By Paul Ndiho
September 29, 2010
The U.S. has the world's largest international student population, with approximately 660,000 students. Paul Ndiho recently sat down with one African student who has chosen to pursue his higher education and life experiences in Washington D.C.
Max Jordan Nguemeni, is a first year Civil Engineering international student at Howard University in Washington D.C. He arrived here nearly 18 months ago from the West African Nation of Cameroon.
"I picked Civil Engineering as my major. Coming to the United States, you know, we have more opportunities here after college or grad school. If I ever want to go back - to Cameroon I think I have somehow more chances to be successful."
Many colleges and Universities offer international students great opportunities for learning and enrichment. For Jordan choosing Howard University was not an extensive and exhausting process.
"I applied here, because my uncle, who I used to live with … but I live on campus now
Went to Howard for grad school, he did Mechanical Engineering and his wife went here for law school."
Even though there are many cultures in America, there is still an "American culture" that may be quite different from your own. While much of American culture is exported through television, film, and consumer products, but there are some aspects that you do not encounter until you actually live in the US.
"People have this thing called personal space. I had never heard of personal space before… You don't have to stand too close to people… "
In an age of globalization, the presence of foreign students is being perceived by universities around the world as an effective instrument in the diversification of their campuses. With their exposure to international students, domestic students are strengthening their knowledge of global issues and being better prepared to live and work in a global community. The exposure is also helping students to better understand each other and overcome negative attitudes toward other peoples and cultures.
"They make fun of us because of our accents maybe it's a joke maybe it's no not understanding other peoples accents sometimes they speak very fast for me to understand them too."
However, Jordan says he enjoys living on campus life because the students and the professors are nice but jokes that there is no diversity.
"Everybody is black. Or almost everybody is black.
Because of the prohibitive cost of going college in America, there are certain scholarships programs that he cannot afford. He say these extra programs would beneficial to him helping people in his home country.
"To an African Society Civil engineering is very applicable, we need roads, we need bridges, we need buildings, we need better transportation systems, and we need to take care of the environment. And where I'm from the environment isn't taken care of… so those are some areas where I can apply my degree."
When asked about what he thought are about joining politics in Cameroon and playing a role in building his country. Jordan flatly rejects the idea saying politicians in his home country are greedy and don't want to work for the advancement of the community but rather themselves.
"We need organization, we need to manage time, and we need to manage people and to learn how to manage money and improve service delivery for the communities.
Approximately 40 percent of all the international students at Howard University are from Africa. The New York based Institute of International Education says number of foreign students attending American colleges reached an all-time high of 671, 616 during the 2008-2009 academic year, an increase of almost 8 percent from a year earlier. First-time-student enrollments grew even more robustly, by nearly 16 percent.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS
By Paul Ndiho, Washington D.C.
September 22, 2010
World leaders attending the U.N general assembly at the United Nations in New York kicked of the Millennium Development Goals Summit by discussing methods to keep their promise to cut world poverty in half by 2015.
World leaders are meeting this week in New York, to assess the status of the eight millennium development goals they committed to in 2000. Analysts say Africa has made progress in reducing poverty, despite the global economic downturn that has affected many donor programs. Annika Soder, Assistant Director General, U.N Food and Agriculture Organization says, world hunger must be tackled now.
"More than 900 million, almost one billion people suffer from undernourishment. It's possible to do something about it and we want to support the voices of those hungry people to make governments take action in order for them to be able to grow their own food or buy their own food."
In most parts of Africa, food prices continue to soar. Prices of major food commodities in the markets across Africa have increased sharply and many households have poor access to basic food needs. Friday Abechi, a petty trader in Lagos, Nigeria says things are tight and she no longer can afford the luxury of three meals a day.
"Common 'garri' (cassava flour) if you don't have money you can't buy it, when I was growing people would take beans, it was the cheapest thing any poor man could eat, but now, the poor cannot afford it."
