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By Wilber Muhwezi Kasibante and Nelson Twinamatsiko

In Bushenyi–

The minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs;Maj.Gen.Kahinda Otafiire has vowed that article 102(b) of Uganda’s constitution must be amended if not the country may witness war again.

“No one can lock out president Museveni out of race just because of being above 75 years of age”Maj.Gen.Kahinda otafiire vowed. He argued that no MP above 65 years of age was involved in the recent fight in parliament.

The minister was today afternoon Oct. 14, 2017 addressing thousands of Igara East voters who had turned up to welcome Micheal Mawanda Maranga who recently won an election petition in  court of appeal. The function was held at Kyeizooba sub-county playground in Igara East Bushenyi district.

The Igara East parliamentary seat fell vacant on 3^rd Oct.2017 when court of appeal nullified Hon.Andrew Martial’s election and ordered fresh election.

Kahinda disclosed that 4,700 NRA fighters died in Luweero during the bush war therefore they won’t lock Museveni out of race the act that may cause war again.

He further revealed that he was part of the 1995 constituent Assembly that made the constitution and the article 102b was moved by DP representatives with an intention to bar the former UPC president Dr.Apollo Milton Obote from contesting for president again.

Kahinda attacked the former Igara East MP;Andrew Martial for opposing plans to amend the constitution, asking “who is Martial ?, by the way I don’t know him”

However, when www.mknewslink.com asked Micheal Mawanda about Otafiire’s remarks, he said if he is elected MP, he will consult his constituents about the issue of constitution amendment.

Otafiire said the people of Igara East have now seen the light of Jesus thus appealing to them not to be misled again.

He warned the voters in Igara East not to mix religion with the forthcoming election, arguing that the election is not about religious leaders but pro development leaders.

He appealed to the voters there to correct the mistake by voting Micheal Mawanda if development is to be registered in their constituency.

In his speech, Hon.Mawanda said the people of Igara East are nowadays happy thus urging them to vote for him in the forthcoming election if they are to remain happy.

He paraded his lawyers led by Owen Murangira and 200 witnesses who assisted him to win the election petition he lodged in court of Appeal that resulted into canceling Hon.Andrew Martial’s election.

He commended them for standing on his side and remaining focused during his court petition.

Mawanda said development projects he had started in his constituency became standstill but pledged to start from where he stopped.

He criticized Andrew Martial for being a weak leader who only concentrates on short term project like chicken rearing and rice growing.

Hon. Mawanda speaking at the function

He said for him he had done much in education like constructing schools, giving scholarships among others.

The colourful function was attended by different church leaders from six sub-counties in Igara East Constituency.

Source: www.mknewslink.com ; a western Uganda news website

Email: wmuhwezi75@gmail.com

A young girl and strong supporter of Hon. Mawanda at the function

Lady Mariam aka Tindatiine singing at the function

Hon. Mawanda’s 200 witnesses being introduced at the function.

Supporters of Hon. Mawanda cheering at the function

Supporters as well in happy mood.

By Sylvia Kugonza

In Kabarole–

There was drama on Friday 13^th Oct.2017 at Mucwa complex when a procession organized by NRM cadres from Kabarole and Bunyangabu districts flopped.

The NRM cadres had planned to march to the office of the RDC in Boma to deliver a petition in support of the removal of age limit from the constitution. However, more than 300 members led by Jackson Mayombo the senior NRM mobolizer made u-turn without giving a clear reason to members as to why they had decided to halt the procession.

www.mknewslink.com has learnt that NRM cadres had petitioned the Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga through the office of the RDC Steven Asiimwe. In a petition that was seen by our reporter, historical informed Kadaga that they are in support of the removal of age limit from the constitution.

Later on, NRM leaders led by John Kusemererwa the NRM Kabarole district chairperson, Kato tom the NRM chairman Fort portal municipality and John Kinuge the chairman of Katebwa civil war veterans’ association addressed the members and asked them to continue supporting the deletion of article 102b from the constitution.

When www.mknewslink.com  reporter talked to Mayombo and Kinuge, they denied having organized a procession or a petition, but noting that they wanted to meet NRM historical and encourage them to continue supporting the NRM party and the removal of age limit.

