The Hustle Perspective

Thursday, July 11, 2013

From Nairobi to Mwanza by road

(apologise for any typos ahead... Until next time )

I have two weeks leave and have no idea what to do with it ... How about a road trip to see my good friend in Mwanza, a town i know less about but had no idea of how i would get there!

I tried google search and different travel sites only to find archives dated 2010 with recomendations to buses that are out of service until on Sunday 7th /July/2013, i decided to walk to River road, Nairobi to ask around - for updated recommendations. I had heard alot about connecting from Kisumu but looking at the Map - it would mean spending a night somewhere and i also wanted to beat the No bus travelling night Curfew in Tanzania.

At Mash Coaches , they directed me to Transline Classic, located at Afia Centre , Tom Boya Street

My journey started at 8:00pm - Though they had told me earlier that the bus would leave at 7:00PM , we waited for an hour for us to hint the road - . I cant say much about whats on the road since i slept all the wat until we reached Tariime -

My ticket from Nairobi @800 Kes

We arrived at the border at 5:00am, waited for an hour for the darkness to clear . Here i met with a lady who i later got to know as Florence who was also heading to Mwanza - She recommended that i exchange my money from the border , i was hesitate abit but later only exchanged at the 18Tz RATE ...( Just later got to know i lost a few shs)

We got on a Bodaboda to pass thru a 2km Borderline stretch from the Kenyan side to the Tanzania Side and the Bus stop - This cost me 100 KEs and 5000 Tanzania shs . Reaching the Tanzania Imigration, i remembered i forgot my Yellow card back in Nairobi - I wondered what a waste of travel to reach at the border and later be sent back - thanks to Florence - Who also had no yellow card - She whispered to me to give her 5000 Tanzania shs - which i did and we were given our passes to proceed!

The Boda boda stopped at the First bus leaving which was the Batco Coach. Here at Tarime there are an option of travel means, from hiring a Taxi to a public Bus. The ticket is 10,000 Tz to Mwanza . I was advised by my Friends to take a Left seat in the bus, Through the Serengenti National Park you get to see a number of Wild Life and great senaries in Tanzania but one tideous thing is there are so many road blocks, at my time over 7 which will definately steal some of your time.

We got into the rocky Mwanza at 11:00am and i am happy to be in this place that am so looking forward to explore:)

My ticket @10,000 Tz shs

Below is My travel Map :)

View Larger Map

Sunday, June 2, 2013

Book Review: Tired of I.T

Pages: 231

Author: Dave Conroy

Today, using computer becomes trendier in developing countries; Tired of I.T is a book that gives attention to the effects of using or working with a computer. Unlike most of us who have been introduced to a computer in our early 20s, Dave Conroy, the Author shares his experience as a computer user since an early age, he highlights the revolution of computer and shows you the challenges that today’s parents should be prepared to face with the dot com era children .

What happens when a child spends more time with his or her computer than his friends or family? What are some of the effects of being a Computer addict? And how can your child find him or herself a fugitive of the law because he or she has been spending more time on a computer?

Tired of I.T explores Dave Conroy’s childhood, his teenage life to his adulthood. Growing up with his only companion “ the Computer” Benefiting from all its resources like getting global connections, Joining other computer networks from all over the world , and not missing being on the other side of the Law until he had a break down and finally left his good paying job, his family and friends in pursuit for Happiness. With no experience of cycling, he takes up a bike, says goodbye to all the things he knew.

He shares his journey through North America, the different cultural randomness of people, the security consciousness that has spread by Television, exposing the universal language : of track drivers, the in confusion of locals at giving directions and most of all the generosity of strangers.

Dave Conroy, shares a unique advantage to travelling around ones country and the world…: - getting a chance to prove your history teacher wrong because what is out there… is always different from what’s taught in class

Never have I read a book – of a different setting that I can relate with from the authors once love for computers to taking up a new sport though I haven’t yet left my work station , but Dave Conroy has taught me to tap into outdoor activities and be Happy …

Authors Bio: DaveConroy:

“In 2009 I quit my job working with computers, sold everything I owned, and bought a bicycle setting forth for a ’round the world journey. I found that the conventional way of living that involved swimming in debt, overworking, bad eating choices, and lack of sleep was going to eventually throw me over the deep end and I made a choice to break free from the mold and see what happened if I focused on getting from one point to another. I wrote the book Tired of I.T! – How I learned to stop worrying and love the bicycle over the course of 1.5 years while continuing to travel around the world. Throughout the way I’ve learned valuable life lessons, met interesting people and commenced to understand the balance that’s required in daily life, while sharing it with the reader”

For Dave Conroy, His journey has just started, Riding from North America, to Africa …Currently in Uganda , with no deadline to keep, he agrees that he started with a 3 year plan but has kept it to 10 years to bike around the world

You can get yourself a copy of Tired of I.T from his website at http://www.tiredofit.ca/book/

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Youth Participation in the Kenya Live Presidential Debate 2013

After Days of inquiring from the different Youth groups in Nairobi if they have an idea of who is representing Young people on the panel selected to ask questions and failing miserably… Who is representing the Youth Voice and how are they going to represent are the two question on the mind of the young people gathered at the GPNairobi .

