $145.8 million in 2006 to $124.7 million in 2007, a 14% fall. At the same time, the volume of fish exports went down to 31,681 tons in 2007 from 36,461 tons the previous year, a 13% decline. The most affected specie is the Nile Perch. Those in the fish business fear that the Nile Perch could be destined for extinction if no immediate measures are put in place to stop exploitation of immature fish. However there is hope for a revival. The Export Promotion Board says that industry experts are observing “a growing trend where smaller fish (12 inches or less) are carrying eggs at an early stage, another sign that fish populations are responding to a threat of extinction.” The UEPB points out that Uganda’s fish industry should be worried considering that other countries like China have the potential to supply Nile Perch and Tilapia to the European Union. The UEPB is concerned that smuggling of fish and fishermen targeting young fish continues to thrive on the country’s biggest lake. “Illegal fishing and export of undersized fish destined for the regional markets is having a negative impact on stock in Lake Victoria,” the UEPB explains. Much of the fish, the UEPB says, is smuggled to Kenya and Democratic Republic of Congo. Uganda’s Police note that it is becoming impossible to track smugglers on the shores of the lake, explaining that it is understaffed. But Katiti Matovu, the Chief Executive Officer of Uganda Fish Processors and Exporters Association, is optimistic about the future. She is convinced that fish exports will rebound after UFPEA members last year agreed to ensure that only mature fish is processed. “We decided to self-police ourselves. We only buy mature fish,” she said. Illegal fish is measured in its size, which is below 20 inches. “Sizes smaller than 12 inches are sun-dried and exported without encumbrance”, the UEPB says. However, Katiti says that they have three independent inspectors go to factories every week to check on the fish being exported. She said the same policy has been adopted by Tanzania, and that Kenya is about to come on board. She told The Weekly Observer that such young fish is normally exported to DR Congo. Katiti says that it is up to the governments in the region to regulate activities on the lakes. jmbanga@observer.ug UGANDA'S FISH EXPORTS DIP FURTHER You are here: Home | News PAUL MWIJAGYE KAMPALA, UGANDA-Uganda's fish exports have continued to drop, indicating a downward trend that has characterised fish exports for the last four years. Statistics from the Fisheries Department of the Ministry of Agriculture indicates that the volume of fish exported dropped by 6,000 tonnes from 23,000 exported in 2008 to 17, 000 tonnes in 2009.The value of fish exports also dropped from US$115million in 2008 to $85million in 2009, heightening concerns over Uganda's dwindling fish stocks. According to a fisheries official who preferred anonymity, there are already indicators that the exports will drop further in 2010. Statistics from the ministry indicate that from January to June 2010, only 5,000 tonnes worth $25million have been exported. Fish exports touched a high of 36,000 tonnes in 2005 worth $143million, the highest ever registered. However exports have since been dropping annually. In 2006, Uganda exported 32,000 tonnes worth $136million. The exports further dropped in 2007 to 28,000 tonnes worth $117million. An official from the Fisheries Department attributed the trend to over fishing, and use of illegal gear which catches young fish. He noted that the Nile Perch which is the major source of revenue for Uganda has been most hit. “There have been bigger catches of other fish species like Mukene but Nile Perch has reduced significantly," the official noted. He said that unemployment has, in some way, contributed to the dwindling fish stalks. "Most of the fishing in Uganda is done in rural areas. Because most people are not gainfully employed, they look at it as a solution to their financial problems, thus depleting the lakes," he noted. He further noted that the licensing which was formerly been done at the district level contributed to the decline in stalks. "The districts aimed at giving out more licenses as a way of rising more revenue without putting in place the necessary controls and measures," he said. He however said they have centralised the licensing process and the ministry is registering all the fishermen. "We are going to establish how many they are and how many should be there," he said. He said the boats will also be given number plates. "There has been a delay in implementing these measures because we are waiting for the amendment of the Fisheries Act to enable us implement certain measures which were formerly not provided for by the law," he said. Fish is a key foreign exchange earner for Uganda and had once overtaken major exports like coffee. However it now lags behind Ugandans in the Diaspora and tourism in foreign exchange. "Stocks have continued to decrease in our water bodies and inevitably less and less fish is harvested and this trend is expected to continue until the measures government is undertaking start to have an impact," the official noted.

