They acted, we noticed in 2006
Jan 07, 2007
Last year, some figures gained prominence on the party scene while others faded into the abyss. There were some new entrants. Some got there on merit, while the wannabes and the so-called ‘light brown things’ went to great lengths to get noticed. <b>Timothy Bukumunhe</b> takes a walk down memory
Last year, some figures gained prominence on the party scene while others faded into the abyss. There were some new entrants. Some got there on merit, while the wannabes and the so-called ‘light brown things’ went to great lengths to get noticed. Timothy Bukumunhe takes a walk down memory lane 2006.
They were in town
International singer Alicia Keys flew into town from the US and totally shunned the media. South Africa’s Hugh Masakela let his trumpet do the talking at Didi’s World while DStv’s Sammy Sabiti picked up a few hundred dollars for doing the live link when Stanbic Bank changed its logo.
They had sex in the car
If you are going to have sex in the car, first make sure that you are sober. Do not take off all your clothes and make sure you have parked somewhere safe enough. Well, a rather unfortunate couple in Nairobi did not take any of this into account. They literally reclined the front seat and went ahead and had a sex orgy outside SOHO nightclub. Once their lust was quenched, they promptly fell asleep and photographers had a field day!
They fought
The American Marines at the Rhino Pub at the Sheraton Kampala Hotel fought over a pool game, while Dizzy Nuts of City Limit Crew raided the Nakivubo Stadium kitchens like packs of rowdy street kids at CBS’ Ekitoobero show. Also beaten at the show were Eagles’ Production’s Aziz Mukisa, who was battered by one of the guards as he went past the entrance without identification. However, at the Rugby Club, Ronnie Lutankome beat the living daylights out of OJ, while local artistes Bebe Cool had a stint the Police cells for allegedly slapping a policewoman at Entebbe Airport.
They were irked
Army commander Gen. Aronda Nyakairima and Col. Pecos Kuteesa were not happy men at the Presidential Transformers Awards. Reason? Irene Namubiru and Angela Kalule ‘disfigured’ the National Anthem by singing it with a funky twist.
The bizarre happened
Local actor Ashraf Ssemwogerere paid the price for his bad man role in Diamonds’ ensemble’s latest tragicomedy, Okufa N’obutanywanga. Playing the part of an elected Katikkiro, Dubu, who usurps the king’s power, a traditionalist in the audience could not hold his spite. When Ssemwogerere slapped Joseph Ssenabulya (acting as king), a theatregoer called Ssenoga threw a bottle of mineral water at him. The irate Ssenoga then practically ran on stage and physically battled Ssemwogerere to the ground.
Meanwhile, a wife of a wealthy Indian landlord had a habit of standing on her balcony and hurling insults at Ugandan workers in Industrial Area. She would shout out that her dog was far better than them.
They got hitched
Roofings boss, Sikander Lalani married Winnie Abotile, Georgina Bukenya, daughter of Vice-President Gilbert Bukenya got married to Ham Namakajo. David Case of Moringa and Oglivy tied the knot with Kim Barnes. Captain Paddy Ankunda got married to Patience and former WBS Jam Agenda presenter, Colin Serubiri married Daisy Kayongo.
They threw tantrums:
Local artiste Sheila Nvannungi showed us her nasty side. When the arrival of Nigerian film producer Zack Orji was announced at a City Beat party in Silk Lounge, she got up and took it upon herself to beckon staff to ensure organisers arranged a seat for her and Orji in a corner of the club. That done, she spent the night warding off any female who sought audience with Orji.
Not done, she threw a tantrum when she discovered that Orji could not have his favourite Brandy on the house.
“He is a celebrity,†she belted out when Orji was told to pay for his Brandy!
Meanwhile, FDC treasurer Jack Sabiti, had a venomous war of words with a waiter in The Grand Casino. Sitting at one of the gambling tables and holding a bottle of Tusker Malt, he suddenly erupted into a fit of anger and shouted at a poor attendant, saying he was hopeless and unfair.
Meanwhile, local artistes say that fame and fortune have gone to singer Juliana Kanyomozi’s head. She no longer has time for other people and fellow artistes. She shuns them when she meets them. When she applied for a visa to travel to the UK, she assured visa officials that she has no time to hang around just waiting. Then she uttered the immortal words – “do you know who I am?’
