Wednesday, 1 February 2017

THIS COMMUNICATION IS MEANT TO CATCH YOUR EYE FOR POSITIVE ACTION



4th March 2017.

Dear Sir/Madam,

RE: DISSECTING MYSELF FOR YOUR ATTENTION

I am inspired to reach out to your organization to help bail me out in my circumstances.  My Name is William Kituuka Kiwanuka.  If your organization can fix me somewhere, given my capabilities as illustrated by my works on the listed links, I promise to make such positive contribution that you will really appreciate my services. 

I have a lot of works that I have been involved with but have no stable income.  Once in a while some people approach me for tasks and after they are completed I remain redundant. I for example have published about my former secondary school:  St. Mary’s College Kisubi, and I have works due for printing if only I can get support to print them; I also started a Community Based Organization by the name of Good Governance Practice based in Wakiso district.  I wrote a number of project proposals until I resigned with none funded.  I then decided to make a trial to stand for President of Uganda with the hope that once supported financially; at least I would help improve lives of Ugandans even if I did not make it as a successful candidate.  I used the Internet facility where I clearly indicated what I wanted to do for the people of Uganda, during that time before the 2011, I reached my bankers then: Cairo International Bank and they did not give me any information of funds collected on my behalf, so I did not contest.  Up to now, I believe that the funds were just stolen but I have no case to make as not less than 4 emails I used that time ended up closed in unclear circumstances.  I tried the second time in 2014 to fundraise for President of Uganda, this time I used Barclays Bank. Up to now, there is no shilling I have realized from my effort which I did for not less than 12 months. My biggest problem in both cases is that I did not have an external account where the Uganda state machinery could not have influence, to – date I am yet to get one.
I have made some serious applications for jobs, unfortunately, I have not been considered.  A case in point is when I labored to apply for the position of Executive Director TASO and wanted to implement innovations as listed below:


I have also come up with an idea under Uganda Agenda 2021 that can help Uganda’s politics.  My innovation is found on the link below:


After all that failed, I realized that there were a number of companies represented on Facebook that wish to do business in Uganda. Currently, I am trying an innovation of: A One Stop Shopping Center in Kampala – Uganda”. If there can be funding for the undertaking, those companies would have their products at that center and be able to sale their goods and some with time promise to start making the products in Uganda once the market is realized.

In the meantime, I have put down my work on blogs where you can click and have a look at what I have done.  

BELOW ARE MY WORKS ILLUSTRATED:
1.    Kituuka Kiwanuka William’s Biography

Ideas I had for Presidency of Uganda in 2010 are on the link below:

2.    The Blog I used to market myself as a prospect Presidential candidate for 2016

  
3.    Publications by Kiwanuka Kituuka William

4.    Kiwanuka Kituuka William’s Blogs

5.    NAMUTAMBA MUST DEVELOP (NAMUDE)

6.    SOME PROJECT PROPOSALS WRITTEN BY WILLIAM KITUUKA KIWANUKA

7.    CHOGM WORKS BY KITUUKA

8.    THE ONE STOP SHOPPING CENTER INNOVATION

Thank you.

Yours faithfully

William Kituuka Kiwanuka
WILLIAM KITUUKA KIWANUKA.



CURRICULUM VITAE

Name:                                                William Kituuka Kiwanuka
Sex:                                                   Male
Age:                                                   57 years
Date of birth:                                     12th October 1959
District of birth:                                 Wakiso
Postal Address:                                   P.O. Box 2678, Kampala, UGANDA
Tel:                                                    +256776981628
Nationality:                                        Ugandan
No. of Children:                                  Four (4)

EDUCATION BACKGROUND


SCHOOL                                 YEARS                       ACHIEVEMENT                                                                                                       

St Mary's College, Kisubi               1974 - 1977                            E.A.C.E

St Mary's College, Kisubi               1978 - 1979                           E.A.A.C.E
Makerere University                     1980/81 - 1982/83               B.A (Hons) Economics/Rural Economy



STATEMENT ABOUT MYSELF                        


I am hard working, well organized and I communicate well. I am an enthusiastic team member and co-operative.

WORKING EXPERIENCE

SUMMARY:

1)    Work solicited by own undertakings …………………………..……………. ….……………2001 to date.

2)    Journalist and Publisher ………………………………………….………….………..………………1992 – 2001.

3)    Proprietor Kajjansi College………………………………….………. February 1988 – December 1991.

4)    Uganda Commercial Bank (Stanbic) ……………….………………...August 1984 – February 1988.