Experts say that rising oil prices and increased production are expected to drive Nigerian economic growth higher this year although headline inflation is seen remaining in double digits. Sub-Saharan Africa's second-biggest economy, grew by over 6 percent in 2009, is expected to grow 7.0 percent this year. Grain trader Abudulmalki Jibril says that the price of maize has continued to increase, and there are fewer buyers.
"In January a big of maize cost 5,500 naira (36 US dollars), in March 6,000 (naira) (40 US dollars), March to April to May 6,500 (naira) (43 US dollars), May till now, yellow maize costs 7,500 (naira) (50 US dollars) till now."
The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) remains a major challenge for Togo, like most countries in sub Saharan Africa.
Northern Togo is one of the poorest areas of the country, with a poverty level of 90 percent and little access to education and health care. Two years ago, MDG aid projects launched in several villages in northern Togo. But Seidou Kouanta says the project has not helped poor farmers like himself.
"Given that we don't have the means to have good harvests, it is difficult. If you do not have the means to purchase fertilizer, farming becomes difficult. So we suffer a lot here."
In the village of Timbou, Doctor Michel Kodom says the healthcare projects allowed nurses and doctors to access patients who cannot reach the hospital.
"Patients who live in the villages are unable to come to our healthcare facilities, maybe because of lack of roads, villages are landlocked and inaccessible, so patients stay home, and also because they are no healthcare practitioners in the villages."
Analysts say so far, only one Millennium Development Goals - halving global poverty - is on track to be met by the 2015 deadline. The global financial and economic recession has complicated the MDGs, forcing rich nations to cut aid budgets and slowing growth in poor countries.
September 22, 2010
World leaders attending the U.N general assembly at the United Nations in New York kicked of the Millennium Development Goals Summit by discussing methods to keep their promise to cut world poverty in half by 2015.
World leaders are meeting this week in New York, to assess the status of the eight millennium development goals they committed to in 2000. Analysts say Africa has made progress in reducing poverty, despite the global economic downturn that has affected many donor programs. Annika Soder, Assistant Director General, U.N Food and Agriculture Organization says, world hunger must be tackled now.
"More than 900 million, almost one billion people suffer from undernourishment. It's possible to do something about it and we want to support the voices of those hungry people to make governments take action in order for them to be able to grow their own food or buy their own food."
In most parts of Africa, food prices continue to soar. Prices of major food commodities in the markets across Africa have increased sharply and many households have poor access to basic food needs. Friday Abechi, a petty trader in Lagos, Nigeria says things are tight and she no longer can afford the luxury of three meals a day.
"Common 'garri' (cassava flour) if you don't have money you can't buy it, when I was growing people would take beans, it was the cheapest thing any poor man could eat, but now, the poor cannot afford it."
Experts say that rising oil prices and increased production are expected to drive Nigerian economic growth higher this year although headline inflation is seen remaining in double digits. Sub-Saharan Africa's second-biggest economy, grew by over 6 percent in 2009, is expected to grow 7.0 percent this year. Grain trader Abudulmalki Jibril says that the price of maize has continued to increase, and there are fewer buyers.
"In January a big of maize cost 5,500 naira (36 US dollars), in March 6,000 (naira) (40 US dollars), March to April to May 6,500 (naira) (43 US dollars), May till now, yellow maize costs 7,500 (naira) (50 US dollars) till now."
The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) remains a major challenge for Togo, like most countries in sub Saharan Africa.
Northern Togo is one of the poorest areas of the country, with a poverty level of 90 percent and little access to education and health care. Two years ago, MDG aid projects launched in several villages in northern Togo. But Seidou Kouanta says the project has not helped poor farmers like himself.
"Given that we don't have the means to have good harvests, it is difficult. If you do not have the means to purchase fertilizer, farming becomes difficult. So we suffer a lot here."
In the village of Timbou, Doctor Michel Kodom says the healthcare projects allowed nurses and doctors to access patients who cannot reach the hospital.
