Statement by the Heads of State of Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia and South Sudan on the Lamu Port Southern Sudan-Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) Corridor Project

It’s not a one-night’s affair to fight corruption – Companies and civil servants in bid for something extra

Fighting corruption is not a one-night affair. – Olusegun Obasanjo

We live in a day and age where we have global companies. The great nations with giant economic systems: Even civil servant can get extra money in exchange for some easier way to handle business in the territory. We all know it happens from time to time. From land to land, town to town, village to village etc. So here we are and I got some stories to tell.

In China the only and leading party the Chinese Communist Party, they are going after the biggest fish now. The corrupted man is supposed to be Zhou Yongkang former Security Chief and Oil Czar. The party is doing this they say for “disciplinary violations”. He rises in power through the national oil company China National Petroleum Corp. President Xi Jinping is doing this after his pledge of fighting corruption in 2012 (Leavenworth, 2014).

In U.S. a former up and coming GOP candidate to the national Republican Party is set for trial for a corruption case. Bob and Maureen McDonnell they are charged for using their office to gain money and gifts in exchange for influence. Before indictment Bob repaid $120,000 and then dined any wrong doing. The prosecutors have found 615 items of luxury value (O’Dell, 2014).

Even Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation has agreed to pay up for fixing deals on offering international clients bribes to secure the agreements for law enforcing and military contracts. They agreed on 28. July to pay the sum of $ 2,000,000: this for breaking the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). S&W hired a third party agent in Pakistan to give a police department $11 000 worth of guns this resulted in selling a total of 548 guns to Pakistan worth a total of $ 210 980, that mean they earned $ 107 852. The company did also certain activity in Indonesia to a third party agent there. Also in Turkey they sent someone to sell handcuffs and firearms to the police. They also used third party agents who did activities in Bangladesh and Nepal to get contracts (Terrill, 2014).

In Trinidad Jack Warner keep humming. This time not involved in FIFA cases. The last local election and allegations of corruption, Jack Warner is now the Chairman of the independent Liberal Party. He is ordered to pay Faaiq Mohammed $ 220,000 in damages, also $ 42,000 in legal cost. Mohammed has said to the press: “It will not deter me. It probably should not have been but it has not deterred me. I will continue to work hard and work towards helping the people and serve the people. So far I am doing a pretty good job at it and I am hoping to continue, and before my term is up I will be one of the best councillors within Trinidad and Tobago” (Ramdass, 2014).

In Vellore, India in search for water and drilling water. The companies who is pumping and setting up the drilling is paying officials into pockets after recent reports. CPM district secretary A.Narayanan is saying this: “We charge between Rs 80,000 and Rs 90,000 to sink a 500-foot borewell”. The cost for a sinking borewell Rs 72 lakh for 36 borewells and its cost for each borewell price of total Rs 2 lakh. The politicians after the word of A. Narayanan: “It is obvious that Rs 2 lakh to Rs 3 lakh per work would go to the corrupt officials and ward Councillors. The amount would be shared among everyone in the Corporation” (Chitharth, 2014).

In New York, a French man was arrested for two years in connection with bribing in Guinea, where the French man worked as an advisor for the mining corporation BSG Resources. He admitted to try to bribe Mamadie Toure, the widow of the late president Lasana Conte. This was in efforts to try to get contracts to large iron ore deposits BSG Resources. The company had business on the northern parts of Simadou mine. The Guinean government is now planning new auctions on the area. Even though the company BSG Resources is claiming they did nothing wrong (Ax, 2014).

Now, I have told enough stories right. It isn’t any local problem. It’s global. We’re living in a global village. Companies are worldwide and using any kind of practices to get an upper hand and earn a few extra shillings here and there. Government officials using their jobs and opportunities to earn something honor for good civic duties in the name of their position. While we’re sitting and often doesn’t grasp what that really happening and what it might do to our society as a whole. But that is enough from me today..

