The tenth edition of the Tusker Malt Lager sponsored Blankets and Wine Kampala bore all the hallmarks of a great event right from the onset.

The lineup of artistes for the event; Solome, A-pass, Lilian and Sundowners, and the main act Zahara Bulelwa was a perfect blend of afro-soul and afro-pop with a jazzy feel.

The turn up at the Uganda Museum grounds was remarkable with revelers taking up their positions at the venue as early as midday.

The hitherto hot weather eased off as thick clouds gathered over the Kampala skies.

The entire Uganda Museum and its surroundings was a flurry of activity as revelers sought to gain access to the event grounds.

The show kicked off at 2pm with House of DJs entertaining revelers with various DJs taking to the turntables.

It was a relaxed atmosphere as revelers probably reserved their calories for later on in the day.

Solome Basuuta, widely known as Solome was next up and what a performance it was. The former Bank of Uganda employee knows how to hit those high notes. She actually managed to get revelers off their seating positions when she performed her ‘Nze Ani’ single. The single is a very soulful song that expresses the undying love that God has for us.

She later on teamed up with Kimera of the Gwe wange fame and from the look of things, these two are taking over the gospel scene.

At this point, the Tusker Malt VIP tent in particular was a hive of activity as free drinks and eats kept on flowing.

Alexander Bagonza, well-known by his stage name A-Pass then took over from a brief interlude of DJ mixes.

This new-kid on the block is a marvel. Backed by Janzi Band, A-Pass kicked off his performance with ‘Am Loving’.

This was the moment the crowd had been waiting for. Seats, bed sheets, blankets were all abandoned as revelers stretched their muscles literally.

A-Pass is a performer. The audience, some of whom had probably doubted his vocal prowess were proved wrong.

Before Lilian Mbabazi and the Sundowners took to the stage, organizers held a raffle draw to pick different winners with the grand prize being a weekend for two at the prestigious Chobe Safari Lodge.

When Lilian later on took the stage, the party was only getting started.

Midway through her performance, she invited the audience to move closer to her, and move they did.

Others actually took to the stage, exhibiting various dance moves. She took her fans through her musical journey, blending her old hits like ‘Danger’, ‘Where You are’ (with guitarist Myko Ouma joining her) and ‘Vitamin’.

Weasel also joined her on stage before A-Pass joined her for their latest club banger, ‘Memories.’ At this point of course everyone in the audience thought they could sing that song better. Revelers tried to scream out the words, but clearly not all of us are cut out for singing. It is only fair that we leave that to the masters of that art.

The crowning moment, or rather the reason the Uganda Museum grounds were filled to capacity arrived when Zahara Bulelwa Mkutukana took to the stage.

At this time, everyone was on their feet dancing to all the Zulu tunes. Zahara mid-way through her performance paid her respects to Brenda Fassie as she sang two of her songs. She then performed her other songs like Rise Again, Impilo, Indlela Yam, Bhekile and Phendula.

But of course everyone was anxiously awaiting her ‘Loliwe’ hit.

Loliwe was released in 2011 and the first issue sold out within 72 hours and 19 days later, the album reached double platinum status in South Africa by surpassing the 100,000 sales mark.

Zahara’s band and two backup singers/dancers were all in sync as the performance she put up can only be described as flawless.

Speaking prior to the event, Phoebe Nakabazzi, the Tusker Malt Lager Brand Manager said that the tenth edition was a special one adding that Tusker Malt would continue to raise the bar in terms of the quality of artistes who perform at the event.

“Our journey has been an exciting one and we are proud to have watched the property grow in leaps and bounds to become the most anticipated event in Uganda’s social calendar. We aim basically to enhance the Blankets and Wine experience whilst giving our consumers the chance to enjoy the best afro music,” she said.

In the past 10 editions, several artistes like Oliver Mtukudzi, Freshly Ground, Liquideep, Just a Band, among others have performed in Kampala.

To celebrate the milestone, there was free painting for all adults and children, free ceramics classes for all children as well as an art mediation strategy.

Five young girls were behind a series of deadly explosions in the north-eastern Nigerian city of Maiduguri on Thursday evening, security sources say.

Fourteen people, including the girls, died and 39 were injured in the attacks at a mosque and house of vigilante leader, the military said.

More than 100 people died in similar attacks in the city two weeks ago.

Maiduguri is where Boko Haram Islamist militants were first based when they began their insurgency six years ago.

Some 17,000 people are said to have been killed in that time and attacks by the group have intensified since Muhammadu Buhari became president in May, vowing to defeat the insurgents

The BBC’s Kaura Abdullahi in the capital, Abuja, says people were waiting for the last evening prayers when the suicide bombers struck the mosque.

Officials fear that the number of those who lost their lives is likely to rise, he says.

Witnesses and security sources said some of the girls were as young as nine.

Our correspondent says the attacks in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno state, come as the military says it is winning the war against Boko Haram.

The security forces have in recent months reclaimed territory captured by Boko Haram fighters and freed a number of people kidnapped by the militant group.

Source: BBC

The leader of Burkina Faso’s recent short-lived coup is now in police custody, sources in the West African country say.

Sources in Burkina Faso’s interim government said Thursday that General Gilbert Diendere, who staged a week-long coup last month, has been handed over to police officials in the main gendarmerie camp in the capital, Ouagadougou.

“General Diendere and his accomplices will answer for all the offences of which they are accused,” the government said in a statement, adding that officials in the Vatican embassy where Diendere had sought refuge after the coup have been provided with guarantees on his life.

Diendere and his followers in the presidential guard (RSP) declared a coup on September 17 one day after they arrested interim President Michel Kafando and Prime Minister Isaac Zida.

They claimed that the interim government had been trying to exclude members of the RSP, who are known to be loyal to ousted President Blaise Compaore, from running in the elections.

