Sylvia Nankya- Kampala Uganda;
Reading through research works by Richard Dudley “The Rotten Mango; The Effect of Corruption on International Development Projects” gave me an inspiration to put this together.
According to him, a big percentage of the billions of dollars spent annually for international development loans is wasted. “The vice is widespread and has left serious impacts in developing countries where badly needed development funds are often in short supply” he notes.
In agreement with his statement, I looked back through the years and realized that despite the constant inflows of loans and grants from our development partners, many of our countries remain pitiable.
We have the worst physical infrastructure, weak governance structures and probably the worst service providers; several questions rhyme through my mind; is there anything we can learn from others to put our systems right? How long shall we continue offering lip service to the much needed fight against corruption?
During this term [2006-2011] I have realized that Parliament in Uganda has spent much of its time debating motions authorizing government to borrow money for various projects. They include the following;
1. Motion; for a resolution of parliament authorizing government to borrow $130 million for financing of the health systems strengthening project.
2. Request by government to borrow $10.05 million for financing the east African public health laboratories network project
3. Request by government to borrow $ 120 million and another SDR 9.3 million for financing of the Uganda agricultural technology and agribusiness advisory services.
4. Request by government to borrow $ 18m as supplementary financing to support the implementation of the district livelihoods support programme.
5. Request by government to borrow us $ 17 m as supplementary financing for on going activities under the community agriculture infrastructure improvement project
6. Request by government to borrow the equivalent in Korean won of up us $26.8 million to support 5 business, technical and vocational education and training institutions as complementary financing for education iv-post primary education and training expansion and improvement project
7. Motion for a resolution of Parliament to borrow an additional US $ 1,059,125 and US $ 15,391,511 for phase II and III respectively of the National Data Transmission Backbone Infrastructure and E-Government Project
These are just a few cases of the many loans that we have acquired as a country but whose role to the development of the country remains to be seen. Do we ever get this money to do the right work for the country? I bet many of the would-be beneficiaries have no idea on the projects for which this money is being borrowed.
I wouldn’t say much for my colleagues in Kenya and Tanzania, because I am not in the know to the extent of Uganda, but at the same time we need to work as a bloc to eliminate the cancer that’s eating up our economies.
In 2006, Ugandan president Yoweri Museveni announced a policy of zero-tolerance to corruption, but four years down the road, the vice remains endemic at all levels of governance yet at the same time the culture of impunity still reigns.
“The Big fish” quite often cited in abusing the systems remain at large; not even the prominent trials have yielded results for this country. My disappointment is mainly on persons, who reportedly swindled GAVI and Global Fund Monies, whose trial takes a new twist almost every year; and as a result our hopes fade away each day that goes by.
Beside the Global fund and GAVI scandals, Parliaments Public accounts committee [Uganda] has spent a bigger part of this year investigating the misuse of funds meant for preparations for the heads of Government meeting that we [Uganda] hosted in 2007.
The project which has consumed a lot of our time has turned out to be “a white elephant” because as things turned out, all ministers implicated by the Auditor General and by the Public accounts committee were eventually exonerated by Parliament.
Where does our hope lie then?
The media industry in which I work has also not helped much because as you realize in 2010, two major scandals put a dent to the media struggle. They involved senior journalists extorting money from government officials, purportedly to cover up for them. The outcome of this would be that corruption turns into a vicious circle.
The other source of worry for me is that the integrity and advancement of honest employees in many organizations, agencies and companies is being compromised.
This is especially so because it’s now clear that Promotions and salary increments no longer depend on performance but on payoffs and loyalty to corrupt officials. Like Dudley says; honest employees, who would have difficulty finding alternate employment, must consider effects on their family. If they wish to avoid serious financial difficulties they must go along with a corrupt system.
This is my honest appeal; we can work together to make a difference in 2011 and I can pledge my unrelenting commitment to support whoever is working for a corrupt free world.
Happy New year to you all.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Ugandan President warns against empty promises
Sylvia Nankya, Kampala-Uganda.
NRM Presidential candidate Yoweri Museveni has cautioned voters against relying on promises made by his opponent, Dr. Kizza Besigye, saying they were unrealistic.
Addressing a rally in Eastern Uganda, Museveni said his main challenger Kizza Besigye was duping people into believing that he could develop their communities and deliver services at the same time.
Quoting reports that Besigye has been telling people that the Government has enough money to raise salaries of public servants, tarmac all roads, overhaul the health service and provide school children with lunch, Museveni said that was unachievable.
“That is not how to manage government. Where will he get all the money to do those things at a go. We have planned and we have been achieving them one at a time,” Museveni said.
He noted that the NRM government had started with restoring peace and strengthening the army, then the health sector and education, and was now moving to developing the economy.
Museveni asked Besigye to first acknowledge that the NRM government had done well in developing the economy of Uganda, and that it was the reason there was money to provide most services.
NRM Presidential candidate Yoweri Museveni has cautioned voters against relying on promises made by his opponent, Dr. Kizza Besigye, saying they were unrealistic.
Addressing a rally in Eastern Uganda, Museveni said his main challenger Kizza Besigye was duping people into believing that he could develop their communities and deliver services at the same time.
Quoting reports that Besigye has been telling people that the Government has enough money to raise salaries of public servants, tarmac all roads, overhaul the health service and provide school children with lunch, Museveni said that was unachievable.
“That is not how to manage government. Where will he get all the money to do those things at a go. We have planned and we have been achieving them one at a time,” Museveni said.
He noted that the NRM government had started with restoring peace and strengthening the army, then the health sector and education, and was now moving to developing the economy.
Museveni asked Besigye to first acknowledge that the NRM government had done well in developing the economy of Uganda, and that it was the reason there was money to provide most services.
Kenya election violence: ICC names suspects
sylvia Nankya, Kampala Uganda.
The prosecutor at the International Criminal Court (ICC) Louis Moreno Ocampo has named six high-profile Kenyans accused of being behind the violence that followed the disputed 2007 elections.
They include Uhuru Kenyatta, the deputy PM and finance minister, Henry Kosgey, minister for industrialization, suspended education minister William Ruto, Joshua Arap Sang, a radio executive, Francis Kirimi Muthaura, secretary to the cabinet and Mohammed Hussein Ali, the former police chief.
William Ruto, radio executive Joshua Arap Sang and Henry Kosgey are charged with murder, deportation, persecutions and torture, carried out on behalf of the former opposition.
Ocampo said these were not only crimes against innocent Kenyans, but they were crimes against humanity.
Each of the six will be served with a court summons, but if they fail to turn up or if they attempt to hinder the investigation - for example by intimidating witnesses - Mr Ocampo says he will request arrest warrants.
The violence broke out three years ago after President Mwai Kibaki's supporters were accused of trying to rig the presidential election.
Some 1,200 people died and more than 500,000 fled homes.
It ended when Kibaki and his rival Raila Odinga agreed to share power, with Mr Odinga becoming prime minister.
Degree of panic
The ICC alleges a criminal plan was put in place in the Rift Valley for supporters of President Kibaki to be attacked after the election.