Links:

Ax, Joseph – ‘Frenchman gets two years in U.S. prison for role in Guinea mine scandal’ (25.07.2014) Link: http://www.businessinsider.com/r-frenchman-gets-two-years-in-us-prison-for-role-in-guinea-mine-scandal-2014-25#ixzz38tgdcGWG

Chitharth, M. – ‘Corporation Move Aimed at Swindling Funds’ (26.07.2014) Link: http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil_nadu/Corporation-Move-Aimed-at-Swindling-Funds/2014/07/26/article2349428.ece

O’Dell, Larry – ‘Jury Chosen in Former Va. Gov’s Corruption Trial’ (28.07.2014) Link: http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/va-governors-corruption-trial-begins-24736903

Leavenworth, Sturt – ‘China’s anti-corruption push targets highest-ranking official yet’ (29.07.2014) Link:   http://www.heraldonline.com/2014/07/29/6183214/chinas-anti-corruption-push-targets.html

Ramdass, Rickie – ‘Warner must pay $262,000’ (24.07.2014) Link:  http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/Warner-must-pay-262000-268542832.html

Terrill, Daniel – ‘Smith & Wesson pays $2 million to settle SEC corruption charges’ (29.07.2014) Link: http://www.guns.com/2014/07/29/smith-wesson-pays-2-million-to-settle-sec-corruption-charges/

Uganda – Civil Service Payment issues again(!!)

Well, I am back at it again. Since this civil service payments isn’t going after schedule or planning. Therefore innocent and humble, working hard people isn’t getting their decent salaries on time. Which is by all standards is a shame; we have heard all kind of excuses by the leaders and gents of the Government. The Government which is entailed to pay its employees for it services. And after the saga of the magnificent payments structure in the Statehouse and the people around the President Museveni, we should have seen another picture. But it just seems to show how much it matters and why they can make it so slow for decent folks. Here is the latest on the issue:

Promise Civil Service pay by the end of September:

Muhakanizi comments on recent delayed civil service salaries: “releasing funds and budgeting well”, also have issues with “planning” and their inefficiency with following “procurement guidelines”. Muhakanizi continues: “Was finance releasing funds and budgeting well? The answer is no. And why was the release of funds poor?” (…)”We [finance] were releasing funds every month, but no one can budget basing on one month, it’s unacceptable and it was wrong”. He promised that the pay will now be cleared by “end of September”. Muhakanizi follows it up: “Teachers must teach people must get their titles from the [ministry of] Lands, the Judiciary must deliver justice in a timely manner” (…)”Those people who always ask for supplementary [funds] know themselves, but I refused to cut development expenditures for consumption purposes and if anyone does it, it must be rejected “(Walusimbi, 2014).

By the same statement to New Vision Muhanizi said: “If salary arrears are not paid by September, then call me a liar” (Mulundo, 2014)

Joseph Ssewungu the Kalungu West MP says to all this: “ want to tell Keith [Muhakanizi] that you will not pay teachers by September because you promised before, to send payment vouchers to all districts on top of clearing all the salary arrears by June, but up to now, nothing has been done. But you can promise for the sake of making us happy” (Walusimbi, 2014).

Important Pay scales for civil service employees like teachers:

Senior School Principal: 1,687,000Ush.

Education Assistant Grade III: 230,000Ush.

By now this has just gotten 25% increase.

At Makerere University:

Lecture: 1,600,00Ush.

Professors: 700,000Ush per month.

(Ssemogerere, 2014)

Henry Banyenzaki Rubanda West MP is worried because when in Kabale District where 8000 pupils went up for PLE (Primary Level Examination) last year alone, and then only 412 passed this level (Editorial Monitor, 2014).

Uganda National Teachers Union (UNTU) has denounced Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA). This happens because the default failing on the salaries up to 30%. Schools on the secondary level are also feeling like a side project (KFM, 2014).

