Jinja City

06/08/2019

The long journey from Source of the Nile to source of dollars

Pictures: Artistic impression of the new Source of the Nile Development Masterplan done by Strategic Friends International (SFI) -https://sfi.co.ug/

If all that has been said of the Source of the Nile in Jinja had been turned into action, the site would probably be earning Uganda what the entire tourism sector earned in 2018 — a little more than a billion dollars. On the higher side probably, but more talk and more inaction about development of the source is such a bummer.
A small story appeared in the Daily Monitor last Thursday with the headline, “Govt to upgrade Source of the Nile tourism site.” The Nile’s source is probably the most talked about potential tourist hotspot by officialdom in Uganda, but where talk has led to nothing over the years.
Early in 2013, someone named the Source of the Nile one of the seven natural wonders of Africa. The others are the Red Sea Reef, Mt Kilimanjaro, Ngorongoro Crater, Okavango Delta, Sahara Desert, Serengeti Migration — for its annual multimillion wildebeest caravan. (Some day South Sudan may rise from its troubles and credibly lay claim to owning the world’s largest such migration for its elegant white-eared kob — accompanied by the tiang — that treks from Boma National Park into parts of Gambela in Ethiopia and then back).
What is there to wonder about the Nile’s source? Apart from some slight spin of water somewhere in the river, I have never seen a more underwhelming tourist attraction.
The trick, of course, is to create a compelling story around the source and its long river and sell that. Just build it around Busoga (and I suppose Ganda) lore and you are off to the bank.
But what have we heard and had so far? Hot air — call it evaporating water. When the wonders announcement came down, the tourism minister at the time, Maria Mutagamba, promised, according to a Monitor story, that the central government would take over the responsibility of managing the area, taking it away from the local government authorities in Jinja. And there was even a plan to plan a plan titled “Sustainable Development Plan for the Source of the Nile”, which was expected to take effect in the 2013/2014 financial year.
Hats off to our media for repeatedly writing breezy stories that go nowhere. In October 2016, Monitor carried a story with a straightforward introduction that said: “The Mayor of Wuhan City in China, Mr Yong Wan has pledged infrastructural support towards the development and beautification of the source of the Nile River in Jinja Town.”
Everyone loves that source. In September 2018, The Observer gushed: “Imagine having a romantic treat in a luxurious restaurant under the river Nile!
“It may sound like a dream, but thanks to the recent visit of Indian prime minister Narendra Modi, such a restaurant will become a reality in a couple of months at the Source of the Nile in Jinja.
“In his address to the Ugandan Parliament on July 25,” The Observer reported, “Modi announced a multi-million dollar project to redevelop the Source of Nile ahead of the 150th birthday of Mahatma Gandhi who led India’s independence struggle.”
In a couple of months.
Back to the Thursday Monitor piece. The eminent member of officialdom quoted is Mr Jimmy Kigozi, the principal tourism development officer in the ministry of Tourism. He said that a master plan (it is rarely just a plain plan with government things) is ready for the development of tourist sites on both the Jinja and Njeru sides of the Source of the Nile.
Strategic Friends International, whom you may have heard about regarding the resettlement of people from the oil refinery area and other such undertakings, is the one that has designed the 20-year plan. The artistic impressions of the area on their website are interesting.
As with many stories, this one says nothing about the cost or even implementation phases. I trust we are not waiting on the men from the East: Mr Wan or Mr Modi.
It was encouraging, however, that the tourism sector budget rose dramatically in the current budget to Shs193.7 billion, up from Shs32 billion the previous financial year. That’s an impressive demonstration of intent. And maybe the source of one of the world’s longest rivers may finally prove to be the source of some serious dollars.
Fingers and toes curled.

By Bernard Tabaire - Daily Monitor

05/08/2019

Eng Zikusooka Road

He was born on 11 November 1926, in present-day Iganga District, Busoga sub-region, in the Eastern Region of Uganda. He attended local primary schools before he entered Busoga College Mwiri, where he completed his O-Level and A-Level education, graduating in 1947. He served as a prefect at the all-boys boarding school. Later he trained as a civil engineer.