"Patients who live in the villages are unable to come to our healthcare facilities, maybe because of lack of roads, villages are landlocked and inaccessible, so patients stay home, and also because they are no healthcare practitioners in the villages."
Analysts say so far, only one Millennium Development Goals - halving global poverty - is on track to be met by the 2015 deadline. The global financial and economic recession has complicated the MDGs, forcing rich nations to cut aid budgets and slowing growth in poor countries.
Monday, September 20, 2010
DANGERS OF WALKING, TALKING AND TEXTING ON A CELL PHONE
By Paul Ndiho, Washington D.C.
September 20,2010
It is dangerous to drive while talking on a cell phone. Studies indicate it is equivalent to being drunk behind the wheel. But there is another danger: walking and talking or text messaging on a cell phone. Experts say its dangers are even more profound.
It's become the norm for most people to walk and talk on their cell phone, but that doesn't mean its safe, especially for pedestrians crossing a busy street. Talking or texting while walking is leading to increasing numbers of injuries. Ismael Kazedata, is one of many people who are always texting while crossing the street.
“I wasn't paying attention. I was looking down on my phone."
People are tripping, colliding with objects or even running into one another as they chat or type on their mobile devices. Even worse, they can be hit by cars and seriously injured. Randall Pearson constantly sees near-accidents involving distracted pedestrians and drivers. He says people should pay more attention to the road.
"The main thing is, when you're on your cell phone, do it while you're standing there, and pay attention when you're walking across the street.
David Rodriguez, has been injured while talking on his cell phone while walking.
"Yeah I walked into a pole once and I tripped on the sidewalk and fell down because the curb had a bump in it that I didn't see while I was talking on my cell phone. "
The American College of Emergency Physicians warned two years ago about the dangers of text messaging and talking on the phone while walking, and driving. Their information was based on anecdotal evidence from doctors. Eric Isaacs, a physician at San Francisco General Hospital, has seen several cases of pedestrians getting injured while distracted.
"We've seen a young woman who walked right off the curb while talking on her phone and was hit by a car. We saw another person who was texting while walking down the sidewalk and walked straight into a utility pole and were brought here. And then we saw a case of an elderly woman who was hit by a very large college age man who was texting, hit her on the sidewalk, knocked her over and was brought here as a result of her injuries."
Stanford University researchers found that recent emergency room visits resulting from pedestrian cell phone accidents have been doubling each year, with more than 1000 visits in 2009. Injuries included walking into a pole while texting, or falling. And many more are likely to have gone unreported.
"So the use of multiple media technologies as one time - watching TV while reading, while surfing the web, doing multiple chats while watching videos, etc., is really affecting our brains in profound ways, in particular it is leading to a fragmented view of the world."
In at least two American states, New York and Illinois, have considered laws limiting the use of personal electronic devices by pedestrians but no bills have been passed. Technology experts in California have come up with a new state of the art hands-free device that maybe able to help keep eyes and hands free while walking.
"We think people are more and more relying on their mobile devices. And again people have this desire to be connected at all times and we don't see that going away. So we really think about anyone who has that desire to be mobile and out there and connected is who this will apply to because it's about how do you enable them to not be distracted with their eyes and hands focused on this device but still achieve what they're trying to do."
Aliph's Jawbone earpiece incorporates voice-to-text technology which eliminates the need to glance down at the keypad to send an e-mail or text message.
"This is an example of how I can send an email using my voice hands free."
But even in fast-paced societies, there is one easy solution - putting the cell phone away and simply stop talking, talking, talking.
September 20,2010
It is dangerous to drive while talking on a cell phone. Studies indicate it is equivalent to being drunk behind the wheel. But there is another danger: walking and talking or text messaging on a cell phone. Experts say its dangers are even more profound.
It's become the norm for most people to walk and talk on their cell phone, but that doesn't mean its safe, especially for pedestrians crossing a busy street. Talking or texting while walking is leading to increasing numbers of injuries. Ismael Kazedata, is one of many people who are always texting while crossing the street.
“I wasn't paying attention. I was looking down on my phone."
