NORTH,WEST NILE REGIONS LEAD IN VOTER BRIBERY

Northen and West Nile regions have the highest rate of bribery,an election monitoring group observer has said.Addressing a news briefing in Kampala on Friday 28th of January 2011 Mr.M.J Silco ,said voter bribery are also high in Teso and Rwenzori regions.He said people are forming and using associations to get money from contestants.
Mr.Silco said people should stop forming these groups until after the forthcoming elections have been concluded to avoid undermining the credibility of the electoral process because this act is a crime and will lead the electorate not to vote right leaders.

Cfr: The Sunday Monitor , 30th January 2011, page 6.

Standing MP visits Mpanga market

On 27th Jan, the standing MP fort portal municipality Mr. Alex Ruhunda visited mpanga market traders.Mainly, he asked people to vote him in the coming elections in order to see what he can do. He promised to do great things for Fort portal including the construction of the new market only if his voted.
by Evelyn-Ricnet

M7 OPENS KIJURA BANK AND TEA FACTORY

During his visit on 12th, January 2011 in Hakibaale Sub county and Kijura town council, President Yoweri Museeveni opened Kijura bank and Tea factory in the region.
on his speech, the President ordered the arrest of the sub county chief of the NAADS program of not showing impact in the area together with LC111 Businge Edison. The rally ended up peacefully

BISHOP WARNS ON VOTING OF SECT POLITICIANS

On 24th January, 2011, the Arch Bishop of Fort Portal Diocese met church leaders at Kagorogoro Catholic church in Bugaaki Sub county Kyenjojo District. The Bishop emphasized on the importance of choosing leaders who respect God.
On his speech, he further discouraged voting for'Owobusobizi Bisaka' sect- meaning Muhumuza David
He added that people should change their concept towards campaigns, that is, they are interested in incentives such as drinks and food given to them during campaigns instead of paying and concentrating on the campaign message being delivered by those campaigning.

TRADERS RECEIVE SISA COLDLY

On 26th January, 2011, The FDC MP flag bearer Mr. Sisa Patrick took his campaigns journey to Hiima Parish at Ntoroko road trading center . He met a handful congregation of traders who never showed any interest of paying attention to his speech. On his speech, he asked the citizens to take the decision of changing the government for a better future.

BISHOP WARNS ON VOTING OF SECT POLITICIANS

On 24th January, 2011, the Arch Bishop of Fort Portal Diocese met church leaders at Kagorogoro Catholic church in Bugaaki Sub county Kyenjojo District. The Bishop emphasized on the importance of choosing leaders who respect God.
On his speech, he further discouraged voting for'Owobusobizi Bisaka' sect- meaning Muhumuza David
He added that people should change their concept towards campaigns, that is, they are interested in incentives such as drinks and food given to them during campaigns instead of paying and concentrating on the campaign message being delivered by those campaigning.

NRM CELEBRATION IN KAMWENGE

The NRM 25th anniversary was successfully celebrated in kamwenge district at the town council grounds yesterday. it was attended by all NRM standing candidates although the people dint turn up in huge numbers.
The guest of honour was the RDC Mr.Elijah bilwabalema and other NRM present leaders were Mr.Musingye Edward(chairperson LC5),town mayor Mr.Geoffry Byamukama, women standing MP Mr.Dorothy Nsaija among others.
Mr.Frank Tumwebaze the standing MP kibale county complained about the general turn up of people. He asked residents kibale county and kamwenge district as well to have the love for the country. He congratulated NRM for the far they have gone and finally asked the congregation votes in the coming elections.
By Evelyn-Ricnet

Burahya MP visits his parish

on Monday 24th, January 2011, the Burahya MP Hon.Kasaija Kagweera Stephen visited his Buringo parish to ask the citizens for votes. the campaign was scheduled to kick off at noon but instead started at 2;30 PM. He apologized for this and explained that he was at Karambi headquarters meeting the youths.
on his speech, Mr. Kasaija promised to improve on primary and secondary education, improve on NAADs program mes and take the youth grievances to parliament. The MP encouraged the youths to work hard and form groups so as to benefit from the government's 10 million shillings. before his departure, the MP asked people to give him votes and he also denied the rummour that he had given Karambi people money. the campaigns ended at 5:30 PM