After his training as an engineer, he was hired as the town engineer for Jinja Town, the first African to serve in that position. He was part of the team that designed the roads and streets in the town. In honor of his service to the town, a road, Engineer Zikusoka Road, was named after him, by Jinja Municipal Council.[3] By 1969, he had risen to the position of Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Works in the government of Uganda.

In 1971, when Idi Amin overthrew the first government of Milton Obote, he named James Zikusoka as the Minister of Works,Communications and Housing in his first cabinet. However, when forces aligned to Milton Obote launched a botched attempt to overthrow Idi Amin, the dictator fired all cabinet ministers that he did not trust, Zikusoka included.[4] Zikusoka sought political refugee in Kenya, and then later joined the United Nations Development Program and served as a consultant in New York and Saudi Arabia, then for the Commonwealth Secretariat in Barbados until Amin was overthrown in 1979. He served as Uganda's high commissioner to the United Kingdom, appointed to that position by Godfrey Binaisa,the then newly appointed President of Uganda in 1979. Later, from 1993 until 1997, Zikusoka served as the chairman of the Public Service Commission.

In 1988, he was ordained a deacon in Christ the King Cathedral at Bugembe. The following year, he was elected as reverend, canon and dean of the cathedral. He also helped with civil repairs to the physical building and purchased and financed the installation of a church organ out of his own pocket

He died on 29 January 2012, at Nakasero Hospital, in the country's capital, Kampala. He was interned at his ancestral home at Namungalwe, in Iganga District. He was survived by a widow and six of his seven children

Source: Wikipedia

04/08/2019

How the Tusker Lite UG Men Vs Women cook off Jinja edition went down Pit Stop Lounge Jinja

Of course its the women who won just as they did in Kampala.

04/08/2019

Jinja's rare cactus trees (candelabra tree)

For trees that grow in semi desert conditions, its a surprise to find some in Jinja with its warm tropical climate. These trees are extremely rare in Jinja, and this writer has seen only seen three of them around Jinja.

The most famous one is located near the junction between Main Street and Eng Dhikusooka road. Its believed to be over 50 years a lot. The other ones are located on Lubas Road and on Igenge Hill in Bugembe.

According to Wikipedia Candelabra tree or Euphorbia ingens is a species of plant in the genus Euphorbia and the family Euphorbiaceae. It is native to dry areas of southern Africa. It is popularly known as the "candelabra tree", and its milky latex can be extremely poisonous, and a dangerous irritant.

It grows on dry lands and semi savannas. It prefers warm regions as it can survive long droughts. It usually roots on rocky outcrops or deep in sand among the bush.

03/08/2019

Chronological history of Main Street Jinja in 30 Pictures from the 1920s to 2019

03/08/2019

Gabula Road. Jinja's last untouched colonial heritage. Now under threat.

Gabula road seems to have frozen in time, probably somewhere in the 1960s and has remained almost untouched.

The history

Gabula road gets its name from Chief Gabula of Bugabula. The road is over 100 years old and was first settled on in the late 1910s. The British had just marked out the initial layout of the sprawling Jinja town meant to be the administrative capital of Busoga region. However, serious construction on the road started in the 1930s. The road mostly housed Indian immigrants and a few businesses like clinics and shops that were also owned by Indians.

Present State

The expulsion of Indians in 1972 by the late President Idi Amin brought most of Uganda and Jinja to a standstill, businesses collapsed overnight and houses were abandoned and taken over by squatters. Gabula road was not spared this fate. Its state of disrepair is as result of years of neglect and abandonment.

If you have been to Jinja of late, you would notice that there are a lot changes happening on almost every major street and road, most of the Indian buildings are giving way to new modern structures, all except for Gabula road. The road has remained static for decades. In fact some buildings on the road are over 80years old but are yet to get another coat of paint. Its residential nature and scarce day time population has saved it from turning into a business street. Although not for long.