11th Feb 2013 is a historical date for the First ever Presidential Debate to take place in Kenya forcusing on Economic and Social Policies.

Live on all Media broadcasting Houses, by 16 hours, a group of young people had gathered at the Global Platform Nairobi to watch via the 3HD LD flat screen hanging on the wall. Dressed in white branded Tshirts with hash tags like #GPNairobi #TechStewards and #KenyaDebate2013. They used these hash tags to engage with the online audience as they updated via Twitter, Facebook and Google+.

Everyone is eager to know what the presidential aspirants are prepared to commit themselves to doing for Young people in Kenya after they take over Office. From the looks in their faces, as they frown and gear in excitement, They are waiting to know who is promising workable solutions as opposed to an ideal world to inform their vote! Since January, the Presidential Debate had been publicized through all broadcasting media outlets Online and Offline in Kenya. Even Google has a special page for the Kenya Presidential Elections 2013. I for one thought this Monday would be a public holiday but I guess Kibaki was not convinced to pause a whole day in preparation for the Debate!

By 22:00 Hours, The Generic issues major asked were based on #Security, #Education, #Health but Youth were not given a special feature. I don’t know if this was intended by the Event Organisers or Young Peoples involvement in the Next Financial Year Kenyas Planning is still a dime light! “In the last presidential Election, Kibaki promised creating jobs and more jobs but why are there more numbers of youth unemployment today? Today, the presidential aspirants are also doing the same talk, We have the Youth Council In place which understands our problems, Why don’t they equip it to cater for practical solutions for Young Kenyans” Says Garang, a Youth Activist in Nairobi A lot of Youth Organisations in Kenya are members to the National Youth (NYC) – Kenya but the challenge is that politicians over shadow the role of the council with their Party interests thus leaving the NYC poorly funded and unable to do anything for the Youth!

So did the #KEDebate13 Answer the Youth Question?

In my opinion, No! Yes the discussion hieghlighted Issues of Security, Health, Education but they were all from a generic perspectives. None of the Presidential aspirants shared their concrete plan on what they will do to improve the status quo but could only share their optimist that once Kenyans trusted them , they would make a difference… Young people were not a forcus in point, Not at any point in the debate did any of the presidential aspirants connect Young people to the different “reforms” the word they kept on using without specifying which exact reforms they would bring forth!!!

So did the #KEDebate13 change people’s perception?

#ICCQuestion: This explored the issues whether Raila Odinga was the Snitch and How Uhuru is going to rule the Country via Skype!

#Raila Odinga – He was challenged with claims that he was de campaigning the establishment of a local tribunal instead of taking names to the ICC…He opposed this and said he tried his best to advocate that the suspected in KenyaPost election Violence be tried Home and yet other Parliamentarians Voted against it!

#Mythoughts- Raila is not a Snitch – He only followed procedure – “ Kofi Annan warned us about ICC but we didn’t listen, I had to do my duty as a leader and act “ Uhuru labored to explain that the ICC will be post ponding his hearing As soon as possible so that it doesn’t drag his duties- “ Kenyans know my personal challenges and if they vote me in office, I will work towards taking Kenya Forward” #Mythoughts- I guess Uhuru needs a second chance!

#Raila and Uhuru Friendship The two are best friends? Who would have believed? Both Uhuru and Raila are best friends according to their statements at this debate. They only defer in ideology – either claims

#Martha - “ None of the politicians will tell you the truth, Kenyans know the truth …and this shows you that if they cant be honest to you, they will lie you when elected to power”.

#Mythoughts:- She Showed that Women in Kenya need to be given a chance to take up the main seat and take Kenya to the right cause of action- But is Kenya ready for a Woman president is what drags her a little behind on the race to the statehouse!

<br> tag

#Peter Kenneth :- His Words Spark the Future! “I believe in Innocent until proven Guilty”

#Mythoughts:- He believes in reconciliation, he believes in moving forward once given power. He is admired by the Kenyan Middle class but he faces a challenge that these individuals don’t vote! He is likely to be let down by them!

#Dida #Mythoughts: He is definatley a no- nosense person, To him , Kenya is for Kenya and that’s all that matters. He relates a lot with the day to day life but what he says make people laugh- not because they believe him but because he is hilarious. If you have ever watched #DanforMayor, a Serie, You would know that He is a Joke Candidate

#Muite dared to solve the Migingo Insland land dispute with Uganda in a snap, He wonders why it has taken long to be resolved confirming that the Insland should nt be mistaken, its owned by Kenya!

From the Synovate recent polls on #KeDebate13: ICC Issue - Uhuru 25%, Raila 17%, Muite 14%, Karua 13%, Kenneth 7%#Decision2013

One thing clear in this debate is that All the Presidential Aspirants are encouraging a Peaceful Election come - March 2013. They all pledged to concrete defeat and if they are any irregularities, they would use the judicially to sort out their cases!

