Moses King

Pulse Contributor

In a message also published on X, Museveni conveyed his sympathies to the 45th president of the United States of America, describing the incident as a despicable and cowardly assassination attempt.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“On behalf of the Government and people of Uganda, and on my own behalf, I wish to convey our deep and heartfelt sympathies to His Excellency. At the same time, I condemn this despicable and cowardly assassination attempt that put his life and that of his supporters at risk,” he said before adding.

“I also extend my deepest condolences to the family that lost their loved one. As freedom fighters and peace-lovers, we condemn political violence because it threatens democracy wherever it manifests.”

“I wish His Excellency and all those injured a speedy recovery. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.”

The assassination attempt on Trump's life was made on Saturday, July 13, 2024, during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

The shooting occurred shortly after Trump took the stage at around 6 p.m. EST. Several loud pops were heard, and Secret Service agents quickly escorted Trump off the stage, with blood visible on his face. Video footage from the rally appears to show Trump reacting to something hitting his ear before he briefly pumped his fist at the crowd and was led away.

The shooter was identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, a registered Republican voter in Pennsylvania.

Former President Donald Trump sporting a huge bandage on the first day of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.Evan Vucci/AP

Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni has joined world leaders in condemning the attempted assassination of former American president and Republican Party presidential candidate Donald Trump.

Museveni condemns Donald Trump assassination attempt

<ul><li>President Yoweri Museveni signed 19 bills into law</li><li>Two bills were not signed and were sent back to Parliament</li><li>The bills cover a wide range of areas including wildlife, registration, agriculture, and taxation</li></ul>

The Presidential Press Unit (PPU) confirmed the development on Tuesday.

"The Presidential Press Unit (PPU) wishes to inform the general public that the President of the Republic of Uganda, His Excellency, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has signed 19 Bills into law," PPU stated.

According to the PPU, the President assented to the bills on Monday, at State House, Nakasero.

<h3>The bills signed into law include;</h3>

1. The Uganda Wildlife Authority (Amendment) Act 2024

2. The Uganda Registration Services Bureau (Amendment) Act 2024

3. The Registration of Persons (Amendment) Act 2024

4. The Uganda Trypanosomiasis Control Council (Repeal) Act 2024

5. The Agricultural Chemicals (Control) (Amendment) Act 2024

6. The Children (Amendment) Act 2024

7. The National Youth Council (Amendment) Act 2024

8. The Persons with Disabilities (Amendment) Act 2024

9. The National Women’s Council (Amendment) Act 2024

10. The National Council for Older Persons (Amendment) Act 2024

11. The Non-Governmental Organisations (Amendment) Act 2024

12. The National Library (Amendment) Act 2024

13. The National Planning Authority (Amendment) Act 2024

14. The National Population Council (Repeal) Act 2024

15. The Physical Planning (Amendment) Act 2024

16. The Value Added Tax (Amendment) Act 2024

17. The Tax Procedures Code (Amendment) Act 2024

18. The Stamp Duty (Amendment) Act 2024

19. The Income Tax (Amendment) Act 2024.

The bills cover a wide range of areas including wildlife, registration, agriculture, and taxation

Museveni signs 19 bills into law

<ul><li>The Karamojong people of North Eastern Uganda are known as warriors and pastoralists</li><li>Bride price in Karamoja is traditionally paid in livestock, especially cattle, and can vary depending on factors such as clan size and wealth</li><li>Other livestock like goats, sheep, and even beehives can be included in the bride price</li></ul>

Famed as the warriors in the savanna grasslands, the Karamojong are pastoralists in North Eastern Uganda, bordering northern Kenya and parts of southern Sudan.

&nbsp;Being traditionally pastoralists, the Karamojong treasure their livestock, especially cattle, which every man struggles to have in large numbers.

The bride price in Karamoja is traditionally paid in livestock, primarily cattle. The number of cattle varies depending on several factors. Larger clans often command a higher bride price and this is also the case for wealthier families who expect more cattle.

However, bride price can also be determined by the bride's family’s bargaining power. Bargaining is common, and the final amount can fluctuate.