ICC prosecutor Luis Moreno Ocampo said that in retaliation, police were given the green light to use excessive force and a vigilante group was organized to attack civilians.
On President Kibaki's side, secretary to the cabinet Francis Kirimi Muthaura, former police chief Mohammed Hussein Ali and Mr Kenyatta, son of founding President Jomo Kenyatta, face charges of murder, deportation, persecutions and rape.
Kenyan police have been put on alert in case the announcement sparks renewed clashes.
The prosecutor at the International Criminal Court (ICC) Louis Moreno Ocampo has named six high-profile Kenyans accused of being behind the violence that followed the disputed 2007 elections.
They include Uhuru Kenyatta, the deputy PM and finance minister, Henry Kosgey, minister for industrialization, suspended education minister William Ruto, Joshua Arap Sang, a radio executive, Francis Kirimi Muthaura, secretary to the cabinet and Mohammed Hussein Ali, the former police chief.
William Ruto, radio executive Joshua Arap Sang and Henry Kosgey are charged with murder, deportation, persecutions and torture, carried out on behalf of the former opposition.
Ocampo said these were not only crimes against innocent Kenyans, but they were crimes against humanity.
Each of the six will be served with a court summons, but if they fail to turn up or if they attempt to hinder the investigation - for example by intimidating witnesses - Mr Ocampo says he will request arrest warrants.
The violence broke out three years ago after President Mwai Kibaki's supporters were accused of trying to rig the presidential election.
Some 1,200 people died and more than 500,000 fled homes.
It ended when Kibaki and his rival Raila Odinga agreed to share power, with Mr Odinga becoming prime minister.
Degree of panic
The ICC alleges a criminal plan was put in place in the Rift Valley for supporters of President Kibaki to be attacked after the election.
ICC prosecutor Luis Moreno Ocampo said that in retaliation, police were given the green light to use excessive force and a vigilante group was organized to attack civilians.
On President Kibaki's side, secretary to the cabinet Francis Kirimi Muthaura, former police chief Mohammed Hussein Ali and Mr Kenyatta, son of founding President Jomo Kenyatta, face charges of murder, deportation, persecutions and rape.
Kenyan police have been put on alert in case the announcement sparks renewed clashes.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Uganda; Parliament detains UIA BOSS.
Sylvia Nankya, Kampala.
UGANDA Investment Authority (UIA) boss Dr. Maggie Kigozi was briefly detained at Parliament yesterday to explain why she flouted procurement rules in the awarding of the contract for the development of the Kampala Industrial and Business Park in Namanve.
Kigozi, together with the UIA procurement specialist and other officials, were released at 3:00pm after recording statements with investigators.
The contract, worth sh88.2b, is meant for the development of roads, drainage, and a parking yard and is yet to be awarded to Spencon-Sterling joint venture.
The committee on statutory authorities and state enterprises yesterday discovered that there was no competition in the procurement process, with only one bidder evaluated.
UIA officials informed the committee that eight companies had shown interest but only five were pre-qualified to bid.
However, only two submitted bid documents and one was found to have a defective bid security, they said.
“Why didn’t you cancel the procurement process after realising that there was no competition?” asked Cosmas Mafabi (NRM).
Elijah Okupa (FDC) noted that Spencon had delayed the completion of the Northern Bypass, and that the Awoja Bridge, which it constructed last year, had already collapsed.
“There is a total mess in the industrial park, not only with the personnel but also with the procurement procedures,” Okupa said.
“After discovering that Spencon was alone, you should have written to the World Bank asking for the restart of the whole process,” argued Okupa.
MPs were also surprised to learn that Kigozi sought a “no objection” letter from the International Development Authority to enable her to proceed with the award of the contract, despite an ongoing value for money audit on the business park building.
The price for the construction of the building, which Spencon is constructing, rose from sh790m to sh2.1b without any reason being given.
It was established that there were no bills of quantities for the building in the award of the tender to Spencon.
The committee observed that Kigozi disrespected her contracts committee’s warning to wait for the results of the value-for-money audit before executing the agreement between UIA and Spencon-Stirling.
Kigozi, in her November 3 letter, asked the project manager to forward her request to award the contract, citing the contracts committee report.
It was, however, discovered that the contracts committee submitted its report on November 4, a day after the letter was written.
“Which report did you base your recommendations on if the contracts committee submitted its report after?” asked Okumu.
In response, Kigozi said she relied on the advice of the procurement specialist.
Upon further scrutiny, the committee learnt that the procurement specialist, Ronald Kyobe Ssebanenya, was a civil engineer by profession, with a certificate in World Bank procurement, and had never practiced procurement.
Ssebanenya is on the contracts committee as an advisor.
It was also discovered that the head of the industrial park was a mechanical engineer rather than a civil engineer.
UGANDA Investment Authority (UIA) boss Dr. Maggie Kigozi was briefly detained at Parliament yesterday to explain why she flouted procurement rules in the awarding of the contract for the development of the Kampala Industrial and Business Park in Namanve.
Kigozi, together with the UIA procurement specialist and other officials, were released at 3:00pm after recording statements with investigators.
The contract, worth sh88.2b, is meant for the development of roads, drainage, and a parking yard and is yet to be awarded to Spencon-Sterling joint venture.
The committee on statutory authorities and state enterprises yesterday discovered that there was no competition in the procurement process, with only one bidder evaluated.
UIA officials informed the committee that eight companies had shown interest but only five were pre-qualified to bid.
However, only two submitted bid documents and one was found to have a defective bid security, they said.
“Why didn’t you cancel the procurement process after realising that there was no competition?” asked Cosmas Mafabi (NRM).
Elijah Okupa (FDC) noted that Spencon had delayed the completion of the Northern Bypass, and that the Awoja Bridge, which it constructed last year, had already collapsed.
“There is a total mess in the industrial park, not only with the personnel but also with the procurement procedures,” Okupa said.
“After discovering that Spencon was alone, you should have written to the World Bank asking for the restart of the whole process,” argued Okupa.
MPs were also surprised to learn that Kigozi sought a “no objection” letter from the International Development Authority to enable her to proceed with the award of the contract, despite an ongoing value for money audit on the business park building.
The price for the construction of the building, which Spencon is constructing, rose from sh790m to sh2.1b without any reason being given.
It was established that there were no bills of quantities for the building in the award of the tender to Spencon.
The committee observed that Kigozi disrespected her contracts committee’s warning to wait for the results of the value-for-money audit before executing the agreement between UIA and Spencon-Stirling.
Kigozi, in her November 3 letter, asked the project manager to forward her request to award the contract, citing the contracts committee report.
It was, however, discovered that the contracts committee submitted its report on November 4, a day after the letter was written.
“Which report did you base your recommendations on if the contracts committee submitted its report after?” asked Okumu.
In response, Kigozi said she relied on the advice of the procurement specialist.
Upon further scrutiny, the committee learnt that the procurement specialist, Ronald Kyobe Ssebanenya, was a civil engineer by profession, with a certificate in World Bank procurement, and had never practiced procurement.
