Animation in Uganda

One of the Most Complicated and Painstaking Visual Arts is 3D Animation, a Twin Sister to CGI used in Movies. Before the Turn of the Millenium (2000), many Ugandans, such as US based Solomon Jagwe (Soreel Graphix); UK taught Yunus Sebyala (X-Toons Animations); Richard Musinguzi (nicknamed the "Walt Disney of Uganda"); Isaac Oboth (C.E.O. of Media256 and Winner of the Young Achievers Award in the Film and Technology Category 2011); Swansea Metropolitan (now University of Wales Trinity Saint David) graduate David Masanso (Crossroads Digital Media); Andrew Cara, my Old Boy from Upper Primary (1995 to 6, who uses the avatar AndrooPCP on YouTube - I admire the Levels of Skeletal Rigging he has reached); the versatile and incredibly undisputed Maurice Kaweekwa (nicknamed Wekwes, signs his Oil Paintings as MKaweekwa); the alchemic Agwau Otim (Oparaah); New Vision Cartoonist Kato Richard; self taught Phizy Pwoch (I learnt from him that "Better Work is the ultimate Strategy"); Sidney Sengooba (of Brand Media Uganda) and females like Sarah Alego, Catherine (Kathryn) Mirembe plus others (even though not listed) had started experimenting with 3D Animation and Motion Graphics. A Journey of a thousand Miles always starts with one Step. Even the Longest River starts from a Source. Like South African Freedom Fighter Nelson Mandela once said, "It seems impossible until it's done..."

Animator David Masanso during the first annual Crossroads Animation Days on Thursday 13th (to Saturday 15th) December 2012 at Uganda Museum (Kampala)

A new Dawn and Era has come for 3D-CG in UG; I call it Uganimation. Check out the animated Squirrels drumming to a Nandujja Song courtesy of Crossroads Digital Multimedia Ltd! Another good Animation is the Uganda at 50 Years Montage plus the realistically rendered Imitate Video featuring a Hat-seller waking up to ride his Bicycle to the Market. On the Way, he battles with Monkeys. This Video won the inaugural 2013 UCC (Uganda Communications Commission) Film Festival Award for Best Animation. David recommends that encouraging young Ugandans to take up the Art Form early can sustain the Industry. Following this Success, his Company (Crossroads) is working with a UK Organisation to build a 3D Computer Animation Incubation Centre and Studio. This will empower Ugandans with Skills to compete for outsourced Work and animate African Stories. Also, in a Programme that supports Entrepreneurship in developing Countries, David was chosen to work with the Chief of Entrepreneurship at the United Nations.

Ugandan Broadcasters, most notably the veteran UTV (now UBC), ballistic BTN (in Arua), hot NTV, very modern Urban TV and Pastor Robert Kayanja's sumptuous Channel 44, etc wonderfully expose Youngsters to Animation by running Cartoon Programmes, despite mainly foreign ones. Nevertheless, the End justifies the Means! By 2011, the Animation Industry in the Pearl of Africa was regarded as "young but growing fast" and it will never die despite the Challenges. I remember in the 1990s, there was a Privatisation Campaign brilliantly animated for TV. I wonder where it was done! One of the major Challenges in UG though is Production Capital, not only monetary but also technological Skills. If upcoming Animators and enthusiastic 3D Artists keep trying new Tricks, more improved Work can be produced. Learn from the Best! Tra-Digital Animation is also recommended by Experts. It blends both the old and new, traditional hand-drawn and digital like in The Princess and the Frog (Disney Animation). TDA takes the Best of Both Worlds and explores new Possibilities in Storytelling. We should never think that the Medium alone, in this case 3D Animation produced using 3ds max, Maya, Mental Ray, Blender, Vue 7, Poser, ZBrush or LightWave (used to make 300, Iron Man and Finding Nemo) tells the Story. TDA is also a great Supplement, and so is Google SketchUp Pro used to design Google Earth Maps.

In 2010, Makerere University Kampala and Digimation UK entered a Partnership to conduct Digital Animation Courses in the well facilitated Faculty of Computing and I.T. Meanwhile, Artfield Institute was also founded (in Naguru near Kembabazi Catering) to offer Courses in 3D Animation and Graphic Design.

Some notable Animations featuring UG Themes include the robotic Sadolin Paint Tinman walking on a Street and into a colourfully interior-decorated Home; the MTN "Yori Yori" Caller Tunez TV Commercial (by Phantom in Nsambya), is it really from RSA?; the Superman-like Warid Pesaman (now Airtel's Mr. Money after the Merger - "You smell..."); Daily Monitor (Independent Journalism) at 20 Years (1992-2012 and beyond); “A violence-free Childhood is everyone’s Right!’’ goes a TV ad starring Froggie, the amusing cartoon Mascot used by Raising Voices, a local Women and Children’s Rights NGO in its Multimedia Campaigns that also feature real life Ugandan Celebs like Sarah Short. Froggie reminds me of some hilarious Frog from way back during RS Elvis’ Variety Show (Ekitobeero A la Carte) where after signing out with his trademark “Cut!” Phrase, the Frog objects, “Wama, don’t cut!” and goes on to say or do something to crack your Rib; Meditex (Kabode) Soap; WBS Television's Superbrands 2013/ 14 Celebratory Dance by a tall beautiful female Character dressed in a yellow Blouse (if outside is shiverishly cold, then stay indoors to watch this hot Animation topped up with a Nigerian Music Score or the Nkoza & Nankya TV Series; Animated Snippets mixed with realtime Video Footage of Youth in "Lwaki (Why?)" by EYEZEE OMUWANDUZI ft. SANDSOUL; the Animated Music Video (AMV) for "You Want Another Rap" by the Most Excellent Rapper SEVO (Uganda's President) produced by Yunus and his Crew that included (NTV) Mini Buzz Cartoonist Jimelux Tashobya; the Twenty23 Parish Development Model (PDM) Sensitization commercial; a Music Video combining human footage with animations entitled "Uganda Yange" by Sweden-based GEROCK; Galiwango: Obulamu Bwe'Kisodde/ The Life of a Gorilla (Luganda Animated Film) by Solomon Jagwe and many more Creations. In a black and white World, true Colours show: I bet the AMV for "Power" by GNL ZAMBA is one of the Most Amazing around here, a Kino Musoke Picture presented by Dragonfly Media Studio 80z. Other notable Animation Studios in UG include Fruity Media, Image Now, DFH Uganda (Multimedia), Bumba Studio, etc.

To become an Animator, you need Knowledge about Skeletons, i.e. Bones, Joints and their Positions; it is actually Skin-deep. That is when you realise that the compulsory Science (Primary 4) and Biology Lessons are very important. I remember during O’Level, there was a real Human Skeleton wired to stand upright near the Entrance to the Biology Lab. Whenever we walked in, we would crack Jokes with the Skeleton Man. Now I know he was truly a V-VIP in the Lab! Lazarus, come forth! A Character Rig is the Digital Skeleton created by Animators inside a 3D Mesh. Like a real Skeleton, a Rig is made up of simple or complex Joints and Bones, each of which act as a "Handle" that Animators use to bend the Character into desired Poses like Prophet Ezekiel (Zul-Kifl) in the Valley of dry Bones (Ezekiel 37). Joints are assembled exactly where they would be in a Real World Skeleton, with one or two Exceptions. In the final Clip, the Pseudo-skeletons disappear. Allow me to drift away, the Quran records incredible Stories of talking Animals, for example: Ants have marvellous Communication Skills at Ground Level (Quran 27:18-19 [The Ants]) plus King Solomon knew the Speech of Birds (Quran 27:16-17), a Hoopoe spoke to him (Quran 27:20-28) just like a Donkey spoke to Balaam in the Bible (Numbers 22:28). A Serpent spoke to Eve while a Burning Bush ordered Moses to take off his Sandals because he was standing on holy Ground. How did all the different Animals enter Noah's Ark (Safina Nuh) in Pairs? Maybe GOD talked to them. Jesus told the Pharisees in Luke 19:40 that even if they made His Disciples keep quiet, the Stones will cry out rejoicing and praising GOD with a loud Voice. According to the Book of Jubilees (Lesser Genesis), Hebrew is the Language of Heaven and was originally spoken by all Creatures in the Garden of Eden. However, the Animals lost their Power of Speech when Adam and Eve were expelled. So Animation is also based on Reality, not just Fantasy. Besides, Parrots can speak sensibly to Humans. About Superpowers or Superhuman Abilities, well: Enoch went to Heaven alive - GOD took him; Moses parted the Red Sea; Joshua marched with the Israelites carrying the Ark of the LORD while seven Priests blew seven Ram-horn Trumpets for seven Days (once for each of the first six Days but seven Times on the seventh Day) until the Walls of Jericho fell though Rahab - the harlot and her Household were saved; Elijah ran faster than a Horse; Samson tore a Lion's Mouth; Solomon enslaved Demons; Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego couldn't be burnt in a fiery Furnace; Mary gave birth without a Man; JESUS walked on Water and did many other amazing Things; Fingers of a human Hand wrote on the Wall of a Palace; etc.

Uganda harbours many Fine Artists and Comics Cartoonists like the incredibly gifted Loukman Ali, my OB Christian Mafigiri, Derrick Dre (PassionateArt UG), Colourist Brian Amanya, Daily Monitor (Newspaper) Cartoonists Mozeh and Chris Ogon Atukwasize, etc who can metamorphose into Animators if they choose. If you want more Fun, then just mark your Calender for IAD (International Animation Day on 28th October, about three Weeks before World Television Day on 21st November) every Year plus check out - http://www.ugandacartoonnetwork.com/

Personally, as the Walt Disney Company's Paperman (Best Animated Short Film at the 2013 Oscars) wonderfully portrays using the (Final Line Advection) Meander Program developed by Brian Whited, I think one Tool that will enhance Drawn Animation is hybrid Software that takes 3D Technology and brings it to the 2D Arena allowing Artists to animate in 3D Space any handdrawn pictures (whether scanned or sketched on Wacom Tablets and Electronic Paper), something like 2.5D. Sometimes, I imagine uganda telecom's delicious Mango mascot, branded in the early 2000s by my Favourite Newspaper Cartoonist Danny Barongo making a Comeback as a Blue Mango! It's all about you!

*Courtesy of Aiko (Ugatoons)

Welcome to Cartoonland 256, at the Heart of Africa!

"Ghost" by MAURICE KIRYA ft. RUYONGA Lyrics
Off his third studio Album (entitled Mwooyo), Maurice Kirya croons about a girl that came into his life and changed his Perception about how he has always chosen to love a Woman. He even starts thinking whatever is happening is not real, it's just an Illusion too good to be true; she is like an Invisible Girlfriend. The Animated Video of this Song creatively rigged by Yunus Sebyala's X-Toons Animations wonderfully illustrates this ageless Conflict. Mwooyo Kirya is truly soulful as usual.

[INTRO]
Ooh, ooh, ooh (Buno obuzimu bwa munno)
Ooh, ooh, ooh, er!

[VERSE ONE - MAURICE KIRYA]
How did you end up in my life?
How did you cast that spell?
Tell me who sent you, oom? Is it Heaven or is it Hell?
[HOOK]
I built a wall so high, a wall that you defied.
But this can't be, ooh!
I never fall this deep. No! No!