Uganda – Outtakes from Budget Speech 2014/2015 – Teachers’ salaries:  

“Priorities to be implemented include the enhancement of Teachers’ salaries, with emphasis on Primary School Teachers. Shs 215bn has been allocated for this purpose. I have also provided Shs. 5 billion towards supporting Teachers’ SACCOs, in addition to the Shs. 2.5 billion provided during this year”.

That’s all I got on the matter today!

Peace

Links:

Editorial Monitor.co.ug – ‘Govt should fulfill teachers’ manifesto’ (25.07.2014) Link: http://www.monitor.co.ug/OpEd/Editorial/Govt-should-fulfill-teachers–manifesto/-/689360/2396382/-/6lba5u/-/index.html

Mulondo, Moses – ‘The Secretary to the treasury Keith Muhakanizi has promised that all salary arrears for civil servants will be paid by September’ (24.07.2014) Link: http://ehabari.com/uganda-to-pay-all-salary-arrears-by-september/

KFM – ‘Science teachers attack KCCA over pay’ (23.07.2014) Link: http://kfm.co.ug/news/science-teachers-attack-kcca-over-pay.html

Ssemogerere, Karoli – ‘There has to be a way of sorting out teachers pay issue’ (24.07.2014) Link: http://www.monitor.co.ug/OpEd/Commentary/There-has-to-be-a-way-of-sorting-out-teachers-pay-issue/-/689364/2394918/-/item/0/-/10l1x6ez/-/index.html

Walusimbi, Deo – ‘Uganda: Muhakanizi Explains Poor Govt Services’ (27.07.2014) Link: http://allafrica.com/stories/201407281639.html

Match fixing scandals – recent stories on the matter

Well there have been a lot of them. A lot of them, then I mean fixes football matches that are beeing fixed for a purpose of a certain result. The match fixing is so that the bookies and undertakers of the underworld evendtuallwant more.  So they can be fed with some extra pocket money and also pay off a few match officials. If not juicing the system to get it and go for the ordinary day of players. There is always and sometimes happening madness in defense, even from the most professional players in major leagues. It would be  if the likes Steven Gerrard betting against his own team against Crystal Palace in this spring. And then bag a lot of dough. We all know that didn’t happen, but it make your mind wonder right? Nevertheless, FIFA is continuing on trying to combat match fixing and national associations trying to follow suit. Because this is more destroying of the beautiful game then the diving of certain players inside the box, and trying to get a fake penalty.

FIFA Press release:

Today FIFA had a press release on professional players who is banned like Ghanaian Mark Edusei: he is now banned football-related activities for three years. This is after manipulating games in the Serie B in Italy in 2009. The second one is the Maltese player Kevin Sammut is banned from football-related activities for ten years for manipulated UEFA European Football Championship in 2007 (Fifa.com, 2014). FIFA is serious, at least for today.

Sierra Leone Football Association and FIFA:

Sepp Blatter has tried to make nice after all the booing in Brazil. Now after Brazil Sepp Blatter is now together with Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) boss Isha Johansen in Zurich, Switzerland. SLFA has already pending cases against four players, eleven officials of that is two referees. All of them claim innocence. Blatter continues: “Match fixing shakes the very foundations of sport, namely fair play, respect and discipline” (…)”FIFA employs a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to any infringement of these values” (…)”We therefore fully support the SLFA” (Barrie, 2014).

Down under tales:

In Australia the team Green Gully was playing against Southern Stars. Players Reiss Noel and Joel Wolley were in betting syndicate. In that match it was supposed to end 4-0. With two goals down, Noel started to instruct the goalie to let the next shots in. The Southern Stars ended up only losing 3-0. They failed to make the demands from the ringleader Segaran “Gerry” Subramaniam. Noel was reporting to the Guardian that he gets $3000. They have now been banned from the game indefinitely for fixing matches (Romforder Recorder, 2014).

