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Monday, 20th September, 2010 E-mail article Print article
By Raymond Baguma
UGANDA has the youngest population in the whole world after Niger, according to the latest Population Reference Bureau’s (PRB) 2010 World Population Data Sheet released in July.
The data sheet ranks Niger the worst, with 50.1% of its population below 15 years, while Uganda follows closely with 48.7%. In third place is Burkina Faso, followed by DR Congo, Zambia and Malawi.
Afghanistan, Chad, Somalia and Tanzania are in the top ten countries with the youngest populations in the world.
On the other hand, Japan has the oldest population, with 22.6% of Japanese aged above 65 years. Germany is in second place, followed by Italy, Sweden, Greece, Portugal, Bulgaria, Austria, Latvia and Belgium in tenth position.
Other indicators that are exammined include the birth and death rate, migration rates, population projections, child deaths, fertility rate, life expectancy, prevalence of HIV/AIDS, urban populations, contraceptive use, maternal mortality rate, presence of sanitation facilities and mobile phone subscriptions.
The report establishes a relationship between the respective countries’ population structures, to fertility rates in the named countries. For instance, Niger, which has the youngest population, also has the highest fertility rate in the world at 7.4 children per woman. Uganda in second position also has the second highest fertility rate in the world at 6.5.
“There are two major trends in world population today,” said the PRB president, Bill Butz. “On the one hand, chronically low birth rates in developed countries are beginning to challenge the health and financial security of their elderly.
On the other, the developing countries are adding over 80 million to the population every year and the poorest of those countries are adding 20 million, exacerbating poverty and threatening the environment.”
While the countries with the highest fertility rates are not the most populous in the world, the datasheet points out that countries whose nationals are mainly below 14 years of age, have a high dependency which burdens governments, communities and families.
The datasheet notes that the total population of sub-Saharan Africa stands at 865 people, with young people making up more than 42% of the total population. Sub-Saharan Africa consists of all countries of Africa except the northern African countries of Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Tunisia and Western Sahara.
It also shows that this year, the global population has risen to 6.9 billion from 6.1 billion 10 years ago, with high population growth rates recorded in developing countries.
The developed countries, which have a total population of 1.2 billion people, are recording ageing populations as the working age populations dwindle. On the other hand, Africa’s population is expected to stand at about 2.1 billion by 2050.
However, this projection depends on the decline of the continental fertility rate in Africa from 5.2 to about 2.5 by 2050 with rising use of family planning methods.
Countries with high youth dependency are advised to provide high-quality and accessible education and health services to young people.
“Without these investments, children are less likely to grow into healthy and productive adults. But the significant financial costs of meeting children’s health and educational needs are prohibitive for many developing countries,” the report notes.
Population growth:
In population projections, the datasheet shows that Uganda’s population currently stands at 33.8 million people. With the present population growth rate of about 3.4, by mid-2050 the country’s population will stand at 91.3 million people.
Projections for neighbouring countries show that Kenya’s population will rise from the estimated 40 million to about 65.2 million people by 2050; and Rwanda’s population will stand at 28.3 million. Also, Burundi’s population will rise from the current 8.5 million to 16.8 million and Tanzania will be at 109.5 million people.
Mobile phone subscription:
The datasheet also shows that Uganda comes third in the East African region after Kenya and Tanzania with the highest number of mobile phone subscribers per 100 inhabitants.
In Uganda, for every 100 inhabitants, 27 have a mobile phone, while for every 100 Tanzanians, 31 people have a mobile phone. Also, for every 100 Kenyans, 42 have a mobile phone.
In Burundi, for every 100 Burundians, only 6 have a mobile phone, while for every 100 Rwandans, 14 have a mobile phone.
The East African Community member states score high in mobile phone subscription compared to Ethiopia, where out of every 100 Ethiopians, only two have mobile phones.
But in the United Arab Emirates, for every 100 nationals, 209 have a mobile phone.
Sanitation:
About 69% of people in sub-Saharan Africa do not use improved sanitation facilities such as latrines and flush toilets.
The situation varies depending on location, with rural areas worst off. However, the use of improved sanitation is particularly low in some urban environments as well.
In sub-Saharan Africa, only 44% of urban residents use improved sanitation. In Uganda, the report cites, only 38% of the urban population uses improved sanitation facilities.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Security teams to vet parties, weddings
Monday, 20th September, 2010 E-mail article Print article
By Patrick Jaramogi
THE Police have issued new guidelines for public gatherings and events in Kampala. Under the new guidelines issued yesterday, wedding receptions will only go ahead after getting clearance from the Inspector General of Police (IGP).