Ssebanenya is on the contracts committee as an advisor.
It was also discovered that the head of the industrial park was a mechanical engineer rather than a civil engineer.
Journalists arrested over extortion
Sylvia Nankya;
Kampala
Police are holding three suspects, including a Daily Monitor journalist, in connection with alleged attempts to extort Shs 50 million from Works Permanent Secretary Charles Muganzi.
Chris Omony masquerading as a new vision journalist together with Andrew Jackson Oryada of the daily monitor were netted with their lawyer Geoffrey Nsamba at Fairway Hotel in Kampala where they had allegedly gone to receive the money from Mr Muganzi.
Kampala metropolitan police spokesperson Ibin Senkumbi told journalists yesterday that the lawyer had allegedly impersonated an officer from the office of the IGG while the other journalist said he worked for New Vision.
The newspaper has run his articles in the past but New Vision said yesterday the journalist was not their employee.
Daily Monitor Managing Editor Daniel Kalinaki said the newspaper had received news of journalist’s arrest with “shock and disappointment”. He said:
“We shall cooperate fully with the authorities in their investigation. If any evidence of impropriety is found on the part of any of our journalists, then we shall act swiftly and decisively. We do not condone such acts and have made this position publicly clear.”
Together with the two journalists, the lawyer reportedly contacted Mr Muganzi through his wife, telling him that they had incriminating information on him in relation to Chogm. “They asked for Shs50 million so that the ‘story’ would not get published in the two dailies,” Mr Senkumbi said.
Mr Muganzi is said to have called the Inspector General of Police, Maj. Gen Kale Kayihura, who deployed intelligence operatives to arrest the suspect. The trio is to be presented in court today and is likely to be charged with extortion. Names of suspects withheld for legal reasons.
Kampala
Police are holding three suspects, including a Daily Monitor journalist, in connection with alleged attempts to extort Shs 50 million from Works Permanent Secretary Charles Muganzi.
Chris Omony masquerading as a new vision journalist together with Andrew Jackson Oryada of the daily monitor were netted with their lawyer Geoffrey Nsamba at Fairway Hotel in Kampala where they had allegedly gone to receive the money from Mr Muganzi.
Kampala metropolitan police spokesperson Ibin Senkumbi told journalists yesterday that the lawyer had allegedly impersonated an officer from the office of the IGG while the other journalist said he worked for New Vision.
The newspaper has run his articles in the past but New Vision said yesterday the journalist was not their employee.
Daily Monitor Managing Editor Daniel Kalinaki said the newspaper had received news of journalist’s arrest with “shock and disappointment”. He said:
“We shall cooperate fully with the authorities in their investigation. If any evidence of impropriety is found on the part of any of our journalists, then we shall act swiftly and decisively. We do not condone such acts and have made this position publicly clear.”
Together with the two journalists, the lawyer reportedly contacted Mr Muganzi through his wife, telling him that they had incriminating information on him in relation to Chogm. “They asked for Shs50 million so that the ‘story’ would not get published in the two dailies,” Mr Senkumbi said.
Mr Muganzi is said to have called the Inspector General of Police, Maj. Gen Kale Kayihura, who deployed intelligence operatives to arrest the suspect. The trio is to be presented in court today and is likely to be charged with extortion. Names of suspects withheld for legal reasons.
Friday, October 29, 2010
CALL FOR TANZANIAN ELECTION WINNER TO ABOLISH UNFAIR TAX ANOMALIES
Sylvia Nankya
Christian Aid is calling on the winner of this Sunday’s general election in Tanzania to commit to ending tax anomalies that have deprived a country rich in mineral resources of badly needed revenue that could have been spent on schools, hospitals and other infrastructure improvements.
With two former Government ministers and a permanent secretary currently facing corruption allegations in court, tackling financial malfeasance has emerged as a major election issue.
A recent index drawn up by the Revenue Watch Institute put Tanzania near the bottom of a global list in terms of the transparency of its mining and minerals deals – with only a few countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo and Equatorial Guinea having a lower score.
A recent report commissioned by Christian Aid and a number of Tanzanian organisations estimated that the country was deprived of revenue from gold mining companies amounting to at least $265.5m from low royalties and lost taxes between 2000 and 2008.
The report, ‘A Golden Opportunity? How Tanzania is failing to benefit from gold mining’ said gold mining was the fastest growing sector of Tanzania’s economy, yet ordinary Tanzanians were not benefiting from the boom due to excessively low royalty rates and government corporation tax concessions. The Tanzanian press has alleged that some companies are guilty of tax evasion.
Christian Aid East Africa country manager, Dereje Alemayehu said: ‘Tanzania one of the few African countries without internal conflicts, but the ruling elite are not in a position to make effective use of this political capital to lead the country out of poverty because it has allowed the leakage of valuable resources from the country by complicity or through ineffectiveness.
‘If this election is not going to be yet another contest between factions of the ruling elite over the spoils of the state, the new government must at least enhance domestic resource mobilisation by reducing tax expenditure, discarding a tax policy which provides huge exemptions for the wealthy and entails extorting from the poor, as well as being vigilant against tax evasion and aggressive tax avoidance.’
Christian Aid is calling on the winner of this Sunday’s general election in Tanzania to commit to ending tax anomalies that have deprived a country rich in mineral resources of badly needed revenue that could have been spent on schools, hospitals and other infrastructure improvements.
With two former Government ministers and a permanent secretary currently facing corruption allegations in court, tackling financial malfeasance has emerged as a major election issue.
A recent index drawn up by the Revenue Watch Institute put Tanzania near the bottom of a global list in terms of the transparency of its mining and minerals deals – with only a few countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo and Equatorial Guinea having a lower score.
A recent report commissioned by Christian Aid and a number of Tanzanian organisations estimated that the country was deprived of revenue from gold mining companies amounting to at least $265.5m from low royalties and lost taxes between 2000 and 2008.
The report, ‘A Golden Opportunity? How Tanzania is failing to benefit from gold mining’ said gold mining was the fastest growing sector of Tanzania’s economy, yet ordinary Tanzanians were not benefiting from the boom due to excessively low royalty rates and government corporation tax concessions. The Tanzanian press has alleged that some companies are guilty of tax evasion.
Christian Aid East Africa country manager, Dereje Alemayehu said: ‘Tanzania one of the few African countries without internal conflicts, but the ruling elite are not in a position to make effective use of this political capital to lead the country out of poverty because it has allowed the leakage of valuable resources from the country by complicity or through ineffectiveness.
‘If this election is not going to be yet another contest between factions of the ruling elite over the spoils of the state, the new government must at least enhance domestic resource mobilisation by reducing tax expenditure, discarding a tax policy which provides huge exemptions for the wealthy and entails extorting from the poor, as well as being vigilant against tax evasion and aggressive tax avoidance.’
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Key Kenyan Minister Steps aside over embassy allegations
Kenya's foreign minister has stepped aside amid a growing scandal involving the alleged misuse of his ministry's funds for several land deals abroad.