THE GOVERNMENT OF UGANDA CAN GET TO IMPLEMENT CAGE FISH FARMING TO INCREASE THE COUNTRY'S EARNINGS

From the information available at the Aquaculture Research and Development center - Kajjansi, it is clear that if money is put into Cage Fish Farming, in a period of about 8 months, the country may start realizing good money from the proceeds of this business.  There is all the hope that Government will do some good homework to have this strategy off ground.

William Kituuka Kiwanuka

CAGE CULTURE: A NEW STRATEGY FOR INCREASING FISH YIELDS AND PROFITABILITY

By Aquaculture Research & Development Center – Kajjansi

P. O. Box 530, Kampala.

Tel: +256 414 375668

Email: fish@aqua.go.ug

Growing Fish in Cages

Commercialization of Fish Farming in Uganda is achievable through efficient production systems like cages.  Cage Farming is mainly practiced on lakes, rivers and reservoirs after approval from the Government of Uganda.

Advantages of growing Fish in Cages:

         i.        Cost of the cage is about 1/10^th that of a pond which produces the same yields.

       ii.        Land ownership is not required.

      iii.        Cage materials are available in Uganda.

      iv.        Cage Fish Farming provides alternatives to Fishing.

       v.        Floating feeds (extruded pellets) are available in Uganda.

Requirements for production of Fish in Cages:

1)   High quality Fish Feed: preferably extruded pellets with a complete diet and these are available in Uganda.

2)   Proper Cage Design that is practical, cost effective and prevents predators.

3)   Good quality and healthy Fingerlings from Government or Certified private hatcheries.  Preferably, the Fingerling Seed should be all males because they grow faster.

4)   Lakes or reservoirs with good water quality; and temperatures above 25 degrees Celsius.  The use of low quality feed pollutes the water and can make cage Culture unprofitable.

5)   Security for Cages is very important after they are installed.  NOTE: It is highly recommended that one consults an Aquaculture or Cage Specialist when selecting a site for Cage Farming.

Productivity from Cages

Yields from a Cage are 180Kg/cubic meter when growing Tilapia using floating feeds.  Yields from ponds are usually 0.2Kg/cubic meter.

Profitability from Cages:

Tilapia grown in Cages is sold profitably because of good taste, size and texture.  The enterprise budget below shows profits from one Cage.

Enterprise budget for Nile Tilapia grown in (2x2x2) cubic meter Cage for seven months:   

Cages will improve yields and profits

With an existing enabling policy, availability of good quality Fish Seed, Feed and Water Resources, Fish farmers can improve their yields and profits.

Yields from Cages are about 180Kg/cubic meter compared to pond based (0.2Kg/cubic meter).  Never the less, better management practices are crucial to achieve the profits or yields. 