[CHORUS]
You're not real, you're a ghost!
This can't be, (Buno obuzimu bwa munno).
You're not real, you're a ghost!
It's an illusion, (Buno obuzimu bwa munno)!

[VERSE TWO]
Listen! How did you end up in my life?
How did you end up in my bed?
How did you get me so in love? No!
Coz without you I feel dead, whoa!
[HOOK]
I built a wall so high, a wall that you defied.
But this can't be, ooh!
I never fall this deep. No, and no, no!

[CHORUS]
You're not real, you're a ghost!
This can't be, (Buno obuzimu bwa munno).
You're not real, you're a ghost!
It's an illusion, (Buno obuzimu bwa munno)!

[RAP - RUYONGA]
(W???? Hiddn Empire! Yeah!)
Ru, it's like: I only see you when my eyes go, closed.
Got me wondering how you got so, close.
Till am on fire for your holy smokes.
To quit you, ama need the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, whoa!
Higher obsessed with me, you're so excessive!
Trying to own me, you're so possessive! But so depressing, ontulire!
Coz you know what you did, here wewandogere!
Creeping in through the mist, crawling through the dark.
Reaching out for my heart, persisting in your call like that whisper
in the wall.
Sliding inside of my bed, with every lie that you said.
I need you out of my head, coz...

[OUTRO]
You're not real, you're a ghost!
This can't be!
You're not reeeeal, (Buno obuzimu bwa munno)!
You're not real! (Buno obuzimu bwa munno),
(Get away from me [2X]), (Buno obuzimu bwa munno),
(Get away from me)!
END

"Power" by GNL ZAMBA Lyrics 
UG’s hip-hop messiah GNL bakes another poetic cake in 2012 and ices it with a fantastic animated music video presented by Dragonfly Media Studio 80z. It's also a Kino Musoke Picture. Shout outs to shinetz.blogspot.com! I couldn’t transcribe the muffled voice of the lady in the chorus that reminds me of the incredible three Singing Chipmunks but here is the rest of the flow (in black and white) from the Lord of Uga-Flow, not just Luga...

[CHORUS:]

[INTRO (GNL Speaking): ]
Power, you want to talk to me about power, right? 
It’s like am in a castle right now. 
And am overlooking Kampala’s bright lights, 
Everybody’s lined up. 
And my car is pulling through the streets, 
Everybody’s saying, “Koombaye!” 

[VERSE ONE:] 
I’m the Lord of the Ring. 
I’m not a slave, I’m a king. 
I float and I sting. 
It’s my rhymes to make your heart sing. 
Feel the pain or the sling or the joy that I bring. 
I was raised in the ghetto but now I shine and I bling. 
When you put your heart to the ceiling, it’s a G you are feeling. 
Hip-hop Uganda now looks up to me for healing. 
In the studio or the stage, I’m looking for the Shilling. 
Every dog has its day, it’s my time for the killing. 
Many try hard, but they can’t stop the G from winning. 
I’m the Best and, as long as the Art keeps spinning. 
I’m evolving and building, it’s not the end (Baboon Forest), it’s the beginning. 
I’m making love to the game, you can call it my Second Cum-ing! 
As a Newton of the game, I’m a magician with the flame. 
When you hate, it’s a shame. 
You’ve been late since I came. 
I’m a god, you’re a pilgrim. Pay your Homage! 
Let me live my dream, just let me get my cream!

[CHORUS:]

[VERSE TWO:]
(Zye, real talk, ah yeh!) 
I remember growing up, sweet dreams were a myth. 
So you know to unman, a nigga had to sweat like Keith. 
Through the cold, I was gritting my teeth with my sis, 
With no accommodation, broke, lying in the abyss (I remember that time). 
I’m the type of nigga radio used to diss, but now am in bliss because am a crown prince. 
Peace to my nigga Emron for the Genesis. 
Coz’ now we pack Greatness like Guinnesses. 
Baboon Forest, we the bubble geniuses, 
Show you how to turn dem poems into businesses. 
I’m not an artiste, am a legend. 
You’re a curtain-raiser, am the main event. 
Don’t you know, am Socrates when I think, am Gandhi when I speak, Chinua Achebe when I rhyme. 
Am a GOD-guided missile, it’s the heat that I seek. 
The Luga-flow Jet Li, it’s like a kung-fu flick, the way I kick.

[CHORUS:]

[VERSE THREE:]
(Zye X4) I did it my way [Aliri mawe], 
So I think I need some Berry-on and Rozelle (eh). 
Tonight, all my troubles seem so far away (yes). 
I’ve seen more drama than Broadway (I did, man). 
In the club, I need a needle in my record play (yes). 
Damn, can you let a nigga sway (What’s up Mckenzie?)! 
I refuse to lose like Mugabe in Zimbabwe (yes). 
Leka nkole ebyange, bakole ebyabwe (hahaha)! 

[OUTRO: ]
Rude bwai music! 
Dedicated to my first love: Hip-hop. 
Zye! And the fans, man. Yo fans, man. The fans. 
I did it my way [Aliri mawe], I think I need some Berry-on and Rozelle, eh... 

The Prophecy (series) is a Ugandan Sci Fi (Science fiction) fantasy web series produced by Acheonex based on the lives of the last living citizens of Uganda after an apocalypse was brought about by an ancient medallion. A genetic mutation occured among the last remaining human beings allowing them to exhibit superhuman strength and abilities. A great evil was awoken during the Apocalypse by the power of the medallion and it is up to the remaining Ugandans to fight for the human race. However, struggles among the survivors make it a battle for power and conquest... [Synopsis courtesy of Phizy Pwoch (Animator)]

AikoGraphics

Ugandan Cartoonists
As a Cartoonist myself using the Penname "Aiko" at Uganda Christian University's Community Newspaper The Standard (since 2007 to 2015 and again from 2019) and also the Labels AruaCartoons (since 2014) plus LugbaraToons (since 2019), I took a Timeout to compile a List of almost 100 Cartoonists whose Artwork I have noticed in Ugandan Media especially Newspapers but also Magazines, Web and TV in no particular Order nor Ranking. If there is anyone I have left out who merges Lines and Colours plus Words (or Sounds) to create a whole new World, then please remind me or add to your own List:

B. Danny Toons

NUMBER 1: B. Danny, aka Dan Barongo or simply DB or BD, is definitely my Favourite Ugandan Cartoonist of All-Time. I adore his Colouring and Realism. The War Comics he did for The New Vision in the 90s inspired me a lot: I was amazed that someone within my Country could actually draw Ugandan Events to such Detail and aesthetic Form. He was like a Mentor to me (I actually asked him for Advice in Industrial Area) and he later moved to Daily Monitor. I grew up thinking that good Cartoons and Illustrations only come from outside Countries, but seeing his solid illustrative Artwork in the Papers gave me a lot of Hope...

Mr. Ras, also known as Ras Manyanga (born Charles Onen from Kitgum) is a Veteran in the Business, considered by many as the Best Editorial Cartoonist in Uganda, roger that! His Cartoons usually had male Animals with erect Private Parts. Nevertheless, he is funny and has produced a very huge Body of Work, Ras Studios. He usually dresses smartly, reminds me of the Congolese who pull their Trousers very high above the Waistline. I replaced him for only one Month between 26th December 2010 and 16th January 2011 at Sunday Vision where I had started by writing Letters to the Editor during my Campus Internship Years (thanks to Advice from Samuel Apedel); it was a Dream come true after submitting my Portfolio to Ras in 2005. He advised me to use Ivory Paper and Combo Pens for Longevity instead of Foolscaps and Ballpoint Pens plus make my Cartoon Faces less detailed. Photo Editor Jimmy Adriko was also an Encouragement when I had a Tryout at New Vision coz I could yap Lugbara with him...

Tumusiime Rushedge, other Name Emmanuel - born in Buhweju County of Bushenyi District (on 1st March 1941, died 2008), was a Ugandan Surgeon, Pilot, Novelist, Cartoonist and Newspaper Columnist aka Tom Rush and Old Fox (of the famous Escapades). Some Campus Fellows nicknamed me "Kid Fox", maybe coz I drew Cartoons in my Notebooks. Everybody knows Old Fox's Creation (alongside Ateker Ejalu) named Ekanya which means "Cheeky One" in Ateso, first published in the early 70s and still running, his Wife Rosie plus Son Junior; this Cartoon Family fascinated me in the 90s, I hoped they were from Teso coz I love Bateso. He also created the Comic Strip Bogi Benda while in Kenya...

Tess Rushedge, a humorous Daughter who took over her Father's Ekanya Comic Strip at New Vision. She detests Politics in her Cartoons and prefers mainly Family Issues and Relationships in Homes...

James Rwehabura Tumusiime, Proprietor of Igongo Cultural Centre, Founder of Fountain Publishers in 1988, arguably the Largest Indigenous Book Publishing Company in UG - famous for School Textbooks and Children's Stories, took over the Ekanya Character after 1976 when Rushedge went into Exile in Kenya...

Tom, works for the Teso Newspaper Etop in Soroti and its Parent Publication New Vision in KLA too...

Dr. Stone, I thought he was a Whiteman like the Ugandanised British Writer named Kevin O'Connor, but he's Black like me and raps Luganda fluently, draws his exclusive Sports Toons quite fast. Sometimes, other Cartoonists like Mr. Ras fill his Spot...

Kato FM, his illustrative Cartooning seems like it is all done in Pencil (basically he draws Shades of Grey) but dark enough to be read clearly, he shades very realistic Faces...

JR, funny, Luni, Jokes hahehihohu; I do not know who exactly he is but he has some rib-cracking Lines, almost like Proverbs...

Snoggie FM, aka Senoga or Snoggie's World who moved to the US, been around for quite some Time, colourful. He used to draw the "Leo Kivumbi" Strip too...

Luganda Toons

Joey?, I think he does the Bukedde Newspaper Cartoons, interesting Stuff in Luganda...

Mozeh, Real Name Moses Balagade (died in 2016); my Mass Communication Dean of Faculty at UCU - Mr. Ben Bella Ilakut once advised me to draw thick Lines like him...

Ogon, aka Christoons replaced Mozeh at Daily Monitor as the Main Man and my or my, his Cartoons look crispy on Facebook, maybe because of the brighter Digital Surroundings unlike the somewhat light-khaki Hardcopy Newspaper, but still very well crafted Work. Atukwasize Chris Ogon won the Award for "Cartoonist of the Year" at the 2015 Uganda National Journalism Awards organised by the African Centre for Media Excellence (ACME). One interesting Thing I noticed in his Toons is the one Line Teeth Gap, simple but funny, seen! He also works for Ennyanda, another Subsidiary of Monitor Publications LTD. Ogon graduated in 2012 with an Illustration Major Bachelor's Degree in Industrial and Fine Arts from the Margaret Trowell School of Industrial and Fine Arts. He worked as an Illustrator at MK Publishers, Longman Publishers and Mango Tree Uganda. At The Kampala Sun, he was the Editorial Cartoonist pennamed Atuk...

Ivan also does some colourful Work for Daily Monitor... 

Spire Cartoons, by Dr. Jimmy Spire Sentongo, a very active Cartoonist who started at Weekly Observer in 2006, teaches Philosophy at Uganda Martyrs University and Makerere University. He studied Art until S4 Term 2 but felt he should use his Art Skills for Advocacy...