People are tripping, colliding with objects or even running into one another as they chat or type on their mobile devices. Even worse, they can be hit by cars and seriously injured. Randall Pearson constantly sees near-accidents involving distracted pedestrians and drivers. He says people should pay more attention to the road.
"The main thing is, when you're on your cell phone, do it while you're standing there, and pay attention when you're walking across the street.
David Rodriguez, has been injured while talking on his cell phone while walking.
"Yeah I walked into a pole once and I tripped on the sidewalk and fell down because the curb had a bump in it that I didn't see while I was talking on my cell phone. "
The American College of Emergency Physicians warned two years ago about the dangers of text messaging and talking on the phone while walking, and driving. Their information was based on anecdotal evidence from doctors. Eric Isaacs, a physician at San Francisco General Hospital, has seen several cases of pedestrians getting injured while distracted.
"We've seen a young woman who walked right off the curb while talking on her phone and was hit by a car. We saw another person who was texting while walking down the sidewalk and walked straight into a utility pole and were brought here. And then we saw a case of an elderly woman who was hit by a very large college age man who was texting, hit her on the sidewalk, knocked her over and was brought here as a result of her injuries."
Stanford University researchers found that recent emergency room visits resulting from pedestrian cell phone accidents have been doubling each year, with more than 1000 visits in 2009. Injuries included walking into a pole while texting, or falling. And many more are likely to have gone unreported.
"So the use of multiple media technologies as one time - watching TV while reading, while surfing the web, doing multiple chats while watching videos, etc., is really affecting our brains in profound ways, in particular it is leading to a fragmented view of the world."
In at least two American states, New York and Illinois, have considered laws limiting the use of personal electronic devices by pedestrians but no bills have been passed. Technology experts in California have come up with a new state of the art hands-free device that maybe able to help keep eyes and hands free while walking.
"We think people are more and more relying on their mobile devices. And again people have this desire to be connected at all times and we don't see that going away. So we really think about anyone who has that desire to be mobile and out there and connected is who this will apply to because it's about how do you enable them to not be distracted with their eyes and hands focused on this device but still achieve what they're trying to do."
Aliph's Jawbone earpiece incorporates voice-to-text technology which eliminates the need to glance down at the keypad to send an e-mail or text message.
"This is an example of how I can send an email using my voice hands free."
But even in fast-paced societies, there is one easy solution - putting the cell phone away and simply stop talking, talking, talking.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
AFRICA'S STRONGMEN HIDING BEHIND PEACEKEEPING
By Paul Ndiho, Washington D.C.
September 15, 2010
To most Africans, peacekeeping conjures up positive and heroic images of soldiers operating in difficult and often tragic environments. But for Africa's strongmen, say analysts, peacekeeping is about catering to Western interests and deflecting attention on themselves during war.
Rwanda has threatened to pull out all its troops from United Nations peacekeeping missions in Darfur, following a leaked draft U.N. report claiming Rwandan troops may have committed genocide in Congo. The U.N. Human Rights report details some serious crimes committed by various forces in Congo during the 1990s and Early 2000s. Richard Downie, a former professional journalist and now a fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, says contributing peacekeepers can help to build a leader's popularity and international prestige.
"Contributing peacekeepers for many of these African leaders is very astute; it's good political business especially where there is a shortage of peacekeepers in Africa. You have some big missions run by the African union and the United Nations in Somalia and the two U.N missions in Sudan spring to mind these are under strength missions any contributions of peace keepers by other African leaders are very welcome."
Some analysts say African peacekeeping missions are helping African leaders build a cover against criticism over human rights abuses. Rwanda has four battalions of troops deployed in Sudan's western Darfur region, where the United Nations says conflict has killed as many as 300,000 people since 2003. Rwanda's Foreign Affairs Minister Louise Mushikiwabo says Rwandan forces did not commit any war crimes in the Democratic Republic of Congo:
"Seeing the seriousness of accusation against our army, we can't continue having our army in peacekeeping operations. We made it very clear to highest authorities within UN and we are saying today the United Nations had leaked the draft of this report it has commented on leaked draft which is what we are commenting on it. Now we are saying that we are seriously considering withdrawing our troops from Darfur and we have instructed our commanders there to make contingency plans for our troops to come home."
