Souvenir of Tarehe Sita of 6th Feb 2014

The magazine that propels the Banyabuhweju to realise their potential to get out of poverty Vol. 1 Issue No. 1 January 2014

Treasure in a thousand & one Hills

Poverty Eradication Initiatives Management and Staff of Block Technical Services Congratulate H.E. Y.K. Museveni, e NRM Government and all Ugandans upon 33rd Tarehe Sita Anniversary

Holy Innocent’s Childrens Hospital Administration Block ata Gulu Hospital 50 Unit Staff Hostel at Masaka Hospital

100 Unit Staff Accomadtion at Mulago National Referral Hospital

Private Wing at Masaka Regional Referral Hospital The magazine that propels the Banyabuhweju to realise their potential to get out of poverty 1

ISSUE NO. 1

The Magazine that propels the Banyabuhweju to realise their potential 13 HOW TO CONSTRUCT DIFFICULT ROADS CHEAPLY: When Buhweju to get out of poverty Peasants Challenged Bureaucrats in Economics and Engineering 10 THE BUHWEJU HEROES: From “General” Muguta Inside this issue to General Kaguta CEO/ Publisher Nathan Mwesigye 02 EDITORIAL 34 SEEDS OF GOLD- APPLE GROWING IN BUHWEJU Byamukama 03 AT A 35 SOCIAL TRANSFORMATION THROUGH TEA [email protected] GLANCE: Facts and Figures GROWING IN BURERE SUB-COUNTY Managing Editor 04 BUHWEJU DISTRICT: 36 WITH TEA GROWING, BUHWEJU CANNOT GO Alison Ayetoranire HOSTING TAREHE SITA IS WRONG Byamukama WELL DESERVED 37 PROVIDING EMPLOYMENT IN BUHWEJU [email protected] 05 BISYA PRIMARY SCHOOL: THROUGH SPORTS Contributors The Buhweju umblical 38 FROM THE MOUNTAINS OF BUHWEJU TO Nathan Mwesigye cord with the NRA- INVESTOR IN HEALTHY GROWING AND FEEDING Byamukama My grounding with the NRA 39 SAVE THE BUHWEJU YOUTH FROM THE EVILS OF Alison Ayetoranire Combatants BETTING Byamukama 07 SOME NRA COMBATANTS 40 THE DREAM COLOUR Annet Namara Byamukama AND COORDINATORS FROM 41 THE POWER OF OUR THOUGHTS Sebastian Kereere BUHWEJU 42 BATTLING WITH ENVIRONMENTAL 08 A PEEK INTO THE Patrick Katagata Junior DEGRADATION MONARCHICAL HISTORY OF Hope Banga BUHWEJU: The formation of 47 MAJOR AREAS FOR INVESTMENT Byamukama Godfrey Kerere Buhweju Kingship Patience B Ayebazibwe 09 TRACING THE ROOTS OF Bamuyaaga BUHWEJU Lt. Col. Barigye Bahoku 11 BREAKING THE ICE ON THE Muhoozi Joseph Sekasamba DEVELOPMENT OF BUHWEJU: Disan Tumusiime President Museveni’s role in the current progress Arthur Babu Muguzi 17 WHY BUHWEJU NEEDS A Dan Tamwesigire SECOND CONSTITUENCY Jane Baine 19 THE POLITICAL POWER 18 BUHWEJU MEMBERS OF OF WOMEN UNDER NRM Derrick Natamba PARLIAMENT: 1989-TODATE Atukunda Gertrude 22 BUHWEJU: WHERE THE SUN Ashabahebwa Rogers RISES IN THE AFTERNOON Alexander Tukwatsibwe 24 THE TALE OF PARTY POLITICS IN BUHWEJU Publication Advisor Dr. Miriam Murungi 28 BUHWEJU IS RISING AND WILL SHINE: The people share Layout & Concept their thoughts on the Buhweju John Wagogo they want to see in the near future Editorial Adviser 32 FUSING MILITARY WITH Rose Mary Kemigisha DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES 25 GETTING THINGS DONE: PRIORITIES & FOR BUHWEJU: Six Pre- STRATEGIES FOR BUHWEJU’S ELEVATION Printed by Conditions For Take Off The New Vision 2 The magazine that propels the Banyabuhweju to realise their potential to get out of poverty

EDITORIAL

The end of 2013 and the beginning of 2014 marked a revolution in the history of Buhweju. The President has shown constant enthusiasm to listen to the people of Buhweju by visiting them regularly and talking to them about development issues. He works hard for us and there is no reason why we cannot work harder for ourselves. We are convinced that even hard work is a function of sensitisation and ALISON AYETORANIRE BYAMUKAMA Special Presidential Assistant for General constant engagement. It is driven by faith, hope, conviction and a Duties in Charge of Buhweju Affairs sense of purpose.

The purpose of this magazine is to implementing them. They have readers about the development introduce Buhweju to the ‘outside’ worked with government to put initiatives that government, world; and to enable our dear in place roads that many had development partners, private guests on this special occasion thought were impossible. They sector, NGOs and the people of to learn the history of Buhweju, are yearning for information, Buhweju will be undertaking in her aspirations, potential, and accessibility, development order to meet national and global challenges. projects, electricity, water, roads, development goals such as Vision and hospitals. In this magazine we 2040 and MDGs,. We will at the It will also contribute towards are documenting where we are at same time sensitize our readers empowering our people with the the moment and we shall continue hoping that they will cause the necessary information that will to record our progress and necessary transformation in the liberate them from backwardness. challenges. The magazine is also lives of our people in Buhweju It will also enable them acquire the intended to educate the youth and beyond. That way, we hope necessary confidence and pride to about our culture, heritage, that we shall have contributed take decisions individually or potential and innovations. to the sustainability of the NRM collectively that will transform their revolution livelihoods and those of their Liberation is a continuous children. process that needs constant nourishment. As a new district, Long Live NRM, Long Live UPDF, The people of Buhweju have hungry for development and Long Live Buhweju, Long live reciprocated the NRM gesture prosperity, the magazine which President Museveni by embracing government will be published periodically will For God and My Country programmes and religiously document, digest and update its The magazine that propels the Banyabuhweju to realise their potential to get out of poverty 3

BUHWEJU DISTRICT AT A GLANCE: FACTS AND FIGURES

By Annet Namara Byamukama 1. Located in the South Western 6. The under 16 population was always private. They include: 1 Health Centre and neighbours Ibanda in the North, fewer than the over over 16s. For IV, 4 Health Centre IIIs, 8 Health in the East, Bushenyi and example 1825 vs 1623 males for Centre IIs and 2 private facilities. Kibingo in the South West, Rubirizi mumyuka and 1989 vs 2067 females. 16. There is no single Government doctor in the West and Kasese in North Sabadu 946 vs 772 males and 985 in Buhweju District currently. Western. vs 955 females. Sabagabo 901 vs 735 males and 914 vs 952 females. 17. Buhweju is endowed with loamy and 2. The current Population is estimated at Sabawali 1361 vs 1630 males and volcanic fertile soils with varying 103,000. females respectively. proportions of sand and clay in the 2. In colonial days, Buhweju county valleys. had four sub counties (Gombololas) 7. There are 17,000 households with 18. It receives 1500-2000mm of rainfall namely: mumyuka, Sabadu, sabagabo an average of seven people per annually. and sabawali. They are currently household. 8 namely: Burere, Nyakishana, 8. Each household has an average of 7 19. The mean annual temperature ranges Karungu, Bisya, Bihanga, Engaju, acres of land. from 12.5 to 30 degrees Centigrade. Rwengwe,Nsiika Town council. 9. Administratively, it has 1 Constituency, 20. The main cash crops are coffee and 3. The total area is 700.6 square 8 Sub Counties, 1 Town Council, 37 tea whereas bananas and millet are kilometres. In 1959, the area Parishes and 227 Villages. the staple foods. under cultivation was only 4.1 percent as compared to 10. It has a total of 59 Primary schools of 21. There is a tea factory that adds value (Mitooma 5.6),Kashari (7.7), she a which 53 are under UPE, 03 are COPE to the locally grown tea. (20.7), Igara (14.9) and bunyaruguru Schools (for adult education) and 3 22. Buhweju is endowed with natural (9.0). private schools. clean water from rivers and springs, 4. 80% of the topography is hilly and 11. It has 9 Secondary Schools of which 5 characterized by numerous waterfalls. mountainous with plateaus and “U are under USE and 7 are private. 23. It has alluvial gold as a major mineral and V” shaped valleys. 12. There are 19,333 pupils under UPE of resource. 5. In 1959, Buhweju had a population of 20115 which 9,403 are males and 9,930 are 24. Buhweju mainly comprises of (9262 males and 10,853 females). females. Banyankore and Bakiga with a ratio of Mumyuka (now bisya and karungu) 13. There are 2,523 students under USE 3:2. had more population of 7504 of which 1,259 are males and1,264 are 25. The district was of recent connected (3448 male and 4056 female) as females. compared to sebadu 3658( 1718 to hydro electric power and some male and 1940 female), sabagabo 14. There are 145 students under the people already access it. 3502 (1636 male and 1866 female), COPE programme where 71 are males and 74 are females. Source: Buhweju District Report Sabawali 5457 (2466 male and 2991 July 2010 to Dec. 2013 and Doonkamp 1964 females). 15. It has a total of 15 Health facilities of which 13 are Government and two are Contributors: Nathan Byamukama and Alison Byamukama 4 The magazine that propels the Banyabuhweju to realise their potential to get out of poverty

BUHWEJU DISTRICT: HOSTING TAREHE SITA IS WELL DESERVED

Some people could be wondering why the national celebrations of Tarehe Sita have been held in Buhweju this year. Tarehe Sita which is Swahili for 6th of By Sebastian Kereere, February is marked annually by the national army to mark the anniversary District Chairman of the National Resistance Army (NRA) attack on Kabamba in 1981 which effectively launched the five-year guerilla war. There could not have been a better timing than this for the choice of Buhweju!

First of all, Buhweju was a training ground district status in 2010 under the auspices • A technical School has just started. based at Bisya in greater Karungu Sub of the NRM government. This provided • The Tarehe Sita national day has County. A good number of the NRA the basis for accessing services as well been held in Buhweju. freedom fighters were recruited and as an opportunity to move from the yoke trained there. Unfortunately, some of of marginalisation. This has enabled • Inter-district roads are now being them died and were buried there. A Buhweju to advance. opened like Bisya – Rubindi and monument is being constructed on this Katara – Bukiro roads. By virtue of the district status we now ground in honour of the fallen comrades. have a woman Member of Parliament. • Income generating crops like This will be unveiled by the Commander Most important of all we are a planning tea planting are on the increase in Chief and President H.E Yoweri authority with a direct share from the boosted by the Presidential Kaguta Museveni during the Tarehe Sita national conditional grants as proposed initiative. celebrations on 6th February 2014. The by the President for appropriation to • The President has pledged President will also preside over a Grand Parliament subject to Article 193 of the assistance in the construction of National parade mounted by the UPDF Constitution of Uganda. the district Office Block. to commemorate the start of the armed struggle that restored peace and sanity In view of the above Constitutional rights I would like to thank the President of to Uganda. the district has managed to attain a Uganda H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni number of achievements: for his deliberate effort to ensure that Many sons and daughters of Buhweju Buhweju is liberated from the yoke participated in this war both as soldiers • The district has accessed a Road Construction Unit. of marginalisation. In the same vein and civilians. They played their roles in I thank all the leaders and people of an organised and determined manner. It • The district has already accessed Buhweju irrespective of any description is unfortunate that most of them have 22 University quota admissions for contributing to the development since died. Those still alive continue to during the last three years. and sustainability of Buhweju in all their work tirelessly for the NRM Government. • Rural Electrification has so far various fields of endeavor Buhweju has been a staunch supporter covered four Sub Counties including of the NRM Government. In all the the District Headquarters. Long Live Uganda Long Live H.E. Y. K. Museveni elections that have been conducted, • Tarmac to the District Headquarter NRM has always got not less than 98%. is underway. Long Live Buhweju In return, it has also achieved a lot from the Government: Buhweju attained • We already have a tea factory in FOR GOD AND MY COUNTRY operation. The magazine that propels the Banyabuhweju to realise their potential to get out of poverty 5

BISYA PRIMARY SCHOOL: The Buhweju umblical cord with the NRA- My grounding with the NRA Combatants Bisya Primary School is a great school. It educated children and they passed exams, just as it trained rebels and they won battles. Bisya PS is in Bisya sub- county, Buhweju district. It is one of those schools established in the colonial days by Catholics and has since churned out great people that have made a mark on all By Nathan Mwesigye sectors of life. Mzee Gideon Birakwate one of its headmasters in the 70s boasts of Byamukama students’ performance record he set that has never been broken since. I and many others, feel lucky to have passed through his hands.

Mr Jack Mucunguzi, one of the first 27 armed NRA men that attacked Kabamba is an Old Boy (OB) of Bisya PS during the 1970s.

Monduli Cadets: (Back row L-R) Joram Mugume, Jack Mucunguzi (circled), Hannington Mugabi, Pecos Kutesa, With such terrain, the enemy had nowhere to hide-all this area Napoleon Nshambagana Rutambika; was under the NRA control Seated: (L-R) Charles Tusingweire and John Katanaka. in primary school in 1979. All he was telling us was about Inter-continental Ballistic Source: Uganda’s Revolution: 1979-1986 Missiles (IBMs) and other types of guns with as much excitement as if he was part How I saw it of the Tanzanian contingent fighting Idi Amin. It was not surprising though that both these gentlemen eventually joined the army. Mr Katsigazi Mwana former director at Mr. Mucunguzi had come from ISO, now 1st Secretary at the Uganda Embassy in Kenya is also an OB of Bisya. Mbarara-Biharwe in search of good primary education in Buhweju. He then By virtue of its location, Buhweju enjoyed relative stability when Uganda was in proceeded to Mbarara High School turmoil. Not because of anything else but as a consequence of having been neglected. for his secondary education. Much From the comfort of Mbarara-Ibanda road one could easily think that the far hills on as Mucunguzi was far ahead of me in the left marked the end of the world. The wars and harassment of civilians by Obote age and school, I benefited from his and Amin forces were unknown in Buhweju, thanks to poor communication. wrestling skills as well as his commando The NRA established a training camp in Buhweju. May be this was on advise of Brig. style games that left those he played Tadeo Kanyankore (RIP) who hailed from Bihanga Sub County and was a member of with in awe. the High Command who was at the same time in charge of training during the NRA Lt. Col. Barigye Bahoku who was the days. To the NRA rebels, the hilly Buhweju terrain must have been strategically and first spokesperson of the UPDF and tactfully conducive for army training. Whatever direction an enemy would emerge Amisom in Somalia is also an OB of from he would easily be detected. The lack of roads made Buhweju inaccessible not Bisya PS who proceeded to Kitunga only to people outside the area, but in effect to any enemy forces. The NRA never High School thereafter. Lt Col Barigye regretted the decision. Bisya PS became the base for the NRA training in 1985. was particularly interesting because Indeed, while visiting Bisya for the first time in October 2013, President Museveni after his O’Level he returned to talk to us acknowledged that Bisya gave birth to more NRA and the rest of Buhweju nurtured it. 6 The magazine that propels the Banyabuhweju to realise their potential to get out of poverty