Asian Federation stories:

Eric Ding Si Yang has been convicted for match fixing earlier this month after bribing three Lebanese match officials with prostitutes. Ding is reported to be a part of match fixing syndicate. This syndicate kept connected through encrypted emails and communication. He was also linked to a Dan Tan, a Singaporean who by Interpol is nicknamed the “the leader of the world’s most notorious match-fixing syndicate”. Ding can be served up to three years in prison and a fine of $40 000 and $100 000 (Ying, 2014).

More in Asia is in the V-League in Vietnam where seven players arrested for alleged match fixing. There were six players for the top-flight team of Dong Nai FC. The last player is from Dong Tam Long An FC. After what the investigation has found out is that matches been rigged for money up to VND800 Million equivalent of $38 500 each. They have even served and detained people on a betting ring and gambling ring on suspicion for organized gambling. Vietnamese Football Federation Chairman Le Hung Dung has commented to the media that uncovering the match fixing scandal together with the police will end up “cleansing” the domestic football (TUOI Tre News, 2014).

My end note: 

I don’t really have much more to comment on this. Other that this is an global issue for the game of fotball. We all got to take responsibility so that it doesn’t happen and let the game be the game. I know I sound a little Omar Little there. But you all know what I mean. The game is and can be fantastic. So let it continue to be that way!

Peace.

Links:

Barrie, Mohammed Fajah – ‘FIFA backs Sierra Leone match fixing inquiry’ (28.07.2014) Link: http://sierraleonefootball.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1625:fifa-backs-sierra-leone-match-fixing-inquiry&catid=1:latest-news

Dunne, Martin – ‘Stevenage defender given £30,000 after ‘match-fixing’ error’ (25.07.2014) Link: http://www.thecomet.net/news/stevenage_defender_given_30_000_after_match_fixing_error_1_3700613

Romford Recorder – ‘Ex-Hornchurch pair reveal match-fixing details’ (22.07.2014) Link: http://www.romfordrecorder.co.uk/football/non-league/ex_hornchurch_pair_reveal_match_fixing_details_1_3694960

TUOI Tre News – ‘7 Vietnam footballers arrested for alleged match fixing’ (22.07.2014) Link: http://tuoitrenews.vn/sports/21139/7-vietnam-footballers-arrested-for-alleged-match-fixing

Ying, Foo Jie – ‘Sex-for-match-fixing trial: Lawyers tussle over ‘ill-gotten gains’ (25.07.2014) Link: http://news.asiaone.com/news/crime/sex-match-fixing-trial-lawyers-tussle-over-ill-gotten-gains#sthash.aiRmTWHr.dpuf

FIFA – ‘Worldwide sanctions imposed on players from Ghana, Malta’ (28.07.2014) Link:

http://www.fifa.com/aboutfifa/organisation/news/newsid=2408565/index.html

CLF: Statement on the horrors in Bundibugyo

STATEMENT ON THE HORRORS IN BUNDIBUGYO

WHO KILLED OUR PEOPLE IN BUNDIBGYO,KASESE AND NTOROKO?

This is to inform Ugandans that the Coalition of Liberation Forces (CLF) have written to all concerned demanding the truth about the recent killings in Bundibugyo, Kasese and Ntoroko Districts. From all the information available and the evidence which will be shown, it is Mr Museveni and Gen Kayihura who are responsible for these murders of innocent Ugandans and their subsequent secret burials.

CONTRADICTIONS

The first point to note is that villagers are themselves surprised as to how these people were killed and buried so quickly and secretly.

If it was a clash by villagers and burials by them as government is trying to spin, it would not have come as a surprise to the villagers.

The second point is the mode of burial and the speed at which it was done. A tractor was used to dig the trenches for mass graves. Which villagers have a caterpillar to dig trenches?

What was the hurry to bury the dead? Even those government claims that these were the attackers, if they were, why did government not wait form them to be identified? Why were the burials done under the cover of darkness?

This was most likely in order to destroy incriminating evidence, like torture marks, etc. Already recorded evidence has emerged in Uganda showing Brigadier Muhoozi Kaneirugaba’s special forces operatives and General Kale Kayihura’s murder squads brutally beating up and torturing hundreds of innocent civilians in front of cameras.