The votes were originally scheduled for October 11, but were later delayed due to violence triggered by the coup.

At least 11 people were killed and 271 were reported injured in protests that followed the coup by Diendere and his followers.

Source: http://www.presstv.com/

A series of explosions on the outskirts of the Nigerian capital Abuja have killed at least 18 people, officials say.

The first two struck Kuje township: one by a suicide bomber near a police station, the other a bomb at a market.

Another bomb exploded at a bus stop in Nyanya.

No group has said it carried out the attacks yet but suspicion has fallen on Boko Haram Islamists, who targeted Nyanya last year.

The militants, who are fighting to carve out an Islamist state, has mostly focused their campaign on the north-east.

More than 40 people were injured in the blasts on Friday night, which security officials described as co-ordinated.

Explosives experts have been combing the scene for bomb fragments.

Police have also stepped up stop-and-search activities in Abuja following the blasts, AFP reported.

Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari, who came to power vowing to eradicated Boko Haram, condemned the attack.

Image copyrightReuters

“My heart goes out to the families of the dead and injured in Abuja, and other parts of the country. Our will cannot be broken; evil will never triumph over good. We will be rid of this evil stalking our land,” he tweeted.

Some 17,000 people are said to have been killed since Boko Haram began its insurgency in 2009.

This year, security forces have managed to reclaim most of the territory captured by Boko Haram fighters and freed a number of people kidnapped but militant attacks have intensified.

Source: BBC

The Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians Steering Committee has applauded Rt. Hon. Rebecca  Kadaga, who is  Chairperson of the CWP International for the role she has played in ensuring women parliamentarians across the Commonwealth undertake activities which benefit not only grassroots women but also increase their number in leadership positions.

This comes after a strong appeal by Ms Kadaga, to the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association to increase funding for activities for regional strengthening which will ensure that increasing numbers of women in political leadership equates to improved policy, service delivery and development outcomes.

In a tele-conference meeting discussion between Ms Kadaga and women representatives of nine regions of the Commonwealth : Africa , Australia, Canada, Caribbean, Atlantic and the Americas, British Islands and the Mediterranean and the Pacific on the survey distributed to all the regions, women parliamentarians  highlighted that the  most significant obstacle for women participation in Parliament other than funding of women programmes, is lack of political party support and the nature of electoral systems.

In addition, Commonwealth women parliamentarians also unanimously agreed that there is an impending need to share and disseminate information and policy ideas on how women parliamentarians can achieve gender equality and contribute to development, democracy and peace; they agreed that they should also participate in exchanging ideas on how to improve effective parliamentary practice and ensure that all legislatures of the Commonwealth are gender sensitive because this will enable women to reconcile their personal responsibility.

The meeting recommended that political parties should focus on sensitization and research that would assist political parties recruit and support candidates.

The Speaker is currently attending Commonwealth Parliamentary Executive Committee and General Assembly meetings in London United Kingdom.

The EU has imposed an asset freeze and travel ban on three Burundi officials accused of ordering excessive force against peaceful protestors.

The officials – overseeing intelligence and security bodies – are close to President Pierre Nkurunziza.

The EU has also imposed sanctions on a former general who took part in a failed coup in May.

Burundi’s foreign minister has defended the use of force, saying the demonstrations were violent.

President Nkurunziza’s decision to pursue a third term in office triggered street protests and the coup attempt.

Opponents of the president say the decision was unconstitutional

Following the failed coup in May, the president went to win an election.

Unrest continued in the central African country, with more than 100 people reported to have been killed over the summer.

Image copyrightReuters

On Friday, the EU announced sanctions against:

• Godefroid Bizimana, the deputy head of the national police, accused of decisions that led to the “disproportionate use of force and acts of violent repression” towards peaceful demonstrations
• Gervais Ndirakobuca, a cabinet official responsible for police matters, accused of giving instructions that prompted violations of international human rights law
• Joseph Niyonzima, a senior intelligence official accused of arming and training a pro-government militia
• Leonard Ngendakumana, a former general who took part in the coup, accused of “obstructing the search for a political solution”

Belgium – Burundi’s former colonial power – has meanwhile said it will suspend aid for some development projects in the country because of the recent political instability.

SOURCE:BBC

Fifty two soldiers and rebels have been killed in recent fighting in South Sudan’s troubled state of Unity.

The fatalities came in recent clashes in South Sudan’s contested state of Unity, said a military official on Saturday, blaming the rebels in the country for breaching a peace agreement signed last month.

According to military spokesman Col. Philip Aguer, “The clashes, which started Monday and continued Friday, took place in Leer and Koch. The death toll of 52 was for fighting in Koch and not Leer, which government troops had to abandon under intense fire from the rebels.”

South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir and his rival, former Vice President Riek Machar, had clinched a peace deal in August.

Meanwhile, Kiir has issued an order for an increase in the number of regional states, a move which could threaten a power-sharing deal between the government and rebels signed in August.

The presidential decree, broadcast on state radio, increases to 28 the current number of states, which 10.

Presidential spokesman Ateny Wek Ateny said, “The government has ordered there to be 28 states.”

“This is about giving more power to the people through better service delivery.”

The presidential order must now be passed by the parliament before becoming a law.

The parliament, which is almost entirely in support of President Kiir, is expected to pass the order “within one month,” the spokesman said.

He also said the government in Juba remains committed to the peace deal with rebels.

South Sudanese soldiers are pictured in Pageri in Eastern Equatoria State, South Sudan, August 20, 2015. (AFP photo)

However, critics say the new plan to divide the violence-country into more states would render the agreed power-sharing formula redundant.

In reaction to the presidential order, rebel leader Riek Machar in a statement strongly denounced the decision, saying that unilateral move “is a clear violation of the peace agreement,” which is based on 10 states.

