African Scholars have been called to stop depending and concentrating on the western countries to develop their careers.
Prof Belly Mody, Chairperson in Global Media University of Colorado Boulder, while addressing participant on the presentation on communication development in Kampala, said that, Africans need to document their work and build their own literature and realities.“I hope one of these days we shall start to document our research so as to make people in North and West to read our own work,” Prof. Mody said.
Scholars in Africa countries depend on materials from the western countries. It’s very hard in Uganda to find any documented work either in the internet or in books.Despite the existence of large number of people who are educated, only few have written their own books. Students in our local schools, institutions continue to depend on books from Western authors.
Prof. Mody said that Africans need to document their work by making it available globally since their have technology.Africans writers were challenged to start writing of their own unique differences since their come from communities that value culture and traditions.“Begin with traditions. Begin with the known. You do not expect the west people to do that,” Said Prof Mody. She added that researchers should deliberate using their own traditions. Scholars were called to create their own blogs and website in order to share their own writing so that global people can read it.
A Website opening and maintaining it costs less than Shs 150,000. However, no organisation or individuals in the region run a website on documented work or research portraying the unique culture on our people and environment.
On the Media training and capacity, Prof. Mody said that they can be improved, but; “lack of political redress and response to journalistic investigative reports is not something you and I can fix in short run. For example, on reports on corruption and misuse of public offices,” She said.Politicians were on receiving side when they were accused of being the roadblock to investigative journalism.
“Our journalists are doing the job, but our politicians are slack,” she lamented.
She called on the right use of the media to reach the local people. Media professionals were told to rethink on which media to we use most for social marketing and development.
On how to use the freedom of media entrenched in Africa she said that media need to rethink carefully who they are enriching more since media tend to enrich the rich than the poor.
As class difference increases some groups tend to have access to the internet skills, while many still rely on local languages radio station.
“Social disparities results in high education income group learning more while the lower income group become more illiterates,” Prof Mody said.
If the media want to avoid creating these disparities, it needs to rethink and load information meant for the poor informatively.
Media does not exist in vacuum, in that the media used in spreading propagandas and hates to subdivide people to their ethnic background and political alignment. The same can be used for good cause in the fight against poverty, diseases such as; malaria, cholera and aids.
“In Kenya people used radio station and mobile phone to spread hate speech but; the same was used by leaders to call for peaceful coexistences among the Kenyans,” She said.
Though everything is turning to be global, Africans were told to utilize the opportunity to market their own unique rich resources to emancipate the continent from the problems facing it.
This is by programming in our own media content and design that shows the people to solve their problems.
“Globalization to me means the capitalists to solve world problems,” Prof said.
Dr, David Musoke a lecturer at Makerere University said that Africans journalists need to be liberated since there are highly affected by the western culture.
“We need to liberate our own brain in order to write and document,” Musoke said.Prof. Belly Mody
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Married Couples are hard hit by HIV/AIDS
HIV / AIDS is spreading faster in marriages than in any other group of people in the country, two new reports on HIV Prevention Response and Modes of transmission and Assessing the Macroeconomic Impact of HIV/AIDS in Uganda report, launched by Dr. Beatrice Wabudeya, Minister In Charge of Presidency shows.
“Approximately 46 percent (6,022,317) of the population aged 15 to 49 are mutually monogamous heterosexuals; 14percent (1,808,919) are in the multiple partnerships risk group and their partners were 11percent of the population (1,417,881). The number of sex workers was estimated to be 32,652 (0.3percent) and that of their clients was 189,381 (1.5percent). It is estimated that there was a total of 3,949 men who have sex with men, based on self-reports by survey respondents,” States the report on Modes of Transmission.
The report further states that the marital status showed a significant relationship with HIV prevalence. Those who are widowed had by far the highest HIV prevalence. Almost one-third of women and men who have been widowed are HIV positive, compared with around 6 percent of those who are currently married.
According to the report, Widow Inheritance was reported as a frequent socio-cultural practice in rural Uganda where more than 70 percent of respondents reported that it occurred in their communities. Inheritance is linked to bride price, but this cultural practice may have to be discouraged or at least stripped of its sexual component. Those who are divorced or separated have an intermediate level of HIV infection
Of 14 percent, while those who have never been in a marital union have a relatively low prevalence of 2 percent.
Overall,In Uganda in the year 2008, a total of 91,546 new infections were estimated to occur among them were more than 13 million people between the ages of 15to49 year old of adult population, the report stated. This figure is practically the same as the Spectrum estimate of new infections among adults of 91,551, excluding infections due to mother-to child transmission, which was calculated by the Ministry of Health and the Futures Institute.
The mutually monogamous heterosexual sex category, which includes almost half the population, contained the largest proportion of new infections with 43percent. Individuals engaged in multiple partnerships contributed only 24 percent of new infections while the partners of individuals reporting multiple partnerships accounted for 22 percent.
Sex workers accounted for 11percent of new infections, of which clients of sex workers contribute 8percent.
The report states that a small number of infections occurred as a result of medical injections, blood transfusions, injecting drugs and through homosexuality and lesbianism.
