A poets Bridge

It was a two days intensive climate change workshop bringing together different practitioners in the Climate change advocacy network in Uganda, Rwanda, South Africa, Egypt and Malawi at the Uganda World life Education Centre, Entebbe Kampala from 18th and 19th October, 2012

The workshop facilitated by the 350African Team headed by Samantha Bailey the African Coordinator, focused on strategizing and planning climate action, Public narrative, Use of media, and building/strengthening the climate movement and Over 30 participants attended.

About the science of 350

350 parts per million is what many scientists, climate experts, and progressive national governments are now saying is the safe upper limit for CO2 in our atmosphere.

Accelerating arctic warming and other early climate impacts have led scientists to conclude that we are already above the safe zone at our current 390ppm, and that unless we are able to rapidly return to below 350 ppm this century, we risk reaching tipping points and irreversible impacts such as the melting of the Greenland ice sheet and major methane releases from increased permafrost melt.

About 350.org

350.org is building a global grassroots movement to solve the climate crisis. Our online campaigns, grassroots organizing, and mass public actions are led from the bottom up by thousands of volunteer organizers in over 188 countries.

350 means climate safety. To preserve our planet, scientists tell us we must reduce the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere from its current level of 392 parts per million to below 350 ppm. But 350 is more than a number—it's a symbol of where we need to head as a planet.

350.org works hard to organize in a new way—everywhere at once, using online tools to facilitate strategic offline action. We want to be a laboratory for the best ways to strengthen the climate movement and catalyze transformation around the world.

We operate at a large scale to take on the world's greatest challenge. In October of 2009 we coordinated 5200 simultaneous rallies and demonstrations in 181 countries, what CNN called the 'most widespread day of political action in the planet's history.' On 10/10/10, we organized the "Global Work Party" -- a day of climate solutions projects, from solar panel installations to community garden plantings--and changed communities from the bottom up with over 7000 events in 188 countries.

In 2011, we mobilized people power in every corner of the planet. In September, we organized "Moving Planet" -- a massive day of action to move beyond fossil fuels. We also helped lead the fight to stop the Keystone XL tar sands oil pipeline -- a relentless campaign that ended in improbably victory.

In 2012, with the help of millions of people, we'll create a wave of hard-hitting climate activism all over the world that can lead to real, lasting, large-scale change. We think we can turn the tide on the climate crisis--but only if we work together. If an international grassroots movement holds our leaders accountable to realities of science and principles of justice, we can realize the solutions that will ensure a better future for all.

With CANU pledges to follow up for the Next 350 Ugandan Meet up! If you too would like to be part of this group contact Yvette Ampaire at yvette.kana@gmail.com

If only i could determine a moment...that was when you sat me down and asked me what i wanted to be that ...that was the last time i would ever get to hear your voice...i would have asked you if what ever i was talking about made any sense for you have lived my paths

Today let me share alittle about my self

If only i knew that the last "half hug" was to be the last that i could ever receive from you, i would have wrapped my arms around you and hold you tight...though i could have held your stomach but i would have stretched my heart

Today let me share alittle about my self

If only the last hand wave to wish me a safe journey, a safe other life was the last goodbye you would say to me...i would have told you how much i love you, how much i miss reasoning with you before i make decisions, how much i love it for you always call me at the right time when i need to talk to someone...bail me out!  then i would have told you...

Today let me share alittle about my self

If only the last time i saw you standing there by the gate looking on as the car faded in your eyes, you faded frm my sight would be the last time to see in your eyes, those eyes that i inherited ...i wouldnt have gazed away when you called my name at heart!

You are in my Heart, My mind and i would love to emulate your actions if you let me and guide me to live this life you have left me in and with to the best it deserves

RIP Sebuyogera Francis, a Father, Husband and My Dad..."my Gunda"

Tired of talking about youth problems?

I think am soon signing in that group soon thatis if not yesterday! What does the government of Uganda say? “

We are doing something” “The youth fund” TheNAADS” “the Bonanagagawale’’ “the and the that!”

What does your member of parliament say?

“Policy for All skills for youth is being debated’“The education curriculum is under review”

“But when will this all be done” you and I ask? “So…so…you know the bureaucracy of government” they always reply

Today with no doubt, I have joined your group,the group of Uganda Youth that would like to see one or two or three thingsdone in our generation to pave way for the next generations to come or thosethat say patriotism not because of their political ties of who knows who orwhat but because it’s high time that politicians in our pearl of Africa get toknow their responsibilities and stop using religion, tribes and our cultures asmeans to divide us more than the colonialists.