Machar signed the agreement on August 17 while the South Sudanese president signed the peace deal about ten days later, on August 26, also producing a list of reservations he said would have to be addressed in order for the agreement to be finalized.

Deal was to end civil war

The power-sharing deal aimed to end more than 21 months of civil war in the world’s youngest nation.

Under the agreement, all fighting must stop immediately, child soldiers and prisoners of war must be released, and foreign forces must leave the country within 45 days.

A transitional government of national unity will also be formed within the next three months, with Machar regaining his previous post as the first vice president.

South Sudan plunged into chaos in December 2013, when fighting erupted outside the capital, Juba, between troops loyal to Kiir and defectors led by Machar.

Al-Qaeda-linked al-Shabaab militants have captured two towns in central Somalia, taking advantage of the absence of either Somali or African Union forces in the area.

“Amara and Ba’adwayn are now under full control of al-Shabaab,” said a senior regional official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, the DPA reported.

Local militias had also fled the area, further facilitating the capture of the territories by the Takfiri group.

According to the report, there were no Somali soldiers or African Union troops in the two towns at the time of the militant raid.

Shabaab has been behind the violence and chaos in Somalia since 2006, targeting key government and security figures in the country.

The militants have been pushed out of Mogadishu and other major cities in the African country by government troops and the African Union Mission to Somalia, known as AMISOM. However, they have continued to wage attacks in Mogadishu and other cities.

On September 19, the militants killed 12 Somali soldiers in an attack carried out south of Mogadishu.

Two days later, a Shabaab bomber rammed his explosive-laden vehicle into the gate of the presidential compound in the capital, killing 11 people.

Somalia’s anti-militant agenda

On Friday, Somali Prime Minister Omar Sharmarke stressed the determination of his country to liberate all militant-held areas, saying al-Shabaab has been reduced to carrying out a major attack every two to three months.

The group “has lost a lot of ground” and “we are the only country that consistently has decreased this radicalization,” he noted.

“In the coming months, through this year, and beyond, we want to liberate all the remaining … areas which they occupy now,” the premier said, adding, “It is an achievable goal.”

He also said the government seeks to strengthen its military so it could take over the country’s security from the African-led mission in the next two to three years.

Source: Press TV

Burundi has demanded the replacement of Belgian ambassador to the African country, citing the loss of confidence by the Burundian government in the European diplomat.

“Through a verbal note, the government of Burundi asked its counterpart for the replacement of the Belgian ambassador to Burundi since it has no more confidence in him,” said Permanent Secretary in Burundi’s Ministry of External Relations and International Cooperation Salvator Ntacobamaze on Monday.

The official, however, did not provide further explanation on the decision.

A Belgian Foreign Ministry spokesman slammed Burundi’s move as “unfriendly,” saying Brussels has not yet decided on any course of action. He added, however, that his country intends to keep communication channels open with the Bujumbura government.

Brussels had on Friday summoned Burundi’s ambassador to the European country to clarify earlier reports on Bujumbura’s withdrawal of the accreditation of Belgian Ambassador to Burundi Marc Gedopt.

Ties between the two countries have deteriorated since Belgium announced earlier this month that it would halt some aid to Burundi in protest at a controversial move by President Pierre Nkurunziza to secure a third term.

Belgian aid for its former colony amounted to nearly 50 million euros (56 million dollars) in 2013.

Burundi plunged into turmoil back in April when Nkurunziza announced his bid to compete for a third presidential term, a move the country’s opposition said violated the constitution and a peace deal that brought the nation’s civil war to an end in 2005.

Despite deadly protests against his decision across the Central African country, Nkurunziza managed to win a third presidential term in a controversial July election.

Source: Press TV

Much like fingerprints, no two vaginas are exactly alike and guys are well aware of it. Unfortunately, we as women seem to be left in the dark when it comes to this. Other than, “she’s loose” or “too tight,” women have no idea what guys say about their womanhood.

The truth is that guys have just as much to say about vaginas as we have to say about their man parts. No need to fret. After speaking with a handful of twenty-something year old men and consulting with blogs of the male perspective, we’ve been able to derive the top vaginas seen and discussed among men.

Here are eight types of vaginas that men love to love:

1. The Bony Vagina

What It Says About You: Chances are if you’re on the petite or skinny end of the spectrum, you may have one of these. This type of vagina is more narrow and bonier than most. The exciting part about it is that it allows for a tighter fit that ensures a sensational sexual experience.

Male Review: The snug fit makes for great sex and stimulation. Although it often leads to great sex, it can be a little uncomfortable when a sensitive body part is conjoined with a bony one.

2. The Full Lip Vagina

What It Says About You: Simply put, you’ve got plumper lips than the rest. They are so pert that they practically scream for attention. And, they’re just so darn kissable.

Male Review: Luckily, guys agree. Fat lips are a crowd pleaser amongst the male population. Sources tell us that they are the softest of the bunch, very inviting and easier to find for penetration. Not to mention, it makes the men excited for some lip on lip action if you know what I mean.

3. The Shaved Vagina

What It Says About You: You are so into making sure everything is clean shaven, prim and proper, and the sexiest of the pack, but sometimes you run into a few mishaps.

Male Review: Guys definitely notice when a woman puts a great deal of work into keeping her vagina perfectly tamed. Ingrown hairs are not uncommon but fortunately, there are ways to avoid them. Getting onto a consistent waxing or shaving regimen can help, and an alcohol based toner like these Bliss Ingrown Eliminating Pads can help reduce shaving boo-boos.

4. The Expert Vagina

What It Says About You: You’re experienced and the vagina isn’t shy about it. You’ve got those wide alleys for easy parking. At least that’s what some men think. The truth is, the vagina expands as we get aroused.

