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Sampaul Nakhaima
Chief Editor
The Makererean
themakererean.wordpress.com

UN STUDY ON WHY MEN IN ASIA RAPE

Makererean UN Correspondent

Why do rape perpetrators commit such acts?

In the first of its kind, a multi-country survey looked at how widespread rape and sexual violence is in six Asia-Pacific countries. And it also asked why.

A quarter of the men interviewed, said they had raped a woman or girl.

The report published in the medical journal The Lancet also brought insight into the socio-economic circumstances of the men who rape.

The study by the Partners for Prevention, comprised of several U.N. agencies, asked 10,178 men about their lives. They gathered information from the following countries: Bangladesh, China, Cambodia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and Sri Lanka.

How widespread is rape?

The questionnaire did not contain the word "rape."

Instead, participants were asked questions like whether they ever "forced a woman who was not your wife or girlfriend at the time to have sex," if they ever "had sex with a woman who was too drunk or drugged to indicate whether she wanted it" or forced a partner, when she did not want to.

Here is the percentage of respondents who said they had raped a partner or non-partner.

In most countries, between one in five reported perpetrating a rape, although Papua New Guinea leads this proportion with more than half.

Rape of women in marriage was much more prevalent than non-partner rape, the survey found.

Rape is globally condemned 

When does it start?

Early. More than half of respondents who raped a non-partner first did so as a teenager, with most of their first crimes occurring between the age of 15 and 19.

The study's authors say this "reinforces the need for early rape prevention if one is to intervene before the first rape is committed."

What's the likelihood of repeat offenses?

High. Nearly half of the respondents who said they had committed rape, perpetrated the crime on different women.

They were asked how many different women they had raped:

        55.4% said they have raped 1 woman

        28.3% said they have raped 2-3 women

        12% said they have raped 4-10 women

        4.2% said they have raped 10 or more women

Are women always the victim of sexual violence?

No.

        6.2% of respondents say they have raped a man and a woman as a single perpetrator

        30.2% of respondents say they have raped a man and a woman among multiple perpetrators (with others/in a group setting)

Why did they commit rape?

Sexual entitlement means a man feels he has a right to have sex, despite what the woman wants. Some respondents expressed they were bored, so rape was a pursuit of entertainment. Punishment was also cited as a reason, saying that some wanted to punish a female or was angry with the person.

Are there consequences for the rape?

Prison sentences were rare, with less than a quarter of the perpetrators receiving jail time. The study found:

55.2% said they felt guilt

        35.7% said they were punished by friends or family

        32.5% said they were arrested

        22.9% said they were sent to prison

What's the background of a repeat rape offender?

Men with a history of victimization, such as experiencing childhood physical or sexual abuse, emotional abuse or neglect in childhood, were more likely to commit sexual violence than those without such a past, according to the study.

It also found that men who were poor or had no high school education were more likely to have raped in a group setting.

        50% of multiple perpetrators had no high school education

        74.8% of multiple perpetrators had ever married or co-habitated

        60.5% of multiple perpetrators experienced childhood physical abuse

        43.1% of multiple perpetrators rarely or never had their father at home

CAUGHT IN-FLAGRANTE

The Police may be drunk with POMBE

By Zahra Abdul

   For starters, I do not know much about this Public Order Management Bill and don’t lay any claims on how it operates as a law. My colleagues chide me about it, some crazy ones who indulge in the bitter, have even gone so far as naming it POMBE (name for local brew). While I have read inexplicably negative reviews about it, intellectual parliamentary discourse has never been my thing, until POMB hit me in a recent incident in Mengo, which had me transformed ...well, you could say “POMBE-CALLY”.

   You would think I must be certifiably insane for even renaming this POMB, but yesterday I was arrested by the police for sitting down with a friend in a public place opposite a church in Mengo. At that point it didn’t occur to me that, sitting next to a highway would incur us the wrath of the police. Yet in this case, we were faced with an unwavering policeman whom we tried to explain to that we had no ill-will with anyone, and anything. Yes, you guessed right. He asked for 50K, we jammed.

   That refusal earned me and my friend a stint on the “holy torture” rack of a police station in Mengo. They threatened to detain us overnight and take us to court the next day. POMB-E was really in force here. But we stood our ground and refused to be hoodwinked, and we were released after 20 minutes. Those 20 minutes of hell, turned me literary almost pink. I intimated to a friend about this, and he pointed to POMB, like “gal, which rock have you been living under lately, didn’t you know?” Rightly or wrongly, I was shocked by what for me was a revelation, my first experience at a police station, and with this POMB thing, probably many more to come. Perhaps it’s just me. Maybe I am just paranoid. Perhaps the rumours I have heard of heavy government hand if you were found seated in twos or threes eating your chicken is not true. 