5)    Namutamba S.S.S …………………………………………….…………...………..January 1984 – July 1984.

1)  WORK SOLICITED BY OWN UNDERTAKINGS: 2001 TO - DATE.

I have for 16 years got employed in one of the three capacities: as an individual, a Community Based Organization (Good Governance Practice) and or a Sole Proprietorship (Ultra Simplex Enterprises).               Below are some salient tasks I have been involved with over time.

Date
Tasks
Accomplishments
March 2016 – to date.
Ø  Currently, I am working on an innovation of: A One Stop Shopping Center in Kampala.  This follows my discovery of a number of companies mostly in India and China that want their products to feature in Uganda market.
Ø  I am contacted by individuals and organizations in need of having project proposals written for funding.  I also write documents for various purposes to clients who approach me.
Ø  I have been able to communicate with them and some have given me sample images of products they want to present to Uganda market.  I am working on the identification of funding for the undertaking.




Ø  I am able to offer professional advice to clients after agreeing on the right way to handle proposals for funding given the basic skills I have acquired over time in the field.

October 12, 2014 to March 2016
I wanted to contest for President of Uganda. I started ground work marketing myself using my blogs to fundraise.  Unfortunately, due to reasons that I believe are political, no funds were credited to my account so I did not contest.
I came up with the blogs addresses below for marketing myself:




2008 to October 2014
I was involved with Good Governance Practice (GOGOP) a Community Based Organization in Wakiso.
I wrote a number of project proposals which included:
1.      Good Governance School Clubs (GOGOC) which the Government of Uganda has taken over and is to implement it as Patriotism School Clubs.
2.      Induction of Local Government Councils; meant to impart skills to newly elected councilors.
3.      Training Entrepreneurs for poverty Alleviation
4.      Demystifying Human Rights
5.      Demystifying Computer Skills
6.      Africa Good Governance Training
7.      Kajjansi Communication & Secretarial Centre
8.      Care Hands Outreach Program for people living with HIV/AIDS and the vulnerable.
2008
I responded to Development Marketplace 2008 of the World Bank with a proposal in the name: Enhancing Productivity and Market for Small Farmers in Ssisa Sub-County.”

I was qualified for the 2nd round, unfortunately, in a surprise move of things someone in World Bank put me off those who were to submit final proposals.
2007
I worked on Electronic Marketing ahead of the Commonwealth Head of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Uganda in November 2007.  I was able to publicize Uganda through the use of Computer Power Point slides and made publications which have greatly been circulated locally and internationally via       E-mail.

A Pictorial Presentation of CHOGM 2007 Re-discovers Uganda, Part (one and two) which expose the various potentialities of Uganda which can be the basis for development and a potential for exploitation.
CHOGM 2007 Re-discovers Uganda Calendar (Electronic).


Late 2005 to mid 2006.
I was involved in preparations for St. Mary’s College Kisubi Centenary Celebrations from September 2005 up to the celebration time (2006). 
Roles performed:
1)     I gathered information for the School website.
2)     I solely worked on the SMACK Centenary Magazine as Editor.  I came up with the strategy for it, identified people to interview, went to Archives in Rubaga for information, typed the work and edited it, wrote to prospect advertisers, and handed work to typesetter.
3)     I mobilized Old Boys for the SMACK Centenary Celebrations and kept them informed of developments via email.
4)     I collected information for the Old Boy’s website.
5)     I worked on the documentation and eventual registration of SMACKOBA WELFARE COMMUNITY (SMAWELCOM) a company limited by guarantee.
6)     I developed a 174 page CD on the History of             St. Mary’s College Kisubi (1906 – 2006).
2005
Worked on the write-up of  Namulanda Technical Institute project proposal after collecting information from the Ministry of Education Resource Centre as well as interviewing some people.

Namulanda Technical Institute is meant to address the existing problems in technical training in Uganda.  I worked on the project proposal document up to implementation.  Admission is for S4 & S6 leavers in Motor Vehicle; Plumbing in Tropics; Electric Installation; Carpentry & Joinery and Bricklaying.  It is located at Kabulamuliro 12 miles Entebbe Road. 