UGANDA'S FISH EXPORTS FALL AS FISHERMEN DEPLETE L. VICTORIA

Uganda’s fish exports fall as fishermen deplete L. Victoria

Business

Written by Jeff Mbanga

Wednesday, 11 June 2008 22:22

The heavy price Uganda will pay for not stopping indiscriminate fishing is now visible. The value of fish exports fell by about 14% in 2007 after the volume dropped by nearly the same amount. It is the first fall in five years. The decline happened at the time when demand in Europe, the main market for Uganda’s fish had gone up. “Formal fish exports fell, breaking a five-year continous annual growth trend,” the Uganda Export Promotion Board (UEPB) has revealed. UEPB arrived at this conclusion basing on the recent figures from the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS). The decline is a blow to Uganda’s struggling export industry in which fish has for the last five years played a major role—as the country’s third foreign exchange earner after remittances by Ugandans working abroad and coffee. Industry source said it was likely that fish exports will slump further because of the rising food prices. It is predicted that indiscriminate fishing, blamed for the decline in exportable fish, will go up as food prices continue to rise. “Uganda is beginning to see the first signs of over-fishing and this trend is likely to dampen supply to the major markets of the EU,” the Export Promotion board notes. Figures released by UBOS indicate that the value of fish exports declined from $145.8 million in 2006 to $124.7 million in 2007, a 14% fall. At the same time, the volume of fish exports went down to 31,681 tons in 2007 from 36,461 tons the previous year, a 13% decline. The most affected specie is the Nile Perch. Those in the fish business fear that the Nile Perch could be destined for extinction if no immediate measures are put in place to stop exploitation of immature fish. However there is hope for a revival. The Export Promotion Board says that industry experts are observing “a growing trend where smaller fish (12 inches or less) are carrying eggs at an early stage, another sign that fish populations are responding to a threat of extinction.” The UEPB points out that Uganda’s fish industry should be worried considering that other countries like China have the potential to supply Nile Perch and Tilapia to the European Union. The UEPB is concerned that smuggling of fish and fishermen targeting young fish continues to thrive on the country’s biggest lake. “Illegal fishing and export of undersized fish destined for the regional markets is having a negative impact on stock in Lake Victoria,” the UEPB explains. Much of the fish, the UEPB says, is smuggled to Kenya and Democratic Republic of Congo. Uganda’s Police note that it is becoming impossible to track smugglers on the shores of the lake, explaining that it is understaffed. But Katiti Matovu, the Chief Executive Officer of Uganda Fish Processors and Exporters Association, is optimistic about the future. She is convinced that fish exports will rebound after UFPEA members last year agreed to ensure that only mature fish is processed. “We decided to self-police ourselves. We only buy mature fish,” she said. Illegal fish is measured in its size, which is below 20 inches. “Sizes smaller than 12 inches are sun-dried and exported without encumbrance”, the UEPB says. However, Katiti says that they have three independent inspectors go to factories every week to check on the fish being exported. She said the same policy has been adopted by Tanzania, and that Kenya is about to come on board. She told The Weekly Observer that such young fish is normally exported to DR Congo. Katiti says that it is up to the governments in the region to regulate activities on the lakes. jmbanga@observer.ug UGANDA'S FISH EXPORTS DIP FURTHER You are here: Home | News PAUL MWIJAGYE KAMPALA, UGANDA-Uganda's fish exports have continued to drop, indicating a downward trend that has characterised fish exports for the last four years. Statistics from the Fisheries Department of the Ministry of Agriculture indicates that the volume of fish exported dropped by 6,000 tonnes from 23,000 exported in 2008 to 17, 000 tonnes in 2009.The value of fish exports also dropped from US$115million in 2008 to $85million in 2009, heightening concerns over Uganda's dwindling fish stocks. According to a fisheries official who preferred anonymity, there are already indicators that the exports will drop further in 2010. Statistics from the ministry indicate that from January to June 2010, only 5,000 tonnes worth $25million have been exported. Fish exports touched a high of 36,000 tonnes in 2005 worth $143million, the highest ever registered. However exports have since been dropping annually. In 2006, Uganda exported 32,000 tonnes worth $136million. The exports further dropped in 2007 to 28,000 tonnes worth $117million. An official from the Fisheries Department attributed the trend to over fishing, and use of illegal gear which catches young fish. He noted that the Nile Perch which is the major source of revenue for Uganda has been most hit. “There have been bigger catches of other fish species like Mukene but Nile Perch has reduced significantly," the official noted. He said that unemployment has, in some way, contributed to the dwindling fish stalks. "Most of the fishing in Uganda is done in rural areas. Because most people are not gainfully employed, they look at it as a solution to their financial problems, thus depleting the lakes," he noted. He further noted that the licensing which was formerly been done at the district level contributed to the decline in stalks. "The districts aimed at giving out more licenses as a way of rising more revenue without putting in place the necessary controls and measures," he said. He however said they have centralised the licensing process and the ministry is registering all the fishermen. "We are going to establish how many they are and how many should be there," he said. He said the boats will also be given number plates. "There has been a delay in implementing these measures because we are waiting for the amendment of the Fisheries Act to enable us implement certain measures which were formerly not provided for by the law," he said. Fish is a key foreign exchange earner for Uganda and had once overtaken major exports like coffee. However it now lags behind Ugandans in the Diaspora and tourism in foreign exchange. "Stocks have continued to decrease in our water bodies and inevitably less and less fish is harvested and this trend is expected to continue until the measures government is undertaking start to have an impact," the official noted.

J C KIZITO IS HEIR TO THE LATE J C KIWANUKA

J C KIZITO IS HEIR TO J C KIWANUKA

Saturday, August 13, 2011 saw the installation of John Christopher Kizito as heir to the Late John Chrysostom Kiwanuka (25^th July 1919 – 12^th June 2010).  The function was at the residence of Late J C Kiwanuka, at Kawuku Trading Centre Entebbe Highway.  The Main Celebrant for the Mass during which the installation took place was Msgr. Charles Kimbowa.  Kawuku Sub – Parish Choir added colour to the function.  A light drizzle was on through the whole function.