On what could have lead to this change there are various means that could have acted as catalysts. Using the UNAIDS document the study identified the risk factors and drivers fuelling the HIV epidemic in Uganda. They include;having Multiple partners, discordance and non-disclosure, Lack of condom use especially married people, transactional sex, cross-generational sex, Presence of STIs especially. HSV-2, Intact foreskin, Alcohol and drug use, behavioural disinhibition due to ART, Socio-cultural factors, Wealth and Poverty, low status of women and girls, Human rights, Stigma and discrimination, Inequity and access to prevention, care and Treatment.
The report further states that for couples in mutually monogamous sexual relationships, the key factor that influences the rate of new infections is discordance. All couples where at least one partner was infected, about half were HIV discordant. Moreover, most of these discordant married or cohabiting couples are not aware of their own HIV status and of their partner’s and therefore are not motivated to take action towards prevention such as using condoms consistently.
“Studies show that couples who tested individually are more likely to disclose to persons other than their spouses and even when they do disclose to their partners they may take as long as two years…Moreover, females may not disclose to their spouses for fear of domestic violence and marital disruption,” states the report. Central region and Kampala lead in HIV occurrences with 8.5 percent while North Central regions followed with 8.2 percent making it third in the regions with highest HIV prevalence rates. The lowest prevalence rates were in Northeast and Northwest regions with 3.5and 2.3percent respectively.
HIV prevalence among residents in urban locations was significantly higher (10 percent) than among residents in rural locations (6 percent).
In terms of age and sex the reports shows; Women are more highly affected than men at younger ages - prevalence in women is considerably higher at ages 15-34; from age 35 and up the age specific prevalence rates are fairly similar.
Mai Harper, UNAIDS country coordinator said that there is need to change national response in order to target population in monogamous relationships.“The reports is confirmation of earlier studies that epidemic has shifted to married couples where 46 percent are for multiple partnership, and 43 percent for discordant monogamous; where either the partner had HIV before marriage or he/she was infected after marriage,” said Mai.Dr. Beatrice Wabudeya, Minister In Charge of Presidency said that the content in the report will form a guided opinion since we now have the evidence on mode of transmission and therefore the need to change this challenge into opportunities.
“I propose in the following three areas; increase the informational knowledge to Ugandans…by setting an ambitious target by ensuring we include the senior citizen. Include all leaders at all levels and strengthening the decentralized structure to fight HIV and AIDS,” said Dr. Wabudeya.Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, Kanungu Member of Parliament, said that he was worried by the stabilization of prevalence which stands between 6.1 and 6.5 percents. He questions what might have happened to lead to this stabilization.
“These days you hardly hear powerful people coming up and declaring their status publicly that there are positive,” Dr. Baryomunsi said.He added that marriage is now risky institution and require appropriate strategies’ to change the trend.
He said that more lodges are being setup which is a clear indication that people no longer care.
He called for translation of the finding into action and need for a new campaign led by the president.
Dr Keith Jafferis who was team leader in the Assessing the Macroeconomic Impact of HIV and AIDS in Uganda said, “We need to package the information to our policy makers …and ensure couple counseling.”
“Approximately 46 percent (6,022,317) of the population aged 15 to 49 are mutually monogamous heterosexuals; 14percent (1,808,919) are in the multiple partnerships risk group and their partners were 11percent of the population (1,417,881). The number of sex workers was estimated to be 32,652 (0.3percent) and that of their clients was 189,381 (1.5percent). It is estimated that there was a total of 3,949 men who have sex with men, based on self-reports by survey respondents,” States the report on Modes of Transmission.
The report further states that the marital status showed a significant relationship with HIV prevalence. Those who are widowed had by far the highest HIV prevalence. Almost one-third of women and men who have been widowed are HIV positive, compared with around 6 percent of those who are currently married.
According to the report, Widow Inheritance was reported as a frequent socio-cultural practice in rural Uganda where more than 70 percent of respondents reported that it occurred in their communities. Inheritance is linked to bride price, but this cultural practice may have to be discouraged or at least stripped of its sexual component. Those who are divorced or separated have an intermediate level of HIV infection
Of 14 percent, while those who have never been in a marital union have a relatively low prevalence of 2 percent.
Overall,In Uganda in the year 2008, a total of 91,546 new infections were estimated to occur among them were more than 13 million people between the ages of 15to49 year old of adult population, the report stated. This figure is practically the same as the Spectrum estimate of new infections among adults of 91,551, excluding infections due to mother-to child transmission, which was calculated by the Ministry of Health and the Futures Institute.
The mutually monogamous heterosexual sex category, which includes almost half the population, contained the largest proportion of new infections with 43percent. Individuals engaged in multiple partnerships contributed only 24 percent of new infections while the partners of individuals reporting multiple partnerships accounted for 22 percent.
Sex workers accounted for 11percent of new infections, of which clients of sex workers contribute 8percent.
The report states that a small number of infections occurred as a result of medical injections, blood transfusions, injecting drugs and through homosexuality and lesbianism.