Moses Wetangula, who maintains his innocence, made his announcement as MPs were set to vote on his suspension.
A parliamentary report recommended his removal until claims over deals for new embassies were fully investigated.
Mr Wetangula is a key cabinet figure and helped to form the coalition in 2008 that ended the post-poll violence.
Kenya's new constitution sparks hopes of rebirth Country profile: Kenya The scandal is the latest in a series of high-level corruption allegations involving government officials.
'Haunting and tormenting'
Mr Wetangula told reporters in the capital, Nairobi, that he felt he was being hounded from office.
"I have made a personal decision to step aside as minister of foreign affairs to give room and pleasure to those who have been haunting and tormenting me, and to give room for the investigation," he said.
"I can assure you I will be back to the cabinet once the investigations are completed because I know I am innocent."
According to a parliamentary committee report, Kenya lost $14m (£8.8m) during a land deal in Japan.
The foreign ministry is alleged to have refused an offer of land from the Japanese government in central Tokyo for a new embassy, opting instead for a building further away, against the advice of an estate agency.
Money was also allegedly lost on embassy deals in Egypt, Nigeria, Pakistan and Belgium.
Mr Wetangula, who will remain on half salary until the investigation is completed, is the latest high-profile figure to step aside because of corruption allegations.
Last week, Kenya's Higher Education Minister William Ruto was suspended, after a court ruled he must stand trial over corruption allegations.
Speaking at a separate function on Wednesday, President Mwai Kibaki reiterated that his government would not shield corrupt officials.
Donors have long criticised Kenya for failing to tackle corruption.
But correspondents say the passing of a new constitution in August has made it easier for the authorities to fight it.
The new law stipulates that anyone facing criminal charges should stand down from public office.
Moses Wetangula, who maintains his innocence, made his announcement as MPs were set to vote on his suspension.
A parliamentary report recommended his removal until claims over deals for new embassies were fully investigated.
Mr Wetangula is a key cabinet figure and helped to form the coalition in 2008 that ended the post-poll violence.
Kenya's new constitution sparks hopes of rebirth Country profile: Kenya The scandal is the latest in a series of high-level corruption allegations involving government officials.
'Haunting and tormenting'
Mr Wetangula told reporters in the capital, Nairobi, that he felt he was being hounded from office.
"I have made a personal decision to step aside as minister of foreign affairs to give room and pleasure to those who have been haunting and tormenting me, and to give room for the investigation," he said.
"I can assure you I will be back to the cabinet once the investigations are completed because I know I am innocent."
According to a parliamentary committee report, Kenya lost $14m (£8.8m) during a land deal in Japan.
The foreign ministry is alleged to have refused an offer of land from the Japanese government in central Tokyo for a new embassy, opting instead for a building further away, against the advice of an estate agency.
Money was also allegedly lost on embassy deals in Egypt, Nigeria, Pakistan and Belgium.
Mr Wetangula, who will remain on half salary until the investigation is completed, is the latest high-profile figure to step aside because of corruption allegations.
Last week, Kenya's Higher Education Minister William Ruto was suspended, after a court ruled he must stand trial over corruption allegations.
Speaking at a separate function on Wednesday, President Mwai Kibaki reiterated that his government would not shield corrupt officials.
Donors have long criticised Kenya for failing to tackle corruption.
But correspondents say the passing of a new constitution in August has made it easier for the authorities to fight it.
The new law stipulates that anyone facing criminal charges should stand down from public office.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Kenya mayor arrested over cemetery scandal
Sylvia Nankya;
Kenya's mayor of Nairobi has been arrested for questioning in connection with a scandal over the sale of land for a graveyard in the capital.
Geoffrey Majiwa is the highest official to be arrested over the alleged scam.
Officials are accused of paying $3.6m (£2.4m) of taxpayers' money for the land, which was worth only 10% as much and did not have a title-deed.
Kenya's new constitution sparks hopes of rebirth Country profile: Kenya So far, only 14 junior officials at Nairobi's city council are facing charges.
But Mr Majiwa's arrest comes two days after Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission (KACC) head, Patrick Lumumba, said that having dealt with the "small fish", it was now time for the commission to turn its attention to the "big fish".
The land had been earmarked to replace the Langata cemetery, which is full.
But the rocky land purchased was not even suitable for use as a cemetery, the authorities said.
It is alleged that the land in Nairobi's Machakos district was purchased for 283m Kenyan shillings, when it was worth 24m shillings.
KACC spokesman Nicholas Simani said Mr Majiwa would be charged in court on Tuesday.
Kenya's mayor of Nairobi has been arrested for questioning in connection with a scandal over the sale of land for a graveyard in the capital.
Geoffrey Majiwa is the highest official to be arrested over the alleged scam.
Officials are accused of paying $3.6m (£2.4m) of taxpayers' money for the land, which was worth only 10% as much and did not have a title-deed.
Kenya's new constitution sparks hopes of rebirth Country profile: Kenya So far, only 14 junior officials at Nairobi's city council are facing charges.
But Mr Majiwa's arrest comes two days after Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission (KACC) head, Patrick Lumumba, said that having dealt with the "small fish", it was now time for the commission to turn its attention to the "big fish".
The land had been earmarked to replace the Langata cemetery, which is full.
But the rocky land purchased was not even suitable for use as a cemetery, the authorities said.
It is alleged that the land in Nairobi's Machakos district was purchased for 283m Kenyan shillings, when it was worth 24m shillings.
KACC spokesman Nicholas Simani said Mr Majiwa would be charged in court on Tuesday.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Energy Officials Grilled over 10 Billion shillings Loss
Sylvia Nankya,
SIX officials from Bujagali Energy Limited (BEL) and Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL) were yesterday grilled by MPs for diverting sh10b government funds to their account in Stanbic Bank.
The money was meant for the resettlement and compensation of over 2,600 people affected in the Bujagali Interconnection Project.
The officials included the project director, Glenn Gaydar, transmission line manager John Berry, the accountant, Nora Nakato, Ivan Kwasibwe (BEL), Dennis Makuba (UETCL), and Henry Lwetabe (UETCL).
The officials were handed over to CID at Parliament for further questioning after they failed to explain why BEL withdrew the money from the Government Energy Fund (Escrow account).
According to the MPs, the Government is to spend over sh30b on compensation. Bujagali Energy Limited is working closely with UETCL to manage the development and construction of the power line.
During the meeting with the officials and others from the energy ministry led by the permanent secretary, Fred Kaliisa, MPs on the public accounts committee discovered that in December 2008, BEL invested the money in bank securities without prior approval of UETCL, the implementing agency.
According to Dennis Makuba from UETCL, the money accumulated an interest of sh460m within two years. He said the money was later transferred to the consolidated account in Bank of Uganda in September.
Though deposited on the same date (December 10, 2008), the money was deposited in two instalments of sh5b each at an interest rate of 7.5% and 7%.
The committee was surprised to learn that the interest was, however, never declared in the company’s books of account.
