Matooke Republic Issue 28 by Matooke Republic

RITUALS

The things people do when they buy new cars... P.3 Thursday, July 19-25, 2018

MATOOKE

REPUBLIC

The return of the Royal Goat Race... P.7

www.matookerepublic.com FRESHLY PEELED INFO

The new prices will take effect on Monday, 23

taxi, bus prices shoot up

MUSIC

SINGLETON

Tip Swizzy on Munyiiza duet with Sheeba... P.11

The glamourous ladies that rocked the grand finale....P.6

2 MATOOKE REPUBLIC Thursday,

Seven Days

July 19-25, 2018

Social Media I Trending I Vibe

NEWS DIGEST

Uganda shilling second weakest currency in Africa – Survey Aubameyang Depp Someone thinks more taxes will make it stronger....it’s going for no.1 with poor economic activities in the first quarter of this new budget. Wanikina Faustine Anti steady progress continue signing pakalast Twinomujuni Ruk Edgar I dont think so.... LEONES of sierra leone was weaker Jemba Denis Not a surprise. NRM M7 Oyee with the steady suffering progress. Matovu Bukenya Bt economically do u knw Why???oba posting fwaaaaa Wilber O’sun Sr. Survey 4wat, u just c wat z goin on u judge! Andrew Jean Okecha and we say the economy is growing. when shall we say the economy has grown by this much? e.g. It has added 5m jobs in the last 6 months John Kalyesubula Thank you Oyugi Erick Hard to believe that even Somali, without a legal gender is tops. Uganda currency is practically worse than useless! Robert Elvis It’s just a beginning Samuel Amooti I don’t understand this at all. Does “{Weakest” mean how far it has depreciated or just the face value of the currency? Ossiya Jeff Its going to be on top of weak currency because govt is still over taxing people so people will have less income to bussine hence low income and less gds to bring in dollars in nation.

Bobi Wine’s bodyguard, elder brother remanded to Luzira In attempt to carry out a peaceful demonstration over ‘evil’ new social media and mobile money taxes, Police blocked the crowds that were led by Kyadondo East legislator Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine. Police also wanted to arrest Bobi Wine but he vanished into thin air. Dressed in red, the MP was joined by journalists Raymond Mujuni, Joel Ssenyonyi, and musicians A Pass and Dr. Hilderman among others. Crested Cranes kick off CECAFA pursuit against Kenya

Kisoro leaders appeal for immediate release of Kayihura

The Uganda women’s national football team- the Crested Cranes kick off their 2018 CECAFA Women Championship campaign today against rivals Kenya. The game will be played at 2pm at Stade De Kigali. Five teams are taking part in this year’s competition that is Rwanda (hosts), Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia and Uganda. After today’s game, the girls will be back on the pitch on Saturday against Ethiopia, then face Kenya on Monday and on Wednesday lock horns with the hosts.

The people of Kisoro have appealed to President Museveni to “exercise his magnanimity” and order the immediate release of Gen. Kale Kayihura. In a dated July 17, 2018 letter to the Prime Minister, the Kisoro people, where the former IGP hails from, claim Kayihura selflessly served the country and that he always diligently performed his duties throughout the years without

Gaagaa buses licence suspended Following a spate of accidents involving their buses, the Transport Licensing Board (TLB) has suspended Gaagaa Bus Company’s licence for one month. According to Winstone Katushabe, the TLB Secretary, the decision was influenced by a number of issues ranging from bad driving to lack of emergency gadgets. On those grounds, all the company drivers have been asked to go through a refresher course to ensure they are capable of steering a 67-passenger vehicle before they resume their duties.

Just for laughs

Roy Ta OO would say its a good thing.... we not like that of 9k to a dollar and he turns around to say America doesn’t have age limit Olyvia Twin Oh my goodness .. Ismail Ochaya Out of the 54 countries in Africa Uganda shillings is the weakest what a country, the achievement of 10 point program. Fetha Ken He he hehe

CONTACT US Matooke Republic Media Ltd. Kiwatule -Naalya Road. P.o. Box 11393 Kampala, Uganda Phone: 0392 000124 Email: info@matookerepublic.com website: www.matookerepublic.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/matookerepublic Twitter: @matookerepublic

Silver Kayondo @SilverKayondo I will be joining #ThisTaxMustGo protest at Constitutional Square today at 9 am. In case I am arrested, nobody should seek police bond or bail for me. I don’t want. No special food. I want to eat what other inmates eat. Just bring citrizen & a ventolin inhaler for my allergies. Mujuni Raymond@qataharraymond We don’t say it out of malice that officers from CPS used live ammunition to disperse a lawful protest, here is evidence #ThisTaxMustGo Mwes M Drew™ @_mwes “MY BROTHER I’M NOT FIGHTING YOU, I’M FIGHTING FOR YOU!” ~ @HEBobiwine tells police as they try to arrest him for protesting #SocialMediaTax #ThisTaxMustGo

Thursday, July 19-25, 2018, MATOOKE REPUBLIC 3

CarsI Rituals

News

The crazy rituals people do when they buy cars BY IVAN JUUKO

ituals are part and parcel of the African culture. They are symbolic of different aspects in life. Some may signify achieving a new status; others welcome something new to the community like a newborn baby, a building or other assets like cars. Owning a car in Africa is more of dream come true and a sign of achieving a high status as a car is considered to be a preserve for the economically upright group of people. And as thus, some people perform certain rituals when they buy cars. Here are some: Animal Sacrifice Sacrifice has been a common ritual since the Jesus’ time. To date, people are seen sacrificing animals for newly acquired assets like cars, buildings, newborns among other things. As Fred Wafula, a taxi driver whose boss slaughter’s a hen for every new taxi notes, this is done to appease ‘gods’ to offer protection to the newly acquired asset. The driver, who plies the Kisaasi-Ntinda-Kyanja route, told Matooke Republic that after slaughtering the chicken, his boss he only named as Lule, uses some green leaves to sprinkle its blood all over the car before feasting on the chicken. “I personally do not believe in any rituals. But I do not even own a car. My boss though takes all the newly acquired taxis to his home village in Masaka and performs those rituals. He brings the car back with blood sprinkled over it.” Wafula who hails from the Elgon slopes in Sironko district says the rituals are witchcraft and do nothing to keep the car on the road. The village elders’ blessing Elders are held in high regard across the globe. Their ‘blessings’ are sought for marriages, investments, long journeys, and apparently, after acquiring a new cars. The elders ‘bless’ the car by sprinkling concoctions of ‘holy’ water comprising and local herbs coupled with wishful laments.