Kampala metropolitan Police commander Andrew Sorowen yesterday announced the new measures for gatherings of more than five people in the city and its suburbs. The measures cover Kampala Metropolitan area, which includes the city, Entebbe, Wakiso and Mukono districts and parts of Mpigi and Luwero districts.
He said the measures, which he described as “reminders”, take immediate effect.
“We are sounding a warning. No gathering of more than five people, even if it is in your compound, should be held without clearance from the Inspector General of Police. People intending to hold wedding parties, music galas, football matches and road processions should notify the IGP first,” said Sorowen.
“We want to ensure safety of our people. If 32 million Ugandans use their eyes and ears, there will be no space for terrorists in Uganda,” he said.
He told New Vision separately that the same measures affect funerals, vigils, last funeral rites (nyimbe) and bibanda, (local makeshift video halls).
He told the press at the Kampala Central Police Station that the Force would “block” gatherings that are not cleared by the IGP.
“It can’t be your human rights to wake up one day and decide to organise a rally. Yet when innocent people die from terrorist bombs, the Government is blamed for not providing security to its citizens. It is our role as police to ensure that citizens of this country are safe,” he said.
Sorowen noted that those intending to organise such events must do so in writing and hand-deliver the notification individually to avoid unnecessary delays.
“Get this right. We are not saying you should get permission from the Inspector General of Police but notify him. He is the only one who can ensure that enough security is deployed to guarantee safety of the people during such events,” he explained.
Sorowen said gatherings would not be allowed in markets.
He also noted that organisers should submit to the Police proof that the venue intended for such gatherings is cleared by the owners.
“The organisers should notify the Police a week in advance and indicate the venue, date, day and number of people expected at such gatherings,” he said.
Sorowen said the same applies to funerals and vigils. “Places like funerals attract very many people. Terrorists can use this chance to cause more mayhem. The vehicles also need protection from vandalism,” he added.
Sorowen asked district and divisional Police commanders to ensure that the bibanda (makeshift entertainment structures) have adequate security measures.
“Those who can’t afford the security gadgets, should hire bouncers or ask the Police to provide security,” he said.
He warned that local authorities that license the bibanda should ensure that they have security safeguards.
The Police have proposed enactment of the Public Order Management Bill which provides for management of public gatherings. But human rights activists and the opposition have criticised it, saying it is an attempt to restrict political demonstrations and assemblies of a similar nature.
But Police chief, Maj. Gen. Kale Kayihura, told journalists last week that the proposed law is meant to ensure that the rights of non-protestors and protestors are safeguarded ahead of the general elections. “What people require is clearance and not permission,” said Kayihura.
The proposed Bill, if passed, would give powers to the Inspector General of Police to “regulate the conduct of public meetings.”
By Patrick Jaramogi
THE Police have issued new guidelines for public gatherings and events in Kampala. Under the new guidelines issued yesterday, wedding receptions will only go ahead after getting clearance from the Inspector General of Police (IGP).
Kampala metropolitan Police commander Andrew Sorowen yesterday announced the new measures for gatherings of more than five people in the city and its suburbs. The measures cover Kampala Metropolitan area, which includes the city, Entebbe, Wakiso and Mukono districts and parts of Mpigi and Luwero districts.
He said the measures, which he described as “reminders”, take immediate effect.
“We are sounding a warning. No gathering of more than five people, even if it is in your compound, should be held without clearance from the Inspector General of Police. People intending to hold wedding parties, music galas, football matches and road processions should notify the IGP first,” said Sorowen.
“We want to ensure safety of our people. If 32 million Ugandans use their eyes and ears, there will be no space for terrorists in Uganda,” he said.
He told New Vision separately that the same measures affect funerals, vigils, last funeral rites (nyimbe) and bibanda, (local makeshift video halls).
He told the press at the Kampala Central Police Station that the Force would “block” gatherings that are not cleared by the IGP.
“It can’t be your human rights to wake up one day and decide to organise a rally. Yet when innocent people die from terrorist bombs, the Government is blamed for not providing security to its citizens. It is our role as police to ensure that citizens of this country are safe,” he said.
Sorowen noted that those intending to organise such events must do so in writing and hand-deliver the notification individually to avoid unnecessary delays.
“Get this right. We are not saying you should get permission from the Inspector General of Police but notify him. He is the only one who can ensure that enough security is deployed to guarantee safety of the people during such events,” he explained.
Sorowen said gatherings would not be allowed in markets.
He also noted that organisers should submit to the Police proof that the venue intended for such gatherings is cleared by the owners.
“The organisers should notify the Police a week in advance and indicate the venue, date, day and number of people expected at such gatherings,” he said.