Source:www.mknewslink.com; a western Uganda news website

Email:wmuhwezi75@gmail.com

By Sylvia Kugonza

In Kabarole–

Drama ensued in Kabarole district council on Friday13th Oct, 2017 as councilors failed to show their side and take decisions over the controversial Age Limit bill.

The saga started when the South division councilor and leader of opposition Jorum Bintamanya tabled the motion to council demanding the protection Article 102(b) of the constitution from being amended.

Bintamanya says amendment of the article 102(b) is intended to benefit individuals, not for the majority of Ugandans. He says it’s only this article that checks leaders and urged leaders to be focused and support the motion to protect the future generation.

The motion was seconded by Peter Basira  of Kicwamba and supported by Edward Asiimwe of Hakibaale Sub County. The duo argued that the constitution should not be amended because they do not want to go through bad leadership like the previous turmoil and demanded president Museveni to retire peacefully.

Councilors; EdinahMukarwiza (Kicwamba), Jimmy Balinda of Ruteete and Mary Rwakyaka of South division supported the motion and said they love president Museveni but for purposes of exercising democracy and rule of law he must retire peacefully and the party gets another leader.

But the motion was rejected by majority of the councilors who include Joseph Mashuhuuko, Atuhaire Moses, Ruta Gideon, Ruhweza Timothy, AsasiraAnnet, Muhindo Aron, GertrudeRwahoima, KadomaFlorence and Saidati of west Division who demanded the speaker to suspend it and go for consultations in their constituencies arguing they were elected by the people.

After a heated debate, the speaker Stella Kyorampe subjected the motion to voting that saw five (5) supporting it while 25 objected.

The mover of the motion; Jorum Bintamanya observed that there were no grounds for the suspension of the motion since the district had no funds for special council sitting describing the councilors who want the constitution amended as independent leaders with no integrity.

Source: www.mknewslink.com ;a western Uganda news website

Email:wmuhwezi75@gmail.com

By Nelson Twinamatsiko and Wilber Muhwezi Kasibante

In Bushenyi—

The new contestant in Igara East parliamentary race;Mr. Benjamin Katana has pledged to be the strong voice of Igara East    constituency if he is elected MP in the forthcoming by-election.

Katana says Igara East constituency is not fully represented in parliament because their former MP;Andrew Martial had failed to make a forum to collect views from his constituents about developmental issues and his working in parliament.

In an exclusive interview with www.mknewslink.com editor yesterday in Bushenyi town, Katana said if he is elected the area MP, he will hold quarterly dialogues at sub-county level where all voters will give their views about developmental projects to be done.

He said his priority areas will be schools where he will mobilize parents to get involved in affairs of running their respective schools.

He added that he will lobby NGOs to fund education in his constituency.

Katana also pledged to launch a legal Aid project to help women and children who cannot afford to hire lawyers to plead their land disputes.

Igara East parliamentary seat fell vacant on 3^rd October 2017 when Court of Appeal nullified Andrew Martial’s election arguing it was characterized by vote rigging and many irregularities.

Katana is ready to tussle it out with Micheal Mawanda Maranga, Andrew Martial and Bernards Kananura; a business man based in Kampala.

Source:www.mknewslink.com ; a western Uganda news website

Email:wmuhwezi75@gmail.com

By Nelson Twinamatsiko and Wilber Muhwezi Kasibante

Voters in Igara West constituency in Bushenyi district have launched a campaign to censure their MP; Raphael Magyezi who is championing the motion to remove presidential age limit from the 1995 Uganda’s constitution.

The voters led by Kamadi Muramuzi recently formed a group and started moving from house to house collecting signatures to recall Magyezi from parliament saying he is championing a motion that can take the country into turmoil.

According to Kamadi they have so far collected over 10,000 signatures and the campaign continues until they get the required number to have their controversial MP censured.

Reliable sources confirmed to www.mknewslink.com editor that Hon.Magyezi has met the group trying to convince them to abandon the campaign but all in vain as they turn down his pleas.

Efforts by www.mknewslink.com editor to get a comment from Magyezi about the incident were futile as his both two mobile phone lines were switched off.

Before the presidential age limit bill was tabled, the same group of voters had earlier organized a successful protest against Magyezi at his office in Butare-Kyamuhunga town council where they accused him of using his position to change the constitution for his selfish gains.

