Loving Light and Life Ministries Report on Activities with John Bannes in Western Uganda Jan 11 to 14th 2025

Report on Activities with John Bannes in Western Uganda January 11 - 14th 2025

 

Date: 11th - 14th January 2025

 

Introduction

On Saturday, 11th January, and Sunday, 12th January, John arrived at Two Friends Hotel, where we spent two days planning and preparing for the activities scheduled in Western Uganda. The stay was smooth, and the sessions were productive as we aligned ourselves with the mission and vision of Loving Light and Life Ministries.

 

 

Journey to Western Uganda

On Monday morning, we began our journey to Western Uganda under the theme:

“Love is the desire to do good to everyone and everything in the cosmos.”

 

Upon arriving in Bwizibwera, Mbarara, we were warmly welcomed at Bwizibwera Gardens. The evening was spent strategizing and organizing the activities for the next day to ensure a successful session.

 

 

Tuesday, 14th January

The day began with great anticipation as participants from different areas gathered to hear from us. The attendance exceeded our expectations, with a diverse audience eager to engage and learn.

 

Program Overview

1. Breakfast: Attendees were served a hearty breakfast to start the day on a positive note.

2. Session Highlights:

• The session lasted for three hours and was led by John, who spoke passionately about the cosmos, emphasizing the mission and theme of his visit to Uganda.

• He highlighted the importance of love, leadership, and teamwork, inspiring the audience to reflect on these values in their lives.

• As part of our outreach, we distributed free Urantia Books to individuals interested in diving deeper into the teachings.

 

Lunch Break

After the session, everyone enjoyed lunch together, fostering fellowship and connection among participants.

 

 

Future Plans

The success of this session has motivated us to continue our outreach efforts. We are excited to announce that we will return to Uganda in March 2025 to conduct additional sessions, expand our reach, and share more teachings and resources.

 

 

 

Conclusion

This event was a resounding success, with high participation, meaningful engagement, and a clear demonstration of our mission’s impact. The generosity of those involved, the enthusiasm of the attendees, and the warm hospitality in Bwizibwera highlighted the importance of this work.

 

 

We are grateful for the opportunity to touch lives and look forward to continuing this journey in March. Together, we are spreading love, truth, and light across communities.

 

Atwebmbire Owen

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXOdEugl4FU

Uganda Constitution | A Cornerstone of Democracy

Introduction:

Our constitution stands as the bedrock of our democratic society, embodying the principles that guide and protect our nation. In this blog, we delve into the significance, evolution, and enduring relevance of the constitution that shapes our collective identity.

The Foundation of Democracy:

At its core, our constitution establishes the framework for our government, ensuring the separation of powers and guaranteeing the fundamental rights of every citizen. It reflects the wisdom of our forefathers who sought to create a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.

Evolution and Amendments:

Over the years, our constitution has adapted to the changing needs of society through amendments. Each amendment reflects our commitment to justice, equality, and progress. From the Bill of Rights to more recent amendments, our constitution evolves, ensuring it remains a living document that resonates with the values of the times.

Protection of Individual Rights:

One of the constitution's paramount roles is safeguarding the rights and liberties of individuals. The Bill of Rights, with its guarantees of freedom of speech, religion, and due process, serves as a shield against potential abuses of power, fostering a society where individual freedoms flourish.

Balancing Act: Separation of Powers:

The ingenious separation of powers among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches prevents the concentration of authority in any one entity. This delicate balance ensures that no single branch becomes too powerful, promoting a system of checks and balances that protects against tyranny.

Challenges and Resilience:

Our constitution has weathered challenges throughout history, from civil rights struggles to technological advancements. Its resilience lies in the adaptability to new circumstances while maintaining the fundamental principles that define our nation.

Citizen Engagement and Responsibility:

The constitution isn't a static document—it requires an engaged and informed citizenry to uphold its principles. Understanding our rights and responsibilities empowers us to actively participate in the democratic process, fostering a society where the voices of the people shape the course of the nation.

Conclusion:

As we reflect on "Our Constitution," we recognize it as a timeless guide that anchors our democratic society. Its principles and values continue to inspire and shape our nation, inviting each generation to contribute to the ongoing narrative of a more perfect union.

1. **Comprehensive Exploration:** "The Urantia Book" provides a comprehensive exploration of various topics, including cosmology, theology, philosophy, and the spiritual evolution of humanity. It offers a holistic view of existence, encouraging readers to broaden their understanding of life's purpose and meaning.

 2. **Spiritual Insights:** For those seeking spiritual insights, Urantia offers a unique perspective on the nature of God, the universe, and the spiritual journey of individuals. It delves into profound spiritual concepts that can inspire personal growth and a deeper connection with the divine. 

 3. **Intellectual Challenge:** The book challenges conventional perspectives and stimulates intellectual curiosity. Readers are encouraged to engage with complex ideas, fostering a sense of intellectual exploration and discovery. 

 4. **Expanding Cosmic Consciousness:** Urantia introduces readers to a vast cosmic framework, offering insights into the organization and workings of the universe. It expands cosmic consciousness, providing a grander context for human existence within the cosmic order.