Sorowen said the same applies to funerals and vigils. “Places like funerals attract very many people. Terrorists can use this chance to cause more mayhem. The vehicles also need protection from vandalism,” he added.
Sorowen asked district and divisional Police commanders to ensure that the bibanda (makeshift entertainment structures) have adequate security measures.
“Those who can’t afford the security gadgets, should hire bouncers or ask the Police to provide security,” he said.
He warned that local authorities that license the bibanda should ensure that they have security safeguards.
The Police have proposed enactment of the Public Order Management Bill which provides for management of public gatherings. But human rights activists and the opposition have criticised it, saying it is an attempt to restrict political demonstrations and assemblies of a similar nature.
But Police chief, Maj. Gen. Kale Kayihura, told journalists last week that the proposed law is meant to ensure that the rights of non-protestors and protestors are safeguarded ahead of the general elections. “What people require is clearance and not permission,” said Kayihura.
The proposed Bill, if passed, would give powers to the Inspector General of Police to “regulate the conduct of public meetings.”
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Museveni, Kigongo, Kadaga, unopposed
Amama Mbabazi morale-boosts his supporters during the campaigns at Namboole stadium
By Milton Olupot and Barbara Among
SECURITY minister Amama Mbabazi was yesterday headed for a clear victory in the highly contested election for post of secretary general of the ruling National Resistance Movement.
Over 15,000 delegates gathered at Namboole stadium first endorsed President Yoweri Museveni as the party’s flag-bearer in next February’s presidential elections.
Provisional results announced by the NRM electoral commission chairperson, Felicitus Magomu, showed Mbabazi was ahead of his three opponents, including the Vice-President Prof. Gilbert Bukenya, by a wide margin.
The acrimonious poll was characterised by accusations of manipulation, vote rigging and nepotism.
Other contenders were Maj. Gen. Kahinda Otafiire, Makerere University lecturer Elijah Mushemeza and Lwemiyaga MP Theodore Sekikuubo.
Candidates traded accusations at each other, forcing the party chairman, President Yoweri Museveni, to intervene time and again during their campaign speeches.
Otafiire, Bukenya, Ssekikubo and Mushemeza accused the incumbent of failing to run the NRM secretariat, messing up the primary elections, employing his family in party positions, not being accessible and scrambling for so many positions in the government and in the party.
The heat was turned on when Otafiire accused Mbabazi and the NRM electoral commission of rigging the process by failing to avail the candidates with the register of delegates. Otafiire also said the genuine delegates had been locked out and the wrong ones allowed in.
“Those contesting for positions are the same ones organising the elections. How free is this process?” he asked.
Waving two different accreditation cards, Otafiire asked Museveni: “Which of these cards will be used?”
One of the cards contained names and bore photos of the holder and the other had no identification.
He said Mbabazi had paid delegates less allowances than they were supposed to receive. Earlier, Mbabazi had reported to Museveni that a candidate was maligning his name by alleging that he had pocketed part of the allowances.
“I was the one who said it and I am going to repeat it here that delegates got less money than they were supposed to receive,” said Otafiire.
Ssekikubo accused Mbabazi of placing his family members to run the delegates conference. “It can’t be a party of one family, wife on women’s league and daughter as head of youth. We need clean hands to lead the party. I have clean hands,” said Ssekikubo.
Mbabazi vehemently denied that he had pocketed the delegates allowances, saying Otafiire was simply uninformed.
Magomu had an uphill task explaining to the candidates that the register was genuine and no rigging would take place.
“We are going to use the registers and not the cards around their necks. We have asked the district chairpersons and administrative secretaries of each district to go through the register and they have confirmed that those are their delegates.
When it came campaign time, vote buying was the norm contrary to the party’s rule. Candidates openly dished out money. The delegates scrambled for the spoils as campaign agents sorted out their votes. Money, T-shirts and sodas exchanged hands. The voting process got underway at about 4:30pm.
The positions of deputy secretary general was contested for by Dorothy Hyuha, the incumbent, Rose Namayanja, who was said to be in the lead, and Jacob Oulanyah. Betty Bigombe stepped down for Oulanyah.
The deputy treasurer position drew five candidates including the incumbent, Singh Katongole, Henry Banyenzaki, Dr. Noah Byenkya, Stephen Masinde and Davidson Serunjogi.
For the western regional vice-chairperson post, Brig. Matayo Kyaligonza was poised to retain his position. He competed against MP Chris Baryomunsi and Charles Asiimwe.
Karamoja region was poised to elect its first female regional chairperson, Janet Okorimoe, who was by press time in the lead. In Kampala region, Muhamad Nsereko was in the lead followed by former MP Francis Babu and Keneth Tukwekiriza.
