"Innovation Katogo" was the theme for the last Wapi Event in 2008 (organised by the British Council plus Silk Events) and I managed to spray paint my very first amateur Graffiti before making my annual Christmas pilgrimage to Arua Town the next weekend (Didn't even attend my Old Fellow Jona's Wedding).
Trivia: My very first professional painting was around August 2007 but it wasn't graffiti, just an interior decoration for an old boy. The second followed immediately just before CHOGM.
Imran Azad, the uniquely colourful artist taught me some valuable techniques I applied to produce my 'INOV8RZ' Graffiti piece. Someone said he liked the way I did the Z, I liked it too. Not bad overall but I felt I needed to do much better than I did, paint dripped in some areas even after I started fantastically. I lost my nerve somehow close to the climax and even held my spray-can with two hands. Some stranger who came late and couldn't get a board wanted to help me finish my name smoothly. I let him do it; he advised me to spray once (that is continuously) while creating a letter. Another guy asked me to spray on his trousers, wow! Was that fan courtesy? Naah, I think I was just available. Roland who did a live painting during Kirk Franklin's previous Serena Concert was on my right side. The girl on my left side was also doing it for her first time and told her friends I was quite 'good' despite everything else but the highlight guy whom my second cousin Edwin (holding a videocam) told me to check out was a white painter whose meticulous touch was so smooth that it attracted several watchers. Owl (real name Derrick Muhirwa) had remarkable stuff near the fence. Imran , my mentor was also loud with about two pieces. The master (who bravely appeared in Desire Luzinda’s song “Bingi” while other men shunned the bare-chested role in the video) painted great stuff too. He later confessed that I did better than he thought I would on my first attempt. I know that everybody has a certain talent but we need practice to perfect our disciplines.
Here are a few guidelines he shared with me before and during the December drill. I have chosen to summarise them into seven entries:
1. Spray from a distance, it may be faint but it prevents the dripping of paint
2. Learn to use the index finger, weaker than the thumb but allows flexibility. The thumb may not give you very good results compared to the index finger (aka second or forefinger)
3. Do not try to rub away paint when there is another colour around, will cause a mixture and result in a new colour
4. Be free (and not uneasy). Don't be nervous, relax, YOU CAN DO IT! (He said that just about the time Obama became the First Black President of America)
5. To create a line that is smooth, depress the aerosol and spray once while making lines
6. To keep the paint mixed, you can turn the can upside down in addition to shaking
7. Start by spraying light colours like yellow first, then add dark ones (Personally, I don't mind the reverse as long as you know your vision)
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Friday, August 28, 2009
Draft Documentary Transcript
Draft Transcript for the Documentary Film produced by INTERNATIONAL ALERT about the ‘Trading for Peace’ plus COMESA STR (Simplified Trade Regime) Meetings in Kasese 20th to 23rd October 2008 and Bwera Trade Fair on 24th October 2008 all organized by COMESA, DFID and USAID in partnership with the Government of Uganda. The theme was “Capacity Building and Cross Border Trade Facilitation”.
ALISON THOMPSON, ROBINAH KAJWENGE and FRIDAH MUSIIME worked on the documentation. The Journalist was EDWARD AIKOBUA and TOM ISINGOMA was the Cameraman.
DAY ONE (Monday 20th October 2008): TAPE 1 & 2
(Timber Trade and Livelihoods in Great Lakes Region)
We interviewed two Congolese Timber Traders plus Ms. FELICITE KALUME NDOOLE, Ministère Provinciale DRC – North Kivu; Ministère de l’Environement Nord – Kivu. Also interviewed was WINNIE KIZZA, MP Kasese (Uganda)… Details and correct spellings of all the names of interviewees can be double checked with the list of participants since we asked them to introduce themselves.
DAY TWO (Tuesday 21st October 2008): TAPE 3 & 4
(COMESA Strategy for Sustainable Timber Trade in the Great Lakes Region)
1. NICK BATES, Political Analyst (DFID – UK)
An Excellent Take; he spoke extensively about this timely initiative to have a forum that brings together different nationals in the COMESA Region and allow them to discuss their disagreements. He elaborated on the themes from the past meetings and also the future. I actually squeezed out of him what was in store for 2009 and he said ‘Energy’ since Congo has many rivers from which hydro-electric power can be tapped. The cameraman commented that this was a big interview for him since the subject in the frame revealed so much and spoke resourcefully. This clip alone contained a lot of important data and has a symbolic view of the Rwenzori Mountains in the background…
2. DAVIES M. BAMULESEYO, Principal Commercial Officer/ Trade at the Ministry of Tourism, Trade and Industry (Uganda)
A Good Take; it was actually very good in terms of content. We got the main man who is Uganda’s National Focal Point in implementing the COMESA STR. Davies spoke about the importance of having such meetings to facilitate trade across borders. As a civil servant, he did not want to be so political, so I avoided asking him the question of government interference in trading. Instead, I asked him what he thought about having information points at the many border posts like Busia-Malaba, Katuna, Vurra (Arua) in addition to the Mpondwe/ Kasindi Border Post. Information most especially about trade across borders as a resource can help build peace.