On what could have lead to this change there are various means that could have acted as catalysts. Using the UNAIDS document the study identified the risk factors and drivers fuelling the HIV epidemic in Uganda. They include;having Multiple partners, discordance and non-disclosure, Lack of condom use especially married people, transactional sex, cross-generational sex, Presence of STIs especially. HSV-2, Intact foreskin, Alcohol and drug use, behavioural disinhibition due to ART, Socio-cultural factors, Wealth and Poverty, low status of women and girls, Human rights, Stigma and discrimination, Inequity and access to prevention, care and Treatment.
The report further states that for couples in mutually monogamous sexual relationships, the key factor that influences the rate of new infections is discordance. All couples where at least one partner was infected, about half were HIV discordant. Moreover, most of these discordant married or cohabiting couples are not aware of their own HIV status and of their partner’s and therefore are not motivated to take action towards prevention such as using condoms consistently.
“Studies show that couples who tested individually are more likely to disclose to persons other than their spouses and even when they do disclose to their partners they may take as long as two years…Moreover, females may not disclose to their spouses for fear of domestic violence and marital disruption,” states the report. Central region and Kampala lead in HIV occurrences with 8.5 percent while North Central regions followed with 8.2 percent making it third in the regions with highest HIV prevalence rates. The lowest prevalence rates were in Northeast and Northwest regions with 3.5and 2.3percent respectively.
HIV prevalence among residents in urban locations was significantly higher (10 percent) than among residents in rural locations (6 percent).
In terms of age and sex the reports shows; Women are more highly affected than men at younger ages - prevalence in women is considerably higher at ages 15-34; from age 35 and up the age specific prevalence rates are fairly similar.
Mai Harper, UNAIDS country coordinator said that there is need to change national response in order to target population in monogamous relationships.“The reports is confirmation of earlier studies that epidemic has shifted to married couples where 46 percent are for multiple partnership, and 43 percent for discordant monogamous; where either the partner had HIV before marriage or he/she was infected after marriage,” said Mai.Dr. Beatrice Wabudeya, Minister In Charge of Presidency said that the content in the report will form a guided opinion since we now have the evidence on mode of transmission and therefore the need to change this challenge into opportunities.
“I propose in the following three areas; increase the informational knowledge to Ugandans…by setting an ambitious target by ensuring we include the senior citizen. Include all leaders at all levels and strengthening the decentralized structure to fight HIV and AIDS,” said Dr. Wabudeya.Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, Kanungu Member of Parliament, said that he was worried by the stabilization of prevalence which stands between 6.1 and 6.5 percents. He questions what might have happened to lead to this stabilization.
“These days you hardly hear powerful people coming up and declaring their status publicly that there are positive,” Dr. Baryomunsi said.He added that marriage is now risky institution and require appropriate strategies’ to change the trend.
He said that more lodges are being setup which is a clear indication that people no longer care.
He called for translation of the finding into action and need for a new campaign led by the president.
Dr Keith Jafferis who was team leader in the Assessing the Macroeconomic Impact of HIV and AIDS in Uganda said, “We need to package the information to our policy makers …and ensure couple counseling.”
Friday, July 24, 2009
when age matters in marriage
THE marriage of a man to a woman more than twice his age is unheard of in many African cultures.
So when Peter Mbugua, 28, wedded up to his 67-year-old bride Wambui Otieno in images broadcast on television on July 18, 2003, many Kenyans were in shock and disgust.
Newspapers splashed pictures of the newly-weds dressed in matching beige outfits across their front pages and national broadcasters led their news bulletins with the wedding.
The debate whether a person should marry someone older or younger than him/her in African community is determined by culture, individual taste, body changes, security and love.Katungulu Akram Ssonko, Sexual and Reproductive Health, HIV/AIDS Counselor, Makerere University Hospital said that women tend to look for older men since their believe they can provide security in all their life.Most girls tend to look for a man who is well established financially; with a good house, employed and with a car. However, the generation we are living it’s very hard to find a young man who has all this. This mostly lends to cross generation sex.Maria* a married woman said that she married to someone who gives her financial security. “You look for quality; a person who loves me and has money,” Maria* said.She adds that as long as the man supports the family and loves her more than she loves him age is not a priority provided the man is mature.Gerald Kuboomu a community psychologist says that it’s very hard now days for man to find a woman to marry if he is jobless. “Love is based on something. Materialistic; where people want to drive cars and the only way they can do that is getting someone older with a car,” said Kuboomu.Many women now days want to marry someone who is learned, a professional and have a job.Kazibwe Sarah, Personal Assistant Makerere University Institute of Psychology said, “Marrying someone who is jobless is risky; I want someone loving, a professional with a job, and who understand my culture.”Kazibwe will only marry a person who is older than her with a maximum of five years. She adds that she can only marry a person of the same age if he is mature and has ideal thinking.However for Doreen Adhiabo a student at Makerere University said that she will not particularly look for a man who has money but someone with potential of getting the money. “The maximum age I would look is five-year old man than me. Who loves me and has potential of getting cash,” said Adhiabo.Most relationship built on the materialistic ground, do not succeed and most time end up in disarray. In fact the instability in most marriages today is due to people who married because of something in return. A long lasting marriage should be built on true love, faithfulness and mutual respect.Fred Kagombe a Civil Servant who is in his early thirties says that people get married to economically empower themselves. “People are looking for green pastures in marriage. The youth are the losers. To me it’s not advisable to date someone because of the money,” said Kagombe.Women tend to grow faster than men. Therefore, it’s always advisable for woman to look someone older than her. The minimum number of years should not exceed five to seven years. “A man of 20 years and a woman of 20 years you can hardly compare them. As woman grows she depreciates,” said Katungulu.Shamin Nansamba a student at Makerere University said that she can’t marry someone younger than her since women tend to mature faster than men. “I will marry someone older than me; with over three to five years. This because we grow faster than men,” said Nansamba.“Ladies tend to grow older and change shape easily as time elapse,” Kagombe agrees. The culture expects a young man to date and get married to younger lady than him. However, today many young men are dating older women claiming they don’t need spending on them. In fact many married women have fallen prey to such men. most of the older women are financially stable and they are just looking for sexual satisfaction and running away from bad marriages.