Male Review: Guys like to pretend to like the easy entry, but in reality they are worried that their equipment isn’t big enough to please you. This may lead to major bruised egos. Letting them know how great they are can do wonders so don’t be afraid to stroke that ego a bit.

5. The Accessorized Vagina

What It Says About You: Your vagina loves to accessorize with lots of extra skin in the surrounding area.

Male Review: The common misconception is that this type of vagina seems like its old, run down, tired or just got off a major diet. Fortunately, men really don’t mind the extra skin so don’t be afraid to embrace it.

6. The 70s Vagina

What It Says About You:  You’ve got a thing for comfort and relaxation and your vagina shows it. Shaving down there really isn’t a priority to you.

Male Review: For the most part, guys don’t normally have an issue with an unshaven vagina so don’t feel obligated to start a new shaving regimen. Just keep in mind that finding pleasure island can get difficult while hiking through the jungle.

7. The Virginal Vagina

What It Says About You: Your body is as tight as it gets from those slender arms to that tight vagina. In fact, the walls may actually be closing in.

Male Review: If you own one of these, you’re in luck because guys give this one two thumbs up. The snug fit allows for heightened sensations and a major confidence boost. Guys never have to worry about whether or not they are big enough and the close fit definitely makes them think your vagina was made specifically for them.

8. The Peek-a-Boo Vagina

What It Says About You: You definitely know how to work the room, but you’re not exactly the life of the party. You’ve got that clitoris that is out just enough to give the perfect tease.

Male Review: A perky clit makes for the perfect plaything for the male species. Plus, they love the bigger orgasms girls seem to get with these. It makes them feel like they did their job just right.

You have to remember that vaginas come in all shapes and sizes. There is no such thing as the “perfect vagina.” A good man will love you despite the type of vagina you happen to have. Don’t forget to embrace your vagina regardless of what it looks like. After all, it makes you the beautiful and unique woman that you are.

From interviewing beautiful women for the Sex God Method and from talking with female friends informally, I know there are a few things which almost EVERY woman wishes men did more of in bed. Here are the top 10:

1. GIVING HER AN ORGASM BEFORE INTERCOURSE STARTS
This is far and away the biggest thing women wish men did more of in bed. Most men don’t do this – instead, they clumsily plow straight to intercourse as fast as possible. This means that “foreplay” usually consists of a few minutes of obligatory kissing, followed by a few minutes of obligatory breast stimulation, followed by a few minutes of obligatory cunnilingus until the ultimate goal of intercourse is reached. This isn’t what women want!

If you can give her an orgasm before you penetrate her, then it’s GUARANTEED to be good sex in her book, even if you don’t last as long as you’d like. And on top of this, giving her an orgasm will make her more responsive and MUCH more likely to have another orgasm during intercourse. Sex becomes better for you, and for her.

2. PAYING ATTENTION TO NON-OBVIOUS EROGENOUS ZONES
Most men only pay attention to the “obvious” spots on a woman’s body when trying to give her sexual pleasure, like the breasts, clitoris and g-spot. But women don’t want you to ONLY pay attention to these spots … they want you to pay attention to their WHOLE BODY.

This is because there are 16 other “hidden” erogenous zones on her body which can give her pleasure, and which can actually make her MORE sensitive to vaginal stimulation. Most men don’t know about these … but if you’re one of the rare men who does, then she’ll be screaming your name in pleasure.

3. LASTING LONGER IN BED
We’ve been told that “women don’t mind if you don’t last that long in bed, as long as you’re good with your fingers” and that it’s OK for a man to only last a few minutes in bed. This is a big steaming heap of BS.
Women HATE it when a man shoots off too soon because it prevents them from having orgasms. How would you feel if a woman got YOU close to an orgasm, then all of a sudden stopped, rolled over, and went to sleep?
You need to know how to last 30 minutes in bed AT THE MINIMUM. If you really want to drive women wild, then you should learn how to last over an hour in bed. And of course you can have a “quickie” once in a while, but most of the time women will need a minimum of 30 minutes of intercourse to have multiple orgasms.

4. TEASING HER UNTIL SHE BEGS FOR IT
From many conversations and interviews with women I know the typical man in bed does almost no teasing. He just plows forwards directly to his goal of intercourse with no finesse, just doing the minimum necessary to get to penetration.

What women want is for you to build up to a sexual action with teasing until she’s practically begging you for it. THEN give her the gratification. For example, with oral sex most men just dive right in. What would turn her on much more is if you kiss up her inner thighs, and breathe warmly on her vagina. Then, so lightly she can barely feel it, run your tongue over her clitoris.

Do this until she’s pleading with you to give her more and THEN give her the gratification. She’ll enjoy it about a hundred times more. This leads into the next things women want more of in bed, which is…

5. MORE ORAL SEX
I’m constantly amazed by how many men have told me that they don’t give women oral sex that often, or that they don’t do it at all. The justification which I’ve heard so many times is “it’s OK, I’m good with my fingers.”
This is like a girl telling you “I don’t give blowjobs … but it’s OK, I’m good with my hands.” It’s just not the same. If you know how to do it right, giving her oral sex is the fastest and easiest way to give her orgasms. Plus, once you make her finish through oral sex she’ll be MUCH more responsive during intercourse … and much more likely to go down on you. Give your girlfriend plenty of oral sex, and she will love you for it.

6. TURNING HER ON WITH YOUR WORDS
Most men are afraid to say ANYTHING or make any noise in bed because they’re afraid the woman will think they’re cheesy or weird. But if they were privy to these private female conversations, they would know the exact OPPOSITE is true. A woman gets weirded out by a guy who is completely silent in bed, because she doesn’t know whether or not he’s even enjoying it. It’s a turn-off. Think about it: would you be turned on more by a woman who lay there as silent and still as a corpse, or a woman who screaming your name in pleasure and telling you she loved your cock? You need to learn how to be vocal in bed, and how to turn a woman on through sexual talk.

