Asante issue17

Issue 17

Asante ISSUE NO 17

Gutsy Cranes

Win Many Admirers

The Undercover

Dangers of Spyware

your complimentary copy

FEBRUARY - APRIL 2014

Time to Head to the Beach

FOREWORD

Welcome aboard

A

llow me to wish you a Happy and Prosperous New Year! I hope that 2014 has started on a positive note for you and that you are looking forward to what is in store. Thank you very much for flying with us and we trust you will find our services friendly and delightful. Air Uganda ended 2013, on a high and exciting note. We celebrated our 6th anniversary, a first for the aviation industry in Uganda. We marked this milestone by holding several events and functions with some of you our passengers and also with our numerous partners across the network. We also put up some exciting prizes for you to win, in our end of the year competitions, which I hope you participated in. We are grateful for your support in the past year and look forward to serving you once again in 2014.

Air Uganda is building on the numerous successes recorded last year to bring you more choice, frequency and connectivity to all our destinations. Our schedules now offer you convenient connections through our hub at Entebbe international airport, to any point on our network and beyond. We are benchmarking our already high standards in customer service with the best in the industry and aim to give you a memorable travel experience with East Africa’s most punctual airline. We will also be enhancing the Celestars Frequent Flyer programme this year, in order to give you more rewards and benefits, for your loyalty to the airline. So make an application to become a member of this growing club today.

The IATA Operational Safety Audit Certification (IOSA) was renewed for another two years until 2015, confirming our commitment to safety in all our systems and operations. This assurance continues to give us more opportunities to cooperate with other airlines, which benefits all our customers. Last year, we signed two exciting codeshare partnerships with Rwandair and Precision Air which added to our numerous interline relationships with British Airways, Emirates, Kenya Airways, SN Brussels Airlines and Qatar Airways.

By joining hands, we have been able to offer the travelling public additional frequencies, convenient timings and wider networks across East Africa to other points in Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. We also added two new routes, Kilimanjaro and Mogadishu in 2013, and increased our network in support of both business and tourism growth. We are thankful for your support in these endeavours.

Technology is a great driver for our business and we continue to interact, do business and partner with you on our website, on facebook, twitter and youtube. We are excited that you find these platforms to be quick and convenient for you to book, purchase

your tickets, check-in, as well as communicate your thoughts and ideas about our services. A big thank you goes to all of you our followers on social media and I can assure you that the Air Uganda team looks forward to even more interactions with you this year.

We also note that many more of our customers are now using the mobile money payment options for tickets and that our e-commerce platforms are steadily growing. These investments were made for your benefit and convenience, as expected from a quality regional airline in our markets.

As I conclude, I welcome you to enjoy this issue of Asante magazine and its numerous articles and features of interest. I also wish to encourage you to try out Air Uganda’s new products, like the Crane Class, and Shukran Service, which also gives you added comfort and benefits when you travel on what is fast becoming East Africa’s favourite airline. Our promise is that you will have a warm and memorable experience with us.

Thank you for choosing to fly Air Uganda.

Mr. Cornwell Muleya Chief Executive Officer Air Uganda

asante

February–April 2014

Photo Courtesy of Joseph Kabuleta

AsAnte IssUe nO 17 FeBRUARY - APRIL

e

m Take

Time to Heachd to the Bea

nes Gutsy yCra Admirers Win Man

ercover The Und of Spywares Dangers

tary copy your complimen

Home

2014

Photo © Camerapix Magazines Ltd /David Pluth

Issue 17

Cover picture: Gutsy Cranes of Uganda.

Regulars 1.

CEO’s Foreword

4.

Air Uganda News

6.

Air Uganda Sponsors Events

8.

Events Calendar

10.

Splendours of Western Uganda Travel through the gorilla country and the Mountains of the Moon.

20.

Gutsy Cranes Win Many Admirers … And their top striker looks likely to win himself a handsome professional contract.

26.

The Leftover Animal Wildbeest are true nomads, constantly on the move.

30.

The Nyero Rock Paintings We explore the world heritage site that features the finest rock paintings in East Africa.

34.

Serendipity How had I managed to win these friends?

51. Useful Travel Tips

36.

The Peoples of Uganda Let us go on a journey and check on some of the main groups of people in Uganda.

52. Air Uganda Offices

42.

Time to Head to the Beach: Easter in Uganda Head to the most favourable beaches to enjoy the Easter weekend.

53. Route Map

44.

The Undercover Dangers of Spyware Thankfully there are measures you can take to ensure that you can safely shop online.

46.

Bionic Cure for Back Pain Wonder machine that is making a huge difference in just 3-5 sessions!

Publishers: Camerapix Magazines Ltd Editorial Director: Rukhsana Haq Editor: Roger Barnard

48. Entertainment: East Africa & Around 50. Basic Tips for the Traveller

54. Abato Corner 55. Air Uganda Flight Schedule 56. Crossword Puzzle & Sudoku

ASANTE meaning ‘Thank you’ in Kiswahili is published quarterly for Air Uganda by Camerapix Magazines Limited | P.O. Box 45048, 00100 GPO Nairobi, Kenya Tel: +254 (20) 4448923/4/5 | Fax: +254 (20) 4448818 | E-mail: creative@camerapix.co.ke Website: www.camerapixpublishers.com

Editorial Assistant: Cecilia W. Gaitho Creative Designers: Charles Kamau, Sam Kimani Production Manager: Azra Chaudhry, U.K Production Assistant: Rachel Musyimi, Rose Judha Editorial Board: Rukhsana Haq Jenifer B. Musiime Jackie Tumuhairwe The views expressed in this magazine should only be ascribed to the authors concerned, and do not necessarily reflect the views either of the publishers or of Air Uganda. The printing of an advertisement in Asante does not necessarily mean that the publishers or Air Uganda endorse the company, product or service advertised.

Editorial and Advertising Offices: Camerapix Magazines (UK) Limited 32 Friars Walk, Southgate, London, N14 5LP Tel: +44 (20) 8361 2942 | Mobile: +44 79411 21458 | E-mail: camerapixuk@btinternet.com Air Uganda, Marketing Office | Tel: +256 (0) 414 258 262/4 or +256 (0) 417 717 401 Fax: +256 414 500 932 | E-mail: info@air-uganda.com or jbmusiime@air-uganda.com Investment House, Plot 4, Wampewo Avenue, Kololo Website: www.air-uganda.com, www.facebook.com/airuganda Correspondence on editorial and advertising matters may be sent to either of the above addresses.

©2014 All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced by any means without permission in writing from the publisher.

All photographs by Camerapix unless otherwise indicated.

4 Air Uganda News

Customers can now buy tickets using Mobile money Air Uganda has entered partnerships with MTN Uganda and Airtel Uganda, the two biggest telecommunications companies in Uganda, to enable customers pay for tickets using mobile money accounts. Customers will now be able to book a ticket at any of our offices or website and conveniently make the payments on their mobile phones.

This new payment option will make it more convenient for customers to interact with Air Uganda and make travel arrangements. We encourage customers in Uganda to make use of this new service by using the code U7 on MTN and code 111000 on Airtel; we are in the process of rolling out the service to all destinations served.

Air Uganda flights to Juba Following the political instability in Juba in December 2013 Air Uganda flights to the South Sudan capital were disrupted for three days because the Airport was closed. Normal flights resumed when the airport reopened, with a few extra flights to cater for the backlog that had accumulated.

We are glad to have been able to offer flights and services to our customers despite the disruptions. We also extend our gratitude to the teams, both in Juba and Entebbe, and airport officials in Juba who ensured that flights operated as scheduled.

Flights to and from Juba are now operating normally and customers wishing to book or buy tickets can contact our sales offices in Kampala, Entebbe or Juba or even book via the website on www.air-uganda.com

asante

February–April 2014

Codeshare agreement with Precision Air Air Uganda has signed a codeshare agreement with Precision Air on the Entebbe – Dar es Salaam and Kilimanjaro route. The agreement allows customers to buy tickets for either carrier; a customer can buy a Precision Air ticket at an Air Uganda office, and vice-versa. This agreement will allow both carriers to offer two flights daily as opposed to one flight before the signing.

This codeshare agreement enables customers to plan trips conveniently with more flights to choose from and greater flexibility. This saves operational costs for both carriers because each will operate one flight daily yet offer two flights to passengers.

Air Uganda – Air Burkina engineering team complete A-check single-handedly An aircraft A-check performed by Air Burkina and Air Uganda engineers, without the aid of any other professionals outside the group, was completed in January 2014. The work went smoothly, with great satisfaction to both parties. This resulted in lower maintenance costs and also showed the commitment of both airlines to work together in exchanging skills, competences and personal relationships to make the group stronger and independent.

Congratulations to the two teams for reaching this remarkable achievement.

The team of Air Uganda and Air Bukina that performed that completed the A-check

5 Air uganda Sponsors Events

Air Uganda sponsored the recent ‘Girl Power Conference’ with a raffle prize to any Air Uganda destination.

Air Uganda sponsored the first ever Kids Run Marathon that took place in Kampala in December 2013.

Air Uganda sponsors the Mogadishu basketball team.

Air Uganda sponsors Social Media Awards in Uganda.

asante

February–April 2014

6 Air Uganda marks anniversary

by rewarding partners

Air Uganda marked six years in operation on 15 November 2013. The airline celebrated the anniversary in style by giving something back to its partners – the travel agents and corporate clients – through end-of-year functions organised in their honour across the network in all Air Uganda destinations. Partners were rewarded for their support with awards, certificates and other gifts.

Uganda Corporates function

Uganda Travel Agent’s function

Tanzania

7

Kenya

Kigali

Bujumbura

Juba

Mogadishu

8 Events calendar FEbruary-April 2014

18-20 Feb

8 Feb

Rotaract Club of Rubaga Beach Volleyball Annual Event Rubaga Beach Volleyball will be held at the Sport’s Beach Entebbe. This Rotaract Cluborganised event is a popular fundraiser each year in February. The money raised is used for funding local community projects.

Unclogging the Blockages in Sanitation ‘Group therapy for the sanitation sector’. This action exchange will explore ways to achieve better and faster results of public and private sector sanitation service delivery, and ways to integrate community and market approaches.

Organised by: IRC International Water and Sanitation Centre, PSI, WSUP Enterprises, and Water For People.

Target group: NGOs, Business Development Services (BDS) partners, donors, UN agencies, development banks, local government and regulatory partners, MFIs, private sector partners, and social investors.

Venue: Kampala, Uganda

13-16 Feb

Run Kilimanjaro Marathon 2014 and climb Kilimanjaro

2 March

Sauti za Busara Music Festival This is one of East Africa’s best cultural events. This four-day festival showcases regional music, threatre and dance. It brings together people of all ages and culture. Performance spaces include old forts, amphitheatres and other historic buildings that make Stone town a unique destination.

Stone Town, Zanzibar will once again host the Sauti za Busara music festival. It will bring you the best in African music from the continent and beyond.

Web: http://www.busaramusic.org

asante

February–April 2014

Uganda Bike Challenge 2014 After the success of the hugely popular cycle ride in February 2013, African Revival is doing it all again!

