TRICKED, RAPED BY A TRADITIONAL HEALER
Uganda has one of the highest fertility rates in the world. But for women who, for one reason or another fail to conceive, desperation exposes them to the wiles of traditional healers.
Rachael Lwayiga, 18, is a victim of rape. A resident of Siriira village in Luwuka district, Lwayiga's search for relief from alleged recurrent demonic attacks led her into enlisting the help of a traditional healer, Sulaiman Batwala, 64. Read more
http://www.newvision.co.ug/news/631820-tricked-raped-by-a-traditional-healer.html
WOMAN FOUND DEAD, CHILDREN MISSING
The deceased has been identified as Akol Lomuge, a resident of Atedewoi village. Her two children only identified as Ngorok and Apule, who were travelling with her to Musasi village, Katikeikile Sub County are still missing. This is the sixth woman to die under mysterious circumstances in the last two months.
A 26 year-old woman who disappeared with her two children six days ago in Nadunget Sub County in Moroto district, has been found dead. The deceased has been identified as Akol Lomuge, a resident of Atedewoi village. Her two children only identified as Ngorok and Apule, who were travelling with her to Musasi village, Katikeikile Sub County are still missing. The decomposing body was found by a herdsman 10 kms along Moroto-Kitale road.
This is the sixth woman to die under mysterious circumstances in a space of two months. In previous deaths, which police treat as murder, five women were killed in Kodonyo and Loputuk villages, Katikeikile Sub County. Local leaders attribute the deaths to revenge killings by rivaling communities of the Tepeth and Matheniko clans. Read more
http://ugandaradionetwork.com/a/story.php?s=42645
INVOLVE CLAN LEADERS IN FGM FIGHT, ACTIVISTS SAY
The inclusion of Sabiny and Pokot cultural leaders in the eradication of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), will ease the fight against the widely-condemned vice, activists have said. Activists from Amudat, Bukwo, Kween, Bugiri, Kapchorwa districts and Kenya, said the involvement of traditional cultural leaders would build ownership of the campaign against FGM.
"Because clan and cultural leaders see FGM as their cultural identity and seem unwilling to see it eradicated, once sensitised, they will become the disciples of the crusade against FGM and enable us successfully fight the practice," said Mr Richard Luswat Wanyonyi, a communications officer with peace and human rights programme in Kenya. Read more
ABORTION: WHY MANY YOUNG WOMEN THINK IT IS THEIR ONLY OPTION
Despite being an evidently huge problem in the country, liable to punishment, abortion cases are uncommon in Ugandan courts because they are never reported for investigation, due to what the lawyers attribute to the secret nature of the offence, complicity and connivance of the women involved, and incomprehensive laws.
Dr Winfred Nabisinde, a legal consultant with the Uganda Association of Women Lawyers (Fida) says that cases often come to light when women and girls develop or die from post abortion complications, death or injury in the process of a surgical operation. Even when some of the abortion cases are reported, they usually end at the magistrate's court and are rarely concluded.Read more
STATE OF THE NATION 2012: MUSEVENI'S FULL SPEECH
President Yoweri Museveni delivered the State of the Nation address on Thursday at Serena Hotel.
The address is delivered once a year at the beginning of each session of Parliament Read more
http://www.newvision.co.ug/news/631754-state-of-the-nation-2012-museveni-s-full-speech.html
EALA GETS FIRST FEMALE SPEAKER
Fourty nine year-old Margaret Zziwa on Monday became the third Speaker of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) and first woman to hold the post since the regional body was revived in 1999. She defeated in a closely contested election her compatriot Dora Byamakuma (40), also from Uganda, on the second round after the first one failed to produce the minimum required votes for any of the two.