Magyezi tabled the bill for the first reading and the speaker referred it to the parliamentary committee on Legal and Parliamentary affairs chaired by Okoth Oboth. The committee decided to collect views from all Ugandans about the bill before it is brought back into the parliament floor.

Source:www.mknewslink.com ; a western Uganda news website

wmuhwezi75@gmail.com

By Yosam Gucwaki

In Masindi–
Youth leader arrested over age limit
Police in Masindi has arrested the former youth chairperson in charge of
Pakanyi Sub County who is also the community mobilizer for Recreation for Development and peace (RDP) over inciting people to oppose plans to remove the presidential age limit from the constitution of Uganda.
The acting District police commander Masindi; Edwin Atukunda,
has identified the suspect as Lawrence Musigi a resident of Pakanyi Sub
County; in Masindi district.
Speaking to www.mknewslink.com reporter yesterday morning, Atukunda noted that Musige allegedly went to Pakanyi Sub County and started inciting people there to protest against the government plans to lift of age limit cap.

The ruling NRM party is championing a motion to change the article 102 (b) of the 1995 Uganda’s constitution and allow president to rule the country even beyond the age of 75 years.

Atukunda noted that though Musigi insisted that he was consulting the community on the issues of age limit, eye witnesses pinned him over inciting the public to protest against the age limit removal.
He added that what triggered police to arrest Misigi was the mode of
mobilization he was using adding that he was doing it without clearance from police.
Atukunda also said that Musigi will be produced in court because he
was involved in a contentious matter without the knowledge of the
police. He also said that Musigi will be charged with threatening
violence.
When contacted the Executive Director, Recreation for Development and Peace, Robert Muhangi, confirmed that Musigi was organizing a youth a dialogue on behalf of RDP whereby the youth need the government to change the constitutional article that states that the d youthful starts from 18-30 years which has been hindering
many youth from participating in governance positions as stated in the local government act 1997.
He noted that a youth of 35 years can’t contest for district and sub
county chairperson but a youth of similar age bracket can contest for
a Member of Parliament seat saying that this limits the youth to
actively engage in decision making process.
However, a source who preferred anonymity, explained the Musigi was
organizing a dialogue between people who are pro age limit amendment
and the ones who are against the motion.

Source:www.mknewslink.com

wmuhwezi75@gmail.com

By Vanansio Kakogoso

in Kabale—

Leaders and security officials in Kabale district are demanding for
stringent laws that regulate the free entry of Rwandese into Uganda, since
Ugandans are not free to enter Rwanda.

They raised the demand yesterday in awareness meeting on the progress
of East African community that was held at Kabale district Rukiiko Hall in
Kabale municipality.

The Kabale district Secretary for Education, Health, Social services,
Sports and Technology committee Catherine Kyomugisha said that many
Rwandese access drugs from health centers near in Uganda, which creates
drug stock outs. She also said that many children from Rwanda study from
Uganda schools yet Uganda cannot be allowed to go to Rwanda.

The Kabale Municipality Deputy Mayor Kedress Mutabazi said that many
Rwandese come and do the small jobs that can be done by Ugandans yet
Ugandans cannot be allowed same jobs in Rwanda. She said that Uganda
business men are not allowed to buy produce in Rwanda like Rwandese does it
in Uganda.

The Resident district Commissioner Kabale Darius Nandinda said that
Rwandese take advantage of boarders that are not fully operational like
Butanda boarder to freely enter into Uganda without clear documentation. He
also said that government should increase on drugs in health centers near
boarders since they are accessed Rwandese.

The Minister for East African affairs Hon Julius Muganda Wandera said that
all people in East African community are free to enter member states and
conduct business. He however said that he will engage Rwanda officials to
also respect Ugandans doing business and those willing to get services from
Rwanda.

BY WILBER MUHWEZI KASIBANTE

IN BUSHENYI—-

Mzee William Mukaira 89, an educationalist, politician, businessman and senior citizen has warned president Yoweri Museveni not to amend the constitution in order to be president beyond 75 years.

“I want to assure President Museveni and Ugandans that I have gone beyond 75 years and its very difficult for a president to lead a country when he or she is above 75 years” Mukaira warned.