Jimelux TV Toons

Jimelux Tashobya, a UCU Mukono Fine Art Alumnus and NTV Minibuzz Cartoonist whose Drawing Process is filmed and then broadcast in Fast Motion. After failing to scoop the Minibuzz Position recommended to me by a Maisha Sound Alumnus Shantos Ssekito, I asked Jimelux to also replace me at The Standard. He used to draw Cartoons for other Publications on the Campus, so I felt he might have the Momentum to take over, but he also had Dreams of making Comics...

Stuart M., one of the Cartoonists who replaced me at the Standard between 2015 after I was let off and 2018 before I returned. He uses lots of Words but that is what I appreciate because many interesting Ideas can be compressed in one Panel. My Managers at New Vision used to tell me to let the Drawings deliver the Message with less (Letter) Words but Wordiness also adds creative Colour to a Cartoon and Stuart excels at that. Personally, I limit the Words by summarising but at the Back of my Mind, I fancy 100 Words in a Cartoon. Meanwhile, the Drawings can speak 1,000 Phonemes, no Problem... 

PK's Toonbook Sketches

PK Toons

Patricia Kelly Kobusingye, aka Pat Kelly (PK), known her since 2001 (Senior 5); I actually drew Illustrations for a Cash-winning Book she wrote in a National Book Trust Of Uganda (NABOTU) Competition. She's a whimsical Lady who reminds me of some Omo TV Commercial in the early 2010s; never made me angry, not even once. She was the Deputy Headgirl and we became Friends unconventionally when she confronted me in our HEL (History, Economics, Literature) Class one Morning because of my dirty, unwashed Shirt evidenced by my brown inner Sleeve End; I was surely at fault and she had the Power to send me back to wash my white Shirt or wear another one. Imagine a Prefect or Policewoman stopping you and instead of punishing you, she forgives and becomes your Good Friend, heehee! I adore her smooth Line Drawings made using a special Pen. I guess that is why her Cartoons look classier and different from mine which are drawn using common Ballpoint Pens. She is simply Art, Design and Prose. I wish TIME Magazine could profile her... 

Harriet Jamwa, is an Illustrator and Graphics Designer who works at Andrew Mwenda's Independent Newspaper printed in Magazine Format. I almost had a Tryout with M9's Newspaper and might have worked with Harriet along the Way if I stayed but did not pass the Vetting, was told to learn more from Illustrators like B. Danny...

Phillip Nsamba, illustrates The Adventures of Babi & Bobi...

Benjamin Buhamizo, illustrates some Stories featured in Toto Magazine, quite impressive Line Drawing and Colouring. Meanwhile Benji, does "Naughty Benji" Cartoons while a Cartoonist pennamed Benjie draws The Senile, a witty Comic Strip which old People would enjoy. Not sure if it's the same Person...

Hyena, some of my Friends in Bukoto (a KLA Suburb) used to call me Hyena coz they heard that I was a Cartoonist, but am not the one who draws those Red Pepper Cartoons. In fact, why would I sleep with so many Women like that in real Life? One Wife is quite enough; Multiple Partners at the same Time, Fornication plus Adultery are very complicated with STDs, Abortion or Bastards and Hellfire waiting on the other Side of the Mountain. I hope it is just Fiction, Fantasy or Wet Dreams...

Loukman Ali, very talented 3D Animator and Filmmaker with amazing Face-drawing Skills. First met him on Bob Marley's 2009 Birthday while we were both being debriefed by Mr. Ras; it was a very special Moment coz I was running away from a Job Disappointment somewhere else. Ali has produced TV Commercials plus Films such as "The Bad Mexican"...

Andrew Cara, a down-to-Earth CG Artist on the Hill; he also teaches. He was one Year behind me at Kalinabiri Primary School when I was in P7, but he could still remember my Drawing Skills more than a dozen Years later. I need to keep improving and he surely inspires with his Animation Projects...

Phizy Pwoch, another talented Animator who has worked on Music Videos too... 

David Masanso, Founder of Crossroads Animations in 2012 is an Animation Icon in UG with unflinching Zeal, actually started an annual Cartoon Festival and teaches interested Learners at his Central Business District Studios near Watoto Church (former KPC) just like Artfield Institute in Naguru. He was the First Black to study Computer Animation at the University of Swansea. "Imitate", his 4-Minute Animation about a Hat Seller, won an unprecedented Award at the 2009 Amakula Kampala International Film Festival... 

Yunus Sebyala like I mentioned earlier, does Cartoon Animations...

Animation Progress on "The Adventures of Nkoza and Nankya (TV Series)" by Solomon Jagwe

Solomon Jagwe, based in the USA, is an Animator known for Galiwango the Gorilla plus "Nkoza and Nankya" TV Series...

Richard Musinguzi is considered Uganda's Walt Disney, at least according to BBC. He created Katoto, a Rukiga-speaking Ugandan Original alongside Humphrey Agaba, Janet and the beautiful Thandi Abasa on his Team. They want Katoto to speak other Ugandan Languages also, hopefully Lugbarati too. Before Crane Bank closed, it had a TV Commercial where Katoto asked his Cow to give him 100 UgX so that he could keep it in a Savings Account, still vivid in my Memory...

John Paul Gremlin Musoke at Cartoon Leaf Channel also has some fine Portraiture Talent...

Kwiz Era, Illustrator and Expressionist Artist. His Studio is set up within Iguana Bar, Kisementi on Sturrock Road, behind Gapco Petrol Station...

Samuel Mukasa Kabali, founder of Tonda Animation is also an Inspiration...

Eugenius, this List would have been incomplete without me mentioning some Arua Artists I have come across. Eugene was among the first Artists to catch my Attention in A-Town while he painted a Mural for Mvara Core PTC next to Mvara Mission on Emmanuel Cathedral Road. He studied Art at UCU Mukono and has great Talent, truly a King Genius...

Ringo Andrua (Fly Graphix, Arua), first noticed his Portfolio via facebook but still impressive...

Pius Hoo, another Arua Artist with nice Mural Art... 

Isaac Mugabi (Skyman) is a 3D character animator, mobile app developer, programmer, digital artist plus gamer who co-founded Pomp Motion Studios in Kampala. He graduated from Makerere University with a Bachelor's Degree in Art & Design plus earned a Certificate in Character Animation from Digital Tutors...

Arua Cartoons (since 2014)

SPECIAL MENTIONS: Romero, Spanish Cartoonist who drew Modesty Blaise Comics, inspired the Word-Balloon Fonts I use in my Cartoons, just added a few Changes. I used to teach myself how to draw Humans seemlessly by studying his exquisite Artwork during my Senior 6 Vacation...

Falk, DePaul and Ryan (sometimes DePaul + Manley), create Phantom Cartoons from Australia relayed to Uganda through King Features Syndicate. I have been reading about this masked, generational Hero since the 90s...

Mort Walker, creator of Beetle Bailey...

Sara, a UNICEF Cartoon conceived in ten different Countries. It took 20 months of research and development work involving 150 artists, writers and researchers from Eritrea and Ethiopia in the north to South Africa in the south (ie Malawi, Zimbabwe and the three main East African Countries). Sara used to appear in Straight Talk and Young Talk Newspapers. I loved the clean Line Drawing and Colouring. There was also a TV Animated Series with her Pet Monkey Zingo. The Sara Character is Proof that Cartoons can be used for Community Transformation...

Gayo Toons

James Gayo, his wordless Kingo Comic Strip is very hilarious; a Friend of mine wanted to turn it into a TV Animation...

Gado, famous Kenyan Newspaper Editorial Cartoonist across East Africa. Godfrey Mwapembwa spent 23 Years at The East African Newspaper before being fired for contestable Reasons including caricaturing the then Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete half nude in a languid Pose. JK was nibbling on Grapes from the Hand of one of seven Beauties who represented the 7 Sins that the Tanzanian Government had been accused of...

Frank Odoi, born in western Ghana in 1948 among seven Sisters, draws The Joker. In the late 1970s, he moved to Kenya to contribute to Terry Hirst's illustrated Humour Magazine Joe. He later inherited Terry's Position at Daily Nation Newspaper. He also helped develop and launch the XYZ Show, a satirical Puppet Show on TV. He died in a Matatu Ditch Accident on 21st April 2012...

Spiderman syndicated Cartoons from America...

Walt Disney, I think he should take Credit for the Mickey Mouse and Goofy syndicated Toons coz well, he invented them and they never died after his own Death in 1966, lived on into the new Millenium...

Zapiro Toons

Zapiro, weird how I do not know any South African Cartoonists, it's almost like Apartheid of the Brain, maybe because they colonised our Minds in UG via the Audio-visual Box (Multichoice, KTV [Kids Television], BOP TV and TV Africa) but not Print Media. Nevertheless, the Best I know (Jonathan Shapiro) makes up for all my Ignorance and I only learnt of him through a Video and the Internet. He's probably the Finest on the African Continent. Kudos to all the rest I do not know...

There is also a Cartoonist for The Rwandan Amakuru with nice facial Illustrations...

Aiko Toons 2019 (Cropped and finally resized in Microsoft Windows Paint but Colours filled using GIMP 2.10 Software)

(E)XTRA TIME/ OVERTIME: Animation is a burgeoning Industry in Uganda, and Animators especially 2D Animation Drawers are just Tradigital or Motion Cartoonists eg Blue Monkey, Creatures Animation (Makers of "A Kalabanda Ate My Homework"), LabRat Animations (who made the Music Video for "Wakayima" by COOPY BLY), etc. They automatically fit in the Uganda Cartoon Network; Book Illustrators do too, it's all about Cartooning Associates like a Cartoon Movement or Toon Nation. Cartooning resembles Writing and Comedy especially Standup; if you attack Individuals brutally, they may as well retaliate, but if you find a middle Ground that can tickle their Ribs, good for you. When Rema dumped Eddy Kenzo for Doctor Hamza, I wanted to draw a Cartoon of Namakula asking the "Sitya Lossi" Superstar - clad in a T-shirt emblazoned on "Mango" at the front - if they could play a Game of Adam and Eve; he would reply: "I don't think so, a little Bird told me you will give the forbidden Fruit to a Doctor", but held back because it was a very Heart-wrecking Situation for someone whose Music I admired, not certain that Joke would be tasty. Of course there are many other Scenarios to explore, but at a Y-Corner (Junction), you either go left or go right! I hope GOD grants Happyness to all the three. In 2001, Ugandan Cartoonists formed an Association called Satire Gang consisting of all Editorial and Humour Cartoonists in Uganda. It was formally affiliated to the international Cartoonist Rights Network that protects Cartoonists since they are not considered Journalists. Dr. Robert Russell, the Director was present at the Inauguration hosted by Uganda Museum. Freedom of Expression must not be abused, Self-Censorship is vital. Every Year on 5th May, four Days or half a Week after Labour Day (May Day), the World celebrates Cartoonist's Day. Then on 28th October, five Months later, the Earth marks International Animation Day set up in 2002 by the International Animated Film Association or ASIFA (abbreviated from its French Name: ASsociation Internationale du Film d’Animation). Maybe that Way, I will also get to know Who is Who? in UG. I cannot exhaust this List; I've done what I could based on my Limits of Knowledge but will keep updating it until I bypass 100 Cartoonists, if GOD wills. In Twenty20 during the Covid-19 lockdown, I had an epiphany that literally renewed my interest in making cartoons; I coined the word Ugatoons to describe the feeling...