During the first round, which witnessed none of them reaching the required 30 votes or two-thirds majority, Zziwa scored 27 votes against Byamukama's 18. On the second round, Margaret Nantongo Zziwa was elected the first female Speaker after polling 33 votes against Byamukama's 12 votes. The electorate has 45 voters, nine by each member state. The first speaker of the Assembly was Abdulrahman Kinana from Tanzania followed by Abdirahim Abdi from Kenya, whose tenure of service ended last week. Read more
http://www.ippmedia.com/frontend/index.php?l=42350
http://www.newvision.co.ug/news/631690-zziwa-elected-eala-speaker.html
HOW ZZIWA WON EALA SPEAKER POST
The new Speaker of the East African Legislative Assembly, Margaret Nantongo Zziwa, went to Arusha as the underdog in the race for the coveted race. But to those who have dealt with her long, her victory didn't come as a surprise. She is described as an assertive and confident lady. In the political circles, Zziwa has been known as a plain-speaking person who doesn't fear to take an independent position. No wonder she insisted on standing for the position of Speaker against the official candidate, Dora Byamukama.
As the Speaker of EALA, Zziwa will be a key player in the East African Community and one of the region's top political figures. In her new role, she will be closely consulting with the region's presidents. An excited Professor Victoria Mwaka, who was Zziwa's lecturer in the Department of Gender Studies, remembers her as a forthright bright student. "I groomed her. She was my student," Prof. Mwaka who supervised Zziwa for her Master's degree says and describes her as a "lucky girl and a devoted Catholic." Mwaka is now on the board of St Margaret Secondary school, a school Zziwa started in Makerere. Read more
http://www.newvision.co.ug/news/631703-how-zziwa-won-eala-speaker-post.html
MINISTRY RESPONDS TO GULU'S CRIES OVER NODDING DISEASE
The Ministry of Health has responded to calls by leaders of Gulu District for immediate support for children suffering from the nodding disease syndrome. The leaders, civil societies and humanitarian agencies had last week threatened to transport the affected children to Parliament. They also wanted the region declared a disaster area.
The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Asuman Lukwago, in a communication to the district this week, said officials from the health ministry would start camping in the nodding disease affected areas by Sunday. Dr Lukwago also indicated that the officials after meeting with the district leadership over the nodding syndrome, would spearhead the setting up of grassroot structures to identify and refer cases to recommended health centres for administration. Read more
ACTIVISTS MOBILISE AID FOR NODDING FAMILIES, ELDERLY
Women rights organisations across the country have launched an appeal to Good Samaritans to donate financial and material support to children and families affected by the nodding disease syndrome. The move is meant to console the affected people, especially the women, who are still recovering from the effects of the two-decade LRA war. Speaking at the launch of the initiative on Friday, the executive director Uganda Women's Network, Ms Rita Aciro Lakor, said the appeal is not a new thing because it is the method most NGOs use to lobby for support from outside Uganda, but should become a culture to support such disadvantaged communities.
"The so-called money we receive from donors is got through such appeals. We want to make a difference to the children and women of northern Uganda," Ms Lakor said.
She said so far their efforts have yielded Shs18 million and an assortment of household items, which will be delivered to Kitgum, Lamwo, Pader and Gulu districts this week. Read more
TRADITIONAL HEALER CLAIMS TO CURE NODDING DISEASE
Alfred Ojara is an unassuming man in his demeanor, not his words. Armed with nothing but a clear plastic bag of light brown powder and a spoon to dole it out, he says he has been able to relieve painful symptoms where government-provided drugs have failed. "I am now paving the way to alleviating these diseases," the herbalist says.
For the past 20 years, Ojara says he has been curing his home district in Pader of various ills. And from malaria to meningitis to malnourishment, he says his herbs have worked wonders – restoring appetite, ridding patients of fevers and more. But it is his claim to cure nodding disease that has not been verified, and is now dividing authorities. While some local officials have been known to visit him for treatment themselves, others have threatened to have him thrown in jail.Read more
COURT TO DELIVER JUDGEMENT ON MATERNAL MORTALITY
The Constitutional Court is set to deliver judgment today in a suit in which civil society advocates are seeking to force the Government put a stop on maternal mortality in Uganda. Over 150 activists, including grass-root home-based care providers and community leaders all over the country dragged the Government to court, complaining that it violated the women's rights by neglecting to put essential medical commodities in place for them when they are pregnant.