Young men dating such women argue that married and old women are well trained by their husbands and have their bed room technique perfected. Some also says that old women are not clingy and don’t demand quality time or weekends out of town. All a married woman needs is an hour of stolen time and everything good.Respect is vital in marriage. Many people consider someone of the same age as a peer and hence not accorded the respect he/ she deserves.Katungulu said that many women to look men of the same age as unrespectable and as a brother. ‘The world we are living in we stay as brothers; if you a man is same age with a lady she will always compare him as brother and not as a husband,” said the Counselor.
There is no denying that times have changed and marriage has lost its meaning. The culture we live in has largely dismissed the significance of marriage.This has led to young men and women lose confidence in the idea of fidelity, believing that all people out there are in capable of being faithful. With the recent reports on HIV Response and Mode of Transmission, showing that married couples are at risk of being infected with HIV/AIDS the perceptions is even worrying.Marriage oaths taken in church are never taken seriously. People have shunned away from being faithful to their partners.Katungulu says that this should not threaten people from getting married since if you are not married you think every woman/man around is yours. However, marriage remains the best option. This is to deter men chasing anything in a skirt, and to avoid women who fancy men simply because someone chooses him its better to get married and be faithful. Age is one ideology that someone should carefully analyses before tying the knot.SEnd…………..
So when Peter Mbugua, 28, wedded up to his 67-year-old bride Wambui Otieno in images broadcast on television on July 18, 2003, many Kenyans were in shock and disgust.
Newspapers splashed pictures of the newly-weds dressed in matching beige outfits across their front pages and national broadcasters led their news bulletins with the wedding.
The debate whether a person should marry someone older or younger than him/her in African community is determined by culture, individual taste, body changes, security and love.Katungulu Akram Ssonko, Sexual and Reproductive Health, HIV/AIDS Counselor, Makerere University Hospital said that women tend to look for older men since their believe they can provide security in all their life.Most girls tend to look for a man who is well established financially; with a good house, employed and with a car. However, the generation we are living it’s very hard to find a young man who has all this. This mostly lends to cross generation sex.Maria* a married woman said that she married to someone who gives her financial security. “You look for quality; a person who loves me and has money,” Maria* said.She adds that as long as the man supports the family and loves her more than she loves him age is not a priority provided the man is mature.Gerald Kuboomu a community psychologist says that it’s very hard now days for man to find a woman to marry if he is jobless. “Love is based on something. Materialistic; where people want to drive cars and the only way they can do that is getting someone older with a car,” said Kuboomu.Many women now days want to marry someone who is learned, a professional and have a job.Kazibwe Sarah, Personal Assistant Makerere University Institute of Psychology said, “Marrying someone who is jobless is risky; I want someone loving, a professional with a job, and who understand my culture.”Kazibwe will only marry a person who is older than her with a maximum of five years. She adds that she can only marry a person of the same age if he is mature and has ideal thinking.However for Doreen Adhiabo a student at Makerere University said that she will not particularly look for a man who has money but someone with potential of getting the money. “The maximum age I would look is five-year old man than me. Who loves me and has potential of getting cash,” said Adhiabo.Most relationship built on the materialistic ground, do not succeed and most time end up in disarray. In fact the instability in most marriages today is due to people who married because of something in return. A long lasting marriage should be built on true love, faithfulness and mutual respect.Fred Kagombe a Civil Servant who is in his early thirties says that people get married to economically empower themselves. “People are looking for green pastures in marriage. The youth are the losers. To me it’s not advisable to date someone because of the money,” said Kagombe.Women tend to grow faster than men. Therefore, it’s always advisable for woman to look someone older than her. The minimum number of years should not exceed five to seven years. “A man of 20 years and a woman of 20 years you can hardly compare them. As woman grows she depreciates,” said Katungulu.Shamin Nansamba a student at Makerere University said that she can’t marry someone younger than her since women tend to mature faster than men. “I will marry someone older than me; with over three to five years. This because we grow faster than men,” said Nansamba.“Ladies tend to grow older and change shape easily as time elapse,” Kagombe agrees. The culture expects a young man to date and get married to younger lady than him. However, today many young men are dating older women claiming they don’t need spending on them. In fact many married women have fallen prey to such men. most of the older women are financially stable and they are just looking for sexual satisfaction and running away from bad marriages.