Even simple gatherings like this one will be enough to provoke the police

Maybe the rumour of a heavy government hand if you were found whispering to someone is really a myth. Eh... the lugambo in Uganda, especially on social media has gone off the rails. You could easily debunk this myth, until it happens to you. And while POMB gives the police instant gratification, the buzz on social media shows otherwise, and suggests it has left the nation wheezing and riddled with this lugambo. In fact while the police could see in Deputy Speaker, Jacob Oulanyah (who helped pass this law) a super-hero, critics out there see a law that was passed recklessly. I am not sure it was, but I surely witnessed its potential to be abused, in fact I am on bunkenke (tenterhooks) now. Yet, on the other hand, I am not sure if my arrest had anything to do with this POMB thing. Maybe I appeared idle and disorderly? Yes, when it comes to my yoghurt, I can be overly protective, and show certain ferocious signs, but folks...I was in Mengo, and the nearest “yoghurt” or semblance of one as far as my eyes could see, was a cow mowing nearby.

Such actions by police will no longer be news

    So next time you sit down to eat your much prized fried cassava, think twice. You never remember these things but the crapulence this POMB could bring to your life, makes it worth considering every time you walk out. Personally, I would remove this POMB thing instantly, because “Pombe-cally” it’s getting into the heads of the police. Keep your eyes peeled folks. Pop some popcorn as you watch this POMB saga unfold. Sit back and watch the end of Kaboozi-cating on a bench as we know it. Would it be “prosaic” of me to suggest that with this law, the police have the potential of getting drunk with power? Well, over to you Afande Kayihura

WHEN YOU CAN’T FIND THE LECTURE ROOM

By Kam Sam

I’d always thought it was only toddlers who could get lost. The other groups I had exempted from not being lost were the staggering drunkards who mistook enguuli for bushera, the villagers who thought bulbs were calabashes and the whites who pride in their ignorance of everything that is African.

   Little did I know that I risked being charged with forgetting to include freshers on my list. This lackadaisical mistake I’d committed would actually incite the police into a ‘shoot-to-kill’ operation. I’ll never forget the day my bosom friend, Eric attended a year three class on the very first day his long feet sneaked into the University’s gates (and by university, I only mean Makerere-no apologies). The lecturer, a slim lady professor with glasses that seemed heavier than her was the instructor. Eric told me that he kept gazing at her waiting for the glasses to overpower the wiry woman.                                                                                        Eric didn’t pick anything from the lecture; not even the topic; not even the course. The only thing he learnt was that he was lost.

   Ayayayaya!!! I can recall the day Susan almost missed an exam. She looked for the lower lecture theatre at the then faculty of arts for half an hour. She rotated around the same place in both clockwise and anti-clockwise directions. She then moved upstairs and downstairs. She could not find the theatre. She thought it had migrated. She then realized that was a bad thought.

   I can write thousands of such experiences. But in this series, it is as important to a fresher as salary increment is to Makerere dons, to understand that being lost is not abnormal. Blessed, therefore, are the freshers who will heed to my sweet PLAN B prescription;

1.      Asking for direction is neither illegal nor subject to taxation. No one will charge you under the Public Order Management Bill (POMBE) for not seeking Kayihura’s permission to stop any person and politely sing, “Excuse me, hi, can you please help direct me to the dean’s office”. And by the way Makerere students are as helpful as statehouse is to Luwero war veterans. And I’m not saying you will be given sacks of money for seeking help when lost. What I mean is that they will give free services, no terms, no conditions. Students do not behave like Maria Kiwanuka, who thinks it’s wise to tax water.

2.      Get used to your college during internship. It is too much high school swagger that makes most of you shun orientation. But of course that swagger ends up getting you into more troubles than those in the OPM.

3.      Lastly, know a few of your course mates and give them a call whenever you are lost. Just load ‘pakalost’(not pakalast because it no longer lasts ever since the warid-airtel. Looks like the bride secured a high interest loan from loan sharks to throw a party and perhaps pay dowry).