6.2 BILLIONS SENT TO MPS DORMINATE CAMPAIGNS.

The twenty million UGX recently sent to each Member of parliament's bank account supposedly to monitor government's programmes just in the one month remaining, boost campaigns. Opposition and freshly joining candidates have based on this to build their base, referring at those that are not ready to return the tax payers' money as agents of corruption and enemies of Ugandans. This is likely to affect most candidates especially those that will not openly declare their intention to refund as Hon. Anywal did.

Today, Mr.Phile Amon Kahungu of People's progressive Party (PPP) contesting on the MP seat in Bukonzo east constituency, Kasese District Advised voters at a rally, at Kiburara trading centre to critically observe what is going on in the country and make informed decisions in the forthcoming elections for a better uganda.

COMPAIGNS IN FORTPORTAL THIS WEEKEND

Yesterday 23th Jan 2011, All NRM standing candidates had their afternoon time campaigning in kacwamba, one of the trading centre in fort portal municipality on kasese high way. Present were the standing NRM Mp Mr. Alex Ruhunda, His excellency the town mayor Mr.Asaba Ruyonga, LC5 Mr. Mugisa Michael, chairman LC3 among others.

The standing and still in office town Mayar requested people to work hand in hand with him for the development of fort portal town. he said they should not be like those people in Busoga who claim and put the blame of the jigger epidermic on the president of Uganda. People in Busoga have all reason to fight against jiggers. He said its possible for Fort portal to become a city if they work hard with him and elect him as their 2011-2016 town mayor.

The standing NRM member of parliament Mr.Alex Ruhunda also emphasized much on what his willing to do for Fort portal. These have been more on what people ask him to do like constructing a factory, loans for both the boda-boda and university students, brick laying machine among others that is if his chosen to present in parliament.
However he has had trouble to explain more about the brick laying machine and how it operates since so many people have never heard about it. He fully expressed his interests of presenting people in parliament 2011 to 2016 and asked them to give him votes.

The rest of the candidates also expressed their views and gave more light on what they would do for fort portal and their constituencies. they requested people to vote wisely in the coming elections.
By Evelyn. RICNET-Rweco.

CEWIT first media and Press Release

CEWIT held its first media and press release which was code name "okwanjula" meaning Introduction by the National Coordinator Mr James Mwirima. Members of CEWIT present where the Chair Person Mr John Silco, The National Cordinator Mr James Mwirima, The IT Personal Mr Emmanuel Oluka and The Account Mr John Sanza.
The media houses present where UBC radio and TV which ran the press release as a new article of on its Saturday evening news, Also present was Star FM, NBS, Sanyu FM, Bunyoro TV, Bukedde FM and Radio Kagadi. In the press release, CEWIT introduced its partner members of RWECO from Western Uganda, CEFORD from Arua, ACORD from Northern Uganda and PAC from Teso. Apparently CEWIT is present in the 22 districts of Uganda and is funded by Hivos and Oxfam Novib. Also, among CEWIT partners are CCEDU and Dem Group.

In the press release, the use of IT for collecting news reports was emphasized in which there is an MOU between CEWIT and Dem group in the use of 6090 as the official short code. Messages from 6090 will be posted on www.ugandawatch2011.org which is a Dem group platform and also on www.uchaguzi.co.ug which is a Ushahidi platform under CEWIT. However, based on the MOU between the 2 organisations, www.uchaguzi.co.ug will be password protected until March 15th. However, during this time, the messages sent to www.uchaguzi.co.ug will be shown on www.ugandawatch2011.org as RSS feeds.