Attractions

Despite its mostly derelict state, the road still maintains a charming colonial allure coupled with Indian architectural structures that are surprisingly an attraction to many. The street has provided backdrop for many artists videos including Sheebah, Irene Ntale, Tarrus Riley and Henry Tigan among others. The street is also a favorite for tourists impressed by the archaic architecture.
Kakindu stadium is located along this road. The stadium is the second of Jinja's two premiere stadiums hosting matches in the top league. Its the home ground of Bidco BUL FC.
The Rolex joint located just opposite the stadium is also a top hangout for Rolex enthusiasts.

The buildings

Most of the buildings on this road were constructed between the 1930s and the 1960s. They took on an Indian like style since they housed mostly indians. The road is fully built up except for area hosting Kakindu stadium and a few small patches of land here and there. Most of the buildings are in a state of disrepair.

The possible future.

Already, the first high rise buildings are going up along the road. A five storey building is already under construction on a road that has not seen any building beyond two storeys in it's 100 plus years history. As Jinja city grows, a lot of pressure will be piled on this street to turn into a business street rather than its current mostly residential nature. Already, this writer has got wind of a number of projects along the road that will slowly see the old colonial heritage slowly give way to new structures. The fate of this road just like most of Jinja is sealed, it's development had been slow and was one of the last untouched colonial heritage, but as day follows night, unless something special happens, Gabula road is bound to lose its heritage.

Source : Jinja City Media™

02/08/2019

The Nile Nest Jinja

02/08/2019

Nile Nest to host new "nyege nyege-like" festival.

Each passing day, Jinja continuously cements its position as the adventure and fun capital of East Africa.

The incredible success of the annual Nyege Nyege festival has led to the birth of another two day festival at the Nile Nest in Jinja. The festival starts on 31st Aug to 01st Sept 2019.

The event will feature eight artists including Lagum, Lamu and Ceee from Kenya, DJ Iraneza from Rwanda. The festival dubbed Kyeza Fest promises to be different and unique and will feature a whole host of new activities including, DJs, Quad Cycling, Tubing, Zipling, Boat Cruise, Riverside barbecue among others. Nile Nest has a campsite by the river for those that would love to set up tents.

Tickets go for 50k individual and 100k for 3 people.

For details and inquiries call 0779342239 or 0702617755

01/08/2019

One of the best ways to enjoy the charming rural areas of Jinja district is on horseback.

Ride through a typical Ugandan village and a stunning section along the banks of the Nile. On our overnight and multiday rides you can also experience the views from the hills overlooking the Nile valley, canter through the stunning plantation vistas and relax in the tranquility of Mabira forest

Nile Horseback Safaris
PH: +256 774 101 196
or +256 701 101 196

Email: [email protected]

http://www.nilehorsebacksafaris.com/nile_horseback_safaris_about_us.asp

01/08/2019

A hammock on a canoe on river Nile.
Can you even??

Jinja has endless fun

HANG OUT OVER THE NILE & LET YOUR MIND AND BODY DRIFT

Do you love hammocks and the tranquil relaxation of water? Now’s the time to combine both for the ultimate chill out, sunbathing and swimming session.

Specially made for Nile SUP, you’ll struggle to find it anywhere else in the world. This is something you’ll only truly appreciate when you’re suspended over the mighty river Nile with a cold beer in your hand and your feet dangling in the water.

The rig can take two, three or four people to ensure it’s well balanced, so find some friends and share the fun!

[email protected] | +256 (0) 772 880 322 | Nile SUP (U) Ltd. Jinja

http://nilesup.com/sup-tours/sup-hammock/

31/07/2019

Picturesque Jinja

31/07/2019

Anti-To***co campaigners call for renaming of road in Jinja

Anti-to***co campaigners in Jinja district have asked government to strengthen enforcement of the law that prohibits smoking in public places to deter young people from taking on the habit.

Boaz Musiimenta, the Chairperson National To***co Control Committee says to***co advertising in Uganda is prohibited and that names of some roads in Jinja like To***co Road should be changed as this is one way of promoting the habit.