The project director, Glenn Gaydar, explained that: “After the evaluation, there were delays by the Government chief valuer to approve the report. That is why we decided to invest it in short-term investment.”
Makuba said BEL had acknowledged that it was an oversight on their part to invest cash balances in short-term bank securities.
The legislators demanded for an explanation why the company withdrew the money before the actual time for compensation and also why they never sought authority from UETCL.
“This is a serious case of fraud. Did the Government instruct you to invest the money and make profits? Why did you request for money that you were not ready to spend?” committee chairperson Nandala Mafabi asked.
MPs William Nsubuga (NRM), Tindamanyire Kabondo (NRM), Oduman Okello, and Tom Kazibwe (NRM) noted that there was need to monitor the project because the investment will be translated into power tariffs when the project is completed.
“We are afraid that investors are taking us for granted. They only transferred the money because we had summoned them,” Oduman said.
Kaliisa assured the MPs that the interest of Ugandans are being taken care of and clear control measures had been put in place to stop exploitation.
SIX officials from Bujagali Energy Limited (BEL) and Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL) were yesterday grilled by MPs for diverting sh10b government funds to their account in Stanbic Bank.
The money was meant for the resettlement and compensation of over 2,600 people affected in the Bujagali Interconnection Project.
The officials included the project director, Glenn Gaydar, transmission line manager John Berry, the accountant, Nora Nakato, Ivan Kwasibwe (BEL), Dennis Makuba (UETCL), and Henry Lwetabe (UETCL).
The officials were handed over to CID at Parliament for further questioning after they failed to explain why BEL withdrew the money from the Government Energy Fund (Escrow account).
According to the MPs, the Government is to spend over sh30b on compensation. Bujagali Energy Limited is working closely with UETCL to manage the development and construction of the power line.
During the meeting with the officials and others from the energy ministry led by the permanent secretary, Fred Kaliisa, MPs on the public accounts committee discovered that in December 2008, BEL invested the money in bank securities without prior approval of UETCL, the implementing agency.
According to Dennis Makuba from UETCL, the money accumulated an interest of sh460m within two years. He said the money was later transferred to the consolidated account in Bank of Uganda in September.
Though deposited on the same date (December 10, 2008), the money was deposited in two instalments of sh5b each at an interest rate of 7.5% and 7%.
The committee was surprised to learn that the interest was, however, never declared in the company’s books of account.
The project director, Glenn Gaydar, explained that: “After the evaluation, there were delays by the Government chief valuer to approve the report. That is why we decided to invest it in short-term investment.”
Makuba said BEL had acknowledged that it was an oversight on their part to invest cash balances in short-term bank securities.
The legislators demanded for an explanation why the company withdrew the money before the actual time for compensation and also why they never sought authority from UETCL.
“This is a serious case of fraud. Did the Government instruct you to invest the money and make profits? Why did you request for money that you were not ready to spend?” committee chairperson Nandala Mafabi asked.
MPs William Nsubuga (NRM), Tindamanyire Kabondo (NRM), Oduman Okello, and Tom Kazibwe (NRM) noted that there was need to monitor the project because the investment will be translated into power tariffs when the project is completed.
“We are afraid that investors are taking us for granted. They only transferred the money because we had summoned them,” Oduman said.
Kaliisa assured the MPs that the interest of Ugandans are being taken care of and clear control measures had been put in place to stop exploitation.
Kenya’s New Constitution Bites; Accused Kenyan minister William Ruto is suspended;
Higher Education minister William Ruto has been suspended from Cabinet; just days after a constitutional court ruled he will face fraud charges.
"Following consultations with the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister, His Excellency the President has stood aside Hon. William S. Ruto, EGH, MP from Office of Minister with immediate effect pending conclusion of the Nairobi Chief Magistrates Case No. 973 of 2004 as allowed by the Nairobi High Court Suit No. 1192/2005 (0S)," said a statement from Kibaki's office.
The President appointed the minister for East African Community Hellen Sambili to Mr Ruto's docket in an acting capacity.
On Friday, a three judge bench ruled that Mr Ruto will face criminal prosecution over a Sh272 million fraud case.
Judges Jeanne Gacheche, Leonard Njagi and Roseline Wendoh said that they were not convinced that any of Mr Ruto’s rights had been infringed because he was still innocent until the trial court proved otherwise.
Mr Ruto and four other persons face fraud charges over the alleged sale of a piece of land in Ngong forest to Kenya Pipeline Company Ltd for a total of Sh272 million.
The minister allegedly received Sh96 million at various intervals during the alleged transaction.
In the case, the Eldoret North MP and Berke Commercial Agencies, a company associated with him, Mr Joshua Kulei, a former aide of retired president Daniel Moi, Mr Sammy Mwaita (Baringo Central MP) and two other firms were sued for allegedly obtaining money from KPC between August 6 and September 6, 2001.
Section 62 of the Anti-corruption and Economic Crimes Act stipulates that “a public officer who is charged with corruption or economic crime shall be suspended at half pay, with effect from the date of the charge.”
Such a suspended public officer continues to receive the full amount of any allowances, according the law. The law now requires that President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga move to suspend Mr Ruto until the case against him is determined.
The move to have Mr Ruto step aside comes after Attorney General Amos Wako said that he would advise President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga on the next course of action following the court's ruling.
“As you know, I cannot make comments like other ministers and politicians. I have my clients, the two principals, and will advice them as required,” Mr Wako said.
Justice minister Mutula Kilonzo and Gichugu MP Martha Karua had led calls for Mr Ruto to leave office saying that was what the law provided.
On Saturday, Mr Ruto dismissed calls for his resignation saying there was "nothing new" to warrant his stepping aside.
Addressing a news conference at his Jogoo House office on his return from Japan, he said the suit was politically-motivated and questioned why it has been dragging in court for close to seven years.
“It has taken this long so that every year, Kenyans would be reminded that there is a certain case Mr Ruto is facing. But there is nothing new in it,” he said.
“There is a propensity to get me out… I don’t know why.”
In April, Mr Ruto was transferred to the Higher Education Ministry from his Agriculture docket. At the time, he was leading campaigns against the new Constitution.
It will be the second time that Mr Ruto, who belongs to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) wing of the coalition government, stands suspended.
In February, PM Odinga suspended Mr Ruto, then Agriculture minister, and Basic Education minister Sam Ongeri to pave way for investigations in their respective ministries for a period of three months.
"Following consultations with the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister, His Excellency the President has stood aside Hon. William S. Ruto, EGH, MP from Office of Minister with immediate effect pending conclusion of the Nairobi Chief Magistrates Case No. 973 of 2004 as allowed by the Nairobi High Court Suit No. 1192/2005 (0S)," said a statement from Kibaki's office.
The President appointed the minister for East African Community Hellen Sambili to Mr Ruto's docket in an acting capacity.
On Friday, a three judge bench ruled that Mr Ruto will face criminal prosecution over a Sh272 million fraud case.
Judges Jeanne Gacheche, Leonard Njagi and Roseline Wendoh said that they were not convinced that any of Mr Ruto’s rights had been infringed because he was still innocent until the trial court proved otherwise.
