Mugume

Rwandan Parliament unanimously endorse media bill

By www.rnanews.com Administrator

Kigali: The Rwandan Parliament has endorsed a new media bill into a law unanimously with parliamentarians voting the bill by 66 votes out of the 69 legislators present, RNA witnessed.
All articles of the bill were voted by members of the lower chamber of parliament however it was decided that the amount required as a start-up capital for various media houses would be determined by a ministerial decree.
During the same session the parliamentarians also passed a bill which also highlights the structure and functioning of the high council of the media.

According to the Minister of Information Louise Mushikiwabo, the new law aims at setting standards for the practice and whole function of the media industry in the country and it is media friendly.

After the parliamentary approval, the bill awaits the president’s signature and publication in government’s official gazette before being put into practice. (End)

Food prices sour after the Aswan River collapse
Mugume Rwakaringi
Only three days after the collapse of Aswan Bridge connecting Juba to Uganda through Nimule, food prices in Konyo Konyo, Malakia and Jebel market have soared especially for perishables.
Traders claim the long distance from Arua to Juba via Yei leads to perishing of their products thus hiking the reminder so as to maximize profits.
The price for a bunch of Matooke (banana) which has been selling between 35-40 Sudanese Pounds SDG has now doubled to 70-80 (SDG), a box of fresh tomatoes has shot from 200 SDG to 300 SDG on whole sale price forcing retailers to raise a kilogram from 4 to 6 SDG while the price of pineapples also has doubled from 4 SDG 6 SDG per kilo.
Other affected products by press time were the price of cabbage which shot from 4 SDG to 6 SDG per kilo, fresh peas from 6-7; the price of Irish potatoes which are imported from Uganda has risen from 140-200 by whole sale dealers.
“These prices will continue increasing because of the transport costs incurred”, said Hajj Idd Mutebi the Chairman of Ugandan business community in Konyo Konyo market. Mutebi also refuted claims of hooding food items saying that most of these affected products cannot be kept for a long period because they easily decay.
Few products could be seen on stalls and displays with some traders sitting idle because they had ran out of stock.
“Now we do not know if we will manage to get some more stock since the few products will be on high demand”, said Miriam a fresh fruits vendor who also had run out of stock. “The only concern is that sometimes we are not allowed by the market authorities to raise prices so as to meet the costs therefore we end up getting losses”, said one of the worried traders.
The oldest Aswan Bridge is said to have succumbed to heavy down pour and heavy traffic and collapsed this last Saturday forcing traders to use the long Arua- Yei road as the only outlet to Juba which takes over three days than the former which would take only two days for traders coming from Uganda to have connected to Juba.
Most of the food stuffs in Juba are imported from neighbouring countries mostly from Uganda.
Food prices are set to rise before the bridge is re-constructed. The government of South Sudan (Goss) has already dispatched a team of engineers to help in re-building or repairing this bridge in a short time possible.
Although there has been a significant increase in prices for most perishables on market, other products like cereals, sugar, domestic products like soap are not yet affected.
Table showing variable prices below:

Item Quantity Price (SDG) 12th Feb 2009 Current Price (SDG)
Matooke 1 (bunch) 35-40 70-80
Fresh Tomatoes 1 Kg 4 6
Pineapples 1 Kg 4 8
Cabbage 1 Kg 3 7
Salt I kg 1 1
Sugar “ 4 4
Goat Meat “ 18 18
Cow meat (Beef) “ 12-15 12-16
Fish “ 7 8
beans “ 4 4
Onions “ 4-5 4-5
Vegetables (Kotoko-Dodo) 1 bundle 2 2
Soap 1 bar 2 2
Carrots “ 7 8-10
Sweet Potatoes “ 6 6
Green Pepper Bundle 2 2
Rice 1 Kg 3 3
Maize Flour (Acida), Posho “ 4 4
Millet Flour “ 5 5
Sorghum (Dura) “ 6 6
Cassava “ 4 4-6
Tomato Paste @ Packet 4 4
Peas KG 6 6
Fresh cassava “ 3 3-4
Beans “ 5-6 5-6
Oranges “ 6 8
Avocadoes “ 8 10
Chicken (Local) @ head 35-40 35-40
“ (Exotic) KG 15-20 15-20
Eggs 1 Tray 20 20
OMO 200-500 ML 3-8 3-8