The next press release will be this coming Friday which will highlight a summary of incidents that have been reported to the platforms since CEWIT genesis

CANDIDATES SIGN AGREEMENTS WITH CITIZENS

As we draw near the election date, Citizens are seriously engaging aspiring candidates to sign agreements with them to confirm that they will really do what they are promising during campaigns.
In Maliba sub county, Busongora North constituency, Kasese district, the civically competent citizens made their candidates to put in writing their promises, signed.
This is really an achievement of RWECO that has been implementing a civic competence project there, and monitoring such candidates is therefore going to become easy after assuming office.
Reported by,
SINAMAKOSA ISAAC, Focal Person.

UN TIMELY DEATH OF NRM CANDIDATE

Kitswamba sub-county, Busongora North, Kasese District, Uganda has just lost an LCIII NRM Candidate Called Mr. Tom Musamba who has just passed away at Kilembe Hospital.
He got a motor accident on his way from the field(campaign)today 21/01/2011.
Reported by,
SINAMAKOSA ISAAC( CEW-IT)-Good Hope Focal Person.

PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE BIDANDI SAALI’S VEHICLE KNOCKED DEAD A 7YEAR OLD

People’s Progressive Party (PPP) presidential candidate Bidandi Saali’s convoy on Saturday 8/01/2011 knocked dead a 7 Year old boy “Yohana Opakrwoth” a son to Mr. Othembi Mario & Mss. Beatrice of Acwera-theruber village. The incident happened at around 7:30 pm 7 KM away from Nebbi Town. The Pajero registration number UG 0574B didn’t stop but rushed to police to report the incidence, and as the Parents tried to follow up the incidence, they found the vehicle at the police already. Said a clinic attendant Mr. Obedling Nemia

popularisation of citicens, manifeto in Arua and Maracha Districts

Above Participants at Arua district Hall d

This activity ran from 6^th -13^th Jan 2011 from sub counties to the district levels. The participants took time to understand the citizens’ manifesto as they felt manifestos were only to be written by politicians.

The citizens’ manifesto was been warmly welcomed by the people of Arua and Maracha districts, and said these were real issues which needed attention and the citizens realized that they had a role to play in the democratization and good governance of a country; the politicians as well realized they too had responsibilities to play thus its not one man’s dance but it’s a dance for all the Ugandans if the vision of “A peaceful and prosperous Uganda with happy people” is to be achieved.

How ever some few did not agree with the unsustainable population growth rates citing example of China and USA being with high population and yet their economy grows very fast thus high population growth rate is wealth. Some candidates in the ruling felt the citizens’ manifesto is a document that is meant undermine the efforts of the ruling government.

The attendance has been great all round and the citizens presented new local issues to their leaders at the various levels in relation to the 10 development concerns of the citizen’s major one being the issue of:

· Marungi (local plant commonly grown in the 2 districts and is suspected to be a narcotic drug and one fails to sleep after consuming it and it has become so popular among the youths ) which is killing education, are demanding for quick policy to address the issues of Marungi.

· Agriculture and environment yet government pays less attention, some trees promoted have impacted negatively on the environment like the Eucalyptus which are being planted near water bodies and has drained up water from the valleys.

· And it was also realized that low level of civic consciousness is to blame for low participation of the citizens in all fields as they do not know what their roles and responsibilities are in good governance and democratization.

The engagement of the aspirants with the citizens gave room for them to share and put their demands, the citizens promised to vote candidates whose manifesto addresses the CM. “… CEFORD should have come earlier than this as some people have already made wrong choices and may fail to change due to shame and rigidity” said Otuma Ben of Kijomoro.

“…if you leaders were to act the way you are talking to day I think Uganda should have been some steps in achieving the vision of A peaceful and prosperous Uganda with happy people” said Aleni Kizito a citizen in Aiivu Sub county Terego constituency Arua District.

The aspirants committed them selves to using the document as yard stick and will further propel it to the masses when ever they go for campaigns.