Among distinguished guests were; Katikiiro John Bosco Walusimbi (Jr), Hon. Kawanga Semwogerere, Hon. J B Mutebi MP Busiro South, Dr. Ponsiano Kaleebu, Mr. Katimbo Mugwanya, Brother Anthony Kyemwa to mention a few. 

The 1^st Reading was from Isaiah 25: 6 -10

Praise to God

On this mountain the Lord Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all the peoples, a banquet of aged wine – the best of meats and finest of wine.

On this mountain he will destroy the shroud that enfolds all peoples, the sheet that covers all nations;

He will swallow up death for ever.  The Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears from all faces;

He will remove the disgrace of his people from all the earth.

“Surely this is our God; we trust I Him, and He saved us.

This is the Lord, we trusted in Him; let us rejoice and be glad in His salvation.”

The hand of the Lord will rest on this mountain; but Moab will be trampled under Him as straw is trampled down in manure.

The 2^nd reading: 1 Corinthians 1:3 – 11

The God of All Comfort

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.  For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.  If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer.  And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in the sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.

We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia.  We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life.  Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death.  But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead.  He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us.  On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers.  Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favour granted us in answer to the prayers of many.

THE GOSPEL

Reading from Matthew 11:25 – 30

The Father Revealed in the Son

At the time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.  Yes, Father, for this is what you wee pleased to do.  “All things have been committed to me by my Father.  No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.

“Come to m, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

This is the Gospel of the Lord.

SPEECHES

Katikiiro J B Walusimbi was called upon to address the gathering.  He reflected on the Late J C Kiwanuka as his former teacher at St. Mary’s College Kisubi.  And that he had opportunity to be one of the six students who were taking double Mathematics which was taught by the Late J C Kiwanuka.  Walusimbi said that the Late got time to teach in evenings when he was Minister of Education.  They would see the vehicle park and he would deliver lectures to his students, hence making a dedicated teacher at St. Mary’s College Kisubi for a whole 51 years without broken service to his teaching profession.  He adviced those present to emulate the exemplary example of the Late J C Kiwanuka.  The Katikiiro argued Baganda to take their clans and clan rituals seriously, and to keep learning what is expected in such functions like the heir installation.

Talking about the 4 flags that were at the function, he said that indeed the late had been a great pillar in the Democratic Party and he never defaulted.  He lived to the spirit of the party up to the time of his death.

Referring to the St. Mary’s College Kisubi flag, the Katikiiro said that the Late J C dedicated his career life to working at St. Mary’s College Kisubi; a whole 50 years, and his products who are no mean professionals are known and seen locally and internationally.  He scored in seeing to improved service delivery in the teaching service and its products.

The Catholic Flag – the Late J C was a dedicated Catholic in all his ways and there is no doubt about that.  His education was nurtured by the Catholic Church given his background and he excelled.  He served the Church in a dedicated manner through his life.

The Buganda Flag – The Late J C Kiwanuka had his tribe at heart and loved his Kings so much hence greatly cherished the Buganda institution.  The Katikiiro pointed out that shortly after he was appointed Katikiiro, the Late Kiwanuka called on him at Bulange Mengo and gave him some advice on how to go about the challenges of the job.  It is true that J C got a scholarship from Buganda Government which enabled him to become registered as the 1^st graduate teacher in Uganda in 1951.               

BROTHER ANTHONY KYEMWA

Talk about the Late J C Kiwanuka as a teacher at St. Mary’s College Kisubi, may be there is no one better qualified to talk about him than Brother Anthony Kyemwa, the 1^st African headmaster at St. Mary’s College Kisubi.  Kyemwa talks about J C Kiwanuka as his deputy with whom they ensured that the College excelled.  They went through a lot of problems at the time, but they kept focused, hence brought up responsible citizens many of whom are in responsible management positions world wide.  Kyemwa says that he saw the Late Kiwanuka teach while Minister of education, and challenged the children of the late as well as the grand children to emulate their father and grand father respectively.

HON. KAWANGA SEMWOGERERE

Kawanga said that he was at St. Mary’s College Kisubi as a student when the Late J C Kiwanuka joined the then Brother dominated teaching staff at the school in 1951.  He witnessed J C Kiwanuka teach while Minister of Education in 1961/62.  He said that the Late J C Kiwanuka taught so many and a big number are professionals and highly responsible persons.  He further said that Uganda badly needs people like the Late J C as models for the children to learn from and emulate.  He castigated the practice which has become a norm in that many people expect a monetary reward, hence the reason they ask (Ndyayo ki?) – before performing duties and or responsibilities to the extent of giving votes in exchange for such rewards!  He advised that we should stop that practice.  He said J C was not the type who could fall for a bribe, never was he corrupted with monetary rewards.  Semwogerere donated a book he wrote to the J C family and he is convinced that they will get good guidance from it.  In his closing remarks he urged those in the democratic party to remain firmly focused on the norms of the party as the future in bright, they should not despair.          