You’ll cover over 400 kilometres over six cycling days and get the chance to stay at a Rhino sanctuary, visit Murchison Falls National Park and visit a number of projects in Gulu.

The bike ride is leaving from London Heathrow on 27th February 2014 flying to Kampala and will return to London on 9th March 2014.

The minimum sponsorship is £3,000 with a deposit of £300 when you sign up. Organisers will support you with your fundraising.

To sign up and get a bit more information: call or email Mandy on mandy@africanrevival.org or 020 8939 3190.

Join the world-class runners from around the globe in the annual road race at the Mount Kilimanjaro and Climb Kilimanjaro, one of the most attractive and challenging activities you can experience in Africa!

You can choose the full marathon, half marathon, or 5000 metres fun run for the race of a lifetime.

27 Feb9 March

9 Events calendar FEbruary-April 2014 Kenya Golf Open Karen Country Club, Nairobi will host the Barclays Kenya Open 2014 Golf tournament, which is part of the European Challenge Tour. It is expected to attract over 150 players across Africa and the rest of the world. Entebbe artisan golfer, Lujja qualified the Barclays Kenya Open. Lujja was the overall gross winner to book a slot at this most prestigious tournament.

Karen Country Club is famous for its beautiful course and lawn terrace. This will mark the start of the 22nd edition of the Kenya Open.

For the travelling golfer, teeing off in one of Kenya’s many world-class golf courses makes for a perfect break from a safari. Kenya’s weather is ideal for golf all year round making it one of the world’s top golfing destinations.

Email: info@kgu.or.ke

6-9 March

19-20 April

17-18 March

20-22 March

International Education Fairs

Banking, Finance & Insurance Expo

Rwanda International Education Fair (RIEF) 2014, is scheduled to take place from Monday 17th – Tuesday 18 March, from 10am – 5pm daily, at the Kagera Conference Hall, Hotel des Mille Collines, in Kigali, Rwanda.

Kampala International Education Fair (KIEF) will be held at Hotel Africans, Kampala. This is a leading education recruitment exhibition in Uganda and in the East African region and hosts internationally recognised universities and colleges from around the world. Worldwide Education Group Ltd and Worldwide Business Link Ltd proudly organise this event.

This event has been well accepted and recognised by the participating universities/colleges and student service providers. Students from Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan and Tanzania regard KIEF as a reliable, authoritative and informative event where they are able to compare schools, have a one on one with enrollers and get on spot admissions.

Web: http://www.worldwideeducationgroup.com

This is one of the major events that bring together all the companies operating in the financial sector under the same roof. All the products and services of this sector are exhibited at this event.

The visitors therefore get a chance to get acquainted with the latest financial tools and services and the exhibitors get a huge exposure in front of a large number of potential customers.

This is a platform for building strong business network that will aid the business in the future.

Where: Lugogo Exhibition Centre, Uganda

The first round of the FIM Africa regional motocross starts in Uganda which is slowly becoming a force to reckon with in the motorcross. Speed Way motorsports club will host its events from Uganda Motocross Arena Busiika. this year.

Web: www.umarena.com

Oil & Gas Africa – International Trade Exhibition

27-29 April

Easter Weekend

18-21 April

FIM Africa regional motorcross

Ugandans will celebrate the Easter Weekend through church services and special events. Local radio stations will play religious hymns. Each year on Palm Sunday, local street vendors sell woven palm fronds to churchgoers in towns and cities.

In rural areas, palm branches are shared between friends and families. Most of the people will head to the beaches.

The third Oil & Gas exhibition, is a hub for key players in the oil and gas community, attracting leading oil, gas and petroleum companies around the world.

Trade Visitors from all over east and Central African countries are being invited directly and in collaboration with several trade bodies in Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Uganda, Somalia, Mozambique and Congo.

Oil & Gas Africa will offer participants the opportunity to showcase the industry’s latest achievements and technologies while networking with key figures from the region’s oil and gas sector. The exhibition brings the industry together in a forum that is conducive to business.

Where: Kenyatta International Conference Centre, Kenya Web: www.expogr.com

asante

February–April 2014

10

Splendours of

WESTERN

GANDA

Photo © Peter Holthusen

Travel Through the Gorilla Country and the Mountains of the Moon, with Asante.

asante

Along with the south-west of the country, the west is one of the most visited regions of Uganda. The lush tea estates and rolling hills have, as a backdrop, the majestic snow-capped Rwenzoris: the fabled ‘Mountains of the Moon’.

February–April 2014

country focus

11

A trip to Uganda’s deep southwest, all steep verdant slopes swathed in lush montane forest and terraced cultivation, is a trip not soon to be forgotten. Scenically, it is most impressive for the brooding Virunga Range, a string of seven freestanding volcanic mountains.

asante

February–April 2014

12

Country Focus

Photos © Camerapix Magazines Ltd /David Pluth

Gorilla watching

There are only two mountain gorilla populations in the world – both in this region of Africa – and the gorillas number fewer than 700 all told. There are only four national parks where you can see them, two of which are in Uganda. However, there is much more to see than just gorillas.

Bird watching

A worthwhile diversion for bird-watchers is to the Mabamba Swamp. This is one of the most reliable localities for sighting the rare shoebill, and the local boatmen are adept at finding this bizarre bird, as well as other localised water birds such as pygmy goose and purple heron.

asante

February–April 2014

country focus

13

Bwindi’s 120-plus species of mammals make it one of the richest ecosystems in Africa.

Primates are particularly abundant and elephants are also found in the south-east of the park. Some 346 bird species are found here.

Buhoma

Buhoma is an ideal place from which to watch primates and birds. Many monkeys can be seen along the roads, around the periphery of the park, and at the forest edge. Chimpanzees, although difficult to see, inhabit the forest adjacent to the camp and are frequently heard. This is also the richest site for birds in the park, with some 190 species on record.

asante

February–April 2014

Photos Š Camerapix Magazines Ltd/David Pluth

Bwindi

14

Country Focus

Fort Portal

Photos © Camerapix Magazines Ltd /David Pluth

One of Uganda’s most attractive towns, Fort Portal makes a perfect base from which to explore the surrounding area, including Semliki National Park, Semliki Wildlife Reserve, Kibale National Park, and Lake Albert.

Semliki Hot Springs

Semliki National Park lies in the Semliki Valley north-west of Fort Portal. Formerly a forest reserve, the 220-squarekilometre (85-square-mile) park is relatively untouched by tourism or development and it shares its unique ecosystem with the Ituri Forest, across the Semliki River in the DRC. It is said that this area has the most diverse wildlife in East Africa.

asante

February–April 2014

16

Kibale

Photos © Camerapix Magazines Ltd /David Pluth

Kibale’s major attraction is the opportunity to track habituated chimps. These delightful apes, more closely related to humans than to any other living creature, are tremendous fun to watch as they squabble and play in fruiting trees.

Rwenzori’s

Everyone finds the Rwenzori Mountains National Park a magnificent environment, with its non-volcanic mountains capped with ice and snow, massive ice-rime sculptures, awe-inspiring vegetation, spectacular scenic beauty, and unique fauna. The whole region is perpetually shrouded by mist, making it a somewhat eerie, but still fascinating, destination.

asante

February–April 2014

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18

Country Focus

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Photos © Camerapix Magazines Ltd /David Pluth

Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of Uganda’s three oldest national parks, open bush country, riverine forest, lowland rainforest, wetlands, rivers, and lakes. Bordering Lake Edward and Lake George, as well as the Kazinga Channel in the western area of the Great Rift Valley, the park has been designated as a Biosphere Reserve for Humanity under the auspices of UNESCO. It remains one of Uganda’s national treasures.

Murchison Falls The main attraction in Murchison is the unforgettable three-hour launch trip from Paraa to the foot of the falls.

Cruising up this 17-kilometre (10-mile) stretch of the historic Nile, the boat passes close to families of hippo and huge Nile crocodiles, whilst buffalo, elephant, waterbuck, Uganda kob and giraffe are likely to be seen on the bank or at the water’s edge.

The spectacular, 3,840-square-kilometre (1,483-square-mile) Murchison Falls National Park – the country’s largest – is renowned for its scenic beauty and abundant flora and fauna. Lush plains are scattered with palms, rich forest, and herds of animals. The jewel in the park’s crown is the magnificent Murchison Falls.

asante

February–April 2014

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Photo Courtesy of `Joseph Kabuleta

20

asante

February–April 2014

sports 21

Gutsy Cranes

Win Many Admirers in

South Africa Reports Joseph Kabuleta

I

f ever failure could be seen as success,

years. That was until top European clubs

Uganda Cranes gallant performance

complained about releasing their African

at the Championship of African

stars for a month at a time in the season

Nations (CHAN) in South Africa was

when their services were required the most.

one such time.

International rules, however, gave preference

The biennial CHAN tournament, created by

to the national teams and the clubs couldn’t

Confederation of African Football (CAF),

do much more than continually grumble.

Africa’s football governing body, five years

But eventually top African footballers also

ago, is competed for by national teams

voiced their displeasure over the mid-

selected strictly from home-based players.

season interruption, with some opting for early retirement from international football.

It is the lesser version, if you like, of the

Still CAF remained adamant that the Africa

grandeur Africa Cup of Nations which was

Cup of Nations will be played in January/

once played at the same time every two

February every even year.

asante

February–April 2014

Photo Courtesy of `Joseph Kabuleta

22

asante

February–April 2014

sports 23

Even if Cranes leave South Africa a lot earlier than they could have, their gutsy performances won many admirers and their top striker looks likely to win himself a handsome professional contract.

cross into the corner of the goal to put Cranes 2-0 up. Uganda could have gone on to add to their tally but the understandable inexperience of the young squad came to the fore as they chose to sit on their lead.

There were indeed a few anxious moments

Eventually it was television and market

point, having scored a solitary goal in three

when the Burkinabe pulled a goal back but

forces that forced the continental body to

group games. Since that time many aspects

Cranes held on for a deserved victory.

relent and shift their flagship tournament to

of Ugandan football have gone awry.

June/July, when the European leagues have

Against such a background, the prognosis

Even if the pre-tournament scepticism

taken a break.

for this year’s tournament was as bleak as

among

Ugandan

fans

wasn’t

entirely

could be, with many pundits predicting a

washed away by that one result, a few

In order to avoid conflicting with the World

repeat of the disappointment of two years

mouths were reasonably silenced by it and,

Cup and the European Cup, both of which

ago in Khartoum, or even worse, if that

especially, by the way it was achieved. Even

are played in even years, the Africa Cup

were possible. As far as many fans were

the most sceptical pundits acknowledged

of Nations was shifted to every odd year

concerned, the fact that Cranes had qualified

that the players had worked hard for each

starting 2015.

for South Africa was as much success as the

other; falling behind to close spaces when

nation could realistically expect.

the opposition had the ball, before breaking out in numbers in counter-attack.

