By U.S. Ambassador Jerry P. Lanier

In any country, the foundations for free and fair elections are laid well before election day by establishing freedom of expression, freedom of assembly, an independent media, and a transparent voter registry.

On August 25, two independent but related events reinforced these democratic requirements and constituted an important victory for Ugandan democracy and its people. 

It is evident that peaceful elections of the organs and primaries of NRM will entirely depend on behaviors and attitudes and conduct of the "political class." In the recently concluded elections of structures of NRM.

In some areas violence was masterminded by the so called elite class within the party who by design or false glory think they are a class apart and losing an election is a taboo.

By Navi Pillay

Dayaram expected to hold his baby in his arms. Instead, he was left to mourn his wife and unborn child.

They died of complications during labour because Dayaram's wife, Bushba, had to walk fifty kilometres from her remote village in northern India to the nearest hospital. Bushba's fate is not exceptional.

Saving the lives of the many women like Bushba is the aim of one of the eight Millennium Development Goals which the world's leaders endorsed 10 years ago.

Don't be misled into thinking that in saying what you are reading here, I am targeting Sheikh Ramathan Mubajje's post now that he has been suspended from office.

 I am neither after joining Supreme Mufti Zubair Kayongo's faction.

I am a staunch and principled catholic and I don't regret it because it's this belonging which has enabled me to meet and work with respected people such as the cardinal, bishops and priests in the Catholic Church.
 
Non-moslems should not think that I am against them but in certain cases, you have to concede defeat.

I may not be able to change my religion nor its norms but I have recognized certain principles in the Muslim culture which, I propose, should be copied and practiced by non-moslems.

Prince Metternich of Austria said in the wake of French Revolution of 1789 that; "When France sneezes Europe catches a cold," This historic statement has been rephrased to signify the importance or influence of some regions in regard to others.

But how accurate is this statement when the names of France and Europe are substituted with the names Kenya and East Africa respectively?

Kenya's importance to Uganda and indeed to other East African member countries arises not only because of its advanced manufacturing sector, but also because of its people.

It is for this reason that we need to reflect on the implications of the coming into force, this month, of the Common Market Protocol.