Love takes a twist
Meanwhile, for their public display of affection, Sam and Sophie Gombya give the impression they are a lovey dovey couple with no fights or worries. Think Again. Apparently, the row was sparked when Gombya, who was besides his wife as she sang her latest release, Spare Tyre, made what would pass for a harmless comment. He said: “For those of you who never knew, Tendo Tabel, (Titi), is the spare tyre my wife sings about…..†Trust ladies on such revelations. An unamused and unsettled Sophie Gombya was later overheard pouring out her worries to another artiste, (Winnie Munyenga) on how she had her worries about Titi, and was not taking the statement lightly. Never mind Titi danced herself lame to the song. We can only speculate.
Whenever she performs, her bum wiggling antics notwithstanding, Trishlaa makes men pocket. It was the same at Silk Lounge, though many identified Gen. Mega Dee as a lucky man.
The two showed us they were an item. They cheered each other’s performances, pecked after performances and later danced like the item, making observers speculate there was a romance. Mega Dee, however, almost let the cat out of the bag, when he unknowingly hinted to a mole, who asked why he had lost his spiky hair: “You man, I am in love. I have someone who thinks the world about me and I love her too. I am no longer a bad boy,†he said as he distributed his autographed thank you cards to fans.
We got it wrong
Television evangelist Benny Hinn did not jet into the country in November as we stated and neither did television queen Oprah Winfrey.
They got tots
Kwashi Gebdemah, the Director of Food and Beverages at the Kampala Sheraton Hotel, and his wife Miriam, were blessed with a baby boy named Fabian Koffi. The New Vision supremo, Robert Kabushenga and his wife Cindy were also blessed with a boy named Kahaya. Soccer scribe, Joseph Kabuleta and wife Rosette also had a boy they named Nathan, while Celtel’s marketing director, Caesar Mloka was not about to be left out as was Liz Kaijuka. MTN’s Alan Oguttu and Jessica Kakwano, Paul Kaheru also of MTN and Flora got a baby. Not to be outdone, QG Saatchi and Saatchi’s Patrick ‘OPP’ Oyulu and Chichi Wambui got a baby boy who has been named Theo Asante as did Lilliane Byarugaba Mwanda, Barclays Bank’s Marketing and Public Relations Manager and her husband, Timothy. And the baby girls? On the list are former utl employee Peter Kaggwa and his wife Sarah and Marx Rukondo of National Housing and wife Liz Kangwajye-Rukundo.
They got new jobs
Former Miss Uganda aspirant Pearl Olivia Kantayomba, landed the job of PRO of Kampala Casino. Abbey Kassam left Goldstar Insurance for Aon Insurance, while former Kenya Airways country manager Emmanuel Okware left to start his own business. Helena Mayanja became Multichoice publicist, while Yogi Birigwa, the wife of Wasswa Birigwa, Uganda’s Ambassador to Japan, took up the lucrative posting of Country Manager (Uganda and Rwanda) for South African Airlines. From the Commonwealth Secretariat in London, William Muwambu Wanendeya quit and went to Celtel’s Amsterdam headquarters where he will be the cellular operator’s overall media guru. Julius Mucunguzi who was formerly Communications Officer at World Vision in Kampala replaced him. Erik van Veen rejoined MTN as chief operations officer. Aldrine Nsubuga became marketing manager at Crane Bank, while AR Kalan became managing director. First Lady, Janet Museveni got a job as Ruhama MP, BBC’s Kampala stringer Ross, quit for a job in Ghana, Ian Burgess, who was Sheraton Kampala Hotels’ assistant manager, is off for a weightier posting in another Sheraton conglomerate. Former Media Centre boss Robert Kabushenga became Chief Executive Officer of The New Vision, while David Sseppuuya left the paper for World Vision and Brian Muwonge joined Uganda Breweries as Senator Larger Brand Manager.