As a way of filling the gaping hole left after the bigger tournament was moved to mid-

The facts will state that Uganda bowed out

year, CAF came up with the CHAN in 2009.

at the group stages, falling short yet again

“I am glad we have come this far but for

of the Holy Grail. But the success story lays

now we are hungry lions and we shall not

in the finer details.

take anything for granted,” coach Micho

The tournament is a good avenue for

Sredojevich said after the opening victory.

aspiring professional footballers to sell their skills outside of their domestic leagues and

Cranes started off with a victory over

“We need to get the prey for ourselves. We

to a glut of foreign scouts who make it their

Burkina Faso that was a lot more resounding

shall not just defend but play normal football

business to watch every game.

than the 2-1 scoreline suggests. Teenage

and later decide as the game progresses.”

forward Yunus Sentamu scored a goal in Uganda Cranes qualified for the second

either half; beautifully rounding the keeper

Next in line was Zimbabwe, and that is when

edition in Sudan 2011 but exited without a

to slot in the first, before diverting a ground

reality set in; reality that Cranes, no-hoppers

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asante

February–April 2014

Photo Courtesy of `Joseph Kabuleta

24

biggest cheer turned into another moment of despair.

“We played a very experienced side and that was very evident on the pitch with their kind of movement and skill,” coach Sredojevich said after the game.

Sceptics will say that it was just another when they arrived in South Africa, were one

Caution and fear were all thrown to the

chapter in a catalogue of Cranes’ near-

victory away from the unchartered territory

wind as Uganda attacked the Lions and

misses. The reality, however, is that Uganda’s

of a tournament quarter-final.

forced them into a defensive cage. A roar of

young team picked out of the chaos back

excitement swept across Kampala city when

home was punching above its weight and

It’s possible that the burden of expectation

Sentamu scored a leveller on the hour. It

was knocked out by a lucky punch.

suddenly weighed on the young team

wasn’t as pretty a goal as any of those he

because

rediscover

managed against the Burkinabe but beauty

If the CHAN tournament is indeed supposed

the ebullience and adventure that had

and aesthetics were of little consequence as

to be a test of the strength of domestic

characterised the first game. Thankfully,

qualification beckoned.

league championships across the continent,

Cranes

failed

to

Zimbabwe weren’t any better and the game

then the Uganda Cranes overachieved. They

ended in a goalless draw, a result that left

Then it was Morocco’s turn to panic. They

left South Africa knowing that their third

Uganda at the top of Group B and still in

made a double substitution that brought

place group finish will earn the Ugandan

pursuit.

on forwards Iajour Mouhssine and Zakaria

federation USD125,000 in prize money (it

Hadraf as Ugandan fans across the country

would have been USD175,000 if they had

But final group opponents Morocco were

held their breaths. The substitution turned

made the quarter-finals). But more than

never going to be an easy proposition.

out to be inspired as, with 13 minutes of

that, 19 year-old Sentamu, scorer of all three

The Atlas Lions had as many as seven

the game left, Mouhssine put Morocco back

Ugandan goals at the tournament is now on

players from the giant Raja Casablanca club

in the lead. As it stood, the North Africans

the radar of top South African clubs.

which reached the final of the World Club

would progress and Uganda would be on

championship in November last year, where

the flight back home.

they lost to European Champions Bayern

“Some people from Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs spoke to me over a possible

But the drama was far from over. In stoppage

switch to their clubs. But I have to give it

time, substitute Francis Olaki missed a glorious

some time and also do a lot of consultations

Cranes needed just a point to seal

opportunity to send Uganda through when

back home on this development,” Sentamu

qualification, but Morocco came into the

his shot from point-blank range was stopped

revealed before boarding the flight back

game with two points from as many draws.

by the Moroccan custodian. But there was

home.

Only a win would suffice for them. What

no moment to rue the miss because the

was a mammoth task looked increasingly

Lions pounced immediately. From that

Therefore even if Cranes leave South Africa

unlikely when Uganda fell behind in the

blocked effort, Morocco launched a sleek

a lot earlier than they could have, their gutsy

29th minute to Rafik Abdessamad’s well-

counter-attack that resulted in a third goal

performances won many admirers and their

taken goal. But adversity brought the best

for them that sealed Uganda’s exit. In a blink

top striker looks likely to win himself a

out of Cranes.

of an eye, what could have been Uganda’s

handsome professional contract.

Munich.

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February–April 2014

wild zone

Photo © Camerapix Ltd/Duncan Willetts

26

The

Leftover Animal “From my vehicle in the Maasai Mara I could almost reach out and touch the grazing wildebeest that surrounded me, and as far as I could see they dotted the flat plain like so many brown mushrooms,” says James Michael Dorsey.

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wild zone

27

The Migration

asante | February–April 2014

Photo © James Dorsey

28

C

onnochaetes Taurinus, or Myumbu Ya Montu in local Swahili, is a member of the antelope family that has a large box-like head with pointy horns like a deer, a long troubled looking face hung with a shaggy goatee, and the mane and tail of a horse. Its front end resembles that of an ox while its hindquarters are similar to an antelope. It is this bizarre, shaggy appearance that gave the wildebeest its name which is Afrikaans for ‘wild beast’ It has been said that the wildebeest is made from leftover parts of other animals and it has an unfortunate reputation for being an extremely benign creature that almost never fights, even to protect itself. But all of its physical strangeness aside, the wildebeest is the most numerous animal on the African plains and unique in many ways.

Wildebeest are true nomads, constantly on the move, beginning after the calving season of early January and February when they leave the southeastern plains of Tanzania’s Serengeti, head west to Lake Victoria then turn north to cross the Mara River into Kenya in herds numbering in the tens of thousands. Their movement can be traced by the enormous dust clouds raised and the low reverberating moans they constantly emit as communication. It is one of the few African antelope family members whose numbers are on the increase and currently it’s believed that there are over 1,500,000 of them. With no trophy horns to be taken, and their numbers so high as to discourage hunting, their unorthodox appearance has spared them from poaching.

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February–April 2014

Tens of thousands of frantic wildebeest hurl themselves down the steep cliffs of the river, pounding across the swollen waters at narrow crossings by the hundreds in a headlong panic to escape the gigantic Nile crocodiles.

It might seem logical that such a large number of animals, especially hooved ones, passing through an area would completely destroy it, but the exact opposite is true.

The churning of the earth by so many hooves acts much like a farmer ploughing his fields, turning over the dry topsoil, and so the wandering wildebeest are inadvertently helping to keep the land fertile every year.

Wildebeest come into the world after an eight-month gestation, born on the open plains where almost half succumb to predators during their first year. An adult can reach 600 pounds (270 kilogrammes) and live 20 years standing almost six feet (3 metres) tall at the withers.

Unlike other antelope members they drop their calf in the middle of the herd for protection, not seeking solitude as most of their animal cousins do. A calf can stand and run within minutes and can keep up with the herd, that can reach speeds of 40 miles per hour (60.3 kilometres) in brief sprints, in just a few days. Most of them are born within a short two-week birthing window and this sudden infusion of vast numbers of them balances against the number taken early on by predators. The calf will suckle for about four months and stay with its mother for a full year until she bears another calf. After that it becomes a solitary member of the vast herds.

During mating season local people refer to them as “clowns of the savannah” as testosterone-fuelled bulls perform all manner of strange antics in order to attract females. They will run about in circles bucking their hind legs and rubbing their head on the ground, secreting pheromones from glands around their eyes that amount

wild zone

29

to wildebeest aphrodisiacs. When territorial bucks meet they kneel down with foreheads flat on the ground, snorting, while they slowly smash their heads into each other but there are rarely injured during this mostly stylised, choreographed fight that is performed more to attract a mate than to injure an opponent. Some biologists believe that this ritual ramps up the hormone levels for mating.

Also called, ‘gnus’ (pronounced ‘news’) the wildebeest is a herbivorous grazer and their large herds are usually integrated with numerous zebras that have formed a symbiotic relationship with them over the millennia. Zebras feed on the long soft grass of the savannah, leaving short, stiff stalks that are the preferred diet of the wildebeest. Zebras also have excellent vision while the wildebeest is notoriously short sighted, so when the zebras sense the approach of a predator the wildebeest pay heed and run away with them. Also when they are feeding, they will spread out with an uncannily even distance between them that to an observer looks almost as if they were placed within a grid.

Photo © Camerapix Ltd/Duncan Willetts

Wildebeest sleep while lying on the ground, but for reasons still unknown they line themselves up in neat rows first, and only part of the herd sleeps while a few stand watch. If any danger presents itself the bulls will begin to snort loudly and if a member of the herd is attacked or injured they will not leave it behind unless it is dead.

This inoffensive creature’s sole defence is its sheer numbers.

Crossing Mara river.

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People on safari always want to see the big five: lion, elephant, rhino, Cape buffalo and leopard, but don’t discount the “leftover” animal because you will probably see more wildebeest than any other creature.

A calf will suckle for about four months.

Photo © James Dorsey

During the annual migration that takes them almost 1,000 miles, (1,600 km) the main herds will reach the Mara River around September. The Mara is the dividing line between the Serengeti of Tanzania and the Maasai Mara of Kenya. Tens of thousands of frantic wildebeest will hurl themselves down the steep cliffs of the river, pounding across the swollen waters at narrow crossings by the hundreds in a headlong panic to escape the gigantic Nile crocodiles that wait there for them. The crocs lie in ambush just under the water and spring to attack so quickly that it can be missed with the blink of an eye, taking their prey down to drown it before eating. This dramatic dance of life and death is one of the most spectacular tourist attractions, bringing safari companies to the site in large numbers. By November this entire epic plays out again as the vast herds head south, back into the Serengeti.

Photo © Peter Holthusen

30

R o c k Pa i n t i n gs Peter Holthusen visits the World Heritage Site of the Nyero Rock Paintings.

W

idely recognised as some

What is for sure is that the geometric

tribe of ancient “yellow haired” bushmen

of the finest rock paintings

paintings, inscribed using a variety of red,

whom they say were once living in the area.

in East Africa, the Nyero

white and purple pigments, were drawn

Rock paintings in Eastern

between 300 and 1,000 years ago, and they

They are also considered a thread of

Uganda’s spectacularly lush and verdant

already existed when the Iteso, the present-

evidence proving that South African Bantu-

Kumi District are surrounded by intrigue

day inhabitants of the region, arrived in the

speaking peoples migrated from Africa’s

and mystery. No one really knows for sure

area about 300 years ago. Some people

interlacustrine region, notably Buganda,

who drew the paintings.

have even put claim to the paintings to a

and the area south of Lake Victoria and

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February–April 2014

31

Uganda has a wonderful climate, an ever-changing landscape and people who are honest, polite and genuinely pleased to welcome you. east of Lake Tanganyika, as similar paintings

tribe of ancient “yellow haired” bushmen

have been located to the south. Either way,

who lived there over a century ago.

the Nyero Rock paintings are a silent voice seemingly telling us about the life and

Some white settlers used to go to the

traditions of our ancestors.

area to pick flowers. As they kept visiting the rocks, the women showed them the

The rock paintings are located on the Kumi-

paintings, so it did not take long before a

Ngora road on the outskirts of the village

small group of American archaeologists

of Nyero, approximately 8 kilometres (4

came to investigate the find.

miles) from Kumi, the largest town in the district. The actual site of the rock paintings

The Nyero Rock paintings are one of the

is a three-tiered overhanging rock shelter

many UNESCO World Heritage Sites to be

with an array of primitive art on their inner

found in Uganda but today there are fears

surfaces.

that these famous archaeological sites will disappear a few years’ time if nothing is

Archaeologically the site is reputed to

done to protect them.

be of the late Iron Age period. While the creators of the paintings cannot be traced,

Jacqueline Nyiracyiza, an official from

the ingenuity in which they were painted

the Uganda Department of Museums

demonstrates a high degree of appreciation

and Monuments in Kampala, says illegal

of their aesthetic values. Some of the

stone quarrying, charcoal burning and the

paintings represent animals, concentric

smearing of oil on the paintings, reportedly

circles and canoes. There are similar rock

for ritual purposes, is a big threat to

paintings in Kaberamaido, Karamoja, Pallisa,

this historical site. She adds they will be

Ngora and Dolwe Island in Lake Victoria.

extremely difficult to restore.

were

On 15 May 2010, Rev Fr. Simon Lokodo, the

discovered in the early 1950s by a group

Minister of State for Industry and Technology

of elderly women who used to store their

opened a National Heritage Centre at the

potatoes inside the caves. It is believed

Nyero Rock paintings site. The Government

these were the first people to actually see

of Uganda and TARA - the Trust for African

them in modern times, says 82-year-old

Rock Art, a Nairobi-based NGO, committed

Erimano Ikara, the former caretaker of the

to promoting awareness and the preservation

rocks (from 1966 to 1993). It was he who

of Africa’s unique rock art heritage supports

also claims the paintings were drawn by a

the centre.