Read: <a href="https://www.pulse.ug/lifestyle/i-paid-dowry-for-all-my-daughters-museveni/gy8b3lx">I paid dowry for all my daughters - Museveni</a>

While cattle are the primary form of payment, other livestock like goats and sheep might also be included. In some cases, beehives can be part of the bride price, particularly among the Ik people.

The bride price is not simply a purchase of the woman. It's seen as compensation for the loss of the woman's labour and a way to solidify the relationship between the two families.

The bride price is shared among the woman's relatives and clan members.

In a recent news story, an American businessman paid a substantial bride price of 210 million Ugandan shillings (equivalent to 200 bulls, 300 cows, and 100 goats) for his Karimojong wife. This highlights the potential range and value placed on bride price in certain circumstances.

Payment of the bride price elevates a man to the full acceptance by the clan. A man has no official claim over a woman or children unless he pays the bride price.

Bride price in Karamoja is traditionally paid in livestock, especially cattle, and can vary depending on factors such as clan size and wealth

Karamojong: Uganda’s warrior tribe where bride price is up to 200 cows

<ul><li>The government plans to amend the Anti-Corruption Bill to block corruption convicts from holding public offices</li><li>Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka believes that this will deter government officials from engaging in corruption</li><li>Uganda loses up to Shs 9.7 trillion annually to corruption, according to estimates from the Inspectorate of Government</li></ul>

Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka noted that blocking the corrupt from public service will deter government officials from the vice.

The position was recommended by the government at the week-long Cabinet Introspection Retreat in Kyankwanzi that closed yesterday.

“The Anti-Corruption Act should be amended as well as other relevant laws to deter persons convicted of corruption tendencies from being appointed or reappointed in public service,” he said.

<h3>Over Shs 9.7 trillion lost annually</h3>

While opening the retreat, Museveni stated that the Inspectorate of Government estimates <a href="https://www.pulse.ug/news/local/museveni-announces-war-on-corruption-at-kyankwanzi/06yy9pt">Uganda loses up to Shs9.7 trillion per year</a> to corruption.

“Honourable members of the retreat, it is now clear that corruption is a big problem in Uganda. IGG estimates that the country loses Shs. 9.7 trillion per year on account of corruption. This is not acceptable,” he said before adding.

“Therefore, corruption should be crushed and will be crushed.”

The president recently announced <a href="https://www.pulse.ug/business/museveni-creates-new-state-house-unit-to-supervise-ura/vlkb95p">a new State House unit to oversee Uganda Revenue Authority operations</a> in a bid to close revenue collection leakages.

Museveni further appealed to the judiciary to scrap bail for corruption suspects.

“The only support we need from the judiciary is no bail for those accused of murder, treason, terrorism, rape, defilement, corruption (embezzlement), and village thefts if the prosecution is ready for trial,” he said.

&nbsp;“Let the case be tried or use alternative justice but no bail and no impunity for the above cases.”

Uganda loses up to Shs 9.7 trillion annually to corruption, according to estimates from the Inspectorate of Government

Government to ban the corrupt from public service

<h2>Here's a breakdown of what qualifies as distressed fashion:</h2>

Fading: Distressed clothes often have faded areas that mimic the natural lightening of fabric over time. This can be achieved through various techniques, like bleaching or stone washing.

Rips and Tears: Controlled rips, tears, and frays are hallmarks of distressed fashion. These are strategically placed to add a sense of rebellion or edginess. The severity of the rips and tears can vary depending on the desired look.

Fraying: Edges of hems, seams, and pockets might be frayed to create a worn-out effect. This adds a touch of texture and visual interest to the garment.

Holes: Distressed clothing can have small holes or patches for a more dramatic, grungy look.

Denim: Denim is the undisputed king of distressed fashion. Distressed jeans are a staple, featuring any combination of fading, rips, tears, and whiskering (faded lines that mimic natural wear patterns).

While denim reigns supreme, distressed techniques can be applied to other fabrics like leather, cotton, and even knitwear. Distressed leather jackets or sweaters add a touch of vintage charm.

Not Accidental Damage: Distressed fashion is a deliberate aesthetic choice, not a result of carelessness. The rips, tears, and fading are placed strategically for a specific look.