7. USING MORE SEXUAL EYE CONTACT
Have you ever had an orgasm while looking into your partners eyes the entire time? It is one of the most intensely pleasurable experiences you can have. The sexual eye contact heightens the feelings of pleasure and connection beyond anything I can describe in words. And any woman who has experienced this before CRAVES more of it. Avoid the typical routine of turning off all the lights and just grunting and pounding away in the dark. Start to work some eye contact into your sexual encounters, and see how much it turns her on. Of course you have to learn how to do this in the RIGHT way … but once you do, she’ll love it.

8. PAYING ATTENTION TO HER AFTER SEX
After sex, she is completely open and vulnerable to you. Most guys squander this time though by ignoring her after sex, or by just going to sleep. Women don’t “come down” from sexual pleasure as quickly as men though, so she’s going to want you to hold her and be close to her while she does. Believe me, she’ll enjoy sex MUCH more of you just spend a few minutes doing this.
Plus, what most guys don’t know is that after sex is the best time to strengthen her sexual bond to you, so that she wants to have sex MORE in the future. If you’re doing the right things here, you’ll never have to beg and plead for sex because her sexual bond to you will be so strong she’ll be eager for sex whenever you want it.

9. GETTING HER TO PERFORM FOR YOU
Men are obsessed with “putting in a good performance” in bed. And to some extent this is not a bad thing … you do want to give her sexual pleasure and orgasms. But if you need to be “performing” for her ALL THE TIME, then this can be a big turn-off for her. She wants a guy who can also set up situations where she can perform for HIM.
For example, almost ALL women love giving blowjobs if the guy can get her thinking about them the right way. And if you can get her to “perform” for you like this – especially if she’s doing something she usually doesn’t do for other guys – it’ll be a huge sexual thrill to her. Think about the rush you get from giving her a huge orgasm … this is what she’ll experience if you know how bypass her inhibitions and get her to “perform” for you in bed.

10. LEARNING HOW TO GIVE HER ORGASMS
We, as men, typically find it hard to seek out coaching to become better in bed. Our egos get in the way, and we like to think that we know it all even if our sex lives could use a lot of improvement. From a woman’s perspective, this doesn’t make a whole lot of sense. After all, to learn ANY other less important skill, you would seek out information on how to do it. I mean, would you try to learn a sport or martial art by just figuring everything out yourself? Or would you read and watch some things to learn the basics, and get a COACH to help you?

Source: factsuniversity.com

Ugandan legislators at the Pan African Parliament have signed a Petition calling on African leaders to push for favourable terms at the upcoming 2015 Paris Climate Conference (COP21).

COP21 is scheduled for Paris, France at the end of November 2015. The Conference has as its main objective to achieve an international legally binding agreement on climate; aiming at keeping global warming below 2 degrees.

It will attract hundreds of delegates from governments, UN agencies, civil society and other bodies.

MPs Hon. Onyango Kakoba (NRM, Buikwe North), Hon. Sam Amooti Otada (Ind., Kibanda) and Hon. Hon. Elijah Okupa (FDC, Kasilo) signed the petition after the PAP plenary sitting on Friday, October 9th, 2015.

In the petition, which was also signed by other country representatives at PAP, legislators urged African leaders to commit to ambitious actions to reduce carbon emissions.

“We call on the governments of Africa and the world to stand with the people on the frontlines of the climate crisis, and in particular the vulnerable communities whose voices need to be heard,” reads part of the Petition drafted by the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA).

Hon. Sam Otada said agreements from the Climate Conference should be binding and have the force of law such that countries do not ignore them.

“The issue of climate change cannot be over emphasized. Our position must be clear and simple: he who pollutes must pay,” he said.

The Alliance said that winning the fight against climate change starts with protecting the people whose lives and livelihoods are most at risk.

They called on negotiators to the COP21 to come up with an agreement that delivers climate actions at a level adequate to stop climate change and keep global warming below 1.5 degrees.

The Alliance also called on African governments to commit new resources from national budgets for investment to help people adapt and build resilience for increased food security; prioritizing the needs of women food producers.

Robert Chimambo of PACJA said the signed petitions containing the views and positions of ordinary Africans will be forwarded to the African Union Chairperson, before the Conference starts.

The Pan African Parliament is meeting for the First Ordinary Session of the Fourth Parliament in Midrand, South Africa, Oct. 5 – 17, 2015.

Uganda’s other representatives to PAP are Hon. Jacquline Amongin (NRM, Ngora district) and Hon. Beatrice Barumba (NRM, Kiruhura district).

Source: Parliament News

Plans are underway to equip regional referral hospitals in Uganda with the capacity to manufacture oxygen to meet their medical needs.

Apart from Mulago Hospital, the regional referral hospitals, general hospitals, Health Centre IVs and other lower level health facilities face a challenge of having a constant supply of oxygen.

“It is only Mulago Hospital that has an oxygen manufacturing plant and tubing systems that can serve every bed. This is lacking in other regional referral hospitals,” Dr. Bitekyerezo, Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Health told officials of ReaniMed Healthcare Systems, in Istanbul, Turkey, on Thursday, 8th October 2015.

He explained that the Committee of Health is concerned about the cost and availability of medical oxygen in the country; and the purpose of the benchmarking trip to Turkey was to survey options of securing reliable and affordable sources of supply of oxygen for medical use in Uganda.

The Minister of State for Health, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, who is also with the delegation to Turkey, said that the Ministry, working with Parliament and other stakeholders, is trying to see how they can build the capacity of Uganda’s healthcare system so that it can function better.