Mr Ruto and four other persons face fraud charges over the alleged sale of a piece of land in Ngong forest to Kenya Pipeline Company Ltd for a total of Sh272 million.
The minister allegedly received Sh96 million at various intervals during the alleged transaction.
In the case, the Eldoret North MP and Berke Commercial Agencies, a company associated with him, Mr Joshua Kulei, a former aide of retired president Daniel Moi, Mr Sammy Mwaita (Baringo Central MP) and two other firms were sued for allegedly obtaining money from KPC between August 6 and September 6, 2001.
Section 62 of the Anti-corruption and Economic Crimes Act stipulates that “a public officer who is charged with corruption or economic crime shall be suspended at half pay, with effect from the date of the charge.”
Such a suspended public officer continues to receive the full amount of any allowances, according the law. The law now requires that President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga move to suspend Mr Ruto until the case against him is determined.
The move to have Mr Ruto step aside comes after Attorney General Amos Wako said that he would advise President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga on the next course of action following the court's ruling.
“As you know, I cannot make comments like other ministers and politicians. I have my clients, the two principals, and will advice them as required,” Mr Wako said.
Justice minister Mutula Kilonzo and Gichugu MP Martha Karua had led calls for Mr Ruto to leave office saying that was what the law provided.
On Saturday, Mr Ruto dismissed calls for his resignation saying there was "nothing new" to warrant his stepping aside.
Addressing a news conference at his Jogoo House office on his return from Japan, he said the suit was politically-motivated and questioned why it has been dragging in court for close to seven years.
“It has taken this long so that every year, Kenyans would be reminded that there is a certain case Mr Ruto is facing. But there is nothing new in it,” he said.
“There is a propensity to get me out… I don’t know why.”
In April, Mr Ruto was transferred to the Higher Education Ministry from his Agriculture docket. At the time, he was leading campaigns against the new Constitution.
It will be the second time that Mr Ruto, who belongs to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) wing of the coalition government, stands suspended.
In February, PM Odinga suspended Mr Ruto, then Agriculture minister, and Basic Education minister Sam Ongeri to pave way for investigations in their respective ministries for a period of three months.
Cheeye starts 10 year Jail sentence for corruption.
The former head of economic monitoring in the President’s office TEDDY Sezi Cheeye yesterday started serving his 10-year jail term for stealing Global Fund money meant for HIV/AIDS
The Court of Appeal dismissed his appeal. Court said the sentence was too small because his offense was very serious. “The conviction and sentences of the lower court are upheld. He should proceed to serve his sentence,” the judges ruled.
Ironically, the smartly dressed Cheeye had turned up at the Court of Appeal to apply for extension of his bail, only to be told by a clerk that the ruling was to be delivered.
“I am surprised, I had come to extend my bail,” Cheeye told journalists minutes before the ruling.
Cheeye, former, last year got bail from the Court of Appeal, which he had asked to overturn the sentence.
In addition to imprisonment, Cheeye is also to refund sh110m of the sh120m he got from the fund. The High Court convicted Cheeye in April 2009 for embezzling the money and forging accountability for it.
The money came his way through his NGO, the Uganda Centre for Accountability, for purportedly monitoring AIDS activities in Rakai, Kabale, Mbarara and Ntungamo districts.
The money was deposited on the account to which Cheeye was sole signatory and he withdrew all of it in 19 days although he did not monitor any AIDS activities anywhere.
Cheeye’s accountant, Geoffrey Nkurunziza, told the court during the trial that Cheeye instructed him to forge accountability. In one case, Cheeye said he used a caterpillar loader, which uses diesel, to transport people.
Convicting Cheeye, Justice John Bosco Katutsi said: “This type of crime is being committed with impunity! That a caterpillar wheelloader, which uses diesel, this time was using petrol! Is this stupidity or impunity?”
Giving their verdict yesterday, judges of the appeal court, Amos Twinomujuni, Steven Kavuma and Augustine Nshimye Sebuturo, said although Cheeye was a first offender, he was a senior public officer responsible for fighting corruption and should have been the “last person to engage in the criminal activities he was convicted of”.
“He should have led by example. We think the sentences of 10 years and three years were on the lower side. We are content, however, to leave the matter as the learned trial judge, in his wisdom, found suitable. We also uphold the order for compensation,” the judges added.
After the ruling was read, a Police officer swiftly moved to take Cheeye to the cells, but the shocked convict dashed towards his lawyer, Peter Kabatsi, asking if they should appeal. “I think we should,” the lawyer remarked as the policeman grabbed Cheeye enroute to Luzira.
Kabatsi said he had not had formal instructions from Cheeye to appeal yet.
Cheeye had told the Court of Appeal that justice Katutsi was wrong to say he received the sh120m because he relied on uncorroborated evidence of Nkurunziza, whom he described as an accomplice and a liar.
Cheeye also said he did not forge the accounts and that the judgement was too harsh.
In total, Cheeye’s imprisonment term is 28 years, but the High Court ordered that he serves them concurrently, for just 10 years.
The appeal judges said Cheeye was given chance to defend himself, but he declined to talk.
The anti-corruption court has convicted four people over the Global Fund. Former director of programmes in Uganda Television Salongo Scoff Kavuma got five years and is to refund sh41m he embezzled. Annaliza Mondon and Elizabeth Ngororano also earned five years imprisonment and are to refund sh30m of the sh38m they received through their NGO, Value Health.
The Court of Appeal dismissed his appeal. Court said the sentence was too small because his offense was very serious. “The conviction and sentences of the lower court are upheld. He should proceed to serve his sentence,” the judges ruled.
Ironically, the smartly dressed Cheeye had turned up at the Court of Appeal to apply for extension of his bail, only to be told by a clerk that the ruling was to be delivered.
“I am surprised, I had come to extend my bail,” Cheeye told journalists minutes before the ruling.
Cheeye, former, last year got bail from the Court of Appeal, which he had asked to overturn the sentence.
In addition to imprisonment, Cheeye is also to refund sh110m of the sh120m he got from the fund. The High Court convicted Cheeye in April 2009 for embezzling the money and forging accountability for it.
The money came his way through his NGO, the Uganda Centre for Accountability, for purportedly monitoring AIDS activities in Rakai, Kabale, Mbarara and Ntungamo districts.
The money was deposited on the account to which Cheeye was sole signatory and he withdrew all of it in 19 days although he did not monitor any AIDS activities anywhere.
Cheeye’s accountant, Geoffrey Nkurunziza, told the court during the trial that Cheeye instructed him to forge accountability. In one case, Cheeye said he used a caterpillar loader, which uses diesel, to transport people.
Convicting Cheeye, Justice John Bosco Katutsi said: “This type of crime is being committed with impunity! That a caterpillar wheelloader, which uses diesel, this time was using petrol! Is this stupidity or impunity?”
Giving their verdict yesterday, judges of the appeal court, Amos Twinomujuni, Steven Kavuma and Augustine Nshimye Sebuturo, said although Cheeye was a first offender, he was a senior public officer responsible for fighting corruption and should have been the “last person to engage in the criminal activities he was convicted of”.
