2009 will go down as the tightest year in Uganda's economic history. The year that cut in with the credit crunch bug, has seen its better half roll by with many financial hardships. Several businesses have closed shop, resized employment and cut budgets. Inflation skyrocketed to double digits, setting in high prices for both transport and food items.

Kony scampering for safety

As Ugandans came to terms with the Credit Crunch , Kony and his LRA outfit had to scamper for safety as a combined Military force of Southern Sudan, Uganda  and DR. Congo rolled out to pursue the insurgents into DR. Congo's Garamba forests. For rejecting a trial at peace a massive offensive stood in as a perfect gift for the New Year.

Barrack Obama Inaugurated

2009 saw Barrack Obama, gracefully taking on the world as America's first ever Black President. His inauguration filled the world with hope amidst a vent of economic uncertainties. Also Chris Rwakasisi and Brigadier Fadhul, all former Idd Amin officials celebrated their freedom as President Museveni pardoned their death row sentences.

Nkunda arrested

Whereas Rwakasisi and Fadhul regained their freedom, Congolese dissident, Gen. Laurent Nkunda lost his as he was captured while fleeing from a Combined DR. Congo and Rwandese military offensive. Rwanda  pressured to stop supporting the Gen captured Nkunda for leading a protracted struggle against the DR. Congo government.

Besigye defeats Muntu

As Gen. Laurent Nkunda lost his plot against the Congolese government, Gen Mugisha Muntu put in a spirited show as he aimed to fish in FDC's deeper waters. Gen. Muntu, the FDC secretary for mobilization (then) was defeated by incumbent President Kizza Besigye in a hotly contested vote. With Besigye safely in his seat, Col. Muammer Ghaddiffi entered the AU as its new chairman.

Suruma out First Lady in

While Ezra Suruma, Caleb Akandwanaho a.k.a Salim Saleh and Ham Mulira were shown the exit, in a cabinet reshuffle we saw the entrance of former UPC stalwart Aggrey Awori, and first Lady Janet. The entry of the First Lady excited opinion leaders especially in Karamoja.

Owino market on fire

Before cabinet entrants could warm their seats, the country woke up to a huge fire that destroyed property worth billions in the St. Balikudembe Market. The fire that gutted the market, proved a test to government's management of disasters, as the Police fire Brigade Department displayed a spirited show of inefficiency in fighting the fire. 

Rajoeline enters Madagascar mix 

With mounting pressure over Madagascar's leadership, Marc Ravulomanana threw in the towel leaving the presidency to arc rival Andry Rajoeline. The former Disc Joker took on the ruins after rallying his supporters to demand for Ravulomanana's exist.

Parliament debates president's finger

While the credit crunch kept Ugandans pensive, the debate in Parliament went to its lowest as Members took to debating President Yoweri Museveni's health over a sick finger. The debate that stated in a local tabloid was picked on by the political elite who question the president's ability to preside over the country.

Zuma elected South African President 

Whereas President Museveni's finger took much of Uganda's media space, South Africa took a vent as it consolidated a show of political maturity. Jacob Zuma previously sucked as Deputy President for corruption under Thabo Mbeki's, regime consolidated ANC's grip on power as he led the party to a landslide victory.

Pulkol's report exposes parliament

The release of the African Leadership Institute (Afli) report 2008, peeped Ugandans into parliaments' routines that has seen many constituencies luck credible representation. The only available audit for Members' representation, faced off stiff resistance as Members moved in to block David Pulkol's report with claims of unrealistic methodologies.

Mwondha, Pastor Kayanja fight for survival

As Parliament faced off with Pulkol's Afli report, Robert Kayanja and Faith Mwondha took rounds to fight for their survival. Whereas Kayanja battled allegations of Homosexuality, Mwondha faced off with Parliament that aimed to block her reappointment as the IGG. Mwondha now at Nakawa High court lost the battle after she refused to go to parliament for vetting.

Wife forced to breastfeed puppies 

As the world mourned the end of Abdul-Raheem Tajudeen's life in a Nairobi car crush, more grief visited the nations as news of Nathan Amoloi's abuse to his wife spread across the country. Nathan a resident of Apopong Sub-County  in Tororo District was arrested on allegation of forcing his wife to feed his puppies.

Bumba Writes history as Bongo dies 

Whereas Syda Bumba was writing history by becoming Uganda's first ever female Finance Minister, Guinea’s Omar Bongo's curtains closed in Gabon as his 43 years grip on power ended in a Spanish clinic. The leader, who was succeeded by his son in a controversial election, lost the battle to a cancerous infection that he had battled for years.

Ahmedinejad in controversial re-election

In Iran, the controversial re-election of President Ahmedinejad against his rival Mirhossein Mousavi brewed trouble as the masses took to the streets to challenge his second term in office. The authorities, who backed Ahmedinejad's re-election, cracked down on the demonstrations which caused a number of deaths and several arrest.

Mengo mobilizes Vision boycott 

As Mengo Mobilized the public to boycott Vision Group's products for alleged Malice of the Kabaka's institution, Hon. Wilfred Kajeke went into history books, as the youthful Mbale Municipality MP who resigned his seat over allegations of failure to influence the fight against corruption in the august house.

Banyoro cry foul over Bafuruki

In Bunyoro, beads of anger clouded the region as flares raised between the Banyoro and the migrant Bafuruki over allegation of land grabbing and tribalism. The Banyoro claim that the Bafuruki have taken over Bunyoro, threatening their political, culture and social existence.

Buganda sucked by Kayunga crisis

The Kayunga crisis entered at the hit of Bunyoro tribalism, and took on government as it massively caused panic within political circles. The crisis, got into the mix as Buganda's Katikiro J.B Walusimbi was blocked from entering Kayunga to prepare for Kabaka Ronald Mutebi's visit. Violent riots across Buganda killed over 21 people, caused the temporary closure of four radios and the arrest of several hundreds of rioters.

Akankwasa loses 900m to his wife 

As the Buganda  riots settled in, National Forestry Authority's Damian Akankwansa jumped into the mix as he accused his wife of steeling over 900m from under their bed in Bugolobi. The issue that resulted into Akankwasa's suspension from NFA excited the public as it raised many questions over the source of the millions.

Bukenya's son and Kazini die

With news of Brian Bukenya's (VP Bukenya's) death in a car accident along Mityan road, the nation woke up to yet another high profile death that involved Maj. Gen James Kazini. The Gen, on charges of corruption, insubordination and creation of ghost soldiers was brutally murdered allegedly by Lydia Draru one of his many girlfriends.

Land bill passed

The passing of the controversial Land Bill later in the year passed for a big blow to the Mengo establishment that had on several occasions mobilized to block its debate in parliament. The Bill that allegedly seeks to protect tenant against unlawful eviction, has been cited by the political opposition and Mengo as a ploy of grabbing Buganda's land.