They made history
When the First Lady, Janet Museveni was sworn in as Ruhama MP, she and her husband made history. They became the first couple in Uganda’s history to be sworn in on the steps of Parliament. Museveni was sworn there in 1986. However, the only difference is that in 1986, Museveni was wearing battle fatigues and there was no Janet standing by his side. On Janet’s swearing in, Museveni was by her side but this time in a suit. Meanwhile, at Uganda Breweries, Baker Magunda became the company’s first indigenous managing director.
He missed out on billions:
Former MTN dealer Andrew Lawoko became a billionaire albeit for a couple of days after taking cellular giants, MTN to court. However, his billionaire status was short-lived when he was counter sued by
MTN.
He got a new image
Spear Motors boss Gordon Wavamunno added two new titles to his name – that of brother, given to him by Queen Elizabeth II of England and honourary research fellow of Makerere University. Wava also went into the water business by launching his own brand of bottled mineral water – Wava water.
He was into buying hotels
Former Express FC chairman, Godfrey Kirumira first bought International Hotel in Muyenga. Not content, he bought Havana Hotel then rounded it off by buying Lake View in Mbarara.
They were closed down: www.rad-iokatwe.com/news, the web site whose online link is said to be somewhere in California, USA, was closed down while Caroline Tulley and her partner Sam had their BJ’s Irish pub raided by goons who damaged property worth millions of shillings. Bukoto-based La Fontaine, popularly known as X-Bar, was closed down over ownership problems. They however reopened later in the year.
They fell out:
Hope Mukasa seethed with anger for having been let down by the Nabikoowa songstress whom he helped to the limelight. Juliana Kanyomozi did not turn up to perform at Mukasa’s Sabrina’s Pub Valentine’s show, leaving many disgruntled revellers seething with rage.
Like the biblical Pontius Pilate, Mukasa had earlier washed his hands clean before the audience and told them that all the publicised artistes were to perform save for one who was allegedly booked in five places including his. The crowd coaxed him into revealing the name but he refused and told them to watch the space. But as it turned out, Kanyomozi failed to show up.
“She is proud because she is at the top. It is sad but that is what she chose to do,†Mukasa said.
He was humiliated
He endured so much humiliation while head coach of the national football team, The Cranes. Muhammad Abbas left this dusty city of ours poorer by $23,000 (sh42m) because FUFA refused to pay him. One time he was spotted in a miserable state, hanging his tattered mattress and other personal belongings out in the sun to dry at Namboole Hotel where he was living. If FUFA had any feelings, they would have paid him his dime and at least given him a decent send off.
They were in town
International singer Alicia Keys flew into town from the US and totally shunned the media. South Africa’s Hugh Masakela let his trumpet do the talking at Didi’s World while DStv’s Sammy Sabiti picked up a few hundred dollars for doing the live link when Stanbic Bank changed its logo.
They had sex in the car
If you are going to have sex in the car, first make sure that you are sober. Do not take off all your clothes and make sure you have parked somewhere safe enough. Well, a rather unfortunate couple in Nairobi did not take any of this into account. They literally reclined the front seat and went ahead and had a sex orgy outside SOHO nightclub. Once their lust was quenched, they promptly fell asleep and photographers had a field day!
They fought
The American Marines at the Rhino Pub at the Sheraton Kampala Hotel fought over a pool game, while Dizzy Nuts of City Limit Crew raided the Nakivubo Stadium kitchens like packs of rowdy street kids at CBS’ Ekitoobero show. Also beaten at the show were Eagles’ Production’s Aziz Mukisa, who was battered by one of the guards as he went past the entrance without identification. However, at the Rugby Club, Ronnie Lutankome beat the living daylights out of OJ, while local artistes Bebe Cool had a stint the Police cells for allegedly slapping a policewoman at Entebbe Airport.
They were irked
Army commander Gen. Aronda Nyakairima and Col. Pecos Kuteesa were not happy men at the Presidential Transformers Awards. Reason? Irene Namubiru and Angela Kalule ‘disfigured’ the National Anthem by singing it with a funky twist.
The bizarre happened
Local actor Ashraf Ssemwogerere paid the price for his bad man role in Diamonds’ ensemble’s latest tragicomedy, Okufa N’obutanywanga. Playing the part of an elected Katikkiro, Dubu, who usurps the king’s power, a traditionalist in the audience could not hold his spite. When Ssemwogerere slapped Joseph Ssenabulya (acting as king), a theatregoer called Ssenoga threw a bottle of mineral water at him. The irate Ssenoga then practically ran on stage and physically battled Ssemwogerere to the ground.