2005
I wrote Kajjansi Multi-purpose Tele Centre (KAMUTE) a US $ 100,000 Proposal.

This is a proposal meant to be used by 15 schools in Kajjansi Trading Centre hinterland so that the students/pupils doing their classes (P.7; S.4 & S.6) get 2-hour computer classes per week at the center at a minimal cost of Shs 2,000 per term.  The outputs of the project being that by the time the trainees leave school they are computer literate and can use the computer skills to get employment or get information on innovations through the Internet which may help them in developing innovative ideas for own use in job creation.  The facility is also meant to bring computer services to the community including the Internet, and also avail badly needed Secretarial Services by the schools in the area.
2005
I wrote a project proposal of a Documentation of Uganda’s Medicinal Plants and what they treat.   
This is a US $ 25,348 project proposal well written but has never been funded.
Oct. to Dec. 2004
I was involved in writing a Proposal to restructure Bweya Children’s Home.
        I.            I wrote a Nutritional Project for Bweya Children’s Home to be able to utilize available land at the Home for growing own food as food is a big problem.
      II.            I wrote a project proposal in the name of: Designing, Launching and Publishing a website for Bweya Children’s Home.  This was targeted at getting the children’s circumstances known and hence an appeal for assistance given the circumstances.  This is a US $ 4,216.8 project.
    III.            I drew up a 5-Year Strategic Plan for Bweya Children’s Home 2005 – 2009.
  IV.            I drew Financial Management Guidelines for Bweya Children’s Home.
    V.            I wrote a proposal for staff salaries for Bweya Children’s Home for 2005. 
  VI.            I came up with a “Children’s Motivation Project”.  This was meant to offer small financial rewards to children as incentives for better performance as is normally the case in a home setting.  It is also intended to demystify money so that the children get used to it.  It also targets that children should be able to buy a few items to introduce a spirit of savings among the children. 
VII.            I wrote “Bweya Children’s Home Community Outreach Project”.  This was meant to use Bweya and other resources to reach out to the community in Namirembe Diocese on 4 thematic areas using video interaction.
VIII.            I designed various vouchers for the day to day use at the Home for accountability. 
   IX.            I worked on the Home’s Organization Chart.
     X.            I wrote a proposal for a Clinic to see to better health of the children.  This is a US $ 5,113 project.
   XI.            I worked on a one years’ budget for the Children’s Home.
2004
I offered consultancy services to Mothers Union Namirembe Diocese after I was called upon by the then Chairperson of Mothers’ Union Namirembe Diocese (Mrs. Margeret Kitanda).
Among other things:
1.      I helped to work on their application to DFIDU CSUP for promotion of the Rights of Women within Namirembe Diocese area of jurisdiction.  (Unfortunately, some required documents were not attached at submission hence contributing to its failure).
2.      I wrote a project proposal: “Mitigating the Vulnerability to HIV/AIDS of Christian Women in Namirembe Diocese through the teaching of skills via a video media”.
3.      I worked on a Brochure for Mothers’ Union Namirembe Diocese.
2004
I was part of the Organising Committee Secretariat for American Delegation to Uganda; February 22nd to March 1st 2004 which saw members of the Africa – USA International Chamber of Commerce come to Uganda for the East Africa – America Economic Partnership Trade Mission.  The theme of the visit was: “Creating a Sustainable Future for East Africa in the 21st Century”.

Among duties performed:
         i.            Making correspondences to Government Ministries and business establishments/businessmen.
       ii.            Reaching out to various service providers who were to render services during the visit of the delegation.
      iii.            I was involved in organizing the Local Investors’ Workshop which was meant to empower the business community with skills in negotiating business partnerships.
    iv.            I was involved in the marching of businesses with the members of the visiting American delegation given the interests of the visitors and the areas of operation of the business community.
      v.            I was party to the organization of a mini – exhibition at International Conference Centre and the Conference which took place on 25th February 2004.
2002 - 2004
I was involved in giving Guidance Sessions in secondary schools as well as selling Guidance Literature.

I lecture to students on careers related matters when called upon.
1)     On Sunday 11th August 2002 I was at Uganda Martyrs' S.S Namugongo for a presentation on Career Guidance to students from S. 3 to S.6 on their Careers day.
2)     In June 2003 I was at Trinity College Nabingo with a presentation on their Careers day.
3)     In 2004, in the course of 1st term, I was invited to St. Joseph Naggalama by the Headmistress Mrs. Agnes Nsubuga to address a joint session of S4 students, the teachers and parents on the topics:
a.     Good discipline and academic excellence are hard earned.
b.     The importance of balancing performance in subjects.
I used to get literatures on Career Guidance which I would sell to interested schools.

2001
I am founder member of Makerere University Private Students' Parents' Association (MUPRISPA) Ltd which was started to cater for the welfare of Private Students at the University in 2001.

