By Bash Mutumba

Maurice Kirya is one of Uganda’s music legends, arguably, and has been plucking strings on his guitar since the late 90’s. Many of the artistes that were hitting during the times of his songs like “Boda Boda” and “Binadamu” featuring Tanzania’s A.Y, have either quit music, been forced out by competition, or totally changed style, but the King of Mwoyo has remained true to his craft of Soul Music, staying relevant till today.

“Headmaster”, just like other songs on his albums like Misubbaawa, Mwoyo and The Book Of Kirya, is an acoustic driven piece, rotating on just three chord arpeggios, but with a very catchy vibe; and news of its video getting released brought many huge smiles on many a music lover’s faces. A song that talks about the need for safety by condom use, when indulging in sexual activity, Headmaster has rather deep lyrics; and can only be deciphered by either a geezer who watched “Ndiwulira”, a late 90’s play by Bakayimbira Dramactors, or a keen listener.

The video, shot in a school setting after the song’s title, shows creative dancers doing their thing outside, a teacher giving Sex Education classes to students and Kirya channelling his inner Guitar Hero inside a classroom; urging the ‘Headmaster’ not to forget his ‘coat’ while going about his business. It is actually my personal favorite off the “Free Dreams” album, but I hope he releases videos to the songs on the new album “Beyond Myself” a little quicker.

Watch video here.

By Our Reporter

Mental Health Uganda has appointed Journalist Pat Robert LARUBI as their new Communications Officer where he is expected to oversee the day to day general communication needs of the organization.

Mr Derrick Kiiza, the Chief Executive Officer Mental Health Uganda in his orientation remarks said: “I am glad and welcome Pat as our communication officer. His addition to our team is a plus for reviving and strengthening our media relations, our visibility and repute. Above all, it will expand our conversations around mental health in the country and beyond.”

Pat joins Mental Health Uganda following a successful term working as a disability blogger/ media consultant with National Union of Disabled Persons of Uganda (NUDIPU) where he focused on popularizing the inclusion of persons with disability in Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), 1, 2 and 11.

Prior to that, he was engrossed in his activism work with Pats Journal, an online, media and human rights Non-governmental organization working towards inclusion, ending stigma and discrimination faced by persons with albinism.

With the Journal, he worked as the director of communication and head of strategies where he oversaw the provision of person centered support, recognition and medical need of persons with Albinism.

He also previously worked in mainstream media where he served for years in varying capacity. Pat worked as an independent investigative journalist, special features TV News producer for BBS Terefayina as well as Lifestyle reporter and travel photographer for Soft Power News.

By Reporter

The StarTimes Kampala Kids Run 2019 kicked off in jovial style at Kampala Parents School on Thursday, 3rd October 2019 under the theme “Safe Drinking Water in Primary Schools”.

This is an event founded and organized by the NGO Kampala Kids Run, in partnership with StarTimes. It is the 6th edition in total but the 2nd edition with StarTimes on board as a sponsor. Other sponsors include Riham, CityOil, The Food Hub, and Ruparelia Foundation.The StarTimes Kampala Kids Run is an annual event that focusses on helping the less privileged children in rural schools.

During the speeches, Mr. Rajiv Ruparelia, the Managing Director of Kampala Parents School stated that, “We are very lucky. We work tirelessly to make sure we provide the best yet many children do not have the privileges we have. It is upon us to provide for them. Kampala Parents School students will also do a fundraising to support the cause.”

StarTimes CEO Mr. Franklin Wang said, “We are excited to launch our 2nd edition of StarTimes Kampala Kids Run 2019. The purpose is to come together to support our children in rural schools by providing safe drinking water. We care about each child’s health. So let us make StarTimes Kampala Kids Run a great success.”Much to the excitement of the entire school, the launch was concluded with a performance from the young and talented Patrick Senyonjo a.k.a. Fresh Kid, who is also a pupil at Kampala Parents School.

StarTimes Kampala Kids Run is scheduled to take place on 8th December 2019 at the Uganda Museum starting at 6am. For a child to participate in this cause, all he or she needs to do is buy a kit at only UGX 20,000. All proceeds from the event will go to ensuring that there is safe drinking water for children in rural schools.

Besides the kids’ Run which has the 1.5km and 3km race, there will be bouncing castles, a work out with Zumba dancers, kid games by the clowns and more.