Dear readers, it’s final we are now in the last month of the year 2010. That means that what has NOT been achieved in this calendar year will have to carry on to 2011. As we commemorate World Aids Day this month lets remember all those friends and loved ones who have lost their battle to this deadly virus that causes Aids.
However on a sad note Uganda that enjoyed some considerable success with the drop in infection in the early 1990s is now experiencing a resurgence in the rate of infections and by 2012 its estimated that another 30% [100,000 Ugandans] will be infected this according to Uganda Network of Aids Organisations – UNASO statistics]. Particular blame has been placed on the moral decadence especially among marriage partners. The use of new terminologies describing this state of affairs like ‘Side Dishes’ and ‘Sexual Networks’ is now part of the popular culture in Kampala.
Another major highlight of the month will be the flamboyant return of the ‘nkuba kyeyos’ or the Ugandan diaspora community many of whom jet in around this time of the year to celebrate their Christmas holidays with their families. These will be injecting their hard earned savings into the Uganda economy and adding a boost to the service and entertainment industry. To help crown this diaspora affair the fourth ‘Home is Best IV’ annual Diaspora summit will be held at hotel Africa from December 29th 2010.[Below is a look at the last summit.] http://www.unaatimes.com/2010/01/home-is-best-iii-diaspora-summit-highlights/
Next year international media will turn to Uganda as we prepare for another hotly contested Presidential election. With campaigns now in high gear as candidates crisscross the nation canvassing for votes it will be interesting to see the composition of the nationwide vote. With new comers like Norbert Mao, Beti Kamya, Abed Bwanika, Bidandi Ssali and Olara Otunnu trying to unseat the incumbent. http://www.unaatimes.com/2010/04/by-ronnie-mayanja-the-road-map-to-the-2011-presidential-elections-part-1/
Pundits are speculating however that the real Presidential race will be between incumbent Yoweri Museveni and his nemesis FDC/IPC Flag bearer Warren Kizza Besigye who will be facing each other for the third and perhaps the final time. Face book pages encouraging people to vote have now been established and the Uganda Electoral Commission is now displaying the voter register online in attempt to eliminate ghost voters many of who dominated the voter register in the 2001, 2006 elections. We at UNAA Times have enjoyed observing the voting pattern of our diaspora community during our online poll whose results can now be viewed at the link posted below. The voting can only be done on one IP address and cannot be manipulated by voters. http://www.unaatimes.com/2010/11/ugandan-diaspora-who-would-you-vote-for-ugandas-president/
On our part as the management of UNAA Times together with our affiliates Galiwango.com, Soreel-Mayas.com, UG-Media Inc and upcoming Uganda Diaspora Magazine we wanted to take this opportunity to appreciate all those advertisers and readers that have and continue to believe in our brands as we try to make a difference both here in the diaspora and back home in mother land.
We are also excited to reveal to you that next December 2011 we shall also be launching the very first social networking diaspora summit aimed at showcasing Ugandan talent based abroad as well as help network Ugandans who have lived abroad for considerable periods and are now looking for partners and professional relationships across continents. Plans are now underway with our affiliates to bring this vision to fruition at a hotel to be determined in Kampala so stay tuned. To this end we appreciate all those who have greeted the quaterly magazine idea with great enthusiasm and support. We still await some ideas on interview subjects and success diaspora stories to profile. [www.ugandandiaspora.com]
Finally we at UNAA Times Online would like to wish all our esteemed readers and well wishers a Merry Christmas and a prosperous 2011.
Sincerely,
Ronnie Mayanja
Editor – UNAA Times Online
www.unaatimes.com
www.ugandandiaspora.com
www.soreel-mayas.com
Skype:ronnie.mayanja
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