4.      Police. If you choose not to obey the above plan B rules, I can bet my father-in-law’s herd that you will get lost, but even then, I have another option for you. If you forget all the places at MUK, be sharp enough to remember the police station. Once you realize that you are lost run faster than Kiprotich and report yourself to the police or ask any policeman you see around to lead you to the police. There, you’ll be picked after radio announcements and you will automatically be deported. Until then, Kam Sam rebukes the spirit of being lost.

kamsam21@gmail.com

INTERNSHIP MEMORIES

 ‘I am sorry Editor, there was no story’

By Samuel Kamugisha

It’s a Saturday and being a weekend, I didn’t have to go to RHU for internship. No outreach. No nothing. Even if it were there, I would have flouted the rules, not because I’m a law breaker who deserves Afande Omara’s iron hand but because I could not miss Ngugi Wa Thiong’o whose books I’d read since I disobeyed my teachers to offer Literature in English yet many saw a scientist in me. I wonder what kind of doctor or engineer I’d have made. By the way, I’ve not broken many rules save for rules of engagement but on this day I could break all the rules.

    At the entrance, I signed in not as an intern but as a journalist working with the best University newspaper in Africa. I said the truth. I didn’t want to break the rule like one man who bragged, “God gave us ten, we broke them, Metternich has given us his, let’s see”. My friend Michael was busy enjoying with his camera. He must be having albums of pictures to present in his report. The guy’s camera flashed 1000 per second. He must have taken 1000s of trillions of pictures.

One fails to figure out what they will say when they reach the newsroom without the story

   Luck is very selective. Sitting in the gallery, I saw Loyce, an intern with UBC. Maaaama! Editorial policies suck. Loyce saw nothing sensible in what was said for over five hours, including what the author of ‘Devil on The Cross’ had said. One can run such a story by such an author whose writings entail words that hide bombs of meanings in them, at their own risk. Prof. Kamuntu, the minister of water, as if he’s the one who created it, had represented the president. Loyce had to wait for whatever the minister said in his master’s name. The minister read this boring script as Loyce took notes. She threw the gallery into prolonged laughter when she shouted, “Pardon!”  Owing to the boredom that the speech had plunged me into, I decided to take a nap. It’s Loyce’s laughter that woke me up. I’d already filed and sent my story to Africa’s most authoritative University news paper, THE MAKEREREAN and my story had begun trending like a hot chapatti on our blog as my sister struggled.

   As I rose to walk out, I saw Viola, an intern for a certain business weekly. There was absolutely nothing business-like about Ngugi, Nyerere, or the University Of East Africa that were immensely referred to that day. At least, nothing for the budding business paper. For more than five hours, there was no story. Her editor wanted the story to run the next two days. Thank God she’d time to attend other functions where she could luckily land on a juicy story. Wait, she’d not been parsimonious with her spending. I’ve actually known her for spending her money like a fisherman who has no idea whether the sea plans to swallow him the next day as he goes swiping through its waters for more fish.

   As Loyce struggled to jot down her story, Viola’s editor and field supervisor called to inquire how far she’d gone. The intern brazenly replied, “There was no story”.  Is that not story enough?

Kamsam21@gmail.com

        

WHO IS TO PAY THE 70% SALARY INCENTIVE?

The only benefit I saw in the 70% increment undertaken between MUASA and council is that it quickly dissolved the terse uncertainty of our university’s closure. Indeed! so soon, excited students exchanged and propagated messages through phones, facebook, twitter-social media was awash with the news, “all is settled, we will soon be back to campus, 7^th freshers and 14^th for continuing students” That is what we said. We still say so.

   Well, poor Makerere student, all is not yet settled. All is still on. The MUASA game is, though seeming at rest or a compelling limbo, still in play. We must recall so vitally that the 800% increment that had earlier been recommended by some committee in 2011, is not yet – by any speck – eroded off their money-thirsty memories.

Mak lecturers negotiating on the salary incentives

   Even Luis Kakinda, the MUASA spokesperson, hinted on it slightly, during a boycott arguing that of the initially promised sum in 2011(800%), they presently want at least 100% (I hope we don’t need rocket science to explain to us what the word “at least” means. For better interpretation the battle has in simple terms, just begun.

  The MUASA hawks have chosen to relay it in phase form and their half achieved success of the 70% of council’s move. Here, the greatest question is, “who will pay the money?”  Government? Hands up those who say ‘yes’; then, shame on you for you are greatly mistaken. Government priority is so distant from Makerere (keep in mind that Makerere is not part of the military nor an NRM party structure).  All through, it is the MUK private student that will settle the score by coughing more tuition and other fees.

   Don’t take my word for it. Let’s make some simple hypothesis; government is only paying for less than 10% of all MUK students’ tuition and if our lecturers are to have 70% increment, (or even 800% as the trend seems driving to that) then it will still only cater for 10%. In this case, it will offer 7% of the promise and the remaining 63% and the remaining is on us the students.