“Medical gas systems, particularly oxygen, are extremely important in the efficient delivery of health services,” he noted, adding that “one of the weaknesses in Uganda’s systems is that health facilities are unable to provide oxygen and yet it is a resource that is needed in emergency cases. ”

He revealed that the Ministry has plans to invite the experts to install such technologies and improve the country’s health systems. He noted that lack of oxygen partly contributes to some deaths, which could have been otherwise prevented.

Dr. Bitekyerezo explained that the idea is to replicate the oxygen manufacturing systems they have seen in Turkey with the hope of meeting the demand for oxygen by patients in government and private hospitals. He observed that Turkey has the technology to manufacture and install oxygen-processing plants in every hospital at relatively cheaper costs.

The delegation, which is understudying the oxygen plants in Turkey, includes Hon. Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, the Minister of State for Health; Hon. Dr. Bitekyerezo Medard, Chair, Health Committee; Hon. Dr. Mutono Patrick and Hon. Aol

Source: Parliament News

The Parliament Committee of Health is exploring avenues of interesting the Government of Uganda to import hospital beds and related medical furniture from Turkey.

Presently, several hospitals in the country lack adequate beds while some have poor quality beds, which have broken down and in some hospitals, patients sleep on the floor.

To address this emergent health concern, a delegation of Members of Parliament of the Committee of Health are in Turkey from 4th – 9th October 2015 to benchmark and seek solutions to the problem.

The leader of the delegation to Turkey, who is also the Chair of the Committee, Hon. Dr. Bitekyerezo Medard, told officials of Duman Steel Products Inc., one of the plants the Committee visited in Istanbul, Turkey that he was dismayed to learn in the media that the government recently sent back poor quality beds that had been supplied from China to various hospitals in Uganda.

“As we speak, there are some hospitals where patients are sleeping on the floor. I am impressed with the quality of beds that I have seen,” adding that working as a team, “Parliament and the Ministry of Health will explore modalities of importing high quality beds and save Uganda from spending on equipment that is of poor quality.”

Hon. Dr. Mutono Patrick, one of the members of the delegation and a proprietor of a private health facility, observed that the quality of the beds is excellent but hopes the prices will be competitive.

On his part, the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, noted that the quality of the beds is not comparable to what Uganda has imported in the past.

“There is market for such good quality of beds in Uganda and the region and we are confidence that the visit to the plant will result in Uganda taking up the offer of importing hospital beds from Turkey,” he said.

According to Erhan Duman, the Marketing and Project Manager, Duman Steel Products, Inc., the company exports to over 20 countries in the Middle East, South Africa, France, Romania and Macedonia among others.

Duman hospital equipment factory has been operational since 1951. The plant manufactures hospital beds, stretchers, examination tables and chairs, instrument and dressing trolleys, wheel chairs, among other equipment. The company has a strong presence in the Turkish market and supplies its products to university hospitals, government and private hospitals. The company prides itself in producing high end products using German electrical motor systems, which meet European standards.

“We give two years warranty on our products and can also train your technical staff on how to maintain the equipment,” Mr Duman told the delegation.

The delegation to Turkey includes Hon. Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, the Minister of State for Health; Hon. Dr. Bitekyerezo Medard, Chair Health Committee and Member Mbarara Municipality; Hon. Dr. Mutono Patrick (Butebo County, Pallisa District) and Hon. Aol Betty Ocan (Member, Gulu District).

Source: Parliament News

Uganda has appointed Lt. General Ivan Koreta, the former deputy chief of staff as the head of its Ceasefire Transitional Security Arrangement Monitoring Mechanism (CTSAMM) team to neighbouring South Sudan.

Koreta’s appointment comes as Ugandan troops begin their phased withdrawal from war-ravaged South Sudan following a compromised peace deal signed by President Salva Kiir and armed opposition leader Riek Machar in August.

“Lt. Gen. Ivan Koreta has been appointed to the Ceasefire Transitional Security Arrangement Monitoring Mechanism,” James Mugume, Uganda foreign affairs permanent secretary told reporters in Kampala on Monday.

Koreta heads the Ugandan’s team to be supervised by the regional bloc (IGAD). Also on the team are Maj Gen. Joram Mugume, Col. Kagoro Asingura and Maj. Fred Byegarazo Asaba.

The CTSAMM, according to the foreign affairs official, the will work to ensure the demilitarisation of the South Sudanese capital, Juba by providing adequate security in the run up to establishment of the Transitional Government of National Unity (TGNU).

The IGAD peace proposal on security arrangement provides for at least 18 out of 30 months of the transitional period during which to complete integration of the two rival forces loyal to President Kiir and those allied to rebel leader, Machar.

The two principles will separately be commanders-in-chief of their respective armies, pending completion of the integration process. The two forces will begin to assemble 90 days after signing of a final peace agreement.

The South Sudanese capital is expected to be demilitarised and its security provided by international and regional forces. A radius of 25kms will be imposed for 30 months until the end of the transitional period. President Kiir will be allowed to have 260 soldiers as bodyguards while the armed opposition leader, Machar, will have 195 bodyguards.

Source: Sudan Tribune

The East African regional bloc, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), has issued a strong worded statement calling on President Salva Kiir to suspend his order creating 28 new states and follow the mechanisms provided in the peace agreement he signed with the armed opposition leader, Riek Machar, in August.

President Kiir on 2 October issued an order to create 28 states contrary to the peace deal which is based on the current 10 states in the country and deferred the proposal to be worked out under the Transitional Government of National Unity (TGoNU).

IGAD, in its first response on the matter said the order has violated the peace agreement, questioning the motive of the government despite the fact that it rejected such a proposal during the peace negotiations.

“In violation of the Agreement, the Government of the Republic of South Sudan issued Establishment Order 36/2015 on October 2, 2015 redrawing the State boundaries of the Republic that expanded the number of states from 10 to 28,” partly reads the 7-page statement extended to Sudan Tribune on Tuesday.