Trivia: Mr. Bamuleseyo chaired the COMESA STR meetings the following days Wednesday and Thursday alongside Helen Kenani, the COMESA Senior Trade Expert who turned down my request to interview her simply because her secretariat was among the facilitators of the forum…
DAY THREE (Wednesday 22nd October 2008): TAPE 5
(Opening of the COMESA Simplified Trade Regime [STR] workshop)
1. STANLEY PANDASI, General Chairperson of Traders and Representative at Mpondwe Border Post (Customs Market)
A Good Take; he spoke in English mixed with his local language Rukhonzo explaining the problems he is facing and what the people he represents go through. He gave suggestions of what government needs to do. He was a good authority to interview on issues concerning Mpondwe Cross-Border trading…
2. BISWEDE KALIHODI, Market Tenderer (Bwera, Kasese) and Member of the Women Choir Singers’ Group (Uganda)
Excellent Take; she talked in Swahili about taxes being paid in different places for the same good for example when trading fish, you may find yourself paying several people instead of just one officer. Arrests are actually made and this disjointed taxation kills their would-be profits. Her disposition was quite volatile which makes for a good screen presence. She brings out her grievances well and was very smart (on the fashion side). We ‘held for traffic’ (that is stopped recording) twice to allow a loud Bread Van pass at Hotel Margerita…
3. AGNES PASKA, Market Tenderer (Fish Trader) and Chairperson of the Women Choir Singers’ Group (Uganda)
Not a Bad Take; she felt more comfortable speaking her mother tongue Rukhonzi and
revealed that she sells fish at Kasitamu Market (at the border). We asked her to talk about
what she thought of Cross Border Trade and the challenges that constrain her…
4. JEAN - MARCEL MUYA TUMBA, DRC Gouv, Directeur de Promotion Commerciale ; Ministère de Economie Nationale et Commerce Extérieur ; Secrétariat General au Commerce Extérieur ; et Point Focal Principal pour le RECOS/ RDC
A Good Take with the Rwenzori Mountains in the background. Since he is the focal point for DR Congo in implementation of the STR, we allowed him to speak about Cross Border Trade, Conflicts and other setbacks without interruption. He talked about the Trading for Peace Forum; Differences between Congo and Uganda; Problems and appropriate ideas
DAY FOUR (Thursday 23rd October 2008): TAPE 5
(Review of the COMESA STR with the handbook “Making Cross Border Trade Simplified”)
1. KISITU ASADU KIGOZI, Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) Customs Officer Mpondwe (Western Uganda)
Early morning capture…Very Important Take because the previous day, participants asked for the presence of at least one Customs Official to contribute to their forum and let his employers know the achievements of the ‘Trading for Peace’ and COMESA STR Forum…
DAY FIVE (Friday 24th October 2008): TAPE 6
(Trade Fair at Bwera Primary Teachers College)
Besides the interviews on the final day of filming, also captured on Tape 6 were the Bwera College students singing the Uganda National Anthem and another song to make the guests “feel at home”. The Trade Fair was like a cross border trade market with various items on display including bitenge, padlocks, juice, whisky, clothes, cosmetics, fruits, sugar, packaged products, stoves, agricultural foodstuffs, sandals, charcoal, glycerine, cooking oil, air time cards (most notably from Warid Telecom that had a conspicuous umbrella), shampoo and much more. Rather peculiar were logs of timber on display. The chief guest Chairman LC (Local Council) 5 Canon Julius Kithaghenda led the inspection of stalls. His speech came after the Principal of Bwera Teachers College; the LC 3; M. Damien Kamashi - President de la F.E.C/ Beni and another delegate were asked to say a word. Below are the people interviewed…
1. SOSTENE BWAMBALE, Bitenge Trader (Uganda)
Fair Take though shot while the Guest of Honour was giving his speech in the background. Sostene talked about revenue officials not giving them fixed prices and advised government to stabilize pricing…
2. ANGELUS MUHINDO, Bwera Solar and General Electricals, Power Equipment Supplier (Uganda)
A Good Take; one of his challenges was that people do not buy solar equipment because of prices. He advised government to reduce on (importation) taxes so that prices also fall. His eloquence in English smoothened our interchange. Basing on the fact that the Principal of Bwera Teachers College revealed (during his speech) that the school had an inadequate solar system installed as far back as 1995, Muhindo’s presence at the fair should have been of great interest to the administrators plus students besides other consumers…
3. (Hajjati) MASIKA TAUSI MWANAIDI, Bitenge Trader (Congo)
A Good Take; though the music was still loud. She spoke Swahili and complained about revenue authorities who put them in trouble. She begged that they also hear what the traders have to say…
4. MARGRET KINENE, Foodstuffs Trader (Uganda)
A Fairly Good Take; the entertainment deejay could not play his music at low decibels but we managed to find out that Kinene sells foodstuffs like bananas, cassava, pineapples, irish and sweet potatoes (a local favourite). Margret spoke her local tongue Rukhonzo and told us a very important point that as a handicapped Ugandan (lame person), she is not charged anything while trading in Congo. She was dressed in a yellow NRM (National Resistance Movement) T-shirt with the 2006 election campaign face of the ruling Ugandan President His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. This was a great political statement because M7’s regime has really worked hard to empower women including rural agriculturalists. Unfortunately, we did not capture another piece of information about how she has educated her daughter up to Senior Four (That is the age when Ugandan girls are ready for marriage) but does not have money to sponsor her further. She added that the father died when the girl finished Primary Seven, about four classes behind. This human interest information can be used in a voice over or caption talking about Margret…
5. MASEREKA YONA HAYI, Timber Importer (Uganda)
His problems include among others Untrustworthy Congolese: Some Congolese run with their money; Secondly, when you load timber, Congolese officials beg for money with no reciept yet Congolese traders have no problem in Uganda; In the third place, even a Ugandan with a VISA faces problems - he gets phone calls looking for him or is chased; Finally, sometimes when you check timber bought, you find that it is the worst…
6. MOSES BALUKU, Timber Importer (Uganda)
Very Brief Take; Baluku had a similar grievance as Yona’s last, mentioned to me off camera how Congolese sell them rejects of timber...
ALISON THOMPSON, ROBINAH KAJWENGE and FRIDAH MUSIIME worked on the documentation. The Journalist was EDWARD AIKOBUA and TOM ISINGOMA was the Cameraman.
DAY ONE (Monday 20th October 2008): TAPE 1 & 2
(Timber Trade and Livelihoods in Great Lakes Region)
We interviewed two Congolese Timber Traders plus Ms. FELICITE KALUME NDOOLE, Ministère Provinciale DRC – North Kivu; Ministère de l’Environement Nord – Kivu. Also interviewed was WINNIE KIZZA, MP Kasese (Uganda)… Details and correct spellings of all the names of interviewees can be double checked with the list of participants since we asked them to introduce themselves.