Among other roles I played included:
        I.            Making some good input into the Educational Loan Scheme - I personally wrote “A Comprehensive Feasible and Sustainable Educational Loan Scheme in Uganda." This was written for the attention of the Ministry of Education to help with ideas as regards a workable Educational Scheme in Uganda Circumstances.
      II.            The above paper was complimented by another; "Identifying Clientele for the Educational Loan Scheme and Loan Recovery Measures." The paper was a response to the Minister of Education and Sports' request to the public to contribute ideas on safeguards and guarantees for the loan scheme.


2)  JOURNALISM AND PUBLISHING (1992 – 2001)

1.    Career Tips Magazine:         
I am proprietor and Editor of Career Tips Magazine concerned with Career Guidance and Counseling. The Magazine aims at bridging the gap in career guidance and counseling in Uganda Schools as well as advising on policy.
2.    Freelance Journalist  
     
(i)                 I made article contributions to a cross section of Uganda papers, including the Monitor, the New Vision and the defunct ‘the Crusader’.
(ii)               The  papers have also been used in submitting proposals to government. In 1996 I edited the Finance and Trade newspaper.
(iii)              I had opportunity to solicit adverts and make article contributions to the Market Place and Finance and Trade papers.
(iv)            I have had opportunity to interview a number of personalities for different publications.  
(v)              I was Editor of the Enterprise Magazine owned by Makerere University Commerce Association and I also solicited adverts for it.

3)  PROPRIETOR KAJJANSI COLLEGE (Feb. 1988 – Dec. 1991).

With funds from Canada, I started a Secondary School by the name Kajansi College. My strategy of having one class added per year made the venture expensive and unsustainable. I ended up giving the undertaking to the Headmistress of Kajjansi Progressive S.S at Lweza on Entebbe Highway to ensure continuity of the students.

4)  UGANDA COMMERCIAL BANK (AUGUST 1984 - FEB 1988)

1.      I joined Uganda Commercial Bank as a Trainee Accountant in July 1984. I was posted to UCB Jinja Main Branch. I had training in the banking hall as well as through courses conducted by the bank.  Departments handled included: Waste, Bills, Cash, Head Office, Current Accounts and Credit.
2.      In 1987, I was transferred to UCB Kampala Savings Branch as a part of the task force to rectify anomalies in the bank branch books. Accounts were put right after differences in books got established. I was involved in the currency exchange exercise. At the branch my duties involved paying staff salaries and allowances handling petty purchases and holding the strong room key. In 1987, I was confirmed Branch Accountant and put in charge of the commercialization of the branch which saw the introduction of current accounts and a change to UCB Nkrumah from Kampala Savings Branch.
3.      Early 1988 I resigned and went to start Kajansi College.

5)  NAMUTAMBA S.S (JAN 1984 - JULY 1984)

After getting my degree at Makerere University, I was requested by parents of Namutamba (then in Mubende district) to help them start Namutamba Secondary School. I assisted them and was first Headmaster.

I was involved in teaching and making plans for the school’s future. I left to take up an appointment at Uganda Commercial Bank as Trainee Accountant.

REFEREES:                     Mr. Robert Sempa.
Director Matrix Forex Bureau
Uganda House
P. O. Box 2556, Kampala.
Tel. +256772402297

Mr. Magara Cornelius.
Ministry of Gender, Labour & Social Development
Plot 2 Simbamanyo House (George Street)
P. O. Box 7136, Kampala.
Tel. +256773666944

Mr. Edward Kurubaija.
Director, New High Tech S. S
P. O.  Box 18572, Kajjansi.

Tel. +256773586333

Tuesday, 24 January 2017

HOW TO GROW PASSION FRUIT IN UGANDA





























Growing passion fruits: What you need to know

Passion fruit farming is still an unexplored kind of fruit farming in Uganda. Apart from the fact that passion fruits, just like any other fruit, has its good and bad seasons, but when properly looked after, these fruits can enable a farmer generate significant income
THE MONITOR OF WEDNESDAY JANUARY 20 2016