May the Best Man or Woman win this March 2013

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

The last Dance :Missing You

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

The First Xmass without Dad :( 2012

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"

Saturday, October 20, 2012

350Uganda Workshop 2012

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

350.org Uganda Activists

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

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Highlights from #AskthePM : Amama Mbabazi

Grace Atuhaire‏@graceseb

#AskthePM #NRM has invested heavily to invest in people - building capacity and take on the responsibility to better the state!

27 Oct Grace Atuhaire‏@graceseb

#AskthePM @AmamaMbabazi...Just joined us to answer your question! Keep them coming! #Uganda@50

27 Oct Angelo Izama‏@Opiaiya

@AmamaMbabazi here in stripped shirt, Ipad, Samsung Galaxy and Mont Blanc pen with yellow notebook #AskthePM about to start #Uganda

27 Oct Magelah Peter G.‏@pmagelah

Why has govt concetrated on fighting political heads leaving out accounting officers (PSs) in fight against corruption #AskThePM

27 Oct Thomas Ddumba‏@tomddumba

Ur Govt banned kimeeza in #uganda rn't we doing the same here..or it depends?Also do u do political surgeries in ur constituency? #AskThePM

27 Oct Talkative Rocker‏@beewol

Hope for a brighter future seems to be at an all time low in Uganda right now. What would you attribute this to? #AskThePM

27 Oct Wasswa Artha™‏@KingArtha

Why are schools teaching an 18th century education in the 21st century? Isn't that the reason half of the youth don't have jobs ? #AskThePM

27 Oct Angelo Izama‏@Opiaiya

@Ruthaine is about to tweet the PM in the other room. Sir when are we starting? @AmamaMbabazi #Uganda #AskThePM

27 Oct Grace Atuhaire‏@graceseb

#AskthePM #Uganda@50 How is the #NRM'S strategy with the challenges faced by the #Tenpoint program!

27 Oct Angelo Izama‏@Opiaiya

@therisingpage Yes we are here hanging out with some interesting folks #AskthePM

27 Oct Tusiime K Samson ‏@Samwyri

#AskThePM On a scale of 1-10, how viable is Vision 2040 given the grand theft in your government?

27 Oct sourced‏@sourced

when are we going to drop using GDPs and start quoting Human Development Indices(HDIs)? GDPs seem to gloss over issues #AskthePM #UgandaAt50

27 Oct Grace Atuhaire‏@graceseb

At #AskthePM ...#Uganda@50 #Nodding disease and Land desputes...where are the successes in #Health and #Land ministries

27 Oct Wasswa Artha™‏@KingArtha

Why has the Gov't turned the City Square into a A Police recreation centre ? #AskThePM

27 Oct Wasswa Artha™‏@KingArtha

Do u think its wise for children to study European history yet 99 % may never even get a chance to see the inside of a plane ? #AskThePM

27 Oct UGO Uganda‏@UgoUganda

We ready for this month #AskThePM and today we are about #UgandaAt50 @AmamaMbabazi @Ruthaine @tomddumba

27 Oct James S K Makumbi‏@jmakumbi

Renumeration in Uganda's civil service have become so bad relative to the economy that graft is the only way to survive. #AskThePM #UgAt50

27 Oct Thomas Ddumba‏@tomddumba

Heard u r going2do charity after politics.Which sane charity will accept u if you cdn't do charity2pple of #bududa & nodding dse #AskThePM

27 Oct Aine‏@Ruthaine

Prime Minister already at the venue for #AskThePM ! Tweeps don't be late!!

27 Oct Grace Atuhaire‏@graceseb

#AskthePM Are we still on?

Amama Mbabazis Tweets, Re-tweets and Replies

Khaddafina Karungi‏@Khaddafina

@AmamaMbabazi http://www.rte.ie/news/thisweek/

Retweeted by Amama Mbabazi

20h Borje Melin‏@BorjeMelin

#Uganda Prime Minister @AmamaMbabazi ranked as one of the most interactive twitter politician in the world. http://bit.ly/VUFXnn

Retweeted by Amama Mbabazi

28 Oct Amama Mbabazi‏@AmamaMbabazi

@Ahimbisilver Gvt. is reviewing NAADS and we will pronounce ourselves on that when th review is complete.

28 Oct Amama Mbabazi‏@AmamaMbabazi

@Magoba we have comprehensive provisions in the oil bills on that. Otherwise the current provisions apply.

View conversation Hide conversation

28 Oct Amama Mbabazi‏@AmamaMbabazi

@scriptisah The exercise of legislative powers is done by Parliament passing and the President assenting to bills. There is no other way.

28 Oct Borje Melin‏@BorjeMelin

RT @designersbooks4.7 billion books 32.9 billion magazines 46.7 billion newspapers. China is the largest publishing anything.

Retweeted by Amama Mbabazi