Museveni investigates religious organisation

Published by Korir, API africanpress@getmail.no source.newvision 

Story By Cyprian Musoke

PRESIDENT Yoweri Museveni has set up a commission of inquiry into the activities of a Rakai-based religious organisation, Sserulanda Spiritual Foundation, which some critics call a cult. The group, which has senior government officials as members, plans to build a multi-million dollar Lake Victoria Free Trade Zone in Rakai district, dubbed the “Universal Spiritual City”.

The proposal had already been endorsed by the Government in a memorandum that was signed by state minister for investments Ssemakula Kiwanuka.

But Museveni in a document of December 1, 2007, set up a commission, chaired by the dean of Makerere University Medical School, Prof. Nelson Ssewankambo, to investigate the organisation’s activities, leadership and membership.

In addition, the commission has to inquire into “allegations of divine healing energy and capacity to cure incurable diseases”.
The commission, which also comprises the directors of the Joint Clinical Research Centre, Dr. Peter Mugyenyi and of the health ministry, Dr. Grace Nambatya, has to submit its findings by June 1.

The secretary of the commission, state attorney Harriet Tukamushaba, said yesterday they would soon start public hearings in Kampala and Rakai. She called on people with information on the group to submit it.

She said there were fears about alleged covert activities of the group, like trucks ferrying unknown items at night, claims that they deal in body parts since they do not bury their dead, money laundering and sexual exploitation. “They also claim to be manufacturing ARVs and have made demands to the Government for an airstrip, a free trade zone and tax waivers,” she said.

Sunday Vision in 2006 published a series of reports about the group. Their spiritual leader, Bambi Baaba, who wields immense power among his followers as a “god in human form”, lives in Fairfax, Virginia, US.

The lead developers of the project in Rakai, State House director on land matters Gertrude Njuba and Eyenunula Nunumisa, who are both directors of Kagera Eco-cities, had requested the Government to give them permission to turn 200 square miles of land in Rakai, adjacent to Lake Victoria, into an autonomous territory.

Their charter proposes a separate government structure with powers to enact their own laws, ordinances, by-laws and procedures, as well as provide and maintain a security force for the protection of the inhabitants of the city.

Their judicial system will be led by a “High Chancellor” and only permanent residents of the zone would be eligible to hold the office of a “Governing Chancellor”.

Among the stated objectives of the Sserulanda Development Association are the pooling of material, economic, financial and human resources for the purpose of fostering material, financial, social and spiritual growth and development of its members.

The commission of inquiry might have been prompted by concerns from other churches. The New Vision has seen a letter by a senior Kampala pastor advising the President not to allow the group operate in the country.

“As a leader involved in counter-cult programmes, it would be inappropriate to keep silent as ground is being established for what can some day cause many to regret when a repeat of Kanungu takes place of higher magnitude.”

It was referring to the Movement for the Restoration of the Ten Commandments, headed by Joseph Kibweetere and Credonia Mwerinde, which forced its members to live in an isolated community in the hills of Kanungu, western Uganda. Thousands of them were burned alive in the church on March 17, 2000.

The letter also cited the Latter Day Saints of Joseph Smith who wanted to establish religious communes in which all members would be prosperous.

Through a legal charter granted by the State of Illinois similar to the memorandum Kagera Eco Cities received from the Government, Smith formed the Nauvoo Legion, a militia which he commanded.

“His anti-social rhetoric and actions as mayor, that included ordering the burning of the critic Nauvoo Expositor newspaper and destruction of its presses, led to government intervention and his arrest and death in a shoot-out with a mob while in jail in 1844.”

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African Press International - API

Still labelled by the US as a terrorist organization - LRA to sign agreement with Museveni regime

Published by Korir, API africanpress@getmail.no source.newvision.ug

THE Lord’s Resistance Army is still listed as a terrorist organization by the United States despite the scheduled signing of a peace deal with the Ugandan government expected on April 5.

The rebel movement whose leader Joseph Kony is expected to sign the peace deal with the Ugandan government was designated so by the U.S. and European governments in 2001.

In its profile, the US State department says the LRA with about 500 to 700 fighters prefers to attack camps for internally displaced persons and other civilian targets, avoiding direct engagement with the Ugandan military.

The peace talks expected to culminate into an end to the 22 year war in northern Uganda, are being mediated by the Southern Sudan government led by Vice President, Riek Machar. The US and European governments are supporting the move.