By Pauline Bangirana

Passion fruit farming is still an unexplored kind of fruit farming in Uganda. Apart from the fact that passion fruits, just like any other fruit, has its good and bad seasons, but when properly looked after, these fruits can enable a farmer generate significant income. However, they cannot just blossom, they must be properly planned for to get the best fruits and results.
Thus, knowledge of the best agronomic practices is vital. Lydia Nantabo, an agronomist, highlights the following that can be applied from preparation of land to harvest, storing and marketing.
Land preparation
The best soil for cultivation of passion fruits is sandy loam soil. But that is not a limitation on where to grow them. Once you have set the land for planting the passion fruits. Do the following:
Properly plough the land to allow easy penetration of water and nutrient before making the planting holes. Make them 60cm by 60cm (2ft wide and 1ft down)
Separate the first 30cm of the soil and mix it with the manure you are going to use for refilling.
Get well-decomposed manure and place it in the hole you are going to plant in, two weeks before planting.
You can drench the soil-manure mix with fungicide to kill any fungi that might be in the manure.
If you are preparing to plant during a dry season, water the holes a day before but if it is during the rainy season, you can go ahead and plant.
The spacing from hole to hole or plant to plant is 3m by 2m or 10ft by 7ft. The size of the holes is determined by the labour for at the pruning stage. If you are doing it on your own, you could make bigger spaces or according to your preference.
If you have no labour, avoid planting them too close to each other as this will be tedious during pruning.
During planning, make sure you remove the polythene bags that wrap the seedlings and dispose them off properly because they prevent water retention in the soil.
You can dip the seedling roots into a root stimulant. This allows proper and easy growth of roots.
Varieties
The major ones are the local purple traditional and the local purple hybrid. However, there are different varieties of passion fruits although, these are identified or classified according to the areas such as Masaka, Mbale and Kasese.
Soil and nutrition
This involves indulging in practices or applying substances that improve the soil’s qualities. This can be in terms of how fast the soil absorps nutrients or the rate at which the weeds will grow during the planting season.
Applying the right soil nutrients can improve its structure and yield better results.
Nantabo recommends using organic manure as this helps to balance up the soil although it is better to take a sample of the farm soil for testing so that you know of any missing nutrients.
Passion fruits grow best with soil nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium. The amounts of these nutrients vary at the various stages of growing.
You can add a soil conditioner such as humate. Application of the conditioner helps in soil enhancement, which allows the soil to quickly absorb of necessary nutrients.
If you used manure while planting, you are advised to add NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) after a month. In the second month, use TSP (Triple Super Phosphate) or SSP (Single Super Phosphate). You can then interchange it with CAN (calcium ammonium nitrate), which helps in the fruit tissue development and strengthening of the cover of the fruit.
Once you give the plant good manure, at planting and after three months, you can start harvesting as early as after six months although poor manure distribution to the seedlings delays harvesting even up to nine months.
It is recommended to use the fertilisers (organic and inorganic) interchangeably.
Marketing
There are different buyers depending on the target market.
These different markets or buyers range from traders, wholesalers, retailers, hotels, restaurants, supermarkets and individual customers. Depending on availability of market that is where the farmer will sell. Prices range from Shs1,500 to Shs10,000 or more depending on the market.
Weeding
During land preparation, the garden must be free of weeds. After planting, introduce grass bands which should be kept short to prevent it from overgrowing. The dry grass can then used to mulch or feed animals.
If you decide to weed, do not leave the ground bare.
You can intercrop the passion fruits with strawberries. They are good cover crops, which help to keep the soil covered.
Storing
The fruits can stay for more than two weeks when stored in a place with room temperatures. It is advisable to apply CAN before harvesting so that the shelf life of the passion fruits is prolonged. However, for many local farmers, what is produced is sold immediately.
Care and management
Pests and diseases in passion fruits are a result of planting infected seedlings or using infected seeds, over cropping or transfer by animals from one place to another.
Here, Lydia Nantabo, an agronomist, notes some of the common pests and diseases that affect the fruit and can result in poor fruit quality and quantity.
Aphids: These are pear-shaped, soft bodied insects, with long legs and antennae and are usually green or yellow. They can appear dark or black with or without wings.
Aphids suck the sap, which causes curling or cupping of infected leaves. These insects spread the virus that is responsible for woodliness. Their excreta coats the leaves and prevents photosynthesis from taking place.
Control can be through use of pesticides such as imidachroprude, Jackpot or Aabamectin. You can grow strong-scented plants such as onions, garlic or parsley at the boundaries of the garden. These attract aphids such that you trap them there and thereafter spray them. Avoid excessive application of nitrogen fertilisers as these attract aphids.
Leaf miners: These are black or yellow small flies of about 2mm long when adult. They lay eggs on the leaves that hatch into larvae, which feeds by mining the lower and upper parts of the leaf making long tunnels as they move.
Natural control can be through placing a yellow basin in the garden filled with water. The adult leaf miners are attracted to bright colour. When they fall in the basin, they can be trapped and killed.
Use chemicals that are systemic in nature. These are able to pass through the leaf layers into the plant sap. They include abamectin, thiamethoxam, cyromazine. Other pests that affect passion fruits include bugs, root nematodes, snakes and termites to mention but a few.
The common diseases include the following:
Fusarium wilt (Fusarium oxysporum fsp): This disease is also referred to as colar rot. This is because it affects the stem (colar) much more than any other part of the plant.
This disease may be spread through infected planting materials such as seedlings and seed. Farm tools and animals from infected sites can also carry the disease.
It deforms the xylem vessels that are responsible for the movement of water and nutrients in the plant system. This leads to the yellowing of leaves.
If the colar (stem) is attacked, it becomes brown, peels off and cracks vertically. This makes the vine wilt.
For a control measure, graft weak passion fruit varieties on to yellow root stock. This is because yellow root stock is resistant to the disease. Fields that are already affected with fusarium wilt should be left to rest from passion fruit for about six planting seasons.
During this period; other crops can be planted to break the cycle. Keep the orchard clean and free from plants that are affected. In case, there are affected plants, pruning should be done, the plants removed and disposed of. Avoid excessive use of fertilisers.
For chemical control, paint the colar with macozeb mixed with metalyxl to prevent further development of the fungus. Copper-based fungicides are also very effective.
Passion fruit blight (phytothora nicotiamea var parastica): This usually affects the leaves, which become thin, water-soaked, light brown in colour and eventually fall off. The stem turns brown, weak, wilt and later collapse and die out.
Good field practices can help reduce the disease drastically. All weeds should be kept low by slashing, plants should be pruned regularly and the pruned materials should be disposed of properly. Fruits that fall on to the ground should be picked and disposed of. Avoid vines touching the ground.
Chemical control includes use of macozeb, macozeb + metalyxl to spray on the crop. Farmers should spray at least once a week in case the prevalence of the disease is high, and once after every two weeks in case the disease incident is low.
pbangirana@ug.nationmedia.com

