Lifestyle

Tourism, Entertainment Worst hit by Covid – President Museveni

During this past weekend’s prayer session, President Yoweri Museveni acknowledged that the tourism and entertainment industries were indeed affected by this. He said that apart from tourism and entertainment industries that would be greatly affected by the threat of the COVID19 pandemic, the economy of Uganda would continue to thrive.

Remember the country has for the next 32 days, starting last Friday, put any gatherings of sorts on hold and demanded that all bars be closed. On top of this, Uganda has now closed its borders allowing only the cargo planes. Though highly welcome in these dire times, the industry will lose over a million tourists that visit Uganda annually. Only last week, tourism enthusiast, Amos Wekesa called attention to this.

“Now for Uganda, the tour operators are actually laying off our employees,” he said. “I know that for sure yesterday three lodges put off 70% of their stuff.” He worried the impact starts from the community but then becomes a national issue. “That means these kids are going to be very desperate in the villages and millions of people are gonna lose opportunities,” he said. “Because tourism is not just lodges and so on and forth.”

But an optimistic Museveni said that while tourism would suffer, this would allow for the country’s business community who have been importing from China to go into manufacturing. “Uganda has been spending US$7bn, importing things from China, but now the businessmen are no longer importing. They should therefore start manufacturing from here. This challenge might in the end become an opportunity for us. It is a wake-up call for Africans to start manufacturing things from here and stop depending on others,” he said.

President Museveni who was accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Kataha Museveni was speaking during the intercessory national prayers on the COVID-19 global pandemic held at State House, Entebbe organized by the Inter-Religious Council Union (IRCU). The intercessory prayers sought to seek the protection of God and spare Uganda from the global pandemic that has sieged the entire world. They expressed hope that the COVID19 pandemic would soon come to an end.

Corona virus: 14 day isolation or return to your country

By Our Reporter

Like the rest of the world is, Uganda has gone on full alert of the deadly Coronavirus. A press release by the Uganda Tourism Board in respect to the health ministry’s precautions affirms this. In the statement, the section dubbed, Interventions in Uganda & travel recommendations by the Ministry of Health, showed the plan. Though Uganda was yet to have a single case, UTB noted that this has greatly affected the global tourism and travel industry, and has put a limitation on travel to and from various countries.

“In order to maintain this status, a number of travelers majorly from China and other countries showing signs similar to those of Corona Virus have been put under isolation for follow up and are being monitored by the Ministry of Health Surveillance teams,” the stated. “Furthermore, the Ministry of Health has advised that travelers from affected countries will be required to undergo a 14-day isolation process for daily monitoring by the Ministry of Health.”

The countries listed are; China, South Korea, Japan, Italy, and the Islamic Republic of Iran. “It is, therefore, the recommendation and encouragement of the Uganda Tourism Board that intended travelers to Uganda from the affected countries maintain their bookings but delay their travel until a later date when the disease is globally contained and no longer considered an outbreak,” UTB emphasizes.

In fact, yesterday the Health Ministry denied entry to up to 22 people who refused to follow the isolation procedures and put them on the next country back to their country. The apologetic Ruth Achieng insisted that they had been told what would happen upon arrival, and those who were coming for the Uganda-Europe business forum were sent packing.

Also, due to the current threat posed by Corona Virus to Uganda’s travel, trade and tourism assets, UTB’s Lilly Ajarova had even more recommendations. “All tour operators, travel agencies, and accommodation facilities provide handwashing facilities with soap at their premises and on-board travel vehicles and vessels,” she said. “To improve preparedness as a sector, tour operators, agencies and accommodation facilities are encouraged to maintain a stock of recommended masks (N95) for their clients.”
It was further emphasized that all tour operators and travel agencies should encourage clients who intend to visit Uganda to carry their own recommended masks (N95). But also all tour operators, travel agencies, and accommodation facilities were tasked with educating their staff and clients on preventive measures for the mitigation of contracting Coronavirus. “These measures include; avoiding handshakes and body-hugging, washing hands with disinfectants, regularly cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces such as door handles.”

As men shun responsibilities, women are taking over- Archbishop Kaziimba

No handshakes. No flashy photography. As you all might know by now, Uganda has a new Archbishop. And yes, these were among the rules in the just concluded and well-attended enthronement ceremony of the new Archbishop of the church of Uganda. The ceremony to usher in the ninth archbishop of the Province of the Church of Uganda held at St Paul’s Cathedral, Namirembe in Kampala was steered by the Rt Rev Jackson Nzerebende Tembo, the Dean of the Province.

Health and order were paramount at this event that attracted officials and or dignitaries like President, First Lady, among many others. “I congratulate our good Archbishop Kaziimba for the elevation to Archbishop of Church of Uganda,” the President started. “I can be witness that he indeed did a good job in Mityana and I am sure that he will spread it to the whole of Uganda.” He acknowledged the role of the church in uniting Ugandans and applauded the inter-religious council for keeping the peace amongst different religions.

In his speech, the newly enthroned Kaziimba seemed to use the same words he used when he had just been elected, but went a little further. “Once the head is transformed, the heart is transformed and the hand is transformed to work and to support each other,” he spoke then. “The head, the mindset, the heart, the emotions, one that conversion is done, you have a wonderful Uganda and peaceful.”