MR KIBUUKA A LIBRARIAN AT ST. MARY’S COLLEGE

Kibuuka said he had worked for many years with the Late J C Kiwanuka both at St. Mary’s College Kisubi and also in the Democratic Party.  He told the audience about the difficult time both Brother Kyemwa as Headmaster at SMACK and the Late J C Kiwanuka went through during the 1979 Liberation war to the extent that these two almost lost their lives, but by Grace of God, they were spared.  Kibuuka and the Late J C vote hunted in 1980 and unfortunately, the Democratic Party victory was snatched.  They both were involved with the RC infrastructure of the NRM and kept mobilizing the members of the Democratic Party.

MAY GOD GRANT J C’S SOUK ETERNAL PEACE

A POEM

JJAJJA J C KIWANUKA

A name many people have heard about

A man with many ambitions and dreams

He succeeded or so it seems

A man with many life skills and talents

Teaching, learning and of course caring

He was a father, mother and a teacher all at the same time

And despite the distraction he always had a shine

He was someone of sound advice

If you were stuck

Someone honest with the truth

If you were in doubt

Someone with good intensions

For all

He was loved by many people

Some he did not even know

So when he would take his daily stroll

Someone would always say hello!

Leah Nabagereka Mugwanya

BEFORE J C KIWANUKA BREATHED HIS LAST ON JUNE 12 2010

The Late J C Kiwanuka had prepared a function after a close relative joined the ranks of Catholic Sisters, and he wanted this achievement celebrated.  It is said he looked forward to this day and made all the effort to see it a success.  At Cabana Restaurant at Kawuku Trading Centre, the function took off the sameday he breathed his last, and he was so happy as he shared with all the guests present as well as his family members.  No body ever thought that at that function, the Late was sharing with them the joy having fought a good fight and was set to join his creator shortly!

“While singing ‘NDISIIMISA KI NZE OMUKAMA,” it is like he had got the vision from God that his last hour had come and he had to show appreciation and praise to God for the fruitful life he had got through the 91 years he lived.  When he was taken for a rest as the function continued on, his rest continued on shortly after.”

We thank God for the gift of the Late J C Kiwanuka.

“God, rest his soul in eternal peace.”       

Editor,

William Kituuka Kiwanuka

St. Mary’s College Kisibi

Lourdel House

1974 - 1979

THE FUNERAL RITES OF THE LATE J C KIWANUKA 13TH AUGUST 2011

THE GOVT. OF UGANDA NEEDS TO AVOID THE TEMPTATION ON BOTANIC GARDENS

It is normal for the Government of Uganda to keep re-allocating land use as is the case with the Museum.  Our prayer is that that temptation is not extended to the Entebbe Botanic Gardens, a 40 hectare piece of land.  There is all the hope that the Government will respect the Strategic Plan by NARO from 2009 to 2018.  The Gardens are the only National Botanic Garden in Uganda.  On establishment in 1898, the Botanic gardens were a reception centre for introduced crops such as Cocoa, Cotton, Coffee, Tea, Oil Palm, Sisal to mention a few.  The land is a topography of wide range of micro habitats ranging from tropical rain forests, natural springs, sandy well drained soils, poorly drained marshy areas supporting the swampy vegetation as well as the shrubby areas typical of open savannah, with birds, monkeys, spiders to mention some.

The garden is situated along the northern shores of Lake Victoria giving it an excellent view of the lake.  There are 360 plant species of which 199 are indigenous to Uganda, 122 known for traditional medicinal value and 110 exotic plant species.

The Entebbe Botanical Gardens established in 1898 are situated on the northern shores of Lake Victoria virtually on the equator. Experiencing an annual rainfall of 1623 mm and at an altitude of 1134 metres the gardens are set in 40.7 hectres.

Botanical Gardens 4 image Slide Show

The gardens house a collection of species of plants of the tropical, sub-tropical and temperate zones, besides several shrubs and other plants regenerated naturally over the years.The collection as of 1998 numbered 309 species, 199 indigenous to Uganda, 122 with known medicinal value and 110 exotic. The gardens are a popular attraction for visitors of which some 40,000 per year are passing through the gates since the rehabilitation in 1998.