five out of 10 cars will have a rosary hanging in the rearview mirror. Ever wonder why they are there? The car owner buys a ‘blessed’ rosary and hangs it on the rearview mirror of their newly purchased car

Peter Magumba, 39, a resident of Seeta in Mukono Municipality, admitted to have taken his took his Toyota Premio to his mother – deep in Kyampisi for her to sit in it first before he could start using it for his eggs business. ‘’I cannot start using my new car for business or any private work before taking it to mother. Even this Premio am driving now; I took it there so I could drive her first. Never underestimate an elder’s word. It can bless or curse,” he said. Hanging rosaries Rosaries are widely believed to be a blessed prayer tool for Catholics. On the road,

“

“I personally do not believe in any rituals. My boss though takes all the newly acquired taxis to his home village in Masaka and performs those rituals.” as a sort of good luck charm so that God can lead their way and protect them against any accidents as they are on the road. When Juma Makumbi was tasked about

the Misbaha (Islamic rosary) that swung in his mirror, he had this to say: “I highly respect that Misbaha because it’s my prayer tool, due to my work structure, even when I fail to make it to the mosque for the daily prayers, I can still communicate to Allah through this Misbaha. So it always has to be near me. It also makes me feel safer on the road and closer to Allah,” he said. Baptism of Alcohol You have seen those flashy cars being soaked in beer as in Baptism. That’s a practice most common among beer lovers. Beer drinkers believe pouring beer on a newly purchased car is a sign of ancestors blessing it before it hits the road. Not relevant However when Matooke Republic visited Pine car bond on Lumumba Avenue, several car brokers and sellers considered most of these rituals out fashioned and believed to be acts of the spiritually bankrupt. “Those rituals rare among our customers. Here, people come, buy cars and drive off them immediately minus performing any rituals,” said John Simbwa, a car broker.

4 MATOOKE REPUBLIC/ Thursday, July 19-35, 2018

News

Transport I Fuel

Taxi, bus fares to go

BY ALEX TAREMWA

t is hardly a month since the new financial year started but its bite has not spared any Ugandan yet. The introduction of social media and Mobile Money taxes havehad the public up in arms, forcing numerous retractions from the government. As the dust seems to settle however, the public transporters have announced new transport prices that will take effect on Monday, July, 23. The new prices announced the Kampala Operators and Taxi Stages Association (KOTSA) are a result of the new taxes on fuel. Yasin Ssematimba, the Chairman of KOTSA told Matooke Republic that the new prices will take effect on Monday and will affect all routes coming into Kampala. “We are pressed on the wall. Everyday prices at fuel pumps increase. The prices cannot remain the same in the current situation. When fuel prices go down, we shall also go back to the normal prices,” he said. Ssematimba explained that prices will increase by between Shs1,000 to Shs5,000 depending on the distance. “We know the economic situation is not easy but we ask our customers to bear with us as this is a short-term solution. We hope the government can make the necessary reforms as soon as possible,” he added. The government, starting July 1, collects Shs100 from every litre of diesel, petroleum and kerosene at the fuel pumps. This, in turn, pushed fuel prices up across the country.

At the moment, a litre of petroleum is at Shs4, 320 up from Ushs3, 800 while that of diesel is at Shs3, 950.

Buses follow suit

In similar fashion, the Uganda Buses Owners Association (UBOA) has also announced that there will be an increment by Shs5, 000 on all upcountry routes to or from Kampala. Nathan Byanyima, the association’s chair-

“

“We are pressed on the wall. Everyday prices at fuel pumps increase. The transport prices cannot remain the same in the current situation. ” man explained the decision was to give bus operator a competitive advantage in the light of the fuel prices. “When the economic change, we have to transfer the burden to the customers so we share the burden. Bus owners and operators are losing too much money and as thus, cannot keep the prices normal,” he added. The decision by buses took immediate effect as passengers who Matooke Republic talked to explained.

Modern Agaba, a lecturer at Uganda Christian University (UCU) paid almost double the normal price when he travelled to the university’s Kabale Campus for a brief stint. “Normally it costs me Shs50, 000 to and from Kabale but when I travelled on Monday for my class, I was charged Shs35, 000. That means I need about Shs75, 000 to make the return journey,” he said via phone. On South Western route, transport from Kampala to Kisoro is now at Shs40,000 up from Shs35,000, Kabale is Shs30,000 from Shs25,000, Mbarara has increased to Shs20,000 from Shs15,000 and Bushenyi-Ishaka to Shs25,000. Passengers travelling to the eastern Uganda districts of Kaabong have to part with Shs55,000 to Shs60000, Kotido is now Shs50,000, Abim Shs40,000, Tororo Shs25,000, Soroti Shs25,000, Serere Shs30,000 and Mbale Shs20,000. For West Nile and Nothern Uganda routes, transport to Lira is now Shs35,000, Moyo Shs40,000, Arua Shs35,000, Yumbe Shs45,000 and Gulu Shs30,000. Global Coaches that plies that Masaka-Mbarara highway and Mbale’s Y.Y Coaches both issued notices notifying their customers of the new prices effective

immediate.