An international organsation that has some knowledge about the government hand in these killings is compiling a report. We shall wait for that report before we can publish the facts as are known.

It is important for all Ugandans to know that those killed and buried in mass graves were not the anti-regime attackers, who launched operations on military and police infrastructures in a targeted manner. The dead were totally innocent people.

These were in two categories

The first were civilians who run towards the 39 battalion for protection as Bundibugyo town was all under attack. The police stations, bank, barracks etc. were being attacked so there was confusion. The people run to the unit expecting protection. Instead they were met by fire from frightened soldiers who were caught unprepared and could not see that these were civilians.

So when you hear Mr Museveni saying that the attackers attacked Lakwena style, it is a lie because these were civilians seeking protection.

The second category is of civilians killed by a contingent of Special Forces Command soldiers who were deployed immediately after the attack. These were under the command of a major and two captains. Their names have been given to this international organisation and shall wait for them before CLF can publish other details.

The attackers took the guns, ammunition etc. none has been recovered. Those children in the court martial are being used by regime for public opinion management. They are all innocent civilians.

Soon, other attacks will follow, this time not in Bundibgyo. So which tribes will be fighting? We shall find out.

Therefore, fellow Ugandans, don’t be misled by this government misinformation campaign. You will remember that FREE UGANDA chairman had just warned about government intention to kill innocent people to scare them from supporting the rebellion. Unfortunately for government, it is having the reverse effect. Anger and revulsion.

More details on this tragedy will be published soon.

Dr Kabuleta Ephraim

Director Operations Committee

CLF

IGAD: South Sudan 4th Session Peace Talks to resume on 30th July

WikiLeaks – East Africa in the 1970s: how the tensions running high between the nations ,disbanding EAC, and US involvment.

Here is brief WikiLeaks on the rich history of the 70’s in East Africa. The interesting times and political play of an era which is now gone. What we can learn by this, is how to deal with tension between nations and also what values we should seek. Read this and hopefully you will be a bit more enlighten on some history which happened not too long ago.

Short historical pretense to the Uganda-Kenya-Tanzania tensions of the 70s:

“Kenyan press accused Ugandan soldiers of murdering and chasing off railway officials in February, 1973. Uganda claimed that it was planned by former Ugandan president, Obote and his supporters” (…)”President Amin of Uganda placed his military on alert for an invasion of British forces from Kenya as tensions grew concerning the death sentence of British journalist, Denis Hills who criticized Amin. On June 25, 1975, Amin accused Britain of sending two warships with soldiers to Kenya in preparation for an invasion. The British government called the deployment a routine visit. On July 1, 1975, Amin announced that he would grant Hills a pardon” (…)”President Kenyatta of Kenya threatened war with Uganda in February, 1976 over a border dispute” (…)”President Amin of Uganda withdrew his claims on the disputed area on Febraury 27, 1976, but tensions continued. Kenya protested the killing of a Kenyan student in Uganda on March 12, 1976” (…)”Israeli troops rescued some 100 hostages at Entebbe airport in Uganda on July 3-4, 1976, and Israeli military aircraft used in the rescue mission landed in Nairobi, Kenya for refueling before returning to Israel. President Idi Amin of Uganda accused Kenya of collaborating with Israel on July 4, 1976. Some 3,000 Kenyans fled from Uganda on July 5-15, 1976. On July 8, Kenya demanded that Uganda pay for all goods being shipped through Kenya because of the debt Uganda owed it. On July 9, Kenya restricted Uganda’s access by rail to the Indian Ocean. The Kenyan government reported on the tenth of July that 245 Kenyan citizens had been killed in Uganda” (…)”On July 16, 1976, Kenyan truck and railway workers refused to enter Uganda. Uganda promised not to invade Kenya on July 21. Uganda cut electricity supplies to Kenya on July 24. Kenya severed the supply of oil to Uganda on July 25, 1976, and President Amin retaliated by threatening to go to war with Kenya. Uganda agreed to hold negotiations with Kenya on July 30, 1976” (…)”President Amin of Uganda and President Jomo Kenyatta of Kenya signed an agreement in Nairobi on August 7, 1976, which provided for the withdrawal of troops from the border region. Kenya resumed the supply of oil to Uganda on August 11, 1976. This ended the series of conflicts that make up” (…)”Kenya and Uganda agreed to resume diplomatic relations on February 10, 1978. Kenya closed its border with Uganda in April, 1979 to stop the inflow of fleeing Ugandan soldiers fleeing from the invasion of Tanzania” (Dingu.sbs.arizona.edu)