“He should have led by example. We think the sentences of 10 years and three years were on the lower side. We are content, however, to leave the matter as the learned trial judge, in his wisdom, found suitable. We also uphold the order for compensation,” the judges added.
After the ruling was read, a Police officer swiftly moved to take Cheeye to the cells, but the shocked convict dashed towards his lawyer, Peter Kabatsi, asking if they should appeal. “I think we should,” the lawyer remarked as the policeman grabbed Cheeye enroute to Luzira.
Kabatsi said he had not had formal instructions from Cheeye to appeal yet.
Cheeye had told the Court of Appeal that justice Katutsi was wrong to say he received the sh120m because he relied on uncorroborated evidence of Nkurunziza, whom he described as an accomplice and a liar.
Cheeye also said he did not forge the accounts and that the judgement was too harsh.
In total, Cheeye’s imprisonment term is 28 years, but the High Court ordered that he serves them concurrently, for just 10 years.
The appeal judges said Cheeye was given chance to defend himself, but he declined to talk.
The anti-corruption court has convicted four people over the Global Fund. Former director of programmes in Uganda Television Salongo Scoff Kavuma got five years and is to refund sh41m he embezzled. Annaliza Mondon and Elizabeth Ngororano also earned five years imprisonment and are to refund sh30m of the sh38m they received through their NGO, Value Health.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Uganda 's good Governance Record improves.
Sylvia Nankya;
UGANDA is the third best performer in good governance in eastern Africa, according to the Mo Ibrahim Index report released on Monday.
Uganda scored 51% for governance quality in 2009 and was ranked 24th out of 53 countries. The regional averages for East Africa stood at 45% (2010) and 46.9% (2009).
Out of the 12 eastern Africa countries, Uganda emerged third just behind Seychelles (74.5%) and Tanzania (54.1%). Djibouti scored 50.1%, Kenya 49.7%, Comoros 48.3%, Rwanda 47.9%, Burundi 45.8%, Ethiopia 44.2%, Sudan 33.4% and Somalia got the least rank in Africa with 7.9%.
The 2010 Ibrahim Index shows both areas of progress and setbacks in governance between 2004/05 and 2008/09 (the most recent period assessed).
It shows that Uganda performed poorly in national security and highest in the rule of law. The survey is designed to encourage good governance.
The index was launched simultaneously with events in the cities of Accra, Dakar, Johannesburg and Nairobi. It measures the delivery of public goods and services to citizens by governments and non-state actors across 88 indicators.
Eritrea got 33%, Zimbabwe 32%, DR Congo 32% and Chad 31%.
Of the 53 countries surveyed, 41 have seen improvement over the past five years in the area of sustainable economic opportunity, the foundation said.
But the gains have been offset by declines in 35 countries in the area of safety and the rule of law, and almost two-thirds of countries declined in the areas of participation and human rights.
Seychelles was the best performing country in the eastern Africa region in all four categories of the index, while Somalia was the worst.
East Africa performed poorly as a region, ranking fourth out of the five regions in Africa in safety and rule of law and sustainable economic opportunity as well. It was third in human rights and human development, but performed poorly in national security and public management.
“The index gives us a mixed picture about recent progress on governance across the continent. While many African citizens are becoming healthier and have greater access to economic opportunities than five years ago, many of them are less physically secure and less politically enfranchised,” stated Mo Ibrahim, the founder and chairman of the foundation.
He is also the creator of the Mo Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership, the world’s largest annual prize, created to reward former African leaders for good governance.
Winners get a $5m prize split over 10 years, plus $200,000 annually for the rest of their lives and $200,000 a year for charitable causes of their choice.
For the past two years, there have not been any prize winners. The last winner was former Mozambique president Joachim Chissano.
The index seeks to inform and empower the continent’s citizens and to support governments, parliaments and civil society to assess progress.
Salim Ahmed Salim, a board member of the foundation and former secretary-general of the Organisation of African Unity, said: “We must ensure that the political side of governance in Africa is not neglected.
“We have seen from evidence and experience across the world that discrepancies between political governance and economic management are unsustainable in the long term.
If Africa is going to continue to make progress, we need to pay attention to the rights and safety of citizens.”
UGANDA is the third best performer in good governance in eastern Africa, according to the Mo Ibrahim Index report released on Monday.
Uganda scored 51% for governance quality in 2009 and was ranked 24th out of 53 countries. The regional averages for East Africa stood at 45% (2010) and 46.9% (2009).
Out of the 12 eastern Africa countries, Uganda emerged third just behind Seychelles (74.5%) and Tanzania (54.1%). Djibouti scored 50.1%, Kenya 49.7%, Comoros 48.3%, Rwanda 47.9%, Burundi 45.8%, Ethiopia 44.2%, Sudan 33.4% and Somalia got the least rank in Africa with 7.9%.
The 2010 Ibrahim Index shows both areas of progress and setbacks in governance between 2004/05 and 2008/09 (the most recent period assessed).
It shows that Uganda performed poorly in national security and highest in the rule of law. The survey is designed to encourage good governance.
The index was launched simultaneously with events in the cities of Accra, Dakar, Johannesburg and Nairobi. It measures the delivery of public goods and services to citizens by governments and non-state actors across 88 indicators.
Eritrea got 33%, Zimbabwe 32%, DR Congo 32% and Chad 31%.
Of the 53 countries surveyed, 41 have seen improvement over the past five years in the area of sustainable economic opportunity, the foundation said.
But the gains have been offset by declines in 35 countries in the area of safety and the rule of law, and almost two-thirds of countries declined in the areas of participation and human rights.
Seychelles was the best performing country in the eastern Africa region in all four categories of the index, while Somalia was the worst.
East Africa performed poorly as a region, ranking fourth out of the five regions in Africa in safety and rule of law and sustainable economic opportunity as well. It was third in human rights and human development, but performed poorly in national security and public management.
“The index gives us a mixed picture about recent progress on governance across the continent. While many African citizens are becoming healthier and have greater access to economic opportunities than five years ago, many of them are less physically secure and less politically enfranchised,” stated Mo Ibrahim, the founder and chairman of the foundation.
He is also the creator of the Mo Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership, the world’s largest annual prize, created to reward former African leaders for good governance.
Winners get a $5m prize split over 10 years, plus $200,000 annually for the rest of their lives and $200,000 a year for charitable causes of their choice.
For the past two years, there have not been any prize winners. The last winner was former Mozambique president Joachim Chissano.
The index seeks to inform and empower the continent’s citizens and to support governments, parliaments and civil society to assess progress.
Salim Ahmed Salim, a board member of the foundation and former secretary-general of the Organisation of African Unity, said: “We must ensure that the political side of governance in Africa is not neglected.
“We have seen from evidence and experience across the world that discrepancies between political governance and economic management are unsustainable in the long term.
If Africa is going to continue to make progress, we need to pay attention to the rights and safety of citizens.”