Cheap fuel a bad idea

According to Kaita Edward, Total’s Pump Manager in Mukono town, motorists have resorted to consuming cheap yet unpurified fuel in a bid to save money. Although he acknowledged that prices for premium fuel are high, Kaita warned motorists against opting for cheap fuel as their vehicle engines will pay the heavy price. “It is not easy for a motorist to detect with the naked eye the difference between good and fake fuel but there is a lot of adulterated fuel on the market and it is cheaper than the original. That fuel really spoils cars,” he said. In April, the ministry of energy

Thursday, July 19-25, 2018 /MATOOKE REPUBLIC 5

Transport I Fuel

News

up starting Monday you tax me on social media. You tax the landlords hence I can’t afford rent, you increase the electricity tariffs and tax mobile money transactions and now, I have to pay more to travel the same distance due to a tax on fuel, this is a big mistake on the side of the government. They will regret it,” he said. Richard Tumanye, a banana and milk trader has been

blacklisted 114 pump stations that it said were selling adulterated fuel to Ugandans. Reverend Frank Tukwasibwe, the commissioner of petroleum supplies in the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development told Matooke Republic that although the ministry can intervene in fuel regulation, motorists must take personal initiative to boycott “bad fuel.” “Adulterated fuel is the product of a mixture between high quality fuel and low quality products, which brings about a change in the chemical properties. This type of fuel is dangerous to a car engine and, in most cases, leads to a breakdown,” he said. He says the ministry has repeatedly reported fuel pumps with adulterated fuel to the police but little or no action is taken. Tukwasibwe further noted that fuel adulterants alter the chemistry of the base fuel rendering its quality inferior in quality for vehicles. “This, in turn, affects the combustion dynamics inside the combustion chamber of vehicles increasing the emissions of harmful pollutants significantly,” he added.

Passengers, businessmen cry out

While embarking into a taxi to Busega from Bweyogerere stage, the conductor made it a point to inform the passengers that Shs1, 000 wills starting Monday taken them as far as the Naalya-Ntinda roundabout as opposed to Kisaasi stage. What ensued was uncoordinated as passengers hurled all sorts of insults at the government that they say is uncaring and exploitative. Nicholas Opolot, a law student and intern at the Law Development Center intimated that this financial year 2018/19 will be the government’s biggest undoing as almost every source of human livelihood has been taxed. “First of all I can’t get a job. When I begin an online shop,

forced to cut his trips to western Uganda where he gets merchandise due to the fuel prices. He says, “If I go there now, I will either buy bananas and milk expensively and incur hefty transport costs or I will have to cut the frequency of travels there and this obviously affects my business.”

6 MATOOKE REPUBLIC/ Thursday, July 19-25, 2018

Social Mix

Nicole Katto: Awards Godlive Nayebare.

Fun Time I Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s happening

SINGLETON CHALLENGE

Guests : On the red carpet.

After a grueling seven months on the course, the Singleton Challenge came to an end at the Entebbe Club with a new set of winners- the female pair of Peace Kabasweka and Sheila Kesiime making history by the becoming the first ladies to claim one of local golfâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most prestigious prizes.

Dope: Besties pose for our lens.

UBL Managing Director Mark: Awards Kabasweka Peace (L) and kesime Sheailah(R) Annette UBL and friend: Smartly dressed.

Tonny: All Salvado,Daphine and dressed to kill.

Age is just a number: Afrigo Band excites the crowd.

Lady in Red: All on point.

Lovely couple: Looking elegant .

Kwame Ejalu Chairman Afrisave risk consultants: Awards Peace Muyege.

Sweet smiles: Life simply looks good.

Thursday, July 19-25, 2018, MATOOKE REPUBLIC 7

Events I Party Time

On the Scene

ROYAL GOAT

RACE RETURNS

The Royal Ascot Goat Races shall return with a bang following new interesting additions to one of the most popular social events on Ugandaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s calendar. The cat was let out of the bag during the official launch of the event at held at Speke Apartments on Wampewo Avenue, Kampala on Friday evening. The event shall be held on August 25 at Speke Resort Munyonyo, so mark your calendar.

The team: All getting set and ready.

Committee team: Addressing.

Men talk: Having a serious chat.

Rajiv and friend: Having a good time.

Gorgeous: Beauty that scares you away.

Slayers: With attitude status.

Looks confident: And smart.

Organiser: Addressing the crowd.

Timothy Bukumunhe: Enjoying the beer.

Happy people: Enjoying the evening.

Salvado: Doing what he does best..

8 MATOOKE REPUBLIC/ Thursday, July 19-25, 2018

Gossip

Who I What I Where

Anita Fabiola, Bebe Cool sells 40 VVIP tables each worth Shs5m in one week Fik in yet another

endorsement deal

he name Fik Fameica is fast becoming a powerhouse in the Ugandan music industry barely not even spending two years on the scene since his break through. Basing on the latest information revealed the My Woman My Property hit star is said to have landed a multi million shillings deal with an urban restaurant. Fik shared the news on his Instagram, where he posted;“My Dear fans, I am so glad to announce to you that I just signed

hile addressing the press at the launch of Golden Heart concert, self-proclaimed ‘Big Size’ Bebe Cool revealed that he sold 40 VVIP tables in one week! This left the management with no option but to change location while they still had the time! Like they say, make hay while it shines. Thus, the singer announced that the concert will be held at Kololo Airstrip instead of Serena Hotel Conference Hall. To back up the clear move, Bebe Cool further stated

that he has filled Serena to capacity in his last three annual concerts and he could not again afford seeing his fans miss out on the anticipated event. A table goes for Shs5m and Shs100,00 for an individual.The Golden Heart concert is dedicated towards promoting a charity initiative geared at mobilizing funds to support children with extremely complicated heart defects. Six infants will be taken to India immediately after the event.