These

There are 3 different sites: Nyero Site 1 is a small shelter formed by an overhanging rock. The paintings here are white-pigmented concentric circles, plus some curious elongated shapes, sometimes described as acacia pods.

imposing

rock

paintings

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32

Left: Nyero Site 2, the main site, also called ‘Osigiri’, is the most impressive, with a huge vertical rock face with an overhang that has helped to preserve the paintings from the elements.

Photo © Peter Holthusen

Below: The rock paintings are located on the Kumi-Ngora road on the outskirts of the village of Nyero, approximately 8 kilometres (4 miles) from Kumi, the largest town in the district.

There are three different sites: Nyero Site 1 is a small

African rock art is amongst the world’s oldest surviving art, predating writing by tens of thousands of years.

shelter formed by an overhanging rock. The paintings here are white-pigmented concentric circles, plus some curious elongated shapes, sometimes described with some of the paintings having been scrubbed away.

Nyero Site 2, the main site, also called ‘Osigiri’, is the most impressive: a huge vertical rock face with an overhang that has helped to preserve the paintings from the elements. Concentric circles dominate the rock in varying shades or red pigments. Linear motifs, again thought to resemble acacia pods or possibly a boat containing a couple of fishermen, can also be identified. At the top of the rock face are some very weathered marks said to resemble zebras.

Nyero Site 3, also known as ‘Otwalaimula’, is a few hundred metres north of the other sites. Here the paintings are modest and not easy to notice unless someone shows you. It contains paintings

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February–April 2014

Photo © Peter Holthusen

as acacia pods. This site has sustained some damage

feature

33

which look like an enormous star or sunburst, and they are best viewed by lying on your back and looking up at the ceiling of the cave. This white-pigmented painting is a series of concentric circles with lines drawn at right angles to the external circle. This pattern is repeated nearby with red pigment but is much fainter.

It is difficult to understand why the artists painted and engraved pictures on these rocks. However, it is generally believed Nyero was the dwelling place of early hunter-gatherers and traditional herbalists, who took demon-possessed people there for healing by performing rituals and prescribing traditional medicine for them.

The surrounding area is strewn with gigantic boulders, many of which are adorned by sunbathing monkeys. Occasionally, reptiles can also be seen basking on the rocky outcrops, mostly during the afternoons. Paving stones form a path between the sites, but care should be taken in wet weather, when they become slippery. It is possible to climb to the top of some of the rocks for breathtaking views of the low-lying hills to the west past Ngora. The cool breeze is pleasant and the tall trees offer a welcome shade.

If you do not have your own transport, I would suggest you rent a motorbike taxi from the nearby town of Kumi. It is possible to walk there although the intense sun and heat in the area does not encourage this long and arduous return trek.

African rock art is amongst the world’s oldest surviving art, predating writing by tens of thousands of years. Today, it helps

Africa’s leaders to take a new and more active role. We must save this

us understand how our ancestors thought, saw and portrayed

heritage before it is too late”.

their world. Some rock paintings and engravings are themselves magnificent art, comparable to some of the finest works found

Today, the Government of Uganda has taken charge of the Nyero Rock

in the world’s major art galleries. African rock art is not just an

paintings site and has pledged to protect it by introducing a number of

African heritage, but a world heritage.

social facilities that will attract even more tourists to Nyero and urged the leaders to create awareness of the importance of Uganda’s rich

Africa has the greatest variety and some of the oldest rock art on

cultural heritage.

earth. About 30 countries in Africa have rock art with a total of between 10 and 20 million images. Major concentrations occur

Uganda has a wonderful climate, an ever-changing landscape and

in the Sahara, Buganda and South Africa.

people who are honest, polite and genuinely pleased to welcome you. Whether you want to visit the Nyero Rock paintings, see some

Speaking in 2012, former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, said

of its primates, land a giant Nile perch, explore the ‘Mountains of the

“Africa’s rock art is the common heritage of all Africans and all

Moon’, seek adventure or observe the diversity of its game, Uganda

people. It is the common heritage of humanity. As populations

will not disappoint you. It will leave you with a deep sense of respect

increase and vandalism and theft of Africa’s rock art are on the

for the lands and the people who safeguard its future as a world-class

rise, this irreplaceable resource is highly threatened. It is time for

tourist destination.

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February–April 2014

34

By Anne Kirya.

Serendipity

C

rime pays; on time, and very well too. I have a decent home; a good car, an impressive bank statement and more importantly, I can take care of my family. I wash my conscious clean with numerous donations to the church. They know who I am and what I do, but none dare question me.

They all take my money and shake my hand. I have arrived.

Five years ago, all I had to show for who I was were some cheap clothes and the eternal newspaper in my hand. The paper was my identity. My friends teased that I should just get a job transporting newspapers from place to place. I was always holding one ready to apply for jobs. I was three years out of an expensive University education and I still could not get employed. Friends who had not bothered to study were out-earning because their families had incredible ties with the people in power.

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February–April 2014

fiction

35

My poor parents, believing education to be a great equaliser had

Now, I have all the money I want. One of my parties, good timing/

worked day and night to educate their three boys. As the first, it

bad timing, very good luck and me being able to keep my mouth

broke my heart that I couldn’t provide. As the months stretched

shut has brought me here.

into years of unemployment I began to get paranoid and think that all the applications I had ever sent out were now lining people’s

I saw the Boss do it. After he was done, he then saw me, but being

garbage bins. So I stopped sending them out.

a man whose mind works at a speed faster than the ordinary fellow (I know this now) he also saw that he had no one left. In a rage he

I decided to find a new calling, to be my own man. I would be a

had killed his most trusted aides. Had he seen me 30 minutes earlier,

party planner. I knew, and I had enough friends in this circle to

I too would be in the ground now. But I was hidden long enough for

ascertain that this would work. They could afford to have a good

him to realise that he needed his dead driver to drive him and make

time. Drinks, music, women and drugs! Every man in one way or

some calls and arrange his meetings. He needed the other guy too

another, no matter who he is can afford this, but the calibre of the

to ‘run errands.’

drinks and location is what changes. The women may change too but only because these were better outfitted and could perhaps engage in better conversation? They were rarely required to anyway.

The drugs? I wouldn’t know. Whisky was often enough to plunge me into a pit of self-pity, I avoided alcohol. None the less, I knew who could provide the best drugs and alcohol; it was one of the reasons I was sure I would excel at this job.

I’m not proud to say this but I was discovered hiding in a liquor cabinet covered in piss. I had never seen a man kill

I pay for my siblings’ education, I buy my parents whatever they want but I spend most of the money on keeping my secret from them.

How had I managed to win these friends? They were not friends per se... Rich kids wanted me because

another with his bare hands. I had never witnessed a murder period. The sound bone makes when it breaks cannot be covered up by screams no matter how loud. After the last one was in a pulp (the driver), the old man shot the second man like his fists were too tired from the pounding.

When he turned to leave minutes later he said to

himself “Who will drive me now?” and he sounded like a spoilt child. More minutes later he tried to make a call and

they did not have me. They always wanted what they did not have.

put the phone gently back down. Thinking back, he probably didn’t

I had gone to school with them through a combination of familial

have the number for the person he needed to call; rich people

support, (parents and an aunt) and a very hard working brain. I

have someone for everything. This one is a very rich man. When he

worked hard because I did not want to embarrass my family. I saw

opened the cabinet to get a drink and saw me, I knew I was dead.

how these children of the rich viewed their education; simply a

What would my last words be? Would I go out in tears, discovered

pass time. I pretended not to work hard to fit in but I really really

with urine in my underwear? Would I beg? I decided to go with,

did. My final grades were good but still, it appeared that I was

“I can drive you.”

unemployable.

He burst out laughing, told me to get cleaned up and we haven’t I hung out with them, not around them. They genuinely liked me.

spoken of the incident since. My rich friends fear me now. They wish to

But they never wished me to be like them so whenever the subject of

align themselves with my crowd but they do not know how. I’m their

work contacts came up they would brush it aside and offer me money

rich and powerful friend now. Somehow I climbed over their backs

instead. They wanted me to remain firmly rooted in my place. That’s

and went over them. It was no doing of my mind, it was serendipity.

what I thought. It could have been that they never gave my future or

I pay for my siblings’ education, I buy my parents whatever they want

my situation a second thought. They did not fully comprehend how

but I spend most of the money on keeping my secret from them. The

broke I was. I decided to capitalise on their friendship and threw them

man who tells them who I am will meet his end that same day. And

lavish parties that they funded. I just organised them and made a bit

although I go to church often, and the priest says, “I pray for you my

of money. It was not enough though.

son”, the rosary my grandmother gave me is heavy around my neck.

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February–April 2014

36

THE PEOPLES OF

GANDA

Photo Š Jonathan Kabuye

A light-hearted view by Jonathan Kabuye.

T

here is an old song that Ugandans used to love in the mid-nineties. It was sung by a Congolese musician, Amigo Wawawa, who migrated to Uganda and found a life and a home away from his troubled country. In the song, he recounts his travels around Uganda, and the different types of people he met.

Being a musician the people he met were women, and each one would either give him a name peculiar to that region, or teach him how to greet in her language. It was a very popular song, and every time he performed it, all the women from whichever part of the country he was singing about, sang along with him. It was a unique way of describing the people of Uganda.

In the spirit of Wawawa, who unfortunately passed on several years ago, let us go on a journey and check on some of the main groups of people in Uganda: asante

February–April 2014

FEATURE 37

Batooro/Banyoro Amigo was especially fond of the Batooro, as is almost everybody in Uganda.

They are famed for their friendliness, their soft, almost lazy mannerisms and way of life (including the way they talk), and their extremely beautiful women.