The statement said the move came as a surprise, recalling that the government had been refusing creation of more federal states in the negotiations, explaining it was the armed opposition faction of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM-IO) that had been championing creation of states in restructuring the State.

“The special envoys, and all those who participated in the mediation process recall, throughout the negotiations, it was rather the SPLM/A-IO that included the expansion of the states from 10 to 21 as a condition for the establishment of the TGONU and subsequently demanding for changing the nomenclature of the Transitional Government and all its institutions accordingly,” the statement recalled.

It said the government should wait until the time when the constitution making process will take place under the supervision of the would-be formed government of national unity.

South Sudanese opposition parties alliance, former detainees, civil society organizations and the international community at large condemned the unilateral decision by the government to create 28 states and called on the parties to tackle this in the constitution making process.

IGAD said its leaders were consulting with the understanding to call for a summit of the IGAD heads of state and government to consult on the unilateral decision of president Kiir’s order, adding the next course of action will be discussed.

The statement further called on the SPLM-IO to sign the minutes of the security arrangements at the workshop in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, saying the document was a process in the implementation of the security deal.

Source: Sudan Tribune

1. The way you’ve chosen to arrange your pubic hair. Pubic hair is to your vagina (or penis) the way a lawn is to a house: Most people aren’t going to be too bothered by it as long as it looks like someone lives there. It doesn’t have to be perfectly manicured. No one wants a spooky, boarded-up vagina that looks like a haunted house, but other than that, it’s all good.
2. The way your labia look. ​Some vaginas have big lips, small lips, lips that stick out, or lips you can barely see. Just like all of God’s creatures, they are all beautiful. You might see your vagina’s entrance as a tentacle-monster we’ll have to bat away with an oar like a salty fisherman. We just see it as a vagina.
3. How big (or small) it is. ​I’m sure, somewhere out there, extremely deep or extremely shallow vaginas exist. You’re probably not a world-record setter. Don’t sweat it. If it’s impeding your comfort or enjoyment of sex, you may want to see a doctor, but I can assure you that guys don’t care about this.

What color it is. ​​It’s a vagina. It’s whatever color it’s supposed to be.

4. Whatever it smells like. Let’s get real: your vagina ​definitely​ has a smell, and there is no Yankee Candle called “Excited Ladyparts” for a reason (that reason being that what kind of creepy person fills their apartment with vagina scent?!) But that doesn’t mean it smells ​bad​. Everyone’s vagina smells different, and honestly, that smell is usually a turn-on because it means (1) we’re close to your vagina and (2) you’re turned on. Some have stronger scents than others, but if you practice good hygiene and don’t live in a waist-deep bog like a swamp monster, you’re fine.
5. If your vagina gets crazy wet or you squirt during sex. This is actually pretty cool and we’d like to think it’s happening because of us. Never apologize for it. If anything, be like, “Wow, you make me so wet!” and watch our ego soar to new heights, like Icarus, except without the melting-wings-and-drowning-in-the-ocean part. The only ocean we want to drown in is an ocean of your — you know what? Never mind. Let’s just retire this metaphor.
6. If you keep a bottle of lube in your bedside table. Honestly, we might not even notice if you’re on the dry side, but if it’s uncomfortable for you, grab the lube. Yes, it might feel awkward to bring up, but it’s way less awkward than having to get in the car and drive to the hospital together because you have chaffage, and when we get to the doctor, he’s like, “You idiots. Didn’t you have lube?” And you’re like, “Yeah. I did. But I didn’t want to use it because I thought it’d be awkward.” And then the doctor is like, “As awkward as this conversation we’re having right now?” And you’re like, “Nah. I guess not.” Definitely not as awkward as that. In conclusion: Guys understand that lube is not just for old ladies, it’s for every lady.
7. How long it takes you to come. Unless this is a several-day ordeal and we need to request a week off of work to get your taco poppin’ (sorry, I heard that on Twitter) we can handle the 20 minutes and change to make sure you’re satisfied. Also, don’t think about how long it’s taking. Just relax. We’re into it.
8. The fact that you have a larger-than-average clitoris. Unless it’s bigger than our penis and it’s going to make us feel inadequate, don’t freak out (note: that’s pretty much impossible). If anything, a larger clit makes things way easier for us and way hotter for you.
9. If we need to pick up an extra passenger (your vibrator) on the train to Orgasmtown. Is it ideal for us? No, ideally we’d be a crazy sex god who can make any woman come just by looking at her. Should you miss out on an orgasm because we aren’t that? No. Just get in a position like doggy-style and grab your vibe and we’ll think, Hey, doggy style! and not worry about what else is going on.

Men: A change in thinking may improve your sex life. Get the details on seven common mistakes guys make with women, and learn how to avoid them.

Mistake 1: Sex Starts in the Bedroom

Men may turn on like a light, but for women, arousal doesn’t happen so fast, says sex therapist Ian Kerner, PhD.

Pave the way during the day by hugging, kissing, and holding hands. Have some fun together, and show you appreciate her.

Feeling safe and secure in the relationship is key for a woman to really let loose during sex, Kerner says. A long hug can go further than you’d think. “Hugging for 30 seconds stimulates oxytocin, the hormone in women that creates [a] sense of connection and trust.”

Mistake 2: Assume You Know What She Wants

“Just as many women are faking orgasm today as 20 or 30 years ago,” Kerner says. So, if she’s not enjoying herself, you might not know it.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions like “How does this feel?” or “Do you want something different?”

In other words, ask for directions.

Mistake 3: Stick to Your Plan

Don’t think that “if it worked the first three times, it will work the next three times,” says sex therapist Sari Cooper, LCSW.

What turns her on may depend on her mood, and where she is in her monthly cycle. “Perhaps her nipples are more sensitive or her genitals are less tingly,” Cooper adds.