Monday, September 27, 2010
Miss. Hellen Limo
Hellen Limo is a teacher,Kenya
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Rahma, Another Learned Friend;
Rahma Jillo Adhi-Adhan is another Legal Officer on the team; she works with the NGO's Coordination Board, a state agency which Regulates NGO's in Kenya.
Francis, the activist
Francis Kiwanga is The Executive Director of the Legal and Human Rights center, Dar es-salaam, Tanzania.
Sylvia The Journalist
Sylvia Nankya is a Journalist/ Parliamentary Reporter working with the New Vision Printing and Publications Limited in Kampala, Uganda.
Andrew, The PINGO MAN
Andrew Msami is a Monitoring and Evaluation officer, Pastoralist Indigenous NGO forum, Arusha, Tanzania
Meet Maggie
Democracy and Governance section, USAID, Tanzania.
Joy The Lobbyist
The great Lillian
Lillian Mashaka; The Great lady you see is the Deputy Director General, Preventing and Combating Corruption Bureau, Dar es salaam Tanzania;
Meet Chris the TC
Christopher Rusana is the town Clerk for the Municipal council of Kehancha, Kenya.
His Excellency the President
Ronald Wanyamaworks with the Kenya anti-corruption Commission as a senior Prevention Officer
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Les Aspin Cheers- by Hellen Limo
Les Aspin Cheers- by Hellen Limo
We together; eat, dance, despair,
Learn, sleep travel, endure
Nothing was remembered, nothing forgotten
Here I speak a converted poetess
Les Aspin cheers!
Now wondering two things
First why we met
Anti-corruption put us together
Les Aspin?
Les Aspin cheers!
Second cultivating moral courage
Little did I know?
Physical courage is stale
Moral courage now my core value
Les Aspin cheers!
It is little I care what path I take
And where it leads it’s little I care
But out of Les Aspin House, I care our friendship
It was fun to know all you
Les Aspin cheers!
The part of you that made me laugh
Through all the memories I have
The things that made us mad
The pain that made us cry
Les Aspin cheers
From where I started to where I am today
The journey has been long and tiring
From nothing to something I am today
It’s not been easy journey
Les Aspin cheers!
Under safe hands throughout the journey
In the hands of a gifted teacher
Les Aspin House a magical place
Notwithstanding the cigar smoke
Les Aspin cheers!
There is a smile in each face
In the hands of a gifted teacher
Creative energy is everywhere
Desire and wonder is awakened all through
Les Aspin cheers!
Anti-corruption skills modeled
In the hands of a gifted teacher
The best of reality is bottled
All these in Nairobi, D.C. and Milwaukee
Les Aspin cheers!
Gifts and talents are refined
In the hands of a gifted teacher
The willed future is designed
Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania here we come
Les Aspin cheers!
Les Aspin 2010 President Celebrates Birthday today.
Congratulations Ronald Wanyama, the Group wishes you well.
Below is Wanyama's communication to all of us on his Birthday.l
Dear colleagues,
Today is my birth day. It is a very special day that is marked by celebrations. But in some cases, the work pressures make it difficult for one to celebrate properly. I am one person who does not believe in post poning things to a later day. Indeed I would have wished to have all of you to join me in marking this day.
Today, very early in the morning, I received a gracious call from my mom, wishing me a happy birthday. She reminded me of how happy she was the day I was born and how her mother was at hand to receive me. She concluded by telling me to share whatever I have with friends on this great day. I wondered what to do since I have alot of work pending on my desk, ranging from drafting speeches to formulating strategies to prevent corruption in various sectors of our economy. I then said to myself that I have special friends who I can share with a story that teaches what my mom told me to do, a story that teaches us not to be too greedy. And the story goes like this:
''A Holy man was having a conversation with the Lord one day and said, 'Lord, I would like to know what Heaven and Hell are like.'
The Lord led the holy man to two doors.
He opened one of the doors and the holy man looked in.
In the middle of the room was a large round table.
In the middle of the table was a large pot of stew,
which smelled delicious and made the holy man's mouth water.
The people sitting around the table were thin and sickly.
They appeared to be famished. They were holding spoons with very long handles that were strapped to their arms and each found it possible to reach into the pot of stew and take a spoonful.
But because the handle was longer than their arms, they could not get the spoons back into their mouths.
The holy man shuddered at the sight of their misery and suffering.
The Lord said, 'You have seen Hell. They went to the next room and opened the door. It was exactly the same as the first one.
There was the large round table with the large pot of stew which made the holy man's mouth water.
The people were equipped with the same long-handled spoons, but here the people were well nourished and plump, laughing and talking.
The holy man said, 'I don't understand.
'It is simple,' said the Lord. 'It requires but one skill.
You see, they have learned to feed each other.
The greedy think only of themselves.'
When Jesus died on the cross, he was thinking of you.''
Remember colleagues that I would have wanted to share my spoon with you. But it was not possible today. Next time, God willing, I will invite all of you to share my spoon with you.
God bless all of you abundantly on this special day.
With love,
Ronald.
Today is my birth day. It is a very special day that is marked by celebrations. But in some cases, the work pressures make it difficult for one to celebrate properly. I am one person who does not believe in post poning things to a later day. Indeed I would have wished to have all of you to join me in marking this day.
Today, very early in the morning, I received a gracious call from my mom, wishing me a happy birthday. She reminded me of how happy she was the day I was born and how her mother was at hand to receive me. She concluded by telling me to share whatever I have with friends on this great day. I wondered what to do since I have alot of work pending on my desk, ranging from drafting speeches to formulating strategies to prevent corruption in various sectors of our economy. I then said to myself that I have special friends who I can share with a story that teaches what my mom told me to do, a story that teaches us not to be too greedy. And the story goes like this:
''A Holy man was having a conversation with the Lord one day and said, 'Lord, I would like to know what Heaven and Hell are like.'
The Lord led the holy man to two doors.
He opened one of the doors and the holy man looked in.
In the middle of the room was a large round table.
In the middle of the table was a large pot of stew,
which smelled delicious and made the holy man's mouth water.
The people sitting around the table were thin and sickly.
They appeared to be famished. They were holding spoons with very long handles that were strapped to their arms and each found it possible to reach into the pot of stew and take a spoonful.
But because the handle was longer than their arms, they could not get the spoons back into their mouths.
The holy man shuddered at the sight of their misery and suffering.
The Lord said, 'You have seen Hell. They went to the next room and opened the door. It was exactly the same as the first one.
There was the large round table with the large pot of stew which made the holy man's mouth water.
The people were equipped with the same long-handled spoons, but here the people were well nourished and plump, laughing and talking.
The holy man said, 'I don't understand.
'It is simple,' said the Lord. 'It requires but one skill.
You see, they have learned to feed each other.
The greedy think only of themselves.'
When Jesus died on the cross, he was thinking of you.''
Remember colleagues that I would have wanted to share my spoon with you. But it was not possible today. Next time, God willing, I will invite all of you to share my spoon with you.
God bless all of you abundantly on this special day.
With love,
Ronald.
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