Young men dating such women argue that married and old women are well trained by their husbands and have their bed room technique perfected. Some also says that old women are not clingy and don’t demand quality time or weekends out of town. All a married woman needs is an hour of stolen time and everything good.Respect is vital in marriage. Many people consider someone of the same age as a peer and hence not accorded the respect he/ she deserves.Katungulu said that many women to look men of the same age as unrespectable and as a brother. ‘The world we are living in we stay as brothers; if you a man is same age with a lady she will always compare him as brother and not as a husband,” said the Counselor.
There is no denying that times have changed and marriage has lost its meaning. The culture we live in has largely dismissed the significance of marriage.This has led to young men and women lose confidence in the idea of fidelity, believing that all people out there are in capable of being faithful. With the recent reports on HIV Response and Mode of Transmission, showing that married couples are at risk of being infected with HIV/AIDS the perceptions is even worrying.Marriage oaths taken in church are never taken seriously. People have shunned away from being faithful to their partners.Katungulu says that this should not threaten people from getting married since if you are not married you think every woman/man around is yours. However, marriage remains the best option. This is to deter men chasing anything in a skirt, and to avoid women who fancy men simply because someone chooses him its better to get married and be faithful. Age is one ideology that someone should carefully analyses before tying the knot.SEnd…………..
Monday, July 6, 2009
SUBSDIZE AUTHORS FOR OUR SAKE....BOOKSHOPS
The government has been called to promote local authors and publishers in order to help the growth of bookshops in the country and make books affordable to Ugandans.
Mr. Richard Kibirige, Sales Stock Manager Aristoc bookshop said, “The government needs to help local writers and authors by subsidizing them to ensure they minimize the costs of importing books which sometimes are made expensive by exchange rate.”Mr. Daniel Ntege, owner of Textbook Centre, said that the government needs to help local publishers in order to make the books affordable to local consumers.“Customers expect low prices on the books…what do we do? Yet we get them expensive from suppliers. Government needs to help them to reduce costs,” Mr. Ntege said.
I found-out that majority of the bookshops owners in Kampala are paying their rent in dollars which is highly eating up their profits especially in times like now when the shilling has lost value against the dollar.Mrs. Kayae Milley, owner of City Valley bookshop said, “The business is seasonal…You pay rent in dollar and its even worse when dollar is strong than the shilling.”
Mr. Kibirige concurs with her but said that nothing can be done since the building are owned by private investors and also most of the city rent is paid in foreign currency.
The bookshops which mostly sell the academic books to individuals, schools, tertiary, and higher institutions of learning have recently gained from the changing perception of Ugandans of buying books not only to pass exams but for other benefits.
“The culture of reading is growing but it’s still low. People used to buy books for academic purpose but they are now realizing the benefits of reading’” Said Mr. Kibirige.
The business is seasonal and requires effort and concentration to earn profit. “You need to be there fulltime for your business to succeed,” He said.
The book selling business mostly record high sales during the beginning of terms as the schools are being opened.
Mr. Mugisha Pessy, New Compact bookshop owner said, “Mostly I sell books when school are opening; January to April …and of course the beginning of second and third term.”
The bookshop owners have been competition with street vendors on customers.
A bookshop owner whose name was held in his request says that street vendors should be removed from the streets since they pose serious danger to their business survival.
“They don’t pay rent, so they sell book cheaper…sometimes they display books in front of your door. Government needs to force them start their own shops,” He said.
Mr. Abdul Lubega owner of Kampala Central Bookshop agrees and said, “The government needs to find the street vendors a place to sell their books.”
A street vendor, Mr. David Munali said that they usually sell their books cheap since they don’t pay high rent and electricity like shop owners do. They also sell second hand books which they buy from customers who no longer need them.
“Evicting us is not the solution…Government should bring back licenses and stop local authority from harassing us,” Mr. Munali added.Mr. Joseph Waiswa, a street vendor who depends on the business for his upkeep said that, they face the problem of renting the space, weather changes and interference from authorities.
“The government should talk to land lord to reduce rent or get us a space to do our business,” Mr. Waiswa said.Aristoc Sales Stock Manager, says that the street vendors are not much of the problem to their business.“Whatever they sell they compare to, with our price; though some lie and end up charging customers high than our price,” He said.Miss Josephine Nakiyingi, Salesperson ITA LTD bookshop said, Street vendors are not a problem. In fact, they come and buy books in our shop if a customer demand and they don’t have.”Just like other business, book customers bargain for books despite the publishers fixing retail price.