By Mugume Rwakaringi

GoSS, UNICEF intensify fight against Child abuse
Mugume Rwakaringi
UNICEF and GoSS government are combining efforts to fight against child abuse, Daily Liberation has established.
This was revealed by Mrs. Regina Ossa Lullo, The Director General in the Ministry of Gender Social Warfare and Religious Affairs (MGSWRA) Ms Regina was yesterday addressing participants attending one day training workshop on way forward for protecting child rights at Juba’s Star Hotel.
The Child act 2008 was passed by The South Sudan Legislative Assembly (SSLA) as an effort to curb down rampant child abuses in South Sudan. UNICEF is funding the printing of Child act codes slated to be distributed early next March after an official launch by the government of South Sudan, Gen. Salva Kiir. A Child act defines as a person between 0-17 years of age. 2000 copies will be distributed thanks to the UNICEF financial barking.
Directors in charge of Child affairs representing all the 10 States are discussing to lay forward mechanism of fighting against Child abuses in their respective States.
Ms Pasti Silvia, UNICEF Child Protection head expressed her organisation’s commitment to funding and equipping social workers who play a major role in protecting child rights. She however called government to increase funding for child protection.
“UNICEF has and is still committed to assisting Child protection projects, however we also need the government to help us so as to also increase their funding for this cause”, appealed Ms Pasti.
Last year UNICEF solely financed and organized a three months training for 72 social workers who were distributed in their respective states.
The UNICEF representative also revealed that her organization has laid plans for training judicially especially the police, lawyers and other legal professionals on child protection.
Participants however raised concerns of lack of budget allocations for child protection.
“How do you expect Child protection officers to succeed in their work without even money for transport”, one of the participants asked.
Responding to the question, Ms Regina, The Director General in MGSWRA explained that with limited resources available, every autonomous state is allowed to make its own priorities but the GoSS government is to endeavor to support help child protection activities.
“We need to be assisted to teach what we have acquired from this workshop because it is our responsibility to teach the social workers”, said Mr. Paul Okwier Ojulo, Director Child warfare Jonglei State Ministry for Social Affairs.
The Child Act 2008 was passed late last year and it defines protection rules and their punishment.
Cases of child violence have consistently increased even after the CPA. Social workers are meant to help in protecting Child rights.
They are trained to report the most pressing issues within the state notably children associated with the army, children deprived of liberty, those without parental care and early child marriages. Also they should report on victims of landmine and UXO injuries, Child labour and birth registration.
The MGSWRA in charged with developing child protection strategies, policies, drafting laws, budget, and report child protection issues and make interventions for the whole of Sudan. This is achieved through social workers and informing MoSD sharing important information and issues with the States and GoSS authorities.
Ends

Food prices sour after the Aswan River collapse
Mugume Rwakaringi
Only three days after the collapse of Aswan Bridge connecting Juba to Uganda through Nimule, food prices in Konyo Konyo, Malakia and Jebel market have soared especially for perishables.
Traders claim the long distance from Arua to Juba via Yei leads to perishing of their products thus hiking the reminder so as to maximize profits.
The price for a bunch of Matooke (banana) which has been selling between 35-40 Sudanese Pounds SDG has now doubled to 70-80 (SDG), a box of fresh tomatoes has shot from 200 SDG to 300 SDG on whole sale price forcing retailers to raise a kilogram from 4 to 6 SDG while the price of pineapples also has doubled from 4 SDG 6 SDG per kilo.
Other affected products by press time were the price of cabbage which shot from 4 SDG to 6 SDG per kilo, fresh peas from 6-7; the price of Irish potatoes which are imported from Uganda has risen from 140-200 by whole sale dealers.
“These prices will continue increasing because of the transport costs incurred”, said Hajj Idd Mutebi the Chairman of Ugandan business community in Konyo Konyo market. Mutebi also refuted claims of hooding food items saying that most of these affected products cannot be kept for a long period because they easily decay.
Few products could be seen on stalls and displays with some traders sitting idle because they had ran out of stock.
“Now we do not know if we will manage to get some more stock since the few products will be on high demand”, said Miriam a fresh fruits vendor who also had run out of stock. “The only concern is that sometimes we are not allowed by the market authorities to raise prices so as to meet the costs therefore we end up getting losses”, said one of the worried traders.
The oldest Aswan Bridge is said to have succumbed to heavy down pour and heavy traffic and collapsed this last Saturday forcing traders to use the long Arua- Yei road as the only outlet to Juba which takes over three days than the former which would take only two days for traders coming from Uganda to have connected to Juba.
Most of the food stuffs in Juba are imported from neighbouring countries mostly from Uganda.
Food prices are set to rise before the bridge is re-constructed. The government of South Sudan (Goss) has already dispatched a team of engineers to help in re-building or repairing this bridge in a short time possible.
Although there has been a significant increase in prices for most perishables on market, other products like cereals, sugar, domestic products like soap are not yet affected.
Table showing variable prices below:

Item Quantity Price (SDG) 12th Feb 2009 Current Price (SDG)
Matooke 1 (bunch) 35-40 70-80
Fresh Tomatoes 1 Kg 4 6
Pineapples 1 Kg 4 8
Cabbage 1 Kg 3 7
Salt I kg 1 1
Sugar “ 4 4
Goat Meat “ 18 18
Cow meat (Beef) “ 12-15 12-16
Fish “ 7 8
beans “ 4 4
Onions “ 4-5 4-5
Vegetables (Kotoko-Dodo) 1 bundle 2 2
Soap 1 bar 2 2
Carrots “ 7 8-10
Sweet Potatoes “ 6 6
Green Pepper Bundle 2 2
Rice 1 Kg 3 3
Maize Flour (Acida), Posho “ 4 4
Millet Flour “ 5 5
Sorghum (Dura) “ 6 6
Cassava “ 4 4-6
Tomato Paste @ Packet 4 4
Peas KG 6 6
Fresh cassava “ 3 3-4
Beans “ 5-6 5-6
Oranges “ 6 8
Avocadoes “ 8 10
Chicken (Local) @ head 35-40 35-40
“ (Exotic) KG 15-20 15-20
Eggs 1 Tray 20 20
OMO 200-500 ML 3-8 3-8

By Mugume Rwakaringi

Mugume Rwakaringi
Meet Miss MALAIKA, South Sudan beauty queen

After three weeks of failed appointments, I finally get an opportunity of meeting the Queen of River Nile who personally ushers me into her office at African Park South Sudan where she runs some of her business. A saying “blackness is the perfection of beauty” is revealed through Malaika, the South Sudan angel
Born in Juba, Sudan and went though in United States of America Nok Nora Duany 25 wanted to come home after peace has installed so as to share what she has with the rest of South Sudanese. Little did she know that one day she will be crowned as Miss South Sudan, a crown she relinquishes with pride. After acquiring her masters in accounting and Finance from Georgetown University, she returned back to work with Goss where she still works as operation adviser in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
“A day before being crowned, I felt very nervous having trained though I had trained for three months but I felt more relived and relaxed after being declared the winner”, recounts Nok who beat 15 finalists that came from different states all over South Sudan.
After being elected Miss South Sudan last year for the 2009 crown, Malaika as she is popularly known has come up with “a four point program” which she hopes with the help of her partners she will achieve much not for her benefit but to South Sudan. Malaika means an angel.
Adoring in traditional Nuer traditional regalia, a 6'0” (1'81 cm) Nok was the favourate for both the full parked Nyakuron Cultural Center and the presiding Judges for the Arts Association MTN sponsored Miss Malaika pageant.
In this program, The south Sudan beautician says she will strive for women empowerment which she plans do achieve starting with women literacy, youth participation, child education for both sexes and women health through promotion of sanitation and hygiene.
The always smiling belle seems to be touched by the fact that Sudan is the country with the highest mortality rate for women in the World. For Youths participation, she wishes every youth to participate in whatever activity he/she wishes. This to her will eradicate unemployment and solve unemployment related problems. Malaika believes with youth participation, South Sudan will attain development.
As part of fulfilling her promises, Sports Revolution for which she is custodian has so far organized a basketball tournament which attracted hundreds of young men and women the best winning themselves scholarships in USA.
“A miss contest is not only for beauty but also other important issues are considered for example intellectual knowledge”, says Malaika when pressed to comment on what makes her the right person for the crown.
“I want to be an ambassador for women rights”, said Miss Nok who has just returned from representing Sudan in Miss Earth competitions from Philippines. “In such competitions, people are not even interested in knowing your name but where you come from”, she proudly says, adding that she was happy to sell South Sudan’s image abroad. She wants to use confidence and experience she has acquired to favourably tussle with other representatives in both Miss World/Universe competitions.
The single belle likes to spend her free time with friends, travel and watching movies. She also admires football and is a great admirer of Premier League. She hates time wasting and disappointments.