DAY TWO (Tuesday 21st October 2008): TAPE 3 & 4
(COMESA Strategy for Sustainable Timber Trade in the Great Lakes Region)
1. NICK BATES, Political Analyst (DFID – UK)
An Excellent Take; he spoke extensively about this timely initiative to have a forum that brings together different nationals in the COMESA Region and allow them to discuss their disagreements. He elaborated on the themes from the past meetings and also the future. I actually squeezed out of him what was in store for 2009 and he said ‘Energy’ since Congo has many rivers from which hydro-electric power can be tapped. The cameraman commented that this was a big interview for him since the subject in the frame revealed so much and spoke resourcefully. This clip alone contained a lot of important data and has a symbolic view of the Rwenzori Mountains in the background…
2. DAVIES M. BAMULESEYO, Principal Commercial Officer/ Trade at the Ministry of Tourism, Trade and Industry (Uganda)
A Good Take; it was actually very good in terms of content. We got the main man who is Uganda’s National Focal Point in implementing the COMESA STR. Davies spoke about the importance of having such meetings to facilitate trade across borders. As a civil servant, he did not want to be so political, so I avoided asking him the question of government interference in trading. Instead, I asked him what he thought about having information points at the many border posts like Busia-Malaba, Katuna, Vurra (Arua) in addition to the Mpondwe/ Kasindi Border Post. Information most especially about trade across borders as a resource can help build peace.
Trivia: Mr. Bamuleseyo chaired the COMESA STR meetings the following days Wednesday and Thursday alongside Helen Kenani, the COMESA Senior Trade Expert who turned down my request to interview her simply because her secretariat was among the facilitators of the forum…
DAY THREE (Wednesday 22nd October 2008): TAPE 5
(Opening of the COMESA Simplified Trade Regime [STR] workshop)
1. STANLEY PANDASI, General Chairperson of Traders and Representative at Mpondwe Border Post (Customs Market)
A Good Take; he spoke in English mixed with his local language Rukhonzo explaining the problems he is facing and what the people he represents go through. He gave suggestions of what government needs to do. He was a good authority to interview on issues concerning Mpondwe Cross-Border trading…
2. BISWEDE KALIHODI, Market Tenderer (Bwera, Kasese) and Member of the Women Choir Singers’ Group (Uganda)
Excellent Take; she talked in Swahili about taxes being paid in different places for the same good for example when trading fish, you may find yourself paying several people instead of just one officer. Arrests are actually made and this disjointed taxation kills their would-be profits. Her disposition was quite volatile which makes for a good screen presence. She brings out her grievances well and was very smart (on the fashion side). We ‘held for traffic’ (that is stopped recording) twice to allow a loud Bread Van pass at Hotel Margerita…
3. AGNES PASKA, Market Tenderer (Fish Trader) and Chairperson of the Women Choir Singers’ Group (Uganda)
Not a Bad Take; she felt more comfortable speaking her mother tongue Rukhonzi and
revealed that she sells fish at Kasitamu Market (at the border). We asked her to talk about
what she thought of Cross Border Trade and the challenges that constrain her…
4. JEAN - MARCEL MUYA TUMBA, DRC Gouv, Directeur de Promotion Commerciale ; Ministère de Economie Nationale et Commerce Extérieur ; Secrétariat General au Commerce Extérieur ; et Point Focal Principal pour le RECOS/ RDC
A Good Take with the Rwenzori Mountains in the background. Since he is the focal point for DR Congo in implementation of the STR, we allowed him to speak about Cross Border Trade, Conflicts and other setbacks without interruption. He talked about the Trading for Peace Forum; Differences between Congo and Uganda; Problems and appropriate ideas
DAY FOUR (Thursday 23rd October 2008): TAPE 5
(Review of the COMESA STR with the handbook “Making Cross Border Trade Simplified”)
1. KISITU ASADU KIGOZI, Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) Customs Officer Mpondwe (Western Uganda)
Early morning capture…Very Important Take because the previous day, participants asked for the presence of at least one Customs Official to contribute to their forum and let his employers know the achievements of the ‘Trading for Peace’ and COMESA STR Forum…
DAY FIVE (Friday 24th October 2008): TAPE 6
(Trade Fair at Bwera Primary Teachers College)
Besides the interviews on the final day of filming, also captured on Tape 6 were the Bwera College students singing the Uganda National Anthem and another song to make the guests “feel at home”. The Trade Fair was like a cross border trade market with various items on display including bitenge, padlocks, juice, whisky, clothes, cosmetics, fruits, sugar, packaged products, stoves, agricultural foodstuffs, sandals, charcoal, glycerine, cooking oil, air time cards (most notably from Warid Telecom that had a conspicuous umbrella), shampoo and much more. Rather peculiar were logs of timber on display. The chief guest Chairman LC (Local Council) 5 Canon Julius Kithaghenda led the inspection of stalls. His speech came after the Principal of Bwera Teachers College; the LC 3; M. Damien Kamashi - President de la F.E.C/ Beni and another delegate were asked to say a word. Below are the people interviewed…
1. SOSTENE BWAMBALE, Bitenge Trader (Uganda)
Fair Take though shot while the Guest of Honour was giving his speech in the background. Sostene talked about revenue officials not giving them fixed prices and advised government to stabilize pricing…
2. ANGELUS MUHINDO, Bwera Solar and General Electricals, Power Equipment Supplier (Uganda)
A Good Take; one of his challenges was that people do not buy solar equipment because of prices. He advised government to reduce on (importation) taxes so that prices also fall. His eloquence in English smoothened our interchange. Basing on the fact that the Principal of Bwera Teachers College revealed (during his speech) that the school had an inadequate solar system installed as far back as 1995, Muhindo’s presence at the fair should have been of great interest to the administrators plus students besides other consumers…
3. (Hajjati) MASIKA TAUSI MWANAIDI, Bitenge Trader (Congo)
A Good Take; though the music was still loud. She spoke Swahili and complained about revenue authorities who put them in trouble. She begged that they also hear what the traders have to say…
4. MARGRET KINENE, Foodstuffs Trader (Uganda)
A Fairly Good Take; the entertainment deejay could not play his music at low decibels but we managed to find out that Kinene sells foodstuffs like bananas, cassava, pineapples, irish and sweet potatoes (a local favourite). Margret spoke her local tongue Rukhonzo and told us a very important point that as a handicapped Ugandan (lame person), she is not charged anything while trading in Congo. She was dressed in a yellow NRM (National Resistance Movement) T-shirt with the 2006 election campaign face of the ruling Ugandan President His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. This was a great political statement because M7’s regime has really worked hard to empower women including rural agriculturalists. Unfortunately, we did not capture another piece of information about how she has educated her daughter up to Senior Four (That is the age when Ugandan girls are ready for marriage) but does not have money to sponsor her further. She added that the father died when the girl finished Primary Seven, about four classes behind. This human interest information can be used in a voice over or caption talking about Margret…
5. MASEREKA YONA HAYI, Timber Importer (Uganda)
His problems include among others Untrustworthy Congolese: Some Congolese run with their money; Secondly, when you load timber, Congolese officials beg for money with no reciept yet Congolese traders have no problem in Uganda; In the third place, even a Ugandan with a VISA faces problems - he gets phone calls looking for him or is chased; Finally, sometimes when you check timber bought, you find that it is the worst…
6. MOSES BALUKU, Timber Importer (Uganda)
Very Brief Take; Baluku had a similar grievance as Yona’s last, mentioned to me off camera how Congolese sell them rejects of timber...