Leonax Bookshop owner who has been in the business for over-20- years said that the customers are not willing to buy books at fixed price, their bargain even when the price is indicated.“Bargaining is like a culture in Uganda,” Mugisha said.Despite the challenges faced by sellers bookselling business is gaining popularity among the business men. “Book selling is a good business since you buy something knowing you will sell it and when it needed, ‘Says Mugisha’ but effort and concentrations are vital for this kind of business to be a success.”
End………..
Mr. Richard Kibirige, Sales Stock Manager Aristoc bookshop said, “The government needs to help local writers and authors by subsidizing them to ensure they minimize the costs of importing books which sometimes are made expensive by exchange rate.”Mr. Daniel Ntege, owner of Textbook Centre, said that the government needs to help local publishers in order to make the books affordable to local consumers.“Customers expect low prices on the books…what do we do? Yet we get them expensive from suppliers. Government needs to help them to reduce costs,” Mr. Ntege said.
I found-out that majority of the bookshops owners in Kampala are paying their rent in dollars which is highly eating up their profits especially in times like now when the shilling has lost value against the dollar.Mrs. Kayae Milley, owner of City Valley bookshop said, “The business is seasonal…You pay rent in dollar and its even worse when dollar is strong than the shilling.”
Mr. Kibirige concurs with her but said that nothing can be done since the building are owned by private investors and also most of the city rent is paid in foreign currency.
The bookshops which mostly sell the academic books to individuals, schools, tertiary, and higher institutions of learning have recently gained from the changing perception of Ugandans of buying books not only to pass exams but for other benefits.
“The culture of reading is growing but it’s still low. People used to buy books for academic purpose but they are now realizing the benefits of reading’” Said Mr. Kibirige.
The business is seasonal and requires effort and concentration to earn profit. “You need to be there fulltime for your business to succeed,” He said.
The book selling business mostly record high sales during the beginning of terms as the schools are being opened.
Mr. Mugisha Pessy, New Compact bookshop owner said, “Mostly I sell books when school are opening; January to April …and of course the beginning of second and third term.”
The bookshop owners have been competition with street vendors on customers.
A bookshop owner whose name was held in his request says that street vendors should be removed from the streets since they pose serious danger to their business survival.
“They don’t pay rent, so they sell book cheaper…sometimes they display books in front of your door. Government needs to force them start their own shops,” He said.
Mr. Abdul Lubega owner of Kampala Central Bookshop agrees and said, “The government needs to find the street vendors a place to sell their books.”
A street vendor, Mr. David Munali said that they usually sell their books cheap since they don’t pay high rent and electricity like shop owners do. They also sell second hand books which they buy from customers who no longer need them.
“Evicting us is not the solution…Government should bring back licenses and stop local authority from harassing us,” Mr. Munali added.Mr. Joseph Waiswa, a street vendor who depends on the business for his upkeep said that, they face the problem of renting the space, weather changes and interference from authorities.
“The government should talk to land lord to reduce rent or get us a space to do our business,” Mr. Waiswa said.Aristoc Sales Stock Manager, says that the street vendors are not much of the problem to their business.“Whatever they sell they compare to, with our price; though some lie and end up charging customers high than our price,” He said.Miss Josephine Nakiyingi, Salesperson ITA LTD bookshop said, Street vendors are not a problem. In fact, they come and buy books in our shop if a customer demand and they don’t have.”Just like other business, book customers bargain for books despite the publishers fixing retail price.
Leonax Bookshop owner who has been in the business for over-20- years said that the customers are not willing to buy books at fixed price, their bargain even when the price is indicated.“Bargaining is like a culture in Uganda,” Mugisha said.Despite the challenges faced by sellers bookselling business is gaining popularity among the business men. “Book selling is a good business since you buy something knowing you will sell it and when it needed, ‘Says Mugisha’ but effort and concentrations are vital for this kind of business to be a success.”
End………..
AVOID FRUSTRATION ...BUDGET
Syda N.M.Bbumba, The Minister for Finance, Planning and Economic Development on June 13 2009 delivered the budget speech to make sure the country is well directed for the financial year 2009-2010.
Some people were quick to support the plan while others expressed displeasure with the budget.
However, I, noted that the majority of Ugandans don’t carryout their personal budgeting and the majority of the few who do depend on their memory instead of writing it down.
Suzzan Kavuma, Lecturer of Development Economics at Makerere University says that very few people in Uganda formulate their personal budget on paper because of the culture, low income earning, lack of budgeting discipline and poverty.
The level of entertainment spending is so high such that one wonders’ whether Ugandans only plan for entertainment.
Makerere Business Institute (MBI) Examination Secretary, Hildah Rutasanga, says “Everyday in Kampala there is a concert for people to entertain themselves; it’s a clear indication that people don’t budget and save.”
She continues to say that she used to overspend and accumulate debt which made her end up frustrated.
“I used to buy new shoes, clothes which were not a priority and I could find myself spending all my income and incurring high debt burdens,” she said.
Just as every journey has its challenges, personal budgeting has its own challenges. A Lecturer at Makerere University in Faculty of Economics and Management, whose name was held at his request, said that budgeting has many challenges. For instance, on most cases expenditures are more than income, and in his case he must also scale down expenditures to meet his budget expectations.