This was the short history of the exiting times in East Africa. Here is what I found from the releases of documents on Wikileaks:  

In May 1973 Kampala Uganda, the elite or prominent people resigned their post.  Professor and Dean in Political Science, Ali Mazrui is specialized in the fields of Europe and American politics. Since the coup of 1971 he has given lectures that are pro-Amin, still with the repression of the elite has changed his views (Wikileaks, 1973). The reason why Ali Mazrui was turned against Idi Amin was the way he repressed the Acholi, the Langi, the Asians and the murders of Bendicto Kiwanuka and Vice-Chancellor Frank Kalimuzo of Makerere (Binghampton, 2011).

Ambassador Barigye resigned on the 3^rd of May 1973. Julius Nyerere granted him political asylum in Tanzania. His travel paper told another story that he ended in Lusaka, because the work opportunity is supposed to be better there (WikiLeaks, 1973).

Certain diaspora in Tanzania:

Obote is reported to be in Tanzania, also with terminated cabinet ministers. Idi Amin has put new people who have to act in their position, leaving the other one to end their former minsters posts (WikiLeaks, 1973).

4^th of May General Amin appointed soldiers to be Saza and Gambola Cheifs. Their training started on 7^th of May which now has turned into 3 or 4 weeks. Amin told them: “When he completes reorganization and everything is seen (to be) working well, he will give six months or one year for people to prepare for general elections” (WikiLeaks, 1973).

Tentative coup plans of 1973:

The ones that were supporting this operation were the Tanzania, China and also possible USA to assist the coup in Uganda. Ugandan leaders supporting this were Ali Mazuri and Major Okoth. Richard Ojok was delivering a plan at the embassy at the 21th August (WikiLeaks, 1973). Ojok has organized a group called UNQTE. Ali Mazuri is a part of this outfit. Major Ojok has met Nyerere to get Tanzanian assistance for the coup. Chinese Millitary Attache Cho En Tieng was present and offered financial assistance. The Chinese also offered Army personnel, but Ojok was afraid that if the coup succeeded the Chinese would be tied to power. The plan for the plot was to let the army men travel in civilian at 5^th of October on an East African Airlines. Mazuri has discussed the matter to a African American Arms dealer Julian Hilbert. Hilbert assistance will come if they get enough funding. Major Ojok has been into Uganda and knows that they have 200 well trained military men, with a unit of 400 Libyan troops and 21 Mirage Jet Fighters. On his assassination list is the Commander of the Simba Mechanized Regiment at Mbabara: Lt. Col. Maliyamungu. They fear him because he has control of the tank division. So UNQTE feel they need to get tanks and are trying to get funds to complete this. Former Minister Kibedi is offering a position to those who are supporting funds. Ojok is not planning to have the coup when Amin is departed trip to Algeria for a conference. It will be when he is in the country. 22th of August 1973 will Ojok be back in Uganda and stay at the Standard Hotel. Lindstrom forward all information to the Washington Agencies (WikiLeaks, 1973).