My own of alcohol. He would time and again get experience arrested and I felt bad whenever I did with the rebels not find him at the camp. At one time started in 1985. he was arrested in my presence and it I was returning was amazing how instead of resisting, he to went running ahead of his arresters into and because his detention cell. there were no I also remember a very young man buses or vehicles (kadogo) who had come home with from Buhweju to his boss Dr Mujungu (who later joined Kagongi where I Brig. Kanyankore on the left was in charge of training Rwanda Patriotic Front) and I asked him to teach me about guns. He took me to would board the Kabujogyera bus, I left home very early in the morning to walk about the kitchen, closed the door, laid a mat 12 km to the bus station. Our time then was mostly determined by the cock’s crow in and started dismantling the gun. He then the morning at about 5am. This time round, the cock crowed at about 11 pm and my asked me to reassemble it. He directed father woke me up to start our journey. About 4 km into our journey at Akatooma, me till I leant. I wanted to release a we met a man and my father Mzee Fredrick Kanuuma asked who he was. Instead of bullet but he never allowed that. The responding the man who was about 5 meters away from us ordered us to go our ways seriousness with which he refused me to and leave him alone as he sharpened a panga on a rock. He also had something like a shoot was telling of a serious disciplined sack on his back.. We had always met people in the night and we wondered why this kadogo soldier that he was. I looked at one was that uncooperative! With hindsight now I suspect that he was a soldier and all this with amusement; a young man could not have been from Buhweju as he sounded panicky. 15 years younger than me teaching me That was my first feeling of fear during the night. It was cold but I was sweating. My about guns! father and I never spoke till we reached the main road at Kagongi bus stop and waited I could have joined the NRA but one for such a long time for the break of dawn. It is later when cocks in Kagongi started evening I had a fight with one of my peers crowing that we realised we had been duped by our own cock. who was also a relative. After I beat him On our way to Mbarara aboard the bus we reached Nyakisharara where we found a together with his brother, they turned road block. A policeman stopped us and asked everyone to disembark, produce his/ their anger on my father whom they met her identity card and 100 shillings. My father had given me money for fees and pocket on their way home as they fled from me. money but in bills of 1000s. I gave a police man 1000 shillings and asked for my 900 One of them hit him with a stick and change. The man stared at me, slapped me and pushed me into the bus murmuring injured him on the head. When my father some words in Kiswahili. These were the government (police) forces and this was the came home he vowed to report us to worst violation of my human rights I had ever experienced. I left bitter and cursing, Robert Zaakye who was then the Admin wondering how I was going to recover my only pocket money. This policeman’s at the Bisya training camp so that we picture is etched in my mind and I could identify him if I met him today. could get arrested. My father reported us and I knew they would be coming for us. I NRA attack of Mbarara barracks started becoming uncomfortable visiting From Ntare School the barracks is visible. We heard gunshots in the morning after the camp as regularly as I had done for breakfast and we all ran behind Crichton Hall to watch the drama. We had heard on fear of harsh punishment. radio of the NRA advances and it looked for many of us that this attack too would be One morning, I requested my father to a walk over. We were wrong. When the guns fell silent at about midday, we saw a give me some cows so that I could go convoy from the barracks heading to town. We went running to town to meet what and experience some pastoralist life in we thought were the victorious NRA only to be shocked that it was the government Mburo National Park. He never objected forces instead. We stampeded in disarray fleeing from the government forces. Many to my request and gave me about 40 never went back to their dormitories to pick their belongings. Personally, I walked for cows. I drove them and settled at the three days to Buhweju via Mbuga and Rubindi, spending nights first at Ruharo and current Lake Mburo Secondary School, then Rushozi, Biharwe. fed on milk only for 3 months, watched When I reached home, it was all a new dispensation. NRA soldiers were all over. I NRA advance to Masaka and almost became a regular visitor to my former school, Bisya PS taking milk every till the war ended and I returned to morning to my father’s friends who were camped there. Many more villagers were Ntare School to complete my A’ Level taking matooke and other food stuffs to the soldiers, at times in exchange of maize education. flour. In the process I made my own friends, young and the old. I watched drills in the It is only befitting that the national morning, siasa by cadres and even punishment of those who misbehaved. I remember celebrations of Tarehe Sita this year a tall man called Mr Asiimwe, who I was told was a graduate in Mathematics. will be hosted by Buhweju. There is an He liked to spice up his political statements with mathematical jargons. He was also existing cord between Bisya, Buhweju fond of telling his superiors “ebimwetahizemu ebi” as if warning them of the alleged and the NRA which gave birth to the acquired habits that were hitherto unknown to NRA. This used to put him in trouble. I NRM government used to like his speeches but unfortunately, he was most of the time under the influence The magazine that propels the Banyabuhweju to realise their potential to get out of poverty 7

SOME NRA COMBATANTS AND COORDINATORS FROM BUHWEJU

No. Name Sub- 42. Late CPL Kashokye Dominique Bitsya County 43. CPL. Bakefera Paul Bitsya 1. Late. Brig. Tadeo Kanyankore Bihanga 44. CPL. Kindihamu Silver Bitsya 2. Late. Lt. Col. Napoleon Rutambika Rwengwe 45. Late CPLDeogratious Kabazeyo Karungu 3. Lt. Col. C. Ndema Bireeba Rwengwe 46. Late. CPL Bambeija John Bitsya 4. Maj. Evarist Semambo Bamuhayira Bihanga 47. L/CPL Lambert Muhumuza Burere 5. Maj. A. Kashoma Rwengwe 48. PTE. David Beruno Rwengwe 6. Capt. George Turyagyenda Bihanga 49. PTE Mwesigye Alex (RTD) Bitsya 7. Late Capt. Innocent Kabyemera Nsiika/TC 50. Late PTE Kabeireho Francis Bitsya 8. Late Capt. Batoyoga Munubi Rwengwe 51. Late PTE Ngabirano Vincent Bitsya 9. Late Capt. Eriya Pere Rwengwe 52. Late PTE batsimba Bwiruka Bitsya 10. Late Capt. Stephen Mugisha Rwengwe 53. Late PTE Tukundane Bitsya 11. Capt. Sam Banga Nsiika/TC 54. Late PTE Bindeba Bitsya 12. Capt. JB Ndereya Rwengwe 55. Late PTE Behemura Bitsya 13. Capt. Vincent Bitature Bihanga 56. Late PTE Azeirwe John Baptist Bitsya 14. Lt. J. Fisher Kansiime Kerere Rwengwe 57. Late PTE Nshemereirwe Bitsya 15. Lt. A.B Batayoga Rwengwe 58. Late PTE Sedume Bitsya 16. Lt. J. Paul Kabazeyo Rwengwe 59. Late PTE Livingstone Bitsya 17. Lt. Joseph Nuwagaba Burere 60. Late PTE Rukanda Bitsya 18. Lt. Allan Kukunda Rwengwe 61. PTE Majengye Laulence Karungu 19. Lt. H. Kamayonza Burere 62. Late PTE. Kasuja Bumari Karungu 20. Lt. Deo Mbabeitsi Karungu 63. Late PTE Patrick Katungi Karungu 21. Late Lt. Kabyemera Nyakishana 64. Late PTE Saverino Magyezi Karungu 22. Late Lt. John Mwijuka Bihanga 65. Late PTE Muteimetwa Deo Karungu 23. Lt. Emmanuel Munyontore Nsiika/TC 66. Late PTE Ignatious Byaruhanga Karungu 24. Lt. Isaac Namazima Rwengwe 67. Late PTE John Kamukama Karungu 25. Lt. Guston Akanshembutsya Rwengwe 68. Late PTE Geofrey Betera Karungu nd 26. 2 Lt. Wilbroad Mutungi Karungu 69. Late PTE Muhumuza Karungu 27. WO2. Bwiruka Janet Rwengwe 28. Late Sgt. Serapio Timbigamba Bitsya Civilian Coordinators who were later trained as 29. Late Sgt. Joseph Mukasa Bitsya NRM Cadres 30. Sgt. Nuwabine Isingoma Bitsya 1. Evaristo Bakeija Military 31. S/SGT.J. Fisher Tumusiime Rwengwe Coordinator & Food 32. S/SGT Depaul Kwirigira Rwengwe Mobiliser- 33. SGT. JB Muhimbise Kanyankore Bihanga Bitsya 34. Late SGT. Kabwisho Bitsya 2. Gideon Birakwate Karungu 35. SGT. (rtd) Sliver Basheija Karungu 3. Fabian Katagira Bitsya 36. SGT.(rtd) John Bambeija Karungu 4. Simon Kamuhanda Karungu 37. SGT. (rtd) Valelian Arineitwe Karungu 5. Alphonse Bamuyaga Rwengwe 38. L/CPL Oscar Rubagumya Rwengwe 6. Ceaser Bitakwaitse Bihanga 39. Late CPL Abeine Joseph Bitsya 7. Charles Bampata Burere 40. Late CPL Ruhigana Bitsya 41. Late CPL Kabazeyo Francis Bitsya Compiled by Mr Evaristo Bakeija 8 The magazine that propels the Banyabuhweju to realise their potential to get out of poverty

A PEEK INTO THE MONARCHICAL HISTORY OF BUHWEJU The formation of Buhweju Kingship

By Patrick Katagata Jr.

Around the 16th Century, Buhweju which was under the Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom was temporarily given by the then Omukama Ndahura to his Queen Mother, Nyinamwiru to be in charge. He did not relinquish his authority over it. Nyinamwiru in turn gave the area to a Muchwezi, one Muramira, to take care of it on her behalf and grow food for her subsistence.

There were three brothers of the Iremeera had reached Bunyoro Kitara plantations (entookye za Muramira) that Abariisa clan: Kinyonyi, Kateizi, Rugo Kingdom because exhausted Kateizi had continue to flourish without any known and their sister Iremeera who lived on given up on the long trek. care-takers. One of these is Nyakatookye Kyabukuuju hill in Mpororo (present-day on the Kaguriro hill, near Mr. Stephen Ntungamo). Iremeera was a strikingly When Ndahura’s subjects saw three Kabunga’s farm, near the Buhweju- beautiful girl! One day, an eagle suddenly strangers they were mesmerized by Sheema border. appeared, made a nest on top of their the striking beauty of Iremera. They hut and laid eggs. This was perceived as reported the presence of the strangers It is not clear for how long Kinyonyi a misfortune. Out of superstition, they to King Ndahura who in turn ordered for ruled Buhweju but there were other sought interpretation from a soothsayer, them to be brought to the Palace. Once successors the most notable of Kakara-ka-Shagama, who told them the Omukama set eyes on the beautiful whom was Kabundami who is well to wait for the eagle to hatch its eggs Iremeera, he desired to marry her and remembered for his military prowess and then follow it if it ever flew away to immediately did. In exchange of Iremeera, exhibited in his great Army, the relocate. He said where the eagle would the King gave her brothers some areas Enkondami, with renowned warriors disappear in space, that would be their to rule (kingships). To Kinyonyi, he gave like Muguta ya Butaaho enshungyera new home. Buhweju, which was under the care of nigachweka, Katare ka Kabengo and Muramira and to Rugo he gave Buzimba Itabaara. This was an Army that even the So when the time came, the three (currently Ibanda). For Kinyonyi to Omugabe wa Nkore (Nkore king), Ntare brothers and their sister followed effectively take over Buhweju, he was I feared. Kabundami was succeeded the eagle in accordance with the tasked to first fight and kill Muramira, a by his son Kitonera Kashoma who was soothsayer’s advice. They followed it battle he won and from then on Buhweju also succeeded by his son, Ndagara during the day and at night slept under took on a fortified Monarchical intact Mugimba IV, who ruled until 1901 when the trees on which it perched; resuming structure and became an independent he was brutally killed for putting up a their journey the next day until they entity, with royal regalia. spirited resistance to the colonialists. reached Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom and the Subsequently, the colonialists ultimately eagle disappeared in space somewhere Traces of Muramira’s works can still turned the kingdom into a county under near the Palace. Only Kinyonyi, Rugo and be seen in some mysterious banana the rule of a Saza chief The magazine that propels the Banyabuhweju to realise their potential to get out of poverty 9

The hill on which the Buhweju King Ndagara was gunned down in a battle with the colonial army TRACING THE ROOTS OF BUHWEJU

Buhweju is one of the most amazing districts in Uganda; if you have been lucky to be associated with it! It has a lush greenery with breath- taking hills and a breeze that bring freshness to the whole countryside. With the rich fertile and mostly acidic soils and relief rainfall attributed to the unique terrain, we boast of God given fresh gravity water, agricultural cash crops like tea, coffee, millet, peas as well as mineral wealth –gold By Hope Banga and diamonds. There is simply nothing that cannot be done in Buhweju given its capacity not with standing the extremely poor infrastructure development.

A former Kingdom that seceded from Ankole Kingdom. He was given a title profile. In 1970,Obote’s police attacked Bunyoro Kitara in the 14th Century had a “Kangaho” and the kingdom was now his home, beat up the custodians of the rich history of bravery, Buhweju kingdom referred to as a county; though he was Royal drum and eventually took it away under the Bariisa was reknowned for left to administer it much in the same to an unknown place. its valor since it used to win all its wars way, the royal regalia –including the royal by its famous and well trained warriors drum “Mashaija “were not taken away, From its onset, the colonialists neglected referred to as “Enkondami”with their for fear of renewed resistance especially Buhweju as far as infrasructure reknowned valiant leader, a Muriisa since they had previously done havoc to development was concerned and so did prince of the royal house called “Muguta the kingdom. the succeeding inefficient governments. ya Butaaho enshungyera nigacweka Buhweju then joined the resistance by owa Ekinika kya kataago Rubabiirira However Ndibarema was a Crown the NRA led by and Omunyanshando.” Buhweju under king Prince and the rightful heir to the throne provided grounds at Bisya for training Ndagara was the only kingdom among was installed as a King by the Bariisa as well as providing its own sons and those, which joined to make Ankole since the royal regalia and the royal daughters for fighting, mobilization and Kingdom that put a stiff resistance to drum”Mashaija “ were still present in coordination. colonization in fear of being subjected the kingdom. He continued running the We would like to thank the NRM to servitude. This resulted into a war county almost as a Kingdom until he government for giving us a district with the British and King Ndagara was retired and his son, and heir Mr Adonia status, as this will provide an impetus gunned down together with his worriers Banga a Veterinary officer in Government to development. We Congratulate His and most of his sons who were mostly took over from him as the County chief. Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on in his army. The heir to the throne, his Ndibarema retired to his ancestral palace the Terehe Sita. As abanyabuhweju , we Son Ndibarema was carried away by the in kasharara , but the controversy was I dentify 100%with this day since we British but later brought back and given that all the kingdom norms ,processions, fully participated in contributing to the back his kingdom and coerced to sign celebrations, and gifts from his people resistance of bad governance right from the Agreement to be part of the greater continued as before though on a lower Colonial times . Long Live Yoweri Kaguta Museveni 10 The magazine that propels the Banyabuhweju to realise their potential to get out of poverty

THE BUHWEJU HEROES: From “General” Muguta to General Kaguta

By Nathan Mwesigye Byamukama By Nathan Mwesigye Byamukama Buhweju had existed for more than four centuries as a self-sustaining kingdom before the onset of colonialism. Training in military science was one of its strengths as a state, which enabled it to retain its independence from subjugation by the Bunyoro, Nkore and Mpororo kingdoms in those feudal days. In fact, the Nkore army under Ntare IV learnt military science particularly archery from Buhweju’s king Kabundami III in order to defeat their enemies. Prof Karugire (1972 p.475) reported that the training in the Buhweju-based innovations helped the Ntare IV army to successfully fend off the Nyoro invaders.