Daily Monitor, Uganda

Museveni: Rwakasisi killed my two children
TABU BUTAGIRA
Kampala
President Museveni has said he pardoned Mr Chris Rwakasisi for the fear of God even when the former security minister in the Milton Obote II government killed his two children.
“Two of my children perished in the hands of [Mr] Rwakasisi,” Mr Museveni reportedly said while meeting Arua traders at State Lodge in Anyafiyo, on the outskirts of Arua town on Tuesday.
He was quoted to have said, “I am God-fearing. If I was a bad person, I would not have forgiven [Mr] Rwakasisi who killed my two children.”
The President, however, did not provide details of the children, and the circumstances of their demise.
Daily Monitor was told that the President’s chilling account, arguably the most telling of the self-crisis he may have faced before forgiving Mr Rwakasisi, immediately sunk his core message of forgiveness and patriotism among the more than 50 business community members assembled for the 11am meeting.
Mr Rwakasisi was arrested in 1985 and initially charged with murder but was later convicted - in 1988 - of six counts of kidnap with intent to murder and sentenced to death.
He stayed on death row at Luzira Prisons until January 20, this year when President Museveni exercised his prerogative of mercy and pardoned him together with Brig.
Ali Fadhul, another death row inmate, and former governor for Northern Uganda during Idi Amin’s government.
“Desist from tribal and religious discriminations because you cannot say I will only sell [merchandise] to Muslims, Christians or a particular tribe,” the President reportedly said.
Sources that attended the closed-door meeting said the President rebuked leaders of past regimes for punishing relatives of persons who served in preceding governments whenever they took state power.
Nearly half a million people in West Nile were pushed into exile in DRC and South Sudan in 1978/9 as victorious Uganda National Liberation Front/Army (UNLF/A) troops launched bloody attacks to avenge the misrule of late dictator Amin, who came from the region.
Owing to the area’s troubled political history, worsened by repeated horrific LRA rebel raids on West Nile-bound traffic between 1996 and 2003, the President agreed to a request by the traders that government offers them tax waivers for at least two years.
He promised to take some of the traders with him overseas so that they learn more lucrative business practices, which they can then share with colleagues.
Mr Museveni also endorsed a proposal to compensate traders and vehicle owners affected by the attacks that occurred mainly in thickets of Murchison Falls National Park.
The President did not, however, specify when and how the compensation would be done, but hinted that the records of those who lost property could be available with the army, then involved in rescue operations in the area.
Daily Monitor has separately learnt that Mr Museveni left Arua on Tuesday afternoon angry and disappointed that his staff had failed to mobilise Shs250 million that he promised to give ex-service men in the district on that day.
An official, who knew of the pledge, including another undisclosed amount meant for women groups in Arua Municipality, said they are confused on what to tell the needy former soldiers who had got assurances they would get the cash from the President.
It was not clear if Mr Museveni left his Principal Private Secretary, Ms Amelia Kyembadde overnight in Arua to calm thousands of the ex-servicemen, whose disappointment could cost the ruling NRM party at the ballot come 2011.
At the Tuesday meeting, President Museveni said a satellite college of Gulu University should be opened in Arua because government lacks resources to establish a separate public university in West Nile as requested.

Heath
HOW TO SURVIVE WATER BORNE DISEASES IN JUBA.