“Why is it you MPs always lie to us when you arepassing by our homes that you are talking about our issues when you are insteadpartying in parliament? Anonymous youth from Bwaise asked the Panelists

Asiimwe, a Pan Africanist and one of thePanelists warned  by saying “ Youngpeople wherever they are need to be conscious of the leaders they elect intopower, even if it’s the position of Mayor of your cities, the problem to ourproblems is not because of institutions but the humans in these institutionsand change will not be brought about by making or creating more institutions butchanging the humans holding these positions and the behavior that some indulgeinto when they get into these institutions”

He further make reference to Kwame Nkurimah ,Black consciousness and the need for young people not to have the individualismtendency that has consumed majority of Ugandans today.

When Chris the moderator asked whether the PrivateSector has more power than the politicians in Uganda with reference to otherdeveloping countries, I turned around to see who would answer his question,would it be Hon Amondig, or Sekyikubo or this is something that can be revertedto the Speaker of Parliament Hon Kadaga at a later stage?

Yes we can do the talk, but who is walking thewalk? Today has been inspiring at the 2nd Annual Youth Festival atOld Kampala Secondary School Grounds and hope to see you tomorrow on 26th08 2012.

Come and network with all Youth organizations inUganda and share your ideas, suggestions and answers to what the youth inUganda are facing today!

I enter a room with four black chairs being a table with Blue wave water bottle with a glass on the table. The back ground cloth bares Uganda Media centre logo with a Ugandan flag to the left and the East African Flag to the right! An hour before, I was sipping my breakfast at the National Theater when I received a reminder sms that read

“A briefing by Hon Ronald Kibuule about youth day celebrations and issues about youth today at 8/08/2012 at 10:00 am at UMC”

“Ask about our money” my friend Irene said to me before I left to walk for the Uganda Media Centre offices along clement hill road.

Self Note (… much us “it’s our money” it’s a loan which has to be paid back ha!)

I knew it was a kind of press briefing I would want to attend because I haven’t yet had a nice encounter with the dear Hon. Ronald Kibuule since I got to hear of his name… for every attempt I have made to meet him has been to failure. He is always attending business in Kenya, at least that what the front desks always tell me. This always leaves me to meet the chubby, gentle, Mondo Kyateka, the Commissioner of Youth and Children who is always waiting for communication from his boss, the minister.

At 10:15, the Commissioner walked in from the front entrance of the press briefing and disappeared through the collider to Fred Opolots Office, the Director of UMC.

Self Note (i wonder if it’s a syndrome that these politicians never come to meetings on time. One day when they need us we will also not be there…maybe next time)

I wonder what the youth day represents to the minister looking at the over 70% young people are unemployed, which constitutes over 60% of Uganda’s population

At 10:19, Fred Opolot made the entrance with Hon Ronald and his commissioner, Mr. Mondo Kyateka. At 10:20, Hon. Ronald Kibuule thanked his friends the media… Self Note (I am now having second thoughts about the meaning of “friends” …and stated reading his press statement

“Today Sunday 12th August 2012, Uganda joins the rest of the world to mark the International Day”

Self Note (Today is 8:08:2012, a sunny Tuesday morning and its not the youth day yet! So I guess that is a typo which he doesn’t seem to notice and he reads on…

“This day is marked annually by member countries of the United Nations following the 1999 UN general assembly resolution that approved the 1998 recommendation by the ministers in charge of youth that 12th August should be celebrated annually as international youth day”

The Pan Africanist in me kept of boiling for all the quotes didn’t make any relevance to me, as an individual, Ugandan, Young person and Unemployed. Whereas youth have to celebrate, I think it more relevant to create our own days that are in line of African strategic planning…and remembering that this assembly didn’t take place in Africa. It got be inching my skin (don’t judge me

He added that

“Whereas the international theme for 2012 is “Building a Better World Partnering with you” the government of Uganda adopted the theme “Entrepreneurship skills: a cornerstone for youth employment creation” and I now do agree with this theme but I find it too ambitious for so far what Honorable and his ministry what they have proved to relate issues related in the government projects that target youths.

Self Note (The youth fund which was a venture capital for the young ideas and innovations was poorly managed from the start, where even the Minister had no information about a project he supposedly manages)

When my hand was picked for a question, I introduced myself as his fan. He smiled keenly! At least I had his attention.

“Honorable, you mentioned youth day as an international celebration, Looking at the level of unemployment rate in Uganda, the government projects targeting young people that are still crawling or in my opinion wanting to meet the numbers of affected persons, Is Uganda proud to celebrate or is this another government expenditure as young people’s needs remain unmet?

