The previously ended UNAA convention in Chicago probably saw the most fierce campaigns and competition for the UNAA presidency in the history of UNAA, which was born 1988, just two years after NRM took over power in Uganda. UNAA is now 21 years and its politics has also grown to attract the central government's interest in controlling the organization. The recent convention which took place in Chicago was a manifestation of that. From what I heard, the central government had masterminds draw strategies including dividing the Boston vote so as to block Lt. Musisi from winning the popular vote. If that be true then the strategy worked! However, before I get deep in to that I will start by my narrating my expeditions in downtown Chicago. High on my agenda was to visit several places of significance in Chicago, taste the true culture of the metropolitan city, its sites, attractions, shopping and its cuisines. Visiting the Obama city was an enjoyable experience though driving in the city was challenging due to the amount of traffic and one way roads. In Swahili they say "Kuyingiya ni raisi lakini kutoka ni ngumu" translated as "Entry is easy but exit is hard". You come in using a particular road but exit using another! Without a GPS, this was a bit challenging. In an attempt to save on the expensive parking fees as I traversed the city, I opted for the bus service instead. On the prime list was the "Sears Tower", now known as the "Willis Tower". The Hotel attendant who gave me direction said she hated calling it "Willis Tower" since the name "Sears Tower" is still so dear to her. Constructed in 1973, the Sears Tower was the tallest building in the world, until recently when new ones like the 162 storied "Burj of Dubai" took over. Nevertheless, it is still the tallest building in the western hemisphere. After securing my day bus pass, I took bus 151 heading to the 110 storied creation of skidmore, Owings and Merrill.
The entrance fee was $14.99 and that was not the problem. The long line that greeted me at the entrance to the "Skydeck" was not something I expected. Inside the building, the line just kept growing longer and extending endlessly. There was even a short rest for a few minutes to watch a movie about the history of the giant structure before heading for a second shift of the line. According to the statistics, more people visit the tallest building in the western hemisphere than the population of Indiana State. After the long line, going up the building was a breeze as the elevator takes you to the 103 floor in simply 60 seconds! Once you get to the Skydeck, the view is so surreal that it makes it worth the while. Looking at other skyscrapers in Chicago from the skydeck makes them look like bungalows! More breath-taking is the unforgettable experience of seeing Chicago on the glass skydeck ledge! Despite enjoying the view from the skies, the long line discouraged me from my previously planned adventures.
Next on the agenda was to have a taste of Chicago's celebrated cuisines. Upon return to the hotel, my first stop was at the "Texas de Brazil" but the price of almost $50 per person was rather prohibitive. Next was "Heaven on Seven" where I was told they were taking only reserved guests. I then headed to Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak and Stone Crab, where the waiting time was 40 minutes. I did not feel like eating Chinese so I skipped the "Big Bowl" restaurant. Although I wanted a descent meal, I settled for "California Pizza Kitchen" where there was no waiting time as I was seated at the bar side. However, I regretted, the "Jamaican Jerk pizza" tasted so yak as it was so sweet and yet stuffed with hot pepper! On the flip side, I loved the attitude of the Chicago residents as they seemed very friendly and open minded. I had a lengthy talk with a group of people who were seated next to me at the bar table. Unfortunately I had to run, it was about time to go back to the Hotel and catch up with the candidates' debate. It was during the candidates' debate that the outgoing president Lt Frank Musisi informed the public that there was a court injunction that had been filed against the electoral commission. Although he did not read the injunction and it's details, he stated fears that America being a country where the rule of law prevails there was a possibility that the election results could be nullified based on the court injunction. Nevertheless, the election took place and Moses Wilson emerged winner. During the campaign, a one Flex Kabuye who was suspected to be a Movement candidate went on to defend himself saying "NRM did not give me money, instead I am the one who gives the NRM money".
In a desperate move to gain last minute support the candidates almost turned the debate into shouting. Incidentally, the preceding vice presidential candidates' debate appeared more composed than that of the aspiring presidents. One question that was asked about the VP candidates is how they would serve if their president did not go through. They all promised to corporate with whoever went through. However, without sounding condescending, Mr. Flex Kabuye's English language fell just slightly above that of His Excellency V.C. D.S.O C.B.E Field Marshall Idi Amin Dada! His opponent Lt. Musisi called him a comedian and a shrewd businessman. He went ahead to say, "If you want to gamble with the organization, vote for Flex Kabuye". When asked what Mr. Wilson likes about Lt. Musisi, he blatantly said he was struggling to find one thing he likes about him. As I report, UNAA has a new leadership that was elected during the recently concluded convention in Chicago. The voting process went on smoothly, with candidates handing out fliers and soliciting the electorate for votes in the corridors as the voters lined up to vote.
My attempt to get election trends were futile as the vote counting was closed to the outside and the door was secured by three Marriott Hotel security personnel. I was only able to gather that 770 had been cast. Eventually the electoral commission members dressed in t-shirts emerged from the doors and headed to the 7th floor to announce the results. Moses Wilson emerged as winner with 358 votes and his running-mate Francis Ssenoga as his Vice President. Lt. Musisi got 227 votes while Flex Kabuye came in third with 185 votes. Among the entertainers for the night were Pastor George Okudi, Desire Luzinda, Amalula family (comedian), Ronnie Banton, Michael Ross, Jennifer Kizza (Clogging/ tap dancing) and Mesach Ssemakula. By the time I left to catch my flight of 5:30 am, Monday morning Ragga Dee, and Roge had not yet performed . The next convention is scheduled to take place in Washington DC.
Who are those babes? I wish I was there! Nice article, Thanks
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Posted by Rodney on November 28, 2009