He noted that he is above 75 years and he knows very well what he is going through. At this age of 75 years and above one doesnot need to be president. He added its retirement age but not to carry a country on one’s head.

Mzee Mukaira said this last week in an exclusive interview with www.mknewslink.com  managing editor at his home in Bwatogo village in Bushenyi Ishaka municipality.

Mk newslink.com managing editor visited Mukaira to ask him how it is one to be beyond 75 and can lead a country effectively.

MP Rafeal Magyezi of Igara West in Bushenyi has already presented a bill to parliament seeking to amend the constitution to enable president Museveni rule beyond 75 years.

Mzee Mukaira 89 years noted that if Museveni decides to go beyond 75 years like what President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe has done then it will be bad news for Uganda.

An attempt by mp Magyezi to amend the constitution to allow president Museveni to continue as president beyond 75 years resulted into a bitter fight between the opposition and NRM MPs in parliament. 25 mps were suspended for three sittings. Two MPs Betty Namboze and Zacky of Mityana municipality are still admitted in Kampala hospitals.

SOURCE: www.mknewslink.com a western Uganda news website

wmuwezi75@gmail.com

By Richard Akandwanaho

In Rubanda.

REV. FR. GAETANO WHO SPARKED OFF THE ATTACKS OF MINISTER NANKABIRWA

There was drama yesterday during the burial ceremony of the former Deputy Chairman of Planning Authority, Dr Abel Rwendeire at Kibuzigye Primary School playground in Bushuura parish Bubaare Sub County in Rubanda district, when the Government Chief Whip, Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu clashed with mourners over Age Limit removal.

It all started when Rev Fr Herbert Agaba, the parish priest for Kakore Catholic Parish in Kabale diocese who was presiding over the mass recognized Rev Fr Gaetano Batanyenda, the Chairman Kigezi Inter Religious Council and the Kitanga parish priest and hailed him for championing the message to amend Article 102 b.

However, Nankabirwa said that the article needs to be amended since God is the one who determines the exact age of a person needs to serve on earth.

The Minister was however booed by mourners. Some of them who included Odongo Bigweere and 75 year old Micheal Maramira among others who said the amendment was planned to deny Ugandans a chance to see a peaceful transition of power from President Yoweri Museveni, when his term expires in 2021.

Fr Gaetano Batanyenda vowed to continue preaching against age removal despite what he called intimidations and harassment from those behind it.

The Prime Minister of Uganda Dr David Livingstone Ruhakana Rugunda who was the chief mourner did not comment on the matter.

Rwendeire, 66, succumbed to a heart attack at Nakasero Hospital in Kabala on Thursday morning. He was a member of parliament for Rubanda East from 1996 to 2001. He is survived by a widow Mercy Rwendeire, six daughters, three sons in law and four grand children

By Wilber Muhwezi-Kasibante

In Bushenyi—

President Yoweri Museveni has warned politicians to stop immediately the acts of cheap popularity which is killing development in Uganda.

He said this today while presiding over the 55^th Uganda’s independence celebrations held at Bushenyi play ground in Bushenyi district western Uganda.

He noted that whenever he is going around the country, he sees people seated in trading centers doing nothing but unfortunately politicians do tell them to work. “our politicians have become cheap populists. Instead of telling their voters to work, they keep quite” Museveni said.

Mr. Museveni also warned permanent secretaries to ensure that civil servants don’t engage in corrupt tendencies that have brought the country down.

He added he is going to put in place toll free telephone lines in his office for the public to call when they see or are asked bribes by public officers.

MEDALS

His highness the Agakhan was given the biggest award/medal for doing much in employing Ugandans in his many companies in Uganda and East Africa.

Others who were awarded include; Maj. Gen.Jim Muhwezi from Rukungiri, Greater Bushenyi awardees are; Hassan Basajabalaba, Longino Ndyanabo, Nazarious Baryaruha, RTD Bishop Magambo, Nalongo Otafiire and The late Ezra Kikuri Family.

Source: www.mknewslink.com a western Uganda news website

wmuhwezi75@gmail.com

Bishop of west Ankole diocese Rit Rev Johnson Twinomujuni leading prayer at the fiunction

PO

police officers during the parade

St. Kagwa boarding primary school pupils matching during independence celebrations

PlusTwo high school students performing at independence.