Balance is Key: While distressed elements add a unique touch, too much distressing can make the garment look sloppy or unkempt. It's about achieving a balanced look with the right amount of wear and tear.

Versatility: Distressed fashion can be incorporated into various styles, from edgy and grunge to vintage-inspired or even a touch of casual rebellion. For example; ripped jeans come in various styles, from subtle distressing to major tears.

Faded or ripped T-shirts with rolled-up sleeves are a casual staple, distressed denim jackets timeless pieces, distressed denim jackets add a cool and nonchalant vibe, and frayed hems on sweaters add a touch of vintage charm to a cosy knit.

Overall, distressed fashion is about embracing a sense of history, rebellion, or individuality through clothing that appears pre-worn and unique.

This article is written with the help of an AI model and verified by the writer

Distressed clothes often have faded areas that mimic the natural lightening of fabric over time

What qualifies as distressed fashion?

Mathias Mpuuga, the former opposition leader, recently wondered how the opposition can beat a man who is consistently sober! Noting that the president, whose position they wish to hold, does not even sip wine, Mpuuga warned his colleagues not to indulge in alcohol or tobacco.

"Tell those interested in leadership positions to stop going to bars, getting drunk, and smoking marijuana," Mpuuga said before adding.

"If you want to be a leader, you must be sober 24 hours a day. The person we want to push away doesn’t go to bars, he’s always sober. And he doesn’t even drink wine."

Showing immense physical and mental strength for his age, Museveni’s choice of lifestyle has not only intimidated his opponents but has also had them giving him unsolicited national campaign

At 79 years, Museveni seems to have mastered the secret to longevity, and discipline and is a bearer of long-age wisdom that even his opponents are unknowingly acknowledging.

<h3>A long list of ‘haram’</h3>

In several speeches, Museveni has hinted about his strict diet, noting that his list of “haram” is very long.

Museveni confessed that he does not eat chicken because doing so makes one unstable.

“I don’t eat chicken because when you eat chicken, you become unstable. Chicken is a bird. I don’t eat mutton, I don’t eat all those things and so my list of haram is much longer,” he said

“For instance, although Banyankole were not eating chicken, they were keeping chicken for traditional religious ceremonies. But when your Muganda friend came, they were eating chicken so [they would tell them] you take this chicken and eat it.”

Museveni first tasted beer in 1966 and instantly regretted the experience.

“When I first tasted beer in 1966, it was so sour that I almost spit it. When I asked my friend what this was, he said, "You’ll find out the sweetness in it later."

The decision has got his opponent praising him in 2024.

Museveni notes that he is a lover of indigenous foods and some of his favourites include millet bread and cassava.

“I'm not an Indian to eat rice. I eat Matooke, Kalo, and Muhogo. Have I caused trouble with those that eat rice?”

<h3>Weight loss secret</h3>

Speaking to BBC, Museveni revealed that a diet of cassava, Irish potatoes, and Indigenous vegetables helped him shed over 30 kg.

"I am always fit but decided to shed some fat. I don't eat your European food and your Asian food. I eat a lot of vegetables.”

Museveni stirred controversy when he advised Ugandans to eat cassava instead of bread, which is costly. He stressed that millet is a one-of-a-kind food.

“I do not eat wheat, bread, or rice. If wheat is not available, eat cassava. I'm now going to make 79, eating cassava &amp; millet. Millet is the richest food on earth. Millet has got protein, carbohydrates and iron; all in one. There's no other food that is like that.”

During the 2018 Afcon, Museveni criticised the national football team for not eating right, stating that their shots lacked ‘power’.

Despite Museveni’s conservative diet, he preaches tolerance for one’s values.

&nbsp;“This is our culture, you live and let live; you have your own way, but I don’t interfere with your way of life, you don’t interfere with my way of life.”

At 79 years, Museveni seems to have mastered the secret to longevity

Museveni’s strict diet that even his opponents admire

Recently, former National Unity Platform Party Vice President Mathias Mpuuga argued that only sober leaders who don’t drink or smoke are capable of ruling Uganda. The double-edged utterance, which could pass as praise for the incumbent president Yoweri Museveni, was a veiled attack on his former boss-turned-nemesis Robert Kyagulanyi, aka Bobi Wine.