The group had organised a match and clean up exercise in Jinja

31/07/2019

Is that a giant blue whale under the bridge?? 😲

Oooh okay that's not our bridge 🤣🤣🤣

31/07/2019

Jinja's Stunning Sunsets

28/07/2019

Kyabazinga Takes Over Busoga United FC

His Majesty William Gabula Nadiope IV has assumed the patronship of Busoga United FC formerly Kirinya-Jinja SSS FC.

Presiding over the launching ceremony of the rebranded Uganda Premier League team on Saturday at Jinja SSS aka The Mighty School, the Kyabazinga emphasized the importance of holistic education.

"With our dynamic education system, its inevitable for our academic institutions to impart learners with different skills that are beneficial to their survival in the near future", the Kyabazinga said disclosing that blending academics with co-curricular activities helps to identify, develop and promote talents in addition to nurturing learners with good cultural values and norms.

Flanked by the Isabalangira of Busoga, Prince Samuel Kakaire and the hereditary chief of Butembe Chiefdom, Prince Ayub Banamwita, the reigning Busoga monarch tasked the different stakeholders in the education system to play their respective roles.
"Education is a joint venture where different stakeholders play their roles to post good results. I challenge parents, teachers, learners to ensure that their roles are effectively honored to attract positive results", he noted before commending the school management led by Diana Nyago for the job well done.

On her part, the school head teacher Diana Nyago gave a chronology of events that has seen their school develop and attract over 4000 students that the school boosts of currently.

Commissioner Jonathan Kamwana who represented the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Education revealed that the ministry has over Shs37billion at their disposal for National Council of Sports to promote games.

On his part, Owek. Ivan Kiirya who represented the Prime Minister of Busoga besides being an old boy of the school committed the Kingdom's total support towards Busoga United FC with the Kyabazinga as the team's Patron. He also revealed that Jinja SSS is famous for academics and excellence and that as OBs and OGs of the school, they will ensure that their identity outlives all generations to come.

At the same function, last year's best performing students were presented with gifts.

The Kyabazinga planted a tree to commemorate his maiden visit to the school.

Earlier, the Bishop Emeritus of Busoga Diocese, Rt. Rev. Micheal Kyomya led the Thanksgiving service. Present at the function were Kingdom Ministers who included Owek. Dr. Joyce Abaliwano, Owek. Yudaya Babirye,Owek.Fred Kyangwa,Owek. Michael Kifubangabo and board members led by Janet Kyemba with Michael Kasedde representing the PTA accompanied by Bugembe Mayor Steven Wante.

28/07/2019

Former Buganda Premier, founder of CBS radio and Busoga College Mwiri OB Kaya Kavuma Passes on.

He was a muganda who spoke very fluent lusoga and has been very supportive of Busoga College Mwiri. He once singlehandedly bought a school bus for the school.