A sculpture of Muguta Ya Butaaho, Enshungyera nigacweka, owekiniko kya Kataago, Rubabiirira Omunyanshamba. Courtesy Photo. Buhweju has a history of resistance Army strategists sought the blessings identity as banyabuhweju. Ironically to victimisation and neglect. It had of the Buhweju ancestors known for those of us who were not ashamed historically been a victim of other their military prowess in order to score to openly say we were from Buhweju people’s perceived strength and the successes that followed the training were hardly believed! At Masheruka development. For example, legend has it of their forces in Buhweju. Secondary School where I did my O’ that during the Bunyoro-Kitara kingdom Level I always walked over 50 kms The successive regimes of Idi Amin, expansionism , whenever there was to school and back with my luggage. Milton Obote and Okello Lutwa did a need to bring peace to Bunyoro or When my dad was free he would give nothing to put Buhweju on the same install a King in Bunyoro, they would me a ride on his bicycle and sometimes footing as other counties. One of my first cause death in Buhweju. It was not I would walk while he carried the earliest memories of Amin’s soldiers until the turn of the 17th Century that luggage on the bicycle. Rather than this was of his Bushenyi- based District this impunity by the Bunyoro-Kitara state of affairs discouraging some of us Commissioner, Lt Sampuli who visited adventurism was put to an end through from continuing with school, it instead Bisya Primary School in the late 1970s the military might of the Enkondami motivated us to work harder. and addressed us in Kiswahili translated za Kabundami (i.e army) under the into English and Runyankore by our then It is only the National Resistance command of ‘General’ Muguta Ya Headmaster, Mr Baturaine (RIP). After Movement government under the Butaho Eshungyeera Nigacweka, the speech a young man Kahooza put leadership of General Kaguta Museveni Owekinika Kya Kataago Rubabirira up his hand to ask a question. When that has brought hope to the people of Omunyanshamba Owengabo ye Ekira Mr Batureine saw Lt Sampuli going for Buhweju and enabled them to regain Ezindi. ‘General’ Muguta triumphantly his baton instead of letting the young their dignity and worth. The president beheaded the king of Bunyoro, thereby man ask his question, he quickly stood gave Buhweju a well deserved district ending the culture of beheading Buhweju up and intervened telling us: “ imwe status and empowered the people to kings whenever the king of Bunyoro- baana mwe, abantu bakuru nkaaba overcome neglect. That he has given Kitara was being enthroned. From tibababuuza” (you young people , big Buhweju the desired attention is now this event, Buhweju kingdom thrived people like these ones are never asked/ evident. under Mashaija of the Bariisa Dynasty questioned”). Todate I have never up to1901 when it fell to S. Kahaya of As an administrative and political unit, known what Kahooza wanted to ask. Ankole with the help of the British Buhweju has overcome its history colonial military expeditions led by Lt. During the Obote II regime, a bus plied of invasions, subjugation, neglect Lacey, after the killing of the late King between Kabwohe and Nsiika county and marginalisation, only rescued Ndagara at Kishungwe in the current headquarters for very few months and from extinction against all odds by Rwengwe sub- county. Consequently, quit. Even then, it only covered about revolutionary heroes like ‘General’ Buhweju was reduced to a hereditary 12 kms into Buhweju. No wonder Muguta and General Kaguta Museveni county that was also lost under the children in secondary school used to Republican Constitutional upheavals ridicule those from Buhweju owing to We salute you all! of the 1960s. It was therefore not the difficult transport system. To avoid surprising that the National Resistance this humiliation, some children hid their The magazine that propels the Banyabuhweju to realise their potential to get out of poverty 11

BREAKING THE ICE ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF BUHWEJU President Museveni’s role in the current progress In a rich blend of surprise and excitement, Buhweju, which for many decades was viewed as a wretched county; her people ridiculed; deliberately sidelined by colonialists and previous governments keeping her undeveloped; has lately got hope from the President of Ugandan By Patrick Katagata Jr. His Excellency Yoweri Museveni. The President has shown love through regular visits and attention to the Buhweju affairs, culminating into choosing it to host the national celebrations for Tarehe Sita.

with counterpart Kings of Igara and him with Tuberculosis and therefore, Buzimba (now Ibanda) to sign the he was not healthy enough to lead 1901 Ankole Agreement. He had the Buhweju. Following Nchono’s rejection, foresight to suspect that the signing Ndibarema nominated Mugimba, his would compromise their powers, nephew’s son who was an evangelist subdue and force them to relinquish and who translated the Bible from their authority to the Omugabe of English into the Runyankore-Rukiga Nkore and the colonialists themselves. language. He was accepted by the Moreover, it was taboo for kings to colonialists although he declined to take meet face-to-face. on the mantle of Buhweju leadership on the day he was set to be installed, For this, the Omukama Ndagara paid preferring to continue his work of the ultimate price. He was brutally evangelism. killed together with his crown Prince, Nyakiiga, hence giving the colonialists Following Mugimba’s withdrawal, the leeway to coerce without any Ndibarema, again, nominated his spirited resistance his younger son nephew (his sister’s son), Perezi of about ten years, Daudi Ndibarema Kanyamunyu, who accepted and to sign the said Agreement. This replaced him as Saza Chief. However, would later have Ndibarema reign as a maternal nephew Kanyamunyu over Buhweju, not as King but a Saza was not of the Abariisa royal clan, but of (county) Chief for 40 years up to1939. Basasira clan, who traditionally would The courting of this hard-to-reach After this, he was expected to nominate never have been eligible to succeed district with poor infrastructure, points his successor subject to the approval of Ndibarema. Kanyamunyu ruled for to the possibility that with smart the colonialists. Due to the Omukama’s some time and due to his hard work and mature engagements with the fierce resistance, Buhweju suffered and dislike for lack of development, he government, Buhweju could be on a 40 years of neglect by the colonial basically forced people to work and send clear path towards awaking the champ government plunging it into a terrible children to school. For the first time in in her that has for long been left to development vacuum! Nkore Kingdom, decades, Buhweju began to register sleep. formerly covering Isingiro, Rwampara, some developments in education Nyabushozi and Kashari was merged and infrastructure. For instance, he Why for many decades did Buhweju with the neighboring Kingships of is remembered for constructing the remain the road less travelled? The Buhweju, Igara and Buzimba to create first public road from Nyakambu via reasons are historical. Any attempt Ankole Federal State which was Kyeyare to Nsiika, later extending to to reclaim Buhweju necessitates later to be known as Ankole Native the rest of Buhweju. Kanyamunyu was examining the socio-political history Government! subsequently promoted to the Ankole to trace the root causes of lack of Kingdom Treasury by the colonialists development. This history stretches as At the end of his reign in 1939, and transferred to Mbarara. He was th far back as the beginning of the 20 Ndibarema duly nominated his son, replaced by Adonia Banga, Ndibarema’s Century to the Omukama Ndagara’s Nchono, who had attained good son. revolutionary resistance to the education at Kings College, Buddo, colonialists when they attempted to but the colonialists rejected him on dupe or otherwise force him, together the claim that they had diagnosed 12 The magazine that propels the Banyabuhweju to realise their potential to get out of poverty

At about the same time, Uganda gained particularly thankful for the district Going forward independence marking the departure status and the Nyakashaka Tea factory. For Buhweju to make sensible gains of colonialists. The subsequent multi- from all her natural endowments and Development opportunities party politics did not favour Buhweju peripheral opportunities, deliberate thus causing stagnation in development. Buhweju’s development opportunities attempts ought to be made to ensure With the Anglican-dominated Uganda are enormous. It has favorable and meaningful exploration and exploitation People’s Congress (UPC) in power and relief climatic conditions, very fertile of mineral resources; extension and/ Buhweju being predominantly Catholic soils for agriculture: both food and or connection of the Bihanga road to and therefore perceived as a Democratic commercial crop farming especially tea Kasese; extension of power to the Party (DP) sympathiser, Buhweju was and forestation. It has mineral deposits entire district; strategic political and consequently sidelined throughout the especially gold; culturally homogeneous civic education to groom future leaders. UPC rule. Unfortunately still, nothing people with insignificant variations in There needs to be lobbying of the improved during Idi Amin’s rule (1971- religious beliefs and political ideologies; government to extend scholarships to 1979). The political turmoil that ensued political enthusiasm for participation; brilliant but needy children; to create a after Amin’s overthrow and during access to power; improving road special Ministry in-Charge of Buhweju the Obote II reign further condemned network; tourism potential among affairs for affirmative action to correct Buhweju to the status quo. It is sad other endowments. the historical errors of colonialists. to note that from 1901 to 1986 when National Resistance Movement (NRM) Challenges The people of Buhweju especially Government under President Museveni There are some challenges that need to those that have attained education and came into power, Buhweju was a buried be urgently tackled in order to enhance the youth should commit to making a and forgotten county; a dark part of the utilisation of the development contribution to Buhweju’s development. Uganda whose people were far from opportunities that Buhweju offers. There They should become the agents for the civilisation. Many of the educated sons is some growing political antagonism development that Buhweju desires and and daughters of Buhweju did not feel as well as self-seeking propaganda that deserves any pride to associate with it. Instead if not contained could divide the people they deserted the area for neighbouring of Buhweju. There is also generally lack Sheema, Kashari, Ibanda, Bushenyi, of development vigilance among the Kampala and other towns. Buhweju was people, compounded by some level of orphaned. It took some developments selfishness, sectarianism, intrigue and ushered in by the NRM government, patronage on the part of some leaders. for a few of Buhweju’s sons to start Other challenges are: inadequate returning home. civic education; poverty and diseases; dependency mentality on Government Buhweju made a great contribution in or presidential hand-outs; poor the National Resistance Army (NRA) quality road infrastructure and poor bush war by not only having her sons connectivity; as well as reckless living join in the struggle but also offering especially laziness and drunkenness! training ground for NRA solders in Bitsya and Nsiika. Notable among those that joined the NRA were the late Brig. Taddeo Kanyankore, Lt. Col. Napoleon Rutambika, Capt. Dezi Batayoga (Munuubi) and the serving Lt. Col. Cyril Ndema. The late Brig. Taddeo Kanyankore and (now) Lt. Col. Cyril Ndema had served the Army since 1960s.

Since the first Presidential elections of 1996, Buhweju has consistently and overwhelmingly voted NRM and President Museveni. His love for and current focus on Buhweju affairs which the people welcome with great hope and excitement can be interpreted as recognition of this unwavering support. Mr. Museveni will go down in history as the first President to bring development to Buhweju! Notably, the people are The magazine that propels the Banyabuhweju to realise their potential to get out of poverty 13

HOW TO CONSTRUCT DIFFICULT ROADS CHEAPLY: WHEN BUHWEJU PEASANTS CHALLENGED BUREAUCRATS IN ECONOMICS AND ENGINEERING

By Nathan M. Byamukama Peasants are not always conventional in their ways but many bureaucrats are. Bureaucrats tend to work within existing templates and with the advent of the internet, they simply ‘cut and paste’ same scenarios for different situations. Peasants can be a radical group and if well mobilised can level mountains into plains within a twinkle of an eye. I witnessed this personally when the peasants of Akatooma in Buhweju defied the conventional wisdom propagated by academics and bureaucrats to put on earth what many had thought would only be ‘when Jesus returns’. What a coincidence that this was achieved during the Christmas season of 2013.

Buhweju’s problem has always been This is a reflection of both lack of demand What Doornkamp was not able to note as inaccessibility. The problem is usually and of bad roads, both of which form a major problem was the lack of interest attributed to the geographical features aspects of Buhweju`s isolation”. In and will to have good roads rather than like several hills, swamps, valleys, rocks, addition he pointed out that “there is the lack of demand for them. As they streams and forests that have been no road leading in from the north, and say where there is a will, there is a way. perceived as barriers to infrastructure no transport connection ... other than When it rains, the Buhweju roads, where development and communication. A infrequent footpaths” and that “..apart they exist, are impassable. Yet, murram geographer J.C Doornkamp (1964), from the land and family ties (which is is plenty in Buhweju and can be acquired while teaching Geography at Makerere strong) there is little inducement for man cheaply. University in 1964 wrote about “the to stay in Buhweju”. However, Doornkamp isolation of Buhweju County, Ankole”. did not suggest options for helping the The tough questions to ask though are: If He stated: “of all the counties in Ankole, people of Buhweju apart from noting rocks and stones exist can they be used Buhweju is the most isolated. This is true that it would take difficult and expensive to construct roads? Yes the Barundi have in both physical and human sense”. engineering works. done it; or even construct houses cheaply as Kenyans have done. Are those rocks as He observed that “all major route ways Such an observation (and many still think skirt Buhweju, none passes through it... In like that), implies that as long as there are a sense Buhweju does not lead anywhere, rocks, swamps and poverty (no effective and unlike some of its neighbouring demand) and probably no imperative areas, it does not receive any stimulus for economic activity in Buhweju we would development as a result of passing trade. never get any kind of roads, let alone good For example, no bus enters Buhweju”. roads. It is no wonder that 50 years since He further wrote: “The Mbarara - Ibanda Doornkamp’s assertion, the situation road to the East is well served with public remain the same in Buhweju. transport, but no services enter Buhweju. 14 The magazine that propels the Banyabuhweju to realise their potential to get out of poverty

he wrote on 12th Dec 2013 to say there that they could uphold the principles of were many rocks that would be too efficiency, effectiveness and economy difficult to remove; corners too steep to better than the bureaucrats. How I wish work on ;rocks and cliffs too hard to blast. this driver and the community members He promised that they might work on it who contributed to this road could be the next time round. Yet, the road was by awarded liberation medals! this time already constructed and in use. In only one week, peasants were able When I went to the UNRA offices to to contribute voluntarily close to Shs request them to complement community 2,000,000 while the rest (about efforts by digging up murram for the road; 5,000,000) was contributed by their elite and providing culverts and a grader to children who contributed to make up the straighten the road, the senior officers total Shs 7,000,000. It is now apparent were shocked to see the pictorial evidence that constructing roads is not all that of the kind of work that had already been expensive if one has community support. hard to crash as reported? Can they be a done by the community that even the If we continue using the Akatooma spirit, resource? Why should Buhweju export district engineer was not aware of in we will attain the development goals in water and yet have no water on account his 12th December letter. Interestingly, record time in Buhweju. of the poor infrastructure? Can Buhweju all of the UNRA engineer’s fears were have roads first without tagging them to unfounded. The progressive officials demand? at UNRA diplomatically directed the engineer to visit again and give a new When I asked in 2012 how much it would report and they also promised to help out. cost to construct a 2.5 kilometre road I am sure he too will be impressed by the from Kyanika in Kashari to Akatooma in community work so far. Buhweju, a bill of quantities by Engineers put the total cost to Incidentally one of the political leaders Shs 151,000,000. When the people of in Buhweju had earlier on reportedly told Bisya complained during the women the President that this road could not be MP by-elections of sept-Oct 2013 about constructed because the stones would roll continued denial of access roads to over the people living down the hill! Kashari, they only sent a bulldozer without fuel. When we begged from the UNRA to With the bulldozer lying idle for days on consider us to benefit from Tarehe Sita account of having no fuel, the community and have some of our roads constructed members then mobilised themselves. This was May 2013 when there was no road and only a footpath. It is important to note the They negotiated with the driver (Mr. peasants had used the hoe before to put some Vincent Tumusiime) of the Bulldozer and passable footpath. contributed to put in fuel, and pay him his allowances to get him to work. (See list of contributions). At the time the district engineer was writing to his superiors in Kampala about the so called difficulties of constructing the Kyanika-Akatooma and Bisya road; the community and the driver of the government bulldozer were completing opening up the road. The works that had been budgeted as Shs 151,000,000 turned out to cost about Shs 7,000.000. Even if we have to make the road first class murram, the cost would not exceed Shs 15,000,000. The This was late December 2013 when the road Nathan Byamukama (in the middle) Marvin peasants working with a progressive was there and vehicles passing. The cost of the Baryaruha - right and Justine Ogonga - left, asked driver of the government vehicle saved road was contributed by the community. The for a new report from Mbarara UNRA offices in government provided the Bulldozer but to work January 2014 the government about Shs 140,000,000. on a different road With this, the peasants had proved The magazine that propels the Banyabuhweju to realise their potential to get out of poverty 15