They are seeking declaration that by failing to provide the essential medical commodities and adequate health services to pregnant women, the Government is violating their constitutional rights as mothers of this nation. They are seeking compensation for the siblings of those who have lost their beloved ones that have died during deliveries for lack of the essentials in hospitals and officials health clinics, such as Sylvia Nalubowa and Jennifer Anguko, who died during child birth. The activists contend that maternal mortality is a crisis in Uganda and; they want the Constitutional Court to change the situation by giving declarations against the epidemic. Read more
http://www.newvision.co.ug/news/631672-court-to-deliver-judgement-on-maternal-mortality.html
MATEMBE BREAKS DOWN OVER NODDING DISEASE CHILDREN
The former minister of ethics and integrity, Miria Matembe shed tears over the plight of children affected by the nodding disease. Matembe broke down when she was making an appeal to all Ugandans to come to the rescue of over 200 children affected by the nodding disease in northern Uganda. "I feel touched about the suffering of these children who some have fallen into the fire and are tied on the trees," Matembe said as tears rolled down her cheeks.
Matembe, who could hardly hold back her tears, implored Ugandans to give money, clothes and food items to support the families taking care of children suffering from the nodding disease. The impact of the disease has led to a high drop-out of pupils from schools and has hindered mothers from attending to their gardens as they remain home to look after the affected children. Government has staked sh7 billion to address the impact of the disease but sh35b is required to curb the disease. Matembe appealed to Government to put more efforts to combat the disease which struck northern Uganda early this year. Read more
http://www.newvision.co.ug/news/631810-matembe-breaks-down-over-nodding-disease-children.html
NODDING DISEASE AND THE STRUGGLE FOR THE SOUL OF UGANDA
The INDEPENDENT magazine of May 18 – 24, carried an interview with Kitgum Woman MP Beatrice Anywar who recently resigned as shadow Minister for Energy, Oil and Mineral Development. The MP told the magazine that she decided to quit, "following reports in the media that I am about to cross, that I am meeting the President but most importantly the letter I received from my leader of opposition, Hon. Nandala Mafabi, putting my integrity to question".
She denied press reports that she may soon cross over to the ruling NRM. "Over my dead body, I will never cross to NRM, my party is FDC and I believe in the ideology we put in place to deliver this country and the truth will set me free". Read more
COURT DISMISSES MATERNAL MORTALITY CASE
The Constitutional Court Tuesday dismissed a case in which civil society advocates were seeking to force the Government put a stop on maternal mortality in Uganda. The verdict was delivered by the assistant registrar of the Court Alex Ajiji on behalf of a panel of five judges led by the deputy Chief Justice Alice Mpagi Bahigeine. The judges said although maternal mortality remains a big problem that needs to be urgently addressed, any ruling contrary to that would be interference with the executive's mandate.
Over 150 activists, including grass-root home-based care providers and community leaders all over the country dragged the Government to court, complaining that it violated the women's rights by neglecting to put essential medical commodities in place for them when they are pregnant. They were seeking declaration that by failing to provide the essential medical commodities and adequate health services to pregnant women, the Government is violating their constitutional rights as mothers of this nation. Read more
http://www.newvision.co.ug/news/631689-court-dismisses-maternal-mortality-case.html
ADVOCATES REJECT CONSTITUTIONAL COURT'S RULING THAT IT HAS NO COMPETENCE TO ADDRESS THE CRISIS OF PREVENTABLE MATERNAL MORTALITY IN UGANDA: APPEAL TO SUPREME COURT PLANNED
(June 5 2012) Advocates have sharply criticised the ruling by Constitutional Court on whether or not the Court has standing to hear Petition Number 16 of 2011, a landmark case on preventable maternal mortality, the rights of women, the right to health and the right to life. Justices ruled that the case, Petition Number 16 of 2011, must be dismissed, they believe that they have no competency to hear a case regarding realization and protection of these human rights.