How to grow PASSION FRUITS in Uganda

Source: http://www.africa-uganda-business-travel-guide.com/how-to-grow-passion-fruits-in-uganda.html

Passion fruit is a perennial vigorous vine, which grows to give oval or round shaped fruit.

This vine is native to tropical regions of southern Brazil; this succulent fruit is also grown in Uganda and mainly in Masaka and Kasese districts’.

The fruit is easy to grow as it gives back to the farmer in only 8-12 months.

Where to Find Market for your Passion Fruits


In addition to the local Ugandan markets, the European and the growing supermarkets in Burundi, Dr.Congo, Rwanda and South Sudan present new market opportunities for passion fruits grown in Uganda. 

Common Passion Fruit varieties in Uganda



The purple Grandilla-Is popular for its scent and is locally known as Kasese, Masaka and Kenyan passion fruit variety. 

Highly resistant Kawanda hybrid- this is a cross between the local purple and the yellow passion fruits.

Yellow passion -This passion fruit is grown for its aromatic but rather acidic pulp.

Soil requirements for Passion Fruits



Passion fruit plants require fertile soils with plenty of mineral supply in order to achieve optimum growth and yields. 

A soil pH range of 6.0 to 6.5 is the best.

How to propagate Passion fruits in Uganda 

Propagate your passion fruits using either seeds, stem cuttings, or even grafted prop gules.

How to plant Passion Fruits in Africa



Plant passion fruit in at least (2x20) ft width and 3ft depth. 

The holes must be well fertilized. 

Open up the planting holes at least 2-3 months earlier. This gives room to kill the soil pests and it borne diseases. 

After mix the top soil with compost and then put it back, as this is very important at the initial stages. 

To further boost the plant growth, add NPK and CAN fertilizer at the climbing stage and when the branches start to develop.

Harvest your passion fruits 4-6 weeks after transfer to the main field. 

Trellis the fruit plant with 270 cm long and 15 cm in diameter posts. Place these posts in 60 cm deep holes spaced at 6 m apart in rows midway between the plants.

Opt for companion planting as you inter-crop passion fruits with green paper, onion, carrots and other short term veggies. However avoid crops like maize, bananas; sugar canes as these are heavy feeders.

How to Harvest Passion fruits in Uganda


Harvesting of passion fruit stars from 8-12 months especially for the purple ones. 

Pick fruit when they turn from green to purple, and when the calyx has dried up leaving a small stalk attached. 

For processing, fruits should preferably be left to drop on to clean mulch. They should not be plucked from their stems. 