He adds that he usually has monthly and annual budget which in most cases conflict.
“Annually I do it on long term expenditures such as buying land, while for monthly I plan for small and fixed expenditures such as house rent, food and electricity bills," he said.
However, he adds that it is better to ensure the monthly budget does not exceed the annual budget.
For people in informal sector and those with varying monthly income budgeting is complicated since one may expect to earn certain amount of income and end up earning less. However, Rutasanga advises such people to learn to live on their means by knowing who there are.
“Obviously estimate what you might earn in a month and budget within that range. Learn to adjust.” Rutasanga said.
Kavuma advises people in informal sector to have an average income by comparing the boom and slump period and use the average as the indicator for budgeting.
Another challenge is setting an emergency fund on your budget. People don’t set this on their budget and in most cases find themselves stuck and using money meant for other functions.
Sam Lumu a hostel owner says he has never budgeted since planning for an emergency is hard. He adds that expectations are not actually what ought to be.
“Like now my friend here has come and told me to buy him a kilo of meat and I must. How do I budget such expenses,” Lumu said. He is just another example of Ugandans who lose money through impulse buying and necessary cost for lack of the budgeting culture.
Mobile phone airtime is also taking a large chunk of income and is a hindrance to budgeting.
“ More than I want to budget someone might call me and tell me to call him back since he has a good business deal and find myself recharging out of my budget.’ said businessman Bob Kyagulanyi . He adds that the cell phone people can’t do without them.
To avoid some of these problems the following should be followed when carrying out a monthly personal budget: The first step is to write down the amount of income one has after taxation. As Rubasanga advises, never budget for the amount you don’t have.
Then sum up all your bills and receipt for the month which include; school fees, house rent, insurances, groceries, and other bills. Priority is vital; first begin with important expenses followed by non-essentials. Bills and receipts should then be subtracted from net income.
Set money aside for an emergency. This is because of unforeseen events are common budget busters. So always factor them in your monthly budget.
Never forget to make allowance for daily needs like food, airtime and other essentials. And always include regular payment for yourself. Though sometime you may find areas you are overspending, never starve yourself since it helps you stick to your budget.
Rubasanga warns, “Starving yourself is not good, since you can spend over a million on treatment of ulcers.”
Remember sometime you need to help and always budget for it since I believe the more you give the more you get.
Entertainment should not be eliminated from your budget. But always keep it at a minimum to make you focused and enjoy life.
Lastly, look where you can cut waste in your budget.
It is better to know there are challenges in implementation of your budget and some are overcome as shown below:
Remember without cash don’t buy anything. This will help you avoid impulse buying which may make you frustrated and end up feeling lost.
In order to get out of debt, you need to prioritize, create and maintain your household budgeting. For instance, the Makerere lecturer says that you may minimize expenditure on power bills by using energy savers, cooking with a gas cooker or charcoal.
Studying your spending habits and keeping a spending record is vital. The record can be on a journal or a budgeting program. The spending habits are critical part of financial planning since it help you minimize spending things like airtime and other luxuries.
Try to minimize expenditures of things like food by buying them in bulk, for instance, buy food at one time for a week and always look for cheapest places in town.
Read about budget, in books, journals, newspapers, and internet, attend seminars and workshops.
Personal discipline is very vital in success of budget keeping. Stick to your budget no matter what and remember managing your finances takes commitment so do everything you can. Note that change won’t happen overnight but be committed and reward will be worth it in long run.
“A journey with thousand miles begins today," Rubasanga said, "so do it now and tomorrow you won’t regret.”
-End…..
TREAT YOURSELF WITH WATER
TREAT YOURSELF WITH WATER
Ndirangu Festus Irungu
Water is life! Little have we ever realized the importance of water apart from the usual; drinking, cooking and cleaning ourselves? Most of us don’t know that water can be used in home treatment of many common health problems. The medical term that is used for water treatment is hydrotherapy.
Doctor Martin Muwoola says that hydrotherapy is any natural water based treatment that tries to treat all disorder of physical body, spirit and mind.“Ugandans use this method without realizing. Ladies usually use it to relieve menstruation cramps…while other relaxes by swimming.” Dr. Muwoola said.The practice that traces its origin from ancient Egyptians and Babylonians has some of the following treatment.
The Hot Foot BathIn cold season like the one we are experiencing, its better to prevent ourselves since prevention is better than cure. However, if you accidentally face respiratory and cold disease, do not panic as you wait to see a physician. A hot foot bath is useful in treating the disturbed circulation of colds congestion, bronchitis and other respiratory diseases.Dipping our hands in hot water can relieve vascular headaches and tensions headaches. However, caution should be exercised when administering such treatment especially in cases of peripheral vascular disease or diabetes unless specifically ordered by a physician. Never use it for frozen toes. The water should be kept at 102-104 degrees, use a thermometer if available, if not; use your elbow to make sure it’s not too hot.