26/07/2019

Kingfisher Safaris Resort

26/07/2019

The pool Lemala Wildwaters Lodge

25/07/2019

JINJA CITY TO GET Shs 42 BILLION FOR ROADS IN USMID PHASE 2

According to the Program Operational Manual for USMID Additional Funding, Jinja is set to get additional funding of over $ 11 million (approx shs 42 billion) from a pool of over $245 million under the Municipal Development Grant that will be shared by 22 municipalities in Uganda. The project is funded by the World Bank and runs for a period of five years up to 2023. Municipalities of Gulu and Mbarara will take the lions share, getting over $44 million between the two of them.
Jinja Municipality received over Shs 20 billion in the first phase of the project. The funds were used in the construction of Nalufenya Road completed in 2016, Part of Main Street and Part of Eng Dhikusooka Road completed this year.
In an interview with Baba TV, Jinja Mayor Majid Batambuze revealed that in this phase, they plan to complete Main Street from Tropical Bank to the Post Office, reconstruct Busoga Road upto State Lodge, complete Eng Dhikusooka Road/Obote Road and other major roads as funds allow.
Jinja has grappled with very poor road network that has in part stifled development in some instances. A lot of the roads where last resurfaced in the 60s and 70s and have slowly deteriorated into a sorry state. Major roads including Spire, Lubas, Clive Road East, Kisinja, Nile Avenue, Bell Avenue, Busoga Avenue, Iganga Road, Madhvani Road and others need urgent repair.
About the USMID Project
After the successful implementation of the first phase of the Uganda Support to Municipal Infrastructure Development (USMID) Program, Government received additional financing to the tune of US$ 360 million from the World Bank/IDA to implement the second phase of the Program (USMID Additional Financing-USMID-AF) for 5 years starting in fiscal year 2018/19.
USMID-AF will maintain the development objective of the first phase and will extend the geographical coverage of the Program to eight additional municipal local governments of Kitgum, Kamuli, Mubende, Kasese, Busia, Ntungamo, Apac and Lugazi and also introduce support to 8 districts of Adjumani, Moyo, Yumbe, Arua, Isingiro, Kiryandongo, Kamwenge and Lamwo, that have faced a high influx of refugees to strengthen these LGs’ abilities to cope with the recent and future refugee influx in Uganda and to deliver critical infrastructure to host communities/local governments. The program will deepen impact and results in terms of institutional strengthening, planning and financial management, infrastructure provision and local economic development. USMID-AF draws a lot of lessons from the implementation of the first phase of USMID
Mayor also revealed the a number of investors are in the process of setting up structures on Main Street and other major streets in the city. He said that the skyline of the city is bound to change in the next few years. In fact, construction of a twelve storey tower is already under on Lubas road. A number of other projects are in the pipeline

Source;
Baba TV - https://youtu.be/T5Of0aT2GIQ
Jinja City Media
MLHUD Website - http://mlhud.go.ug/projects/usmid-program/usmid-af/
http://mlhud.go.ug/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/THE-PROGRAM-OPERATIONAL-MANUAL-POM-FOR-USMID-ADDITIONAL-FINANCING-PROGRAM.pdf

25/07/2019

Jinja based socialite Bahati Pascaline Hatie's photo shoot on Jinja streets

Photos Courtesy: Photosynthesis

25/07/2019

Police foil robbery at KCB on Main Street

CPS Police yesterday evening foiled a bank robbery at KCB bank on Main Street in Jinja.

It is alleged that two private security guards attached to pinnacle security in company of an unidentified person stormed the bank and put three bank staff at gun point demanding for money.

“However, the manager who had stepped out briefly returned and found his staff at gun point, hence rushed to police that responded immediately," police spokesperson Fred Enanga said in a statement on Wednesday evening.
The suspects are said to have tried to intercept the manager from running out of the bank but failed and only grabbed his phone.

"On suspicion that the manager could have notified police the trio fled the scene abandoning one gun. Incident occurred at 2000hrs this evening along Jinja Main Street, police has heavily deployed around as the hunt for the suspects intensifies,” Mr Enanga added.
KCB bank shares a wall with Jinja Police Station.
Mr Henry Batambuze, the LC Chairman Main Street East village, suspects a connivance between the robbers and staff.
Daily Monitor

24/07/2019

Beautiful scenery of Samuka Island

22/07/2019

Aerial View of the Source of the Nile National Agricultural Show grounds

The 27th annual event yesterday came to a close after 10 days or funfair. The show is the biggest of its kind in Uganda. It attracts hundreds of exhibitors of all kinds and thousands of show goers. The show turns Jinja abuzz with activity. In fact by 10th July nearly all hotels in and around Jinja had been booked.

The show sets a platform for displaying and identifying innovations made by local and foreign companies through improved technologies for better production, marketing and poverty eradication. This year we focus on how to engage technologies in agricultural production to embrace value addition and industrialization. We look at the different activities being carried out to address the effectiveness in the use of agricultural technologies.

21/07/2019

Eng Dhikusooka Road

Courtesy:

21/07/2019

Whisper's Magical Children's Hospital & Maternity staff engage in tree planting on Madhvani Road.

19/07/2019

"Eating Life" in Jinja

19/07/2019

19/07/2019

A penthouse at Holland Park Jinja