"We are deeply disappointed that Constitutional Court has ruled that it has no standing to address a life and death issue affecting all Ugandans. We feel this is a grave mistake," said Nakibuuka Noor Musisi of CEHURD and the Coalition to Stop Maternal Mortality. "This rulingmeans the Court wants the status quo to continue. They are standing in the way of constructive solutions to a crisis." Read more
GOVERNMENT TO IMPOSE CHARGE, DEMAND LICENCES FOR CHURCH MARRIAGES
For each church wedding, the State expects Shs35,000 and failure to do so will tantamount to a criminal offence, which could lead to imprisonment.
The burden of collecting and filing the fee has been bestowed on the church ministers, meaning that should they fail to deliver, they will be held culpable and punished according to the law.
Controversially though, the matrimonial celebration (wedding) must be done in a place licensed by the State; otherwise the ceremony will be regarded null and void.
In an interview with Daily Monitor on Friday, the director Civil Registration, Ms Eva Mugerwa, said this is something that should already be happening because it is a requirement by the law. "We shall soon be knocking at your doors (Churches and other places of worship) to ask for what belongs to Caesar," Ms Mugerwa said. However, the church need not worry about past weddings because the authority is only interested in fresh matrimonial celebrations. Read more
MINISTRY RECORDS 119 NEW NODDING DISEASE CASES
The Ministry of Health has registered 119 new cases of nodding disease in Lamwo and Kitgum districts. The ministry's communications officer, Rukia Nakamatte said on phone that 41 cases were discovered in Abam village in Lamwo and 78 in Kitgum. She added that Pawena and Beyongoya parishes had not reported any new cases. She said the ministry had plans to set up outreach sites in areas that have a high concentration of nodding disease cases. They include Anak, Parachel, Padibe East and West.
Others are Paloga and Lukumu sub-county. She said ministry officials planned to visit Atang and Angangura sub-counties in Pader for screening while in Kitgum district they would visit Tumanga village and Panyakel, all in Akwang sub-county. Meanwhile, a team of health experts has been dispatched to Gulu district to verify the magnitude o the nodding syndrome. "The team comprises paediatricians, nutritionists and psychiatrists, among others and is expected to work with Gulu regional referral hospital staff," Nakamatte said. Read more
http://www.newvision.co.ug/news/631791-ministry-records-119-new-nodding-disease-cases.html
MAKERERE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS TO GIVE OUT CONDOMS
Makerere University students have launched a campaign drive to distribute condoms and contraceptives in order to prevent unwanted pregnancies and HIV/AIDS. The students who were selected from different faculties will dish out condoms and contraceptives to their peers beginning from their residential halls. Over 5000 students are expected to be reached out by the end of the year. The over 100 trained students on emergency contraception will also approach their colleagues residing in hostels to sensitize them on the dangers of unplanned pregnancies.
The trained students will also create awareness among their peers and dish out condoms and contraceptives during major activities at campus such as sports, dialogues, conferences and others. The distribution of condoms and contraceptives will be aided by Reproductive Health Uganda (RHU). "You should take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way in the campus be it sports and any other event to give out condoms and contraceptives," the executive director of Reproductive Health Uganda, Jackson Chekweko said. Read more
http://www.newvision.co.ug/news/631834-makerere-university-students-to-give-out-condoms.html
GIVING THE HIV-POSITIVE HOPE
Hannington Segirinya is an inspirational young man. He is not only a true community leader, he is also a dedicated community servant who has worked with the Uganda Red Cross for many years. With a great dose of dedication, hard work and courage, he took on one critical need he saw in his community: Giving hope to HIV-affected children faced with an uncertain future.
Aged 30, Segiriniya was born in Kyaggwe, Mukono district. He is the director and founder of New Dawn Africa Foundation, Nkumba village in Entebbe, Wakiso district. Read more
http://www.newvision.co.ug/news/631825-giving-the-hiv-positive-hope.html
VENDORS DUMP GARBAGE IN MAYOR'S OFFICE OVER STENCH
A group of women market vendors in Lira stormed Lira Municipal Council offices and poured rubbish in the mayor's office protesting filth at their work place. The women, carrying garbage in broken plastic containers and sacks, moved in procession through the streets of Lira Town while singing up to municipal council offices.
"We are from Teboaya Market. We commend the young mayor for his good work," the women sang sarcastically, in reference to mayor Morris Odung.