In fact, it was estimated at one time during the late 20th century that over 80% of half white, half Ugandan children had Batooro mothers. It had to take something extraordinary for a guy to leave Europe, come to Uganda, then cross the whole country to the extreme west to find a partner.

The Batooro are such good people that if you treat them nicely, they will adopt you and even give you a pet name, empaako. If you are lucky, you may become an Amooti, or Abwooli, or even Arali. Oh, and they used to have the youngest King in the world, but he is all grown up now.

Photo © Jonathan Kabuye

The Banyoro are Tooro’s bigger cousins, so to speak. A long time ago a prince of Bunyoro broke away from his dad’s kingdom and founded his own made up of soft-spoken people. The Banyoro, even if they share pet names with the Batooro and almost the same language, are not soft spoken at all. In fact they used to be very fierce people with big armies that conquered a big empire. But then the British came along and changed all that; they crushed the armies, drove their king into exile, and turned the empire into National Parks and Forest Reserves.

But of late oil has been found in Bunyoro, and maybe with all that oil wealth they will stop blaming the British for all their ills and become fierce again.

Both the Batooro and Banyoro will greet you by asking what your empaako is, if you don’t have one then you are a stranger, and they will say oraire ota?

(Literally, ‘how did you sleep’?).

Banyankore

Bakiga

Further south are the Banyankore, who some scholars claim were originally Banyoro, though you have to say that very softly these days. Uncommonly in Uganda, the Banyankore had two distinct divisions – the cattle keepers (Bahima), and the cultivators (Bairu), which at one time were an actual class difference.

Bakiga literally means ‘people of the mountains’, and were originally found in the high hills of south-western Uganda. As is with many mountain folk all over the world, the Bakiga are known to be no-nonsense ‘hard people.’ Living in mountains makes for a hard life, so the people naturally evolve that way, and the Bakiga were no different. They had little time for the novelties of life.

But those distinctions have largely faded over the years, and almost everybody keeps cattle now, and the region produces the largest amount of milk in the country. In fact, it is often referred to as the ‘land of milk and honey.’

The President of Uganda since 1986, Yoweri Museveni, is from Ankore.

The Banyankore greet by saying Agandi (what is the news there?).

Many Bakiga have since left their mountain homes, and spread all over the country, but wherever they may be, they are still known to be very impatient people, wanting to get on with the business of living.

Their unique dance, the ekizino (for some reason many Ugandans refer to it as ekitaguriro, which is actually an Ankore dance), was a result of the freezing conditions of their homes. It is said the men who went out farming in the cold morning would jump around for a while to get warm, and also to stretch their muscles after work. Traditionally, the people also used to stamp the ground until they found signs of water. Therefore, this dance represents their jumping and stamping.

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February–April 2014

38

Basoga Busoga, the land of the Soga, has largely existed in the shadow of its larger southern neighbour, Buganda. Some unkind people even say the language, Lusoga, is just a form of broken Luganda.

Busoga is another region that has its origins in an errant Bunyoro prince, who settled in the area and then left his five sons to rule after he went back to Bunyoro. Those five sons are the origins of the clans of Busoga.

Photo © Peter Holthusen

Busoga was never a kingdom, till the British brought together all the different chiefs under a Lukiiko (parliament); but then appointed a Muganda, Semei Kakungulu, to become the head. Most Basoga will probably challenge you to a duel if you ever said it loud that their first king was a Muganda.

It was not till 1939 that the first Isebantu Kyabazinga of Busoga, Ezekerial Tenywa Wako, was installed. There have been three Kyabazingas, with the last being Henry Wako Muloki, who died in 2008. Unfortunately, like typical siblings, the clans of Busoga have not been able to agree to a suitable successor to date.

For some strange reason people say that the Basoga are stubborn people, but then again it may just be the Baganda trying to put their northern neighbours down.

Baganda

Photo © Peter Holthusen

The Baganda are the largest ethnic group in the country, and gave the country its name. In the Kiswahili language, which is largely spoken throughout the region, the people from Uganda are referred to as Waganda, which irritates the other ethnic groups to no end, as they try to explain they are not Waganda, but maybe Wanyankore or Wanyoro.

By the time the British came to Uganda, Buganda was the largest and most powerful kingdom, and was busy expanding its borders. It is the most populous group in Uganda, and Luganda is an unofficial lingua-franca in the country.

Some people think Baganda are wiseacres who beleive they are better than everybody else, even as those people buy property and settle in Buganda. Apart from the 600-year-old dynasty of the ruling Kabaka, other notable facts about Buganda is the size of the women’s derrieres, and the fact that they kneel for their men.

Some people make fun of the way the Baganda greet, which allegedly may take as long as five minutes; and that when they are leaving, they say ‘kankomewo’, which literally means ‘I’m coming back’, but they never do.

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February–April 2014

Japadhola The Japadhola live in the area between the Bantu south and the mainly Nilotic east. They used to dominate the area around the town of Tororo, but the establishment of a cement factory in the area, and the fact that it was a major railway hub, changed all that.

Migrant workers soon poured into the area, and the Japadhola find themselves a minority in their own land.

39

Bagisu They are largely known for the kadodi, a very sensual and erotic dance performed by young female adults during the circumcision period. Every Mugisu man is supposed to be circumcised, with or without their permission, and the newspapers are often alight with men forcibly circumcised against their wishes years after their counterparts did the dance.

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Atesot/Karimajong Further east from the Bagisu is the land of the Atesot and Karimajong, who are very close in their cultures. They say when the Luo migrated into the country from the north east, the Karimajong got tired and stopped, while the Atesots continued on their journey.

In fact the Atesot refer to the Karimajong as their ‘uncles.’

Photo © Jonathan Kabuye

While Teso is relatively fertile, meaning plenty of agriculture, Karamoja is an arid land, and the people there depend on their cattle for a living. The Karimajong are said to believe that all the cattle in the world belongs to them, so for along time cattle raiding, or rustling if you please, was a way of life. But it has largely been curbed in the recent years.

Karamoja is the poorest region of Uganda, and some of the tribe mates still walk around practically naked, with only a loose cloth wrapped around them.

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February–April 2014

feature

Photo © Jonathan Kabuye

40

Acholi/Langi The Acholi and Langi are also very similar in many ways, including the language, Luo. They dominate northern Uganda, and have had a major part in the politics of Uganda since Independence. They are tough, fierce warriors, and maybe that is why the British recruited them in the armed forces. Whether it was a good thing or not is now debatable.

Milton Obote, who served as Uganda’s second and fourth President, was from Lango, but he was overthrown twice by his own army.

John Akii Bua, who won Uganda’s first Olympic gold medal, was also from Lango.

West Nilers There are actually no people known as West Nilers, but the people occupying the north-western part of the country are commonly referred to as such, probably because of former administrative region, West Nile. This is the land bordered by the River Nile to the west, Congo to the east and south, and South Sudan to the north.

Among them are the Alur, the Lugbara, Madi and Kakwa.

The people of West Nile came into national prominence after Idi Amin, a Kakwa, overthrew Milton Obote as President in 1972, and proceeded to rule Uganda for eight bloody years in which hundreds of thousands of Ugandans were killed, or disappeared.

The Acholi will probably, however unfairly, be remembered by the 20-year rebellion by Joseph Kony, in which unprecedented terror was rained upon his own people. He followed in the footsteps of his aunt, Alice Lakwena, who led the Holy Spirit Movement and thought that shea butter would protect her fighters from bullets.

But they have more or less overcome that legacy, and are these days more concerned about the troubles in eastern Congo and South Sudan, which brings thousands of refugees into the area every time they flare up.

Kony was eventually chased from Uganda in 2006, and the area has slowly started getting back onto its feet again.

Dorcus Nzikuru, who won the inaugural 3000m steeplechase for women in 2005, is from Arua.

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February–April 2014

42

r e t s Ea each B e h t ad to e H o t buye than Ka a Time n Jo y B

T

he Easter weekend is usually the longest weekend of the year in Uganda, except where public holidays combine to make it different. But this year most of Uganda’s public holidays will fall on weekends, so the Easter weekend will reign.

asante

February–April 2014

It used to be that Easter was the most single important day for Christians, and as children we would get up very early and sing Easter carols around the neighbourhood. Churches would be overflowing as those who didn’t usually attend would go to make up for their absence, even if the church was already full and they would sit outside and catch up with old friends.

You can still tell when Easter is nearing, as radio stations will begin to play the Easter Hymns, with the numbers increasing as you near the Easter weekend. Easter cards will be on sale at some stationary and grocery shops.

The trend is slowly changing. Nowadays it is to head to the beaches as soon as any chance comes around, and the Easter weekend is as good as any.

Several years ago few Ugandans went to the beach as a matter of course. First of all, many Ugandans are averse to water; it could be that not many ever learnt how to swim.

Throughout all the years of civil turbulence very few swimming pools were in use.

And there were also very few well maintained beaches to go to, except places like Nabugabo which is in Masaka, almost 200 kilometres south west of Kampala. The logistics of going were almost a nightmare, and the roguish behaviour of the people there discouraged many respectable members of society.

But just as things were starting to get better, a breakout of bilharzia along the shores of Lake Victoria put a pause to beach going.

Thankfully that has all changed now, with the bilharzia under control and with investors having put in a lot of money to build decent facilities. The most favourite are beaches around the Entebbe peninsula, which has become a sort of resort capital of the country.

On a normal day Entebbe is a 30 minutes’ drive from the capital Kampala, but come Easter this may become an hour or even more, since it would seem half the city’s population are heading to Entebbe.

The most popular destination currently seems to be Spennah Beach, just a few hundred metres from Entebbe International Airport.

On an average day several hundred people will descend on it from as early as 9am, and the party starts right there and then.

Next to Spennah Beach is Lido Beach, one of the oldest establishments, and once the most popular. It hosts beach volleyball tournaments every weekend, and this Easter there should be some championship or other taking place.

Away from the volleyball it does not get as crowded as Spennah Beach, so you could have a quiet time by the water.

Still further along as you leave the airport is Aero Beach, which boasts of several former aircraft bodies which serve as restaurants and pubs, and one can pretend they are flying off somewhere as you chill out.

It used to be that Resort Beach was the place to be, but the crowds slowly moved away, and

The most favourite are beaches around the Entebbe peninsula, which has become a sort of resort capital of the country. it’s another place where one can have a quiet time alone. They are several other smaller establishments dotted around Entebbe, and this Easter they should all get some business.

Uganda traditionally is a conservative society, and one reason why people were reluctant to go to the beaches is the skimpy wear that is a pre-requisite. But the new generation has thrown that to the winds, and swimwear rules these days.

While some people will go in the water, most will get chairs and sit along the beach and watch the action. ‘Bird-watching’ is a popular pasttime and probably the reason many people go to the beaches in Uganda.

It seems the girls, those not in bikinis, compete in wearing the skimpiest outfits possible, and regularly parade up and down the beaches. Most of the guys will actually be wearing their Sunday best, down to dress shoes; but they will find a spot, get chairs and a table, order whole dried fish and chips (every dish seems to come with fries), lots of beer, and while away the day.