  At this point I will partially agree with Prof Venansius Baryamureba (whom we, in unison, excommunicated from our home of ‘intellectuals’) who argues that the demands were unfair on account of the uneven nature in which they were relayed. It is hard truth to tell here, but it’s a fact. Our teaching assistants (Bachelor’s level) are paid an average of UGX 1.7 M (USD 654) which is simply an overpayment in comparison to other teachers at that level.

   Now, if teaching assistants are to ascend to 800% increment, will it still be fair? Hands up, again, those who back MUASA. Well, we may argue they are a special case (MUK being 4^th in Africa.) But of all the staff below the rank of ‘senior lecturers’, less than 1% have had a single publication or meaningful research; so, what quality have they contributed to our continental score?

   Those who deserve increment are senior lecturers, associate professors because these have gross underpayment if we were to make any appropriate comparison. After all, each of these senior staff has published at least three books and is more active in research, and that is what matters in university qualitative assessment. So those are a special case.

SAFE MALE CIRCUMCISION A CHOICE WORTH MAKING

By Enid Keren Nabumati

The campaign for safe male circumcision, initiated by the ministry of health and endorsed by President Yoweri Museveni has been embraced by various medical facilities in Uganda. This is so because different studies have proven that the practice lowers the risk of HIV infection among men and also promotes penile hygiene.

   Unlike in the past where circumcision was practiced only among religious denominations like the Muslims, tribes like the Gishu and Sabiny among others, it is now a national health concern and cuts across all communities countrywide.

   As compared to the rudimentary methods of circumcision that were used in the cultural arena, which were as primitive as using the same unsterilized blade to cut more than one candidate, and which on many occasions resulted into spread of STDs and other related ailments, the equipment used in medical facilities now is modern and does not pose a very great risk to a patient. The operations are done more carefully to ensure that bleeding is minimal and that the risk of contracting HIV and any other illnesses that could arise from poor hygiene is reduced.

Many young men have decided to take on Safe Male Circumcision 

   A prospective method called Prepex is being researched upon and this, if used, not a single drop of blood is lost. Researchers think that if this method is put in place, it will bolster greater response from the public towards circumcision since one of the greatest fears that most men have is losing blood.

   Despite the fact that the ordinary system of clinical circumcision has received some remarkably positive response, the effectiveness of Prepex is expected to marshal greater response because it reduces on the pain and bleeding experience.

   The campaign is being promoted through advertisements. Medical personnel also do physical outreaches to institutions especially schools to convince the public to take part. Surgeons have also been trained on how to safely carry out the operation. It is also free of charge in government hospitals because it has been facilitated and those who charge for it have their own pecuniary interests.

   Studies show that the earlier one gets circumcised in terms of age, the faster the healing process. Despite the fact that circumcision is not being enforced by the authorities, it is highly advisable that the youth do it in order to promote good health. However, it is no guarantee for them to live recklessly because the protection it offers is not 100% assured.

DEALING WITH A WRONG MAN WHO DOESN’T DESERVE YOU

 ‘You are far too pretty to sit and weep for a wrong person who doesn’t deserve you’ Doreen Nasasira tips the lady Makerereans on how to stop sobbing for men who pride in breaking their hearts;

Stop the excuses. If a man wants you, nothing can keep him away. If he doesn’t want you, you cannot make him stay. Stop making excuses for a man and his behaviour; allow your intuitions to save you from heart aches.

   Stop trying to change yourself for a relationship that is not meant to be, slower is better. Never live your life for a man before you find that one who makes you truly happy.

    Do not stay because you think it will get better. You will be mad at yourself later for staying when things are not better.

   Avoid men who have got a bunch of children by bunch of different women. He didn’t marry them when he got them pregnant. Why would he treat you more differently?

   Maintain boundaries in how guys treat you. If something bothers you, speak up

   He is a man, nothing more, nothing less.

   Never let a man define who you are.

   You cannot change a man’s behavior.  change comes from within.

   Never borrow someone else’s man. If he cheated with you, he will cheat on you.

   A man will only treat you the way you allow him to treat you.

   All men are not dogs

   You should not be the one doing all the bending, compromise is a two way sheet

   If a relationship ends because a man was not treating you as you deserve, then  you cannot be friends. A friend wouldn’t mistreat a friend.

   The only person you can control in a relationship is you.

   Always have your own set of friends separated from his.

   Never let a man know everything. He will use it against you later.

   Don’t over make him feel more important than you are even when he has more education or a better job.

   Do not make him into a quasi-god.

