Opinions

If the truth be told, the church in Uganda has never had it better. Today, churches are richer than never before and their leaders are living a superstar style.

Even when other businesses have been feeling the financial strain, churches have been getting full house because churches these days have the best marketers in the business.

Kudos to the UPDF for capturing Kony's top general Acellam. Now that he has been captured, government, through the Amnesty Commission, should grant Acellam complete pardon as incentive for all other rebels to surrender.  

Actually government should use him as their go-between to lure other LRA rebels to surrender and seek forgiveness. But some of us are still skeptical of government's intentions with another LRA rebel Thomas Kwoyelo still in custody inspite of the Amnesty he had applied for, and the fact that court declared him a free man.

I was impressed by President Museveni's Comment 'Down with the charlatans, Uganda is developing' (New Vision, April 18, 2012); that he shared with us, based on what he saw of parts of the country during his visit to Kapchorwa when he went to commiserate with the family of the late Susan Mugu (RIP), a strong NRM supporter, who died at the ripe age of 103.

Even as he flew by helicopter, the President closely observed every aspect of the landscape in the areas he overflew. He described in detail the changes in land use, making suggestions for what areas and good practices would be most suitable for rice growing, fish farming, or cattle keeping in Busoga and Bukedi, Kapchorwa, Bugisu/ Elgon, and Teso areas. 

The Marriage and Divorce Bill has been in the Parliament of Uganda for over 40years but it has never been passed. This clearly portrays the failure of our dear government to put the welfare and wellbeing of women, children and men as top priority in the country, which reluctance I find  very disappointing.

Despite a sustained campaign by Civil Society Organizations to have the bill passed then,  the 8th Parliament,  failed to pass this very important law.
Parliament should learn to take  women issues seriously and put them as priority rather than paying  lip service, because this bill is beneficial to all members of the family including the men.

Government ministries and departments are presenting their budget framework papers to parliament for approval in the next financial year. In the allocation of funds, Agriculture as a sector should be given priority while allocating funds.

At least 15% of the budget should go towards financing agriculture as it is the main economic stay of 80% of the population and has infinite potential to unlock the development prospects of this country. Agriculture is growing at a slower pace compared to industry and service sectors owing to limited funding for the sector.