"If you want to be a leader, you must be sober 24 hours a day. The person we want to push away doesn’t go to bars, he’s always sober. And he doesn’t even drink wine."

However, history shows several presidents loved to smoke or drink.

<h2>Here's a detailed look at some notable smoker presidents</h2>

<h3>Apollo Milton Obote smoked the pipe</h3>

Two-time Ugandan President Apollo Milton Obote loved to smoke the pipe. According to available information, the founding Prime Minister of Uganda gave up the habit while in Zambia during his exile.

<h3>Why Barack Obama keeps his smoking habit discreet</h3>

The most recent president to grapple with smoking. He reportedly smoked as a young man and even admitted to occasional puffs while in office.

However, due to the changing social perception of smoking becoming increasingly negative, he did so very discreetly.

<h3>Nelson Mandela advised against smoking</h3>

There are photographs of a young Mandela smoking, particularly during the 1950s. However, Mandela became a vocal anti-smoking advocate. He spoke out about the dangers of smoking and discouraged young people from picking up the habit.

When confronted with his younger smoking self, Mandela reportedly joked that he was "just showing off" and the cigarette wasn't even lit.

On April 27, Nelson Mandela was elected the first democratically elected president of South Africa, ending apartheid for good.

Apartheid, the systemic racial segregation practiced by the South African government, was in place for decades and seemed like it would be impossible to overcome.But Mandela, an anti-apartheid activist, would not give up — not even after he was imprisoned for 27 years for his activism.Upon his release in 1990, Mandela once again threw himself into the efforts to end apartheid. When he was finally elected president in 1994 — the first election in the country's history in which all races could vote — he made history as the first Black president of South Africa.

So, while Mandela may have smoked in his earlier years, he ultimately became an advocate for a smoke-free lifestyle.

<h3>Colonel Gaddafi</h3>

Col. Muammar Gaddafi was also a smoker. There isn't a single definitive source, but pictures exist showing him smoking on various occasions. Additionally, some news articles mention the habit of passing.

Col. Muammar Gadaffi is the modern father of pan-Africanism.

<h3>Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR) smoking at the White House</h3>

A known cigarette smoker throughout his life. Interestingly, his wife, Eleanor Roosevelt, also picked up the habit, making them a smoking couple in the White House.

<h3>John F. Kennedy</h3>

Though not as prominent as cigars for him, Kennedy did enjoy cigars, especially as a young man spending time with his father, Joseph P. Kennedy.

It's important to note that this list isn't exhaustive. Many other presidents enjoyed cigars or pipes to varying degrees. However, with the growing awareness of the health risks of smoking, the number of presidents who smoke has drastically declined.

This article was written with the help of an AI model and verified by the writer.

Some of the presidents who loved to smoke

History shows several presidents loved to smoke or drink

List: Presidents who loved smoking

On the other hand, there is a mysterious island on the lake that is only mentioned in whispers due to the associated sacred beliefs. Musambwa Island is a snake's paradise where women are not allowed, much like a page from a Disney film.

<h3>A few quick facts about the mysterious island that you may not have heard much about are provided here</h3>

Snake Haven: Musambwa Island boasts a staggering population of over 2,000 snakes, with some estimates suggesting a ratio of over 20 snakes per person! These slithering residents include venomous Gaboon vipers and impressive but harmless African rock pythons. The presence of such a high population of snakes makes it an even more mystical place to venture to.

Sacred Spirits: Local beliefs hold the snakes in high regard, considering them to be embodied spirits or protectors. This reverence leads to a peaceful coexistence between humans and reptiles, with snakes often sharing homes and even beds with the island's inhabitants.

Men Only: Traditionally, Musambwa Island has been an all-male domain. Women are not allowed to stay on the island for extended periods, as it's believed their presence might disrupt the harmonious relationship with the spirits (snakes).

High Morality: This belief system is said to contribute to a remarkably high moral code on the island, with a reported absence of sexually transmitted diseases. Sex is not allowed on the Island as locals believe it offends the spirits. Secondly, women are not allowed. Therefore, the male population leave their families on other Islands, majorly Kalangala Island or the mainland.