“Uganda, my Miss Tourism” (A Humorous Poem)
Like a Peacock at the UWEC Zoo,
my Miss Tourism is truly beautiful,
It would be an honour to die for her like the Namugongo Martyrs.
Status-wise, she is way up there like the Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon.
She even possesses a face that glitters like a Black, Yellow and Red Pearl in Africa.
Her skin has been discovered to be oily, so her future looks very shiny as a model,
Moreover with hair that slopes majestically like the plains of Kisoro and Kabale.
Everybody knows her like Idi Amin Dada.
The world says, “She’s ‘fly’ like the planes at Entebbe International Airport”.
Her eyes glow like the Waterfalls at Murchison.
Her lips are as sweet as the honey from Arua and West Nile.
Her breasts are so plush like the green vegetation in the countryside that I enjoy resting there.
When I’m hurt, she soothes my pain as if I’m sailing on Lake Victoria.
She restores my peace as though I’m a Survivor from Gulu or Teso Region.
Like the gorillas of Bwindi, her arms are strong and powerful,
But the hugs are soft and comfortable like the weather all year round.
She carries me like the ferry at Paraa - pure paradise, Turns me on like the Owen Falls Dam ignited factories in the 20th Century.
Nothing can separate me from her the way the equator divides Masaka.
Her back is a masterpiece to look at; you would think it’s a rock painting in Soroti.
She’s always friendly to her neighbours because her Heart is big like Mount Elgon.
Those who rely on her get satisfied the way Ankole Milk keeps its drinkers jolly.
Her figure is shaped so beautifully that when she dances,
It’s like watching the Great River Nile wind its way up to Egypt.
Her thighs are big and seductive like cassava from Mbale and Tororo.
She’s proud of her culture like the Karamojong,
And has the nerve to resist imperialistic interference like the Banyoro did.
She is the Centre of my Existence like Kampala was for CHOGM,
Simply because she makes me laugh heartily, As though I’m a hyena in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Sometimes during leisure, we play ‘Omweso’ and other local games together,
Or go white water rafting, bungy jumping and horseback riding.
I always feel safe because she watches my back like the Crested Cranes in the air.
My ‘Miss Tourism’ always smells fresh like the oxygen in Mabira Forest.
She became independent in 1962 and I cannot do without her massive support.
She’s the gold medal that got my patriotism racing like Akii Bua and Inzikuru.
I’ve even written down a 10 Point Program like Museveni about what I want to do for her.
That includes escorting her to the World Salon.
I love Uganda because she is the Most Beautiful Model in the World.
For GOD and my Tourism Queen!
[Written by Aiko, the Psycho]
my Miss Tourism is truly beautiful,
It would be an honour to die for her like the Namugongo Martyrs.
Status-wise, she is way up there like the Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon.
She even possesses a face that glitters like a Black, Yellow and Red Pearl in Africa.
Her skin has been discovered to be oily, so her future looks very shiny as a model,
Moreover with hair that slopes majestically like the plains of Kisoro and Kabale.
Everybody knows her like Idi Amin Dada.
The world says, “She’s ‘fly’ like the planes at Entebbe International Airport”.
Her eyes glow like the Waterfalls at Murchison.
Her lips are as sweet as the honey from Arua and West Nile.
Her breasts are so plush like the green vegetation in the countryside that I enjoy resting there.
When I’m hurt, she soothes my pain as if I’m sailing on Lake Victoria.
She restores my peace as though I’m a Survivor from Gulu or Teso Region.
Like the gorillas of Bwindi, her arms are strong and powerful,
But the hugs are soft and comfortable like the weather all year round.
She carries me like the ferry at Paraa - pure paradise, Turns me on like the Owen Falls Dam ignited factories in the 20th Century.
Nothing can separate me from her the way the equator divides Masaka.
Her back is a masterpiece to look at; you would think it’s a rock painting in Soroti.
She’s always friendly to her neighbours because her Heart is big like Mount Elgon.
Those who rely on her get satisfied the way Ankole Milk keeps its drinkers jolly.
Her figure is shaped so beautifully that when she dances,
It’s like watching the Great River Nile wind its way up to Egypt.
Her thighs are big and seductive like cassava from Mbale and Tororo.
She’s proud of her culture like the Karamojong,
And has the nerve to resist imperialistic interference like the Banyoro did.
She is the Centre of my Existence like Kampala was for CHOGM,
Simply because she makes me laugh heartily, As though I’m a hyena in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Sometimes during leisure, we play ‘Omweso’ and other local games together,
Or go white water rafting, bungy jumping and horseback riding.
I always feel safe because she watches my back like the Crested Cranes in the air.
My ‘Miss Tourism’ always smells fresh like the oxygen in Mabira Forest.
She became independent in 1962 and I cannot do without her massive support.
She’s the gold medal that got my patriotism racing like Akii Bua and Inzikuru.