NBS TV’s Darren Kyeyune is engaged N

BS TV’s sports pundit Darren Kyeyune pundit Darren Kyeyune has just made a major move! While most people of his age could be taking relationships for fun and games, the NBS journalist who is in his mid 20s, is out here scoring major relationship goals. Yes, the pundit has cross-checked his facts, emotions and life goals and ‘unveiled’ his relationship with Isabella Ampiire as a life long decision. Yes, he put the ring on it and the two can help but share it with the world. Isabella Ampiire shared photos of that ring glowing on the finger. Congratulations Darren and Isabella Ampiire!

another big endorsement with #Capitalkitchen.” Capital Kitchen, which is opening this Friday in Kampala, is said to be a 400 seater restaurant. “We are coming up with a massive world food pavilion in Kampala central, where you can explore the finest grills of the world under one roof,” Aisha Sharma, the CEO revealed. We have also been informed that Anita Fabiola too has been signed to promote the restaurant.

Thursday, July 19-25, 2018, MATOOKE REPUBLIC 9

Who I What I Where

Gossip

Eddy Kenzo’s manager signs Lydia Jazmine

ocialite couple, Dorothy and Herbert Shonga have settled their differences after close to a year of separation. The couple failed to celebrate their first wedding anniversary after accusations of infidelity and greed rocked their glamorous union. Dorothy Shonga accused hubby Herbert of cheating on her with Sheila Murungi, a lady whom they he had hired as the PR of their bar, Space Lounge. Herbert denied the accusations but later seemed to have ‘moved on’ with Sheila. He passionately shared moments with the lady on social media and later changed his username to Habib Shonga, a

signal that all between him and Dorothy were done and dusted. After ditching her longtime manager Bushingtone, news reaching our desk confirms that high flying songbird Lydia Jazmine has reached agreement with Eddy Kenzo’s manager Denis Muganzi. Though she remained tight lipped about the deal, our sources reveal that the two have penned a lengthy contract. They will be in business for five years in a contract that will be subject to renewal. Also, despite Muganzi taking charge of Jazmine’s career, the singer won’t be under the Big Talent umbrella. We have also been reliably informed that the ‘You and me’ hit singer is out of the country. She is reportedly in United Kingdom as a way to rejuvenate after enduring a painful experience under her previous experience. All the best Lydia Jazmine.

10 MATOOKE REPUBLIC/ Thursday, July 19-25, 2018

Showbiz

Music I Going Out

GUINNESS SEND OFF 7S STARS

Table of men: Uganda Rugby Union president Andrwe Owor(R) , vice president Ian Walker()L and Rugby 7s coach Tolbert Onyango (M) share a light moment at the dinner. .

Set: UBL`s Grace Namutebi and the Cranes get their Kodak moment after the handover. Souvenir: UBL`s Julianna Kaggwa shows off the official Cranes jesrey, signed b the entire team.

a real Here we come: Its never dinner without the ladies

Thirsty?: There was no room left for issues as thirst.

Guinness as official sponsors and partners of the Rugby Sevens Cranes were at it again last week as they gave the side a deserved send off to the Rugby Sevens World Cup in San Francisco,USA. Shs 25m was part of the send off package that also included a kit bag for each of the 16man contigent . Rugby officials, friends and well-wishers all turned up for the dinner at Arena Sports Bar, Kamwokya

Skiper: Captain Wokorach signs on the ball before the rest of the side followed.

Tutor: Strenght and Conditionining coach Nynette Kuyt was all smiles.

e an idea on Ushers: But do they hav what they are holding?

Well-wishers: Friends and fans spare d some time to honor the ocassion.

Thank you:Cranes poster boy Phillip Wokorach recieves his kit bag from UBL`s Grace Namutebi.

Thursday, July 19-25, 2018, MATOOKE REPUBLIC 11

Music I Going Out

Tip- Swizzy X Sheebah TALKING MUSIC WITH TREVOR TAREMWA

A Z I I Y MUN A

t the time Ability dropped, Radio and Weasel were the guys any upcoming artist needed to feature on their song in order to get their breakthrough. They were Midas himself. When they collaborated with Rabadaba on Ability itself, he soared to greater heights. He had arrived. Today, Queen Sheebah has the magic wand. Whatever she touches, turns into solid gold. Tip – Swizzy gets her on “Munyiiza” and what we have at the end of the day is what Sheebah does best, a hit. Sheebah and the attitude On this song, Sheebah is outstanding. On this song, Sheebah is quite pissed at some folks for quite a number of reasons, from the pointless naysayers, fake award winners and those that literally cannot shut the hell up. On this song, she spews venom. On the video set, she looks stunning in a camouflage hooded dress that goes until thigh length. This, coupled with her “idgaf” (for lack of a better word) attitude gives

us just the right combination for a song that sees a few people told off for their irritating ways. When she drops her first verse, she is in such a vicious fit of rage. In one of the scenes, a black bra peeps out of the camouflage hoodie. She is confident and she is as though making a statement that she runs the scene and she does not care what people think. Her attitude in the video got me in such a tight grip that I did not move a muscle until the video was done playing. This, is simply Sheebah’s moment and she sure gives Tip Swizzy the exact edge he is looking for. Kudos. Tip Swizzy Tip Swizzy outdoes himself on this one. He complements Sheebah perfectly on this one. With a baseball bat and a bullet proof vest he too, tags along a mafia attitude and also tells off all fake folks. His lyrics are on point and he has a very striking confidence on this song. This is such an impressive effort.

Showbiz

12 MATOOKE REPUBLIC/ Thursday, July 19-25, 2018

Fashion

Trends I Slaying I Killing It

TREND ALERT!

LAPEL PINS I

tâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the year 2018, and the guys are now splurging as much on accessories as the ladies. The usual tie and watch combo wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do it anymore. And if you want to have dapper look that will turn heads, then you need to go hard with your accessory game. The lapel pins are the hottest accessory trend now to get on, especially if you are going for a suited up look. This accessory featured different detailing like florals, or badges that you can add to your jacket lapel to spice up your look. Depending on what your style preferences are, you can match your lapel pin to your tie and pocket square, or have them completely contrasting for a dashing look. These also come in differnet sizes, so you do have a lot of options to try out.