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African Press International - API

Abuse of office lands former army commander in jail for 3 years - Uganda

Published by Korir, API africanpress@getmail.no source.newvision.ug

Uganda sets and example. Even if you have been holding a high position in the land, you cannot enjoy what you have stolen.

Former Army commander, Maj. Gen James Kazini will serve a three years in jail for his role in the ‘ghost soldiers’ scandal.

Kazini was charged alongside Lt. Col Dura Mawa and Capt. Michael Baryaguma, and were sentenced for three years for each crime of causing financial, abuse of office, forgery and uttering a false document, all charges being under the Penal Code. However, all the sentences will run concurrently.

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Kony will sign the peace agreement

Published by Korir, API africanpress@getmail.no source.newvision.ug 

Story By Milton Olupot in Juba

THE leader of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), Joseph Kony, will personally sign the final peace agreement, now slated for April 5, at his Ri-Kwangba base, the leader of his negotiators has said.

David Nyekorach Matsanga on Tuesday told the chief negotiator, South Sudan’s Vice President Riek Machar, that Kony assured him he would sign but at the assembly point, not in Juba.

Kony could not travel to Juba because of the indictments of the International Criminal Court, he explained. “He is signing in Ri-Kwangba because the warrant is still on his head.”

But the leader of the Government delegation, internal minister Rugunda Ruhakana, said it was impossible to move the ceremony to Ri-Kwangba given the big number of dignitaries, including presidents, expected to attend.

“We are making arrangements for the signing of the agreement in Juba,” Rugunda told The New Vision last night.

“We want Kony to come in person.”
He, however, added that the Government would not object to any other person authorised by Kony to sign as long as he could prove that he was an “authentic and authorised representative”.

Another hiccup came on Tuesday night when, after agreeing on the final text and the implementation schedule, Matsanga said the LRA fighters would only disarm and demobilise after the ICC has withdrawn its indictments.

“Whatever agreements we have signed here are genuine and Gen. Joseph Kony will personally sign the final peace agreement.

“But the Government should talk to the UN Security Council and the ICC and have the indictments lifted… .before the demobilisation and disarmament process,” he said.

Rugunda reassured the LRA delegation that President Yoweri Museveni would honour his promise to use traditional justice systems to address the injustices that had been committed to the people of the region.

He said the Judiciary was already putting in place mechanisms for the special branch of the High Court that would try the big offenders.

The signing had earlier been tentatively fixed for April 3 but was later moved to April 5 at the request of the mediator. Machar told both delegations that he needed time to prepare for the signing ceremony.

Prior to the signing, the LRA peace delegation is expected to travel to Ri-Kwangba with a group of religious, cultural and local leaders for final consultations with Kony.

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African Press International - API

Kibaki meets the man and the woman: Who will get the deputy premiership?

Published by Korir, API africanpress@getmail.no source.standard.ke

Whoever Kibaki chooses for the deputy premiership is his man or woman for the presidency in the year 2012. Does he want Karua to be the first female president? Or does he want to do as is expected, Uhuru Kenyatta in order to give power back to where it started, the Kenyatta family?

It is not an easy task for Kibaki. Moi and Uhuru supported Kibaki’s re-election. This must have been meant to enable Uhuru to grow up and be ready for the big cake when 2012 comes.

 Story By Joseph Murimi and Francis Ngige

President meets Karua and Uhuru over deputy premier

President Kibaki met two Cabinet ministers over the Deputy Prime Minister’s seat.Sources said the meeting with Ms Martha Karua and Mr Uhuru Kenyatta also discussed the standoff between PNU and ODM over a new Cabinet. The meeting at the Office of the President started at 10am and ended shortly before 1pm, on Wednesday.

Uhuru and Karua are said to be the favourites for the deputy PM’s post reserved for PNU.

Elsewhere, MPs, Mr George Thuo (Juja), Mr Mwangi Kiunjuri (Laikipia East) and Mr Elias Mbau (Maragua) said appointment of the deputy PM should be on merit, not regional balance.

They told politicians not to put undue pressure on the President on who to appoint.

Speaking in Othaya, the MPs differed with Energy minister, Mr Kiraitu Murungi, who had earlier said the seat should go to a person outside the Mt Kenya region.

“Marginalised groups like women and youth can be considered,” said Thuo.

Meanwhile, the 50-50 sharing of Cabinet positions has put PNU coalition partners in a predicament.

With pressure for a lean Cabinet intensifying, PNU leaders appear to be in a fix on how to satisfy allies and regions that voted for them.