Pay attention to your partner, says psychologist Lonnie Barbach, PhD. “Try different things and she how she responds.”

When you find something that works, linger on it. Women often complain that men move on to the next thing just as they really start to enjoy an activity.

Mistake 4: Keep It Strictly Physical

Expand your idea of foreplay. Some men “focus on physical stimulation and often ignore mental stimulation,” Kerner says.

While men get stirred up by what they see, “women fantasize a lot during sex as part of [the] process of arousal.” Join in — share a fantasy or a sexy memory.

Mistake 5: Expect Intercourse to Give Her an Orgasm

For 80% of women, intercourse alone won’t do the trick. Why not? Most sex positions don’t directly stimulate the clitoris.

There are other ways to pleasure her. “Women orgasm much more consistently from oral sex than from intercourse,” Kerner says. Also, try sex with the woman on top, or a vibrator made for couples to use during sex. “Men should feel comfortable, not threatened, with sex toys,” he says.

To help her hit the high note when you do have sex, take time to get her going before you make your entrance. “The closer women are when they start intercourse, the more likely they are to have an orgasm,” Barbach says.

Mistake 6: Skip the Seduction

Women like to be seduced. “Seduction is as important as, or sometimes more important than, technique,” Cooper says.

It helps to know what kind of turn-on your partner likes, whether it’s oral, visual, or mental, she says. “Does your partner like it when you talk dirty over the phone or text? Trace your finger slowly up her chest? Flirt with her at a bar?”

Also, if you like what you see, say so. “Let a woman know how desirable she is,” Barbach says.

Mistake 7: Focus on Ringing the Bell

Most women need clitoral stimulation to have an orgasm, but it’s more complex than you may think.

Some men “don’t understand the anatomy of the clitoris,” Cooper says. It’s more than the small “button” you can see. Its nerve endings spread throughout the vulva and inside the vagina. All are potential pleasure points worth exploring.

“You can go back and forth,” Cooper says. Paying too much attention to the glans, at the top of the vulva, can take away from pleasure for some women. It’s so sensitive, that too much stimulation can hurt.

A Burundi state TV cameraman and his family have been killed in the capital Bujumbura by police who say they were trying to free kidnapped colleagues.

The police said 10 people were killed in the incident, including cameraman Christophe Nkezabahizi, his wife and two children and one policeman.

Gunfire and grenade explosions were heard throughout the night.

Unrest began in April when President Pierre Nkurunziza announced he would seek a third term in power.

Burundi has been hit by a wave of unexplained killings in recent months, of both opposition activists and security officials.

In September, Burundi’s army chief of staff survived an assassination attempt. Earlier in the same week a spokesman for a party opposed to President Nkurunziza’s third term was shot dead in Bujumbura.

It is not clear who kidnapped the police officers in the latest incident.

Source: BBC

Six years after its launch, MTN Mobile Money has transitioned from just facilitating remittances of cash in and cash out payments to becoming an indispensable component of today’s society.

Launched in March 2009, the service was initially designed to enable customers to send and receive money domestically and buy airtime using their mobile phone.

But Mobile Money has continued to grow and evolve into a mainstream method of payment for goods and services, facilitating seamless banking transactions and tax payments; payment of utility bills, allowing parents to pay their children’s school fees and simply paying for food and for MTN products and services, as well as purchasing products online. The growth of MTN Mobile Money has been unparralled, with over 7.5m subscribers, 3.5m of which are active daily, the total number of registered users has overshadowed the overall number of bank account holders in Uganda over the years.

“The ease and convenience of Mobile Money can best be illustrated by how widely it has been accepted as the preferred method of payment for bills and utilities. Today, more than 70 percent of all utility bills are paid through the MTN Mobile Money platform,” said MTN Uganda’s General Manager for Financial Services, Phrase Lubega.

In terms of payment of utilities, MTN Mobile Money facilitates the payment of an average of Shs 5.8 billion monthly, which is 71.42 percent of the volume collected by all mobile money subscribers in the market. MTN also collects about sh2.1 billion water bills through mobile money, which is 74.55 percent of total volumes collected.

“The integration of financial services into the Mobile Money portfolio has seen the service not only drive financial inclusion, but has also boldly cemented MTN’s influence as the leading financial services provider in Uganda,” he added.

“We are proud to say that MTN has indisputably become Uganda’s leading financial service provider, enabling consumers to access alternative methods of transacting to suite their lifestyle,” he said.

“MTN Mobile Money now partners with 12 financial institutions facilitating deposits and withdrawals of funds seamlessly from their accounts. On average, over 20,000 MTN subscribers already use this service each month,” Mr. Lubega revealed.

Overall, 87 percent of all mobile money to/from bank transactions are facilitated by MTN Mobile Money.

In addition, over 35,000 subscribers majorly in rural Uganda access solar power by using MTN Mobile Money to pay. MTN is proud to partner with companies  such as ReadyPay and Mkopa, which are changing lives through enabling access to affordable electricity services

Mobile Money in the digital world

Mobile Money is backed by breakthrough technology that offers a complete end-to-end customer experience enabling real-time transactions and can seamlessly replace cash.

Today the MTN Mobile Money has completely become digital.  If you own a smart phone as a mobile money subscriber you can simply download the new MyMTN Mobile Money App to get a fully digital experience for all MTN Mobile money transactions.

“MTN Mobile Money is so much more than money on your phone. It’s a bold and transformative service that has seamlessly integrated the extensive financial services ecosystem of Uganda and made it accessible through your mobile phone, towards an easier and simpler way of life for all Ugandans. MTN Mobile Money is transforming lives every day and simply makes life easier for the over 7.5 million MTN Mobile Money users,” said MTN’s Chief Executive Officer, Brian Gouldie.