By Bakampa Brian Baryaguma
bakampasenior@gmail.com;
www.huntedthinker.blogspot.com
The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines the phrase, beacon of hope, as ‘something that holds the promise of hope.’ This phrase finds true meaning when used in reference to Mr. Bamwenda Tayebwa James, a candidate in the 2021 general elections, standing for the post of LC 5 Councilor (Male) representing Makerere University, at Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) local government. He was nominated by the Uganda Electoral Commission to stand for this post, on the ticket of Alliance for National Transformation political party. His ambitious manifesto, and commendable past record attest to his suitability for the job.
About Bamwenda Tayebwa James
Mr. Bamwenda is a patriotic
Ugandan, family man (married, with two children), social scientist and
researcher. He is a true product of Makerere University, which he joined in
2005 as a student, has since attained several academic qualifications from
there (including a bachelors and is currently pursuing a masters degree), and
now works in the University’s library department.
Aspirations
for Makerere University at City Hall
Mr. Bamwenda Tayebwa James has big aspirations and plans for
Makerere University and the greater Kampala metropolitan area, as a politician
sitting at City Hall, the headquarters of Kampala Capital City Authority. He is
aware that his cardinal roles as a Lord Councilor (this is how LC 5 Councilors
in Kampala are fondly called) are representation,
legislation, budgeting, oversight, and
lobbying. Mr. Bamwenda says that he intends to perform these
roles pragmatically, with focus, and dedication, in sync with the realities of
the Makerere community, in order to achieve his vision, for the well-being of
his people.
It is an understatement to say that Mr. Bamwenda Tayebwa
James
has a good manifesto – his is rich and impressive, thanks to his astounding academic
qualifications, sharp political acumen, and robust presence on ground with the electorate.
His plan of action revolves around three main policy objectives:
1.
Bolstering KCCA legal regime, policy
framework, and development agenda.
Mr. Bamwenda Tayebwa
James hopes to contribute to the formulation of by-laws / ordinances, and
shaping policy positions that aim at realizing the ideals and development
agenda of KCCA.
2.
Making Makerere University a model for
Kampala metropolitan area.
Mr. Bamwenda Tayebwa
James wants to turn Makerere University into a model for the rest of the Kampala
metropolitan area, by streamlining development of all infrastructures within the
University. He hopes to achieve this by:
(i) paving university roads, with the help
of engineering students and lecturers;
(ii) improving security in the university
premises by increasing personnel, providing street lighting, installing surveillance
cameras, and regulating public access to the University;
(iii) ensuring efficient and effective garbage
and sewage management in the University, and transferring the attendant costs to
KCCA that has better expertise in this area; and
(iv) improving health standards by ensuring
that the University Hospital is refurbished, well equipped, and adequately staffed,
to make it fully functional.
3.
Transforming Makerere University into
a bastion for capacity building.
Mr. Bamwenda Tayebwa
James wants to:
(i) establish a talent hub at Makerere University
to identify and harness students’ full potential in various disciplines like sports,
arts, communications, business, innovations, etc, which skills can be linked to
line industries, and developed into profitable businesses;
(ii) develop a cottage industry by establishing
a special project aimed at equipping children of members of support staff with hands-on skills like
tailoring, crafts making, farming, hair dressing, among others. He is very
passionate about this group;
(iii) lobby for jobs and internship placements
for students, in reputable organizations;
(iv) outsource soft loans for staff members,
at little or no interest rates; and
(v) promote an outreach program for
Makerereans to engage in community and self-help activities, to nurture
patriotism, national pride, and social responsibility.
Conclusion
Mr. Bamwenda Tayebwa
James is certainly a good candidate that is worthy to be elected for LC 5 Councilor (Male)
representing Makerere University, at Kampala Capital City Authority. I said earlier
that he has a commendable past record; and speaking for myself, I thank him for
his high sense of justice, without exhibiting personal or selfish interests. His
selflessness for the sake of universal fairness is well established.
I know this for sure because I worked with him (from beginning to end) on our impassioned cause for fighting against the cruelty, oppression, tyranny, and underperformance of the Law Development Centre (LDC), whereby that institution had excelled at deliberately failing students in examinations. Although Mr. Bamwenda is not a lawyer, he volunteered his time, money, and energy, towards championing this cause in and outside parliament. And thanks to his efforts and contribution, LDC is now a better place for lawyers. I would encourage all Makerereans to vote for him, especially members of the law fraternity. Bamwenda for Makerere!
