By Alex Gahima
If you are reading this right now, Kudos to you!
You made it into the year 2022. You might be reading this, front the comfort of your bed, after a spirit filled church service or you just might be hunched over a basin, trying not to throw up after a heavy night of drinking.
Whatever the case, thank God, you made it to 2022.
President Yoweri Museveni delivered his message and he did not disappoint.
A lot of the restrictions in 2021 have been lifted however the President issued a disclaimer, that if the number of cases of Covid-19 continue to increase, we just might see ourselves in another lockdown, God forbid.
As we plan for the long road ahead, I thought that you and I might reflect on some of the events that captured our attention in the year 2021.
2021 General elections
Many Ugandans will always remember the 2021 general elections.
The elections that have been described by many as a “nightmare experience” will always remember how Government shut down popular social media site, Facebook claiming it was subversive.
It felt like we were living through a scene of the series 24 or Prison Break, except it was real life. People’s businesses collapsed and many are still down to this day.
Scientific campaigns on Radio and Television left many Ugandans baffled as some candidates had the power to dominate all airwaves while others literally had to bully and fight their way into the news.
The Bobi Wine Phenomenon:
Ugandan Pop star Robert Kyagulanyi alias Bobi Wine will always be remembered for testing the pressure points of the sitting Government.
Like robin hood and his merry band of men, Bobi wine gave the country something they did not expect, hope that anything is possible for the youth and a threat to all the established millionaires and billionaires, that everything could burn down in a matter of days (no offense, just saying).
Bobi wine, just like king Leonidas of fictional movie 300 lost, however they left something in each and every one that we shall never forget.
Money, land titles and Oxygen became more valuable than People’s lives
Uganda’s top medical experts are closely monitoring the Omicron variant and are wishing for the best and preparing for the worst.
Ugandans, will however never forget how Money and Oxygen concentrators became more valuable than human lives.
From the onset, Patients across the country were admitted with flu like symptoms and chest pains.
Some patients smilingly reassured their loved ones that it would be alright, until it was not.
They would die on their hospital beds and would be quickly replaced by others in a similar state, heading for a similar fate, death.
All the while, family members and care takers pleaded for their patients to be saved but major hospitals insisted on monies being paid up front.
Many families, some we know of and others we heard of, had to part with land titles and other valuable assets to access treatment for Covid -19, something we shall all never forget.
Across major upcountry medical referral hospitals, panic ensured when oxygen became scarce and families had to sit by and watch their loved ones die.
Sooner than later, Government announces covid-19 vaccines and the rest is history.
We sympathize with all those who lost their loved ones to Covid-19 and we commend all health workers, who gave their blood and sweat to save lives during the pandemic, we shall never forget.
Not that Kind of Tourism (Kisoro Roadside Sex Video)
Many Ugandans will always remember that in 2021, Kisoro district held nation spot light briefly after a man and woman decided to have sex by the roadside during broad day light.
The unlucky couple were filmed on phone and the video was shared far and wide, making it one of the most viewed videos in the year 2021.
By the end of the day, people had made Social media memes, t-shirts, theme nights etc. Kisoro had finally arrived.
The couple were however arrested and sentenced to 30 months for public nuisance.
Kisoro Municipal Mayor Richard Ndyana said though Kisoro is seeking tourism city status, such acts should not be our selling point.
Roadside couple, we shall never forget you.
620 acres Bunagana land for Industrialization
Kisoro district leaders banded together in the year 2021 and successfully managed to acquire 620 acres of land in Bunagana for Robert Mukiza and Uganda Investment Authority (UIA) meant for Industrialization.
UIA director general Robert Mukiza thanked the people of Kisoro for coming together and ensuring that land for industrialization was secured at the border of Uganda with the Democratic republic of Congo.
He promised to have the land titled. He also promised to have major works begin including road rehabilitation, water connection and electricity supply to the area.
Kisoro leaders, you came together for the good of Kisoro, we shall not forget.
Muhabura Diocese unravels as Bishop Cranmer seeks early retirement
Bishop of Muhabura Diocese Rt. Rev Cranmer Mugisha is set to retire, no news there however the Bishop’s decision to retire has opened up a can of worms, we shall never forget.
Bishop Cranmer’s last days in office have since left a bitter sweet taste in the church after Christians have torn apart by church politics and intrigue.
Individual lawsuits have been brought against the Bishop, the Archbishop of Uganda Dr. Samuel Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu and the diocese of Muhabura.
We cannot get into the details of some these matters as they are still in court however, it cannot be easy to be in Bishop Cranmer’s shoes.
The good, the bad and the Ugly of Muhabura diocese under Bishop Cranmer, we shall never forget.
6 months down the road, what have you done for us?
Six Members of Parliament were voted to represent the district of Kisoro on grounds that they would help solve our problems. It is 6 months since they have been in office.
What do they have to show for it?
These MPs include Kisoro Woman Member of Parliament and State Minister Sarah Nyirabashitsi Mateke, Bufumbira North MP John Kamala Nizeyimana, Bufumbira South MP Alex Niyonsaba, Bufumbira East MP Hon. Dr. James Nsaba Buturo, Kisoro Municipality MP Paul Buchana and Bukimbiri County MP Eddie Kwizera.
For the most part, most of the MPs have been silent, I presume, it is because they are still trying to recover from the economic injuries they sustained during the scientific campaigns.
Woman Member of Parliament Sarah Nyirabashitsi Mateke, in the year 2021 hit the ground running, honoring some of her pledges in her manifesto including improving maternal health and creating opportunities for practical skills training.
Hon. Sarah, we have taken notice and we shall not forget.
Zip Lining, Mountain Biking and Nature walks
The year 2021 introduced new and exciting entertainment options for the people of Kisoro.
The concept of flying more than 200 meters suspended in the air over Lake Mutanda was realized.
Biking for Individuals and families was also encouraged by Godfrey Muneza of E.K sports Village and our own director (Voice of Muhabura radio) began the Kisoro Nature Walkers group.
Overcoming Lockdown Stress by Swimming in Lake Mutanda – Voice of Muhabura (vomuhabura.com)
Voice of Muhabura Media Park
The community radio that will be making 14 years in May this year (2022) made it a point to improve its services in 2021 by upgrading its studio into a modern studio.
Robust articles on the website coupled with live streaming reminded people far from home about their language, culture and news keeping them plugged into Kisoro, the most beautiful land in World, don’t hate, just come visit.
Voice of Muhabura radio intends to roll out Voice of Muhabura Online TV in the year 2022, so keep your ears opened and your eyes peeled.
Discussion about this post