As the sun goes down and the booze goes up to the heads, action tends to get a bit naughty, but the management of most of the establishments have started security patrols to make sure no hanky-panky is going on.

And there will always be tabloid photographers lurking around, looking for a page one picture for their paper.

While some people would have made arrangements to stay in Entebbe overnight, most will again make the trip back to Kampala. The wise and safe ones will have a driver, but many Ugandans will insist on driving their cars back, which is not very wise after a whole day at the beach.

Enjoy the Easter weekend in Uganda!

asante

February–April 2014

Photos © Jonathan Kabuye

43

44

technology

The undercover Dangers of Spyware capability to track your surfing habits and sell that information to a third party. Malware, also known as malicious software, has the ability to damage your computer. A Trojan horse, like its historical namesake, appears to be useful, but its purpose is to cause damage to your computer or compromise your confidential information.

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onsumer experts urge online shoppers to protect their personal information and limit the risk of identity fraud and unauthorised transactions by shopping wisely with trustworthy online retailers. Not all online shoppers, however, adequately protect themselves from spyware, which can be installed on your computer without your knowledge and without detection.

Spyware has become a big problem for internet users, especially those who shop online with credit and debit cards. These illegal programs can remotely monitor your online use and hijack your browser, redirecting your internet usage to third parties. At their least damaging, they can slow up your computer, but at their worst they can record your keystrokes, scan your hard drive and change your system’s settings, allowing identity thieves to access your personal details, including your card details.

However, the most dangerous items of spyware are keyboard loggers and internet dialers. Keyboard loggers can record your keystrokes, such as your PIN number, passwords and other confidential information. Internet dialers can use your computer to dial long distance numbers, usually for adult chat line services overseas. These programmes can install themselves through a virus, MP3 files or visiting some pornography sites. Victims won’t realise until a hefty phone bill arrives, often costing hundreds of pounds.

Pretty scary stuff. Thankfully, there are measures you can take to ensure that you can safely shop online or download. Read the licence agreement before installing free software. If you tick that you’ve read the terms and conditions when you haven’t, you may unintentionally provide authorisation to have your online habits monitored for marketing purposes. This is unlikely to install the most dangerous spyware, but it can slow your computer up with adware.

File sharing is a well-known way of installing spyware, so find out if there’s other software packaged with the freeware.

The main problem is that it can be installed entirely without your knowledge, sometimes through free programmes downloaded from the internet or through file-sharing websites. So those who use the internet to shop or download leave themselves exposed to the danger of spyware.

Avoid clicking on any links in e-mail or in pop-up ads offering anything for free. By doing so, you are openly inviting the most damaging spyware to be installed.

Pop-ups are one way to discover whether you have spyware installed on your computer. If you have ever had a pop-up without a browser loaded, you have spyware of some sort.

Install anti-spyware software and keep it regularly updated. Treat the spyware threat as seriously as you treat the threat of viruses. You can buy all-in-one protection programs against spyware, viruses and phishing and there are even reputable free security packages that can be downloaded.

There are many types of spyware and some more worrying than others. Adware is software that displays pop-up ads and has the

This article was downloaded from http://www.freefeatures.com.

asante

February–April 2014

46

Health

Bionic Cure For Back Pain Many people suffering from back pain believe there is little that can be done to help. But one small machine is making a huge difference in just 3-5 sessions.

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here are few people in the country, or even the world, who can claim they have never had any kind of back pain. There are fewer still who can claim all their symptoms have been eradicated with just three or four treatments.

He was put in contact with Surrey-based osteopath Irene Phillips, founder of the Backcare Clinic and the first United Kingdom (UK) osteopath to use this style of equipment – now marketed as Theraflex.

While some believe it is part of the human condition to endure discomfort – believing that the complexity of the spine must mean complications – it is fact that the spine is the centre of everything we do. So keeping it in good order is essential to our quality of life.

She said: “Usually we see results within 3-5 treatments.

The machine works on the same principle as physiotherapy and osteopathy but the bionic fingers can apply more pressure than real fingers because they move 25 times faster.”

Because it is a delicate structure, it doesn’t take much to put the spine out of place – as Financial Times journalist, Ben Hunt, found out to his cost.

Irene added that it is common for people to give up on their back pain, thinking it is something they just have to live with.

A youthful surfing accident left him with a slipped lumbar disc.

He had to abandon his favourite sports and his quality of life was restricted – until he finally found a cure that required no fuss, no surgery and no extended treatment or costs.

In an article he wrote: “I stopped believing there was a solution to my problem . . . and that my only option was to manage the pain . . . “ He was offered the opportunity to try out new machine, designed by two engineers to help mobilise the spine and therefore alleviate pain.

Ben was so astounded by the results - being immediately released from back pain and associated discomfort in his leg (and also enjoying a full night’s sleep for the first time in years) – that he decided to abandon scepticism and continue the treatment.

“We often hear people talking about managing their discomfort rather than trying to get rid of it. We have had some exceptional results and in over 95% of cases can improve the condition drastically with just 3-5 sessions.”

Irene is something of a pioneer in her industry as she was also the first osteopath to use another piece of technological wizardry called the spinal mouse.

The mouse is not unlike that you might find attached to a home computer and it can monitor flexibility and strength of the spine – and any improvements made through treatment. It is often used in conjunction with the mechanical unit to establish a diagnosis and record improvements along the way.

For further details on the Theraflex machine visit: www.theraflex.info, or for the spinal mouse www.idiag.ch.

W o rld

Entertainment

48

EAST AFRICA TOP 20 MUSIC Pos Pitbull’s second Hot 100 No. 1 and Ke$ha’s third leader remains atop the Hot 100 despite not ruling any of the Hot 100’s three main component charts, Digital Songs, Radio Songs and Streaming Songs. (With this week marking the one-year anniversary of the launch of Streaming Songs, it’s just the fifth week in which the Hot 100’s top song doesn’t rank atop one of the three tallies.

The last such occurrence: June 15, when Macklemore & Ryan Lewis’ “Can’t Hold Us” spent its fifth and final week at No. 1 on the Hot 100, while Robin Thicke’s “Blurred Lines,” “Justin Timberlake’s “Mirrors” and PSY’s “Gangnam Style” crowned Digital Songs, Radio Songs and Streaming Songs, respectively.)

Song

Artist

1 2

Lenga Stress African figure

Colonel Mustafa Baby one

3

Paid My Dues

Anto Neosoul

4 5 6 7 8

Kilinuma Lino Koona Mponye Emisanvu Ndiira Butafa Akuloga

Jackie Kateme Mun G & City Rock Zanie Brown Kadongo Kamu Lily Kadima

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

Original Utaikubali Yes Man Mpulira Mwagala Oh Oh Urukundo This Year Ndai Number One Remix

Sophie Nantongo Prince George Cindy Sanyu Sajan Washington & Riderman Dr Hilderman Lisa Oduor-Noah Diamond Feat Davido

17

Number One

Diamond Platnumz

18 19 20

GIVE Yoono Waliwo Ensonga

DEZYNE FT. SERA & K-LOGIC Vidio Brown Judith Babirye & Dangelo

TOP 10 in the World Chart Music Pos

Song

Artist

TOP 10 Ugandan Hiphop Music

1

Timber

Pitbull Featuring Ke$ha

2

Counting Stars

OneRepublic

1

Tubonge

Doctor-Jose-Chameleone

3

The Monster

Eminem Featuring Rihanna

2

Zimmo Zimmo

Doctor-Jose-Chameleone

Lorde

3

Sitaki

Rema

4

Dye-Dye-Attack

GNL-ZAMBA

4

Royals

Pos

Song

Artist

5

Say Something

A Great Big World & Christina Aguilera

5

Kinkaabya

Hindu-Asha

6

Dark Horse

Katy Perry Featuring Juicy J

6

Namagwatala

GNL-ZAMBA

7

Let Her Go

Passenger

7

Clean-and-Out

Mr G And Bobi

8

Wake Me Up!

Avicii

8

Wedding Day

Sheebah And Yung Mulo

9

Wrecking Ball

Miley Cyrus

9

It Starts With You

Joanita-Kawalya

10

Demons

Imagine Dragons

10

Girls

Mr G Ft Bobi Wine

asante | February–April 2014

49

Director: Kenneth Branagh Stars: Chris Pine, Kevin Costner, Keira Knightley

The Nut Job Surly, a curmudgeon, independent squirrel is banished from his park and forced to survive in the city. Lucky for him, he stumbles on the one thing that may be able to save his life, and the rest of park community, as they gear up for winter Maury’s Nut Store.

Action | Drama | Thriller Ratings: ********** 6.5/10

Director: Peter Lepeniotis Stars: Will Arnett, Brendan Fraser, Liam Neeson

Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit Jack Ryan, as a young covert CIA analyst, uncovers a Russian plot to crash the U.S. economy with a terrorist attack.

Ride Along Fast-talking security guard Ben joins his cop brother-inlaw James on a 24-hour patrol of Atlanta in order to prove himself worthy of marrying Angela, James’ sister.

Director: Tim Story Stars: Ice Cube, Kevin Hart, Tika Sumpter Action | Comedy Ratings: ********** 7.2/10

Devil’s Due After a mysterious, lost night on their honeymoon, a newlywed couple finds themselves dealing with an earlierthan-planned pregnancy.

While recording everything for posterity, the husband begins to notice odd behavior in his wife that they initially write off to nerves.

Director: Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, Tyler Gillett Stars: Allison Miller, Zach Gilford, Sam Anderson Horror Ratings: ********** 7.2/10

The Big Bang Theory A woman who moves into an apartment across the hall from two brilliant but socially awkward physicists shows them how little they know about life outside of the laboratory.

Breaking Bad To provide for his family’s future after he is diagnosed with lung cancer, a chemistry genius turned high school teacher teams up with an ex-student to cook and sell the world’s purest crystal meth.

Creator: Chuck Lorre, Bill Prady Stars: Johnny Galecki Jim Parsons, Simon Helberg

Creator: Vince Gilligan Stars: Bryan Cranston, Anna Gunn, Aaron Paul ryan Cranston, Anna Gunn, Aaron Paul

Comedy Ratings: ********** 8.7/10

Crime | Drama | Thriller Ratings: ********** 9.6/10

Animation | Adventure | Comedy Ratings: ********** 6.5/10

TOP 10 BOX OFFICE Movies Pos

Song

1

Lone Survivor

Director Peter Berg

2

Frozen

Chris Buck, Jennifer Lee

3

The Legend of Hercules

Renny Harlin Martin Scorsese

4

The Wolf of Wall Street

5

American Hustle

David O. Russell

6 7 8

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug August: Osage County Saving Mr. Banks

Peter Jackson John Wells John Lee Hancock

9 10

Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues

Christopher Landon Adam McKay

Arrow Spoiled billionaire playboy Oliver Queen is missing and presumed dead when his yacht is lost at sea. He returns five years later a changed man, determined to clean up the city as a hooded vigilante armed with a bow.

Stars: Stephen Amell, Katie Cassidy, David Ramsey Action | Adventure | Crime

How I Met Your Mother Ted searches for the woman of his dreams in New York City with the help of his four best friends.