Graffiti Skills taught to Me by Imran Azad

"Innovation Katogo" was the theme for the last Wapi Event in 2008 (organised by the British Council plus Silk Events) and I managed to spray paint my very first amateur Graffiti before making my annual Christmas pilgrimage to Arua the next weekend (Didn't even attend my Old Fellow Jona's Wedding).

My very first professional painting was around August 2007 but it wasn't graffiti, just an interior decoration for an old boy. The second followed immediately just before CHOGM.

Imran Azad, the uniquely colourful artist taught me some valuable techniques I applied to produce my 'INOV8RZ' Graffiti piece, maybe you can use them too! Someone said he liked the way I did the Z, I liked it too. Not bad overall but I felt I needed to do much better than I did, paint dripped in some areas even after I started fantastically. I lost my nerve somehow close to the climax and even held my spray-can with two hands. Some stranger who came late and couldn't get a board wanted to help me finish my name smoothly. I let him do it; he advised me to spray once (that is continuously) while creating a letter. Another guy asked me to spray on his trousers, wow! Was that fan courtesy? Naah, I think I was just available. Roland who did a live painting during Kirk Franklin's previous Serena Concert was on my right side. The girl on my left side was also doing it for her first time and told her friends I was quite 'good' despite everything else but the highlight guy whom my second cousin Edwin (holding a videocam) told me to check out was a white painter whose meticulous touch was so smooth that it attracted several watchers. Owl (real name Derrick Muhiirwa) had remarkable stuff near the fence. Imran , my mentor was also loud with about two pieces. The master (who bravely appeared in Desire Luzinda’s song “Bingi” while other men shunned the bare-chested role in the video) painted great stuff too. He later confessed that I did better than he thought I would on my first attempt. I know that everybody has a certain talent but we need practice to perfect our disciplines.

Here are a few guidelines he shared with me before and during the December drill. I have chosen to summarise them into seven entries:

1. Spray from a distance, it may be faint but it prevents the dripping of paint. (Remember to always wear a mask covering your nose to avoid poisoning!)
2. Learn to use the index finger, weaker than the thumb but allows flexibility. The thumb may not give you very good results compared to the index finger (aka second or forefinger)
3. Do not try to rub away paint when there is another colour around, will cause a mixture and result in a new colour
4. Be free (and not uneasy). Don't be nervous, relax, YOU CAN DO IT! (He said that just about the time Obama became the First Black President of America)
5. To create a line that is smooth, depress the aerosol and spray once while making lines
6. To keep the paint mixed, you can turn the can upside down in addition to shaking
7. Start by spraying light colours like yellow first, then add dark ones (As for me, I don't mind the reverse as long as you know your vision)!

(Personal Exploration) Maisha Filmlab Master Class taught on Eid el Fitiri (8th August 2013) by WILLIAM WHEELER [Screenwriter of Mira Nair’s The Reluctant Fundamentalist (2012 Film)]:

''If you have an Idea, write it down! We are all given Ideas. Some of us bring them to fruition, some of us don’t. Don’t say you are not good at this; who cares? Don’t say ‘I’m the most Boring Person in the World’! Forces inside of us come up with Ideas that slow us down yet Stories unite us and change Cultures. A brilliant entertaining Film can take Someone’s Cares away after a long Day at Work. Make Time to write daily, you are most likely to finish! What is the One Thing a Story needs? Characters! The more deeply connected viewers are to the characters, the more they will be interested in the film. Share the Hopes and Dreams of the Person in the Situation; it’s their Life and Reality! Your Characters have no Idea that it’s just a Story. Viewers can connect with the Person even if they do not like them. All Characters possess Traits, Desires and must make Decisions. Character is the Problem a Story solves. Complications take a Character through a Metamorphosis of his Desires from conscious to unconscious for instance in The Reluctant Fundamentalist, Changez was chasing the American Dream, but after the 9/11 World Trade Centre Terror Attacks, he wished for a Pakistani Dream instead. As a Private Exercise, Wheeler advised that you should honestly write about your Problem while answering some specific Questions! In the End, you will have written a Story that obeys the Laws of Drama, Triumphs and Transformations based on the Parts of yourself investigated. Draw Narratives from your Experience!''

In the Afternoon, the Movie screened was “Tootsie” from Columbia Pictures about an Actor named Michael who cross-dressed as a Woman in order to get a professional acting Role that had eluded him for 20 Years. One line that summarizes the Drama in the Story came at the end when the Main Protagonist speaks to Julie, a fellow Cast Member with whom he shared a Dressing Room throughout his Falsehood, “I was a better Man with you as a Woman than I ever was as a Man with a Woman…”

During the Question Session, Maisha Filmlab Founder Mira Nair confessed that she likes the creative Uniqueness of Ugandan English just like Indian English, and narrated an Incident at Makerere University Kampala where a Campuser dressed in Army Fatigue was asked where he was going. His amusing reply was, “I’m going to attack the Library!”

Launching a Website documenting Uganda’s Built Heritage

On Tuesday 30th June 2009 at the Uganda National Museum opposite Seascallop Restaurant on Kira Road, the Makerere University Faculty of Technology Department of Architecture launched the website (www.tech.mak.ac.ug/heritage) documenting and illuminating the surviving historic built heritage of Uganda. The Mission of the Website is: To create awareness about surviving built heritage resources of Uganda so as to impact the local preservation arena with a research, publishing and archiving culture as a powerful tool for conservation action. The website features religious bodies, primary plus tertiary institutions, culture functions, health services, residences and public art. As referred to in the 1972 UNESCO Convention for Conservation and Protection of the World Natural and Cultural Heritage, it includes works of monumental sculpture, painting and other monuments, elements or structures of archaeological nature, inscriptions, cave dwellings and combinations of features, groups of buildings: groups of separate or connected buildings which because of their architecture, their homogeneity or their place in the landscape are outstanding historically, artistically or scientifically. Also included are residential precincts, business premises, sites, parks and gardens and or mixed use facilities.

Many interesting ideas were shared during the workshop. I came in very late and couldn’t place names to the various contributors but here are a few of the ideas:
“Without architectural acumen, you may create a lame building, or a deaf one. Create things like you for the future generations! Beautiful buildings attract tourists. Souvenirs of buildings for example T-Shirts of Namirembe Cathedral when sold can be bought and earn money.”

“There is a problem in Uganda as a result of the education system; people do not appreciate culture. Some politicians speak bad about other regions. There is no spirit of cooperation. We have our own innovations but do not believe in ourselves. Some MUK professors reject bibliographies that include work by professors like Justice George Wilson Kanyeihamba (Chancellor of KIU – Kampala International University) from our own country. In our Primary Schools, if you speak vernacular, you are caned. The issue of culture should be brought up at the primary level. When rebels wage wars, they shouldn’t destroy the existing landmarks.

“(In some European countries, they pray for maximum destruction during war so that they can start the first development program.) For architecture, whenever you look at a building, there is a signal in your brain. Someone once asked: ‘Why zone floors, here don’t go beyond three floors?’ Let us appreciate the dwarf, the tall, the Karimojong.”

“Forces of globalization (colonialism) have destroyed indigenous values where people would sit down and listen to their grandparents. These were negative trends brought before we were born, it’s now up to us to change that. Nevertheless, English helps us understand further, higher, deeper and larger. We do not have to abandon vernacular.”

“Students fail simple exams set at the Faculty of Technology because they never understand the fundamentals or abstracts which can be taught best using vernacular. Uganda teaches sciences in English but if you draw a line from Nimule, in Southern Sudan or New Sudan, to the North Pole you will find that all teach in their local languages.”

“If you want to know the future, you must glorify the present. This project has come to fill the vacuum. The grant from the U.S. Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation will surely ignite Ugandans.”

Nelson Abiti aka Nelly, one of the Uganda Museum facilitators at the workshop emphasized to me after the proceedings that, “Colonial evangelists taught us how our traditional cultures were of the Devil, yet when someone takes very good care of a certain tree in his homestead, he is actually honouring GOD who made the tree.”

Church-itecture

Uganda is blessed with many inspired Church designs from East to West, North to South eg St. Andrew's Church of Uganda Jinja, St. Andrew's Bukoto, SMACK Chapel (rooftop like an eagle), St. Philip's Arua, Namirembe Cathedral, Emmanuel Cathedral, Miracle Centre Rubaga, etc...

Treating the Common Cold (plus My Top 11 Cartoons)

Having a Cold is a terrible Health experience, the mucus, sneezing and difficult-breathing through a blocked nose can drive you mad! But don’t worry, on Thursday 12th February 2009, Deutsche Welle (DW-TV) featured an interview on the Health Programme ‘in good shape’ to get you in good shape when you have a cold: “Drink lemon in hot water, add honey; drink Carmamile in hot water, eucalyptus base; Get some rest, put your feet in hot Water to make your Temperature rise; drink a hot cup of herbal tea (3 Cups a day); take it easy; tie a scarf around your neck to keep yourself warm..." [The last one I have tried so many times and it works wonders; I wish I did not overlook it during my school career. The Heat generated by a warm cloth around your neck makes the Flu Virus uncomfortable like sweet Revenge against the devils partying inside your nose, heehee; ask Osmosis Jones! If you are using garlic to soathe a sore throat, you might find that it tastes better with Groundnuts, that’s what my Arua Uncle Diyo once told me. Sometimes, I would gargle salt water or sniff eucalyptus leaves hoping they work like Vicks Kingo or similar balms; the leaves smell like the green Sweet Peps (Cough drops) very popular in Ordinary Level.] The other Super-Remedy for Common Flu I discovered in February Twenty21 is Pine Needle Tea; it contains five times more Vitamin C than Oranges. This is a Jungle Hack or Wilderness Survival tip I accepted to try out while watching Discovery Channel at my Best Friend's crib. Sickness is war, so you have to search for the Most Ballistic medicines to stage a resistance. Pine needle tea literally removes mucus from the lungs in two days; I found small amounts of blood in my nostrils when I overdosed on the green tea which was a sign that it is quite potent. Kung Flu (Coronavirus Disease-19) may be lethal to our breathing system, but there is no infectious disease without a GOD-engineered herb already in existence. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are 39 categories of diseases. JESUS was whipped 39 times to heal all our infirmities and sicknesses. Call on HIM...

My Top 11 Cartoons

Here are 11 of the Best Cartoons I have ever marveled at, but in no particular hierarchy:

1. Galaxy Rangers: I guess the team was something like the Fantastic Four, the main guy had an arm that could turn into probably a gun (not sure), another was probably massive like the beast in X-Men, and the third man could turn on flames and fly or was he invisible at times? Meanwhile the woman probably had similar qualities like Mr. Reed’s wife in F4 but she wasn’t called Invisible Woman. I cannot remember the details properly because I was below 10 years of age…

2. The Adventures of X-Men (Probably Japanese Anime): I loved this creatively produced show because of the flowing adult dialogue and interesting characters…My favourite X-Mutants included the Beast because he seemed untouchable, invincible and could walk on the wall as well as ceiling. Wolverine’s fury inspired me to remain angry whenever I wanted to feel macho. Gangbit was a fantastic rogue like the red masked guy in Wild Cats. I admired Cyclopes’s laser emitting eye power…Someone, probably the creator of the story, once commented that there is a GOD-made X-Man in each one of us, great stuff!