In Central region, former MP Mulindwa Birimumaso was in the lead, closely followed by Abdul Naduli and Muyanja Mbabaali.
Dokolo MP Okot Ogong stood down for businessman Sam Engola for the position of vice-chairperson the northern region. This left five people in the race, including incumbent Lt Gen. Moses Ali. The race was, however, between Engola and energy minister Hillary Onek, who was poised to win.
In a surprise move, Kampala mayor Al Hajji Nasser Sebaggala walked in as the voting went on. It was not clear under what circumstances he was attending the meeting.
By Milton Olupot and Barbara Among
SECURITY minister Amama Mbabazi was yesterday headed for a clear victory in the highly contested election for post of secretary general of the ruling National Resistance Movement.
Over 15,000 delegates gathered at Namboole stadium first endorsed President Yoweri Museveni as the party’s flag-bearer in next February’s presidential elections.
Provisional results announced by the NRM electoral commission chairperson, Felicitus Magomu, showed Mbabazi was ahead of his three opponents, including the Vice-President Prof. Gilbert Bukenya, by a wide margin.
The acrimonious poll was characterised by accusations of manipulation, vote rigging and nepotism.
Other contenders were Maj. Gen. Kahinda Otafiire, Makerere University lecturer Elijah Mushemeza and Lwemiyaga MP Theodore Sekikuubo.
Candidates traded accusations at each other, forcing the party chairman, President Yoweri Museveni, to intervene time and again during their campaign speeches.
Otafiire, Bukenya, Ssekikubo and Mushemeza accused the incumbent of failing to run the NRM secretariat, messing up the primary elections, employing his family in party positions, not being accessible and scrambling for so many positions in the government and in the party.
The heat was turned on when Otafiire accused Mbabazi and the NRM electoral commission of rigging the process by failing to avail the candidates with the register of delegates. Otafiire also said the genuine delegates had been locked out and the wrong ones allowed in.
“Those contesting for positions are the same ones organising the elections. How free is this process?” he asked.
Waving two different accreditation cards, Otafiire asked Museveni: “Which of these cards will be used?”
One of the cards contained names and bore photos of the holder and the other had no identification.
He said Mbabazi had paid delegates less allowances than they were supposed to receive. Earlier, Mbabazi had reported to Museveni that a candidate was maligning his name by alleging that he had pocketed part of the allowances.
“I was the one who said it and I am going to repeat it here that delegates got less money than they were supposed to receive,” said Otafiire.
Ssekikubo accused Mbabazi of placing his family members to run the delegates conference. “It can’t be a party of one family, wife on women’s league and daughter as head of youth. We need clean hands to lead the party. I have clean hands,” said Ssekikubo.
Mbabazi vehemently denied that he had pocketed the delegates allowances, saying Otafiire was simply uninformed.
Magomu had an uphill task explaining to the candidates that the register was genuine and no rigging would take place.
“We are going to use the registers and not the cards around their necks. We have asked the district chairpersons and administrative secretaries of each district to go through the register and they have confirmed that those are their delegates.
When it came campaign time, vote buying was the norm contrary to the party’s rule. Candidates openly dished out money. The delegates scrambled for the spoils as campaign agents sorted out their votes. Money, T-shirts and sodas exchanged hands. The voting process got underway at about 4:30pm.
The positions of deputy secretary general was contested for by Dorothy Hyuha, the incumbent, Rose Namayanja, who was said to be in the lead, and Jacob Oulanyah. Betty Bigombe stepped down for Oulanyah.
The deputy treasurer position drew five candidates including the incumbent, Singh Katongole, Henry Banyenzaki, Dr. Noah Byenkya, Stephen Masinde and Davidson Serunjogi.
For the western regional vice-chairperson post, Brig. Matayo Kyaligonza was poised to retain his position. He competed against MP Chris Baryomunsi and Charles Asiimwe.
Karamoja region was poised to elect its first female regional chairperson, Janet Okorimoe, who was by press time in the lead. In Kampala region, Muhamad Nsereko was in the lead followed by former MP Francis Babu and Keneth Tukwekiriza.
In Central region, former MP Mulindwa Birimumaso was in the lead, closely followed by Abdul Naduli and Muyanja Mbabaali.
Dokolo MP Okot Ogong stood down for businessman Sam Engola for the position of vice-chairperson the northern region. This left five people in the race, including incumbent Lt Gen. Moses Ali. The race was, however, between Engola and energy minister Hillary Onek, who was poised to win.
In a surprise move, Kampala mayor Al Hajji Nasser Sebaggala walked in as the voting went on. It was not clear under what circumstances he was attending the meeting.
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