Fishing Community: Fishing is the primary way of life for the roughly 100 men residing on Musambwa Island. They utilize traditional techniques to catch fish from the surrounding waters of Lake Victoria.

Birdwatchers' Paradise: Beyond the snakes, Musambwa Island is a haven for birdlife. It's designated as a Ramsar site, a wetland recognized for its international importance. The island provides a breeding ground for numerous species, including the largest breeding colony of Grey-headed Gulls in Africa.

Overfishing Threat: Unfortunately, the traditional way of life on Musambwa Island faces challenges. Overfishing due to a growing population has put a strain on the fish stocks in Lake Victoria, creating a conflict between the community's needs and the environment they revere.

A number of tour operators give opportunities for people to venture to this Island. Feeling intrigued? Could be worth a try!

This article is created with the help of an AI model and verified by the writer

Musambwa Island is a snake's paradise where women are not allowed, much like a page from a Disney film.

Musambwa: The mystical snake island on Lake Victoria where women are banned

At the eleventh hour, precisely 48 hours to kick off, Qatar chiefs banned sale of alcoholic drinks in stadiums and outside the World Cup venues.

FIFA confirmed the development noting that they had come into agreement with the host authorities to focus sale of alcoholic beverages at the FIFA fan festivals, fans destinations and licensed venues instead of the stadiums.

“Following discussions between host country authorities and FIFA, a decision has been made to focus the sale of alcoholic beverages on the FIFA Fan Festival, other fan destinations and licensed venues,” FIFA announced.

The decision, it said, would mean “removing sales points of beer from Qatar’s FIFA World Cup 2022 stadium perimeters.”

On Friday, the tournament announced in a last-minute reversal that the sale of beer would be banned in stadiums throughout the tournament

The sale of alcohol is very tightly controlled in Qatar."Alcohol is not part of local culture," the Qatar 2022 website informs potential visitors. But with alcohol such a large part of sporting culture worldwide, and with Budweiser a major sponsor of the World Cup itself, it appeared as if a compromise would have to be made.Before the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, FIFA had applied pressure to ensure that beer was available to fans on game day, and for a while, it looked as though a similar exception would be made for in-stadium beer sales in Qatar.But on Friday, Qatar abruptly pulled the plug on the sale of beer inside stadiums hosting World Cup matches."Following discussions between host country authorities and FIFA, a decision has been made to focus the sale of alcoholic beverages on the FIFA Fan Festival, other fan destinations, and licensed venues, removing sales points of beer from Qatar's FIFA World Cup 2022 stadium perimeters," FIFA wrote in a statement.The statement noted that Bud Zero, an alcohol-free alternative option, would still be available to fans.While alcohol will still be available to fans in Qatar at locations outside the stadiums, the sudden reversal raises concerns about what other aspects of the tournament the host nation might decide need a last-minute revision.

However, according to the Middle East Eye, Qatar's ban on the sale of alcoholic beverages in the perimeters&nbsp;of&nbsp;World Cup stadiums has a loophole for those willing to shell out thousands of dollars on private suites.

Alcohol will reportedly be available in luxury hospital boxes where a seat for one match starts at $950. This comes with beer and wine for group stage matches and the same seats go for $1,900 in the knock out stages with select alcoholic offerings.

“The alcoholic offerings for luxury boxes go well beyond the limited sale of Budweiser beer that guests would initially be allowed to purchase up to three hours before matches and one hour after&nbsp;in select areas around each stadium”, the Middle East Eye reported.

Business package seats valued at $3,050 come with a package that includes beer, wine, spirits and cocktails, with guests even allowed to belly-up to the bar during half-time.

Budweiser beer kiosks are pictured at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha.Getty/Miguel Medina

Fans splurging $4,950 on the top-level Pearl Suite for a single match have access to sommeliers and premium spirits.

Paying $34,300 for 10 matches - including a semifinal and the final - allows guests to bask in guest appearances from celebrities and a six-course "gastronomic showcase", according to Match Hospitality.

There is a loophole in Qatar's alcohol ban

While Qatar has ‘officially’ banned the sale of alcoholic drinks to ordinary spectators, VIP ticket holders have unlimited choices of alcohol ranging from hard spirits to wines.