Usually fruits which have dropped can be collected once or twice a week. During the rainy season they should be picked up every other day and kept in a cool place.

Quick Tips for growing passions in Uganda



  • Deep plough the proposed site to open up soil for proper aeration and water filtration.

  • Open up planting holes of (45x45x45) cm in advance.

  • Mix the top soil with compost and then put it back to the hole.

  • Transplant the germinated seedlings at the onset of the rainy season.

  • Transplanting should be in the morning or late evening to reduce chances of their failure due to heat stress.

  • Alternatively you could start with seeds.

  • Soak the seeds in warm water to facilitate germination.

  • Leave the seeds to air dry before main planting is done.

  • Place the seeds in a 1 cm deep in polythene pots.

  • Thinly cover with soil and then water to facilitate germination.

  • When seedlings grow to a height of (20 to 25) cm, transplant them to their main location.

  • Harvest passions when the green cover of the fruit turns purple.

  • Invest in security by at your passion fruit garden by posting a full time Security guard and erecting a secure fence. This is especially useful during the harvest season.

Tuesday, 18 October 2016

Ugandans, Investors urged to unlock the Potential of Country at the 5th Ugandan Convention in UK

By Robert Ndawula 

Her Royal Highness Queen Sylvia Nagginda
The convention was attended by VIP dignitaries including: Her Royal Highness Queen Sylvia Nagginda, The Nnabagereka of the Kingdom of Buganda, H.E. Prof. Joyce Kikafunda (Uganda’s High Commissioner to the U.K.) Lord Sheikh (Baron Sheikh of Cornhill in the City of London), Dr. Josephine Ojiambo (The Deputy Secretary General of the Commonwealth Secretariat (Political)), Rt. Honourable Members of Parliament, Dr. Louis Kasekende (Deputy Governor of Central Bank of Uganda) and other distinguished guests.

The 5th annual Uganda-UK Convention (2015), was a truly remarkable successful event. The quality of presentations was outstanding and trying to make a resume of each paper will not do them all the justice deserved. Both Lord Sheikh and Dr. Kasekende provided delegates with some important views and figures in the financing and trade sectors as well as the potential that Uganda offers in these areas which are still to be embarked on for investment. “Trade instead of Aid” is something that we have long aspired to achieve for Uganda although, it is clear that the two are closely connected and ought to go hand ­in-hand.

Her Royal Highness, The Nnabagereka of Buganda, in her ground-breaking address stated. “If growth is to be meaningful and sustainable, then all the people should buy into it.”
She went on say; without providing specific roles for women in this important process (inclusion and acceptance), it will not be successful nor sustainable. It was befitting for the Nnabagereka to recognize the powerful role of women as the engines of our society.

The warm enthusiastic delegates were welcomed and received at the Convention–to put into perspective; some of the unrivaled attributes of warmth, openness and all-embracing culture that make Uganda a favourite destination for doing business, investment and tourism, was present. The Government of Uganda celebrates occasions such as this when we can all come together to work for the good of our country, solely on the basis of our being Ugandan, irrespective of our religious convictions, our tribal origins, our political affiliations, and anything else that superficially unduly sometimes divides us. The Conventions deserves commendation for putting Uganda before anything else. This is the formula for success.
Business and development do not happen in a vacuum or where conflict and instability are prevalent. It would appear that we could coin a catch phrase; “No Development and Business without Peace.” For the last 30 years, the NRM Government has worked hard to create a peaceful environment with functional structures, rule of law and stability. We should use the peace and stability we enjoy now to develop new ideas and foster development.
Delegates were enlightened on how they ought to gain greater access to the UK and the EU markets for Uganda exports. In case you did not know, Uganda happens to be the largest exporter of Organic produce from the African continent.

If we can partner with others and get them to invest in Uganda, not only will this lead to improvement in the quality of our Ugandan products (a fact which has in the past hampered trade), but our incomes will tremendously change. This is especially true for the EU market, where we are facing a threat of an embargo for our horti and flori-cultural produce with the EU citing phyto-sanitary conditions as a barrier.

Paying Taxes usually constitutes strong resistance from the masses, but it has been edifying to learn that we only need to embrace the system, understand it and explore the opportunities it offers including attractive exemptions. The richest people in the world are those who work with the system and pay their taxes. Therefore delegates were advised to take advantage of the exemptions offered by Doris Akol, the Commissioner General who stated: “Taxes are an abler for Business.”