By Mugume Rwakaringi

South Sudan is a very humid place with the temperatures soaring to over 40 degrees Celsius. With such temperatures medical experts say the human body loses a lot of water through respiration than it would.
Health Statistics indicate that because of poor drinking water, in 2006,close to 20 000 people were diagnosed with Cholera infections which claimed 568 lives while an additional 9, 700 cases reported in unknown locations.
Similarly, 11 660 cases were reported with acute Watery Diarrhea as early as 2007 with 417 people dying.
Mr. Frudeasio Gore, a clinical officer and Tutor at Juba Health Science Teaching Institute advises that it is necessary to take at least 3-5 litters of water daily depending once ability and circumstances.
“At least no one in Juba should take less than three litters of water daily because of the water one loses through sweat”, advises Mr. Gore.
Six sachets of pure ingredients can be bought using only one Sudanese Pounds thanks to efforts by USAID and GoSS Ministry of health program to avail local people with good drinking water.
“One sachet of Pur can be used to purify 10 litters of contaminated water while one table of Water Guard which can be used to purify a 20 litters of water meant for domestic consumption”, says Geoffrey Kidega, PSI Sudan Safe Water Systems Program Manager.
PSI sells 5 strips each containing 10 tablets (50 tablets) at only one Sudanese pound which is intended to allow affordability by vulnerable and all low income earners.
“Water is essential to good health, yet needs vary by individual depending on the body needs for this water. The amount of water to drink each day depends on many factors, including your health, how active you are and where you live Medics alert.
Though no single formula fits everyone, knowing more about your body's need for fluids will help you estimate how much water you need to drink each day.
Water is your body's principal chemical component, making up, on average, 60 percent of your body weight. Every system in your body depends on water. For example, water flushes toxins out of vital organs, carries nutrients to your cells and provides a moist environment for ear, nose and throat tissues.
Lack of water can lead to dehydration, a condition that occurs when you don't have enough water in your body to carry out normal functions. Even mild dehydration can drain your energy and make you tired.
How much water do you need?
Every day you lose water through your breath, perspiration, urine and bowel movements. For your body to function properly, you must replenish its water supply by consuming beverages and foods that contain water.
Several approaches attempt to approximate water needs for the average, healthy adult living in a temperate climate.
According to “replacement approach, the average urine output for adults is about 1.5 liters (6.3 cups) a day. You lose close to an additional liter of water a day through breathing, sweating and bowel movements. Food usually accounts for 20 percent of your total fluid intake, so if you consume 2 liters of water or other beverages a day (a little more than 8 cups) along with your normal diet, you will typically replace the lost fluids.
Another approach to water intake is the "8 x 8 rule" , drink eight 8-once glasses of water a day (about 1.9 liters). The rule could also be stated, "Drink eight 8- glasses of fluid a day," as all fluids count toward the daily total.
Though the approach isn't supported by scientific evidence, many people use this basic rule as a guideline for how much water and other fluids to drink.
You may need to modify your total fluid intake depending on how active you are, the climate you live in, your health status, and if you're pregnant or breast-feeding. If you engage in any activity that makes you sweat, medics say, you should take more water than you usually do.
Factors such as illnesses, fever, vomiting and diarrhea can cause your body to lose additional fluids. These require a patient to take more water.
Although it's a great idea to keep water within reach at all times, you don't need to rely only on what you drink to satisfy your fluid needs. What you eat also provides a significant portion of your fluid needs. On average, food provides about 20 percent of total water intake, while the remaining 80 percent comes from water and beverages of all kinds.
For example, many fruits and vegetables, such as watermelon and tomatoes, are 90 percent to 100 percent water by weight. Beverages such as milk and juice also are composed mostly of water. Even beer, wine and caffeinated beverages — such as coffee, tea or soda — can contribute, but these should not be a major portion of your daily total fluid intake. Water is one of your best bets because it's calorie-free, inexpensive and readily available.
Medics warn that using thirst alone as a guide drinking water is not the safest.
“By the time you become thirsty, it's possible to already be slightly dehydrated. Excessive thirst and increased urination can be signs of a more serious medical condition. Talk to your doctor if you experience either”, say experts.
Nutrition experts also advise on drinking at least a glass of water after or in between each meal.
“Sewerage disposal system in South Sudan particularly in Juba, is very alarming, most of the wastes end up being discharged into the River Nile which our people use. This exposes them to many diseases”, lamented Margret Ayo Oyet a communicable disease expert in Juba laments.
She advises boiling of water and use of PSI recommendable Pur and Water guard to purify this water lest “our people continue to die because of bad water”.
“Look, even the food we eat is toxic and contaminated, so we need good water to neutralize it”, Ms Ayo also an analogy lecturer quickly chips in.
If you're concerned about your fluid intake, check with your doctor or a registered dietitian. He or she can help you determine the amount of water that's best for you. The benefit of drinking water is the key to a longer, healthier, and more vigorous life.
In order to maintain health, the kidneys must excrete a minimum of ten ounces of waste per day. When water is not available, there is nothing present in which to dissolve the body's waste products (uric acid and urea) for expulsion. As a result, they build up within the body, leading to kidney stones, while putting additional strain on the kidneys to find adequate liquid with which to expel toxins.
My friend Moses says that he cannot manage to drink water and only substitutes it with a bottle of some cold beer whenever he feels thirsty.
Doctors warn people like him that replacing water with soda, diet soda, coffee, tea, or alcohol won’t work as well especially if the beverage produces a diuretic effect. (Alcohol actually, produces dehydration). If you don't like the taste of plain water, try putting lemon, lime or an orange slice in your glass.
The more water you drink experts say, the more you allow your body to purify itself. The warmer it gets, the more you need to drink water, to replace the quantity of fluids lost by perspiration and to maintain your body cool.
On average, on a typical day without exercise or hot weather, we lose about 10 cups of water through perspiration, breathing, urination and bowel movements.
Lack of enough water in the body leads to dehydration resulting into confusion, drowsiness, labored speech, dry mouth, and sunken eyeballs. Over time, lack of water causes loss of muscle tone, excess weight gain, slow metabolism, increased toxicity, and even organ failure. Other negative effects include arthritis, dry skin, migraines, hypertension, digestive complications, and persistent constipation.
With a large percentage of the population of people in south Sudan and particularly Juba community drawing their drinking water from River Nile which is contaminated as many people defecate in open because of lack of latrines and the poor dumping system, many people’s lives remain at stake.