YOUTH IN NATION’S BUILDING-THE JOSEPH MODEL

By Peter Gumisiriza

Youths are the power house of any nation and how tomorrow will be like can easily be seen in the kind of youths a nation has. Uganda is at a historical cross road and there is a cry for divine intervention from every corner. If this nation will therefore experience any radical transformation and emancipation, it must begin with the youth.

   I want to draw the attention of our nation to some of the roles Joseph played in changing his nation and the timeless, conventional principles and action plans he employed, which I believe our youth  in the Uganda context can equally emulate.
Joseph presents a good picture of what God expects from our youth if our nation will also experience positive changes. Youth with great destiny arrangement, with passionate commitment to God, and determined resilience are those God want to breed to take up leadership responsibilities.
Scanning through the biographical details of Joseph, one appreciates the following facts in the story of his life:
     Moved by vision. Joseph was able to see beyond the “now”, immediate and mundane things of this life.  God gave him a vision of a great tomorrow. Joseph’s dream became his main stay and hope. He never gave up because he believed in God who gave him a transformational dream. One major problem we have to contend with as a nation is the great number of visionless youth that will be taking over the affairs of this nation.
     (2) Processed by opposition. With the birth of a great vision in Joseph simultaneously came strong oppositions. No one is after an obituary. Joseph’s vision of greatness attracted to him much opposition. Despite the much opposition, Joseph refused to bargain or compromise his destiny. He saw opposition as concomitant situation necessary for the fulfilment of his great dream. Joseph’s opposition eventually pushed him to a great position.(

    (3) From the simple to the complex – Joseph’s leadership position did not start from the palace but it began while he was in his father’s house. Many of our youth today do not want to follow the divine metamorphosis, but will rather prefer to jump the cue. Your skills must be developed using “simple” situation before moving to greater height. He passed the skill text in his father’s house, in Potipher’s house, among the prisoners before God brought him to the palace. It is not how soon you get to the top that matters but how long you stay there. What will sustain your stay at the top is the capacity you build through simpler situations you encountered on your way up.
    (4)  Living today with tomorrow in view. Joseph is an example of a strategic planner. He had the understanding of the divine revelation indicating what economic situation will be like in Egypt for a space of 14 years. Joseph came up with a strategic economic policy that can bring about an establishment of a reserve to meet the future need. Most of Uganda’s politician today lack this skill and attitude. Some of our leaders are bent on devouring the provisions meant for the next 100 years within on fiscal year. What a contrast? We need youth who will be conscious of tomorrow and  today and who can come up with long term strategic plans that can leave a reserve for the generation yet unborn.

gpeterlinn2012@gmail.com

JACKIE’S ADVENTURES

How I lost my virginity

Excitement floors in my already heated curious mind, the fantasy was becoming true, the constant hope, imagination was finally becoming a reality, I could not wait to tell the tale of a venture into this scary new territory ;away from my mother’s authoritative voice and love!

    So the final day had come, the innocence had to be trashed to the recycle bin and emptied out, the Friday night lights glowing down on to my innocent face.

    Dressed in a black little dress that left nothing to speculation, I was off to meet the man of my dreams.  My heart picked up speed slamming against my ribs with so much force that I thought they might crack.

    As I neared to the guards at the entrance, I knew I was saying goodbye to the little girl in me and embracing the woman in me.  That particular night was my little women’s day.

    Eyes glittering with anxiety, sweaty palms, my heart in my throat! Constant doubts play in my tiny protected mind as different voices of morality; subconscious all whisper, “Is it the right decision? I think you are making a wrong choice!”, the hushed voices fade into the background as I raise my chin with determination to lose the virginity or die trying.

   I entered into a club for the first time in my life, the other world where I could see men hit on each other, women dance closely to each other, dressed in all kinds of clothes; the long-held fantasy was now a reality!

   The music was so loud that I could not hear my voice amidst the loss of my virginity to a new guy called Kampala club.  He might not even remember my name or be excited that he was my first but I definitely lost my innocence!

   So stop frowning and cursing and become happy for the little girl for discovering the other side of life!!!

THE MAKEREREAN TO BE OUT ON WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 11TH 2013

Copies of THE MAKEREREAN's first issue of the academic tear 2013/2014 will be OUT this Wednesday 11th September at 1200/= ONLY! , I wouldn't miss  if I were you!

ANNOUNCEMENT

THE MAKEREREAN-"UNVEILING THE HIDDEN TRUTH"

MAKERERE UNIVERSITY MAIN BUILDING

This is to inform all Students successfully admitted on Undergraduate and Postgraduate courses that the Provisional Admission Letters and Fees Structures have been compiled by the Academic Registrar's Department and University Finance Department and delivered to the respective Colleges/Schools and Up-Country Centres.