When he spoke recently, he re-echoed that. “Our main focus will be the conversion of the head, heart, and the hand,” he said. He said the mindset, attitude, and a deceitful heart would be his focus. “The political controversies we see and hear are all about the head and the heart,” he added. “Conversion of the hand is about action, socialization, work, and doing things.” He warned against people expecting free things and quoted St. Paul in 2nd Thessalonians 3:10. “He who doesn’t work shouldn’t eat either, we are blessed by eating the things that come from our hands,” he said.

He then started talking about his worries when it came to the boy child. He said that by the time his role as Archbishop comes to an end, he expects to see a change in the boy child who is shunning his duties. “I would like to see more attention given to the boy-child,” he started. “As they grow into men, they are running away from their responsibilities. And women are taking over.”

About the new Archbishop
Born Stephen Kaziimba to Mr. Besweri Kaddu and Ms. Jessica Nanyonjo in August 1962 at Gulama-Najja Kyaggwe, Uganda’s Archbishop is his mother’s first son. His name, Kaziimba was inherited from his grandfather a Lay-Leader who hailed from Kinoni-Kasoga Parish and Gulama-Nyenga Parish.

Raised solely by his mother in Makindye, a suburb in Kampala, Kaziimba went to Gakuwebwa Munno Nursery and Lusaka Primary School. But tuition was no walk in the park for a young Kaziimba who has since praised his uncle, Emmanual Mukasa (deceased) who was responsible for his High school education at Seeta College Mwanyanjiri.

Before joining the Madudu church choir in 1980, a youthful Kaziimba took to teaching Sunday School, wherefrom he made the decision to get confirmed. A year later, he was serving as a catechist in his church, up to 1983. Today, he is not just the Archbishop, but the husband to Magaret Bulya with whom he has four boys.

Journey at a glance

• 1985, Lay-Leader Baskerville Theological College Ngogwe, later Lugazi St. Peter’s Church.
• 1988 – 1990 trained at Uganda Martyrs’ Seminary (Provincial Certificate), and ordained.
• He served as Assistant Vicar at Nakibizzi Parish from 1990 – 1994.
  In 1994 – 1996 Diploma in Theology at Bishop Tucker College
  1997 – 2000 Katente Parish as Parish Priest.
• 1999-2001 transferred to Mukono Cathedral as Vicar and later Acting Provost of Mukono Cathedral
• 2002-2003 Master’s Degree in Theology at the Western Theology Seminary, USA.
• 2004 confirmed as the provost of St. Philip and Andrew‘s Cathedral.
  2004-2007 goes for Doctorate of Ministry at Western Seminary USA and becomes a Canon in 2007
• 2008-2019, Bishop of Mityana Diocese

Re-cap of the selection process

The Rt Rev Edison Irigei, the man responsible for convening the Bishops to elect an archbishop, shook his head. “We are led by the Holy Spirit. There is no outside influence and it’s a secret ballot,” he clarified. “As we convene, we call upon the Holy Spirit to lead us to elect someone who will serve God’s purpose. Government has no role whatsoever.”

Behold, the Kitenge!

Let’s dial back to the 80s and the 90s, shall we? 30 years and above, anyone? Remember how the African wax print (Ankara) locally known as kitenge, was won mostly by old people? It was the ultimate mama and papa look, it just was. Also, it was admired by staunch Catholics because the pictures on the fabric then were known for its supposed ‘baby Jesus and Mary’ print. But not today however, it in fact adorns many faces! See, the pursuit for a fresher, more contemporary, merger between the old the new have seen fashion enthusiasts fall deeply in love with it.

It trickling in across the continent when Nigeria’s Nollywood tore across our screens and with them came to the Ankara like never seen before. They reinvented it to suit their particular styles; office wear, casual or even glamorous occasions, the kitenge became the in thing. Notice how even the trendy men adore its blazers?

And don’t get me started on the ladies, I could write an entire book about the different kitenge showcase they adorn! People now want the fabric on almost everything. I have seen it beautifully employed as pocket squares on shirts, and hair bands for women.

Every fashion house in town worth its name does a couple of outfits using the fabric. In fact, it is the print mostly sought after. The business side of it, is booming. There are over twenty arcades downtown specialising in this fabric. It has opened doors for many designers who were hitherto unknown. And it has helped them express their creativity in numerous and exhilarating ways.

Going global

This begs the question: Why are we now so attracted to this fabric that was once disregarded by many? “I should say that visually, it is very stimulating. And even the technique used to make it; Batik, is interesting,” Solomon Tazibone, a renowned Stylist retorts.

Once western celebrities like Beyonce, Alicia Keys, Nicky Minaji and Michelle Obama adorned it, the world’s eyes were cast intently on Africa as a serious contender for fashion’s emerging markets. “Initially the styles made out of kitenge were boring,” Solomon observes. “And the young and trendy could not be attracted to them.” He says that very creative people have since come up.  “They started making silhouettes, nice dresses, and fitting shirts all in modern cuts. And then the trend spread like a burning fire,” he adds.