To appreciate the advantage of this road, 10. Denis Bwiisho 5,000 one only needs to ask those who live on 12. Sylivia Kagabura 2,000/= the Buhweju side of this hill and yet they 13. Siraj Nyerwanire 2,000/= have to do business with those who live 14. Kanyankore Viccremt 2,500/= on the Kashari-Mbarara side of this hill. A 15. Mugirwa Speriano 10,000/= boda boda cyclist told me that previously 16. Nurse Wyne 5,000/= he used two and half litres of fuel to move 17. Byamukama Evarisi 5,000/= from Bisya to Rubindi but following the 18. Isingoma Posiano 5,000/= new road, he uses one litre to and from 19 Atubangire Remegio 5,000/= Rubindi. A bunch of banana used to cost shs 10,000 on the Kashari-Mbarara 20. Mugabirwe Sabiti 5,000/= district side while it cost 3000 on the 21. Wilber Kashokye 5,000/= Buhweju side of the hill. 22. Mugizi Remegio 10,000/= 23. Mayangi 10,000/= With this new road the farmers in Buhweju 24. Tibehakana Serivest 5,000/= are liberated. Personally I used to drive 67 25. Kamurari Seresiino 5,000/= kms from Mbarara to my home. The new 26. Ahimaisibwe Egiaio 5,000/= road shortened my distance to 49 kms 27. Rwabyondo John 10,000/= only, 12kms of which is murram road. 28. Kaato 2,000/= Surely, it makes good economic sense to 29. Turyamureba Godfrey 10,000/= save 19 km worth of fuel on a single route 30. Tumwine Devinari 10,000/= every time I journey home. 31. Mwebembezi Posiano 10,000/= 32. Kakuru Rukwaise 5,000/= With this road even the President would 33. Kakuru Tibehakana 10,000/= find it shorter to travel from Rwakitura to Bisya via Kagongi, Akatooma, and Katara Sub total 310,000/= for the Tarehe Sita function in February KENJOGYERA II 2014 than to travel from Rwakitura 34. Turyasiima Wilbroad 20,000/= through Bwizibwera, Nyakambu, Bisya 35. Mukunzi Sidomino 5,000/= and then Katara. More so, with such roads KENJOGYERA I 36. Bikwatirizo Rusiano 5,000/= open, more investors, NGOs and UN NAME AMOUNT 37. Mrs Rutondogeore- 1,000/= agencies will access Buhweju with ease Keisicuma No. Tukwasibwe Alexander 100,000 /= and discover the tourism and agriculture 38. Badindi 5,000/= 1. Arinitwe Leoginio 10,000/= gem that it is 39. Naiuhweera. F 10,000/= 2. Saaja 5,000/= 40. Ndyahebwa. Badindi 5,000/= 3. Kakwezi 5,000/= 41. Tumukunde Zaverio 5,000/= 4. God Bingana 5,000/= 42. Azirwe Alex 5,000/= 5. Allen Jack 5,000/= 43. Kemari Bonekonsiri 10,000/= 6. Tr. Mbahairwe 5,000/= 44. Mukiiza Benedicto 10,000/= 7. Tusiime Rutereza 10,000/= 45. Atwine Posiano 10,000/= 8. Atwine Robert 2,000/= 46. Ahimbisibwe G 15,000/= 9. Byaruhanga Alex-Kayunga 5,000/= 47. Kasibukide 5,000/= 16 The magazine that propels the Banyabuhweju to realise their potential to get out of poverty

119. Kamukama Stephen 5,000/= 120. Warugaba Gerald 5,000/= 121. Mbabazi LCIII C/person 150,000/= Sub-total 297,000/=

MIRAMA 122. Bwemarire Privato Karati 20,000/= 123. Ngabirano David 20,000/= 124. Mushabe Novice 20,000/= 125. Ashabahebwa Rogers 20,000/= 48. Musinguzi Keminago 10,000/= NYARUBOMBORA 126. Tumukunde Alexander 20,000/= 4. Kabandize Julius 10,000/= 84. Tibamwenda 5,000/= 127. Musiime Richard 5,000/= 50. Twesigye Vitari 10,000/= 85. Tinsimwa Julian 4,000/= 128 Birungi Galasiano 10,000/= 51. Rutereza Willbroad 10,000/= 86. KakyanyaDevs 10,000/= 129. Mujuni Julius 2,000/= 52. Rwesiba Leonald 5,000/= Sub- total 19,000/= 130. Mwesigye Alauriano 5,000/= 53. Bamuhiga Evadious 5,000/= 131. Nayebare Felex 5,000/= 54. Bakahirwa. E 10,000/= KABISHO 132. Kabeya 500/= 55. Nabahirwa Beyeza 10,000/= 87. Kataryeba Sliver 5,000/= 133. Bwehare Wilboard 500/= 56. Agaba Joab T/C 5,000/= 88. Kakyanga 3,000/= 134. Musinguzi Leonald 5,000/= 57. Kakonde 2,000/= Sub-total 8,000/= 135. Mwesigye J. Viccent 10,000/= 58. Kabesumba 5,000/= KIIBINGO 136. Mrs. Kahwa Dianah 5,000/= Sub-total 213,000/ = 89. Byaruhanga Donizio 10,000/= 137. Kanyamitsya John 10,000/= 90. Kadio 50,000/= KAKAMBA 138. Ayebazibwe Alex 10,000/= 91. Kahara 50,000/= (Kyakabare) 59. Nathan & Alison 4,000,000/= Byamukama 92. Muhwezi 10,000/= 139. Kamukama fred 10,000/= 60. Nuwamanya Rwankoba 6,000/= 93. VenariKahungu 5,000/= 140. Binomugisha Innocent 10,000/= 61. Byaruhanga Alex C/ 5,000/= 94. Katafire John 10,000/= 141. Kabwita Fred 5,000/= person 95. Mwesigye Seregio 10,000/= 142. Twesime Francis 10,000/= 62. Tumuhairwe Innocent 5,000/= 96. Rubihayo Bwerizahi 20,000/= 143. Asiimwe Robert 10,000/= 63. Katamira Rwanguta 5,000/= 97. Mujumi Fred 10,000/= Sub-Total 213,000/= 64. Tibijuka Maritazare 5,000/= 98. Bakamwoga 1,000/= KANKARA 65. Kanuma Fred 10,000/= 99. Kabudongo 5,000/= 144. Mugume Robert 5,000/= 66. Komando 5,000/= 100. Kasaja John 5,000/= 145. MuhairweKosia 5,000/= 67. Benomugisha Kahemura 10,000/= 101. Ahimbitsibwe WB. 10,000/= 146. AtwineMurangira 20,000/= 68. Mbarebaki John 10,000/= 102. Arinaitwe Kibiingo 10,000/= 147 Kabeta 2,000/= 69. Bushajja Kanuma 10,000/= 103. Mugisha Robert 5,000/= 148. Nuwamanya Kabushaija 4,000/= 70. Byarugaba Dez 10,000/= 104. Muhwezi J.B 5,000/= 149. Natukunda 5,000/= 71. Abenaitwe Feresiamo 5,000/= 105. Mugisha Buryakari 5,000/= 150. Kabazeyo 5,000/= 72. TukahairwaSiston 5,000/= 106. Mwesigye Willboard 2,000/= 151. Birungi Byamukama J.B 10,000/= 73. Byarugaba Julius 5,000/= 104. Tibihika Augustine 10,000/= 152 Ngabirwe 10,000/= 74. Mukongo Savino 5,000/= Sub- total 233,000/= 153. David Birungi 2,000/= 75. Bangumya 2,000/= MUSHASHA 154. Butitiba Devs 4,000/= 76. Mugaiga Counsellor 15,000/= 108. TumuKazimiri Boda 10,000/= TOTAL 72,000/= 77. Kigoto 5,000/= 109. Ayebazibwe Alavterio 10,000/= 78. Bijengye G. 5,000/= 110. Muhanguzi Kazooba 5,000/= Sub-total total 4,128,000/= 111. Bashaija J.B Tori 1,000/= Other Supporters from Buhweju ISHINGIRO I & II 112 Tumuhairwe John 1,000/= 155. Mwijukye Francis 500,000/= 79. Pastor Mugisha 5,000/= 113. Buzabo Rodgers 10,000/= 156. Hon Oliver Katwesigye 500,000/= 80. Turyomuriwe Denis 3,000/= 114. KategyeStorio 5,000/= 157. Eng Karisa John Bosco 500,000/= 87. Laurence Maxim 10,000/= 115. Tumuhairwe Tarasisio 10,000/= SUB TOTAL 1,500,000/= 82. NyamukoraDeoh 10,000/= 116. WarugabaNiclas 70,000/= GRAND TOTAL 7,041,000/= 83. Mugabe Muhammed 20,000/= 117. Benefansio Tibifumura 5,000/= Compiled by Ashabahebwa Rogers Sub-total 48,000/= 118. Kamukama Robert 10,000/= and Alexander Tukwatsibwe The magazine that propels the Banyabuhweju to realise their potential to get out of poverty 17

WHY BUHWEJU NEEDS A SECOND CONSTITUENCY

The decision by the President to award Buhweju a district in 2010 was a great stimulus for development in our area. Today, there is every reason for us to celebrate. For the first time, Buhweju is hosting a national event. This is a gesture of appreciation by the NRM Government for Buhweju for its support right from the liberation war todate. By Byamukama Godfrey Kereere

However villages need to be linked in Sick people can get to the hospital Given the difficult terrain, the poor order to be able to stimulate production in time. Roads make it easier for the infrustructre, the size of the district and and reduce poverty. This requires a government to bring in water and the population of about 103,000 people, good road network. Therefore, creating electricity. Children can get to school the envisaged split of the district into two constituencies can ensure that all faster, which means more will go. With the East and West constituencies could roads are easily noticed and attended roads, people travel out and bring in stimulate more desire to work on these too. new knowledge. They change their roads and other essential services in behavior. Roads are a window to the order to reduce poverty in these areas. Recently while I was in China, my friend outside world. In extreme cases, roads The people of Buhweju are hopeful that told me how at one time in a village, are life-saving as the experience of the this agony will end soon when our dear her father could take two days to get Ethiopian famine of 1984 and 1985 president fulfill his pledge of granting to the capital Shanghai. To get to his showed, when thousands of people the district a second constituency. high school it always took him an hour died because they could not be reached of walking. Farmers in the village grew by food aid! Buhweju is unique. Just as the people only what they could consume or sell of Buhweju have already taken the to their neighbors. She had asked me In Buhweju, thanks to Tarehe Sita initiative to improve their roads on about Uganda’s situation and I had national celebrations, some roads have a self-help basis and have reaped answered using Buhweju as an example been improved and more are being wonderful results, the creation of given its remoteness and inaccessibility planned. another constituency can only double over the years. Now from Shanghai, she the efforts and results. I salute all the can drive to her family home in three However others especially those in stakeholders involved hours. The high school is a 10-minute Bihanga are still almost impassable. bike ride from the home. Farmers now buy animal feeds and fertilizers from trucks visiting the village and they also sell cereals, watermelons and pigs to visitors. The village has become much more prosperous. What changed? It was the roads. Dirt trails were first replaced with all- weather roads made of broken bricks mixed with dirt or built by villagers themselves with local stones or locally- made bricks. What was needed was a road that allows a farmer to push his products in a hand cart to the market and lets buses and trucks from the village reach the main trunk roads. The villagers themselves maintain it. The people of Buhweju have Roads allow farmers to market their already taken the initiative to products, and bring in fertilizer and improve their roads on a self- seeds. They let rural residents take non-farming jobs in nearby towns. help basis 18 The magazine that propels the Banyabuhweju to realise their potential to get out of poverty

BUHWEJU MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT: 1989-TODATE

Hon. Chris Kafura Late Francis Bantariza Late. Hon. Deus Bikwatsizehi (1989-1995) (1995-2001) (2001-2011)

Hon. Ephraim G. Biraro Late Hon. Joy Kariisa Hon. Oliver Katwesigye (2011-todate) (2011-September 2013) Koyekyenga (November 2013-todate) The magazine that propels the Banyabuhweju to realise their potential to get out of poverty 19

THE POLITICAL POWER OF WOMEN UNDER NRM Growing up, there was a common saying that a “woman’s place is in the kitchen”! Culture dictated that girl children were not supposed to go to school, hold any public office and participate in politics. They were rather By Alison Ayetoranire expected to get married, bring cows home and produce many children. They Byamukama were regarded as a source of wealth by their families where they were born and were expected to provide cheap labour by their marital families.

Such was the cultural expectations that and opportunities in political, economic No one knew that in its current state, diminished the chance of girl children and social activities. To actualise this it had powerful, educated and strong- going to school and later on working provision, Clause 5 provides for the willed women who could participate and earning a living. Women were right to affirmative action to address in politics. It was not until September highly vulnerable and entirely depended the imbalances created by history, last year after the sudden death of our on their husbands for the basics of life. tradition and custom. dear beloved Hon. Joy Kariisa and the They were also subjected to physical, first Woman MP for Buhweju district economic, social and emotional With affirmative action in place, the that nine women came forward and domestic violence. They had nowhere number of girl children enrolment in expressed interest to participate in the to run to and it was considered a taboo public universities has continued to NRM Primaries by- elections. With time for women to report their husbands to grow over the years. In addition, the and due to different interventions and any authorities. level of participation of women in considerations, two of these women elective politics has also increased. The dropped out and seven remained in However, with the coming of the NRM number of women District Councillors, the race. They included, Hon. Oliver government into power in 1986, the Members of Parliament, Cabinet and Katwesigye Koyekyenga, Kellen Agaba myth was demystified. Chapter 4 of the State Ministers has grown over time Muguzi, Juliet Bugutu Ntwirenabo, 1995 Constitution of the Republic of and there is hope that with increased Annet Namara Byamukama, Allen Uganda provides for the protection and senstisation and political will the ratio Arineitwe, Gertrude Atukunda and promotion of fundamental and other of men to women MPs will square. Alison Ayetoranire Byamukama. Even human rights and freedoms. Article 33, when some men conspired to rig and in particular, provides for the rights of Although this has been the general demobilise women out of elections women to be accorded full and equal picture, Buhweju was not measuring up and politics in general, they could not dignity with men and equal treatment because of its history, terrain and the succeed. poor state of its physical infrastructure. 20 The magazine that propels the Banyabuhweju to realise their potential to get out of poverty

Some of the contestants in the NRM Primaries for the post of District Woman MP Buhweju

The boom in the number of women one know that a small, new and remote offering their candidature for MP came district of Buhweju could produce as a surprise to the NRM administration, such great women! It should be noted the people of Buhweju and the too that these women together with candidates themselves. In addition to those who contested for the opposition the number being overwhelming, the parties as well as those that participated determination was great and discipline in the 2011 NRM Primaries, are making was at its highest throughout the entire history for Buhweju! Bravo to the NRM Government, to the campaign period. This is what we call great women of Buhweju and to their democracy! Otherwise, how would any dear husbands and families!