Students are encouraged to come along with their Personal Identification (IDs, Passports) in order to pick their Provisional Admission Letters.

Please note that;

1. NO FEE will be charged to pick the Provisional Admission Letters.

2. The Official Admission Letters can only be picked after payment of the FULL Tuition and All Functional Fees OR 60% Tuition and All Functional Fees

3. Students in the possession of their FULL Tuition and Functional fees are encouraged to pay all these fees IN ONE INSTALLMENT and avoid unnecessary trips to the bank.

THE MAKEREREAN-UNVEILING THE HIDDEN TRUTH

CALL FOR ARTICLES

THE MAKEREREAN. UNVEILING THE HIDDEN TRUTH

Activities to have the Makererean news paper published are under way. The management of this news paper does not segregate anybody on any grounds whatsoever. Every one of you has an equal opportunity of having their article in this paper. It is upon this background that we call upon all of you to come on board and participate in the running of this paper. It does not matter which college, school or department you belong to. What is most important is the article that you submit for publication.  In fact it is not late to begin or improve on that writing talent that God has endowed you with. Just get serious about it and you will surely live to admire your time at Makerere University.

Send us that hot story on the email: themakererean2013@gmail.com

Stories that directly touch Makerere University community will attract special attention from the editors. Thank you

Sincerely.

The Makererean Editorial Team 2013/2014

ON A SERIOUS NOTE: ARONDA’S THREATS TO THE OPPOSITION AND THE PRESS

What these mean for freedom of expression, assembly and association

By Samuel Kamugisha

The appointment of Gen. Aronda Nyakairima as Minister of Internal affairs had raised eyebrows from opposition politicians, legal brains and the civil society. Infact, members of the opposition declared a week-long absence from the house in protest of the appointment. Following the controversial approval of the tough-talking General by the parliamentary appointments committee chaired by speaker Rebecca Kadaga on July 18^th, the serving general received instruments of office from his predecessor, Eng. Hillary Onek on 24^th July, six days later. The controversy, according to the speaker, should be blamed on the lacunas within the constitution. This is against a backdrop of article 208(2).

Aronda Nyakairima

In his maiden speech, the former Chief of defence forces sounded a stern warning against the media, the opposition and the civil society in the name of defending majority rights which he believed should precede individual rights. Aronda who is now in charge of the police and prisons vowed to crack down protests, restrain NGOs engaging in activities different from those they registered for, and to enforce stricter media regulations. Of great importance to this debate is one of those popular statements he made in this maiden communication, “In the military, once an order or statement of the mission is read like that (you just start). Reading from that statement, it is clearly that Aronda is ready to serve his master’s interest not the public interest that he professes to serve. It also sheds all the doubt about the intention of appointing him to such an office.

Article 20(1) is clear, “Fundamental rights and freedoms of the individual are inherent and not granted by the state”. Clause 2 of the same article charges all organs and all agencies of government and all persons to respect, uphold and promote the rights and freedoms of the individual enshrined in chapter four of the 1995 Constitution of the Republic of Uganda. Article 29 grants (a) freedom of speech and expression which shall include freedom of the press and the media; (d) freedom to assemble and to demonstrate together with others peacefully and unarmed and to petition; and (e) freedom of association which shall include the freedom to form and join associations or unions, including trade unions and political and other civic organizations.

Unless, Aronda officially declares that military rule (In the military, once an order or statement of the mission is read like that (you just start)) has replaced constitutional rule, (never mind that his appointment and approval harbingers the infiltration of militarism into constitutional democracy), he must be reminded of the constitution.

Nonetheless, even with this constitution, the police have been restricting the movement of the former FDC leader, Kizza Besigye and Kampala Lord Mayor, Erias Lukwago in contravention of 29(2a) as well as stopping rallies which have always turned riotous after police intervention by firing tear gas canisters and live bullets. With Aronda at internal affairs and another general as the Inspector General of Police, the issue of public interest will always come to play and persecution and detention without trial will be the order of the day. The fact that persecution and detention without trial contravene article 43 (2 a and b) has on several occasions been under looked. Closure of media houses has been in place even with the constitution in place and the recent victims were KFM, the Daily Monitor and the Red Pepper in regard to the controversial letter of renegade General and former Chief of Military Intelligence David Tinyefuza that allegedly accused the president of planning the demise of those opposed to the first son’s succeeding his father in the country’s top seat.  Also in the wake of what has been dubbed ‘The Muhoozi Project’, which government has dismissed as non existent, government has promised to move in to crack down on social media. Aronda’s crackdown on the media is most likely to include a clearout of social media.