Natasha Siima Fashion Designer

ow would you describe your style? Afro-urban chic with Goth vibes. I am always in black from head to toe so I always accessorize with African print separates like a print bomber jacket, ankara head wrap, ankara pants or ankara blazers or ankara boots. What is the one fashion item you cannot live without? The Simma Bomber jacket What is your worst buy ever? I paid for a pair of boots online on Amazon and when they arrived, they were three sizes bigger. What styling trick works for you all the time? When I am having a bad hair day, I always do a Head Wrap with bright Ankara fabric and am good to go. Any item we would not find in your wardrobe? Velvet jeans

street style

@dridrema_mbabazi_ The little black dress is always a great idea, especially when accessorized this well.

@Natashstyle Off shoulder tops for the perfect sultry looks.

@nakukwatsa A pair of heels would have elevated this look greatly.

CELEB STYLE

Thursday, July 19-25, 2018, MATOOKE REPUBLIC 13

Study I Chillax I Live It

Campus Buzz OUR CRUSH

MUK MERGES SOME PROGRAMMES AS

COURSES GET LOW APPLICATIONS

hile speaking to a local tabloid, Daily monitor, the Makerere University quality assurance director Dr Vincent Ssembatya revealed that some of the courses at Makerere University attracted few applicants due to low public sensitization after the University’s review of their academic programmes. Ssembatya added that some of the programmes were merged to avoid duplications and to fully utilize the University’s human resource to deliver quality services. He added that courses like Diary Industry and Business, Poultry Industry and business, Feed Industry, Leather, Commercial Insects and Wildlife, Ranching and Meat which were independent have been merged to create one course they named Bachelor of Industrial Livestock and Business. According to Ssembatya, the students

will specialize in their areas of interest when they join the second year of the said

course. Makerere University was forced to re-advertise over 40 courses due to the low number of applicants. Some of the re-advertised courses are those from the College of Education and External Studies, College of Veterinary Med-

icine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, College of Humanities and Social Sciences and those from upcountry campuses in Mbale, Mbarara, Jinja and Arua. While commenting on the low number of applicants in some courses, Ssembatya noted that the university needs to sensitize people every time it makes changes in its programmes. “We need time to tell people before we can get big numbers. Every time you make changes, people need to be sensitised. There was a curriculum review to remove duplications and we are also trying not to split resources into different classes. Some programmes got too many applicants and others got too few. Even us get surprised, we don’t know how we got to all that. But second application will help,” Ssembatya explained. Campus Bee

STUDENT DRAGS BISHOP STUART UNIVERSITY TO COURT FOR FAVORING ANGLICAN STUDENTS

ishop Stuart University (BU) in Mbarara has been dragged to court over irregularities in choosing leaders for top guild positions including that of the guild president of the campus. It is alleged that the Mbarara based campus has been biased and continuously favouring only Anglican students on top of the high levels of nepotism. One student Bwenge Deusdedit through his lawyers M/s Butagira and Co. Advocates dragged the university to court. “I am standing on behalf of several other students whose cries were not heard. This is our disagreement with the university over favouring only Anglican students for the top eight positions yet the university rules and regulations state clearly that this university and guild positions are free to all students

irrespective of race, religion or tribe,” Bwenge told our reporter. In recent years, Bishop Stuart University has been battling with students dragging the

administration to court over poor accommodation and welfare. The university also, this semester ordered Mbarara police to arrest some of its top guild leaders after they convened a crisis meeting to sort out the student’s bickering; a move the university termed as ‘illegal’. Bwenge Deudetit, a final year law student awaiting graduation has been a known critic of the university’s policies

that seem not to serve students interests. He had earlier on dragged some council members to court over non-performance and corruption which he won unanimously. According to the court order, Bwenge (the complainant) will verse BSU(Respondent) in a judgement that will be heard on Wednesday,18th July 2018 by the commission located on plot 7 Luthuli close in Bugolobi, Kampala. Many students, however, expressed their joy at what Bwenge has done urging the commission to be fair in its judgement of the case. “Bwenge has been a loyal person at campus. He always adhered to the law and fought for the student’s rights. This court issue is complicated but I pray we get fair judgement since the university has always marginalized us non-Anglicans, “says a one Birungi Charis Ronald. Bishop Stuart University has been a stronghold of the Anglican faith after its set up by the dioceses of West Ankole province although the university in its rules reinstates that it has been non-partisan and remains open to all people. Campus Bee

Matooke Republic’s crush this week is Quin of MUBS

14 MATOOKE REPUBLIC / Thursday,

Body & Soul

July 19-25, 2018

Living I Relating

HEALTH

Dance your way to better health

DON’T RUN AFTER HIM, JUST FOCUS ON BEING IRRESISTIBLE

BY IVAN JUUKO

ou know the feeling that comes with dancing; happiness. Dancing is actually not only responsible for your happy mood but good for your health, as scientists have come to prove. So what are you waiting for? Turn on the music and dance as you reap these countless health benefits.

Boosts your physical health

Dancing boosts your overall health because when you groove your regular physical activity increases explaining why one sweats while dancing. Dancing is also considered one of the best forms of exercise because it not only helps you lose weight and tone your body but also aids in controlling some lifestyle diseases like type II diabetes, hypertension, cholesterol imbalance and obesity.

Lowers risk of heart disease

With the vigorous dance movements, one’s blood pressure is maintained. This directly and positively affects the heart by keeping it in good condition and making it more disease-resistant.

Improves mind-body balance

The different stretches we do while dancing bring about special muscle movements that we cannot experience by say, walking. These special muscle movements help improve our body flexibility and general mind body balance.

Helps to regain confidence

Dancing gives one the opportunity to boost their self confidence. While on a dance floor, one overcomes fear and often realises that they are bolder! This is simply because dancing uncovers creativity and helps one express themselves. This confidence earned on the dance floor can be one of the building blocks to better health for an individual.

Reduces stress

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Dancing increases your creativity and sense of fun thus causing beneficial effects on the brain. Relieving unwanted stress and negativity are some of the beneficial effects. Dancing further gives you an amazing opportunity for an outward flow of creativity while maintaining one’s weight and health. When the body feels good, the mind does too! See, dancing on a regular basis is clearly a health transforming call. So, wait no more! Hit the dance floor and sweat it all no matter which style you choose to dance.