THE POLITICS OF DISTRICT WOMAN MP My experience as a married woman contesting in elections in my area of birth

The creation of Buhweju district did not only bring services closer to the people but created an opportunity for Buhweju people to have a Woman representative By Patience B. in Parliament as provided for in the 1995 Constitution of the Republic of Ayebazibwe Bamuyaaga Uganda and other regional and international instruments. However, this does Human Rights Activist not mean that women in politics in Uganda do not face serious challenges that adversely affect their participation in the political arena.

These challenges include availability of women who often lack excess financial the candidates the people wanted to funds for one to campaign and succeed resources. represent them in Parliament. This is in politics, compounded by gender roles discriminatory in a way since it excludes and patriarchy. Issues of religion, marital status unmarried or divorced women yet their and “belonging” are other serious capacity to deliver in Parliament is not Women of Buhweju like any other in hindrances for women’s participation determined by marital status. any other place in Uganda face similar in politics in Buhweju. In canvassing or worse challenges while vying votes, women candidates found It was also a fact, for example that for political seats. Those who were themselves seeking to prove their women candidates had to dress up involved in the race for the Buhweju moral uprightness hence diverting in the full kinyankore cultural attire Women’s representative last October from addressing developmental issues. (busuuti) while campaigning or face the 2013 will agree with me that there were Women candidates were expected to wrath of the voters. The attire is smart large sums of money involved. Politics be properly married and that is why and dignified, but for practical purposes in Buhweju has been monetised and the issue of marital status featured may not be the most convenient this has become a major hindrance for prominently among the qualities of to traverse the district dressed in. The magazine that propels the Banyabuhweju to realise their potential to get out of poverty 21

Alison Campaigning on top of a pick-up truck wearing Kinyankore attire

Another petty gender consideration women come to my father seeking I urge my fellow Banyabuhweju during the campaigns was the physical intervention on possible remedies to people to desist from diversionary, appearance of the candidate. The such challenges. So, practically I have selfish and archaic reasoning pegged woman considered ‘beautiful’ had an rich understanding of the development on creed, money, marital status etc edge over her competition because issues of my homeland. For example, and focus on development issues. voters considered beauty a bonus.. for many years, I walked long distances Civic education should be intensified to fetch water (in two or so kilometers), in Buhweju to inform and empower Belonging has been used a lot in saw women give birth by the roadside people to understand issues of political politics in order to discredit especially on their way to Nsiika Health Centre representation and delegated authority women from being supported / voted some of whom unfortunately lost their for participation in governance. for. This mostly happens when a babies or bled to death, witnessed woman contests for a political office in women live in abject poverty, gender Let’s emulate other districts that have a district where she is married. She will based violence etc. welcomed ‘daughters of the soil’ to be reminded that it is not her district. represent them at political levels. If she contests in the district where she Being married in Kiruhura District These daughters have contributed is born, she will also be reminded that does not negate my knowledge of the immensely to the development of she no longer belongs there. So, where challenges women in Buhweju endure. their places of birth because they is the woman’s place in society? This issue became increasingly a have lived the experiences. We can all burden for me to convince the voters attest to contributions made by Hon. My first hand experience showed that and especially the Buhweju NRM Miria Matembe married in Bushenyi campaigns were based on irrelevant leaders that my competence could not representing Mbarara Women; Hon considerations rather than issues. I be measured by where I am married. Mary Karoro Okurut married in Kumi was hit hard by this issue of belonging I am a daughter of Buhweju, have but representing Bushenyi, Hon. Winnie when I expressed interest to represent Buhweju at heart and no circumstances Byanyima who effectively represented the women of Buhweju in Parliament whatsoever, no person will be right to Mbarara Municipality issues even when during the by-elections that took place present me otherwise! at the time she was not married, Hon in October 2013. It was a nightmare Janet Museveni married in Kiruhura having to explain myself to my own I find the issue of belonging an representing Ruhaama people; the ones that brought me up, exclusion and a violation of people’s the ones I dined with, the ones I fetched rights especially women rights that water with, name it, but because I am are enshrined in both international and married in another district, I cannot be national laws and regulations including counted as their daughter anymore. the Press and Journalists Act and the Electronic Media Act that prohibit As a child, I was not only a part of the negative reporting on women that challenges in Buhweju but I saw many stand for political posts. 22 The magazine that propels the Banyabuhweju to realise their potential to get out of poverty

BUHWEJU WHERE THE SUN RISES IN THE AFTERNOON

Celebrating Tarehe Sita in Buhweju this year is not surprising for me because the area played a key role in the NRM/NRA struggle. Not only did it provide sanctuary and food for the freedom fighters but also hosted two Training Wings of NRA at Bisya Primary School and Nsiika in 1984. Remains of fallen NRA comrade combatants are laid at Bisya Primary School where I spent my first seven formative years.

By Lt Col Barigye BUHWEJU DISTRICT Bahoku

What excited me most however, was the central role that I personally played as the Deputy Chief Political Commissar (D/CPC) of the UPDF, to prepare for the day. The reality dawned when I joined a fact-finding mission (Recce team) in preparation for Tarehe Sita. The preparations required me to traverse the village footpaths of my birth area that I had last used more than 30 years ago. I also met relatives and friends, many of whom still live in the beautiful mountains and rolling hills of Buhweju, but who I rarely interact with due to the nature of my work. I was finally returning to a place that nurtured and formed me, a place that I call “Real Home”; I was revisiting my roots! I had last been in Buhweju around 1981 when our nucleus family migrated to Kashari our current home, leaving behind most of our uncles, aunties, cousins and friends that I had grown up and shared everything with. I was at school when the family moved and from there, I went abroad for my university studies and on return, joined the NRA (now UPDF). three days back home. I had volunteered to mobilize support for the UNLF because I personally believed and so did so many others, that this was the best thing that I retraced my tracks of 1979, when after could have happened to Uganda at the time. I had seen it as an opportunity for this the fall of Idi Amin, we mobilised the country to re-build itself after Amin’s eight year dictatorship. We succeeded and population to support the short-lived soon “mayumba kumi” committees were in place in all the villages. How wrong I Uganda National Liberation Front/Army had been! (UNLF/A). I recalled how we had been forced out of Kitunga High School by My first assignment then had been to explain to the population the necessity of the the Liberation War and had walked for war, how it was fought and what would come out if it. I also recalled how while at my The magazine that propels the Banyabuhweju to realise their potential to get out of poverty 23

as high as 25°C. Malaria-causing mosquitoes would not survive, and the disease that afflicts many parts of Africa, was rare. I got my first bout of malaria when I joined secondary school in Kampala. Fresh water used to flow almost everywhere. We would directly draw and drink this fridge-cold water from the numerous wells across the county without bothering about germs! The hilly terrain/mountain ridges from all directions with neighbouring counties impose and provide a natural shield and defence to the county. No wonder, of all the wars we have had in Uganda, it is only the NRM/A Bush Struggle that was ever felt directly in Buhweju! The NRA commanders and planners, who identified Bisya and Nsiika (translated as barriers/walls in former Primary School, Bisya, in pursuit these varieties of crops and animals English) as ideal training centres for of that mission, I had explained, among and other economic activities, hunger a guerrilla war, were thorough. These other issues, the reasons why the and starvation were kept at bay in the hilly terrain/mountain ridges provide UNLF, supported by Tanzania Peoples’ majority of homesteads while a few tourist attractions in form of mountain Defence Forces (TPDF) or “bakombozi” susceptible ones would be assisted by climbing and sight-seeing. as Ugandans popularly called them had relatives, friends and neighbours. Apart from accompanying my big defeated Amin’s soldiers. My friend Coffee (referred to as a cash crop) brothers alongside my father at dawn and student at Bisya Primary School would be sold while the rest of the to the nearest bus stop in neighbouring then, Nathan Byamukama (now with crops were consumed by families. counties of Ibanda and Kashari, the International Conference on Great My father supplemented these with a opportunities of travelling outside Lakes Region), who attended my talk, small income that accrued to him as a my home or village, leave alone the never tires to tease and remind me Sub-parish Chief, a job that made him county, were almost non-existent. today, how he knew I would one day traverse the whole county on different Kindergartens never existed in Buhweju join the army. This is because I had deployments. Through these two and children started school at eight talked about Inter-continental Ballistic sources of income and livelihood, our years and older when they could walk Missile (Saba Saba), a far superior father had been able to send all of us long distances to reach these schools. weapon to those of Amin, as one of the to school, including girls, a vision that Moreover, joining school was not most decisive in that war. he shared not with so many people, at considered a priority by most parents I was raised by my father, Lazaaro least from Buhweju then. and most children would drop out Hokukiriire and step mother, (both either because of ignorance or lack of Buhweju was and still remains unique. deceased-my mother having passed on school-fees or both! It was a habit that I had learnt some of its uniqueness earlier during my first months of birth) people regarded as “successful”, either through hearing my father talk about in Muzaiguru village, Bisya Parish (now because they went to school and got several places but had visited very few a Sub-county) in the then Karungu Sub- better opportunities outside Buhweju of them myself. But one phenomenon county, Buhweju, nature’s gift. Families or made some money and purchased that always mesmerized me was the survived on peasantry subsistence vehicles, would migrate to other canopy above us, which appeared to agriculture. Fertile alluvial soils from neighbouring counties. As a matter of touch the hill tops in all directions and the Western Lift Valley produced every fact, a number of “successful” people in the clouds that kept the sun away till crop grown in Ankole without neither the districts neighbouring Buhweju and late afternoon, especially during the fertilizers nor irrigation. Grazing cows beyond migrated from Buhweju. months of March-May and September and goats in the hills, tendering banana to November. I later appreciated So here lies the dilemma and irony of and coffee plantations, weeding millet, Buhweju better when I grew up. this beautiful land. A durable solution maize, beans and peas gardens were the lies in the provision of infrastructure society’s preoccupation. Other crops The hilly terrain/topography, similar to such as roads and power as well as included rice, simsim, sorghum, sweet the Greater Rwenzori Region and the sensitisation of the Banyabuhweju to potatoes, cassava, soya beans, ginger, Rift Valley attributes afford the district appreciate that is this uniqueness that sunflower, tea, fruits and vegetables. unique climate, relief and vegetation. makes Buhweju tick!!! Mining (mainly gold), dairy farming As a result, the district experiences high and piggery were also practiced. With amounts of rainfall and temperatures 24 The magazine that propels the Banyabuhweju to realise their potential to get out of poverty

THE TALE OF PARTY POLITICS IN BUHWEJU: A perspective from the Neighbours

Buhweju was aptly described in 1964 by J.C Doornkamp as the most backward, primitive and underdeveloped area in the entire Ankole region but with a wide range of natural resources and fertile soils. Nevertheless, party politics in Buhweju was no different from what was in the rest of the country in post-independence era. There were two significant political parties that had an impact in Buhweju: Democratic Party (DP) and Uganda People’s Congress (UPC). However, they were largely associated to religious affiliation. The NRM politics removed this By Muhoozi Joseph primitive ideology in Buhweju although an insignificant number of a few semi-elite Sekasamba reactionaries still try to inject this venom of sectarianism without any success.

This practice of political discrimination election. Buhweju has an Independent there appointed a minister or Resident prevailed for decades until 1986 when District Councillor representing Bitsya District Commissioner. However, this NRM government came to power with sub county. The leaders in Buhweju changed in October 2013 when His broad- based values of inclusiveness. have a responsibility of effectively Excellency President Yoweri Museveni For the first time, religion and tribe manage these internal politics within promised and eventually appointed were no longer the basis of any person the party in order to unite the people, a Special Presidential Assistant in benefiting from service delivery. As a sensitise them to live above divisive Charge of Buhweju Affairs. It is also the result, the NRM party was embraced politics and rally them behind the cause first time under the NRM regime that in Buhweju where it has been scoring of development of their area. Buhweju has hosted a national event. more than 90% in all general elections. These are landmarks in the history of Of political significance also is the fact Buhweju. However incidents of malpractices and that Bisya in particular, and Buhweju the consequent disgruntlement during in general despite its key contribution Long Live H.E. Y.K. Museveni the NRM Primaries in 2013 brought to the NRA struggle for freedom had some cracks as some NRM candidates not adequately benefited from political Long Live Uganda threatened to or stood as Independents appointments under the NRM regime. Long Live Buhweju during both local council and general Buhweju had not had a person from This status prevailed for decades until 1986 when NRM government came to power with broad- based values of inclusiveness. For the first time, religion and tribe were no longer the basis of any person benefiting from service delivery. The magazine that propels the Banyabuhweju to realise their potential to get out of poverty 25

GETTING THINGS DONE: PRIORITIES AND STRATEGIES FOR BUHWEJU’S ELEVATION

By Alison Ayetoranire Buhweju has been sidelined for far too long. Now that the President has Byamukama personally brought attention to its plight and with it hope for a brighter future, priorities and strategies need to be made. In line with the NRM Manifesto 2011-2016 and the current socio-economic situation in Buhweju district, government should enable the district to address the following in order to elevate itself from isolation to catch up with the rest of the world.