Besides that, he argues that the fabric has bold colours and it is comfortable on the body. It is also versatile being that it comes in different designs, patterns, colours, materials, styles and can be customized to fit anyone’s style. In fact, there are not as much ready to wear outfits on the market, because most people love theirs custom made. But also, it’s a good thing for the plus size ladies; they don’t hustle looking for what’s fancy and fitting anymore, the kitenge is flexible!

In fact, Shadia Nandhego, a designer at Rechovot fashion house, says that plus size ladies are her majority of clients. What’s more, and most important is that most people especially the young and trendy, wear the print to pay homage to their roots while looking unique in their own way. Africans are increasingly becoming proud of who they really are. Cultural awareness is on the rise. While some may not necessarily be so much into looking African and cultural, they at least want to have a statement piece somewhere in their wardrobe.

One feels cool and progressive that way. Even though one may not own a kitenge dress or shirt, they will at least have a piece of the fabric strategically tailored onto their t-shirt. The bold ones wear kitenge shoelaces. Phone jackets, laptop bags and neckties are some of the accessories which designers are making out of them.

The message behind the kitenge craze is loud and clear: we are African and we love our colours. Amazingly though cultural identity in fashion did not just start with kitenge. No. “It started with accessories like beads, local pearls, jewellery made from Kazuri stones in Kenya,” says Shadia. She tells me it is sort of a cultural revolution.

To that fact, she takes my mind to the creative changes that have been made to the traditional gomesi. Today, ladies step out on functions dressed in the half gomesi, which before could never have been heard of. There has also come the gomesi dress, whereby you don’t have to look for the kikoyi and the kisibiro (belt for the gomesi). All of these are tailored onto it. It is really interesting.

Ladies love it because it’s easy to wear, unlike the original one which had much work to it. It even has a zipper at the back. All these according to Shadia are a testimony to the desire among people to preserve their cultural identity while remaining stylish and unique. The other thing about the kitenge is that it is readily available, even though it is not made here. Solomon tells me that silk and other synthetic fabrics take time to get here. With the kitenge, within two days a designer would have made for you an eye-catching and timeless masterpiece. And you can be sure not to find any other person wearing the same attire as yours.

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Number 4: Time to go fishing on Lake Victoria

First of all, safety is germane! The entire excursion is a tale of a well-organized and executed affair, complete with attention to safety. Before we delve into it, not that Lake Victoria is one of the very few freshwater bodies in the world that are still lonely save for a lone canoe in a distance. This should allow you to rediscover what you like about each other without feeling like your privacy is compromised.

It helps that the temperature in and around the lake is friendly all year round. Listening to the calm waves gently splashing the side of the boat will heal your mind and soul of whatsoever is troubling it. If sportfishing with Wild Frontiers, your trip will be guided by a two-man team that had done this over 200 times now. They will make sure you are well taken care of from start to finish. Even better, the boat is well suited for deep lake trolling.

At the genesis of this adventure, a briefing about the rules and regulations must be held. This is to ensure that all are versed in the safety and operations of the boat and only then will you get into the nuts and bolts of your mission. To go fishing! The activity is easy as there are not many Dos and Don’ts. The artificial lures are designed in the shape of prey that is a delicacy for giant tilapias and Nile perch.

The ever-so-patient instructors make the activity doable even for a novice. Throughout the excursion, there is no rush to get you back to shore, you will fish until you are were happy to pull in the lines. The crew’s knowledge of the lake is hard to beat. They know where, when, and how to hook the biggest catch. It might take lots of minutes before landing on a good catch, this makes the victory worth a huge celebration like a lottery win. Luckily, there is lots of beer on board. Did I say there was lunch too? Well, you bet there is. The day will end with a brief visit to one of the many islands on the lake whereof the Equator passes. Imagine that!

Costs: An average of $125 with Wild Frontiers, a sports fishing agency based in Entebbe

Red carpet on white and purple

Ronald Mwesezi Rmj fans party happening this Sunday of 23rd /09/2018 at Hakuna Matata Nansana,

its such a great day sharing memories with your best Gospel Artist and many featuring artists , enjoying new music and taking dinner together  , it’s the only day we interact one on one , red carpet on white and purple .

A few days to go for the Ugandan food festival

Just so near the Ugandan food festival at Uganda museum International cusinies , cultural performances , poetry , technology and innovations art exhibition and local cusisines

All cultural performances at the ground

Countdown to the Rolex festival heats up

19th August 2018. Mark that date on your calendar-a date in which over 10,000 fun-loving Ugandans will be gracing the 3rd Edition of the Rolex festival at the Uganda museum. It is a day-long fest that celebrates Uganda’s most loved street food, the Rolex. It is a captivating and yummy event accompanied by electrifying music performances.  Unmissable!!. Below are some of the scenes that highlighted its launch last Monday at the Independence monument arena.

Cindy will be rocking the event with energetic performances

Organizers of the event addressing the press at the launch

Enid Mirembe, Miss Tourism 2015/16, and CEO Rolex Festival sharing the A-Z about the event with NBS.

“You can’t go wrong with a Ugandan Rolex,” The looks on their faces say it all.