Sources at PNU said the delay in naming of the Cabinet was partly because Kibaki had appointed half the ministers.

On Tuesday, the President and Prime Minister-designate, Mr Raila Odinga, failed to agree on the Cabinet. PNU reportedly proposed a Cabinet of 44 members, while ODM wanted 34 ministries.

But this has been opposed by the public, religious leaders and civil society who favour a lean Cabinet.

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African Press International - API

Not letting it go - power inside their heads

Published by Korir, API africanpress@getmail.no source.standard.ke 

Story By Patrick Wachira and Martin Mutua

Key ministries: Why PNU, ODM won’t let go

Political strategy and an eye on the 2012 elections appear to be propelling the scramble for key ministries as PNU and the ODM seek an early foothold, The Standard can report.Already, both parties seem to have on their eyes on the future, with particular focus on ministries that could be key in determining their performance in the coalition — a yardstick voters are likely to use at the next General Election.

The intensity of the tussle for control of key Cabinet posts was captured in a flurry of letters exchanged between ODM and PNU over the need to adhere to guidelines of the power-sharing agreement after talks between President Kibaki and Prime minister-designate Raila Odinga, deadlocked on Tuesday.

On Wednesday, as the dispute swirled, President Kibaki met for three hours with Vice-President, Mr Kalonzo Musyoka, Cabinet ministers, Ms Martha Karua, Prof George Saitoti, Mr Uhuru Kenyatta and Mr Moses Wetangula, for what sources called a discussion to resolve the stand-off over the Cabinet and who will fill PNU’s deputy premiership slot.

But Raila played it diplomatically, expressing optimism that talks between him and President Kibaki would proceed and consensus resolve the impasse over the sharing of key ministries.

Said he: “We are still in talks and there is still a window of opportunity to reach agreement over the portfolio balance.”

Raila said ODM would push for an equal and fair sharing of ministries with PNU in the coalition Government as provided for in the National Dialogue and Reconciliation Act.

Both parties seem to be seeking a foothold in the management of important sectors in Government, which will be crucial as the country prepares for devolved centres of power in the new political dispensation.

More significantly, the ministries in demand control huge chunks of the national Budget and will no doubt play a big role in shaping national politics.

In addition, some ministries favoured by both parties have very lucrative parastatals.

For instance, the Finance ministry is considered crucial because it controls money allocated to other ministries in the national Budget.

The ministry also has under its watch the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK), which acts as the country’s exchequer and the bank for other commercial banks.

CBK also controls money in circulation at any given time and is tasked with ensuring that inflation does not rise above a certain point so that accessibility of goods and services is not put in jeopardy.

Prized dockets Basically, the Finance ministry is the financial nerve centre of the Government and civic operations as it also collects revenue and sets tax brackets.

The ministry is, therefore, key in the new scheme of things and it is no surprise that ODM and PNU are keen to have it under their armpit as they set their eyes beyond 2012.

Another crucial ministry is Defence, the custodian of the Armed Forces with a budget of Sh38 billion in the current financial year (2007-8) up from Sh27 billion the previous year.

However, ODM and PNU are agreed that this important docket should remain in the Office of the President. The vote for the ministry is considered so crucial that its budget is not subject to scrutiny by Parliament because of “security reasons”.

Considered equally weighty is Provincial Administration and Internal Security, also under the Office of the President. It boasts the second largest vote after Defence.

It has been allocated Sh26 billion in the current financial year, same as the previous year.

While ODM wants to take over the Education ministry, PNU wants it split into two — Basic and Higher — as was the case in the 1980s. The development expenditure for both votes was Sh3.1 billion in the 2006-7 financial year and Sh3.2 billion for the current year.

Both parties also eye the Local Government ministry now held by Kanu chairman and Gatundu South MP, Mr Uhuru Kenyatta. The ministry is in charge of all local authorities, which wield plenty of influence in matters local infrastructure and governance.

These range from street lighting, road construction, maintenance and repair, regulation of trade and commerce in their jurisdiction, collection of cess and other levies, issuance of trade licences and permits and the general order through by-laws.

The Local Authorities Transfer Fund (LATF), which has become a cash cow for many local authorities, controls millions of shillings every month making the ministry highly lucrative.

What is clear is that PNU may be seeking to retain its hold on the councils. PNU literally lost this hold during the last elections when many areas fell under the ODM spell and are now veritable ODM strongholds.

The ministry’s recurrent expenditure was revised upwards from Sh7.3 billion in 2006-7 financial year to Sh9.1 in 2007-8, making it a substantially huge vote.