“A journey of a thousand Hills starts with one step” Said Hon. Ronald K.

Self Note (almost thought he was talking about Rwanda but hey...I have to concentrate, it’s an idiom. So are we starting off our step with celebrations?)

He responded with a narrative about a bodaboda man in his constituency Mukono district who sold his piece of land to buy a Moto Bike and also a group of young people who presented a proposal to the president’s office with their interest to travel to china to learn modern agricultural practice “Such young people, I don’t understand …and then they say I am the one blocking their opportunities” but I didn’t find his remarks relevant to the questioned I asked him

He then talked about how politicizing of all issues has been a challenge to the projects implemented, the strikes, Besigye’s walk to work among others which steals time from young people as even those who claim to ask about the youth fund have never entered a bank.

Self note (I have entered it Honorable and its now 2 months they say my form is being reviewed. And My be Walk to work in an alternative source of income Hon. How about that?)

To save the day, Mondo Kyateka clarified that the day is for not just celebrations but reviewing, redefining their strategy to answer young people’s issues and work out a best way forward. He also mentioned that the youth fund is not the only project that young people should look out for but there are other projects like NAADS (to which we all know corruption is not its only secret friend) among others that young people can participate in to have their means to ends…

Self Note (There is a lot for the Ministry of state for Youth and Children to prove that their projects are affecting any Ugandan Young person because what a coincident that none in my circles even my other journalists friends has heard of one who has successfully received a youth fund as well as any benefit from the different projects that have been implemented as a capital venture fund)

As those with small business to prove their securities to get some money, the graduates who have only a certificate to prove their worth are still not yet given a green light if they will be benefiting from the now remaining 16 billion shillings of the Youth Fund. Self Note (Though the minister says they are still discussion it, you and I know what this team means…by the time they agree…there will be no 16 billion to collect!)

I hope the youth of Mbale do make sense out of what the president will tell them about what his country is doing or planning for their well being!

You have all been invited to Kabale Municipal Stadium for the National Celebrations, which will be presided over by H.E President Yoweri K Museveni on 12th August 2012 starting at 8:00am

For God and My country

Its  tragic to what happened to my iconright  here at my nose strings. Ijust heard that Uganda is now being called " that thing"  and then i wonder, how many things cangive you hieghts here in my mother land?

Once thing for sure, every five people you meetin this capital, one person knows a weed dealer or consumer.

Us the social rites do know that our artistshave at most doen a good public relations of what heights one can have withweed, some say it boosts confidence... so they get all blazed for their fans, butme a fan, never really like what these guys do under influence while onstage... atleast you too have seen a moment...

from the time when Jam session at the only goodpublic theater was haulted because the crowd at the time not only smoked weedbut started to through microphones around each others as some fought.

The funny thing is that to Iryne, only coolpeople are the ones who take weed. at our first meeting, because i weardreadlocks, i was wearing a skirt at that time and she said that i dont look akind who wears  skirts. I smiled atit and blushed it off... Later in the day, she said she had some weed andwondered if i wanted to smoke with her.

We were seated by the camp fire on the shoresof lake victoria. when i asked where it was for me to try...! she said i hadnow registered in her cool list. This to me came as a suprise!  which cool list? i asked

"To every one who wears dreadlocks, its cool, to those who wearcasual *jeans and moccasines ... thats a cool list and those who smoke weed! thatsa better cool character" she replied

*i never got to finish this article. but this kind is what is featured in the column in the Life ,Magazine "Dimensions" or Women about town... dont judge me. its the society that i write about

The Agony of being human

Such a word forgiveness is so strong

Such a word forgiveness though right is so hard…to embrace

The lies of life flow into our heart’s vessel like a tea drop

There goes the…wicked smiles of malicious people dinning with our good people

The glasses tossing. Wines popping

Little do we know we are dinning with the one planning a coup de-tat

Ask Obote 1. His copse still grabbles to why he ever trusted Amin for general.

My mind just slid at the thunderstorm strikes

Depopulating owls that found refugee from the palm tree

All human lost. We hear that the rains have begun

Always carry your rain coats’’ the astrologists advise.

The blood streams through my medullar fast.

Popping my head gears in pain

Extracting my energy…denying my visual functions…replaying on my visual images of 2010.uganda.

To those times the sun was our witness; saw Teso complain of jiggers.

The politician lobbies for the area to be declared a national disaster.