I’ve even written down a 10 Point Program like Museveni about what I want to do for her.
That includes escorting her to the World Salon.
I love Uganda because she is the Most Beautiful Model in the World.
For GOD and my Tourism Queen!
[Written by Aiko, the Psycho]
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Only Jesus Can Save Us ...
Below are some of the life transforming teachings I managed to grasp during Andrew Wommack's Ministers' Conference at Serena Hotel Kampala's Victoria Hall on Saturday 18th July 2009. Before he came, his TV shows, books and internet articles had emphasized to me a truth I have been exploring for about a dozen years now, "Hypocrites (Religious Pharisees) can also be mistaken to be Saints." I actually wrote a short story entitled "The Wrong Train to Heaven" exploring this topic inspired by my own new life and a storyline from a nightmare I had seen close to the end of the previous millenium while studying at St. Mary's College Kisubi (1997 to 2000). Believe me, Hypocrites rot in the Lowest Part of Hell; we preach one thing and then live another. Why? It's because we are still human. Our bodies still have sin in them, but the decay varies in different people depending on whether you listen more to GOD's Holy Spirit or the Devil's agents and demons. Sometimes I feel our righteousness (even if not pretended) is like torn very ancient rags compared to GOD's exquisite and flawless designer fashion." Never put faith in your own works; only Jesus can save us. Galatians 2: 20 says, "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of GOD, who loved me and gave Himself for me."
"Jesus is like the epitome of worth. His value is as great as the whole universe, so when GOD sends him to die for all of us, we should be proud that we are worth all of that. This joy and pride can even make a statue shout. (Talk of stones praising His name if we human beings don't). It's good to fear GOD but even better to love HIM. Love makes you live a holy life as if by accident. You become prone to holiness. When you accept Christ, your spirit becomes like His - You are righteous even though your mind and body are different. The flesh will repeatedly wrestle against the spirit but that's a No Contest as long as you never commit the one sin that will take people to hell which is rejecting John 16: 9 (Of sin, because they do not believe in Me;). Jesus bought salvation for our souls, so live free.
Tithe in order to get more money to tithe. You do not need a job; when you tithe, everything is provided to you supernaturally. (What you need to do is get rid of the worry that if you tithe even the last Shilling banknote you have, you will have nothing left! GOD provides in mysterious ways.) We are all on the same level, there is no need for cloaks and collars to differentiate the clergy from the laity. We are all ministers, equal at the foot of the cross. There is nothing like there are some who know GOD more. Before Christianity went to Mexico, they had a big temple built for a GOD who appeared in three different forms, the same happened in Vietnam. We are supposed to pray the LORD's Prayer, not recite it like religious fanatics do. Every culture has an in built sense of GOD and the conscience to differentiate between what is right and what is ungodly or (un-GODlike). The latter is punishable, so must always be avoided. I cannot commit adultery at the moment however much you tempt me because I love GOD and my wife. Thieves do not have love for their victims, prostitutes do not love their clients nor themselves.
Before a two hour lunch break, Andrew thanked a number of people who helped in the operations in his ministry. One of them, Leland Shores who manages Andrew Wommack's Bookshop at Shop 39 Cham Towers (Former UCB Main Building) on Kampala Road revealed that after the previous evening's conference, while returning to his rest place, Andrew commented that among all the nations in the world he had been to, the people of Uganda understood his message fastest even though it took Andrew about two decades to figure out what he preached to Ugandans during his conference. I used to watch Andrew's TV show almost regularly ever since I learnt, close to the end of 2008, that it shows on LTV. Why did it take this long for me to notice? GOD forgive me! Somehow I believe he might be the missing mystery that explains a lucid high vision I saw on Monday 4th October 2004 where I was told, "If you have a Problem, just look up to heaven." Also in the 'oneway' vision was the number 39 and a Tower with 'Ch' in its name, which could represent Cham Towers. He preaches about exactly the same thing I have been trying to figure out ever since I accepted Jesus into my rotten heart (1997) and then had a demon of 'Pretended Holiness (Hypocrisy)' cast out of me (2000). I learnt a lot from Andrew during 2009 and even bought a book entitled 'A Better Way to Pray'. The conference was also very eye opening, the thoughts were clear and liberating. He confessed, "I am a plain preacher, I do not shout and show theatrics because I am promoting Jesus not myself. I have kept myself holy and avoided sin so that I can set other people free. Sin is not just breaking a commandment but also failing to do what you know is the right thing to do. Religion has made people compromise with so many Bible truths, but it does not mean we follow the rules to the nail and become robots (like the ones in Will Smith's film entitled 'iRobot'). I used to preach against skirts above the knee but stopped. We need to free up our souls and know that GOD is love not an angry being who is ready to kill us anytime we sin even in our minds. (Personally, I believe dressing is not the matter, what matters is self control. In Australia, women dress scantily but it is not a shameful issue. There aren't as many rapes reported, the issue is our minds. If you do not dress your mind, even a well dressed woman - well covered like an Afghan woman in a Muslim 'Burka' - can become an object of your lust. Besides, in the past Africans used to walk naked while others only covered themselves with leaves but committing adultery, fornication, defilement or rape was punished by death.)
Here is how I summarise Andrew Wommack's message, "GOD has given us mercy through Jesus Christ but we should not take that as a license to continue sinning. You can even self destruct if the Devil implants his religious doctrines into your mind and goes on vacation. What you need to know is that the righteous things you do cannot save you, only Jesus can save you. So when you sin, GOD forbid, He is the Holy Grace to save you." Andrew gave away some of his books and recommended that people read the one about "Self Centredness". Joyce Meyer actually ordered for 100 copies and gave to her ministry team. When you sow the word in people, it germinates eventually.
"Jesus is like the epitome of worth. His value is as great as the whole universe, so when GOD sends him to die for all of us, we should be proud that we are worth all of that. This joy and pride can even make a statue shout. (Talk of stones praising His name if we human beings don't). It's good to fear GOD but even better to love HIM. Love makes you live a holy life as if by accident. You become prone to holiness. When you accept Christ, your spirit becomes like His - You are righteous even though your mind and body are different. The flesh will repeatedly wrestle against the spirit but that's a No Contest as long as you never commit the one sin that will take people to hell which is rejecting John 16: 9 (Of sin, because they do not believe in Me;). Jesus bought salvation for our souls, so live free.