Creator: Carter Bays, Craig Thomas Stars: Josh Radnor, Jason Segel, Cobie Smulders Comedy | Drama | Romance Ratings: ********** 8.6/10

Ratings: ********** 8.2/10

asante | February–April 2014

Basic Tips for the Traveller in Uganda Land Uganda is a compact country, with an area of 236,580 square kilometres – roughly the size of Great Britain.

Climate Although situated on the equator, Uganda’s relatively high altitude tempers the heat, and humidity is generally low. Throughout the year sunshine averages about 6 to 10 hours a day. There are two rainy seasons: the main long rains, which start late in February and end in April, and the short rains, which start in October and run until about the middle of December. The region around Lake Victoria, however, receives rain at almost any time of the year.

Topography It is located on the equator, within the eastern plateau region of the African continent and between the eastern and western ridges of the Great Rift Valley.

Near the borders several mountain masses stand out strikingly from the plateaux.

Economy Uganda is blessed with fertile soils that support a wide variety of food and export crops, both annual and perennial. Agriculture is the dominant sector of Uganda’s economy. The major traditional export crops are coffee, cotton, tea, horticulture, tobacco and sugar cane, while groundnuts, maize, beans, sorghum and millet have emerged in recent years as cash crops for the peasant farmers.

Language English is the official language and is also the medium of instruction in Uganda’s education system, from primary school up to university level. Swahili is also spoken.

There are some 30 indigenous languages spoken in the rural areas. The most common of these are Luganda and Luo. Electric supply All installations are of British standard and appliances should be fitted with the square, three-pin plugs of British specifications. The voltage is 240 volts, 50 Hz for domestic use. The voltage fluctuates continually, however, and proper surge protectors are advisable for any expensive equipment.

Time Uganda is three hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). Time remains constant throughout the year.

People The people are warm, friendly, and full of humour. They are anxious to make friends with visitors and are continually asking guests whether they are comfortable and enjoying themselves. A large number of people speak English.

Excursions Uganda is beginning to develop an excellent tourist infrastructure, with firstrate roads and communication facilities. Uganda’s national game, forest and recreational parks are indeed some of the spectacular showpieces Africa has to offer. They do have regulations regarding off-the-road driving, game watching, and so on, which are clearly stated at the entrance gates of parks or on leaflets supplied by the tourist offices. Mountaineering safaris to the Ruwenzori Mountains in the western Rift Valley are now becoming a favourite Ugandan expedition. Similar safaris can also be organised to climb Mount Elgon in the east, sharing the border with Kenya.

Hotels There are international-standard hotels in Entebbe, Kampala and Jinja, as well as in many of the smaller towns. Camping, rustic bush camps and guest houses are also available. The Kampala Sheraton, the Serena Kampala, the Grand Imperial, and the Nile Hotel, all in the national’s capital are by the best. There are many other less expensive, but quite nice hotels in the city. Outside Kampala, most towns also have a variety of moderately priced and budget hotels.

Banking Hours There is a wide range of banks in Uganda, particularly in Kampala. Their hours are generally from 0830 to 1400 hours on weekdays, and Saturdays from 0830 to 1200 hours. Forex bureaux keep longer hours – 0900 to 1700 hours on weekdays and 0900 to 1300 hours on Saturdays. ATMs are available in the larger cities.

Communications Telephone, telex, fax and airmail services connect Kampala to all parts of the world. Services are available at the General Post Office and its many branches, as well as in the main hotels. International direct dialling is available and now there are a number of Internet cafes.

Medical Services Uganda has good health services, with some good government and private hospitals and clinics in the major cities. Air rescue services are available.

Currency Uganda Shilling (UGX). Notes are in denominations of UGX 50,000, 20,000, 10,000, 5,000 and 1,000. Coins are in denominations of UGX 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1. You can change money at banks and hotels. Although the forex bureaux usually have better exchange rates.

Credit Cards International credit cards are accepted in major hotels and shops.

Working Hours Shops and businesses are generally open from 0830 to 1730 hours on weekdays, with a lunch break between 1300 and 1400 hours. Some businesses are open on Saturday at least until midday. Small, local shops or kiosks on the side of many roads are generally open much later, until about 2130 hours and on weekends and holidays as well; they stock basic food and household items.

Public Holidays 2014 1 January New Year’s Day 26 January Liberation Day 8 March International Women’s Day 18 April Good Friday 21 April Easter Monday 1 May Labour Day 3 June Martyrs’ Day 9 June National Heroes’ Day 28 July

Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan) 5 October Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice) 9 October Independence Day 25 December Christmas Day 26 December Boxing Day Note:The two Muslim holidays, Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates given above are approximate.

Customs Besides personal effects, a visitor may import duty-free spirits (including liquors) or wine up to one litre, perfume and toilet water up to half a litre and 270 grammes of tobacco or 200 cigarettes. Other imported items, not exceeding US$100 may be brought in duty free and without an import licence, provided they are not prohibited or restricted goods, are for personal use, and are not for resale.

Note: A special permit is required to export game trophies.

Health Requirements Visitors from areas infected with yellow fever and cholera required certificates on inoculation. All visitors are advised to take an antimalarial prophylactic beginning two weeks before their arrival and continuing for six weeks after their departure.

A gamma globulin injection provides some protection against possible infection by hepatitis and is well worth taking.

Visa and Immigration Requirements Visa applications may be obtained at Uganda diplomatic missions. Two photographs are required for visas, which are usually issued within 24 hours. Visas are also available at the country’s entry points. Check with the Uganda diplomatic mission in your country if visa is required as some countries are exempted.

Taxi Services Taxis are immediately available at Entebbe International Airport. They can also be found outside most hotels in Kampala and at most of the country’s major centres. All don’t have meters, so make sure the fare is negotiated in advance.

Car Rental Several firms operate car hire services in Kampala. Vehicles may be hired with or without driver. For trips outside the city it is possible to hire insured cars appropriate for the trip (a four-wheel-drive vehicle with a driver-translator is recommended).

Entebbe International Airport The main point of entry is Entebbe International Airport, about a 30-minute drive south of the capital, Kampala. Although modest, the modern airport does provide automated passenger facilities, currency exchange, postal services, banking facilities, telephoned, duty-free shops, gift shops and a restaurant and bar.

Security The same rules apply for Kampala as for almost any city anywhere.Be careful and take the usual precautions to safeguard yourself and your belongings. Do not leave valuables in your car. Walking at night in all major centres is reasonably safe.

Useful Travel Tips 51

1. Make sure you purchase your ticket under the exact name that appears on your passport.

baggage where possible. All unpacked coats and jackets must go through the X-ray machine for inspection.

2. Do your own bag checks before you leave home, to avoid getting stopped by security and losing innocent (but sharp) items you forgot were in your bag – hello, nail scissors – Carefully check each piece of luggage at home first.

6. The air in the aircraft is dry.

Minimize discomfort by drinking reasonable amounts of water and juices. Limit consumption of alcohol, tea, coffee and caffeinated drinks because they cause you to lose fluids.

Wear spectacles instead of contact lenses. Apply a skin moisturizer.

3. Smoking is not permitted on nearly all flights and many airports have restrictions, too. Be prepared to go without a smoke for the whole duration of your trip.

4. Before the flight, make sure you know your flight number (and any others if you are connecting with other flights). Write it down and keep it where you can reach it easily. You will need it to find the counter to check in, to find your gate, to board the aircraft, and to claim your luggage.

5. Certain clothing and accessories can set off an alarm on the metal detector and slow you down. Avoid wearing clothing, jewellery or other accessories that contain metal when travelling through the security checkpoints.

Pack all your coats and jackets in your

7. If you’ve missed a connection, don’t stand in line to rebook with a gate agent. Instead, use your cell phone to call the airline’s customer-service number (tuck it in your wallet before leaving). You may speak to someone faster, giving you a better chance at getting a seat on the next flight.

8. If you are flying for a special occasion and plan to carry presents in your hand luggage, don’t forget to check hand luggage restrictions first. Make sure all presents are permitted in cabin baggage and remember that the liquids in hand luggage rules apply to presents too.

9. Because of the altitude, airplanes can be quite cold (especially the floor).

Always take a jacket or sweater with

you on the plane and take one of the blankets that the airline provides.

10. When booking a family holiday, try to book airline seats in advance to ensure that your whole family sits together.

11. Avoid booking flight segments close together. Major airlines consider a connection as tight as 35 minutes to be a valid connection, but this is often not enough time if there are long lines at security!

12. Have a written or typed copy of all passport numbers with issue and expiry dates, and dates of birth of children – so that you do not need to remove your passports or other documents when going through Customs etc. You will then have the information at hand to complete the numerous forms without having to show where you keep your documents 13. When you claim your bag at the airport, check it over before you leave the bag claim area. Look for any new damage on the bag and be sure that it was not opened and something taken.

The baggage service desk for the airline is normally at the claim area; this is also true for Customs arrivals. Fill out the misplaced baggage information before leaving Customs.

asante

February–April 2014

AIR UGANDA CONTACTS AND OFFICES Head Office Investment House, 2nd floor, Plot 4, Wampewo Avenue PO Box 36591- Kampala, Uganda Tel: +256 (0) 414 258 262/4 Fax: +256 (0) 414 500 932 Email: info@air-uganda.com Kampala Sales Office Jubilee Insurance Centre, 1st floor Podium Level, Plot 14, Parliament Avenue PO Box 36591- Kampala, Uganda Tel: +256 (0) 412 165 555 / (0) 312 165 555 Fax: +256 (0) 414 258 267 Email: reservations@air-uganda.com Entebbe International Airport (Ticketing Office) Passenger Terminal Building, 2nd floor, Entebbe, Uganda Tel: +256 (0) 414 321 485 / (0) 414 771 722 Mobile: +256 (0) 757 717 531 Email: reservations@air-uganda.com Please Note After working hours: Weekdays (17:45 hrs - 21:00 hrs) Saturday (14:00 hrs - 21:00 hrs) and Sunday (07:30 hrs - 21:00 hrs) Please call our Entebbe ticketing office on Tel: +256 (0) 414 321 485

+256 (0) 417 717 222 for assistance Bujumbura Sales Office AV du 18 Semptembre, Galerie La Perle, Bujumbura, Burundi Tel: +257(0)222 772 62 Mobile: +257 (0) 761 790 00 / (0) 761 830 00 Email: salesbjm@air-uganda.com Kigali Sales Office UTC (Union Trade Centre) Office No. 26 Kigali, Rwanda Tel: +250 (0) 252 577 926 / (0) 252 577 928 Mobile: +250 (0) 782 229 572 Email: saleskigali@air-uganda.com Mogadishu Sales Office Tel: +252 (0) 616 480 315, +252 (0) 699 226 643 Mogadishu, Somalia Email: mogadishu@air-uganda.com

Nairobi Sales Office IPS Building, 10th floor, Kimathi Street, Nairobi, Kenya Tel: +254 (0) 20 313 933/4 Mobile: +254 (0) 735 289 121 / 125 Email: infoke@air-uganda.com Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) Sales Office Terminal Building, Unit 1 Tel: +254 (0) 735 289 125 / 130 Email: airport.nbo@air-uganda.com Mombasa Sales Office TSS Towers, 1st floor, Nkrumah Street, Mombasa, Kenya Tel: +254 (0) 412 313 626 / (0) 20 313 933 / 4 Mobile: +254 (0) 734 605 203 Email: reservations.mba@air-uganda.com Moi International Airport (MIA) Sales Office Tel: +254(0) 735 877 289 Email: reservations.mba@air-uganda.com

Dar es Salaam Sales Office Harbour View Towers J-Mall, Samora Avenue, 1st floor PO Box 22636 Dar es Salaam, Tanzania Tel: +255 (0) 222 133 322 Mobile: +255 (0) 783 111 983 Email: reservationsdar@air-uganda.com Arusha (Kilimanjaro) Sales Office Summit Centre Ground floor, Arusha, Tanzania Tel: +255 (0) 733 123 777 / (0) 689 111 995 Mobile: +255 (0) 733 123 778 / (0) 769 111 992 Email: reservationsjro@air-uganda.com

Juba Sales Office Hai Suk Street (Opp. the Mosque) Juba, South Sudan Tel: +211 (0) 977 80 041 / (0) 977 153 912 Email: salesjuba@air-uganda.com

Emergency Contacts: Lydia: +256 (0) 757 717 634 – Call Center Supervisor Deo Tonda: +256 (0) 757 717 612 – Entebbe International

Airport, Station Manager

Abato Corner

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Totos Zone!