  

HAJJI SEBAGALA NEEDS LANGUAGE LESSONS TO REPRESENT UGANDA

On a serious note, Nasser Sebagala has been appointed to a Ministerial Position, however, the appointing authority ought to be aware that the guy's language is bad.  Sebagala needs serious language classes to enable him transform his crude and mechanical English to the polished type that is expected of a guy in his position.  What is most unfortunate about Sebagala when he is expressing himself, he more often than not emphasizes points when the language is very wrong.  Government should help him get training to master the language expected of a person of his status.

William Kituuka Kiwanuka 

Does Speaking English fluently measure someone’s intelligence in Uganda?

 Dear readers,

Some Ugandans have been criticizing Vice president,Dr.Bukenya’s fluency in the English language, particularly when he appeared to be struggling with English at a business forum in India as indicated in the youtube video:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNdb1n4MyWM&feature=related. The same group have called for president Museveni’s press secretary,Tamare Mirundi’s head, because he cannot also express himself properly in English during press conferences. Others have also been mistakenly praising the president of one of the DP factions, Norbert Mao’s oratory skills for intelligence. Some have even, out of ignorance, said that Mao is more intelligent than the Mayor of Kampala, ‘illiterate’ Sebagala . But what is the truth in whole this?

Normally a person growing up just hearing a language will not speak it as a native speaker or someone that language is a mother tongue. However, if one begins speaking a language on a regular basis, one usually keeps an accent all their life. For instance, some of us have developed funny accents because of the regions where we live in Britain but does it mean that we can express ourselves better than Bukenya or Tamare Mirundi(presedential Press Secretary)? The answer is ‘no’.

For all practical purposes, a person speaking a language at mother tongue level is a native speaker. Therefore, Dr.Bukenya cannot speak English in the same way as an English man or like some Ugandans who have been abroad for ages. A native speaker may once have meant “native” in the original sense of the word, i.e. born in that country, but now it just means a person who grew up speaking that language – which is the only way to get perfect in one language.

Indeed, a lot of people that pass through educational institutions in Uganda can express themselves in English, but are not (and may never be) as good at English as a “native speaker” or someone who has lived abroad for years. So when Tamare Mirundi speaks English, he represents a large group of elites in Uganda, and this is ok as long as people understand what he is trying to say.

Again, it is not just about grammar. Understanding the various regional differences of English or American English can be quite challenging as well. For instance, I can bet several Ugandans would not understand a thing when they hear an English man from Yorkshire or Liverpool(UK) addressing them because of the accent. In the UK itself they accept people that know how to express themselves in good English but they don’t demand them to be from Anglophone countries, or speak English fluently. This means that Dr.Bukenya or Tamare Mirundi can get any job they want in the UK with their level of expression in English.

I am no expert on all these matters, but my personal experience is that there are really big differences between individual people. There are  those who live in a country for more than 20 years and still speak the local language with a heavy accent while others are really hard to identify as non-native speakers after only three or four years. I don’t know what the reason for this is.

But of course it does not often happen that people have to be perfect in the language, and I don’t really think this is necessary. If we want an open society in Uganda, we have to be more tolerant against people not perfectly speaking our languages or any foreign language such as English. For instance, there are many people who are native Luganda speakers by birth, like me, but who speak a highly ungrammatical language that is not really rich on vocabulary. Many non-baganda beat their level of language.

It can also be proven that even a native speaker’s fluency is his/her own language can diminish given enough time in another linguistic environment.  There has been several notable Ugandans example of this, but I won’t go into it.

Is Ssebagala Illiterate?

Let me also correct people one thing: Ssebagala Nasser is not an illiterate man as he can read and write. He can read and write Luganda fluently. He can read English but cannot speak it fluently. So their use of the word ‘illiterate’ is totally misplaced. But then again, history has shown that illiteracy is not in any way a measure of one’s intelligence. For instance, according to Islamic scriptures, prophet Muhammad (SAW) never knew how to read and write but he managed to spread Islam under very difficult conditions, and Islam today has got second biggest following after Christianity.