Steps Patient should lie on a bed or sit on a chair. She/he should drape the body with a light blanket especially if the weather is chilly.
Pour the water in foot tab (bucket or basin). Then place the patient feet on hot water. Use a compressed cold towel to the neck to treat headaches. Add hot water from time to time, increasing its temperature but never go above 104 degrees. Steam Inhalation.
Many are the times when we are boiling water do we realize the importance of steam. Steam inhalation supply warm moist air to congested mucous membrane, acting as solvent for thick mucous discharges. Apart from this it can be good cure of laryngitis, sinusitis, bronchitis and even pneumonia. Use a kettle to boil the water and inhale the steam. Hot Formentation.According to Dr. Foster in his book New Start! Fomentation is moist heat treatment applied to the body by water heated or steam heated segments of blanket. The treatment increases blood supply to the skin, also useful for chronic arthritis, muscle sprain, neuralgia and other inflammatory conditions. Chest colds, bronchitis, flu and other respiratory infection can be treated using this mean.
Treating the throat.This use a moist cold application which causes the body to react and send an increased blood flow to the area treated. This treatment can be used for tonsils, sore throat and pharyngitis. Need something to wake you up.After a good sleep, many depend on a cup of tea or coffee to wake them up. However, try a hot and cold shower. You’re supposed to start with warm water shower and increase temperature to as hot you can reasonably bear. Then quickly reverse to cold and remain there for 20 seconds. However, this treatment should never be used in presence in presence of some types of heart disease, extreme high blood pressure or in cases of liver or kidney failure consult a physician.
CautionWater can be used for other treatment and relaxation. However, any treatment is best done with the help of an assistant.
It’s better to remember not to try treating everything with water. Life is not simple and self diagnosis is often hazardous. You still need a physician.But don’t always run to a physician for every little bruise or cold, try some of the tips with water while waiting for an appointment with a physician. Remember; if symptoms persist seek doctors’ advice.
End......
Ndirangu Festus Irungu
Water is life! Little have we ever realized the importance of water apart from the usual; drinking, cooking and cleaning ourselves? Most of us don’t know that water can be used in home treatment of many common health problems. The medical term that is used for water treatment is hydrotherapy.
Doctor Martin Muwoola says that hydrotherapy is any natural water based treatment that tries to treat all disorder of physical body, spirit and mind.“Ugandans use this method without realizing. Ladies usually use it to relieve menstruation cramps…while other relaxes by swimming.” Dr. Muwoola said.The practice that traces its origin from ancient Egyptians and Babylonians has some of the following treatment.
The Hot Foot BathIn cold season like the one we are experiencing, its better to prevent ourselves since prevention is better than cure. However, if you accidentally face respiratory and cold disease, do not panic as you wait to see a physician. A hot foot bath is useful in treating the disturbed circulation of colds congestion, bronchitis and other respiratory diseases.Dipping our hands in hot water can relieve vascular headaches and tensions headaches. However, caution should be exercised when administering such treatment especially in cases of peripheral vascular disease or diabetes unless specifically ordered by a physician. Never use it for frozen toes. The water should be kept at 102-104 degrees, use a thermometer if available, if not; use your elbow to make sure it’s not too hot.
Steps Patient should lie on a bed or sit on a chair. She/he should drape the body with a light blanket especially if the weather is chilly.
Pour the water in foot tab (bucket or basin). Then place the patient feet on hot water. Use a compressed cold towel to the neck to treat headaches. Add hot water from time to time, increasing its temperature but never go above 104 degrees. Steam Inhalation.
Many are the times when we are boiling water do we realize the importance of steam. Steam inhalation supply warm moist air to congested mucous membrane, acting as solvent for thick mucous discharges. Apart from this it can be good cure of laryngitis, sinusitis, bronchitis and even pneumonia. Use a kettle to boil the water and inhale the steam. Hot Formentation.According to Dr. Foster in his book New Start! Fomentation is moist heat treatment applied to the body by water heated or steam heated segments of blanket. The treatment increases blood supply to the skin, also useful for chronic arthritis, muscle sprain, neuralgia and other inflammatory conditions. Chest colds, bronchitis, flu and other respiratory infection can be treated using this mean.
Treating the throat.This use a moist cold application which causes the body to react and send an increased blood flow to the area treated. This treatment can be used for tonsils, sore throat and pharyngitis. Need something to wake you up.After a good sleep, many depend on a cup of tea or coffee to wake them up. However, try a hot and cold shower. You’re supposed to start with warm water shower and increase temperature to as hot you can reasonably bear. Then quickly reverse to cold and remain there for 20 seconds. However, this treatment should never be used in presence in presence of some types of heart disease, extreme high blood pressure or in cases of liver or kidney failure consult a physician.
CautionWater can be used for other treatment and relaxation. However, any treatment is best done with the help of an assistant.
It’s better to remember not to try treating everything with water. Life is not simple and self diagnosis is often hazardous. You still need a physician.But don’t always run to a physician for every little bruise or cold, try some of the tips with water while waiting for an appointment with a physician. Remember; if symptoms persist seek doctors’ advice.
End......
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