3. Adventures of Zelda: It usually came after the Kids’ Kamp Show (My motivating factor for story-telling), a collection of very interesting cultural folk stories and legends from Europe and it featured a macho young man who was out to fight evil plus save the beautiful woman of his life in each episode she faced very difficult trouble in. It was more like a romantic action cartoon…

4. Batman Animated Series: The previous three were watched mainly on KTV (Kids Television) in Jinja but when I came to Kampala, Zoom Club - STV (Sanyu Television)’s Children’s Extravaganza during the weekend had a feature of the caped crusader that sizzled. I love Batman because he does not kill, does not mind losing out on love because he is dedicated to his service, hides his real identity from even the best spies and does not claim to have super powers. He is just a normal human being with very unusual gadgets when on duty, things that would make bats and policemen jealous…

5. Wild Cats: I loved reading about them in Comics (like The Price) and they are a wonderful covert team fighting the wicked Demonites, no wonder “(Wild) Cats” stands for “(Wild) Covert Action Teams”. I also like the TV series because of the mature dialogue and well designed costumes…

6. Galactik Football: A football fanatic (especially one appreciative of Arsenal’s entertaining offensive play, also called “Kawoowo” meaning ‘delicious flavour’ by Kampalans) who cannot feel this French animated series has a conflict of interests for sure. This is simply fantasy football brought to life on screen…

7. 2 Stupid Dogs: I have never met any individuals as stupid, funny and ridiculously brainless as these two homedogs. They are truly man’s best friend. If all dogs were like these two, the world would be a laughing village…

8. Kissyfur: A nice Woodland adventure about a young cute bear that had to be very watchful or else he would be trapped by the two evil crocodiles in the forest marshes. This toon alongside two others marketed well the profile of CTV (Cablesat Television). Its appearance was also more polished than the 3 bears in the Goldilocks story I always read earlier on in life…

9. Duck Tales: This was the other of CTV’s first three gem-toons featuring the Richest Duck in the whole world. His name was neither Bill Gates, Warren Buffet nor Slim but Donald, and I mean Donald Duck, not Donald Trump ... Duck Tales, oohwooh ooh!

10. M.I.B (Men In Black) Animated - The Instrumental at the end from a song written by Will Smith (also Agent J in the Movie) and others, makes each episode feel unforgetable even if it's over...

11. Animation Films: It would be unreasonable not to mention feature length animation films as one of my favourite toons. So I have decided to make that the final entry on my list and they are quite many including The Incredibles, Antz, Finding Nemo, Prince of Egypt, et cetera…

Footsubishi (Poem by Aiko)

My P5 English teacher called me a hypocrite.

My A-Level classmate called me daft, stupid, fake and boring with cassava stem legs.

My campus crush told me everything I want to give her she will get from another man.

My neighbour labelled me an Earlyman,

But here I am.

Foot-subishi and Pa-jero,

Keep walking!

Isn't Michael Jackson still alive?

Despite his cardiac arrest on Thursday 25th June 2009, I believe Michael Jackson is still alive just like Aaliyah whom he inspired (at least in the hearts of many music lovers). Uganda is many hours ahead of the US and around the afternoon of the same day here, someone played ‘Heal the World’ in the office and I sang along not knowing that by the following morning I would be reading on a friend’s Facebook update that MJ had gone to meet his MAKER, Glory to HIM! The friend didn’t even have kind words for him but MJ will forever be an icon in my Hall of Fame. I became a fan of MJ’s music around 1991 when the psychedelically marketed ‘Dangerous’ Album came to Jinja, my birthplace. I was just over 7 years old but love (or lust) for the opposite sex was becoming a real thing for me so I understood what he was saying. ‘Black or White’ featuring the Coolest Kid at that time (McClurkin from the addictive ‘Home Alone’ film franchise) was overplayed on TV in the 90s cementing the Black Elvis’s status in my mind as the World’s Favourite Entertainer. Little did I know that in 1982 two years before I was born, he had achieved a music marketing record that has never been broken. He literally died an invincible Record Holder with the Best Selling Album of All – Time, that is, “Thriller”. It is not my favourite but regardless of my preferences, his record still stands. Nevertheless, I must confess that most, if not all, of his songs are really good and he had a knack of featuring well known personalities in his videos.

My favourite Michael Jackson song is ‘Stranger in Moscow’. It is so heart-warming that you feel even rain falling on your skin or anything refreshing (instead of tears) can actually wash away the pain in your heart. Just bask in the sun of a beach, rain of a street or lose yourself in anything good and feel it wash away the troubles in your life: “Your Madness is Your Gladness” is usually my Pain Therapy. Amazingly, Wacko Jacko – nickname due to his changing face – wrote this song while on tour in Moscow, Russia. He was being accused in law courts back home of molesting kids and he felt lonely, isolated, abandoned and on the verge of madness. After everything he had done for people, he couldn’t believe they had turned against him, talk of Ba Yuda (Traitors, Impostors, Masqueraders, Liars, Back Stabbers, Haters, Opportunists, Viper Snakes, Hypocrites, Slimy Mud Slingers, Kigeugeu (Double Standards), Bloodsuckers or in Biblical terms Judases, Balaams, Jezebels, Delilahs and Absaloms. They smile in the light and hate in the dark like Two faced Vultures, Hypocrites, and Sons of the Devil). He actually acquired his Neverland Ranch to get away from this celebrity life. Judie Brisse, his caretaker at the ranch, confessed that Michael ‘could not trust anyone.’ ‘Stranger in Moscow’ is the 5th and final single in “HIStory” (his 1996 album), “When you are alone and you’re cold inside. Like Stranger in Moscow, LORD have mercy. (We are talkin' danger. We are talkin' danger, baby! Like Stranger in Moscow X2) I'm livin' lonely, I'm livin' lonely, baby. Like Stranger in Moscow”

Quincy Jones, his long time production partner was shocked by the sad news. I guess he will miss the hugest gem he had ever handled by my standards. Before playing the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup Final (the precursor of the 2010 Soccer World Cup – the first in Africa) against defending champions Brazil, American striker Landon Donovan told a press conference that when they win, he would dedicate the championship to Michael Jackson and not Barack Obama. Blacks have always been doing great things. Personally, I was not too excited when Obama became the first Black President, there had already been Blacks in high governmental and judicial positions. This was just the final frontier that was definitely going to be conquered. I knew it wasn’t about race, we are all brothers and sisters and can do what others do. That’s what MJ preached. I do not even care what religion he was, what I know is that he taught unity and equality. If that is evil, then I would rather spend my time listening to artists like him than pretend to be holier than him like some people. In the game, American goalie Tim Howard (Golden Glove Recipient) kept Brazil chasing shadows in the first half. Then Donovan consumating a thrilling fast break scored USA’s second, what to me was the Goal of the Match dedicated to Michael Jackson, even though the World Champions inevitably returned in the Second Half with three Cup-Winning strikes: Two from Luis Fabiano (Silver Ball and Golden Shoe) and the winner headed in late from Elano’s corner by Samba Boys Captain Lucio (Fair Play Award Recipient). Golden Ball winner Kaka’s legitimate goal was even disallowed, the linesman was blind that moment. I knew Brazil could come back but felt for Dempsey (Bronze Ball Award Winner) who scored the first US goal. The pain of losing the final made him shed tears; that’s how painful it must have also felt losing MJ: Fans cried profusely outside the Ronald Reagan Hospital where he had been taken from his home. No hard feelings Uncle Sam, but MJ featured Brazil (who also belong to Jesus) in his song ‘They Don’t Care About Us’ so they probably deserved to win too. His moves have been copied in small time studios around the world and even parodied by contemporary artists like Eminem and Keri Hilson. In my Mad Thoughts, if Usher, Justin Timberlake, Ginuwine, Chris Brown and Omarion stage a concert in Memory of the King, it could be the best alternative gift to the world that was anticipating the real thing MJ died preparing for.

My favourite Videos by MJ were "Black or White" (Of course) and “Bad”, for the 1987 Album’s title track, directed by Martin Scorsese and featuring Wesley Snipes. The quality is so classy that it beats some modern ones. His high pitched voice and thrilling dance strokes can also be viewed in ‘Earth Song’, ‘Cry’, ‘You Are Not Alone’, ‘Beat It’, ‘Billie Jean’, ‘Do U Remember the Time?’ featuring Magic Johnson and Eddie Murphy. Wow, USA has really produced many legends with the MJ initials from Michael Jordan to Magic Johnson, Michael Johnson to Marion Jones to Mick Jagger (of the Rolling Stones) and Montell Jordan. The videos ‘USA for Africa’ and ‘Liberian Girl’ have a star-studded cast showing you just how far MJ reached. The latter (Dedicated to Elizabeth Taylor - the Most Beautiful Woman in the World) actually features the greatest actors during their generation namely Whoopi Goldberg, Danny Glover, John Travolta plus others. My Favourite American Director Steven Spielberg also made an appearance when someone asked,, ‘Who’s directing this? Where is Michael?” Another wonder is that the girl at the start of the video speaks in Swahili, East Africa’s Official Language. By the way, a maid who once worked for MJ has a home in Bushenyi, Western Uganda so his loss is felt here too. If you watch ‘Moonwalker’, a musical movie by the ‘King of Pop’, you will notice how movie-like most of his music videos were, fantastic stuff. In my life, I do not think I will ever see another performer as thrilling as Michael Jackson, he was simply the World’s Greatest. Unfortunately, he made some Satanic Covenants, LORD have Mercy!

Whose Role is it in Supporting Arts?

The third series of the Bayimba Cultural Discussions (sponsored by Hivos) were held on Friday 24th April 2009 at Club Rouge.

("It became clear during the first discussions that culture and arts are important in shaping and transforming society. The arts were defined as expressions and visible parts of culture.

In any developing economy, the creative arts industry is a key sector that contributes to both economic and social development. It is widely recognized that arts can reach corners no one can reach. It can pass on powerful messages: for the good (e.g. Jose Chameleone sang about domestic violence, Bobi Wine pleads to his ghetto families for community work and self realisation, Pamela of Shalom Rapperz (Holy Rhapsody) - a Hiphop Gospel group comprising three hunks and a Mukiga belle - sings about integrity in the promiscuous world (Catch their videos on TOP TV or at JP Plaza Nkrumah Road), Lady J from West Nile sings about having fun while we are still alive, Chandiru Leila sings about Prostitutes fleecing promiscuous men, Desire Luzinda featuring Ngoni sings about Faithfulness in Marriage while Silver Kyagulanyi writes songs about Love) but also for bad (e.g. a Rwandan artist that was recently convicted for having contributed to the genocide).

However, the creative arts industry needs to be supported to reach this level – a vision for a sustainable creative arts industry needs to be in place. And, for the creative arts industry to contribute successfully to shaping and transforming society arts and creative minds need to be supported – their quality and professionalism needs to be enhanced.

The question is who should support the arts sector?