U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon made an emergency trip to Rwanda and met with Rwanda's president:
"I decided to visit Kigali at this time to speak directly with president Kagame and his government about their concerns regarding the democratic republic of Congo human rights and mapping exercise commissioned by the office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights of the United Nations. Both the president and I are disappointed by (the fact that) the draft of the report had been leaked. The United Nations is interested in establishing all the facts relating to incidents in the DRC and covered by this mapping exercise."
Critics say the meeting between the U.N secretary General and the Rwandan president was damage control - and that the United Nations is trying to protect Mr. Kagame's image, since Rwanda is one of the few countries providing peacekeepers.
"It does show how politically astute it is to contribute peacekeepers where they are in short supply. Therefore, it gives you political leverage on the world stage. So when your domestic conduct is criticized as Rwanda most definitely has been in this draft UN report, then President kagame can turn around and say we will take our troops away if you don't reconsider your findings. This is real politics."
U.N. peacekeepers were widely criticized for failing to prevent the 1994 slaughter of 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus in Rwanda that ended only after Tutsi-led fighters seized power. In the process, Rwandan forces invaded Congo following after Hutu militias, where it is alleged that Rwandan troops committed acts of genocide.
Uganda provides the bulk of troops to the African Union Mission in Somalia. For his efforts to extend his term in office, in 2005 Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni came under stinging attack by western governments, especially from then Ambassador Johnnie Carson, who is the current U.S Assistant Secretary of state for Africa. But with his troops now in Somalia, President Yoweri Museveni enjoys a good working relationship with the U.S government, though critics accuse Mr. Museveni of keeping a tight grip on power and not allowing adequate political space for his opposition.
September 15, 2010
To most Africans, peacekeeping conjures up positive and heroic images of soldiers operating in difficult and often tragic environments. But for Africa's strongmen, say analysts, peacekeeping is about catering to Western interests and deflecting attention on themselves during war.
Rwanda has threatened to pull out all its troops from United Nations peacekeeping missions in Darfur, following a leaked draft U.N. report claiming Rwandan troops may have committed genocide in Congo. The U.N. Human Rights report details some serious crimes committed by various forces in Congo during the 1990s and Early 2000s. Richard Downie, a former professional journalist and now a fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, says contributing peacekeepers can help to build a leader's popularity and international prestige.
"Contributing peacekeepers for many of these African leaders is very astute; it's good political business especially where there is a shortage of peacekeepers in Africa. You have some big missions run by the African union and the United Nations in Somalia and the two U.N missions in Sudan spring to mind these are under strength missions any contributions of peace keepers by other African leaders are very welcome."
Some analysts say African peacekeeping missions are helping African leaders build a cover against criticism over human rights abuses. Rwanda has four battalions of troops deployed in Sudan's western Darfur region, where the United Nations says conflict has killed as many as 300,000 people since 2003. Rwanda's Foreign Affairs Minister Louise Mushikiwabo says Rwandan forces did not commit any war crimes in the Democratic Republic of Congo:
"Seeing the seriousness of accusation against our army, we can't continue having our army in peacekeeping operations. We made it very clear to highest authorities within UN and we are saying today the United Nations had leaked the draft of this report it has commented on leaked draft which is what we are commenting on it. Now we are saying that we are seriously considering withdrawing our troops from Darfur and we have instructed our commanders there to make contingency plans for our troops to come home."
U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon made an emergency trip to Rwanda and met with Rwanda's president:
"I decided to visit Kigali at this time to speak directly with president Kagame and his government about their concerns regarding the democratic republic of Congo human rights and mapping exercise commissioned by the office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights of the United Nations. Both the president and I are disappointed by (the fact that) the draft of the report had been leaked. The United Nations is interested in establishing all the facts relating to incidents in the DRC and covered by this mapping exercise."