The more water you drink, the more you allow your body to purify itself. Almost all the degenerative diseases are a result of dehydration, due to lack of enough water in our bodies.

Are we safe? A young boy searches for empty bottles which when “refilled” is used as bottled water

Juba to get a new University

By Mugume Rwakaringi

The chairman organizing committee for African Inland Church (AIC) a Christian protestant Church in Sudan has revealed the Church’s plans to build a University in Juba as part of serving their followers, Daily Liberation has reliably established.
Rev. Martin Moga Ifoga revealed this in an exclusive interview with Daily Liberation yesterday during the Church’s four days comprehensive workshop that is taking place here in Juba.
Reverend Moga revealed how with help of donors, AIC Sudan plans to have higher institutions of learning spread all over Sudan starting with possibly a University in Juba where AIC has its head quarters.
With over 70 000 followers spread in Sudan, AIC has so far built six primary schools and has a hospital AIC Lohuduc in Eastern Equatoria State.
“We want to serve our community as has been our principle objective”, insisted Moga adding that it is evident that AIC Sudan has been serving the community even during the struggle to the extent that it resulted into two of their pastors dying on front line while helping SPLA then rebels.
80 church leaders are attending a five days comprehensive management workshop that will allow reconstruction of church administration and organization.
The reverend also denied claims that church leaders intend to depend their followers. “We serve the community by giving them”, defended Rev. Moga adding that it is the reason why AIC is determined not to only improve education sector in Sudan but also health. Other than AIC Lohuduc hospital in Eastern Equatoria, the Church plans to build other hospitals all over Sudan which will not only benefit AIC believers but the rest of population.“By this then everyone will see that we are fulfilling our mission”, concluded the reverend.
With the limited funds available which is mainly from their followers, AIC Sudan’s development plans have been limited calling for government intervention and other well wishers.
Africa Inland Mission as it is originally known had its beginning in the work of Peter Cameron Scott (1867-1896), a Scottish-American missionary who served two years in the Congo before being forced to seek medical care in Britain in 1892 because of a near-fatal illness.
Other than development issues, the Church help new believers grow strong and healthy in their faith and to see new believers enfolded into a maturing church. The organization aims to invest in the lives of current and future church leaders so they can effectively affect the lives of others who can in turn reach out to the vast population of Africa and beyond which it does through establishing maturing churches through the evangelization of unreached peoples, and through the effective preparation of church leaders.
In Sudan with AIC missions spread all over Sudan, Rev. Bishop Andrew Wawa’s Church not preaches the word of God but indulges in other works of charity. End

