Corridors of Power

Pray for Werikhe
Mengo minister for lands, Eng. Kiyimba Kaggwa can sometimes be humorous. Recently, at the opening of the first Grand Land and Property Fair 2010 at Bulange, he told the state minister for lands, Michael Werikhe: "I hope Honourable minister that you will be the one to officiate again at the next year’s event.” Werikhe, who was grinning from ear to ear simply replied: “Your prayers. "With the tough forthcoming elections, you never know who will bounce back or will be shown the door.

Outspoken Otafiire
Trade and tourism minister Kahinda Otafiire knows how to annoy, amuse and abuse. He knows how best to play his cards. After scathing attacks on Mengo officials over their appointment, Otafiire recently commented in Luganda: "Bwemuba temumanyi mukwano gwammwe abagaala, mukimanye ye nze Kahinda Otafiire."(I am Buganda’s best friend). This was at Kampala Imperial Royale during the launch of the sh500 text message contribution towards the rebuilding of the Kasubi Tombs.
Most Mengo officials who heard this could not believe their ears. Otafiire added: “If you doubt what I say, it is because you depend on lies levied against me by journalists who often misinterpret what I say.”

Teacher Byarugaba
MPs on the finance committee were recently left wondering whether the new NSSF boss, Richard Byarugaba, could not do better as a class teacher. When he appeared before the committee to give views on the Uganda Retirement Benefits Authority Bill 2010, he first made an illustration on the flip chart like a teacher writing on a blackboard. "I want you to first understand what I am telling you before you start asking questions," he told the MPs who, however, considered his illustrations as time-wasting. One MP who seemed to enjoy his illustrations said: "But with the mess in NSSF, we must not take any chances. The guy’s illustrations are good and could give NSSF a new look.”