SHOCKER! Despite ban, alcohol available in Qatar stadiums for VIP ticket holders

The decision comes just hours from the kick off of the World Cup with the hosts Qatar taking on Ecuador in the tournament opener on Sunday.

FIFA confirmed the development noting that they had come into agreement with the host authorities to focus sale of alcoholic beverages at the FIFA fan festivals, fans destinations and licensed venues instead of the stadiums.

“Following discussions between host country authorities and FIFA, a decision has been made to focus the sale of alcoholic beverages on the FIFA Fan Festival, other fan destinations and licensed venues,” FIFA announced.

&nbsp;The decision, it said, would mean “removing sales points of beer from Qatar’s FIFA World Cup 2022 stadium perimeters.”

Restriction against sales of beet is expected to complicate FIFA’s $75m sponsorship agreement with Budweiser.

Qatar, a conservative Muslim nation has also slapped restrictions against filming at accommodation sites, such as those housing migrant workers, under the terms of filming permits issued by the Qatari government.

According to the terms, recording at government buildings, universities, places of worship and hospitals is also prohibited, along with filming at residential properties and private businesses.

Qatari chiefs, in a change of plan have banned the sale of alcoholic drinks at stadiums during the World Cup set for November 18th- December 18th.

Qatar 2022: Host nation bans beer sales at World Cup Stadiums

Former athletics star Julius Acon, now Member of Parliament for Otuke East County is the only African athlete inducted in the ‘Olympian for Life’ program.

Achon was the first Ugandan to win gold at the 1994 World Junior Championships, running the 1500m in 3:39.78.

He also won scholarship to George Mason University. In 1996 in America, he won the 800m NCAA title, setting a new US college record of 1:44.55 which lasted 21 years. Later in the year, he ran in the 1500m heats at the Atlanta Olympics.

“Thank you, Lord, for the blessings you have bestowed on my life. You have provided me with more than I could ever have imagined. You have surrounded me with people who always look out for me. Thanks to Nike Running Company for the gift of a brand-new Land cruiser”, he tweeted. &nbsp;

<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Thank you, Lord, for the blessings you have bestowed on my life. You have provided me with more than I could ever have imagined. You have surrounded me with people who always look out for me. Thanks to Nike Running Company for the gift of a brand-new Land cruiser <a href="https://t.co/OpxCmZTeB6">pic.twitter.com/OpxCmZTeB6</a>&mdash; Hon Julius Acon MP Otuke East County (@MpOtuke) <a href="https://twitter.com/MpOtuke/status/1591681546691428352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

</div>

Olympians for Life project was launched at the Rio 2016 Olympics and has so far honoured15 summer and winter Olympians with an exhibition of their images. Five Olympians from each Olympics are inducted, one from each continent.

“After I was in inducted in World Olympian for life in Tokyo, Japan 2020. I received it today. Coz I was the only athlete from Africa Inducted into World Olympian for Life. And also as the best Humanitarian. Also want to encourage the young people not to lose hope”.

The program recognised Achon for his efforts to improve healthcare and education and rebuilding his local community in northern Uganda after decades of civil war.

American multinational corporation, Nike has rewarded Uganda’s first athlete to win gold at world junior championships and also a double Olympian with a brand new Land Cruiser.

Nike gifts double Olympian brand new Land Cruiser

As the World Cup kicks off November 20, with Qatar taking on Ecuador in the tournament opener, it’s inconceivable that just about ten years ago, the Middle Eastern nation was building its national team, literally from scratch for a tournament of this magnitude.

Without much footballing history or facilities, Qatar upon winning the World Cup bid did not have only infrastructure to invest in but also a national team to build given that as hosts, they would be guaranteed their first ever World Cup appearance.

Qatar realised that they did not merely need to build hotels, stadiums, roads but also a competent team that will not embarrass them in the World Cup.

Aggressive naturalisation process

Before the World Cup bid was made official, Qatar had already embarked on an aggressive naturalisation process offering citizenship to potential talents that could spur its football imprint.