 5. **Philosophical Depth:** The philosophical depth of Urantia invites readers to contemplate profound questions about the nature of reality, morality, and the purpose of life. It serves as a rich source of philosophical exploration for those interested in deepening their understanding of these concepts. 

 6. **Personal Growth and Reflection:** The teachings of Urantia encourage personal reflection and application. Readers can use the insights gained from the book as a guide for personal growth, fostering positive changes in their attitudes, behaviors, and spiritual understanding.

 7. **Community Engagement:** Joining a community of Urantia readers provides an opportunity for communal exploration and shared insights. Engaging with others who are also on this intellectual and spiritual journey can enhance the overall experience and provide different perspectives. 

 8. **Interfaith Dialogue:** For individuals interested in interfaith dialogue, Urantia offers a unique perspective that can contribute to conversations about spirituality and the nature of God. It provides a bridge for understanding and connecting with diverse belief systems. 

 9. **Guidance for Living:** The practical application of Urantia's teachings can serve as a guide for living a more purposeful and meaningful life. The principles and moral values outlined in the book offer a foundation for making thoughtful decisions and navigating life's challenges. 

 10. **Source of Inspiration:** Many readers find inspiration in the poetic and insightful language of Urantia. It has the potential to awaken a sense of wonder, awe, and reverence for the mysteries of existence, serving as a source of inspiration for those exploring the depths of spirituality and philosophy.

By Owen Atwebembire

Rabbits are a quick-breeding source of low-fat, high-protein meat and have long been enjoyed as a food by many people across the world. A fine-grained white meat, it can be substituted for chicken in many recipes.

Until the increase in beef consumption in the 1960s, rabbit was popular in the United States. Today, the interest in lower fat diets and healthy eating combined with an ongoing pursuit by chefs and foodies of novel and locally produced foods has led to a domestic resurgence in the use of rabbits for meat.

The two most common types used for meat production are New Zealand whites and Californians.

Rabbits can be produced for many different markets: for breeding stock, as medical and educational lab animals, for pet food, as pet and show animals, and for their wool and skin. While these may be pursued as a secondary market for rabbit farmers, the focus of this article is on meat production.

Production

U.S. Ag Census data shows that rabbit production is up. In 2012, more than 5,000 farms sold nearly 853,000 rabbits.

Marketing

Rabbit has appeal across many ethnic markets. Muslims, Christians, and Hindus do not have religious prohibitions from consuming rabbit meat. However, because of their popularity as pets, there is one factor that is difficult to counter: the Easter bunny image. Some meat eaters may be squeamish about consuming an animal that others keep as pets in their home. And in spite of their toothy image, they are not rodents.

Fortunately, these images have not dissuaded chefs across the country from adding rabbit meat to their menus. Today, rabbit meat can be found on many menus in restaurants in the interior of the United States—from Atlanta to Chicago to St. Louis to Austin.

Online retail prices for dressed rabbit vary widely--from $6.59 to more than $18 per pound. Due to their prolific breeding capabilities, it is essential that a market be available before commencing wide-scale rabbit production. Rabbits have a slim profit margin and producers are advised to start small, using rabbits as a supplemental income source while they are establishing their market.

Processing

Since they are not classified as livestock, rabbits are exempted from USDA inspections on slaughter. Grades for rabbit meat were removed in 1995. However, they are protected under the Animal Welfare Act that requires that all individuals or businesses dealing with rabbits must be licensed or registered with APHIS.

Some producers slaughter their own rabbits for direct sales. Rabbits may also be commercially slaughtered in accordance with state, county or municipal guidelines. A limited number of commercial slaughter facilities exist across the United States. Small-species mobile processing facilities may help fill the need for producing fresh rabbit meat in sufficient quantities for a limited market.

• American Rabbit Breeders Association - The association's membership totals over 30,000 throughout the United States, Canada and abroad.
• Global Agricultural Trade System (GATS), Foreign Ag Service (FAS), USDA.
• Guidelines for Entry into Meat Rabbit Production, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Alabama A&M and Auburn Universities, revised 2016 - This article provides some basic guidelines about getting started in the meat rabbit business.
• Mobile Slaughter/Processing Units, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Kentucky and Kentucky State University.
• Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease, Center for Food Security and Public Health, Iowa State University, 2016.
• Rabbit Production, Pennsylvania State University Agricultural Research and Cooperative Extension - Provides information to evaluate initial resources needed. 
• Raising Rabbits on Pasture, Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association, 2009.
• Small-Scale Sustainable Rabbit Production, ATTRA, National Sustainable Ag Information Service, NCAT, 2012 - This publication focuses on meat rabbits and sustainable rabbit management.
• United States Classes, Standards, and Grades for Rabbits, Ag Marketing Service, USDA.

Value Added Producer Grant Recipient

Yours,

Owen Atwebembire. 

When it comes to feeding rabbits, many people have it all wrong thanks to Bugs Bunny, Easter decor and every other image that pairs rabbits with carrots. So what do rabbits eat? In reality, domesticated rabbits thrive on a diet that consists of hay, leafy greens and grass-based pellets. 
 