Critics say the meeting between the U.N secretary General and the Rwandan president was damage control - and that the United Nations is trying to protect Mr. Kagame's image, since Rwanda is one of the few countries providing peacekeepers.
"It does show how politically astute it is to contribute peacekeepers where they are in short supply. Therefore, it gives you political leverage on the world stage. So when your domestic conduct is criticized as Rwanda most definitely has been in this draft UN report, then President kagame can turn around and say we will take our troops away if you don't reconsider your findings. This is real politics."
U.N. peacekeepers were widely criticized for failing to prevent the 1994 slaughter of 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus in Rwanda that ended only after Tutsi-led fighters seized power. In the process, Rwandan forces invaded Congo following after Hutu militias, where it is alleged that Rwandan troops committed acts of genocide.
Uganda provides the bulk of troops to the African Union Mission in Somalia. For his efforts to extend his term in office, in 2005 Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni came under stinging attack by western governments, especially from then Ambassador Johnnie Carson, who is the current U.S Assistant Secretary of state for Africa. But with his troops now in Somalia, President Yoweri Museveni enjoys a good working relationship with the U.S government, though critics accuse Mr. Museveni of keeping a tight grip on power and not allowing adequate political space for his opposition.
Monday, September 6, 2010
UNAA CONVENTION 2010
By Paul Ndiho, Washington D.C.
September 6, 2010
Washington came alive this weekend with the Ugandan community Diaspora coming together for their 20th Annual, Uganda North America Association or UNAA. The Convention brings together Ugandans based in the United States and Canada.
The Uganda North America Association convention showcased Uganda arts and culture. Families enjoyed a display of traditional Uganda culture. There were, fashion, arts & crafts, and countless other activities. But the topic on nearly everyone’s mind was politics.
Last week President Yoweri Museveni announced that he will seek another team as president of Uganda. Opposition groups accuse the Uganda North America Association of being a mouthpiece for the ruling party. But Moses Wilson the president of UNAA says these allegations are unfounded.
“We have gone out of our way to come out as neutral. We understand that we are under a lot of scrutiny from the international community. We have invited observers including Americas to show that we are not biased in anyway.”
The leader of the Democratic Party in Uganda Norbert Mao says the Obama administration needs to hold President Museveni accountable as the democratic process moves forward.
“I am calling upon president Obama to call president Museveni to order so that Museveni holds free and fair elections. Because if we don't have free and fair elections, we are going back to the cycle of violence that we thought was now behind us.”
The Opposition accuses the Ugandan government of putting in place an incompetent Electoral commission that has failed to organize free and fair elections. But Daudi Migereko the government Minister and Chief Whip dismissed those claims and said the NRM electoral commission is independent and will hold democratic elections 2011.
“I want to make it absolutely clear that the national electoral commission is independent, autonomous, and is not under the direction of the NRM as a party."
A coalition of Ugandan opposition parties Kizza Besigye, as their joint candidate to run against President Yoweri Museveni in next year's election.
The opposition parties formed the Inter-Party Cooperation (IPC) in July 2008 and agreed to field a joint presidential candidate against Mr. Museveni. Ronnie Mayanja, a US based Ugandan political analyst says that there is a need for change in Uganda.
"I strongly believe that there is a need for change. Surely if you been in power for more than 25 years there must be someone you can hand over power too or take over from you… But whether there is an opposition to take over also remains a challenge because of the divisions that I see within the opposition."
President Museveni defeated Kizza Besigye in the 2001 and 2006 elections that were marred by accusations of widespread vote fraud.
September 6, 2010
Washington came alive this weekend with the Ugandan community Diaspora coming together for their 20th Annual, Uganda North America Association or UNAA. The Convention brings together Ugandans based in the United States and Canada.
The Uganda North America Association convention showcased Uganda arts and culture. Families enjoyed a display of traditional Uganda culture. There were, fashion, arts & crafts, and countless other activities. But the topic on nearly everyone’s mind was politics.
