From the grapevine

Bent Nicolajsen steps down as MS chairperson by the end of April – a position he has held since 2001. Now Bent wants to have more time for his family and work, but he stays on the board until the end of his term in April 2005.

In January Mie Hersted began working as educational advisor with Eduacation Access Africa (EAA) in Arua and Koboko. Mie has lived in Koboko since August last year with her husband Peter, DDW with Uganda Scouts Vocational School (USVS), and four of their children.

Phiona Nakidde is the new executive secretary with Uganda Pioneer’s Association (UPA). Phiona take over the position after Ambrose Kibuuka.

Coordinator Geoffrey Mangwi and development worker Maja Halleen Graae, both with Sudan Human Rights Association (SHRA), and MS Uganda information officer Mai Rasmussen attended a course on policy advocacy at the MS training center in Arusha from 15^th-26^th March.

Lars Engberg Pedersen has stepped down as MS’ international director and moved on to other challenges in Burkina Faso. His successor, Bente Topsøe-Jensen, will start 1^st July. In the meantime Lars Anderskouv, former MS Uganda director, is acting international director.

Violet Nabbosa, accountant trainee, left the country office December 2003. She is now working with Stanbic Bank in Mbale.

Geoffrey Rwakabale is Anti Corruption Coalition Uganda’s (ACCU) new coordinator starting from 15^th April. Geoffrey comes from World Vision position, and he replaces Lydia Bakaki who is now with Danida.

Wafula Ogutto was at the ACCU annual general meeting in March elected as the coalitions new chairperson. Among other things he is known as one of the founders of The Monitor newspaper.

HNSDA (Hoima Nurcery Schools Development Association) and MS Uganda have signed a partnership agreement phasing out the partnership in 2006.