Tithe in order to get more money to tithe. You do not need a job; when you tithe, everything is provided to you supernaturally. (What you need to do is get rid of the worry that if you tithe even the last Shilling banknote you have, you will have nothing left! GOD provides in mysterious ways.) We are all on the same level, there is no need for cloaks and collars to differentiate the clergy from the laity. We are all ministers, equal at the foot of the cross. There is nothing like there are some who know GOD more. Before Christianity went to Mexico, they had a big temple built for a GOD who appeared in three different forms, the same happened in Vietnam. We are supposed to pray the LORD's Prayer, not recite it like religious fanatics do. Every culture has an in built sense of GOD and the conscience to differentiate between what is right and what is ungodly or (un-GODlike). The latter is punishable, so must always be avoided. I cannot commit adultery at the moment however much you tempt me because I love GOD and my wife. Thieves do not have love for their victims, prostitutes do not love their clients nor themselves.
Before a two hour lunch break, Andrew thanked a number of people who helped in the operations in his ministry. One of them, Leland Shores who manages Andrew Wommack's Bookshop at Shop 39 Cham Towers (Former UCB Main Building) on Kampala Road revealed that after the previous evening's conference, while returning to his rest place, Andrew commented that among all the nations in the world he had been to, the people of Uganda understood his message fastest even though it took Andrew about two decades to figure out what he preached to Ugandans during his conference. I used to watch Andrew's TV show almost regularly ever since I learnt, close to the end of 2008, that it shows on LTV. Why did it take this long for me to notice? GOD forgive me! Somehow I believe he might be the missing mystery that explains a lucid high vision I saw on Monday 4th October 2004 where I was told, "If you have a Problem, just look up to heaven." Also in the 'oneway' vision was the number 39 and a Tower with 'Ch' in its name, which could represent Cham Towers. He preaches about exactly the same thing I have been trying to figure out ever since I accepted Jesus into my rotten heart (1997) and then had a demon of 'Pretended Holiness (Hypocrisy)' cast out of me (2000). I learnt a lot from Andrew during 2009 and even bought a book entitled 'A Better Way to Pray'. The conference was also very eye opening, the thoughts were clear and liberating. He confessed, "I am a plain preacher, I do not shout and show theatrics because I am promoting Jesus not myself. I have kept myself holy and avoided sin so that I can set other people free. Sin is not just breaking a commandment but also failing to do what you know is the right thing to do. Religion has made people compromise with so many Bible truths, but it does not mean we follow the rules to the nail and become robots (like the ones in Will Smith's film entitled 'iRobot'). I used to preach against skirts above the knee but stopped. We need to free up our souls and know that GOD is love not an angry being who is ready to kill us anytime we sin even in our minds. (Personally, I believe dressing is not the matter, what matters is self control. In Australia, women dress scantily but it is not a shameful issue. There aren't as many rapes reported, the issue is our minds. If you do not dress your mind, even a well dressed woman - well covered like an Afghan woman in a Muslim 'Burka' - can become an object of your lust. Besides, in the past Africans used to walk naked while others only covered themselves with leaves but committing adultery, fornication, defilement or rape was punished by death.)
Here is how I summarise Andrew Wommack's message, "GOD has given us mercy through Jesus Christ but we should not take that as a license to continue sinning. You can even self destruct if the Devil implants his religious doctrines into your mind and goes on vacation. What you need to know is that the righteous things you do cannot save you, only Jesus can save you. So when you sin, GOD forbid, He is the Holy Grace to save you." Andrew gave away some of his books and recommended that people read the one about "Self Centredness". Joyce Meyer actually ordered for 100 copies and gave to her ministry team. When you sow the word in people, it germinates eventually.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Launching a Website documenting Uganda’s Built Heritage
On Tuesday 30th June 2009 at the Uganda National Museum opposite Seascallop Restaurant on Kira Road, the Makerere University Faculty of Technology Department of Architecture launched the website (www.tech.mak.ac.ug/heritage) documenting and illuminating the surviving historic built heritage of Uganda. The Mission of the Website is: To create awareness about surviving built heritage resources of Uganda so as to impact the local preservation arena with a research, publishing and archiving culture as a powerful tool for conservation action. The website features religious bodies, primary plus tertiary institutions, culture functions, health services, residences and public art. As referred to in the 1972 UNESCO Convention for Conservation and Protection of the World Natural and Cultural Heritage, it includes works of monumental sculpture, painting and other monuments, elements or structures of archaeological nature, inscriptions, cave dwellings and combinations of features, groups of buildings: groups of separate or connected buildings which because of their architecture, their homogeneity or their place in the landscape are outstanding historically, artistically or scientifically. Also included are residential precincts, business premises, sites, parks and gardens and or mixed use facilities.
Many interesting ideas were shared during the workshop. I came in very late and couldn’t place names to the various contributors but here are a few of the ideas:
“Without architectural acumen, you may create a lame building, or a deaf one. Create things like you for the future generations! Beautiful buildings attract tourists. Souvenirs of buildings for example T-Shirts of Namirembe Cathedral when sold can be bought and earn money.”
“There is a problem in Uganda as a result of the education system; people do not appreciate culture. Some politicians speak bad about other regions. There is no spirit of cooperation. We have our own innovations but do not believe in ourselves. Some MUK professors reject bibliographies that include work by professors like Justice George Wilson Kanyeihamba (Chancellor of KIU – Kampala International University) from our own country. In our Primary Schools, if you speak vernacular, you are canned. The issue of culture should be brought up at the primary level. When rebels wage wars, they shouldn’t destroy the existing landmarks.
“(In some European countries, they pray for maximum destruction during war so that they can start the first development program.) For architecture, whenever you look at a building, there is a signal in your brain. Someone once asked: ‘Why zone floors, here don’t go beyond three floors?’ Let us appreciate the dwarf, the tall, the Karimojong.”
