Corridors of power

Sep 30, 2009

<b>Wise British envoy</b><br>The British High commissioner, Michael Shearman, is a man of humility. Unlike his colleagues who issue stinging attacks on Government and make damning analysis of happenings in the country, Shearman prefers to look at the sil

Wise British envoy
The British High commissioner, Michael Shearman, is a man of humility. Unlike his colleagues who issue stinging attacks on Government and make damning analysis of happenings in the country, Shearman prefers to look at the silver lining on the dark cloud. During a public debate on the “The Uganda we want: Towards free and fair elections in 2011”, the British envoy said Uganda’s problems needed Ugandan solutions. “We know there are challenges but it is not our role to come from out and tell you what to do. We give development assistance. And we trust 2011 elections will provide basis for that relationship between the United Kingdom and Uganda,” Shearman said. Consumate diplomat!

Omara’s humility
Former Uganda Human Rights commissioner, Jeol Otim Omara is a contended man. After Omara had presented a paper on prerequisites for a free and fair election in 2011, DP president John Sebaana Kizito was so impressed he proposed a gift (promotion) for Omara. Omara had just outlined the characteristics of a good poll as an impartial Electoral Commission, absence of intimidation, authentic electoral process, accurate counting and declaration of results as vital benchmarks. “I wish Omara was the chairman of the Electoral Commission,” Sebaana said. Omara chuckled and then raised hands and said: “I am not looking for a job.”

KIU’s chancellor
Justice George Kanyeihamba is about to retirebut but is still a judge. During a recent function at Kampala International University, he amused students during the launch of the university’s loan scheme when he demanded observance of protocol. Invited to address the students before KIU proprietor, Hassan Basajjabalaba, Kanyeihamba declined. After Basajjabalaba’s speech, Kanyeihamba announced: “As Chancellor, I must preside over every function at this university. I could not speak before the proprietor and some other university officials.”

UYD’s warning
Uganda Young Democrats leader, Kenneth Kakande, is not amused by suggestions by some MPs that traditional institutions should be abolished again. During the Democratic Party weekly press briefing on Tuesday, Kakande remarked: “The Buganda kingdom is not at Mengo or those who sit there. It is in the hearts of Baganda. You cannot get it out of them. If the NRM party doesn’t dismiss that idea of abolishing kingdoms, then it is trading a very disastrous path.”

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