Sharon O loses her Valour

Nabugabo Sand beach was the place to be on Easter Monday as a mammoth crowd attended the festivities organized by Kasozi Spare Parts shop. The proprietor, Mr Kasozi ensured an action packed event with motor cross champions in attendance as they did their antics. However, notable among the entertainers was Sharon Nalukenge or “Sharon O” of the Big Brother fame . Sharon, a member of the Obsessions group joined Jackie on stage to appease their fans. however, judging from what Sharon exhibited on stage, she is “not yet there” . Her dancing strokes lacked energy and splendor which were  characteristic of the obsessions dance group in the past. She lacked the lackluster of a diva and can no longer emulate Beyonce who seemed to be her role model in those “hey” days.  Meanwhile,  Jackie showed the crowd that despite having put on some weight, she is still capable of gyrating her body to the satisfaction of her fans. I wonder whether we are about to see the last of Sharon O entertaining.

Mobile Cinema proves a point.

St Kizito S.S. Katikamu students enjoying Mobile Cinema

True enough the mobile cinema phenomenon is gaining momentum across the African continent. Although this aspect has in the past been a preserve of nongovernmental organizations through their well formulated interventions aimed at pushing their mandate in the region, they have always benefited on a way or the other. However the African film maker has ignored this wonderful and delightful way to expose and improve awareness of their different narrative local videos. This year, Adzido Entertainment Services embarked on yet another mobile cinema venture to show case their video of the Play “Gw’osussa Emmwanyi” written by Wyclif Kiyingi and directed by Abu Kawenja. The response was rather positive in some district due to the enthusiastic c support of all the teachers concerned. Notable was Mr Mbalire of Mityana Modern school , Madam Lunkuse Ester Lutaaya of Kayenje Secondary school in Mpigi District and Madam Nanyonjo Jesca of St Kizito Secondary School in Luweero.

The students and community enjoyed the experience highlighting the fact that the service was brought much nearer to them using the latest and portable technology.

Although many Ugandan movie producers have not considered the experience of mobile cinema, it could be one lucrative way of financing future projects and also eliminating the pirates who have made the distribution of African movie narratives very complicated. The preparations may prove tedious for a non ambitious producer. However if one goes through the rotundity of permission and awareness, the returns may be worth the task.

We had a total of 7 shows in three districts. Our target audience was secondary school students. We had an advance team to book shows in these schools and then the teachers embarked on the mobilization trail. Our team of 3 had to share all impending responsibilities. Jotham Lumbuye , our engineer was in charge of operating the machines, Edith Namugenyi responsible for collecting cash and issuing tickets while my role was that of an event manager. Each student paid 2000 Uganda shs. A total of 1417 students paid for the shows plus a few members of the communities. Our expenses were limited to Fuel, accommodation and meals. If a given team has considered all relevant aspects in preparation for such a venture, the result may me over whelming. Try it out.

Showing "Gw'osussa Emmwanyi"

RTF students visit Kalangala

 

RTF students at Kalangala Oct 8th

It was fun fair at Kalangala recently when the RTF students visited the island to enjoy the amenities and life that the place has to offer. The students pitched cam p at the famous Pearl beach gardens hotel for two nights and were treated to the rare fauna and flora in addition to leading a wild life of search and enjoy. They toured Kalangala Town, in addition to attending the Basoga Nseete handover ceremony at the Kalangala Sese Farm School. The students had their Director, Mr. Kawenja in tow as they boarded a lorry to town. Some of the students ventured as far as visiting the Bidco farms yet others opted for a boat ride. They were very excited about the experience and promised to visit the islands again.

Kalisoliso Lunch Buffet

Julian and Brenda set for lunch during the Kalisoliso lunch buffet

Radio broadcasting has greatly changed. It is no longer the one way stream media that has been popular for  some good time  in the history of the media . The social media that is  Face book, Twitter, Emails and more,  has greatly changed the way people communicate and yes they have also enhanced the radio content. I came to such a conclusion yesterday when the Kalisoliso crew of Kato Lubwama, Abbey Mukiibi and my self ,  hosted a group of about 30 lucky radio listeners to a buffet luncheon at Hotel Barbados Rubaga. The likes of Phiona Love, Kim Wild, Lubanga, Brenda Daryin, Julian Kanakulya, Sophia Namugenyi, Solome Atenyi, ( why only recall the ladies?) were in attendance. John Bitta and Muwonge, an ardent listener based in Owino market made up the other group. It was an electrifying  moment of hugs, posing for pictures and exchanging pleasantries . It was so surprising that Julian remembered almost all the jokes cracked in the program .

This special group was as a result of constant interactivity on Face book, one of the many social platforms available on cyberspace. This explosion powered by desk tops, mobile devices and tablets alike has enabled interactivity and social outings built around the proposition of socializing the radio experience. As a member of the crew, the presentations and hearing people discuss our jokes and comments on radio was both revealing and interesting to say the least.

The Internet is definitely set to change how we orient and associate in the media. These developments and more will make radio programming and advertising more social and more interactive due to the interactivity and generation of feedback in a public sphere. Radio practitioners should learn that the social media will matter that much if content is fundamentally worth talking about and sharing. This is critical and as a broadcaster I do not regard this as an inconvenience or distraction. We should be proud of the active listeners in form of engagement and attention. The convergence of technology, audiences and content will continue to make the listener my personal friend. This ensures an honest and authentic interaction which is satisfying. Such interactions like a moment with the Kalisoliso crew will soon be part of Uganda’s social calender .