The role of the community:
In the absence of funding, communities often pitch in to ensure that initiatives go forward. One should not underestimate the community spirit and spirit of volunteers in sustaining the arts. However, to reach a certain level of professionalism and quality that is called for, these communities and individuals need to be supported in their efforts.

The role of the government:
There are several reasons why a government could/should support arts and art institutions. First, because arts can be seen as a collective good: everyone should be able to enjoy. The government assist in making sure that everyone can actually enjoy. Second, because arts is considered a merit good: art as a means to educate people and the population. Third, because it is necessary to conserve some forms of arts (heritage). Finally, because of the potential positive external effects of arts: arts centres and events have an effect on (local) economy while arts can contribute to national tourism and boost a country’s image.

Role of the private sector:
Private businesses, foundations and wealthy individuals have been an important factor in support of arts. What motivates businesses, foundations and individuals to give to the arts – what reason or benefit do they see to support the arts sector? Whereas foundations and individuals are inclined to have more altruistic reasons to provide support (linked to individual interest in arts and belief in role of arts in society), private businesses provide support because they see a mileage in a certain arts initiative or see it as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR).

It is mind-boggling how private businesses perceive sponsorship to arts activities: support to the arts sector is rather ad hoc and at an individual level – there is no advert that is made without the involvement of arts (radio spots use music, television spots use graphics, artists are appearing in adverts or used for posters). There are also disciplines of arts that are more attracting to businesses. Whereas private businesses are testifying that music and arts form the thesis of all things we do in life, there is no ground support to the arts sector. It would be preferred if businesses would not only use arts to make money but also return to the very sector they are relying on for their publicity and marketing. A mutual relationship between arts and private businesses would eventually be beneficial to both sectors.

The following questions are raised:
1. Do arts need to be supported?

2. Who should support the arts? What blending of public and private support is needed?

3. How do government and private sector relate to arts? What are the reason(s) for supporting arts?

4. What is the government responsibility in the creation of a cultural vibrant society?

5. What is the role of private businesses? Who are other supporters of arts?

6. How do we support arts? In what way can government, private businesses assist? Direct funding, indirect support?

7. Is there a way we can build an arts sector that is sustainably and not only depending on external (public or private) support?

Arts play a beneficial role in society – the benefits can be both social and economic. We will need to agree that art is good for people as well as for the economy – it provides jobs, it educates, it keeps kids off the street. We also need to agree that our talented artists can be excellent ambassadors of Uganda – they can change the image of Uganda that remains to be known for its violent history and politics.

Our wish is to see Uganda as a community where arts are vibrant and alive, balancing between the more traditional forms of arts (Kiganda dance, entoogoro etc.) and the emerging creative industries. To become recognised as a creative nation and to develop the full potential of arts as a contributing factor to positive change requires a certain level of support to our creative arts industry.") Most of this information was courtesy of the Bayimba Team.

Panellists included:

Steven Rwangyezi – Ndere Cultural Centre

Emily Drani – Cross Cultural Foundation

Mark Kaheru – UTL

Ms. Kuruhiira – Commissioner for Culture and Family Affairs

Memoirs of a Cartoonist (plus What is Happiness?)

On Thursday 7th May 2009, I will be marking exactly two years since my editorial cartoons (with the copyright 'Aiko' moniker) started being published on page 4, then 6 of 'The Standard', Uganda Christian University's community newspaper. It was an honour to be part of a dream come true even though it came with its ups and downs, glories and humiliations. Many readers either abhorred or loved my cartoons. I do not know much about the half way house but I will start with criticisms before I come to the good parts later.

Some lady once shouted that I was dry - I do not know if she was referring to my humour, pockets or something else but after that shell I tried to make my pieces more colourful and easy on the eye. Then a campus girl doubted, 'Taja kumalako' meaning 'He will not finish' in Luganda. I wish she could eat those words and tell me how they taste...It's all about GOD's grace now, I literally made it through two years - contract term for UCU staff - even if some pieces were below my personal benchmark and only two issues lacked my toons during this period - one drawn by comics artist Christian Mafigiri and a Grad' issue that lacked a cartoon. It's not how hard you push along the way but having something in you to finish. Other criticisms included 'plastic...unoriginal...rigid...wordy...too detailed' and so on.

When the 4th issue of Volume One came out 18th June 2007, Edmund K.(the management accountant) commented that the toons were 'still not yet funny' but when he saw a Chogm toon published later in Issue 15 on 19th November 2007, he was happy. It featured M7 and Queen Elizabeth touring UCU in a limo. My 3rd and 4th sisters wanted to show it to their workmates; maybe it was that good. The toon I dislike most is in Volume One, Issue 6 featuring two boys reading a notice banning 'buveera' - polythene bags - on campus, it was rushingly done and shows waist-up characters. I believe there is always room for improvement so I never let failure, criticism or correction make me walk with depression. People encouraged me (which was very positive). New Vision editorial cartoonist Mr. Ras taught me that combo pens are more professional even if I still find my preferred BIC pens produce darker shades without smudges. What I need to learn is how to use combos which I never liked during school, that's how it is. He also introduced me to ivory paper which stores your work for ages. Danny Barongo commonly known as B.Danny or BD, my favourite Ugandan illustrator told me not to let another artist criticise my style because it is "not bad". Wow, imagine someone you admire telling you that! Kisangala Onghwens suggested my name as an Illustrator for the Human Rights series to his employers at The Independent Weekly Newspaper (Published in Magazine form like The Economist of UK) but it ended before my style was approved but I took it as a lesson. I also got the chance to meet the revolutionary and fearless journalist Andrew Mwenda and his fellow chief Charles O. Bichacho. I cannot exhaust the names of all my motivators. Most Importantly though, Wanyama Wangah - The Standard's very experienced production manager, the man who can walk on water as the proprietor of Bob FM said, told me he chased away another guy who brought his pieces for evaluation. It is Wanyama who also recommended me to The New Vision and if I ever make it there or elsewhere, I dedicate my career to him. He was my lecturer during my UCU career (2003 - 6) and taught (Advanced) Editing in my final two years. I enjoyed his lectures because he was very laid back and usually brought us England’s best newspapers to study during his lessons. That was when everybody in our Mass Communication class had to study editing but I guess the rest remember him for dummys and editing tricks. Then when a few of us specialised in print journalism (while others did either public relations or radio and tv production) in our final year, I will never forget him for two special things. He introduced me to QuarkExpress, the fantastic newspaper editing software used at New Vision plus international media houses that makes editing fun and secondly we studied in an air conditioned classroom - the Linux room at Technology Park using the latest Acer computers while other scholars were using old makes. Even some of the I.T. Students never got to use this room which was amazingly in their department. How posh, I had never studied in an air conditioned classroom all my life yet nursery schools in Nigeria have air conditioning. Wow, there must have been a gap between us. Special thanks also go to my workmates - the unflinching editors - all of whom I have drawn - from the four pioneers to the two replacements. I used to keep inspirational articles written by Emma Wafula, the Lifestyle Editor (daughter of the Uganda Clays mogul) without knowing that one day I would work with her in the same newspaper. I did not even know her. Wow, she was a year behind us but topped her Class of 2004-7, another lady on top just like Adeline K. in our year.

When our 2nd issue came out - 21 May 2007, a Mass Comm finalist in a red blouse and khaki jeans blubbered on how she wanted us to focus on the current national issues like the Mabira saga. She told John that she couldn't waste money on buying the campus paper despite the crisp printing done at New Vision. In fact the only thing that amused her was my cartoon, 'I wonder what the scholar (in the toon) was downloading.' Another added that it also made her laugh. So John introduced me to them which was kinda sweet, you know; didn't blush though. Another girl told me that GOD had revealed to her that she would marry me, ooops! Maybe she was just stepping on my toe, but the irony is: I admired her too!

By the way, Thomas Froese the Canadian coordinator of The Standard chose me because my pieces were 'more modern' than those of two other applicants evaluated in April 2007. I had shown him a collection I started making around October 2006, two months after graduation. He advised, "A good cartoon must tell the whole story with as few writings as possible. It's even better if it makes a point without a caption. To be a good cartoonist, you must know how to marry skilful illustration with news analysis..." Also, if it hadn't been for Frank Obonyo, the first sports editor who informed me, I might not have known much about this opportunity to live a dream early on.

Brian "Windman" Semujju, the Managing Editor and John Mary Semakula, Campus Life Editor were also motivating old classmates. The former actually told me that "We should thank GOD for this pain because other people may wish to be in our place..." Now that's a lifeline. John was always a natural leader to me, I can follow him anywhere...

What is Happiness?

Define Happiness! Is it a Drug or Food, Popularity, Love, Money, Cars, Movies, Wealth and Long Life? All these Things symbolise it but what is Happiness really? Why do Rich and admired People commit Suicide, weren’t they happy according to worldly Standards? If they also kill themselves, then Happiness must be deeper than what we see on the Surface. Maybe true Happiness is what the Scriptures refer to as the Beatitudes (Matthew 5) or the Joy of the Lord and it is only Skin-deep. Walt Disney once said, ''Happiness is a State of Mind...'' That’s Real Talk by far; it’s like Happiness is simply how you think about whatever happens to you. To People watching you, being fired from your Job is Misery but to the Happy (Wo)Man, Retrenchment and Unemployment might simply translate as Freedom to find a better Job or be your own Boss, it’s an Escape from being someone else’s corporate Slave. It’s all about how you look at it. Missing a Free Ride is surviving an Accident, pay for Public Transport! Breakups give you another Chance for True Love in the right Arms. Spilling your Milk even though unwittingly might save you from a contaminated or poisoned Drink; do not cry, get up, go out and get more or drink Water! Failure might just be a Wake up Call that you have to work harder and pray ceaselessly to get exactly what you covet and desire; after all, most of what you need is already provided by GOD’s Grace: Oxygen, Safety, etc. Don’t forget to thank GOD every Moment! Misplacing a particular Item gives you Room to get something bigger or more long-lasting. My Mother named me “Ayikobua” in 1984 after losing her Father the preceding Year. She also had some Troubles, so the Name was fitting. It literally means “Happiness is in Heaven (the Sky) or the Grave, depending on where you look for it. There is basically no Happiness on Earth, however much you pursue it. This name haunts me like a Jinx but I’m glad my Father also told me to drop the Letter ‘Y’ giving the Name a whole new Meaning even though it may not seem that Way. I’m literally searching for the Salt I do not have which is the Reality anyway, I’m fine with that. It gives me Purpose in everything I do. I need not worry about Happiness; GOD is closer to me than the Blood in my Veins, HE’s greater than Happiness!

Why the Birds Sing to Me...

“Do you know why the birds sing to me? It’s because they are comforting me. It’s because they are telling me that I should never forget what love is or who I am.” When birds sing to me, they sound like Blu*3 (3 Black Ladies of Uganda - the only surviving group among the three East African countries ever since the Coca Cola Popstars 2003) in their song "Where U Are" featuring song maestros Mozey Radio and Weasel, Jose Chameleone's brother.

This mid March, the Community Musical Theatre Project for Northern Uganda presents a musical drama production. Set during wartime northern Uganda, 'Why the Birds Sing to Me' depicts the story of the children who were abducted and returned to their communities in northern Uganda during the 20 years of the LRA Guerilla War.