“Forces of globalization (colonialism) have destroyed indigenous values where people would sit down and listen to their grandparents. These were negative trends brought before we were born, it’s now up to us to change that. Nevertheless, English helps us understand further, higher, deeper and larger. We do not have to abandon vernacular.”
“Students fail simple exams set at the Faculty of Technology because they never understand the fundamentals or abstracts which can be taught best using vernacular. Uganda teaches sciences in English but if you draw a line from Nimule, in Southern Sudan or New Sudan, to the North Pole you will find that all teach in their local languages.”
“If you want to know the future, you must glorify the present. This project has come to fill the vacuum. The grant from the U.S. Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation will surely ignite Ugandans.”
Nelson Abiti aka Nelly, one of the Uganda Museum facilitators at the workshop emphasized to me after the proceedings that, “Colonial evangelists taught us how our traditional cultures were of the Devil, yet when someone takes very good care of a certain tree in his homestead, he is actually honouring GOD who made the tree.”
Many interesting ideas were shared during the workshop. I came in very late and couldn’t place names to the various contributors but here are a few of the ideas:
“Without architectural acumen, you may create a lame building, or a deaf one. Create things like you for the future generations! Beautiful buildings attract tourists. Souvenirs of buildings for example T-Shirts of Namirembe Cathedral when sold can be bought and earn money.”
“There is a problem in Uganda as a result of the education system; people do not appreciate culture. Some politicians speak bad about other regions. There is no spirit of cooperation. We have our own innovations but do not believe in ourselves. Some MUK professors reject bibliographies that include work by professors like Justice George Wilson Kanyeihamba (Chancellor of KIU – Kampala International University) from our own country. In our Primary Schools, if you speak vernacular, you are canned. The issue of culture should be brought up at the primary level. When rebels wage wars, they shouldn’t destroy the existing landmarks.
“(In some European countries, they pray for maximum destruction during war so that they can start the first development program.) For architecture, whenever you look at a building, there is a signal in your brain. Someone once asked: ‘Why zone floors, here don’t go beyond three floors?’ Let us appreciate the dwarf, the tall, the Karimojong.”
“Forces of globalization (colonialism) have destroyed indigenous values where people would sit down and listen to their grandparents. These were negative trends brought before we were born, it’s now up to us to change that. Nevertheless, English helps us understand further, higher, deeper and larger. We do not have to abandon vernacular.”
“Students fail simple exams set at the Faculty of Technology because they never understand the fundamentals or abstracts which can be taught best using vernacular. Uganda teaches sciences in English but if you draw a line from Nimule, in Southern Sudan or New Sudan, to the North Pole you will find that all teach in their local languages.”
“If you want to know the future, you must glorify the present. This project has come to fill the vacuum. The grant from the U.S. Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation will surely ignite Ugandans.”
Nelson Abiti aka Nelly, one of the Uganda Museum facilitators at the workshop emphasized to me after the proceedings that, “Colonial evangelists taught us how our traditional cultures were of the Devil, yet when someone takes very good care of a certain tree in his homestead, he is actually honouring GOD who made the tree.”
Koyi Koyi (by GNL Zamba) Lyrics
The groundbreaking video for this upbeat song (Title song for his Album) was shot in Entebbe, Uganda’s Flyest Town. Their neighbourhood was the kind with its own president (forget the one in the renovated State House). The people there are so unique they do not speak Luganda but understand the language in music. GNL’s crew arrived late at the venue because it had rained. Getting extras was hard. The crew looked like Police so the locals played it safe but when GNL took his hood off, they knew it was the “Soda Ginjale” guy and relaxed. The bandages on GNL’s body are meant to symbolize hiphop, picture a Ugandan mummy. Hiphop is like a dead pharaoh and GNL is supposed to reawaken the genre that’s why he takes off the bandages at The End. The camera was shaky because he held it in his hand while running in one scene. This filming technique is like one used by Xzibit in one of his videos, the only difference is that the American had the camera strapped by metal rods to his body. GNL tripped over a stone and people laughed but “it was enjoyable…”
[CHORUS:] [Koyi koyi, (Ndya) X2, Ono akilya, Oli akilya. Wulira wenkilya ] X2
[VERSE ONE:]
Banzalira mu ghetto, awatali muto
GNL Zamba ndinga omwana Yesu Kristo
GNL nze jena va, abana teba mbala ngato
Enkuba wetonya, oku vayo obera wetaga lyato
Okubera wano namwe nze kyali kiloto
Nawandika nga rhymes zange mwana ku tadoba
Charlie wange Pretek nangamba nti man toloba. Luliba lumu wolifuna nekiriba
Katilaba ye nze ali ku MTV ne Jam Agenda
Byenkola ku kazindalo ba Charlie babitenda
Nlemede ku nsonga kati ninga Andrew Mwenda
Manyi jenva ate manyi jengenda
Njukira webangambanga nti, “GNL tomalako!”