The women, after pouring garbage in the mayor's office, went to Central Division headquarters and did the same. Ms Grace Among, a vendor, said they are disgusted with the leadership of Lira Municipal Council.
WE MUST GUARANTEE THAT THE WORLD WE LEAVE TO OUR CHILDREN IS A BETTER PLACE
Parents all over the world want to give their children and grandchildren a secure future. This must also be the goal for the world's leaders when we meet in Rio.
I am working for a more just world. At the same time, parents all over the world want their children to have a better life than they have had. This is why we must promote economic growth and create jobs and security for millions of people.
We must encourage the use of more climate-friendly technology and more sustainable development. And those who create most pollution must also do most to cut emissions.
Uganda aims at fast economic growth to become a middle-income country by 2025, and to transform the economy through investments in infrastructure. Norway is pleased to support Uganda's efforts in developing the economy and securing the livelihoods for the country's future generations through protecting forests and reforestation, and increase access to sustainable energy for the people. Read more
LIFE STYLE
BLIND BUT WITH A VISION
It is good to have a positive attitude and to consider everyone around you as equally positive. You also need to be bold. These are principles by which Fazira Kawuma has written her life, scoring several successes. But all has not been a bed of roses, however, especially the events following her eye impairment. "At one time I even thought of taking my life," she narrated.
She is the last child in a family of nine, the Nyende family from Iganga. Originally the family lived in Buwaabe, Nsaale Parish in Ibulanku Sub-county where she studied Primary 1 and 2 at Nakibumbe Primary school. Then, the family migrated to Wante village in Mayuge district where she completed primary school at Mbale Church of Uganda Primary School. Read more
UNTO SHE WHO HAS, MORE SHALL BE GIVEN AND EVEN MORE DEMANDED
Spoken with a Luganda intonation, her name translates as "they underlook". But there is not much to underlook about Tooro kingdom's Princess Elizabeth Nyabongo Rukidi Christobel Edith Bagaya, an icon for women looking to become generation-defining lawyers, politicians, models, or actresses. She realised many firsts in all these fields.
Many a girl would certainly envy the more glitzy details of her life: born a princess to Lieutenant Sir George David Matthew Kamurasi Rukidi III, the 11th Omukama of Tooro and Queen Kezia Byanjeru Abwooli; primary education at a girl's school named after her grandfather King Kasagama Kyebambe the fourth; secondary at Gayaza High School and university at England's Sherbonne School for Girls. Read more
WASHING ONE'S HANDS RIGHT
You obviously know that washing your hands is important because it kills germs. But did you wash your hands before giving your child medication? How about just after driving? Did you wash up after playing with your lovely pet? And after touching the banister while ascending the stairs? As you touch different objects, germs accumulate in your hands and when you touch your nose, eyes or even mouth, you unknowingly infect yourself with those germs.
Quite a number of the people in various communities countrywide don't effectively wash their hands, a situation that has led to persistent prevalence of hygiene related diseases, health officials have said. Read more
DIARY OF A WORKING MARRIED WOMAN: BEYOND A CAR, HOUSE AND SOME MONEY
My cousin recently tied the knot back in the village. I had planned to attend but unfortunately could not. It was hard for the young couple to pull the wedding off. There were many obstacles, the least not being money. From following rigid church rules to having friends disappear when you need them the most, they faced it all. But there were also miracles. The wedding gown was one of the most beautiful I have seen this year and she got it for free. Friends and family contributed what they could and their help behind the scenes was great. I am sure the outsiders had no idea what people had gone through to pull it off.
I laughed, oohed and aahed, sighed and shook my head as the new bride told me all that had taken place. At the end of it all, I was impressed. Here was a young woman who understood that her man could not afford to give her the "million dollar" wedding or an easy or comfortable first few years of their marriage but that was not the deciding factor for her. What mattered was that this was an honest, good and solid fellow who loved her for who she was and was willing to do all it takes to get them to a better place. Read more
Compiled By Sandra Nassali & Esther Namitala
Public Relations & Communications Department
Action For Development
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