The drama features the story of a young girl who was abducted and a young boy who, in friendship, follows her deep into the world of the LRA. Their story weaves tragedy, love, hatred, betrayal, hope and redemption. The story brings broader messages, expressing the community’s great need for holistic reconstruction and reconciliation, for the prevention of violence against children, and the promotion of human rights. The story is for all Ugandans (and the world), to impart a sense of accomplishment while inspiring a wellspring of hope for the future. Let's Clap with Gulu!

Tickets are available at the National Theatre Box Office; For the opening day on Wednesday 18th March 2009 at 7.30 PM, they will cost 8,000 UgShs each (about 4 US Dollars) but 12,000 UgShs (about 6 US Dollars) on the other three nights up to Saturday 21st March 2009. For more information, contact Arfaan Ahmed (+256) 752624251, Flora Aduk (+256) 712874023 or Jeffrey W. Harrison (Project Coordinator/Musical Director/Composer) (+256) 774423274

These performances are proudly sponsored and supported by KADS - Kampala Amateur Dramatics Society, the Embassy of Ireland and the United Nations OHCHR. Traditional instrumentalist Joseph Odongkara from Gulu will join Jeffrey to round out this truly inspirational performance. Enjoy the performance.

More music by JWH can be heard here: http://web.mac.com/jeffreywharrison/iWeb/Site%202/Welcome.html

Jesus (had and) still has Swag

He had 12, 72 or more bodyguards, one of whom pulled out a knife and cut off an enemy's ear. He transformed a young boy's lunch into a luncheon for thousands. He walked on water, healed lepers, limpers, a woman with a 12-year blood problem plus blind men and calmed a storm with three words. He exorcised a Legion of demons that begged for mercy (He must be the Destroyer of Demons). At a wedding in Cana, he created the finest wine for the lucky couple, his first miracle in a Big Circle of Friends. Whom are we talking about? No one but Jesus, aka Isa, Yesu, Yeshua, Christus, etc. He's the Lord! Even Prophet Muhammad recited in the Quran that he is Al-Masih (the Messiah) and he'll be back soon. In the first Battle of the End in which Pagan Nations are destroyed (according to Revelation 19: 15), Jesus will return and strike with a sharp sword from his mouth. Man, neither the X-Men's Deadpool, Zorro, Samurai X, Paseus (in Clash Of The Titans), Leonidas (King of the 300 Spartan Warriors), Peter Pan, Van Helsing nor Weapon X en so on can compare. For real, Jesus Christ deserves more Honour than any Comic Book (Super) Hero! He's a Superstar! Won't He be more marvelous than Superman when He returns one day? This is electrifying Stuff! Lord, remember us when you return as the Rider on the White Horse...

Below are some of the life transforming teachings I managed to grasp during Andrew Wommack's Ministers' Conference at Serena Hotel Kampala's Victoria Hall on Saturday 18th July 2009. Before he came, his TV shows, books and internet articles had emphasized to me a truth I have been exploring for about a dozen years now, "Hypocrites (Religious Pharisees) can also be mistaken to be Saints." I actually wrote a short story entitled "The Wrong Train" exploring this topic inspired by my own new life and a storyline from a nightmare I had seen close to the end of the previous millenium while studying at St. Mary's College Kisubi (1997 to 2000). Believe me, Hypocrites rot in the Lowest Part of Hell; we preach one thing and then live another. Why? It's because we are still human. Our bodies still have sin in them, but the decay varies in different people depending on whether you listen more to GOD's Holy Spirit or the Devil's demons. Sometimes I feel our righteousness (even if not pretended) is like torn very ancient rags compared to GOD's exquisite and flawless designer fashion." Never put faith in your own works; only Jesus can save us. Galatians 2: 20 says, "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of GOD, who loved me and gave Himself for me."

Andrew taught, "Jesus is like the epitome of worth. His value is as great as the whole universe, so when GOD sends him to die for all of us, we should be proud that we are worth all of that. This joy and pride can even make a statue shout. (Talk of stones praising His name if we human beings don't). It's good to fear GOD but even better to love HIM. Love makes you live a holy life as if by accident. You become prone to holiness. When you accept Christ, your spirit becomes like His - You are righteous even though your mind and body are different. The flesh will repeatedly wrestle against the spirit but that's a No Contest as long as you never commit the one sin that will take people to hell which is rejecting John 16: 9 (Of sin, because they do not believe in Me;). Jesus bought salvation for our souls, so live free. Tithe in order to get more money to tithe. When you tithe, everything is provided to you supernaturally. (What you need to do is get rid of the worry that if you tithe even the last Shilling banknote you have, you will have nothing left! GOD provides in mysterious ways.) We are all on the same level, there is no need for cloaks and collars to differentiate the clergy from the laity. We are all ministers, equal at the foot of the cross. There is nothing like there are some who know GOD more. Before Christianity went to Mexico, they had a big temple built for a GOD who appeared in three different forms, the same happened in Vietnam. We are supposed to pray the LORD's Prayer, not recite it like religious fanatics do. Every culture has an in built sense of GOD and the conscience to differentiate between what is right and what is ungodly or (un-GODlike). The latter is punishable, so must always be avoided. I cannot commit adultery at the moment however much you tempt me because I love GOD and my Wife. Thieves do not have love for their victims, prostitutes do not love their clients nor themselves."

Before a two hour lunch break, Andrew thanked a number of people who helped in the operations in his ministry. One of them, Leland Shores who manages Andrew Wommack's Bookshop at Shop 39 Cham Towers (Former UCB Main Building) on Kampala Road revealed that after the previous evening's conference, while returning to his rest place, Andrew commented that among all the nations in the world he had been to, the people of Uganda understood his message fastest even though it took Andrew about two decades to figure out what he preached to Ugandans during his conference. I used to watch Andrew's TV show almost regularly ever since I learnt, close to the end of 2008, that it shows on LTV. Why did it take this long for me to notice? GOD forgive me!

Andrew preaches about exactly the same thing I have been trying to figure out ever since I accepted Jesus into my rotten heart (1997) and then had a demon of 'Pretended Holiness (Hypocrisy)' cast out of me (2000). I learnt a lot from Andrew during 2009 and even bought a book entitled "A Better Way to Pray". The conference was also very eye opening, the thoughts were clear and liberating. He confessed, "I am a plain preacher, I do not shout and show theatrics because I am promoting Jesus not myself. I have kept myself holy and avoided sin so that I can set other people free. Sin is not just breaking a commandment but also failing to do what you know is the right thing to do. Religion has made people compromise with so many Bible truths, but it does not mean we follow the rules to the nail and become robots (like the ones in Will Smith's film entitled 'iRobot').

In conclusion, Andrew Wommack said, "GOD has given us mercy through Jesus Christ but we should not take that as a license to continue sinning. You can even self destruct if the Devil implants his religious doctrines into your mind and goes on vacation. What you need to know is that the righteous things you do cannot save you, only Jesus can save you. So when you sin, GOD forbid, He is the Holy Grace to save you."

Andrew gave away some of his books and recommended that people read the one about "Self Centredness". Joyce Meyer actually ordered for 100 copies and gave to her ministry team. When you sow the word in people, it germinates eventually.

From Dust to Dust

Even if he is not smoked out from Garamba by the combined forces, Joseph Kony - the LRA (Lord's Resistance Army) rebel leader - will go down one day. He is not a cyborg to remain invincible. Every man must one day come face to face with the Angel of Death, Mephistopheles himself [In Buganda, don't they call him something like "Kwejumbira"?] Okay, that doesn't scare him but the ICC (International Criminal Court) wants his head and so do some Ugandans who suffered in the hands of his murderous tormentors. Forget that hullabaloo of reconciliation, if he keeps abducting and killing innocent civilians (in the name of fighting UPDF yet actually he is sacrificing blood to his demonic gods), then the only way for him and his cronies is to go down by the gun.

About four years ago, I saw a dream in which four planes flew from West Nile and bombed his base somewhere in a forest area. It might not happen soon but even Adam who lived for over 900 years went back to dust where he came from. After Noah's Flood, GOD would not allow humans to live for more than 120 years (even if some people have done so like Enoch, Elijah and the guy who pierced Jesus's side on the cross. I hear he is still alive. Even Noah who was 600 during the Flood season lived on to 950 years). All the soldiers, wives and concubines Kony has won't protect him from the dust. I would recommend that the rebel leader watches the movie "City of GOD" and its 2008 sequel (sort of since the director is the same) entitled "Elite Squad". You live by the gun, you die by the gun...but I know he might want to stop (as told by one of the rescued slave-wives). Can we end the war please before someone gets knocked out?

CHOGM hurt but also Organised Me…

CHOGM to me is a word in motion and it represents the way in which the Commonwealth Meeting Came, Hurt, Organized, Globalised and Marketed the City of Impalas. Personally, lack of access to the millions of publicity money did not mean that I didn’t experience what the hype was all about.

I could not shake the Queen’s hand (failed to reach my uncle’s wish for me) nor publish a brochure for the Commonwealth Delegates (because dealing with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was shifty) nor have one of my Artworks printed in a booklet for the Commonwealth Women’s Conference (I was informed too late) but in consolation painted a 5.5 by 7.5 metre backdrop of the “Kampala Skyline” as seen from Kololo Airstrip [Photo taken by myself even after a Policeman advised me to get a letter first but I didn’t] for KADS (Kampala Amateur Dramatics Society). They were going to use it for a Christmas pantomime about CHOGM beginning Wednesday 5th December 2007, about 10 days after CHOGM. I started working on it a few weeks before the historical event but two days before the meeting when I had gone to add more on the art piece at the Uganda National Cultural Centre, a Security Guard stopped me at the gate simply because I lacked the special CHOGM Identification Card. Can you imagine I got this assignment after the deadline for applying for IDs had passed but the watchman at the gate couldn’t allow me to enter even if an insider (employee) from National Theatre who had entered without a card could speak for me? Earlier I had tried to sneak in but was spotted and told to use the main gate. After this humiliation, I was so ANNOYED for being mistrusted and treated like a criminal in my own capital just because of a group of 54 earthlings who breathe the same air I breathe, eat the same food I eat (maybe just cooked differently plus priced highly) and can fall sick like I do that I switched off. I walked away furiously to board a taxi adjacent to the Social Securities Building on Jinja Road and went to Mukono in order to forget about uncool Kampala and the animalistic treatment I had just got. I could have designed those IDs myself and walked in like a sniper if I wanted but chose not to because I respect Her Royal Highness. Instead, going out of the city in anger was far better because I got a sharper and more expressive image of Kampala at the Mukono Media Bureau for the backdrop I was working on.