Wealth and intelligence

It is true that wealthy people are generally more intelligent than average all over the world. But this is not the same as saying that the current Mayor of Kampala,Hajji Sebagala, is more intelligent than  Mao, but it is very possible. I don’t know, but it’s very possible, since intelligence is very difficult to quantify.My argument here all hinges on the word “generally,’ and I hope some people don’t equivocate on the meaning of that word. Yes, there is a distinct subset of wealthy people that are less intelligent than average but overall the rich tend to be smarter. That is a fact!

Alhajji Ssebagala, James Mulwana and most rich Kampala men are more street smart than the likes of Mao, and they are probably more intelligent than the likes of Mao. Probably, if Ssebagala had decided to invest more of his time in first acquiring more degrees before business, ‘theoretical’ elites would now be calling him so intelligent, because their definition of intelligence is on how much qualifications someone has got.

Look, Uganda, unlike USA or UK, people just don’t become rich through stockbrokers and mutual funds. One has to be ‘OMUYIYA’(creative) to make it to the top. Those who make it through straightforward means: acquiring education, getting a job, and becoming rich, are not many. But Pessimists are people who believe in elites and governments. They believe that famous college professors are smarter than ordinary men and women, which is totally wrong.

Education and intelligence

There is this false idea that education = intelligence. Education may lead to understanding of intelligence, but it can just as easily lead one away from their real abilities.   We must not confuse education and intelligence with cult of education and intelligence.  In many ways, an illiterate Ugandan peasant knows more about human nature, economics, and moral values than some highly educated Uganda bureaucrat steeped in Marxist theory, dialectical materialism, and historicist mumbo jumbo.  A person can be highly educated with all the false ideas and idiocies.  Only the CULT of education says that a person is more intelligent simply because he’s read more books, has earned a Ph.D. and given lectures.

For instance, I know a lot of uneducated men in Bugerere at Kisega Village, including my grandfather, who act more intelligent than this crop we have now got from Makerere university. For 1000s of years, the most highly educated Chinese believed that business was dirty and exploitative, and so China did not make economic progress like the West.

One can study for years and years, but if the ideas are false or misleading the educated can be more stupid, naive, and ignorant that those who learned of reality through everyday experience. Norbert Mao saw Ssebagala losing the trust of Ugandans by leaning himself more towards president Museveni and NRM, but the ‘intelligent’ Mao has been publicly praising president Museveni several times. The ‘intelligent’ Mao thinks that  a fragmented opposition can stop NRM from leading Uganda for more 30 years.

That’s why I discourage people to go for postgraduate studies for the sake of beautifying their CV. One needs to find himself before going for further studies. We have all got abilities which we never exploit just because we are rushing to impress the society and those around us.

Is Mao more intelligent than Ssebagala?

Intelligence can’t even be quantified, let alone measured – and I see zero evidence anywhere that Mao is more intelligent than Ssebagala. If we define intelligence in terms of “success,” then Ssebagala has done well for himself than Mao.Speaking English fluently does not make Mao more intelligent.For instance,the computer with an NLP software understands plain English -but it is only as intelligent as its rules & database allow it to. It cannot acquire intelligence or use common sense.

Overall, we should all respect each other and never to make a mistake of measuring one’s intelligence, perfection or literacy depending on their fluency in a language. Yes, English is very important and we should all strive to learn it because the prevalence of English as a language of commerce and of technical communication easily connects us to the global village and global opportunities. It’s one of the reasons why I have been advocating for its promotion in East Africa at the expense of Swahilli.

Byebyo ebyange
By Abbey Kibirige Semuwemba

Who will be Democratic President?

Source:  http://www.newvision.co.ug/detail.php?newsCategoryId=12&newsId=710557

Friday, 19th February, 2010

DP presidential candidates Nasser Sebaggala and Nobert Mao during the delegates conference in Mbale

By Jude Kafuma
and Daniel Edyegu THE Democratic Party (DP) national delegates' conference for party elections opened yesterday amid tight security at Mt. Elgon Hotel in Mbale municipality.
Only 750 delegates had been registered by 9:00am when the conference opened, out of the 1,500 delegates expected to attend.
A faction of the party leaders led by national chairperson Prof. Joseph Mukiibi and deputy secretary general Dr. Bayiga Lulume has boycotted the conference.

Former DP president, Paul Ssemogerere was conspicuously absent. He had unsuccessfully tried to reconcile the two main DP factions.

�We have deployed personnel and manpower since yesterday until Sunday when the conference ends,� said the Superintendent of Police and officer in charge of operations in Mbale district, Muhammed Sapwe.