Some of the dignitaries who attended
If we had any doubts; we must set them aside, as it is now clear that trade and investment in Uganda is favourably considered as reported by Lord Sheikh. Exploring the current timing should not be left to chance and participants were encouraged to dream about their next move. This was indicated by His Excellency, Chris Baywood Ibe, President/CEO of Baywood Continental Limited, who will soon be visiting Uganda and hopefully expand his business ventures within his empire by investing in Uganda.
Agri-business and food security would be a valuable addition to secure Uganda’s GDP. The sky is the limit in Uganda as it is blessed with such abundance of fertile soil and rich natural resources, which is unrivaled in the rest of Africa. The climate and fertility of this beautiful land given by God, needs to be used for the benefit of all Ugandans. We have not maximized this potential and have only began to explore the possibilities, with a few already on the ground setting good foundations in sectors such as: tourism, construction and small scale manufacturing. Prosperity is what we strive for and we cannot achieve a better life for all Ugandans unless we join hands. Indeed as was stated by Hon. Wafula Oguttu, the re-emergence of the cooperative movement is vital to maximize our potential in agriculture (for example).

Ugandans in the Diaspora have been formally recognized by the Government as a formidable force in the country’s development. What needs to be done is to ensure that the remittances and transfers that they regularly make to their families and loved ones are to be transformed into small investments, which will make their families become independent. This will transform their lives so that they will not have to rely on the handouts permanently but develop small cottage industries which will become strong, growing feasible business enterprises. These types of small cottage industries have eventually brought the Asian tiger into a reality. Start small and grow bigger. As Dennis Aguma stated, Uganda is the “most entrepreneurial country in the world!”

Regional integration is the other matter to which Uganda is seriously committed to. Let us focus on distribution and sale of our products in the neighbouring countries as we now have the EAC and the Customs Union and also in the wider region COMESA where our products are very much needed and can be sold. ‘Think Africa’ (as the buyer of the end product not the EU for example) and then make it happen. This should be a realistic course of action. Embrace an industrial revolution that will enable all industries to thrive and open trade and export within the continent.  In the end the UK, the EU and other blocks in developed countries are making it more and more difficult for us Africans to export out our goods due to non-tariff barriers as well as taxes. Let us therefore focus on ourselves, our Uganda, then the EAC, the wider region as there is so much that can be done.

The Chairman of this Uganda Convention, Mr. Willy Mutenza was commended as a remarkable person who has a vision which works and is an example to us all as he is the brain behind gathering the forces and getting Ugandans in the UK to unite from different backgrounds to actively participate in the firm development of Uganda.
Looking forward to seeing you again next year at the Uganda Convention in UK on the 10th Sept 2016 at Troxy.

For God and my country!

Ambassador Mirjam Blaak Sow
Head of Mission
Uganda Embassy Brussels
317 Avenue Tervuren
1150-Brussels, Belgium

Saturday, 1 October 2016

NORAH KABARWANI ATENYI WEERABA

It is sad the death of Norah Kabarwani Atenyi who passed on very early today morning at Mulago Referral Hospital after Surgery.
I came to know Norah in 1981 when I was in my vacation at Makerere University. I met Eric Sabiiti and we taught at the Late Katabaro's primary school.
Norah has been like my mother. I would call on her and she would always be welcoming. She has been sympathetic to me through hard times. She would never want me to leave without eating something. I have lost relatives and she could make an effort to attend.
Norah worked at Kajjansi dispensary for a number of years and also at Mpumudde in Nakawuka before retiring.
There was a Funeral Service, Thursday, 22nd September at St. Barnabas Church Lweza at 11.00am and thereafter burial at 4.00pm at Nakigalala.
Norah at Mulago Hospital Cancer Ward where see was treated given the renovations at Mulago. 
In the photo is Susan Bagaya who together with Rachael (not in picture) were so useful in playing the nursing role, and on the fateful night were together when Norah breathed her last at Mulago.

May her soul rest in eternal peace.

A FUNERAL SERVICE BOOKLET FOR THE LATE NORAH KABARWANI ATENYI

WHEN I LEARNT THAT NORAH KABARWANI HAD DIED, I WONDERED WHAT I COULD DO GIVEN THAT SHE HAD BEEN A FRIEND ALMOST A MOTHER.
I decided to make a Funeral Service booklet as seen below.
Norah Kabarwani Atenyi died on September 21, 2016 at Mulago Hospital and was buried on 22nd September at Nakigalala in Kajjansi Town Council.
MAY HER SOUL REST IN ETERNITY.
AMEN.