Meanwhile, a wife of a wealthy Indian landlord had a habit of standing on her balcony and hurling insults at Ugandan workers in Industrial Area. She would shout out that her dog was far better than them.
They got hitched
Roofings boss, Sikander Lalani married Winnie Abotile, Georgina Bukenya, daughter of Vice-President Gilbert Bukenya got married to Ham Namakajo. David Case of Moringa and Oglivy tied the knot with Kim Barnes. Captain Paddy Ankunda got married to Patience and former WBS Jam Agenda presenter, Colin Serubiri married Daisy Kayongo.
They threw tantrums:
Local artiste Sheila Nvannungi showed us her nasty side. When the arrival of Nigerian film producer Zack Orji was announced at a City Beat party in Silk Lounge, she got up and took it upon herself to beckon staff to ensure organisers arranged a seat for her and Orji in a corner of the club. That done, she spent the night warding off any female who sought audience with Orji.
Not done, she threw a tantrum when she discovered that Orji could not have his favourite Brandy on the house.
“He is a celebrity,†she belted out when Orji was told to pay for his Brandy!
Meanwhile, FDC treasurer Jack Sabiti, had a venomous war of words with a waiter in The Grand Casino. Sitting at one of the gambling tables and holding a bottle of Tusker Malt, he suddenly erupted into a fit of anger and shouted at a poor attendant, saying he was hopeless and unfair.
Meanwhile, local artistes say that fame and fortune have gone to singer Juliana Kanyomozi’s head. She no longer has time for other people and fellow artistes. She shuns them when she meets them. When she applied for a visa to travel to the UK, she assured visa officials that she has no time to hang around just waiting. Then she uttered the immortal words – “do you know who I am?’
Love takes a twist
Meanwhile, for their public display of affection, Sam and Sophie Gombya give the impression they are a lovey dovey couple with no fights or worries. Think Again. Apparently, the row was sparked when Gombya, who was besides his wife as she sang her latest release, Spare Tyre, made what would pass for a harmless comment. He said: “For those of you who never knew, Tendo Tabel, (Titi), is the spare tyre my wife sings about…..†Trust ladies on such revelations. An unamused and unsettled Sophie Gombya was later overheard pouring out her worries to another artiste, (Winnie Munyenga) on how she had her worries about Titi, and was not taking the statement lightly. Never mind Titi danced herself lame to the song. We can only speculate.
Whenever she performs, her bum wiggling antics notwithstanding, Trishlaa makes men pocket. It was the same at Silk Lounge, though many identified Gen. Mega Dee as a lucky man.
The two showed us they were an item. They cheered each other’s performances, pecked after performances and later danced like the item, making observers speculate there was a romance. Mega Dee, however, almost let the cat out of the bag, when he unknowingly hinted to a mole, who asked why he had lost his spiky hair: “You man, I am in love. I have someone who thinks the world about me and I love her too. I am no longer a bad boy,†he said as he distributed his autographed thank you cards to fans.
We got it wrong
Television evangelist Benny Hinn did not jet into the country in November as we stated and neither did television queen Oprah Winfrey.
They got tots
Kwashi Gebdemah, the Director of Food and Beverages at the Kampala Sheraton Hotel, and his wife Miriam, were blessed with a baby boy named Fabian Koffi. The New Vision supremo, Robert Kabushenga and his wife Cindy were also blessed with a boy named Kahaya. Soccer scribe, Joseph Kabuleta and wife Rosette also had a boy they named Nathan, while Celtel’s marketing director, Caesar Mloka was not about to be left out as was Liz Kaijuka. MTN’s Alan Oguttu and Jessica Kakwano, Paul Kaheru also of MTN and Flora got a baby. Not to be outdone, QG Saatchi and Saatchi’s Patrick ‘OPP’ Oyulu and Chichi Wambui got a baby boy who has been named Theo Asante as did Lilliane Byarugaba Mwanda, Barclays Bank’s Marketing and Public Relations Manager and her husband, Timothy. And the baby girls? On the list are former utl employee Peter Kaggwa and his wife Sarah and Marx Rukondo of National Housing and wife Liz Kangwajye-Rukundo.