Among the area security operatives at the venue were George Koire the deputy officer in charge of operations in Mbale and Hamuza Kayongo, the Eastern region operations officer.

regional operations officer.
The party will carry out elections for its leaders ahead of the 2011 elections. Among the most contested seats is the Party president general�s post mainly contested for by Gulu LC5 chairman Nobert Mao and Kampala Mayor Hajji Nasser Ntege Sebaggala.
While campaigns for the party leadership kicked-off months ago, by the time registration started on Thursday evening, several delegates were arriving chanting slogans of Obama referring to Mao as their favorite as others were busy putting up more posters in favour of Sebaggala.
Sources said Mao has uphill task to prevail over the City mayor Sebaggala who evidently has invested heavily in the process and mobilised aggressively. Sebaggala has several coaches in Mbale that ferried delegates from various parts of the country.
Sources disclosed that Sebaggala is funding a big percentage of the conference cost. �The total budget for the conference is sh400m. The foreign donors through the Deepening Democracy Programme have provided sh50m. Outgoing DP president John Ssebaana Kizito has also contributed about sh50m. It is said the remaining sh300m has been raised by Sebaggala.

Saturday Vision learnt that the organisers were forced to shift the event to Mt. Elgon Hotel after Sebaggala booked the entire Mbale Resort for himself and his supporters.

Sebaggala then accommodatedsome delegates who were supposed to spend the night in a tent at the Mt. Elgon Hotel and were stranded because the organizers had not provided mattresses as had been earlier planned.
On Thursday evening, Sebaggala's campaign team headed by one Mulyanyama, Dan Matovu, Issa Makumbi and Bumba Ssebagala were ferrying delegates who were stranded at the venue and offered them accommodation.
Some delegates were taken to Sadina Inn outside Mbale town and were accommodated in tents.
Sebaggala's camp has eight campaign managers representing the north, east, west and central regions.
"I have traversed the country and convinced people to vote for me because DP deserves change," Sebaggala said moments before the conference started.

Sources also said Sebaggala had an edge over Mao because he (Sebaggala) enjoyed the backing of two key players in the conference, the Party secretary general Matia Nsubuga and Jinja mayor Baswale kezaala.

Nsubuga previously worked as Sebaggala�s political assistant while Kezaala has significant following within the young party leaders who were active in the Uganda Young Democrats.

The boycott by the faction led by Bayiga could work against Mao. The faction includes a big number of the party's elite who were more inclined to support Mao, whi is a lawyer by profession.
Mao's camp that was overshadowed by Sebaggala's team was confident that their candidate would take DP leadership. His campaign team led by Vincent Mayanja the Kampala district DP chairman included most of the high profile officials of the party.
"We've campaigned rigorously and asked delegates to vote for us the way we are, not because of what we have. It is qualities, capacity and ability to lead the party that matter,"Mayanja said.
Attendance
DP MPs: Joseph Balikuddembe, Issa Kikungwe, Matia Nsubuga, Mohammed Kawuma and Ssebuliba Mutumba.
Contestants: Kenneth Kakande, Jude Mbabali and Mwesigwa for who are vying for publicity secretary, and Moses Kalungi for deputy treasurer. Issa Kikungwe wants to become treasurer, Francis Bwengye chairman, Mukasa Mbidde national vice-chairman, Wasswa Ziritwawula chairman central region, while, Francis Katabalwa and Erasto Kibirango are standing for the post of legal advisor.
This week, a section of the Party's national executive committed led by the national chairman Prof. Joseph Mukiibi, and deputy secretary general and MP Dr. Michael Lulume Bayiga announced the expulsion of Sebaana, Nsubuga and Kikungwe.
'NEC has not endorsed or called this meeting and it will not be involved in the activities at Mbale,� read the Statement issued by Bayiga's faction.
The faction said the vice-president, Rainer Kafire, had replaced Ssebaana Kizito as president, said the statement signed by Mukiibi, Bayiga and Kafire.
Others in the boycotting faction include outspoken party spokesperson, Betty Nambooze, the Central division MP and party legal advisor Erias Lukwago. They argue that Matia Nsubuga, who has convened the Delegates Conference, is no longer the party secretary general.
However, political analysts argue that the faction opposed to the Mbale conference is against election of either Mao or Sebaggala as party president.
DP is the oldest party, having been formed in 1954.
It has not held power, except for a brief period in 1961 when Ben Kiwanuka was elected chief minister.