The social media continuously enhances our content and such meetings are set to define what broadcasting will become, that is, more personal than ever. Those who missed out, do not worry . We are having lunch in Owino market soon. Make sure you are part of this gathering. Thank you for the support and please keep listening.

Kabaka Installed as University Chancellor

Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II

The Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi  ii has been installed  as the first chancellor of Muteesa 1 Royal University in Kirumba Masaka. This was before he awarded Degrees and Diplomas to over 1500 pioneers’ grandaunts at a colorful ceremony held on Friday 15^th April 2011 at the University campus. The university, owned by the Kingdom of Buganda,  is the first of its kind in the country. In his speech to the congregation, the Kabaka reiterated the need to strengthen practical university training that will satisfy the demands of today’s world.  He advised students to be responsible and creative citizens who should endeavor to start up different projects other than spending time looking for employment.  In his speech, the Katikiro of Buagnda Eng, JB Walusimbi thanked the university staff and lecturers for their effort in uplifting the glory of the university. He advised management to forge stronger linkages with Universities in Africa and the Diaspora as a way of strengthening the capacity of management and staff.

 

Segona and Kasibante, a Buganda Vote.

Medard Segona goes to register for nomination

 

After months of intensive campaigns, Medard Segona Kalyamagwa , the Democratic party candidate of Busiro East constituency in Wakiso District and Moses Kasibante, the Suubi/IPC candidate for Rubaga North are the official Parliamentary representatives of their respective constituencies. This was after a highly contested race which had more than just casting the vote. Ssegona’s main challenger was NRM’s Tumwiine Sekitoleko while the deputy treasurer of the NRM party, Katongole Singh was Kasibante’s main challenger.

Personally I was interested in the outcome of these two isolated cases were the Buganda vote and the Monarchy factor were highly at play. It is not because of my belief in Monarchism but this is a logical endorsement of why these two individuals carried the day. The Rubaga North constituency is special. It accommodates the Kabaka’s Lubiri, The Bulange, the Kabaka’s administrative seat, The Kasubi Tombs and other prime establishments like Muteesa 1 University among others. The incumbent Betty Kamya had decided to contest for Presidency under the Uganda Federal alliance ticket. On declaring his intention to contest in this area, Katongole Singh was highly the favorite to win the vote. He represented the ruling party NRM, and as a Ugandan of Indian origin, he had more incentives at his disposal including cash to dish out to voters. His campaign trail was so sophisticated with hundreds of Boda boda riders and an ambulance he was to donate to one of the big hospitals in the constituency after campaigns. Plastic chairs for those attending his rally and a bottle of mineral water to each person in the crowd.   Kasibante is a radio reporter, a member of the Democratic Party under Suubi, a Buganda pressure group and in league with the likes of Nambooze, Erias Lukwago and more. He definitely could not march the standards of his challenger.  His campaign logistical support was minimal with friends and colleagues coming in to help financially and or in kind.  

Kasibante’s predicament has a parallel semblance to that of Segona.  The incumbent MP of Busiro East,  Susan Nakwuki , abandoned the constituency in favor of Masaka Municipality which she lost to former Buganda Youth Minister, Mathius Mpuuga.  Seggona’s main challenger and NRM flag bearer, Tumwiine Sekitooleko, had an upper hand as far as funding from the party and Government officials like VP Bukenya is concerned.  His continuous support of small women groups and other organizations ignited his support in the region. However, against all this background, why did the two NRM flag bearers loose the vote?

Although Katongole Singh has established himself close enough to the powers that be, his Indian origin was definitely a disservice to his ambitions. Katongole is not the first “Muyindi” to contest for parliament in Uganda. Sanjey Tana (Tororo) and the Late Tana (Mbale) are examples. In my view, the residents of Rubaga North could not stomach the fact that a Ugandan of Indian origin could eventually be their representative of choice in parliament. This was not a case of leverage, or whether the candidate could actually deliver for the area. This was identity and not social or economic issues at play. The people of Rubaga North preferred having one of their own, even though not as financially and well connected as Singh. They vividly voted for a person who has on numerous occasions professed his allegiance to the Kabaka (because he was not the only Muganda standing) and has the monarchy at heart. This was a Buganda vote. The same applies to Busiro East constituency. Tumwiine Sekitoleko had an identity crisis. He is “Tumwiine” and at the same time “Sekitoleko”. In fact during one of the NRM presidential rallies at Nsangi, President Museveni could not understand how somebody can be “Tumwiine” and at the same time “Sekitooleko”. Being one of the voters in this constituency, a few sections of the people witnessing the vote count at Namusera Umea polling center where open about the identity crisis with sentiments such as “ agende yesimbe ewaabwe” meaning “ let him go stand in his home village”. Seggona, being a former deputy minister of information in Kabaka’s government was more popular than Tumwiine. He was one of the Buganda officials arrested by security agents for being outspoken about the controversial Land ammendiment bill in early 2008. This was another Buganda vote.

Enkuuka 2010

What a way to end the year, with an unprecedented crowd ever to converge in the kings palace and a multitude of artists. It was a great experience, seeing the King usher in the year as musicians belted their voices to all extremes. I was on stage as MC from 8:30 PM and i could not believe the enthusiasm exhibited by the numerous artists present. More so it was ecstatic at midnight when we all celebrated the new year, hagging one another and wishing the best and a long life to all our friends. Happy new year to you.

Ragga dee does his thing in Enkuuka