Last week President Yoweri Museveni announced that he will seek another team as president of Uganda. Opposition groups accuse the Uganda North America Association of being a mouthpiece for the ruling party. But Moses Wilson the president of UNAA says these allegations are unfounded.
“We have gone out of our way to come out as neutral. We understand that we are under a lot of scrutiny from the international community. We have invited observers including Americas to show that we are not biased in anyway.”
The leader of the Democratic Party in Uganda Norbert Mao says the Obama administration needs to hold President Museveni accountable as the democratic process moves forward.
“I am calling upon president Obama to call president Museveni to order so that Museveni holds free and fair elections. Because if we don't have free and fair elections, we are going back to the cycle of violence that we thought was now behind us.”
The Opposition accuses the Ugandan government of putting in place an incompetent Electoral commission that has failed to organize free and fair elections. But Daudi Migereko the government Minister and Chief Whip dismissed those claims and said the NRM electoral commission is independent and will hold democratic elections 2011.
“I want to make it absolutely clear that the national electoral commission is independent, autonomous, and is not under the direction of the NRM as a party."
A coalition of Ugandan opposition parties Kizza Besigye, as their joint candidate to run against President Yoweri Museveni in next year's election.
The opposition parties formed the Inter-Party Cooperation (IPC) in July 2008 and agreed to field a joint presidential candidate against Mr. Museveni. Ronnie Mayanja, a US based Ugandan political analyst says that there is a need for change in Uganda.
"I strongly believe that there is a need for change. Surely if you been in power for more than 25 years there must be someone you can hand over power too or take over from you… But whether there is an opposition to take over also remains a challenge because of the divisions that I see within the opposition."
President Museveni defeated Kizza Besigye in the 2001 and 2006 elections that were marred by accusations of widespread vote fraud.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Buganda Kingdom and Ugandan Politics
By Paul Ndiho, Washington D.C.
September 1, 2010
The Kingdom of Buganda is situated in the Central region of Uganda. The Baganda are Uganda's largest ethnic group and were instrumental in President Yoweri Museveni coming to power more than 24 years ago. Mr. Museveni based his five-year military struggle in Luwero triangle the kingdom's heartland with the support of the Baganda. But relations with the government are now strained because Buganda wants "Federal" status or more political autonomy.
Ugandan kingdoms are ancient institutions which trace their establishment long before the colonial era. Before Independence, Buganda kingdom strategically positioned itself during colonization and collaborated with the British to defeat Bunyoro kingdom which covered vast areas in East Africa. When Uganda became independent, Buganda was given semi-federal status and the 36th Kabaka or King, Sir Edward Mutesa II, became Uganda's first president. But in 1966, Prime Minister Milton Obote's army toppled the Kabaka and subsequently abrogated the constitution and abolished all the kingdoms. In 1993, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni restored some Kingdoms as cultural institutions.
Tensions between the kingdom and the Ugandan government continue to be a defining feature of Ugandan politics. In September 2009, some elements alleging to be spokesmen for the Baanyala community, declared that "Bugerere" a small section of Buganda kingdom had seceded from Buganda. His Majesty, the Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II of Buganda wanted to go there and talk to his subjects, but was prohibited by the government to travel, a decision which led to riots and the death of at least 30 innocent people reportedly killed by government security forces. The inspector general of police, Major General Kale Kayihura, said then that the visit would not be allowed.
"As stipulated by article 212 of the constitution, it is decided that it is unwise and a security risk for his Highness the King of Buganda to visit Kayunga district"
Supporters of Buganda's King protested and riots followed in the Ugandan capital Kampala after the police had blocked the Kabaka who was scheduled to visit the flashpoint town of Kayunga.
The kingdom's advocates say the kabaka wants more power and control over resources in his kingdom, such as land and taxes, but the government says he is only a cultural figure and must steer clear of politics. Recently, here in Washington D.C supporters of the king echoed his demands.