They got new jobs
Former Miss Uganda aspirant Pearl Olivia Kantayomba, landed the job of PRO of Kampala Casino. Abbey Kassam left Goldstar Insurance for Aon Insurance, while former Kenya Airways country manager Emmanuel Okware left to start his own business. Helena Mayanja became Multichoice publicist, while Yogi Birigwa, the wife of Wasswa Birigwa, Uganda’s Ambassador to Japan, took up the lucrative posting of Country Manager (Uganda and Rwanda) for South African Airlines. From the Commonwealth Secretariat in London, William Muwambu Wanendeya quit and went to Celtel’s Amsterdam headquarters where he will be the cellular operator’s overall media guru. Julius Mucunguzi who was formerly Communications Officer at World Vision in Kampala replaced him. Erik van Veen rejoined MTN as chief operations officer. Aldrine Nsubuga became marketing manager at Crane Bank, while AR Kalan became managing director. First Lady, Janet Museveni got a job as Ruhama MP, BBC’s Kampala stringer Ross, quit for a job in Ghana, Ian Burgess, who was Sheraton Kampala Hotels’ assistant manager, is off for a weightier posting in another Sheraton conglomerate. Former Media Centre boss Robert Kabushenga became Chief Executive Officer of The New Vision, while David Sseppuuya left the paper for World Vision and Brian Muwonge joined Uganda Breweries as Senator Larger Brand Manager.
They made history
When the First Lady, Janet Museveni was sworn in as Ruhama MP, she and her husband made history. They became the first couple in Uganda’s history to be sworn in on the steps of Parliament. Museveni was sworn there in 1986. However, the only difference is that in 1986, Museveni was wearing battle fatigues and there was no Janet standing by his side. On Janet’s swearing in, Museveni was by her side but this time in a suit. Meanwhile, at Uganda Breweries, Baker Magunda became the company’s first indigenous managing director.
He missed out on billions:
Former MTN dealer Andrew Lawoko became a billionaire albeit for a couple of days after taking cellular giants, MTN to court. However, his billionaire status was short-lived when he was counter sued by
MTN.
He got a new image
Spear Motors boss Gordon Wavamunno added two new titles to his name – that of brother, given to him by Queen Elizabeth II of England and honourary research fellow of Makerere University. Wava also went into the water business by launching his own brand of bottled mineral water – Wava water.
He was into buying hotels
Former Express FC chairman, Godfrey Kirumira first bought International Hotel in Muyenga. Not content, he bought Havana Hotel then rounded it off by buying Lake View in Mbarara.
They were closed down: www.rad-iokatwe.com/news, the web site whose online link is said to be somewhere in California, USA, was closed down while Caroline Tulley and her partner Sam had their BJ’s Irish pub raided by goons who damaged property worth millions of shillings. Bukoto-based La Fontaine, popularly known as X-Bar, was closed down over ownership problems. They however reopened later in the year.
They fell out:
Hope Mukasa seethed with anger for having been let down by the Nabikoowa songstress whom he helped to the limelight. Juliana Kanyomozi did not turn up to perform at Mukasa’s Sabrina’s Pub Valentine’s show, leaving many disgruntled revellers seething with rage.
Like the biblical Pontius Pilate, Mukasa had earlier washed his hands clean before the audience and told them that all the publicised artistes were to perform save for one who was allegedly booked in five places including his. The crowd coaxed him into revealing the name but he refused and told them to watch the space. But as it turned out, Kanyomozi failed to show up.
“She is proud because she is at the top. It is sad but that is what she chose to do,†Mukasa said.
He was humiliated
He endured so much humiliation while head coach of the national football team, The Cranes. Muhammad Abbas left this dusty city of ours poorer by $23,000 (sh42m) because FUFA refused to pay him. One time he was spotted in a miserable state, hanging his tattered mattress and other personal belongings out in the sun to dry at Namboole Hotel where he was living. If FUFA had any feelings, they would have paid him his dime and at least given him a decent send off.