We both know they don’t care…they want to use the opportunity

To get rich by the donor money for They fund in dollars

That’s when you hear of another Luwero triangle

Another Luwero massacre

In the moments when we remember the victims of Luwero triangle

The Government peace talks spark Green

Our children have been crippled

Our children have been murdered

Our children turned into solders

That’s when the law says make peace with the rebel

Death seems to be the ear beats of the LRA

Kony seems to revenge on his own people

Instead of fighting the war load… the law says you have got to make peace talks.

Peace….and talks….p…e…a…c…e with that who massacred a 1000women

With that who raped, battled and killed our young generation…

Such a word forgiveness is so strong

Such a word forgiveness though right is so hard…to embrace.

That can pass… time has passed…then we receive a death bill on sexuality

I go dumb.

The blood streams through my medulla fast.

Popping my head gears in pain

Extracting my energy…denying my visual functions…replaying on my visual images of 2010.Uganda.

 A baby has been born in Bududa

Glory washed away by the mad slides…politicians call them… people slides

Hats buried with their landlords. Now the tenants are relieved of a month’s pay

The politician says we should strike against the provisions by the government

So what will we use if we strike?

Red Cross supplying basics… fought by the locals

Two Local leaders imprisoned for embezzling relief property

So what were they doing with the government’s funds of pre-Bududa people slides?

My guess is a vice grows beyond taming as exposure enriches.

To some we wonder what happened to our weather man?

As the daylight seizes to being.

Sees our sisters parading on street corners awaiting for servicing brothers

The nights work brings on pregnant sisters…the marrieds demanding for a redLight district.

Their customers in parliament deny of their importance and so do the general public- if that doesn’t include me and you

Instead of tabling issues that we know have been a result of poverty.

Why don’t we empower the citizens to do away with the vices?

Let me not remind you of your role in society…to yourself…to the world

If I can be what they tell me to be for money then Africa needs to halt…and check its surrounding’s impacts before calling for more donors.

Such a word forgiveness is so strong

Such a word forgiveness though right is so hard…to embrace

Before dawn a sexuality question is tabled.

I keep my mouth shut!!!!!!!!!!

The blood streams through my medullar fast.

Popping my head gears in pain

Extracting my energy…denying my visual functions…replaying on my visual images of 2010.uganda.

The freedom of speech…the freedom of media.

Elections boycott…electro being slandered.

The opposition not learning from their mistakes

Still over looking at the law .the same law they say they will protect when voted in power.

I wonder what 2011 will bring.

Coz though we need a new face.

Will the new face bring anything new to my menu?

I have my knees bow down to the pulpit

Can’t seem to erase the wild hands panting my face

And one two three of them racing on me apart

My tears dropping down my cheek.

One for my sisters killed at the race

Another for my other sister murdered for not giving in to the race

The other for Peace….one love

Such a word forgiveness is so strong

Such a word forgiveness though right is so hard…to embrace

The blood streams through my medullar fast.

Popping my head gears in pain

Extracting my energy…denying my visual functions…replaying on my visual images of 2010.uganda.

Earlylife Radio is a new online platform i have created to bring together young people all over Africa and the World to share ideas through getting involved in citizen journalism.

Earlylife Radio has already started operating and is a nominee of the Young Achievers Awards 2011 which were presided over by the President of Rwanda and Uganda His Excellence. Robert Kagame and Yoweri K Museveni Respectively.

Soon, the platform is expanding to other continents... You too are welcome to join us by visitng www.earlyliferadio.com

more links to my Weekend Column in Monitor (Life Magazine) at http://mobile.monitor.co.ug/Life/-/1055104/1283526/-/format/xhtml/-/y7o43l/-/index.html

http://mobile.monitor.co.ug/Life/-/1055104/1301196/-/format/xhtml/-/jvi1hdz/-/index.html

http://www.monitor.co.ug/artsculture/Relationships/-/691230/1305848/-/dbplk8/-/index.html

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A heart Crash into a Crush.

All first times come in a flash

Its feels verge

Immature sometimes

Or even crazy to some

But my first time i knew it was just like

Any other attractions to the masculine

Or his affirmations in his speech.

And like all first times i hint it off my mind

‘Now i am thinking like a piece of cramp’ and it flashed

The night was a recap of the day

A knock at my door, his entry and my blushing face

His face lowering for his lips to touch mine.

Then the alarm clock. Its 7:30.

And i don't want to be late for another session

I guess second days are a bit confusing

With mixed thoughts of... was it happening ?

Would it happen? What if it happened?

Another flash of ‘ït's just an illussion’.

The day light passed with out a sight of the him

In the evening; he sat by the barbeque

His fork switching from his plate to his mouth

And as he sipped on his Club Beer.

