Tag: Uganda

The Story: One of the less noticed side effects of the global pandemic has been an increase in poaching: the illicit killing of specimens of...

There’s a huge amount of variation in women’s political representation across Africa, a fact shown by the Inter-Parliamentary Union and UN Women’s map of Women in Politics. They argue that it’s not entirely coincidental that many of the countries making the greatest progress in including women in politics are making far less progress in terms of democracy. There may be no guarantee it promotes democracy. For example, several recent studies show that improving the representation of women in parliament has a positive impact on the health sector. Other researchers have shown that increases in the number of women in parliament are associated with a variety of positive health outcomes. In short, if expanding the political representation of women is to have an effect anywhere, it ought to be in the health sector (and, of course, in women’s rights). In the case of research showing the link between “quota shocks” and health spending, for instance, there is a correlation – but claims about causal effects remain questionable. It will also allow international donors to help women in politics make a positive difference. With this in mind, an ongoing collaboration between the University of Birmingham and the Westminster Foundation for Democracy – supported by the Institute for Global Innovation – has started to ask some important questions about women in African parliaments. It will also help female politicians in Africa to make a difference against the odds.

Uganda will hold its next general elections in 2021. But already about seven musicians and actors have revealed their intentions to vie for political positions in Parliament. But he is particularly disturbed by the fact that artists get divided when they join politics. ‘‘Why should we go on dividing ourselves like that and even failing to come to work to together, for something that is going to help the people. If we are bringing in that then we are failing our people’‘, he added. Because people have the power, we are nothing without the people. Mujuuka, Kiyaga, Mayinja and Namulindwa will be contesting against ruling national resistance movement party candidates who have held those positions for more than twenty years. Kyadondo East Member of Parliament, Robert Kyagulanyi also known as Bobi Wine is pleased that a good number of his colleagues in the arts industry are joining politics. However, not all artists who have joined politics in the past had Ugandans at heart. ‘‘We have two types of artists, some of them just want to survive and they will occupy office and don’t care what they represent, and then others are going to represent and be the reflection of the people they represent’‘, the artist turned politician added.

Kigali, Rwanda - Bayingana Mark is trying on a crisp white shirt at the Biryogo market in Kigali's Nyariambo district, known for its small-scale traders selling second-hand clothes from all over the world. Mark, a trader and head of Biryogo market, tells Al Jazeera that the lull is due to a government-imposed tax on imported second-hand clothes last year. Those supportive of the Rwandan government's bullish ambition to develop local manufacturing see the decision as a boon for their trade. At least 20 percent of all used clothes in Rwanda are imported from the US. Opportunity for tailors Mukanyarwi Serafina cuts through a section of Kitenge cloth in her small tailor shop in the town of Nyamagambe in southern Rwanda. He says it was only a matter of time before everyone got used to the change. "It is a big opportunity for tailors," the 38-year-old says. While Jacque understands the demand for self-respect, he says the economy does not run on "dignity". Hundreds of workers cut fabric, check labels, operate sewing machines, and carefully monitor the "Made in Rwanda" products for quality. Originally starting out as an export-oriented manufacturing plant, mostly for clients in the US and Europe, this Chinese-owned factory has moved into producing garments for the local market.

As the opposition in Uganda mounts pressure on Western powers to take action on the government’s human rights record, president Yoweri Museveni on Sunday warned against foreign interference in the country’s politics. Museveni also accused some unnamed foreign countries of seeking to influence the nation’s politics by funnelling assistance to the opposition through non-governmental organisations. “It is important that external players refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of other countries,” Museveni told a press conference on Sunday. Kyagulanyi and fellow parliamentarian Francis Zaake say they were tortured by security forces while in detention in August. The case led to protests against Museveni. Kyagulanyi, who has emerged as a formidable threat to the president, was charged with treason over his alleged role in the stoning of Museveni’s convoy during campaigning for a parliamentary seat. The government in Kampala denies torturing Kyagulanyi. Museveni’s security forces In power since 1986, Museveni has been widely accused by opposition critics and rights campaigners of using security forces to suppress opposition to his rule. “NGOs (non-governmental organisations) funded by foreign governments actually give money to opposition players, give advice, lie on their behalf,” Museveni said. In July, the constitution was amended to remove the presidential age limit of 75 years, meaning Museveni can run again for president in 2021 — the year the country hopes to begin oil production.