Goalkeepers: Saad Al-Sheeb, Meshaal Barsham, Yousef HassanDefenders: Pedro Miguel, Musaab Khidir, Tarek Salman, Bassam Al-Rawi, Boualem Khoukhi, Abdelkarim Hassan, Homam Ahmed, Jassem GaberMidfielders: Ali Asad, Assim Madabo, Mohammed Waad, Salem Al-Hajri, Moustafa Tarek, Karim Boudiaf, Abdelaziz Hatim, Ismail MohamadForwards: Naif Al-Hadhrami, Ahmed Alaaeldin, Hassan Al-Haydos, Khalid Muneer, Akram Afif, Almoez Ali, Mohamed Muntari

With lots and lots of money at their disposal, in 2004, in just a space of a week, Qatar tried to naturalise three Brazilian footballers, Ailton, Dede and Leandro. The move infuriated FIFA so much that the world football body decided to amend its rules and added that a player to be eligible must have been a citizen living in that country for not less than 10 years.

After FIFA clipped Qatar’s aggressive naturalisation plan, the royal family founded the Aspire Academy project to train Qatari athletes with the best technology and resources that money could buy. Shortly after, as an offshoot of the academy's soccer program, the Aspire Football Dreams program was launched to uncover youth soccer talent hidden in the farthest-flung villages and outposts in the world.

The program began in 2005 with a handful of camps in sub-Saharan Africa. Since then, it has expanded to Latin America and Southeast Asia.

The academy awarded scholarships to several of the players to study in Qatar thus beating FIFA’s 10-year- residency rule.

Qatar's ruler Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani hands his Kuwaiti counterpart Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad Al-Sabah a signed Qatari national team jersey in a display of the alliances at play in the Gulf

The efforts would pay off as Qatar lifted the Arab Cup in 2019.

&nbsp;The naturalisation process had worked wonders for the Qatar handball team that consisted of foreign athletes.

According to IHF rules, to gain eligibility for a new national team, a player cannot have played for another nation for three years in an official match. This allowed several foreign-born players, including Spanish-born Borja Vidal, Goran Stojanović and Jovo Damjanović from Montenegro, and Bertrand Roiné who previously played for France, to play for the Qatar team at the 2015 world championship.

Qatar also reportedly hired over 600,000 fans to cheer its national team.

Fast forward in the 2020 Arab Cup, Qatar team included 17 naturalised players out of the 23 selected.&nbsp;Indeed, players from Sudan (7 players), Egypt (1 player), Iraq (2 players), Bahrain (1 player), Yemen (2 players), Ghana (1 player) ) and Cape Verde (1 player), appear in the list of players who make up the selection of Qatar. Eight different nationalities in addition to the players of Qatari origin.

The foreign players naturalized by Qatar were as follows: Goalkeeper: Machaâl Barchem, 23 years old from Sudan. Defenders: Pedro Miguel, 31 (Cape Verde), Mosaab Khadar, 28 (Sudan), Bessam Erraoui, 23 (Iraq), Ismael Mohamed, 31 (Sudan), Abdelkrim Hassan, 28 (Sudan), Assem Madibou, 25 years old (Sudan). Midfielders: Abdelah Al Ahrak, 24 (Yemen), Karim Boudiaf, 31 (Algeria), Boualem Khoukhi, 31 (Algeria), Mohamed Ouaad, 22 (Iraq), Ali Asdallah, 28 (Bahrain), Abdelaziz Hatem, 31 years old (Sudan). Forwards: Akram Affif, 25 (Yemen), Ahmed Aladine, 28 (Egypt), Moaz Ali, 25 (Sudan), and Mohamed Muntari, 27 (Ghana).

Qatar has not shied away from controversy to achieve its football dream.

FIFA World Cup: How Qatar built its national football team

Qatar is expecting over 2m visitors during the month-long tournament with the peak time being the group stages that kick off next week, Sunday, November 20.

The brightly-painted aluminum portacabins are arranged in long straight rows and according to &nbsp;Arabic daily 'Arrayah', each cabin tea and coffee making facilities with two bottles of water per day, a refrigerator, bed sheets and bath towels.

Forget about the infamous Nyege Nyege Festival ‘kennels’, the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 has come up with over 4,600 housing cabins made from shipping containers.