1. Developing a sustainable and settle elsewhere. While this is an the Shs 8 billion budget that the district infrastructure easy option for many, it is not politically announced for the FY 2013/2014, only It is highly probable that all the problems correct because those who remain (and 1% is supposed to be financed using the of Buhweju stem from the poor infra- they are the majority) feel marginalised local revenue. This is an indicating that structure. Even with J.C Doornkamp’s and isolated. Government should focus there is nothing to tax in Buhweju, the 1964 description and analysis of Buhwe- on some feeder roads, government roads existence of gold and cash crops such tea ju’s isolation, 50 years later in 2012, The and expansion of the electricity coverage. and coffee notwithstanding. Uganda District Information Handbook 2. Increasing income generation The people therefore would be better by Fountain Publishers summarised the opportunities for the poor in off introducing quick income generating unchanged situation of Buhweju when Buhweju activities as well as being organised it stated that “The district (Buhweju) has to be more commercially oriented a poor network of feeder-roads owing to The people in Buhweju earn their meagre than they currently are. They need its mountainous terrain. Some parts of the income from food crops, cash crops, to be encouraged to form groups and district are inaccessible and it gets worse fruit growing and dairy Farming. Apart associations to undertake activities such during rainy season”. The district is linked from tea which is grown commercially as rearing goats, chicken, pigs or zero to Mbarara and Bushenyi district by (poorly in predominantly Burere and Nyakishana grazing cows. The district could be zoned constructed) murram roads and public sub countries, most of the crops grown into different production areas based on transport to the district is problematic and is are largely for subsistence. The bananas comparative advantage. In addition, to mainly by pick-up trucks or tippers”. grown are usually bought at cheaper prices compared to other districts follow President Museveni’s guidance Inter-village, inter-sub-county and inter- because of inaccessibility. Peasants to veterans where a 7 acre land can be district road connectivity in Buhweju hardly earn sustainable income from the apportioned into 4 acres for tea, 1 for is cumbersome and expensive to most bananas, millet, peas and beans that they coffee, 1 for apple and bananas and 1 for people within and outside Buhweju grow. elephant grass for dairy farming. which makes business more difficult and The parts that are able and conducive expensive; hence unprofitable. Most of The gold deposits in Buhweju have not to grow trees, tea and coffee could be those who are educated find the district been fully exploited to the benefit of the availed with seedlings and extension unattractive and prefer to move out locals or the local administration. Out of 26 The magazine that propels the Banyabuhweju to realise their potential to get out of poverty

services through NAADs. There is 4. Enhancing accessibility, affordability and availability of health services in need to promote one zero grazing cow Buhweju (Frisian) per family to encourage milk Buhweju has few cases of malaria as the weather is too cold for the (anopheles) processing plants and extend electricity mosquito to survive. However, the speed at which the swamps are being degraded for to Bisya and Bihanga for Gold processing farming and mining could reverse this advantage. The tendency to regard some new industry; market the tourism potential diseases as “ebyomumaka” meaning that they are curses or it is a result of witchcraft of Buhweju in conjunction with the has also affected the willingness of the people to seek medical attention. Buhweju is not Uganda Tourism Board; and introduce free from the challenge of HIV/AIDS. Buhweju has 1 health centre IV (government); 5 bank services. Community barazas for health centres III (4 government and 1 NGO) and 7 health centre II (6 government and 1 experience sharing, learning and possible NGO). However, it is notably sad that there is no single government doctor in the entire establishment of common grounds district. The state of the art private Hopital - Tumu Hospital located in Karungu sub in addressing common challenges county runs on generators which makes its services very expensive for the Buhweju and promoting social accountability predominantly peasant community to afford. among the local communities can be encouraged. There is need to get a doctor and sustain him/her in the district by making the station more attractive through improving the roads, providing electricity, staff houses and 3. Raising education standards in adequate medical equipment for use. More effort is needed to improve the medical Buhweju infrastructure for medical officers and monitor the availability of the drugs in the Buhweju has 73 primary schools (53 hospitals. There is need to monitor drug stocks in hospitals as distributed by NMS are government owned, 15 private 5 and for government to extend electricity to Tumu Hospital so as to reduce the cost of community) with 24,055 children and treatment. 522 teachers. This means that there are 46 pupils per teacher on average. However, it is also reported that “available furniture is adequate for only 15,969 pupils”. There are only four secondary schools, three of which are government owned and one is private. Secondary school enrolment in Buhweju is at 1684 (907 male and 777 female), and there are only 83 teachers (only 13 female) while the teacher student ratio is 1:20. The dropout rate is high with more girls quitting as they progress to secondary level. Primary education should be made more attractive and ensure that children who go to school remain ntil they achieve useful knowledge and skills. Primary and secondary schools should be enabled to provide computer education. This Buhweju - Tumu Hospital opening in 2011 is both an opportunity to get children to learn and an incentive to keep 5. Accessibility, affordability and availability of water in Buhweju children in school. This would require power, particularly solar power and Buhweju has one of the cleanest water sources in Uganda characterised by small efficient telephone network for internet rivers and springs. Gravity water from Buhweju has also been connected to other connectivity. Government, partners and neighbouring districts like Ibanda and Kashari yet most Banyabuhweju cannot access friends of Buhweju should be encouraged clean water. Fetching water remains the occupation of women and children. In addition to equip the schools. where gravity water exists and government has been able to provide it, peasants still have to pay a nominal fee which they are reluctant to do. It is not that they do not have At least one girls’ secondly school should the money (because they drink alcohol everyday) but they do not care. be established in Buhweju and at least one fully operational and functional Sensitisation of communities on citizens’ responsibilities and obligation in water technical/tertiary school to provide maintenance and other government programmes is necessary. There is need to extend practical skills to the many youth that the gravity water network to increase coverage; encourage rain water tapping; and are generally unemployed. Encouraging attract investment in provision of water as well as bottling it. and promoting sports in schools is 6. Improving access to information and accountability systems equally important because it keeps the children fit and promote good health. The Information is power. People are poor not because they are lazy but because they Ministry of Education, Buhweju district have no information about available opportunities for prosperity. Communities local government and all the stakeholders remain underdeveloped not because government deliberately decides to leave them should join hands to promote sports in behind but because at times leaders are averse to accountability and ignore the schools across all levels. people’s involvement, participation and information. Consequently, priorities to trigger development are set upside down. The magazine that propels the Banyabuhweju to realise their potential to get out of poverty 27

Leaders are obliged to provide adequate industry, reconstruction of the cultural heritage of Buhweju and promotion of music, information and ensure accountability. dance, and drama. Regular Barazas where the leaders interact with the community to update 8. Environmental restoration in Buhweju them on development programmes Owing to increased population, pressure has come to bear on the swamps, forests, should be introduced. The population and the rivers compared to the way they were described by J.C Doornkamp in 1964. should be empowered to demand their Many have already disappeared. Restoration of swamps and forests is the major way rights and accountability. There is need to mitigate the effects of climate change in Buhweju. More trees must be planted and to lobby both local and international this necessitates providing seedlings to community members and sensitising them investors in telecommunications to about the importance of trees. The district should work with NEMA and other relevant expand the network coverage all over authorities to rehabilitate swamps and empower the people to better their lives without Buhweju. There is need to establish a destroying the environment radio station for Buhweju to enhance the information reach on all issues pertaining to its development. 7. Promoting the Tourism Sector Buhweju is endowed with beautiful hills and well curved plateaus which provide an opportunity for climbing and sightseeing. Mukaz’anyara streams/ Gold mining in falls in Bihanga and other small streams Buhweju using coupled with very good weather provide rudimentary opportunities for tourism. The district methods has no hotels thus visitors have to find accommodation in Mbarara, Ibanda or Bushenyi. All Banyabuhweju, friends of Buhweju and well wishers should encourage investment in tourism in the district by marketing its potential. Priority areas include investment in the hotel 28 The magazine that propels the Banyabuhweju to realise their potential to get out of poverty

Buhweju is rising and will shine The people share their thoughts on the Buhweju they want to see in the near future

PETER MUGISHA Buhweju is enriched with natural In 10 years time, Buhweju should be a - Resident District Commissioner, resources like gold, forests, fertile model district in the whole of Ankole Buhweju District soils, etc and foreigners like Chinese, region. It should be exemplary in Senegalise and Indians come to economic progress, positive political tap these resources when they are activity, a centre for tourism and a hub not authorized and licenced by for industrial development. Government. When properly regulated, such resources would fetch a lot of On the economic front, in particular, revenue for both the district and central production of tea, we are focusing on government. excelling in both quality and quantity. Using the current benchmarks, the The President promised to give the first production from Buhweju factory district another tea factory. Once this is in 2011, fetched the highest price in in place, Buhweju will be economically East Africa of US$3.08 per kg. It was liberated. Currently, Buhweju tea has only rivalled by the best of Rwanda comparative advantage over Igara tea and Kenya tea. Currently, during the where the former fetches US$ 2 per world tea market slump, Buhweju is The people of Buhweju used to be kg and the latter US $1.4 per kg. And able to fetch US $2.02 per kg. This is adamant towards development as a result Igara gets some tea from unmatched by any other tea producer initiatives. They used to think that Buhweju to mix with theirs to improve in Uganda. their brand. nothing much could be done. They have Politically, we are looking towards now realized that things have changed Finally, the people are hard working mature politics of non sectarianism; for the better. By 2020, Buhweju will be and willing to learn. Most importantly, fighting corruption; tolerance and a different place because it has potential they are very good supporters of the reconciliation whereby the victors and the people are determined to work. NRM Government all of which are will be highly accommodative of the They have now embraced Government prerequisites for development. The only vanquished. This will help Buhweju to development Programmes such as challenge they have is lack of exposure pool the ideas of all the political players NAADS and others. The only problem and adequate information towards its development goals. is that Buhweju has been little known and many people until recently did not Buhweju is endowed with beautiful recognise its potential. This has been EPHRAIM BIRARO, scenery at a very high altitude. It also partly because of its terrain and poor Member of Parliament, Buhweju has good weather and enjoys the road network. most commanding view of the greater Ankole and Tooro regions. Buhweju has All that is needed is a road from got various rivers with good waterfalls, Bwizibwera-Nsiika-Bihanga-via several animals and bird species, Katerera, Kyambura. Once this road is ancient caves and Bachwezi sites. All constructed, it will provide an access these are still almost undiscovered in route to tourists from Queen Elizabeth the world of tourism! National Park to Buhweju. There is need to develop and publicise tourisms sites Regarding industrial development, such as waterfalls, Kasyota-Kitomi Buhweju grows with ease all the forests with the special tree species, African food crops e.g. citrus fruits, wild animals like elephants, lions, vegetables, millet, sorghum, wheat, leopards and mountain gorillas. The magazine that propels the Banyabuhweju to realise their potential to get out of poverty 29

coffee and tea. All these can facilitate EVARISTO BAKEIJA, to overpopulation, environmental premium industrial operations for the NRM Chairman Buhweju District degradation, poor sanitation etc. This benefit of all Ugandans. Buhweju is also will therefore require a well-established endowed with minerals such as gold, health system that would be more tin and kaolin. If these minerals are accessible, affordable, acceptable and well managed; with good indigenous with better quality levels. support and timely international interventions, Buhweju would become a Because of improved social services model district. I appeal for everybody’s such as the road network, the number support of people leaving Buhweju has greatly reduced and instead more people have HON. OLIVER KATWESIGYE now concentrated on promoting and KOYEKYENGA (woman Member developing their district. of Parliament, Buhweju District) I call upon all Banyabuhweju to join hands and work together to develop our district In 1986 the population of Buhweju was less than 30,000 people but within MZEE BAMUYAAGA, 30 years it has grown to more than District NRM Vice Chairman 100,000 and by 2040 it would have grown further and this will definitely necessitate more social services.

There will also be more educated people considering the enrolment rate at the moment. This means, there will be need for more jobs.

The trends of politics will also change. I must say Buhweju is on the right There will be more, young and dynamic track and everyone is enthusiastic people to participate in politics; lead that our area will get better. I would Buhweju and take it a step further. like to see more youth attaining above S.6 education level; patriotic leaders Regarding development, I hope who love and work for their area; rich Buhweju will be having not less than The Buhweju I dream of is a district with residents who come back and invest in four tea factories. Juice, water and highly trained, motivated, sufficient Buhweju; as well as good tarmac and other industries will also be in place. and a work force capable of delivering murram roads. In the health sector, I This means, there will be improved high level services. The Buhweju that desire a Buhweju with a modern well- household incomes and a higher would make its residents more proud functioning referral district hospital standard of living. is the one with good roads, with more alongside other Health Centre IVs educated people, with good and like Nsiika Health Centre IV. I would Participation of our youth in security transparent leaders, with a hospital also love to see more villages covered forces such as police and the army alongside other health centre IVs, with with hydro-electric power which will will have improved unlike in the past many qualified doctors, where a bigger facilitate the emergence of small, when they never had interest in joining. percentage of pregnant mothers seek medium and large scale industries But with continued sensitisation and and get antenatal care and with many that will among other benefits provide exposure more youths have picked tea factories. The Nsiika HC IV should employment to scores of people. interest and many graduates have since be upgraded to a district hospital and applied to join the Uganda Police Force. doctors recruited there. All this is possible considering the level of cooperation today among the With the coming of many other One of the places that should have a leaders. However, all people of Buhweju religions such as Islam, Seventh day tea factory is Kanuka Trading centre must work hard to make it a better and Pentecostal churches, people have in Nyakishana Sub County. The place become more enlightened and have presidential initiative of Operational also benefited from other services wealth creation should be carried on to such as schools, hospitals that are replace the NAADS programme. The established by churches. electricity line should be extended to all sub counties in the district so as to With increased population and enable growth of small scale industries. commercialisation, there will be Women should be encouraged to join more diseases both old and new due SACCOS to support and improve their 30 The magazine that propels the Banyabuhweju to realise their potential to get out of poverty

household incomes and agricultural The current economic and social status Karungu and Burere where people go inputs should be subsidised so that the of the people of Buhweju is attributed for days without water for bathing farmers can benefit more. Efforts must to its historical set up. Buhweju never and washing. In addition, there is too be made to reduce the pupil-teacher got near any sources of power. Even much timber that comes from Buhweju ratio from 68:1 6o 45:1 and to appoint when UPC was in power, Buhweju was and is sold in other districts untaxed. qualified teachers for Primary and isolated and forgotten under greater Unfortunately, there is no District Secondary schools in order to improve Bushenyi. This explains why, the district Forest Officer in the district to follow up school performance is at is today. such cases.