How many words can you find which follow ‘Over…’?

They are written across, downwards, diagonally, or backwards!

There are 17 of them. See how many you can find.

If you need help, we have given you the answers.

Score: 17 Excellent; 15– 16 Very Good; 10– 14 Good.

Add vowels to the following to complete the sentence (2 words).

Answer: Happy Easter

H-ppy--st-r

Answers Abundant, Active, Bearing, Engineer, Tired, Train, Book, Sleep, Done, Flow, Power, Age, Tax, Due, Joy, See, Lie.

Air Uganda Flight Schedule

Valid from 1 October 2013

ENTEBBE - NAIROBI FLIGHT NUMBER U7 202 U7 206 U7 204 U7 204 U7 202

DEPARTURE TIME 06:00Hrs 12:00Hrs 19:30Hrs 18:20Hrs 08:30Hrs

FLIGHT NUMBER U7 203 U7 207 U7 205 U7 205 U7 203

DEPARTURE TIME 07:45Hrs 13:50Hrs 21:10Hrs 20:00Hrs 10:10Hrs

FLIGHT NUMBER U7 122 U7 120 U7 122 U7 120 U7 124

DEPARTURE TIME 07:10Hrs 14:55Hrs 08:00Hrs 15:40Hrs 12:00Hrs

FLIGHT NUMBER U7 123 U7 121 U7 123 U7 121 U7 125

DEPARTURE TIME 09:00Hrs 16:40Hrs 09:50Hrs 17:25Hrs 13:45Hrs

FLIGHT NUMBER U7 320 U7 320 U7 320 U7 322

DEPARTURE TIME 09:40Hrs 16:30Hrs 11:50Hrs 09:40Hrs

FLIGHT NUMBER U7 321 U7 321 U7 321 U7 323

DEPARTURE TIME 12:15Hrs 19:00Hrs 14:10Hrs 12:15Hrs

FLIGHT NUMBER U7 330 U7 330 U7 330 U7 330

DEPARTURE TIME 11:30Hrs 11:30Hrs 10:30Hrs 13:45Hrs

FLIGHT NUMBER U7 331 U7 331 U7 331 U7 331

DEPARTURE TIME 13:50Hrs 15:05Hrs 12:40Hrs 17:20Hrs

FLIGHT NUMBER U7 352 U7 352 U7 352 U7 352 *U7 2425 *U7 2425 *U7 2423 *U7 2421 *U7 2421

DEPARTURE TIME 09:45Hrs 11:45Hrs 18:40Hrs 19:30Hrs 09:30Hrs 11:45Hrs 17:10Hrs 20:50Hrs 22:45Hrs

FLIGHT NUMBER U7 353 U7 353 U7 353 U7 353 *U7 1424 *U7 1424 *U7 1422 *U7 1420 *U7 1420

DEPARTURE TIME 10:10Hrs 12:00Hrs 20:30Hrs 19:45Hrs 07:00Hrs 09:15Hrs 14:40Hrs 18:20Hrs 20:15Hrs

FLIGHT NUMBER U7 360 U7 352 U7 352

DEPARTURE TIME 08:30Hrs 18:40Hrs 19:30Hrs

FLIGHT NUMBER U7 361 U7353 U7 353

DEPARTURE TIME 09:00Hrs 19:20Hrs 21:00Hrs

FLIGHT NUMBER U7 330 U7 330 U7 330 U7 330

DEPARTURE TIME 11:30Hrs 11:30Hrs 10:30Hrs 13:45Hrs

FLIGHT NUMBER U7 331 U7 331 U7 331 U7 331

DEPARTURE TIME 15:30Hrs 13:25Hrs 14:10Hrs 15:40Hrs

FLIGHT NUMBER U7 520 U7 520 U7 520

DEPARTURE TIME 07:45Hrs 07:45Hrs 07:30Hrs

ARRIVAL TIME 07:10Hrs 13:10Hrs 20:40Hrs 19:30Hrs 09:40Hrs

FREQUENCY Mon-Fri Mon, Tue,Thur, Fri Mon- Fri Sat & Sun Sat & Sun

ARRIVAL TIME 08:55Hrs 15:00Hrs 22:20Hrs 21:10Hrs 11:20Hrs

FREQUENCY Mon- Fri Mon, Tue, Thur, Fri Mon- Fri Sat & Sun Sat & Sun

ARRIVAL TIME 08:15Hrs 16:00Hrs 09:05Hrs 16:45Hrs 13:05Hrs

FREQUENCY Mon Mon,Wed,Thur,Sat,Sun Tue-Sun Tue,Fri Fri

ARRIVAL TIME 10:05Hrs 17:45Hrs 10:55Hrs 18:30Hrs 14:50Hrs

FREQUENCY Mon Mon,wed,Thur,Sat,Sun Tue-Sun Tue,Fri Fri

ARRIVAL TIME 11:30Hrs 18:20Hrs 13:40Hrs 11:30Hrs

FREQUENCY Mon, Wed, Thur Tue, Fri, Sun Sat Sun

ARRIVAL TIME 14:05Hrs 20:50Hrs 16:00Hrs 14:05Hrs

FREQUENCY Mon, Wed, Thur Tue, Fri, Sun Sat Sun

ARRIVAL TIME 13:10Hrs 14:25Hrs 12:10Hrs 16:40Hrs

FREQUENCY Tue Wed Fri Sun

ARRIVAL TIME 16:45Hrs 16:45Hrs 15:25Hrs 19:00Hrs

FREQUENCY Tue Wed Fri Sun

ARRIVAL TIME 09:30Hrs 11:30Hrs 20:00Hrs 09:15Hrs 09:15Hrs 11:30Hrs 16:55Hrs 20:35Hrs 22:30Hrs

FREQUENCY Tue Thu, Sat Fri Sun Mon,Wed,Fri,Sun Tue Mon, Tue, Wed, Thur, Fri, Sat, Sun Mon, Wed, Sun Fri

ARRIVAL TIME 11:55Hrs 13:45Hrs 22:15Hrs 23:00Hrs 08:45Hrs 11:00Hrs 16:25Hrs 20:05Hrs 22:00Hrs

FREQUENCY Tue Thur, Sat Fri Sun Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun Tue Mon, Tue, Wed, Thur, Fri, Sat, Sun Mon, Wed, Sun Fri

ARRIVAL TIME 08:30Hrs 18:40Hrs 20:30Hrs

FREQUENCY Tue, Thu Fri Sun

ARRIVAL TIME 11:00Hrs 22:15Hrs 23:00Hrs

FREQUENCY Tue, Thu Fri Sun

ARRIVAL TIME 14:50Hrs 12:45Hrs 13:40Hrs 15:00Hrs

FREQUENCY Tue Wed Fri Sun

ARRIVAL TIME 16:45Hrs 16:45Hrs 15:25Hrs 19:00Hrs

FREQUENCY Tue Wed Fri Sun

ARRIVAL TIME 10:00Hrs 10:00Hrs 09:45Hrs

FREQUENCY Mon Wed Sat

NAIROBI - ENTEBBE

ENTEBBE - JUBA

JUBA - ENTEBBE

ENTEBBE - DAR ES SALAAM

DAR ES SALAAM - ENTEBBE

ENTEBBE - MOMBASA

MOMBASA- ENTEBBE

ENTEBBE - KIGALI

KIGALI - ENTEBBE

ENTEBBE - BUJUMBURA

BUJUMBURA - ENTEBBE

ENTEBBE - KILIMANJARO

KILIMANJARO - ENTEBBE

ENTEBBE - MOGADISHU

FLIGHT NUMBER U7 521 U7 521 U7 521

MOGADISHU - ENTEBBE DEPARTURE TIME ARRIVAL TIME 11:00Hrs 13:15Hrs 11:00Hrs 13:15Hrs 10:45Hrs 13:00Hrs For any information contact your nearest sales office / preferred Travel Agent / our Kampala Sales & Reservation Office on 041 2 165555 /0312165555

FREQUENCY Mon Wed Sat

56

CROSSWORD PUZZLE 1

2

3

4

5

Clues across 6

1. Capability (10) 7. Playful skip (5)

7

8. Bridge (7)

9

8

10. Supervisor (8) 11. Set fire to (4) 13. Tidily (6)

11

10

15. Venerate (6) 17. First man (4)

12

18. Long narrow sledge (8) 21. Tiny fish (7)

14

13

22. Gather together (5)

15

23. Part of a mixture (10)

16

Clues down

17

1. Small wood (5)

19

18

2. Miserably (8)

20

3. Is jealous of (6) 4. Dutch cheese (4)

21

5. High fashion design (7)

22

6. Financial expert (10) 9. Gentleness (10) 12. Uninhabited (8)

23

14. Leave behind (7) 16. Tied up (e.g. boat) (6) 19. Huge person (5)

Answers across 1. Competence 7. Caper 8. Viaduct 10. Overseer 11. Burn 13. Neatly 15. Revere 17. Adam 18. Toboggan 21. Tiddler 22. Amass 23. Ingredient Answers down 1. Copse 2. Morosely 3. Envies 4. Edam 5. Couture 6. Accountant 9. Tenderness 12. Desolate 14. Abandon 16. Moored 19. Giant 20. Blur

20. Make less clear (4)

Sudoku

8

3 7 Place a number from 1 to 9 in every empty cell so that each row, each column and each 3x3 box contains all the numbers from 1 to 9.

No number can appear twice in a row, column or 3x3 box.

Do not guess –­ you can work it out by a process of elimination.

asante

February–April 2014

7

4 6 8

2 3

6

1

6 9 6 7 2 3

5

8 7

1

7 2

5 1 8 6

6 9 5

Issue 17

Asante ISSUE NO 17

Gutsy Cranes

Win Many Admirers

The Undercover

Dangers of Spyware

your complimentary copy

FEBRUARY - APRIL 2014

Time to Head to the Beach