Aronda’s warnings must not be taken lightly and neither must they be taken as new. They are just an extension of a crackdown on the media, civil society and opposition. As we slowly but surely move from budding constitutionalism to aging militarism, the media, civil society and opposition must prepare for tougher times ahead. The constitution, rule of law and the will of the people are on trial. It merits mentioning that what is constitutionally right and in public interest (never mind who defines it), is what the author of the so-called orders from above considers so. Freedom of expression, assembly and association will be on the receiving end as the regime seeks to cling onto power, not because the constitution does not consider them fundamental and inherent (in any case the constitution is clear as highlighted above) but because they are a threat to the interest of the regime. Aronda’s threats are not only unconstitutional and unfortunate but also dangerous for democracy and also set a bad precedent

CHANGE WE CAN BELIEVE IN

 By Mbabazi Jr Boniface

Gallant Makerereans, I. Write this article with great honour and with due respect for all Makereans and all readers. For long, decisions have been made based on various considerations, but now is the time to put our intellect to test. It’s evident that to a larger extent, things are not okay, not even in the interest of the majority students. I therefore, with great humility, call upon any single Makererean to objectively open up their mind and realize what could empower a Makererean in his/her capacity as a student, regardless of their size,colour,age,or even year of study. Now is the time to call off individual interests and appreciate the interests of Makererean.

MAKERERE UNIVERSITY

We owe a lot to the younger generation, even our own children and as well as our grandchildren. The decisions we make today, shall greatly determine whether they can have the quality education that the then Ugandan child shall need. Our decisions can as well give our poor parents and neighbors back in our villages, who dig day by day with the hope of providing quality education to their children in such a great institution.
I know we can surely give them hope; we simply need to be independent in our decisions. We should no longer be compromised by the interests of small groups of people at the expense of Makerereans.
Fellow intellectuals, it’s time for MAKEREREANS TO OWN MAKERERE. In that, we shall truly hope and believe, as "WE BUILD FOR THE FUTURE" 

MAKERERE: UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSION LIST 2013/2014 IS OUT

The Makererean

AERIAL VIEW OF MAKERERE UNIVERSITY

The Undergraduate Private Admission lists 2013/14 is out. Please be patient as we prepare to avail the list online. Thank you. The Makererean

PLAN B (6)

1.5M FOR AN OFFICE ATTENDANT! WHY AM I STILL EATING CHALK?

By Samuel Kamugisha

The teachers’ strikes over salaries are as old as low pays. Owing to the need for more teargas, which we can’t do without, the president, whom everyone wants to run to, had thought it not imprudent to sacrifice the 20% salary increment he had promised the chalk-scoffing Ugandans when they went on strike last year. It seems the Principal has lost hope in threatening them, “If you want more pay, go and do other things. After all, many people are unemployed.” But wait. Has the man in a yellow hat heard of the impending strike at the Ivory Tower? It’s supposed to be 100% Your Excellency. Did I hear you send me to go and remind him that promises are debts? I’ll go and tell him, hope the tough-speaking new minister of domestic affairs doesn’t order the police chief and the infamous Omara to feed me with expired tear gas.

I laughed my lungs out when I saw MPs asking for loans from the Principal. Thank God the hard times have paid parliament a courtesy visit. They’ve always thought the mwanainchi  was over-whimpering as he chanted ‘the hard times song’.  If a dog bites a man carrying a papyrus mat, will the hide-vendor survive? Certainly not and we can’t caucus on that.

The principal had not carried sacks of money that day. He had carried sacks of counsel and embarked on hours of delivering another state-of-nation address. He advised his sons and daughters to be frugal and to avoid loan sharks. It seems the central bank has run out of paper to print more money. Tender to supply paper. Please apply.