MARY BASHONGOKA; It is because of this kind of isolation and I am however optimistic that with The Buhweju District maginalisation, that Buhweju became a improved agriculture and a good Council Speaker very fertile ground for the recruitment road network, there will be profitable and training of NRA guellilars under trade and the household incomes will the watchful eyes of Bushenyi! improve. This will enable parents to pay Other conditions however include fees for their children and people will overwhelming support by civilians, be able to access the available health availability of adequate food and clean services water, and absence of diseases such as malaria, good water and low population. INNOCENT RUGYERO, Managing It was again because of such levels of Director Block Technical Services, isolation that Buhweju had only one Head Laity Butare Parish Secondry school and that is Butare Senior Secondry School that stopped at Ordinary level. Those who would complete their O levels at Butare would I would like to see a number of things stop there and a few of them would change in our beautiful district. I would proceed to Ibanda Teachers’ training like to see the main roads in Buhweju College. On a sad note, the very few tarmacked to ease transport of people that would make it to the University and goods. One of those roads is the level, would migrate to the nearby then Nsiika-Bihanga- Bunyaruguru to Kasese sub counties such as Ibanda, Rubindi, road which can bring great opportunities Bwizibwera, Kashari,e.t.c a factor that for the people of Buhweju. I would love contributed to a high level of brain to see Buhweju completely covered drain in the district. As we speak now, by telecommunication network, with the number of migrants from Buhweju good hotels and other facilities that surpuses the number of those who Buhweju has been backward since can promote tourism. I also want to persisted the bad conditions and colonial times. People did not care see every home in Buhweju owning at stayed. to educate their children and most least an acre of tea or coffee for income especially girls. And after independence Buhweju is a food basket for the generation. All this can be achieved it remained colonised by greater neighboring districts of Bushenyi, if the residents of Buhweju and the Bushenyi. The people of Buhweju used Ibanda, Kashari, Kashongi, etc because leaders continue to work together with to pay taxes which would instead of her fertile soils. A number of food one goal develop Bushenyi at the expense of crops such as peas, irish, millet, beans Buhweju. Since 2010 when Buhweju are grown there. However, due to poor MICAH REUBEN RWAHEIGURU, attained district status so many things roads, farmers are given very low prices District Internal Security Officer, started to happen. Services are now for their produce. The seasonal outputs Buhweju closer to the people and teachers no are much less than the inputs. This lack longer have to travel to Bushenyi to of break even business has kept farmers meet the District Education Officer. in Buhweju at low income levels. This also explains why majority of the people The road net work has improved and in this district are poor. some roads have now opened up. This has enabled people to sell their Buhweju is one district that is endowed goods and commodities at reasonable with clean natural gravity water and prices in the neighbouring districts. other resources like forests. The district At this rate, the standards of living of supplies water to Ibanda, Rubindi, our people will improve and they will Bwizibwera, Igara while there is limited be able to send their children to good supply of water in Buhweju. Surprisingly, schools. We have seen electricity in there are places in Rwengwe, Bisya, some parts of Buhweju and we have The magazine that propels the Banyabuhweju to realise their potential to get out of poverty 31

also seen small industries come up FERDINAND TAYEBWA A Buhweju with the main roads such as those for windows and doors KANYANKORE, from Nyakaziba, tarmacked, wider electricity coverage, fabrications, mechanics, saloons, etc. Bihanga, a businessman in many homes accessing clean water Mbarara nearby and a bigger good hospital is In the past, so many people used to what I want and what I dream of. With migrate a lot to other districts where good tarmacked roads the produce of services were better and accessible. Buhweju will get good markets in the This led to human resource drain. It neighbouring areas of Ibanda, Mbarara has also slowed down development and Buyaruguru which are hard to reach because potential sons and daughters today due to poor roads. If government of Buhweju have invested in other helps to tarmarck the Kabwohe-Nsiika- districts such as Kiruhura, Isingiro, Bihanga road, the Nsiika-Burere- Ibanda, Kashari, Bushenyi and Mbarara. Nyakashaka road and the Nsiika- Today however, the trend has changed Karungu to Ibanda road, this can be a where banyabuhweju have now started positive step towards making the lives investing at home. of the Buhweju people better. We also In the next 10 years, I see Buhweju at need hydro-electric power covering more areas in order to facilitate the the same level with other districts or My main dream is improvement in the even better because it is rich in terms emergence of industries and to improve education and physical infrastructure the standards of living of minerals and fertile soils. I also see such as roads. I wish to see many more graduates coming up, a growing Banyabuhweju highly educated. number of industries and booming This however can only change if the trade parents change their attitude towards education. We also need to increase the MUHUMUZA BEN from Kasambya number of secondary and vocational Bihanga, a businessman in Mbarara schools in Buhweju where our sons, daughters, brothers and sisters can get high quality education. I wish every sub county could have one government aided secondary and a vocational school.

I also dream for this area in terms of income generation, roads and health. I would love to see the farmers of Buhweju adopt mechanised agriculture as opposed to the current subsistence farming method. This will enable them to get a lot of money from their agricultural projects. I also wish to see our roads improved and a big hospital I would like to see great improvement with good equipment and qualified in the road network of Buhweju to medical personnel built facilitate the work of business people like me. This will link Buhweju to the FRANK MUKAMA RUBISI from outside world. One significant road is Kyeyare, Rwengwe, a businessman that one from Nsiika to Bunyaruguru in Mbarara through Bihanga as well as the one connecting to Ibanda through Omukarembe. I have a dream of a brighter economic era for the people of Buhweju. I would love to see the people of Buhweju earn more money from coffee, tea and gold mining. Our people should be rich like other people in the neighbouring Shema district

A Gold Dealer 32 The magazine that propels the Banyabuhweju to realise their potential to get out of poverty

Buhweju residents complain about a road contractor to their then MP. Hon. Joy Kariisa (deceased) in 2011

FUSING MILITARY WITH DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES FOR BUHWEJU: SIX PRE-CONDITIONS FOR TAKE OFF

By Nathan Mwesigye Byamukama Every war, struggle or conflict is won not by individuals alone but by the strategies they use. For the last 28 years we have been sensitised to the NRA method or strategy of warfare that gave it victory in only five years where other rebels have either spent decades to win, not won at all or were actually flatly defeated. What is it then, that a neglected and isolated district like Buhweju can borrow from the NRA winning strategy to be able to take off?

There is no contradiction in fusing (i) Clarity of mind: Generals cannot miss the mark”. In the case of military strategy with politics because effectively fight wars unless they development for Buhweju, it is now after all the father of Western military have identified their enemies. clearer what the problems are but strategy, Carl Von Clausewitz had When the enemies are clearly the district leadership will need taught that war was a continuation of identified then one can declare to narrow them down to avoid politics by other means. But now that war openly or covertly. While being scattered and overstretched war ended, we better reflect and see writing on war, Robert Greene without impact. The real enemy development from our perspective, had indicated that “a mind that is of Buhweju is “lack of access” informed by Buhweju’s realities. In our easily overwhelmed by emotions, meaning specifically absence of situation, we must run where others that is rooted in the past instead road infrastructure. In this regard, walk in order to catch up with the rest of the present, that cannot see the all necessary manoeuvres, tactics, of the districts. Below I offer a few world with clarity and urgency, will and logistics put at the disposal of preconditions: create strategies that will always a war general on the frontline must The magazine that propels the Banyabuhweju to realise their potential to get out of poverty 33

therefore be availed to politicians united. In Buhweju, it can be disheartening to find that a team that worked and bureaucrats in Buhweju to together to get a district status is now divided over small issues. It will take the tackle the enemy. leadership of Buhweju that will be motivated by Carl Von Clausewitz’s sense of cohesion in battle, with “the army rallying around one flag carried into battle (ii) Perfect economy: Scarce at a personal command of one general.” We cannot therefore be able to get resources do not necessarily mean Buhweju from the current state of underdevelopment when all sorts of small that a war or struggle cannot be ‘kings’ are pulling in different directions as if there is no leadership in place. won. After all the NRA started Those in leadership must demonstrate that they have the will and the capacity with only 27 guns and defeated a to lead while at the same time they refuse to be distracted from their vision by well equipped army. Therefore, it either negative individuals or by the irrationality of group thinking. is not what you have that gives you victory but how you innovatively (v) Let practice inform theory: Amilcah Cabral once said that every practice must use what you have. We therefore be informed by theory. This has exceptions. If commanders fought according expect the leadership in Buhweju to the rules and strategies of Napoleon, Chairman Mao etc in all situations, to put to good and productive use they would fail. Ulysees Grant (1822-85) wrote “... I do not underrate the value whatever little they get from the of military knowledge but if men make war in slavish observance to rules, they Government. However military will fail... war is progressive”. If it is appreciated that war, like development, is strategists warned about not progressive then we must allow our mind to be flexible enough to even operate mistaking cheapness with perfect outside the set rules and theory of war or development. Grant observed that economy because some armies “ Great strategists do not act according to preconceived ideas. They respond have failed by spending too little to the moment like children. Their minds are always moving and they are or by spending too much. They always excited and curious”. Abraham Lincoln had told us that “my policy is need not hoard or become stingy to have no policy”. In the situation of Buhweju the minds of the leadership but find the “golden mean” where should move away from the mentality of ‘the usual business’. The leaders have blows count but do not wear one to snap from the past practices and deal with new realities in Buhweju using out. the available resources to achieve intended objectives. Case in point being the rocks in Buhweju which have been a hindrance to infrastructural development. (iii) Leading from the front: In battles, when soldiers see their commanders in trenches, making sacrifice for cause, the rank and file feel motivated and morale is high, hence the desire to emulate and please their commanders. It is important to remember that a motivated army does wonders and can make up for any lack of material resources. There are many ways of creating this morale in our Buhweju setting. Our district leaders, borrowing from the teachings of Field Marshal Erwin Rommel, will have to “create some sort of a legend” around themselves or else demonstrate to the led that they care for them and are not merely thinking of their own comfort. Therefore the people should be invited by Stone-made Roads in Burundi. the leaders to be at construction works for a road, school, borehole (vi) Keeping communication alive - All commanders must communicate or else etc. Also ensure that what is they lose command and control of their forces, which can be disastrous. If the done together is visible within the leadership of Buhweju wants success, they have to keep in constant touch available means. Fronting money with the people, reporting on progress and challenges as well as seeking their that is not available demeans our views on the way forward. It is amazing how much leaders can benefit from population and is not sustainable. the wise counsel of the local populace. They have been asking for telephone (iv) Preserving unit of command: networks and a radio, and district leaders must listen to their needs and provide Commanders win battles because solutions they have selected the right team of foot soldiers that remains 34 The magazine that propels the Banyabuhweju to realise their potential to get out of poverty

SEEDS OF GOLD- APPLE GROWING IN BUHWEJU Apples are wonderful fruits that grow very well in Buhweju, and this has been a new development over the past few years. I ventured into growing apples three years ago and have since not regretted. My Apple gardens are on the hilltop of Kyamujuni,Rwengwe subcounty, on approximately four acres;and this is only the beginning. I enjoy growing apples and I started it like a hobby but it now brings me a lot of income.

By Hope Banga

Apples are very delicious and nutritious fruits that we all thought could grow Apples are low in only in areas with temperate and calories; contain Mediterranean climates. Apples have mostly been imported in Uganda at no saturated fats exorbitant prices. Buhweju is among or cholesterol. the few districts that have in the recent years been growing apples though little Nonetheless, the fruit is known about this. Almost all the is rich in dietary apples grown in Buhweju are locally consumed since external marketing is fiber, and helps in constrained by very poor road network. the absorption of bad Nutritional Value cholesterol in the Apples are delicious and crunchy, digestive system. packed with phyto-nutrients that are indispensable for optimum health. They about 400-600 fruits from one tree are Popular fruits, favorite of health from a single harvest which is usually conscious, fitness lovers who believe twice a year. Each fruit can be sold in the concept “health is wealth.” The between 500-1500/= depending on antioxidants in apples have much health the location of the market and the promoting and disease prevention weight of the fruit. So on a good harvest properties; thus truly justifying the one can earn up to 750, 000/= from adage, “an apple a day keeps the doctor one tree. away.” Apples contain good quantities of vit C, B-complex, and small amounts I was inspired by Mr. Tayebwa of other mineral components that The fiber also saves the colon mucous Emmanuel the LC 111 Nsiika, Mr are essential for normal growth, membrane from exposure to toxic Marungi who is a seasoned Apple development and overall wellbeing. substances including cancer-causing grower in Karungu sub county. Am chemicals. grateful for their resourcefulness and Apples are low in calories; contain support in this project. We now work no saturated fats or cholesterol. Economic value together to develop this great economic Nonetheless, the fruit is rich in dietary activity in our area. fiber, and helps in the absorption of Apples are expensive fruits to buy and bad cholesterol in the digestive system. growing them requires some level of My appeal to banyabuhweju is to tendering. They have a lot of yield if grow apples to take advantage of their looked after very well. One can harvest economic and nutritional benefits The magazine that propels the Banyabuhweju to realise their potential to get out of poverty 35

SOCIAL TRANSFORMATION THROUGH TEA GROWING IN BURERE SUB-COUNTY

Time check: 7.30 pm at Mr. Mutungi’s residence in Burere sub county, Buhweju district. The host’s conversation with some of his guests is interrupted by the call from the master of ceremonies for everyone’s attention to the three-tier, house-shaped cake. The cake is a symbol of the host’s newly completed, self By Disan Tumusiime contained six bed room house. Complete with glass windows / doors and a solar installation, the house is the fruit of Mr. Mutungi’s hard work, thanks to his two acres of tea plantation that guarantees him income every month.

Mr. Mutungi’s testimony is not isolated. now have a factory that we can call our to complement the residents’ efforts Many residents of Burere sub-county own,” he says, adding, “as a result of the which can only go so far. are on cloud nine thanks to the wonders factory being in our midst, a kilo of green As with the general situation in Buhweju tea plantations are making in their lives. leaf has risen from Uganda shillings district which on account of being a For a steady 50 years now, save for the 230/= to Uganda shillings 500/=, and mountainous area with people living period of economic turmoil, tea growing prospects are evident of further increase on the slopes, suffers from inadequate has turned around the fortunes of Burere in the farmers’ reward. access to water, which is nearly always residents. Since the crop first took root Mr. Mutungi’s optimism is re-echoed by in the valleys. The situation is even worse in the hilly sub county’s fertile volcanic the factory manager, Mr. Namanya who for trading centers where the water soils in 1963, Burere has never been the confirmed the cost of a kilo of green leaf. consumption is high. At the moment same again. It has transformed the small The leaf can be harvested every day, one jerry can of water costs UGX 1,000 holder cultivators from the “wretched all year round. He adds: “This outlook in Nyakashaka Trading Center which is of the earth” to progressive farmers clearly vouches that the president’s exorbitant. A plan had been hatched assured of Shs. 15,000 daily, at the conviction that a four acre household to pump water from Nyakitoko village minimum. can generate twenty million Uganda to the highest hill in the area and then The recently commissioned farmers’ shillings per year is not just wishful circulate it around the county by gravity. factory at Nyakashaka Trading Center thinking”. The total cash receipts for The drilling was done. The water was has been the icing on the cake, thanks Burere sub-county’s tea proceeds is Shs. found. However, the project stalled. to the NRM government’s support. 400m per month. Therefore this project should be revived Through its agriculture modernisation for the people to be greatly relieved. But not all is rosy though. The difficult policy and programmes such as transport and the cumbersome access to The challenges notwithstanding, a wind NAADS, the NRM government has been water sometimes frustrate this success of prosperity is blowing across Burere the light at the end of the tunnel. The story. The feeder road from Bushenyi Sub - County. The impetus of this wind is factory has improved the efficiency and Municipality, through which the product the commercialization of agriculture, in effectiveness of processing the green accesses the highway, is in a bad state of particular, the boom in tea production - leaf into a ready to consume product. disrepair. Some sections of the road are thanks to the peace and stability ushered The costs cut on transportation to Igara unmotorable, especially during the rainy by the NRM government into this once- and the attendant human resource season. This affects the timely delivery marginalised part of Uganda. Now, with exigencies have lead to a rise in the of tea. The residents’ connection to the recent inauguration of the people’s farmers’ reward. the highway and urban centers is also own tea factory social transformation Mr. Mutungi expresses his gratitude to heavily compromised and this in turn in Burere Sub County is inevitable in the government for supporting construction affects the quality of their lives. There is foreseeable future of the factory. “I am happy that we urgent need for government intervention 36 The magazine that propels the Banyabuhweju to realise their potential to get out of poverty

WITH TEA GROWING, BUHWEJU CANNOT GO WRONG

As a child growing up in Buhweju, I found my father who is now in his early 70s growing tea. It has also now become a family tradition that we the children, despite the busy work schedules and education levels attained, we By Arthur Babu Muguzi, still value the growing of tea as serious business. Chairman, Igara / Buhweju Tea Factories