Dancing is actually not only responsible for your happy mood but good for your health

SCI-FACT

BY IVAN JUUKO

e all heard the President advice Ugandans to run more often last week while launching the National Day of physical activity at Kololo. Well ladies, he did not mean running after your man all the time in this case, remember a man’s greatest fear is losing his freedom to a relationship. You don’t have to run after him all the time to impede his cheating, he can still do it in your presence if he wishes (don’t argue). Sister, the best you can get from doing that is total disconnection. You always being around him will suffocate him and when it happens he will highly strive to free himself from you. Not giving him breathing space is a bad idea because it can bring about him dumping you and rather opt for an affair with someone else who gives

“

Be a mystery, do not give him your all as yet, keep some to yourself and make him always want more.

him some space. So, what do you have to do? Just be perfectly irresistible, he will instead run after you. Now that we have pinned being irresistible, do not think it has something to do with looks. Yes, beauty makes men restless, but being irresistible is so much more than appearance. It starts with knowing your worth as a woman and literally who you are. The humour, hygiene, confidence, calmness, and grace are some of the ways you can be irresistible to him. Be a mystery, do not give him your all as yet, keep some to yourself and make him always want more. Also, let him see your feminine side because it makes you appear more attractive. So go ahead, put on that red lipstick and that gorgeous bronzer and don’t forget to wear those high heels, he will definitely want you more.

Garlic can help you attract women Stock up already! If you are looking to im-

prove your chances with women, stocking up on garlic might give you an unexpected boost in that regard.

And the reason? A study says women like the smell of garlic, meaning garlic could be an unlikely ally in your dating game. Let’s go ga-garlic

A groundbreaking new study has found that women found men’s sweat more attractive when they had eaten a whole lot of garlic, calling into question years of dating common sense. A ground-breaking study

from scientists at the University of Stirling in Scotland and Prague’s Charles University has revealed that women go crazy for the odour of garlic on a man. A group of 42 men either ate raw garlic cloves, took garlic pills or consumed no garlic at all and wore a pad under their armpits to collect a sample of their sweat. Then 82 (very brave) women sniffed the samples and were asked to judge them on the categories: pleasantness, attractiveness, masculinity and intensity. The results were pretty staggering. Men’s sweat was found to be more attractive and less intense when they had eaten garlic, but to get the full aphrodisiac

effect they had to have consumed a serious quantity of garlic — at least four cloves. The scientific explanation for the bizarre results, as ever, may lie in evolution. It is suggested that women have evolved to like the smell of garlicky sweat as it shows a man is healthy because of garlic’s antibiotic properties.

The researchers asserted: “Garlic consumption may have positive effects on perceived body odour hedonicity (science speak for how pleasing it is), perhaps due to its health effects.” And to think… All these years we have been avoiding garlic in dating situations when it may in fact be the secret weapon?

Thursday, July 19-25, 2018 /MATOOKE REPUBLIC 15

The Mighty Matooke Republic I

Advert

16 MATOOKE REPUBLIC / Thursday, July 19-25, 2018

Business FOREX RATES Currency Buying Selling USD 3,797 3,806 GBP 4,982 4,996 EUR 4,418 4,430 KSH 38.3 38.4 TSH 1.65 1.66

briefing

Umeme loses Shs1.5b to vandals “The trend is really bad, the number seems to be going overboard now. 2016 was our worst where we lost ten transformers in Mukono. 2017 we lost six and this year it started in May and in two months, we have surpassed the numbers for 2017...”

Money I Trade I Executives

Struggling telecoms

welcome mobile money tax revision BY ALEX TAREMWA

elecom companies have seen nearly three quarters of their transactions cease after the government’s resolution to levy a 1% Excise Duty on all mobile money transactions. According to MTN CEO Wim Vanhelleputte, the tax had in just two weeks inflicted a decline of about 63% as users cut down on mobile money transactions through the telecom. “We have suffered obviously since the tax took effect. We welcome every attempt by the players review the taxes. We had more than 8 million transactions but that number has reduced to 3 million in since July 1 when the tax took effect,” said Mr. Vanhelleputte. The CEO who was speaking at the closure of MTN’s MoMo Nyabo promo said the government had not committed to halving the tax in policy and as thus, the telecoms were still levying the tax as 1% not 0.5% as directed by the president. “The only communication we have from the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) was that deposit transactions were duty free. We implemented that and we are waiting on Parliament to pass the 0.5% amendment,” Vanhelleputte noted. When reached on phone for a comment, Airtel Uganda’s Managing Director VG Somasekhar said that he was “relieved and pleased” with the Cabinet resolution admitting that the telecom has been suffering with a revenue drop as a result of reduced mobile money transactions.

Experts weigh in on the debate Mr Jason MuwazaMukono district manager Umeme

Cabinet’s resolution however has been met with mix emotions from experts and business players with some saying that the decision will ease life for the ordinary

Uganda while others argue that it is not enough. Julius Mukunda, the Executive Director of the Civil Society Budget Advocacy Group (CSBAG) said that in as much as the tax revision is welcome; it is going to stifle innovation and increase the cost of doing business especially within the informal sector. Mukunda who has engaged stakeholders extensively on the matter further argued that since the biggest mobile money users are the poor who transact meager amounts, the government will severely hurt the only groups of the population – youth and women - they are investing heavily in empowering. “The government projects like Operation Wealth Creation, Youth Fund and others are empowering these rural youth and women to be productive. These are the same people they are taxing. It is ironic,” he said. Prof. Augustus Nuwagaba, the telecoms consultant that had earlier

advised government to only taxed mobile money withdrawals but with no success said that he was happy that his plea was finally heard. “It is a big challenge when you are dealing with a government that does not understand economics. If in only two weeks, telecom companies, businesses are crying of losses, imagine if the tax had lasted a year, the results would have been disastrous,” he said. Nuwagaba advised government to always make extensive consultations with the affected parties before bulking them with boardroom policies that have no practical solutions. “You can imagine that a Parliament of over 400 members had passed such a tax. One wonders if they were thinking about the people they represent,” Nuwagaba noted.