Business

Business people flock Jebel after Juba demolitions

By Mugume Rwakaringi

The cost of hiring a place to work from in Jebel has hiked due to the influx of many business people after their make shift houses of operation were destroyed in both Juba town and Customs.
A make shift house which used be hired at a cost of 500-1000 SDG (US $ 250-500) has more than doubled to over 1200-2400 SDG (600-1000 US $) forcing many business men to quit.
“We lost a lot of property and money from the demolished places thus cannot afford to rent such houses”, said one trader whose house was demolished. This increase in renting prices traders claim, has come at the time when there is limited money in circulation citing the Christmas season where a lot of money was used and money for school dues as many children are going back to school.
The affected business activities include restaurants, book shops, secretariat business, carpentry and both retail and whole sale trading shops.
Whereas these traders are crying foul, some in operation are rejoicing over the increase of customers who come to look for the services they were used to getting from the demolished places.
“Anyway many people are continuing to come here in Jebel for business but their number is not yet alarming”, said Angel a telephone attendant also agreeing with influx of many traders in Jebel.
Other than the costs of hiring a working place (mostly make-shift houses) in Jebel, land wrangles also continue to affect business activities with many tenants losing out their money through conflicts. “It is common to pay such sums of Dollars because landlords require upfront payments and two days later to be told by another person claiming to vacate his place”, said one trader who preferred anonymity.
“This is very good for many business people to come here since it will provide competition that has its advantages”, said Emmanuel a Jebel resident.
The hiking of renting prices in Jebel has forced many traders to either halt or abandon their business activities.
Meanwhile motorcyclists in Jebel are losing interest in the transport business citing the high rate of armed robbery of their motorcycles. Ismail Muhindo a motorist told this reporter that these robbers pose as passengers for easy access to these motorcycles.
“They request you to transport them to certain places and when you reached there, you find a gang of armed robbers who force you to either surrender your bike or lose your life”, Ismail lamented. A dozen motorcycles is said to be lost weekly through these armed robbers.
Ends

Click on www.freetocharities.org.uk/sosubili

Below is the story published in one of South Sudan news papers by the author (MUGUME).

Absolute poverty forcing parents to abandon their Children

Lack of basic needs and other necessities of life to provide to their children, has resulted into many families to leave their children to go to the streets “to fight for their lives”, Daily Liberation has reliably established.

The number of street children in juba has consistently been rising.
This comes as no surprise after the CPA but yet with no immediate solution availed, "there is no future for South Sudan", said Khamis Alex a University student in Southern Sudan.

Many of these children sleep outside on verandas in market places or at shops. “These children deserve to live better like any other children since it is their in born human rights”, said a one Kenyi Nicholas a civil Servant. These children lack the basic needs of life such as food, shelter, clothing and education.

Many respondents asked in a survey conducted by Daily Liberation said that the underlying reason for these Children to increase on the streets is because the Children’s parents either out of neglect or because of lack of financial ability do not provide to their children.

The condition in which these children live, expose them to sexual harassment hence HIV/AIDS and other STDs, drug abuse, high crime rate and consequently deaths.

While many Children told this reporter that came to live on the street because they did not have any parent to provide to them.“I have never known any of my parents since I was born, maybe I was born here", 12, year Akol says.

The child shall enjoy all the rights set forth in the 1959 Declaration of the Rights of the child.

The preamble of the above declaration provide that "a child may have a happy childhood and enjoy for his own good and for the good of society the rights and freedoms, and calls upon parents, upon men and women as individuals, and upon voluntary organizations, local authorities and national Governments to recognize these rights and strive for their children".

As I move down to Konyo- konyo market, I meet a three young boys probably the eldest being 10 who ask me; "shokol fi?" although I don’t understand Arabic, the sound made from the clapping of shoe brushes tells me that these children are asking me if they can clean my dirty shoes which I give them and the payment is only one Sudanese pound.

Like these, before I walk some long distance, I meet another group of school going teenagers who are smoking their cigarettes who beg me to give them "musaada" to which interpret by their signs that they need someone who to give them some help

In a scorching, literally “burning” sun shine, Many school going Children can be spotted carrying boxes of empty bottled water (do not ask me to where) which they collect from the street garbages. They sell these empty bottles to mineral water dealers who use them for the purposes only known to them.

Although they are many, I get attracted to this boy who says in broken but understandable English that he is aged 10 years. John Micheal says he has no parents. When I ask him about his family, he bursts in teas and tells me that he does not even know anyone from his family. He with his friends move places looking for “shokolo” so as to get scholastic materials and food.

Surprisingly, those who have relatives mistreat these neglected children even when these children try to earn a living. “When I reach home late, I am sometimes beaten by my guardians and yet this is the only way I can survive”, says one Bigem, 15 who works hard during holidays to get scholastic materials.

Bigem walks with his two friends John 14, Tom 13 Primary four who travel from Kator (about 2 kilometers from Juba town) to a nearby market place Konyo-Konyo where they “specialize” in shoe shinning business. In this business, they confided, they can be able to save for “their future”.

Like Akol and Micheal many other street children in Juba city do not have or do not know about their families thus end up living on street to survive.