With tea growing the people of of processed tea. On a weekly basis, Buhweju are assured of a monthly the Buhweju farmers as a group earn an income from the green leaf sold to average of $150,000 from the Active their own managed factory. Tea is market. Out of these earnings 60% beneficial especially if one grows it on goes directly to the farmer. The price of land averaging 4 acres. Tea growing green leaf tea per Kgs is now 530 Ug For this reason, the has become even more lucrative after shs up from 200 shs five years ago and capacity of the current the NRM Government supported the it increases annually. Currently, despite factory which is at 43,000 setting up of a factory at Burere worth all the challenges, Buhweju farmers get shs 20bn. Government contributed to a much better price compared to other kgs intake per day will the civil works worth 6.5bn. So far the farmers. soon to be increased to number of people growing tea today in For this reason, the capacity of the 70,000kgs per day as it Buhweju has reached 2824 from 800 current factory which is at 43,000 in 1995 and 43 in 1964 and directly grows to match the leaf kgs intake per day will soon to be employs 8472 farmers. The area increased to 70,000kgs per day as produced by farmers, under cultivation was 556 hectares in it grows to match the leaf produced currently at an average 1995 but has expanded to over 24 60 by farmers, currently at an average of hectares. Production has increased from of 100,000kgs per day. 100,000kgs per day. This is also set 2.3 million kgs in 1998 to 10.7million kg to increase with new high yield, fast of leaf in 2013 and is expected to rise maturing plantlets (30 millions) which Despite the challenges of the poor road further with the maturity of new clones. have been distributed and planted. network, the ever increasing costs of Ever since, the Buhweju factory started This was a pledge from His Excellency fertilizers and herbicides, tea remains processing tea the feedback from the the that has been a highly lucrative crop that can provide Auction in Mombasa, indicates that out delivered on. employment and alleviate poverty in of the 30 factories in Uganda, Buhweju Buhweju tea is either number 1 or 2 since Jan 2013 with an average price of $ 2.5 kg The magazine that propels the Banyabuhweju to realise their potential to get out of poverty 37

was “friendly” and participation was paramount. Currently sports have become very competitive, with professional management and involving big monies. Sports have become a real industry with owners, managers and producers. Buhweju district can take advantage of this model to enhance development of the district with particular focus on the youth who can take up sports aiming at excelling and thus accessing the elite professional ranks who are paid handsomely. Needless to say, such sportsmen and sportswomen would project the name of Buhweju district beyond its borders. Buhweju is above 2000m above sea level. This altitude makes the district ideal for endurance sports such as athletics (especially long and middle distance), football, basketball, and baseball. The district has potential for other sports options such as rock climbing, up sailing, camping, mountain biking, all of which promote tourism. The target for Buhweju district should be to tap talent, develop and export it. The talented sportsmen and women would find employment through competitive sports in many of the clubs around the world. Such talent should not be buried in Buhweju considering that the local population would not have sufficient resources to support it. Talent across the board can easily be tapped using the existing school system. A well organized district sports competition for both primary and secondary levels that feeds into the national sports competition program would be a prerequisite. A secondary school could be identified as a sports school. This would need a competent head teacher who is also interested in sports. The school should have land to allow for development of sports facilities. A scholarship programme should also be put in place for talented young sportsmen and PROVIDING women who may not have sufficient funding. There would also be need to develop a club/company to EMPLOYMENT coordinate the sports development programme. The club would be charged with recruiting competent coaches for each IN BUHWEJU of the sports disciplines, managing and administering the athletes, managing transfers (sales) and establishing linkages THROUGH with other clubs. The district will need to take particular/ focused interest in the programme and support the structures. SPORTS A recognition programme should be put in place. By Dan Tamwesigire, Rtd. Sports can go a long way in providing employment for our Commissioner Ministry people especially the talented youth. There is also great of Education and Sports potential for secondary benefits in form of managers, coaches and those working in the sports industry. The sports Globally, the sports industry takes the lead in programme would have other benefits in terms of preventing entertainment closely followed by music. Sport the youth from engaging in life threatening activities such is well known for its ability to enhance physical as alcohol and drug abuse. The programme could also be replicated in other districts thus making Uganda a sporting and motor skills, promote general health and well nation being, as well as social integration among others.

The sports industry also indirectly supports others such as construction, equipment and attire manufacturing, tourism, Globally, the sports advertising and agriculture. In nation building, sport is well industry takes the lead in known to promote national pride, nationalism and patriotism. entertainment closely followed Relevance of sports trends to Buhweju District In yester years, and in line with the Olympic ideals, sports by music. were played purely on recreation grounds. Competition 38 The magazine that propels the Banyabuhweju to realise their potential to get out of poverty

FROM THE MOUNTAINS OF BUHWEJU TO INVESTOR IN HEALTHY GROWING AND FEEDING I hail from Sheema North district, though I have very strong roots in Buhweju. My mother was born and raised in Katara Karungu Sub County and worked By Jane Baine, briefly in Nsiika as a nurse Proprietor Sleek & Slender

This is when I had a stint in Buhweju. hours in offices and where they no their children– both boys and girls to I briefly went to Kanshembe Primary longer climb hills, I found it inevitable school. Banyabuhweju need to work School where we used to walk to to establish a health facility that could hard and carry out income generating school on a bad terrain. I used to see enable women keep the balance both activities. Nobody will develop women climbing hills going to dig, physically and psychologically. That is Buhweju apart from Banyabuhweju, fetch firewood and some carrying why I named it ‘Sleek and Slender’. after all ‘God helps those who help jerrycans of water while carrying themselves’! children on their backs. I married Mr. Gregory Baine son of late Lazaro and Eugine Hokukirire who The people should continue climbing Although this was hard life for the hailed from Bisya, Karungu. My father those hills and sloping down as this women and children, it hardened them in law was a Muruka chief and made contributes to their healthy living. For and kept them healthy. Climbing the a great impact in the development of those who who live outside Buhweju, hills and sloping down was a good his area especially in the education Sleek and Slender is the best option exercise for both old and young and sector where he did not only take for your “a healthy mind in a healthy this probably explains why the people his children to school but also forced body”! of Buhweju live longer. Banyabuhweju to educate theirs as well. God Bless Buhweju My short stay in Buhweju inspired me to advocate for women empowerment, My message to all the people of sensitising them about their health Buhweju and others is that there is no and having a healthy self esteem. In substitute for a good education. I urge this era, where women sit for longer all parents and Banyabuhweju to send The magazine that propels the Banyabuhweju to realise their potential to get out of poverty 39 photo credit by ugandansatheart by credit photo

SAVE THE BUHWEJU YOUTH FROM THE EVILS OF BETTING

The recently concluded by-elections in our district brought to light one major concern facing especially the young generation where I belong. One candidate raised the red flag on gambling and highlighted her contribution By Derrick Natamba, towards solving the social problems that come with it.

When betting was formally introduced I may have misjudged my teacher’s optimises development without in Uganda, around 2007, our old high assertion as harsh and conservative compromising the aspiration of future school teacher labelled it a form of then; but with hindsight now I have generation. Therefore the argument that neo-colonial economic invasion. My seen betting prove it is more harmful betting brings in tax revenue should not classmate Seth Baine who was among than beneficial to society. To the be advanced over the emerging threat the first converts, preached all the proprietors the business is lucrative just of gambling addiction facing the youth. associated ideals for making quick because it can accrue abnormal profits The efforts of some NGO like: Gamble money through betting. He sugar coated that comfortably clear rent and taxes, in Aware Uganda (GAU); should be betting as a form of ‘’working smart’’. In the real sense it fails on both ethical and commended for striving to advocate for a space of two years, Seth dropped his allocative principles. responsible gambling through public childhood dream of becoming a traffic In Buhweju, despite the distance from awareness education, and counseling, engineer to which he had been inspired modernity, parents are already feeling rehabilitation to break the addiction. by his cousin Brenda who offered it at the consequences of betting. Many Cambridge University. The foresight of such NGOs should school drop outs, domestic violence, be commended. The strategic appeal Gradually Seth’s dream shifted to business foreclosures, cheating, I would convey to our President and starting his own betting company. excessive borrowing, idleness are all all other concerned institutions, is to The last time I received a phone call being witnessed as key outcomes from work with Buhweju leaders to save from Seth, he was desperately trying the venture of sports betting. young people from gambling and have to secure a refund of his college fees Whereas it might be unnecessary them engaged in productive activities. that he had gambled away thinking he to apportion the blame for such a Am convinced the NRM government could recoup it with profit. Susequently, predicament, it is very important that has both the capacity and willingness his sister Ndere called me on 14th every stakeholder takes part in the to rectify the situation if the leaders April 2013, announcing that Seth had battle of building a sustainable society. appreciate the seriousness of the committed suicide. A tenet of sustainable development situation and prioritise it for action. May requires that the current generation my friend’s soul rest in eternal peace 40 The magazine that propels the Banyabuhweju to realise their potential to get out of poverty

By Atukunda Getrude

THE DREAM COLOUR

The pristine great pearl is real All held by its transformative leaders. Real in sight like the sun. The greatest weapons of development. The sun’s colour is yellow, Oh let us sing and dance yellow-yellow And so is the blessed hope of Ugandans. The only hopeful colour of Ugandans. Blessed be the 1986 of its birth When darkness melted into brightness We enjoy the beauty sleeps And order prevailed over disorder, Without streaming tears of fear As the foresighted glory of Church Hill Fear of gun cracks and kondos, The glory to be the pearl of Africa. For the yellow colour’s security is at the peak, Oh yellow, let us have you embraced, Freedom and democracy at the climax Embraced as a child in mother’s hand placed. And respect of humanity at the summit Oh ebelewo the yellow colour in our blood. If on this uphill of the pearl is again Church Hill We buried cries of oppressive taxes His heart would beat happiness, And revived patriotism and nationalism. And blood circulate satisfaction. Oh yellow colour, we are in love with you. As his worries would heal With yellow colour, the women invest. Because our economy is numb never In yellow colour, the men harvest. And in progress is UPE and USE ever. And from yellow colour, the children find interest Automatic is the reduction in child mortality Yellow is the colour of ancient origin And environmental sustainability is ensured. Rooted in shrine of democracy, The colour has combated diseases, Where all the Ugandans find shelter. Diseases like HIV/AIDS and Malaria are dwindling In the colour, the victims become victors For immunization, sensitization and nets are upheld. And the hunted are welcome to the spring water Oh let us embrace yellow-the beautiful colour. Oh in yellow, we breathe, live and succeed. And with yellow we shall remain inseparable. The colour unites all and divides none. Yellow is the women emancipation’s stronghold, And poverty eradication’s corner stone. We speedily and happily sail in medical centers And fly on roads like choppers The enzikiiza in far to reach areas is a myth For the colour holds rural transformation and electrification. The magazine that propels the Banyabuhweju to realise their potential to get out of poverty 41

THE POWER OF OUR THOUGHTS

Our thoughts determine what we are and what we will be in future

By Alexander Tukwatsibwe

One day, I dreamt about what people affected people and demonstrated towards our motherland Buhweju, had thought to be impossible and my a spirit of togetherness through all sectors such as health, education, dream has now become a reality. A soliciting funds from willing security and infrastructure will be geographical barrier that had made individuals and some local leaders revamped Bisya and Karungu in particular for self-help (Burungi Bwansi). A few and Buhweju in general lag behind contributed massively and have made Political leaders need socially, politically and to a large everything possible. I am extremely extent economically is now history. happy that as I talk now, the barrier to know that two is history and people move and trade wrongs cannot make Its complexity was not geographical with the neighboring districts of but political in the sense that it Ibanda and Mbarara with ease. a right. They need was regarded as a no man’s land. It not become violent or belonged to neither Mbarara district Lessons to Learn aggressive as a means nor former greater Bushenyi. The Political leaders need to know people in this area would only be that two wrongs cannot make of demonstrating recognised as part of either Mbarara a right. They need not become dissatisfaction. There or Bushenyi districts respectively violent or aggressive as a means of during the electoral season. Most demonstrating dissatisfaction. There can be constructive political leaders over valued the can be constructive demonstration demonstration which costs involved in the construction which will send a message to all will send a message of a road network in Buhweju so as stakeholders and cause action as was to overshadow the cries of the local the case with the Akatooma road. to all stakeholders natives. The situation has been like this for over a thousand years. Yes we can! Where there is a will, and cause action as there is a way. With this spirit of was the case with the I myself in correlation with a few togetherness and determination individuals tried to mobilize the Akatooma road. 42 The magazine that propels the Banyabuhweju to realise their potential to get out of poverty

BATTLING WITH ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION

By Ashabahebwa Rogers Buhweju is a hilly district with an average cold weather, green grass, forests, swamps, clean water and gold fields. It is blessed with fertile soils suitable for agriculture where cash crops like tea in Kyamuhunga and Nyakashaka, millet, peas, coffee and matooke are grown in other areas. However, Buhweju is also characterised by poor infrastructure in terms of roads, electricity and communication network.

President Yoweri K. Museveni has levels. A case in point is the Isingiro The forest was encroached on in order for many years praised people of forest which was totally cleared with to secure free land for settlement and Buhweju for being exemplary in no tree still standing. This forest agriculture. This created a reduction protecting the environment. However was situated in Bisya sub-county at in both rains and water flow of our people have not protected their the border of Ibanda and Mbarara Kyenjogyera 1 and 2 tributaries. The environment as it is no longer in its districts. Isingiro forest is historically forest originally stretched towards original natural state following the remembered for large and long trees these rivers; to Mirama where it encroachment of swamps, forests, and for having been a habitat for joined the stretch that leads to Katara small rivers, gold fields. This has some wild animals that were always in Karungu. caused a reduction on the rainfall hunted by the inhabitants. The magazine that propels the Banyabuhweju to realise their potential to get out of poverty 43

Karinju forest found is also found in Bihanga, Buhweju. and management of the use of wetlands has not been This forest is gazette as a reserve despite the many put into effect in Buhweju leading to environmental attempts to cut trees for timber and firewood. However, degradation. the wetlands in Buhweju have not been protected and have therefore been encroached on. This situation could The existence of gold fields in Buhweju has also prompted affect the climate of Buhweju in the near future. people to degrade land in search of gold to earn a living. In some cases, firms have emerged for gold mining claiming Article 245 of the 1995 Constitution of Uganda provides to have been authorized by government whereas not. This for the protection and preservation of the environment. is in contravention of the Constitution of Uganda which Unfortunately, this provision has not been effectively provides that the control of all minerals and petroleum implemented and observed by relevant authorities and in or under any land or waters in Uganda are vested in community members in Buhweju. Consequently, wetlands Government on behalf of the Republic of Uganda. In Bisya in Kikondera, Katara and Bisya among others have been Sub County an unknown firm was involved in gold mining encroached on. In addition, Part VII of the National until the President intervened and stopped the activity as Environmental Act Cap 153 which provides for regulation was reported in The New Vision of 31st July, 2013 Congratulates H.E. Y.K. Museveni, e NRM Government and all Ugandans upon 33rd Tarehe Sita Anniversary MAJOR AREAS FOR INVESTMENT

1- A Girls’ Secondry School 7- A petrol station 2- A well equipped technical 8- A radio school 9- More MTN and Airtel 3- A well equipped district masts hospital 10- Another Tea factory 4- A bank 11- A passion and mineral 5- Tourism and modern water processing hotels Industry 6- Good murram feeder 12- A learning centre roads 13- Mineral Exploration BUHWEJU DISTRICT