Social media tax to remain

Ever since tax on Over The Top (OTT) was implemented, telecom companies have a 75% fall in social

media use, 50% reduction in capacity use as VPN mobile apps downloads shot up by 1500%. The above figures were however not enough to persuade Cabinet to scrap the tax. Users will continue to pay Shs200 daily to access social media platforms. However, the government has entered talks with the telecoms and Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) to find ways of charging the tax via airtime. Silver Kayondo, a city lawyer who together with other petitioners dragged the government to the Constitutional Court told Matooke Republic that they were proceeding with the case whose hearing is set for July 23 despite recent developments. “We shall go ahead with the lawsuit against government. Our objection is not on the payment options, but rather double taxation of the end-user and negative effects of the tax on innovation and startups,” he said.

Strive Masiyiwa

Pause: Every African has the right to be connected...

s many of you probably heard, I was in Abuja on Friday for the signing of a historic agreement between Liquid Telecom and Telecom Egypt. The agreement paves the way for Liquid to connect its fibre optic network to Egypt. In just a matter of weeks, we’ll be able to offer service within and into Egypt, in partnership with Telecom Egypt. This is quite historic, because for the first time there is a direct land-based communication link between Cape Town and Cairo... In 2013 when I first wrote on this FB platform about our vision to build from “Cape to Cairo,” we had deployed about 15,000 km

of cable after 10 years. Now 5 years later, we have deployed over 60,000 km. Although the distance between Cape Town to Cairo is only about 13,000 km (by road), our network is almost 5x as long because in each country that it passes through, we have an ancillary network connecting businesses and homes. We will continue to expand the reach of this network. Our focus will soon shift to building the network into Central and Western Africa. We plan to cross Chad into Cameroon and Nigeria from the East. We are also moving from DRC along the West African coast as we work to connect “Cape to Dakar”. Why is this important? Liquid Telecom already serves some of the largest global companies with some of the fastest network speeds on the African continent. More effi-

cient and prosperous companies mean more jobs and growth throughout Africa! That’s our vision... And we believe every individual on the African continent has the right to be connected! By now you know I see this as key to building Africa’s century! We chose to do the signing ceremony on the sidelines of conference to celebrate 25 years of one of Africa’s most important institutions: The African Export-Import Bank, better known as the Afreximbank. For those of you who dream of building big businesses that will expand across Africa, this is the bank that helps those who have such a vision. There is no serious Pan African player from the continent who has not at one time or another dealt with this particular bank which was started by African governments to help

African companies that export and import from within Africa. They also partner companies like Econet and its subsidiaries (such as Liquid) to expand their operations. As a budding entrepreneur, you may not yet be at the stage in your business to engage directly with a bank like “AXB” (as we call them at Econet) but you need to understand how they operate and the work they do. The guys in the “senior class” by now know that there is more a bank does beyond simply lending money. The banks also help promote relationships between business players. Let me give you an example: Both Telecom Egypt and Liquid are clients of AXB. Telecom Egypt wanted to expand into the rest of Africa, and Liquid Telecom wanted to expand into Egypt.

To be continued. . .

Thursday, July 19-25, 2018 / MATOOKE REPUBLIC 17

Work I Innovation I Enterprise

Wahab Mutebire has no regrets jobs

investing in candle making

Grants Management Coordinator

Organisation: Straight Talk Foundation Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration or related fields with Five years’ experience Deadline: July 27 2018 Email: straighttalkjobs@ gmail.com

Finance, Grants & Compliance Specialist

ON THE JOB

Project Officer

fter his Bachelor’s degree in Micro-finance at Kyambogo University in 2013, Wahab Mutebire who hails from Mbarara secured a job as an auditor with one of the hotels in Entebbe. “I was so happy that I did not struggle to acquire a job, and my salary went on rising from Shs200,000 to Shs300,000 in just a couple of months all coming as a result of my hard work and my commitment at work,” Wahab told Matooke Republic. Despite the fact that Wahab could take things slow and relax in anticipation of more salary increments as time went on, Wahab decided he would not sit on his laurels but would instead be a dream chaser. “I was happy at my work place but I could not give up on my dream right from campus that I had to become an entrepreneur one day. I made sure I saved the biggest part of my salary. Good enough I was still staying with my parents so rent was not a thing to worry about,” added Wahab. After working for two years, Wahab was earning as much as Shs800,000 as his salary every month and that is how he managed raise Shs4.5m in savings. “With all this money on my account, I nearly bought one of my friend’s second hand Toyota Rav4. But another of my friends advised me to invest my money in a candle making project,” Wahab recalled. It was an idea that instantly had the young man from Mbarara excited. Wahab said he went ahead and did lots of research about it “and the good thing I was already versed with the knowledge of how candles are made on my short training in Kenya while I was still in my O’ Level vacation.” So for him the only ig task was finding out how much the machines and other raw materials cost. He was in for a big shock. After doing extensive surveys, he realised he needed about Shs9m to get his dream venture

“

I was happy at my work place but I could not give up on my dream right from campus that I had to become an entrepreneur one day. off the ground. That did not dampen his mood, however. He engaged his dad who was by then working with the Uganda Revenue Authority who gave him Shs2m that he topped up to start his business, in 2016. And that is how the ‘Smart Candles’ firm in Masanafu was birthed. “I chose to continue with my regular job until last year, after realising my firm was getting established. So far I have about 15 workers from the ones that operate the machine to the ones that hawk our finished products. “We specifically manufacture blue candles, which are hard enough meaning they take a long time to melt. Our target buyers are wholesalers from town. We also do door to door selling, with a half dozen of candles, sold at Shs1000,” Wahab

said. Does not sound bad at all for a 28-year-old entrepreneur.