DP President,Nobert Mao campaigns in Masaka

DEMOCRATIC PARTY (DP) Presidential candidate, Nobert Mao, was received in Masaka, a DP strong hold with a big bang as thousands attended a rally with drums and donated to him a hoe, the party symbol.
In his remarks, Mao, the 6th DP President General, blasted the Inter Party Coalition (IPC) bosses of Ssuubi’s Ex-Buganda Katikkiro Joseph Mulwanyamuli Ssemogerere and FDC’s Kiiza Besigye for using cheap politics to gain votes.

“Mulwanyamuli and Besigye are using Kabaka Mutebi as Mengo faithful but its wrong, Kabaka is non partisan in Politics. Mulwanyamuli misleads the Baganda that he signed on their behalf with Besigye. It’s bad, they are opportunists” Mao said.

He laughed at Col. Besigye whom he labeled a Political failure as he lost twice to M7 and changed his FDC to Forum for ‘Delaying’ Change and asked Bannamasaka to elect him as he can defeat M7.

Mao assured Ugandans that President M7 is to lose 2011 polls as he first defeated NRM’s late Brig. Noble Mayombo at Makerere Guild Elections, later trounced Minister Betty Bigombe in Gulu Municipality MP and later Col. Walter Ochola as District LC5.

CAMPAIGNS IN HIGH GEARS IN KASESE

Campaigns in Kasese are in high gears -voters are turning up in big numbers, interested in raising issues in the citizens manifesto, disadvantaged groups are pushing in their demands as required and candidates promising to do the need full. so far the exercise is Violante free and security is a guarantee.

Kamwenge NRM Flag bearers campaign team

Monday 4/1/2011-6/1/2011: Busiriba and Kahunge Sub counties
On 5/01/11 at Kyakanyemera TC one Ngabirano was reportedly on the run after being put on wanted by police together with others as follows:

Milton Kagaari of Nyabwiina village, Kyakurarugemere parish, Kahunge S/C responded with an FDC sign at the NRM flag bearers’ campaign team.

Ngabirano rejected the removal of FDC candidate posters from a wall on reasons his house was being hired by the FDC candidate as his office.

Mr Ngabirano was told that the reason FDC posters were being destroyed and replaced with NRM flag bearers is that he was interrupting the NRM flag bearers’ campaign.

On 6/1/11, voice of Kamwenge FM ran a story of as list of wanted people by police who have reportedly been disrupting NRM rallies to answer election related charges.

On 6/2/11 at kiyagara, NRM flag bearers’ campaign team comprising of Hon Frank Tumwebaze, Hon Nuru Byamukama, woman flag bearer Dorothy Nsaija and the woman councilor faslg bearer Loy Mwesigwa who were in the company of Kahunge LCIII Chairperson Peter Sebarera who informed whistle blower Mbabazi Paul Kada of woman MP independent candidate Mehangye’s agent at the rally.

It was reported that one Fara who was also NRM supporter and a chairman youth Rwebikwato parish was reportedly seen recording the speech of MP candidatre Hon Frank Tumwebaze. His mortocycle was confiscated and he was taken to police

NAAds cordinator attacked by citizens at Public rally of Museveni

As H.E the president of Uganda winds up his campaign in Kabarole, he was overwhelmed by the turn up. In fact it showed him the huge support he has in the region. For the first time he gave the audience a chance to interact with him on issues that affect them. a point in case was the attack on the Kabarole NAADS Coordinator Grace Kazigati whom the citizens accused of misusing the 1.9BN when she claimed that the money had been allocated to what it was intended for. It turned out to be a court session as the arguments from the citizens where beefing up, this called for the president to intermediate the whole session.


This clearly indicated that citizens now know what they want from the people in different responsibilities.

The president visits Fort portal

His excellence the president of Uganda visited fort portal for campaigns yesterday 11th Jan 2011. He reached several areas like Kyaitamba town council-Kijura, kibiito trading center and Booma grounds-fort portal lastly.He was warmly welcomed and the campaigns ended successfully.