After CHOGM, it was back to painting and I did not want to hear anything about the queen from any security personnel since she had left. I do not hate Princess Diana’s Mother-in-Law; actually I treat myself as her loyal subordinate (even if I don’t pay ceremonious homage to her, afterall West Nile where my ancestors come from was originally Belgian Territory though I was born in British Territory) but I hate the way locals felt big and more equal unnecessarily. What security threat did a mere worker like me minding his own business pose to someone he honoured? If I believe that Hellen Mirren’s immaculate performance depicting Elizabeth in the movie “Queen” deserved its Oscar and my lovely mother is also called Elizabeth (I actually nicknamed her “Queen Mother”), then Aiko meets the equal. I had my own excuses to HATE on these Ugandans with a Passion…

(The Best of) Irene Manjeri Quotes

I spent the first Decade of my Life (January 1984 to May 1995) mainly in Jinja and got to hear about a lucky Lady from around there who went to Heaven while she was young. She visited my Primary School (Victoria Nile School) one day and ever since then, I have never lost Interest in what she has to tell simply because she has "met Jesus before" and been to a Place where every Human Being who has ever lived hopes to dwell eternally. Growing up as an Anglican, then Muslim (2002), I used to be very skeptical about People with such Stories and Powers. One day in 2009, I attended one of her Namirembe Road Services and got an Oil Blessing from her Hand. Having tithed only 2,000 UgX, I was telephoned exactly two Weeks later for Work worth over 1 Million. Below are some of her unforgettable Quotes I compiled from Impact FM, LTV and Pride Theatre Fellowships. Be blessed:

“Don’t glorify the Problems in your Life but GOD’s Power to remove them…”

“Slow-cooked Barbecue is what is sweet; GOD’s Delays are not Denials, so do not rush Things…”

“Be what GOD wants you to be…”

“People didn’t create me, so I jump off their Weighing Scales…”

“Why do you plead with Demons, rebuke the Demon of Poverty! Thank GOD that you were sick and got healed…”

“Your Problems have a Time Limit…”

“GOD, give us a Spirit of Wisdom…”

“Girls, you are worth more than the few Dollars in Kampala City. A Sugar Daddy may buy for you a Dress and you think it is Love yet he buys them for many other Women…”

“No matter which Hotel am in, I keep praying. I’m not a Business Person, I’m a Servant of GOD…”

“The Cure for Poverty is not only Praying but also Giving…”

“Your Misery is your Ministry…”

“A Cemetery is the Richest Place on Earth because of unfulfilled Dreams of People killed by Drunkenness. Those were the Obamas of tomorrow…”

“There is No Free Money in the Streets of Germany, London and US; you have to work for it. GOD wants to give it to you…”

“Do not mistake my Confidence for Arrogance; my Power is from above. GOD fights for me…”

“Your Mouth blocks your Progress…”

“Satan cannot close a Door he did not open…”

“Ba Yuda eat with you now but talk ill behind your back. Some Preachers are like that, their Bornagainness only stops at the Pulpit but they are very abusive and irritable elsewhere. Using Knowledge gained from a previous Life of Witchcraft, they instill Fear in the Minds of Rich Guys trying to force them to pay exorbitant Tithes…”

“Keep your Traitors next to you and give them Chapatti. Don’t shout with Ba Yuda! GOD raises you while HE puts them down. When a Woman used Perfume on Jesus, Judas suggested they should have sold it to give Money to Paupers. But he wanted it for himself…”

“A Snake is a Snake; kill the Words that take you behind! They come in the Form of Friends before they destroy your World, Home and Business feeding other People with Bad Thoughts about you. The Spirit of Hypocrisy is very demonic and has a Snake-like Heart. Even if you give them a Car, they won’t appreciate and will talk bad about you. Saul couldn’t recognize David’s Miracle of killing Goliath which he failed to do for many Years; he wanted to kill David. However much you love a Snake, it will someday bite you. The People you help will either appreciate or continue hating you: O GOD, let me love YOU with all my Heart..."

“Remain in the Presence of GOD; you are about to reap what you have never seen…”

“Those People who laugh at you because you sell Fish in Sudan will have No Jobs while you have yours…”

“Even the Acholi are beautiful; many Miss Ugandas have come from there…”

“Say: I will kill the Goliath of Poverty…”

“With the ‘Lutwe’ (Spirit of Rejection) on you, even the Person you win will despise you, like if you give 500 UgX to a ‘Maskini’ (Slim Person) on the Street, he will appreciate the one who gives him 200 UgX instead…”

“You might be barren in Money Matters but GOD will release you and make you produce very powerful Things. A Man’s Wisdom stops somewhere but GOD’s Things last forever…”

“Change your Opportunities into Blessings! Even the Pharisees and Sadducees fasted and prayed but their Hearts were far from GOD…”

“When you get Problems yet you are Jesus’ Friend, He will not leave you in them. You become a Friend of Jesus when you are born again. GOD will not make you rich in five Years, HE means today…”

“Today, your Debtors will pay you; the Devil will leave you…”

“People see us today flying outside the Country regularly but they do not know where we came from. We had to pray hard while People laughed at us but GOD showed up for us, now we drive different Cars. Even if someone bought a Car at 150 Million UGX and rents a House in Kololo worth many Dollars per Month, I still don’t see why I should fear them yet they could have built their own. Instead of living within their Means, they probably borrowed Bank Loans to show off…”

“I refuse to die before my Time but will live to declare the Works of GOD…”

“Bethel Healing Centre is being built slowly because we want the Concrete to dry. A big House is not built in one Day like a Muzigo. It’s not bad that I do not have a House nor drive a posh Car. Don’t speak too much, Spirit of ‘Kunyomoza’ (Scorn)! Never allow your Goliath to leave before you undress or uncover them. I have ‘Mitayimbwa’ (steel Rods) in me. I wear a ‘conc(rete)’ Blessing. I will not sit on the ‘Ntoli’ of Satan but do what GOD has told me to do…”

“GOD will not let you be broken; the ones who fight you will break. Satan will bring you ‘Bayaye’ (Conmen) who will say, ‘Pastor Manjeri, be careful, this Village is full of Witches!’ I’m also full of Power; the Might of GOD burns Witches…”

“GOD has ordered that you are moving out of Poverty. You need a Bigger Blessing, not about laughing for two Days and you are back to Sadness…”

“The Gospel that delivers you is a practical Course, not good Preaching…”

“Don’t mourn, celebrate with the good Friends…”

“A Ruth cannot easily be found among worldly Friends but the Church continues without them, i.e. good Singers, etc…”

“A Lady, who was about to commit Suicide just before I left to the US, had a Dream that I was going to unlock her Blessings through Prayer. When she awoke, the Cup which contained her Poison tipped over. She came for our Lunch-time Fellowship…”

“Don’t judge People without looking at their Background…”

“We went through Hell to get where we are, so no one can break us. I’m not easily broken. I’m going to concentrate on what GOD called me to do…”

“Women fear to look People in the Eye but I was called to preach by GOD’s Power. I was born in Poverty, the Back Seat but now I sit in Planes while those who were born in Kampala and studied at Makerere use taxis, the Front Seats of Taxis…”

“Some of you will never be called ‘Beautiful’ unless you call yourself the same…”

“The Anointing of Oil will heal your Illness. We are celebrating what GOD has done, not Problems and Reports of Negativity. I release the Oil that brings Dollars, Pounds and Euros…”

[Irene’s 43rd Birthday on Tuesday 28th May 2013:] “When Disaster follows your Testimony, GOD says, ‘Get ready for a bigger one!’ Saul’s murderous Enmity followed David’s Testimony of killing Goliath but later David replaced him as King…”

“(Acceptance Syndrome) If you work hard to be accepted by everyone, you might never accomplish Things in this World…”

“A very small Thing can save your Marriage; Men work with Women! The Grass is greener on the other Side until you find out the Problem there…”

“Don’t cry, GOD has already heard you even before you pray…”

“Staying in a beautiful City doesn’t mean you have Money. People want to go to America but if you do not work, you will have Problems. Americans have Tricks, they will give you a Car through Lending or Leasing but, Trading it in will be your Issue because of the mechanical Problems it will get…”

“Demons despise Bornagains who do not know how to pray but fear those who do…”

“There are People who earn 20,000 UgX a Month; you can see it in their Tithe. We are not here to collect Money and even if we do not look for it, GOD will bring it…”

“There is someone who came to me from another Church and wanted to serve, telling us the Reason why they left their so-called ‘Prophet’. In that other Church, the Pastor drives flashy Cars but there is No GOD in them. He sends his People to Rich Men to tell them to come with 50,000 UGX and so on…”

“Not all Pastors are in for the right Reasons. Some just want to do Business. If you look at their Past, you will notice a Record of unGODly Stuff. They may dress in Suits and Coats but the Things they say are only meant to scare People and force them to tithe. I do not need your Money so that I can buy fried Chicken. I have been eating that since the 1980s in America. When you tithe, I expect GOD to reward you back because you are sowing into HIS Kingdom…”

“Someone once told me that he fears me because I’m so faithful to my Husband (Mr. [Salongo] Vincent Katongole) yet the Wives of these Days cheat…”

“GOD brought me up. I’m always praying, while driving and everywhere. I do not have Time to yap and gossip. I’m beyond the Days of Crying. Only Thing that can make me cry is GOD’s Blessings, maybe when I get my own Plane…”

“I do not fear Anything because the Lion of Judah is within me…”

“The Time I see Boys and Girls who were laughed at getting married in respectable Ceremonies, I’m happy…”

“You pray at Prayer Mountain but have No Faith. Ignore People who speak inspired by Demons like some will say that you give in a lot so that the Pastor can see you…”

“Your Problem is the Opportunity for GOD to lift you up. Don’t abuse yourself…”

“Some of you are a Victim of what others say or think; is everything good on their Side? Why do you give them Credit they do not deserve? Worship GOD and think only of what HE does. GOD has more Power than your Problems. The Goliaths today are Nothing tomorrow. The Blessings of GOD are permanent, I refuse to fail. I’m blessed to remain blessed…”

Do the Dew, Busaana Modern-style!

Busaana Modern Academy is a Mixed Day Senior Secondary School in Bugerere (Central Uganda), the first Private School in its County Area. Located on Plot 13 Kireku Road, the Campus is about 500 Metres from Busaana Taxi Park. It is a USE (Universal Secondary Education) School licensed by Ministry of Education and Sports (Uganda). Post Letters to Box 18122 Kayunga, Uganda or Box 12674 Kampala, Uganda. With the Motto "Aim At Success!", BMA molds Students through only Ordinary Level (Senior 1 to 4) but with enough Arts and Science Skills to build their Future and move Mountains wherever they end up, whether in Advanced School, Employment or as Entrepreneurs. The Uniform is white Shirts/ Blouses and forest green Trousers/ Skirts. Support Busaana Modern and let its Sunlight of Education shine bright, it won't stop!

... An Indian in State House Entebbe?

“Blimey, Yes We Can…” could also become a slogan for Indian Ugandans. Now that Obama is the first Black American in the White House, I think it might just be the opening of a door for the Patels in the Pearl of Africa to dream about taking over State House. Who said an Indian should not become Ugandan President or join Parliament? One of the Speakers in Parliament's History was a South Asian, right? How about this Indian parliamentarian from the East of Ug and Katongole Singh? More are coming up.

Sometimes I wish Amin had not chased them away (despite the economic threat they posed), they would have had better chances probably. Every human must have equal rights, first were the women, then blacks and next foreigners in Africa will have their chance. I have no problem seeing Indians prosper in my home country Uganda. As long as I can enjoy their success without being patronized, I’m okay with that. The only thing I object to are their multiple gods, that’s all. Otherwise East Africans should also beware ‘coz if the EAC federation comes through, then ‘Why Not?’. Imagine an Indian ruling Obama’s ancestral region ...