How candles are manufactured

Wax is the main raw material used in making candles. It is sold in boxes of 25kgs with each box costing about Shs7,000 and from one of box about 120 candles can be produced. Despite challenges of increasing prices of wax and other raw materials used to manufacture candles, the budding candle manufacturer says he has never regretted investing his money in a candle-making project which he said rewards him with about Shs180,000 in profit per week.

Organisation: Straight Talk Foundation Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree in Development Studies, Social Sciences, Adult & Community Education or related fields with Two years’ experience Deadline: July 27 2018 Email: straighttalkjobs@ gmail.com

Human Resource & Administration Officer

Organisation: Straight Talk Foundation Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resource Management with Three years’ experience Deadline: July 27 2018 Email: straighttalkjobs@ gmail.com

Programme Officer for Democracy

Organisation: Embassy of Sweden Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree in Law, Political Science with Seven years’ experience Deadline: July 27n 2018 Email: hr.s@ug.pwc.com

National Technical Assistant-Data Manager

Organisation: Belgian Development Agency Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree in Statistics, with Six years’ experience Deadline: July 27 2018 Address: P.O.Box 40131, Kampala

Livelihood/Environment Coordinator

Organisation: Lutheran World Federation Uganda

Business Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Studies or related fields with Four years’ experience Deadline: July 24 2018 Email: recruitment@lwf. or.ug

Protection Coordinator

Organisation: Lutheran World Federation Uganda Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences, Development Studies, Psychology, Law or related fields with Three years’ experience Deadline: July 24 2018 Email: recruitment@lwf. or.ug

Project Nutritionist

Organisation: Lutheran World Federation Uganda Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition or related fields with Three years’ experience Deadline: July 24 2018 Email: recruitment@lwf. or.ug

Sub Program Accountant

Organisation: Lutheran World Federation Uganda Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with Six years’ experience Deadline: July 24 2018 Email: recruitment@lwf. or.ug

Project Accountant

Organisation: Lutheran World Federation Uganda Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Business with Four years’ experience Deadline: July 24 2018 Email: recruitment@lwf. or.ug

Manager Quality Assurance Organisation: Insurance Regulatory Authority of Uganda Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce, Economic Policy with Two years’ experience Deadline: July 16 2018 Email: ira@ira.go.ug

Senior Planning and Research Officer

Organisation: Insurance Regulatory Authority of Uganda Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce with Two years’ experience Deadline: July 16 2018 Email: ira@ira.go.ug

18 MATOOKE REPUBLIC / Thursday, July 19-25, 2018

Sport

Opinions I News I Trivia

Can the 2018 Russia stars end

THE BIG TALKING POINT WITH WILIAM KASOBA

he 2018 Fifa World Cup that just ended in Russia is arguably the best football tournament in the recent years, ranging from the goals scored, the records broken, and going all the way to the VAR controversies and the Croatian president (of course!). Given the multiple talking points that would come from a World Cup Final as expected, I choose to focus on the single most iconic individual award in football, the award

that any footballer dreams of winning- the Ballon d’Or. Given that the World Cup brings together almost all of the best footballers in the world, it is only fitting that it contributes a lot to any player’s chance of winning the Ballon d’Or, although this may not have been the case in the past 10 years. Since Kaka’s win in 2007, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have made the award personal as they have been exchanging it between themselves to date. That dominance is due to their stat supremacy in the 2017/18 season

and you would expect that even this year they will compete despite facing a hot campaign in Russia. Ronaldo guided Real Madrid to its record third consecutive Champions League title while Messi won La Liga with Barcelona and the European golden boot. However, with the heroic performances which we have witnessed in Russia, can the Ronaldo-Messi duopoly come to an end? My simple answer to that is ‘Yes’ and after their exploits in Russia, here are my contenders for the 2018 Ballon d’Or.

Thursday, July 19-25, 2018 / MATOOKE REPUBLIC

Opinions I News I Trivia

Ronaldo-Messi duopoly?

Sport

BETTING TIPS Bruno Birakwate with

Thursday: July 19, 2018 EUROPE: Europa League - Qualification

Luka Modric With Luka Modric winning the World Cup Golden Ball, driving his Croatia team to the final and delivering a Champions League trophy with Real Madrid, many are already convinced the midfield maestro is best placed to win the ultimate individual football prize. Yet, the debate on whether or not he will take home the gong is going to be intense given how Wesley Sneijder in 2010 went as far as winning a treble with Inter Milan and was a runner-up in the World Cup, bagging five goals to boot but failed to even make it to the final three-man shortlist for the award. Antoine Griezmann Having scooped a third-place finish in the Ballon d’Or voting in 2016, Antoine Griezmann seems to have improved his chances for a better finish again this year. The forward has scored four goals for France en route to helping his country lift the World Cup title and was named Man of the Match three times in the tournament. And many might have forgotten that for his club Atletico Madrid, the Frenchman scored a brace in securing a 3-0 victory over Marseille in the Europa League final in May, this year. Kylian Mbappe Besides two impressive seasons with

“

with the heroic performances which we have witnessed in Russia, can the Ronaldo-Messi duopoly come to an end?

Eden Hazard Despite having a relatively poor campaign with Chelsea this season, Eden Hazard has had a memorable World Cup with Belgium. You bet he only missed out on the World Cup individual award because Modric did what he (Hazard) failed to do; that is taking his country to the final. Like Mbappe, Hazard might not favourably compete to win the Ballon d’Or this year, but surely more weaving of his magic and a move to the ‘right’ club and you can bet good money that he will one day lay his hands on it.

Monaco and PSG, France forward Kylian Mbappe showed he is destined for greatness as he shone at his first major world engagement. The teenager wrote his name into the history books becoming the first teenager since Pele in 1958 to score in a World Cup final. All the flashes of prominence he showed in Russia made him win the best young player prize and he will at least compete for the Ballon d’Or although winning it still remains something for the future.

Super Sunday

Super Saturday 17:00

USK Anif - Wattens

Over 2.5