A group of Ugandan Artists made the day colourfully since they were a escorting and entertaining the big crowd at every area he went. These included Baby cool, Raga dee, Kezo among others.
other NRM contestants also participated as they got a chance for campaigning along their president. These included the standing Mp Mr.Alex Ruhunda, Kaliba Steven, His excellence the mayor Asaba Ruyoga and some other independent candidates.

The president promised to construct industries to provide job opportunities to the youth, give loans to boda bada and also promised to make sure that the NAADs funds get the the grass root people.
Lastly, he requested for votes in the up coming elections as the president of Uganda 2011 to 2016.
By Evelyn.
RICNET.

electoral campaign violence

NRM CANDIDATE MR MUHUMUZA CAR VANDALIZED BY UNKNOWN PEOPLE AT FUNERAL GATHERING IN KYARUSOZI SUBCOUNTY MWENGE NORTH KYENJOJO DISTRICT, THE POLITCAL SITUATION IS TENSE BETWEEN MUHUMUZA A MUKIGA AND Tom Butiime the incumbent A MUTOORO THE ELECTORATE IS DIVIDED ON TRIBAL DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE TWO CANDIDATES

Batooro demand for the release of Katuramu from Museveni

As President Museveni seeks for votes in Kabarole district on Tuesday 11th January 2011, the Batooro asked him to release their former Omuhiikirwa of Tooro Kingdom that is Katuramu John who has been in prison for over 12years. In addition the people complained about the NAADS funds which they said was only benefiting a few rich people and forgetting the poor ones.
Museveni campaigned from three places that is Kibito,Haikibale and Boma grounds in Fort Portal town and it was all peaceful.


Posted by IWDP

Training of Web based election monitoring tools

Focal persons trained in web based election monitoring tools.

Residents of Kibiito attacks Kazigati the NAADS coordinator

Residents of Kibiito attacked Kazigati on the misuse of 1.9BN Money meant for NAADS. Kazigati who was presenting before the president during his campaigns did not like it when residents denounced her that she had never given them any money. Museveni saved her by turning out

Museveni campaigns in Bukonzo East.

Presidential candidate, Y.K MUSEVENI was on 8th/ 1/ 2011 in kyarumba sub-county promising to create enormous changes if voted back into power.
However, One FDC supporter was arrested by Police puting on a party T-shirt at the Rally.

SAMUEL M.W. LUBEGA CAMPAIGNS IN ARUA

SAMUEL M. W. LUBEGA CAMPAIGNS IN ARUA

Official DP Presidential candidate, Norbert Mao, has to do more work to pull the DP supportes of Arua to his camp.This was evident when Samuel Lubega, held a campaign rally at Arua Hill Grounds on Sunday the 2^nd of January 2011. A warm welcome by DP candidates in Arua district was extended to Mr Samuel Lubega. Present at the rally were the Arua municipality MP aspirant on DP ticket and other DP officials within Uganda and in Diaspora Betty Ayakaka, Kadara Twaha the DP Vice President for Eastern Region.Mr. Lubega Sam said ,Mao is being installed by President Museveni to divide the Northern votes with Otunu to weaken the opposition .He pronounced himself as the official and Legitimate candidate of DP .

In his tour of West Nile, he promised to electrify the region and industrialize the area and create job for the people in the region, which, Museveni has neglected and instead has decided to send power to Rwanda.

He termed Museveni’s government as the government of brothers, in laws and relatives thus it does not meet the interest of the rest of the Ugandans.

He described the “another rap” and “pakalast” as another 5 years of poverty, declining Agric all these pakalast in Uganda and thus had a version of another rap as …”do you want another rap?” …Aleku ba ambu (meaning we do not want Master)

Blamed museveni for bringing the AIDS Acquired Income Deficiency Syndrome) yet has made hospitals more sick than the disease. Once elected, he will give the Musevenis 4 months of amnesty, after which he will have their accounts free zed and thrown to jail if they don’t change.