A young boy who I guess to be 12 is the taxi conductor, he gets about 10-15 SDG (5-7 US Dollars) which he survives on for a living. He seems to be pleased with what he earns and proudly tells me that he is not like those who just wonder on the streets. “With my money I manage to get what to eat and even make some savings”. He hopes to save for a future.

At Custom market, where a dozen of these children is playing in a dusty compound, a trader only identifying himself as Alex says that it is not poverty but negligence which deprives these parents of the ability to care for their Children. “These people are very lazy that they do not want to work, how you expect them to earn and provide for their Children?” he wondered.

It is common to see groups of able bodied men sitting on verandas or under the shade either gossiping or playing cards during working hours.

The future of Children needs to be considered as these children remain the future of southern Sudan.

Absolute poverty forcing parents to abandon their Children

Lack of basic needs and other necessities of life to provide to their children, has resulted into many families to leave their children to go to the streets “to fight for their lives”, Daily Liberation has reliably established.

The number of street children in juba has consistently been rising.
This comes as no surprise after the CPA but yet with no immediate solution availed, "there is no future for South Sudan", said Khamis Alex a University student in Southern Sudan.

Many of these children sleep outside on verandas in market places or at shops. “These children deserve to live better like any other children since it is their in born human rights”, said a one Kenyi Nicholas a civil Servant. These children lack the basic needs of life such as food, shelter, clothing and education.

Many respondents asked in a survey conducted by Daily Liberation said that the underlying reason for these Children to increase on the streets is because the Children’s parents either out of neglect or because of lack of financial ability do not provide to their children.

The condition in which these children live, expose them to sexual harassment hence HIV/AIDS and other STDs, drug abuse, high crime rate and consequently deaths.

While many Children told this reporter that came to live on the street because they did not have any parent to provide to them.“I have never known any of my parents since I was born, maybe I was born here", 12, year Akol says.

The child shall enjoy all the rights set forth in the 1959 Declaration of the Rights of the child.

The preamble of the above declaration provide that "a child may have a happy childhood and enjoy for his own good and for the good of society the rights and freedoms, and calls upon parents, upon men and women as individuals, and upon voluntary organizations, local authorities and national Governments to recognize these rights and strive for their children".

As I move down to Konyo- konyo market, I meet a three young boys probably the eldest being 10 who ask me; "shokol fi?" although I don’t understand Arabic, the sound made from the clapping of shoe brushes tells me that these children are asking me if they can clean my dirty shoes which I give them and the payment is only one Sudanese pound.

Like these, before I walk some long distance, I meet another group of school going teenagers who are smoking their cigarettes who beg me to give them "musaada" to which interpret by their signs that they need someone who to give them some help

In a scorching, literally “burning” sun shine, Many school going Children can be spotted carrying boxes of empty bottled water (do not ask me to where) which they collect from the street garbages. They sell these empty bottles to mineral water dealers who use them for the purposes only known to them.

Although they are many, I get attracted to this boy who says in broken but understandable English that he is aged 10 years. John Micheal says he has no parents. When I ask him about his family, he bursts in teas and tells me that he does not even know anyone from his family. He with his friends move places looking for “shokolo” so as to get scholastic materials and food.

Surprisingly, those who have relatives mistreat these neglected children even when these children try to earn a living. “When I reach home late, I am sometimes beaten by my guardians and yet this is the only way I can survive”, says one Bigem, 15 who works hard during holidays to get scholastic materials.

Bigem walks with his two friends John 14, Tom 13 Primary four who travel from Kator (about 2 kilometers from Juba town) to a nearby market place Konyo-Konyo where they “specialize” in shoe shinning business. In this business, they confided, they can be able to save for “their future”.

Like Akol and Micheal many other street children in Juba city do not have or do not know about their families thus end up living on street to survive.

A young boy who I guess to be 12 is the taxi conductor, he gets about 10-15 SDG (5-7 US Dollars) which he survives on for a living. He seems to be pleased with what he earns and proudly tells me that he is not like those who just wonder on the streets. “With my money I manage to get what to eat and even make some savings”. He hopes to save for a future.

At Custom market, where a dozen of these children is playing in a dusty compound, a trader only identifying himself as Alex says that it is not poverty but negligence which deprives these parents of the ability to care for their Children. “These people are very lazy that they do not want to work, how you expect them to earn and provide for their Children?” he wondered.

It is common to see groups of able bodied men sitting on verandas or under the shade either gossiping or playing cards during working hours.

The future of Children needs to be considered as these children remain the future of southern Sudan.
MUGUME