Other ministries But the lure of the ministry may stem from its hold on local authorities rather than its budget, which in itself is not lean.

ODM is keen on getting the Tourism ministry under its watch and PNU has yielded. The importance of the ministry, which controls the multi-billion shilling tourism sector, cannot be gainsaid.

Although tourism earnings have been affected by the recent post-poll violence, officials at the Kenya Tourist Board are upbeat that it will recover.

Earnings from the sector surpassed the Sh60 billion mark last year, making it the country’s number one foreign exchange earner. It comes with the double benefit of according the party that controls it the opportunity to market itself internationally.

Another ministry that is key to national stability is Agriculture, which ODM wants to take over and PNU is happy to give away.

Charged with the task of feeding the nation, the ministry has 23 parastatals.

In addition, it is a beneficiary of funds and other forms of aid from donors who give technological know-how, facilities and equipment and research aid, from time to time.

Besides, agricultural development received generous mention in party manifestoes unveiled in the run up to the last elections and is, therefore, key in any Government.

New ministries proposed — Nairobi Metropolitan Development, National Cohesion and Harmony, Micro-Enterprises, and Industrialisation — are perhaps token dockets that may take time to make a mark on the lives of Kenyans. They are thus undesirable.

It is, however, worth noting that the Ministry of Health, which has been proposed for a split, had a recurrent expenditure of Sh22 billion in the 2006-7 and the current financial years. The ministry’s role in a nation’s health makes it crucial.

The ministry is also in charge of public hospitals, including the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), which is the largest referral facility in East Africa.

Last night, even as ODM and PNU tussled over size and portfolio balance, they seemed to be grappling with a precedent the Kanu regime set — creating ministries for political expediency.

Kanu, for instance, once created the Ministry for Political Guidance and National Heritage, which was awarded to Kirinyaga politician, Mr James Njiru, of the Kanu Moto! fame.

Presently, President Kibaki and Raila are under intense pressure from close allies to reward them as they constitute the new Cabinet.

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African Press International - API

Revealing secrets - the struggle for power in Kenya

Published by Korir, API africanpress@getmail.no source.standard.ke

 Story by By Ben Agina

Revealed: Secret letters

Secret letters are being used to keep negotiations for an acceptable Grand Coalition Cabinet going after a one-on-one engagement between President Kibaki and Prime Minister-designate Raila Odinga took a knock on Tuesday.But it remained unclear if this new strange mode of transacting the affair was a sign that the public show of comradeship displayed by both leaders since the signing of the peace accord last month was a facade.

In themselves, the exchanges in the letters reflect two fundamentally different positions over exactly what transpired between the two leaders behind closed doors at Harambee House on the material day.

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) insists that there were no agreements on the sharing of portfolios at the time of adjournment on March 25.

“There were several suggestions but firm positions were neither reached on any proposed splits (of existing ministries) or any allocations of portfolios,” ODM states in one of its two letters The Standard obtained last night.

The Orange party is blunt – even uncompromising in its approach.

The party, for example, states that while it is willing to consider letting Party of National Unity (PNU) retain the security dockets, this is conditional on it retaining Finance, Local Government, Public Service and Immigration and Registration of Persons.

Dr Mohammed Isahakia, a technocrat-turned party activist, authored the letters on behalf of the party.

The Orange party also says it will propose matching numbers of Assistant Ministers and Permanent Secretaries for all the portfolios.

He adds: “Following further consultations, our position is that the ministries should all remain as they were at the time the accord was signed, 34, as per our proposal.”

In another letter, the party outlines four conditions it says are the principles around which it wants the Grand Coalition Government built.

But replying for the Party of National Unity (PNU), Head of Civil Service Mr Francis Muthaura takes a very different view of the stalemate, insisting instead, that “a lot of progress” was made and all ministries, which were to be the basis of the constitution of the new Government, agreed on when the two principals met.

The Civil Service boss, who left no doubt where his loyalties lay when he recently came out with his own interpretation of Government structure, went on to attach a list of the ministries in his reply to ODM.

In the letters, Muthaura and Isahakia say they have been given instructions. But they do not say who did.

From the exchanges, it is clear that PNU wants to retain 20 ministerial positions in the new power-sharing agreement stating that ODM’s stake in the agreement amounts to only 17 ministerial posts.

This now pushed the number of ministries proposed by the Government to 37.

Concurring with Isahakia in his reply, Muthaura said the Government, too, would like to have efficient and well-focused ministerial portfolios.