Thoughts about my past experience as a teacher left me flooding in pools of tears. I spent sleepless nights in pensive moods pondering how to help teachers and all those whose high marginal dissatisfaction with their jobs had gone through their roofs.                                                                                                             

My contemplation was not in vain. The National Oil Company (Natoil) will pay its drivers and office attendants a whooping 1.5m, enough money to pay five teachers. NO TOIL AT Natoil. For you honorable MPs instead of begging the yellow Principal, why don’t you go to Natoil. We’ll give out the bigger jobs based on the level of pennilessness. The legislator that is the most broke ( brokest) and pocket broken (brokenest) will be the Managing Director and  his or her pockets will smile with a roaring 51m, a sum 3m higher than that of the highest paid civil servant KCCA’s ED. The less broke legislators can be managers and earn 38.6m, chief managers and earn 25.8m, or senior officers and earn 20.5. Wait, why am I still a journalist? If you don’t hear from me next week, just know I went to Natoil where there is NO TOIL. If you still like PLAN B, don’t break the fast until I’ve been denied a fatty job.

kamsam21@gmail.com
The writer is the Deputy Chief Editor of The Makererean

PLAN B (5)

A SOULS’ SUPERMARKET OPENS, JOBS UP FOR GRABS 

By Samuel Kamugisha

This week has added four more wrinkles to my rugged face.  Son has made it a habit to give dad a chance to sleep with his wife. That’s cherished benevolence. Giving thanks to the dowry payer perhaps. I’ve ordered my oval-shaped head not to let my mind believe the tears of Parliamentarians. They’re crocodile tears. I’ve embarked on a one-month fasting spree dubbed, “May the dad steal the foolish son’s wife pakalast”. This is in addition to the slim possible season IV that I’m undergoing. I won’t break the fast till the executive has disbanded the house occupied by a bunch of snoring stooges who tremble at the sight of their treacherous dad- I doubt if there’s still need to keep slimming ourselves to pay  these chubby tax gobblers.  Aronda’s approval ushers in a new dawn titled the “Impure quadrangle of the father, the son, the stepmother and the uncle”.

At least, this will break the monotony of the Trinity of vision 2040 Dictatorship that we’ve been used to and I think our legislators are leading us into their master’s Canaan. I’m not uncertain it’s not hell. Their approval gave me a selling business idea, souls’ supermarket. One visit to Entebbe, one cup of tea with the master,  five years of soul rent as a tenant. A little coins, lifetime ownership. Many of us can begin consultancy firms and employ a number of jobless youths as brokers. The demand for these souls will depend on the number of controversial issues in the majestic house. No more unemployment.

For the only man with a vision for this country and his accomplices, the ground is fertile for those who hunted their animal to slaughter it and share the meat. He can now make all the cabinet a military junta and announce a coup without a billboard-like legal notice. Muhoozi will replace Aronda to represent the forces in Parliament and will be appointed minister of Defence to complete the Vision 2040 Quadrangle. Members of parliament will soon be appointed by the president and vetted by the son, his step-mother and his uncle (The Trinity of Vision Implementers). LC Chairpersons will be appointed by the president and must strictly be soldiers. We can also trust Brig. Nalweyiso and Gen. Salim Saleh to shoot the wretched poverty out of Luwero using money sacks. Hope they won’t one day confess with sweating tongues like the Nakawa SACCO-350 million thief, “I’m an old woman. I’m baptized. I din’t steal”

The Aronda-Kayihura combination has made me contemplate on how to seek asylum either in London where I can join Renegade Gen. David SSejusa or Ecuador where I can meet Assange, the Chief Wiki leaker. Countrymen, put your hands together for teargas reloaded, more raids for letters, be them love letters or facebook inboxes.  You’re safe with my anger because I express it in my words using paper and pencil. For the tough-looking soldiers, their anger will be exhibited through the gun fire. This is no barrel of laughs. Aronda’s first assignment will be dealing with national identification cards. No card, Panda gari. Relax, it’s only a pilot scheme and money for these IDs will soon be swindled by Kazinda’s trainees. At least, I can comfortably bet on this. We can for the mean time continue to use our birth certificates (which 70% of us have no idea how they look like), education documents most of which are available on Nasser Road. I guess those guys will record roof-escaping sales owing to our high marginal propensity to dodge procedure.

Before we disband Parliament, let’s spare two MPs. Odonga Otto wants drinking hours limited. Let all bars open at 5pm. One of the reasons is that overdrinking reduces men’s capacity to perform their duties between the sheets. I hear some women have threatened to take their husbands to court for sparing their duty of picking forbidden fruits. Thank God I capped the bottle. The other one is the arrogant Eddie Kwizera who wants retirement age lifted till death. He has at least showed us that he’s a strong advocate of youth unemployment. Just keep your fingers crossed for a bunch of more grey-haired-not-getting-any-younger sleeping and snoring drivers of destiny. Dear, Allah, may they lead us not into Hell on earth but if they do, may they have their share of brimstone flames and gnashing of teeth for which they’ve worked inexorably.

kamsam21@gmail.com

The writer is the Deputy Chief Editor of The MAkererean