"We supported president Museveni for many years. In fact, we even helped to put him in power knowing that he was going to bring back the rule of law and constitutionalism and especially the federal system of Government."
In March 2010, a world heritage site where four Kabakas (kings of Buganda) are buried went up in flames, engulfing the main building housing the mausoleums of the four former Kabakas. The tombs were built in 1860 and their historical and cultural significance is revered by the Baganda.
In 1993, Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II assumed his throne as the 37th King of Buganda. In 1999, at his palace in Kampala, the Kabaka treated Guests and well-wishers to the country's first royal wedding in nearly 50 years. The Kabaka, exchanged vows with Sylvia Nagginda Luswata, in a lavish ceremony which was watched by thousands. This week the Queen of Buganda, "Nnabagereka" is the Key Note speaker at the 2010 Uganda North American Association (UNAA) Convention here in Washington D.C. Perhaps quite appropriately, the theme is "Cultural Diversity, Prosperity and Wellness."
September 1, 2010
The Kingdom of Buganda is situated in the Central region of Uganda. The Baganda are Uganda's largest ethnic group and were instrumental in President Yoweri Museveni coming to power more than 24 years ago. Mr. Museveni based his five-year military struggle in Luwero triangle the kingdom's heartland with the support of the Baganda. But relations with the government are now strained because Buganda wants "Federal" status or more political autonomy.
Ugandan kingdoms are ancient institutions which trace their establishment long before the colonial era. Before Independence, Buganda kingdom strategically positioned itself during colonization and collaborated with the British to defeat Bunyoro kingdom which covered vast areas in East Africa. When Uganda became independent, Buganda was given semi-federal status and the 36th Kabaka or King, Sir Edward Mutesa II, became Uganda's first president. But in 1966, Prime Minister Milton Obote's army toppled the Kabaka and subsequently abrogated the constitution and abolished all the kingdoms. In 1993, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni restored some Kingdoms as cultural institutions.
Tensions between the kingdom and the Ugandan government continue to be a defining feature of Ugandan politics. In September 2009, some elements alleging to be spokesmen for the Baanyala community, declared that "Bugerere" a small section of Buganda kingdom had seceded from Buganda. His Majesty, the Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II of Buganda wanted to go there and talk to his subjects, but was prohibited by the government to travel, a decision which led to riots and the death of at least 30 innocent people reportedly killed by government security forces. The inspector general of police, Major General Kale Kayihura, said then that the visit would not be allowed.
"As stipulated by article 212 of the constitution, it is decided that it is unwise and a security risk for his Highness the King of Buganda to visit Kayunga district"
Supporters of Buganda's King protested and riots followed in the Ugandan capital Kampala after the police had blocked the Kabaka who was scheduled to visit the flashpoint town of Kayunga.
The kingdom's advocates say the kabaka wants more power and control over resources in his kingdom, such as land and taxes, but the government says he is only a cultural figure and must steer clear of politics. Recently, here in Washington D.C supporters of the king echoed his demands.
"We supported president Museveni for many years. In fact, we even helped to put him in power knowing that he was going to bring back the rule of law and constitutionalism and especially the federal system of Government."
In March 2010, a world heritage site where four Kabakas (kings of Buganda) are buried went up in flames, engulfing the main building housing the mausoleums of the four former Kabakas. The tombs were built in 1860 and their historical and cultural significance is revered by the Baganda.
In 1993, Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II assumed his throne as the 37th King of Buganda. In 1999, at his palace in Kampala, the Kabaka treated Guests and well-wishers to the country's first royal wedding in nearly 50 years. The Kabaka, exchanged vows with Sylvia Nagginda Luswata, in a lavish ceremony which was watched by thousands. This week the Queen of Buganda, "Nnabagereka" is the Key Note speaker at the 2010 Uganda North American Association (UNAA) Convention here in Washington D.C. Perhaps quite appropriately, the theme is "Cultural Diversity, Prosperity and Wellness."
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