Nayekati malako ba Charlie nzanya 90
Miziki jenkuba kati mujiwulira mubyenda
Manyi jenva ate era manyi jengenda
[CHORUS:]
[VERSE TWO:]
Eno ensi tulinga aba nyiga olwazi okulujamu amazi
Mpita mu Kampala ndaba banji ba tunula angazi
Abavubuka enaku zino ebizibu biba goba nga abasezi
Wembera nkuba rhyme nange ndaba abachwezi
Naye nenfuna hope nga face yange nji laba ku mwezi
Muvubuka lemerako nga oba Sylvester ne Abrams,
Lemerako nga onyonya answer to the riddle of koyi koyi
Wade nga obulamu bwocha nga fumbiro ya Sitani
Wade nga olinga ayetise enjovu tano ku minzani
Nga ne obulamu bukusala nga ebiso bya ba sultan
Koyi koyi oteka kubare ne plan, nze njukira gwali 2005 [Nkumi biri mu tano]
Big Brother weyachakira wan one Gaetano
Nail ku East Africa TV mwana Channel 5 [Tano], wenasoka okukuba rap mululimi olwawano
Shadrak nampita, Mother Africa ne ba All-Star
Tulidewo award, twalina squad
Nga mukuwandula ebigambo teberanga abasilikale mu Baghdad
GNL kati nkomyewo
Album bajiyita ‘Koyi Koyi’, njije ku writing pad
[CHORUS:]
[VERSE TWO:]
Wali olabye omusajja omukulu nga akaba amaziga
Nagezako okuseka nga naye Enaku emunyiga
Wali olabyeko bano eno ba R ‘n’ B singer, bafanana nga entebbe nkalu kulunaku lwa launchinga
Oyo sexy golaba bamuyita nankinga
Womulaba mubala, gwe olowoza achillinga, kumbe mwana muwala nga omubiri gwe gwa dealinga
Okulaba ntino afunira abanabe obulamu obusinga
Mu buno obulamu obulinga obwe nyanya
Sente mwana watu tezilabika gwe newo ozinonya
Nze jensula landlord ambanja nkumi nya, buli lwe mulaba musala ebikuubo nga omunya
Nga ate wensula watonya
Obulamu nga oli mwavu obera nga ekyenyanja mu kamwa ka gonya
Chova olaba nonya answer ya koyi koyi, nonya
Ndiku stage, nonya answer ya koyi koyi, nonya
Abali ku boda boda, aba taxi, abali ku byenyanja, aba fuba
Bona banonya answer ya koyi koyi (Koyi koyi X3) What?
[OUTRO:] Platinum Entertainment baby, Baboon Forest Entertainment baby, It’s your boy GNL, your boy Sam, right? Hiphop we taking over men. Ey yo, ey yo! This song goes out to everybody that knew me when I was broke, right? My father, my mother, my sister Sef?, Emron, Shadrak, what up, hahaha! (We) taking over men, (Koyi koyi ndya X3)
[CHORUS:] [Koyi koyi, (Ndya) X2, Ono akilya, Oli akilya. Wulira wenkilya ] X2
[VERSE ONE:]
Banzalira mu ghetto, awatali muto
GNL Zamba ndinga omwana Yesu Kristo
GNL nze jena va, abana teba mbala ngato
Enkuba wetonya, oku vayo obera wetaga lyato
Okubera wano namwe nze kyali kiloto
Nawandika nga rhymes zange mwana ku tadoba
Charlie wange Pretek nangamba nti man toloba. Luliba lumu wolifuna nekiriba
Katilaba ye nze ali ku MTV ne Jam Agenda
Byenkola ku kazindalo ba Charlie babitenda
Nlemede ku nsonga kati ninga Andrew Mwenda
Manyi jenva ate manyi jengenda
Njukira webangambanga nti, “GNL tomalako!”
Nayekati malako ba Charlie nzanya 90
Miziki jenkuba kati mujiwulira mubyenda
Manyi jenva ate era manyi jengenda
[CHORUS:]
[VERSE TWO:]
Eno ensi tulinga aba nyiga olwazi okulujamu amazi
Mpita mu Kampala ndaba banji ba tunula angazi
Abavubuka enaku zino ebizibu biba goba nga abasezi
Wembera nkuba rhyme nange ndaba abachwezi
Naye nenfuna hope nga face yange nji laba ku mwezi
Muvubuka lemerako nga oba Sylvester ne Abrams,
Lemerako nga onyonya answer to the riddle of koyi koyi
Wade nga obulamu bwocha nga fumbiro ya Sitani
Wade nga olinga ayetise enjovu tano ku minzani
Nga ne obulamu bukusala nga ebiso bya ba sultan
Koyi koyi oteka kubare ne plan, nze njukira gwali 2005 [Nkumi biri mu tano]
Big Brother weyachakira wan one Gaetano
Nail ku East Africa TV mwana Channel 5 [Tano], wenasoka okukuba rap mululimi olwawano
Shadrak nampita, Mother Africa ne ba All-Star
Tulidewo award, twalina squad
Nga mukuwandula ebigambo teberanga abasilikale mu Baghdad
GNL kati nkomyewo
Album bajiyita ‘Koyi Koyi’, njije ku writing pad
[CHORUS:]
[VERSE TWO:]
Wali olabye omusajja omukulu nga akaba amaziga
Nagezako okuseka nga naye Enaku emunyiga
Wali olabyeko bano eno ba R ‘n’ B singer, bafanana nga entebbe nkalu kulunaku lwa launchinga
Oyo sexy golaba bamuyita nankinga
Womulaba mubala, gwe olowoza achillinga, kumbe mwana muwala nga omubiri gwe gwa dealinga
Okulaba ntino afunira abanabe obulamu obusinga
Mu buno obulamu obulinga obwe nyanya
Sente mwana watu tezilabika gwe newo ozinonya
Nze jensula landlord ambanja nkumi nya, buli lwe mulaba musala ebikuubo nga omunya
Nga ate wensula watonya
Obulamu nga oli mwavu obera nga ekyenyanja mu kamwa ka gonya
Chova olaba nonya answer ya koyi koyi, nonya
Ndiku stage, nonya answer ya koyi koyi, nonya
Abali ku boda boda, aba taxi, abali ku byenyanja, aba fuba
Bona banonya answer ya koyi koyi (Koyi koyi X3) What?
[OUTRO:] Platinum Entertainment baby, Baboon Forest Entertainment baby, It’s your boy GNL, your boy Sam, right? Hiphop we taking over men. Ey yo, ey yo! This song goes out to everybody that knew me when I was broke, right? My father, my mother, my sister Sef?, Emron, Shadrak, what up, hahaha! (We) taking over men, (Koyi koyi ndya X3)
Church-itecture
I don’t claim to know all the corners of Ug* but if you collected photos of all or most of the churches plus other religious buildings in Uganda, I bet on my bottom shilling that you will find very many distinct designs. Is it GOD-inspiration or the result of worship. The few I have seen are like giant works of public art, from the exterior colours and shapes to the interior skeleton and deco. No wonder some of the Greatest Artists we admire in the world for instance Michelangelo had murals on the ceilings of cathedrals. Remember the “Hand of GOD”, fantastic stuff.
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