He let his hands massage through his hair

‘did he notice me watching him?’

My eyes turned to the Nile beer in my hands

I sipped it to its last drop and knew it was time for my Me moments

Of tossing and turning in my bed

Of roaming up and about

Waiting on for something...eventually nothing.

And the logging dreams that saw me exhausted by day light

 To see his calm,polite and grateful face again

As if nothing was happening? At least not to me.

Day three...day four... and i knew this was a mind crush

And all the same...i had to flash it off with Gost ship

And all the horrors i watched before my dreams switched

From the holds and folds to the scolds and Blood.

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Inspired by the East African Youth Media workshop 2010 BY Open society Initiative for East Africa The rhythm of life is so theoretical even to the times people say we learn from it. Those that have lived many years than me will still tell you that you cant understand life’s ways.  This has made me to believe that life is an art not a science. You live it creatively even with different kinds of thesis, you will never solve the puzzle. You will die still wondering why things happen the way they do. My advice is; don’t try to know. Just blindly live your life. I have always educed my mind to thinking that I couldn’t sit fo

r more than an hour listening to a lecture. Don’t ask me how I did i it through my school times. Either way I managed unharmed.

Some times one doesn’t recognise the changes happening to one not until they give it a thought.

Half of my 10years in child hood I spent them thinking, less play and meditating with my imaginations. 10 more years spent living moments…having the enthusiasm of nature, its life and people. I always looked on meeting new people, making new friends…which meant I never cared about keeping the friends. It was never quality but quantity.

My first 20’s saw me meditating once more.

Evaluating on my life’s goals of my 20 years living and creating a force with in me to have an achievement by my 21st birthday.

I must recognise the inspirations I received from Hilda Twongyeirwe…who encouraged me to keep writing and contributing to Uganda women writers association of which I am a member. Through FEMRITE I met the Lantern meet of poets and Bavubuka Foundation.

For the first time, I had achieved something of worth to my legacy.

The new media simplified my networking with other international writer groups where I was able to make my publications with in their anthologies by the time I celebrated my 21 birthday.

Whenever I memorise the achievements that I have made with in one year,its like a dream come true. This has made me to believe that life is about that moment when you make an affirmative, stretched step

I must say every other more year traces from the lay back character in me and the loose free other me.

That’s gets me back to my Media moments: From the time during my primary four when the eclipse of the sun occurred. The science teacher told us that it was because a high ranking officer in the devils network was on trial. I turned to whisper to my friend what I had listened over the BBC about eclipse of the sun. I was spotted. Mr. Musa demanded to hear what I was to tell my friend; I earned myself kneeling in front of the class for the rest of his session.

 To the time I was in my senior two, the head teacher beat me for not reading “Think big” by Cason since it was a rule that it was a must read by every student. Little did I know that my reading culture had just begun, with the added punishment of dusting the computer lab… it added to my knowledge of computer with typing in Microsoft and playing games.

 This added to the many awards I got through my junior level with reading. My parents though teachers, they always had more time for other peoples kids compared to me and my brother. The only time I read was in front of the mid 30 year old woman who revised with me and my brother. The reading processes would be filled with fear for any mistake made would earn me 2minite handful squeeze to my ears. I must say though rough, it worked .Now, I don’t only read but write too.

My brother Aloysius has always been keen with new technology; he helped me open my first accounts on yahoo and my space on my 16th birthday. This was seconded with computer lessons he offered me every evening he got home by 21 hours. I miss the argument that would arise if I wanted to chat at the time he wanted to use his computer to the times when he got mad at me for being a slow learner in Microsoft excels.

I have always been a fan of jerry Springer show ever since I watched a Briton fail to spell a word “bitch” to beach. I too was a bit spectacle to have to seat with my dad and watch people make a fool out of them selves…which to Jerry its expressing ones emotions…and then I got hooked, reality TV is now part of my favorite sport apart from Tennis.

Gone is the time my first article was discarded by a news paper and to be published by another. This improved my confidence in writing. Three years later my first poem “Home” was published in a FEMRITE anthology farming ashes which followed a great deal of other publications locally and internationally.

I now look forward to having more knowledge in writing, debating and “how to make Video and Audio”

By 14 days I will proudly see these days as my other life’s media journey remembered.

(memories By 0SEA) some of my publications are in; 

Farming Ashes,

Talking Tales,

Tolking tales,

A Dream in the Clouds,

Common Ground Review;summer issue 2009,

The Butterfly Dance,

www.neteral.com

www.sonicelectic.com

skype me:monieg3

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