Carrots are just a treat, and one that should be offered sparingly.

So if you’re a rabbit owner or you’re considering becoming one, here are a few tips for creating a healthy food plan for your rabbit, one that includes plenty of variety, including an occasional slice of carrot.

Pile on the hay

Hay should make up between 70 and 85 percent of a rabbit’s diet, according to information on rabbit careprovided by the NC State Veterinary Hospital.

The most common types of hay available in pet stores and feed stores are timothy and orchard grass. Both are great for rabbits. Another hay you’ll run into in pet stores is alfalfa hay. This type is good for young rabbits (younger than six months old) and lactating females but contains too much calcium and protein for other adult rabbits.

A good source of fiber, hay protects a rabbit’s intestines and prevents fur chewing, hairballs and overgrowth of bacteria that can lead to diarrhea and death, according to a publication on rabbit nutrition by the University of California. 

Hay also keeps a rabbit’s teeth healthy, according to West Boulevard Veterinary Clinic in Vancouver, B.C. A rabbit’s teeth grow continually throughout its life, and by chewing hay, they keep their teeth worn down to a healthy length. If a rabbit’s teeth grow too long, they can end up with mouth sores and infections.  
Prepare a daily salad

In the wild, rabbits forage for a wide variety of plants, so it makes sense that domestic rabbits also benefit from eating a variety of fresh leafy vegetables and herbs. In fact, the fresh portion of a rabbits diet is just as important as the hay, according to Northwood Animal Hospital in Irvine, Cali. Fresh vegetables provide rabbits with important nutrients and water.

Rabbits should be fed a minimum of 1 packed cup of green foods per 2 pounds of body weight each day, or about half the size of the rabbit if placed in a loose pile, according to Northwood. This salad should consist of at least three different types of dark green leafy vegetables. Some examples of good greens for rabbits include mustard greens, parsley, beet greens, swiss chard, radish tops, basil, cilantro, red lettuce, carrot tops and kale.

Don’t go overboard on pellets

High quality rabbit pellets can provide vitamins and minerals that a rabbit might not get if fed only hay and fresh vegetables, according to Dana Krempels, a biology professor at the University of Miami who authored the online resource “What Should I Feed My Bunny?” However, Krempels cautions against feeding a rabbit too much pellet food, which can cause them to become obese. Pellets can also cause rabbits to stop eating hay, which is crucial to their health.

Many veterinarians suggest feeding your rabbit no more than ⅛ cup of quality pellets per 5 pounds of rabbit per day, according to Krempels. Furthermore, not all rabbit pellets are equally nutritious. Steer clear of pellets that contain dried fruit, seeds, nuts and colored bits, which can cause serious digestion problems. A good quality rabbit pellet should have at least 22 percent crude fiber and no more than 14 percent protein, 1 percent fat and 1 percent calcium, Krempels said. 

Treats are OK, in moderation

It can be fun to feed your pets treats, but keep in mind that rabbits have sensitive digestive systems and can’t tolerate most of the foods that humans eat. Fruits are the best treats for rabbits, and more specifically, high-fiber fruits, according to a publication on rabbit nutrition by the University of California. 

Papaya, peaches, pears, pineapple, raspberries and strawberries are all OK bunny treats — but only in small amounts. A small slice or a couple small berries is all your rabbit should have in a day. If a rabbit eats too much sugar, it can cause an imbalance in its digestive system. It can also cause obesity.

Always provide fresh water

Like every other mammal, rabbits require water and plenty of it. While rabbits will drink from a bottle or a bowl, a 2011 study conducted by the University of Zurich found that rabbits preferred to drink from open dishes. However, rabbits also tend to knock over dishes. To prevent this, try using a heavy bowl. Refresh the water every day.

Rabbits create their own “pellets”

If you catch a rabbit eating its poop, don’t worry. Rabbits produce a special type of dropping called a cecotrope, which is greenish, made up of several little balls and covered in mucus. Rich in nutrients, cecotropes are usually eaten by rabbits directly, according to Northwood Animal Hospital. Therefore, you likely won’t see them scattered around the cage. If you do, then the rabbit may have a diet that’s too rich in nutrients or your rabbit may have a health problem.

Monitor your rabbit’s appetite

If your rabbit stops eating and pooping, it could be serious, and you may have a short window of time to act. A condition known as gastrointestinal stasis is fairly common in rabbits. This is when the rabbit’s intestines essentially stop working, and it can be fatal. 

In an article about this “silent killer,” Krempels states that if a rabbit hasn’t eaten or pooped for 12 hours, it should be taken to the veterinary clinic immediately for treatment. 

Having a relationship with a veterinarian who’s knowledgeable about rabbits is important for all rabbit owners. In addition to helping in emergency situations, a veterinarian can offer advice on what to feed your rabbit and help you monitor its weight and overall health. While there are many good resources out there about rabbit care, sometimes consulting an expert is best. 

Yours,

Owen Atwebembire.