But there is something else, according to Muthaura, namely that “This Cabinet is being formed in very unique circumstances and therefore the interest of the two sides need to be balanced in accordance with the Constitution and the National Accord.”

Finance and Public Service ministries

In that regard, Muthaura said the meeting, which took place between the two principals, President Kibaki and Raila, made a lot of progress as it virtually agreed on all the ministries, which were to be the basis of the constitution of the new Government.

Muthaura said ODM requested more time for consultations on portfolio balance; a matter he says was not achieved through negotiations.

He also acknowledges that there was disagreement on the placement of the ministries of Finance and Public Service.

ODM wanted both ministries.

Muthaura adds in his letter: “The Government side urges ODM to facilitate completion of this important exercise and negotiations should proceed from the package already agreed between the two principals.”

He attached a copy of clustered negotiated allocation of ministries as co-ordinating, infrastructural, productive, security and services.

In this arrangement, PNU is to take Local Government, Foreign Affairs, Finance, Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Nairobi Metropolitan Development, Public Service (co-ordinating) Transport, Information and Communication, Energy (infrastructural), Environment and Natural Resources, Livestock Development, Trade, Development of North Kenya and other Arid Areas (productive), Defence, Internal security and Provincial Administration, Home Affairs, Immigration and Registration of Persons (Security), Housing, Women and Children Development, Education and Public Health and Sanitation (services).

ODM is to get East African Community, Planning and Vision 2030 (co-ordinating), Roads, Public Works, Water and Irrigation, Lands (infrastructural), Tourism and Wildlife, Agriculture, Fisheries Development, Co-operative Development, Industry (productive), Special Programmes, Medical Services, Labour, National Heritage and Culture, Youth Affairs and Sports, Higher Education, Science and Technology.

In one of his letters, Isahakia noted that given the public interest and concern over his matter, ODM would like a speedy resolution, which must urgently give Kenyans the trust that the parties are committed and ready to tackle the serious socio-economic and political challenges facing the country today.

But ODM asserts that the principles around which it wants a Coalition Government crafted must be taken seriously.

The party says the Cabinet must be lean to economise on public resources, the Government must be focused, performance-based and accountable.

ODM also stated in the letter that there should be clear lines of responsibility for each ministry and each minister shall be aware of what the ministry is expected to achieve in clear time frames.

“In the circumstances, the party maintains that its proposals for a Cabinet not exceeding 34 positions, including the Attorney-General, should be accepted,” said Isahakia.

He further noted that it is ODM’s understanding and commitment that the Coalition shall be one Cabinet under the Chair of President Kibaki with ministerial functions co-ordinated and supervised by Prime Minister-designate Raila.

“We assume that the partners shall nominate equal numbers of Assistant ministers and Permanent Secretaries,” he said.

In his conclusion, Isahakia stated: “It should be noted at all times that nothing is agreed until everything is agreed.”

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African Press International - API

U.S. urges Uganda, rebels to renew dialogue

Published by Korir, API africanpress@getmail.no source.apa

When we now hear that Kony and his team have moved to Central African Republic, we call it a lie. The actors in the whole affair are only interested in prolonging the negotiations in order to exploit the international community  by getting more funds.

Recently, API sources reported that some of the negotiators have encouraged Kony to move and delay the talks so that more funds are put on the table. The money is going to all the actors in the game.

With the Northern Uganda peace talks thrown into disarray following the news that the Lord’s Resistance Army has left its bases in Southern Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo for rebel held areas in the Central African Republic, the United States Government is calling for a return to the negotiation table.

A news release from Sean McCormack on Saturday, spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, said the U.S. fully supports and welcomes the recent rapid progress in the Juba Peace Process.

It urges the parties to sign the Final Peace Agreement on or before March 28 to demonstrate their commitment to peace and to send a strong signal of that commitment to both the international community and northern Ugandans.

<The US envoy

McCormack further expressed the United States’ appreciation of the mediation efforts of the Government of Southern Sudan and the facilitation role played by African and other international observers during the Juba Peace Process.

Such efforts, he said, have created the best opportunity to date to end peacefully the 22-year conflict between the Government of Uganda and the Lord’s Resistance Army that has seriously harmed civilian populations and destabilized the region.

As an observing party, the U.S. Government says it intends to continue collaboration with the Government of Uganda to provide development support for northern Uganda and demobilization, disarmament, and resettlement assistance for ex-combatants.

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African Press International - API