Problems between Uganda and Tanzania:

13^th of July 1974 General Amin had allegation of supposed plans of a coup and invasion from Tanzania. Amin is saying that Zambia and Tanzania is wishing to get the ousted Obote back as president in Uganda. He says: “Actively supporting Dr Milton Obote to mount an invasion of Uganda” (…)” Continues to encourage and assist invasion of Uganda, battlefields will be Mwanza, Musoma, Tabora, and Dodoma. I am not going to kneel down in front of him, he must know that I am a General who can fight any war, at any time, anywhere” (WikiLeaks, 1974). Tanzanian Governement replied to Amin: “Government wants to make clear that should these allegations be used for an attack, Tanzania will be justified to take all necessary steps to defend itself”. Radio Tanzania has reported on 15. July 1974 that President SIAD has inquired to the Secretary General of the OAU to get a meeting between Uganda, Zambia and Tanzania. This tension strand from the prominent position Obote got under the 20^th anniversary of TANU on 7. July 1974 (WikiLeaks, 1974).

Boycott of Ugandan goods:

Idi Amin statement: “Does not constitute apology for recent territorial claim which GOK is insisting upon before presently strained bilateral relation can be normalized”. Dockworkers in Mombasa boycott the boats with Ugandan destined cargo. This leading too delayed boats out of docks of Mombasa. Amin is waiting for a Government of Kenya (GOK) apology. This boycott could lead to Amin to cut electricity which Amin claimed was substantial for Kenya, the estimation is between 15-20%. The photographer of Jomo Kenyatta has been burned in public in Uganda (WikiLeaks, 1976).

Fuel Shortage in Rwanda:

Uganda has had economic setbacks due to the closure of borders with Kenya. This has led to the gas shortage in Rwanda – because of the Mombasa-Kampala line. Tea and coffee export is really hit by this gas shortage (WikiLeaks, 1976). Rwandan MINFIN, National Bank of Rwanda flew to Kampala with President Habyarimana on the 17. March to discuss a government deal with Amin. Amin snubbed it for three reasons:

1. Rwandan transport is the reason why the Ugandan roads deteriorating.
2. Rwandan economic policies are the reason why the Ugandan Shilling is weakened and making Rwandan Franc is staying strong.
3. Amin Accused the Rwandan of selling Ugandan coffee.
4. Amin wasn’t happy that Habyarimana met with Nyerere last month.

(WikiLeaks, 1976)

President Habyarimana is sure this economic sanction from Uganda is because of his way of dealing with Amin. Also even with the new Rwandan Foreign Policy of having good relation to its neighbors. And continue with building relation with Tanzania, even hasten Mwanza-Rusumu to Dar es Salem (WikiLeaks, 1976).

MINFIN is Ministry of Finance (Worldbank, 2007).

Continuation on the tension in East Africa:

• Nyerere is not happy about the arms deal that they have done with South Africa. Especially after the meeting between South Africa’s Heath and Zambia’s Kaunda. Nyerere said he “Put heat in the Dock”. Nyerere was now bitter about the whole affair.
• UK was happy with the Amin coup, they supported him and to overthrow of Obote. UK wanted that Amin to get rid of Sudanese troops in the South. When OAU gave the conference to Kampala it “gave this crook continental respectability”.
• Nyerere thought it was amusing now that UK, Israel and Kenya is now enemies of Uganda. He commented: “Jomo needs a little external trouble to reinforce internal unity right now and an external fool always help is such case” (…) “we all do sometimes”.
• Nyerere had really not any real fear of Amin neither had Kenya. Secondly Nyerere wasn’t going to start anything.
• What Nyerere was worried about what was US up to. Especially on sale of F-5. Since their trying to out maneuver Soviet military support to Uganda and Somalia. Secretary Rumsfeld visited Nairobi. Nyerere wished that UK and USA helped Kenya in all other ways then military operation towards Uganda as he said “Leave this quarrel to East Africa, we will take care of it”.

(WikiLeaks, 1976)

Tanzania and USSR:

Nyerere will order Foreign Minister Kaduma question the USSR ambassador whom the Soviet arming Uganda against. Nyerere had done the same time before when Uganda got the military equipment called MIGS. Soviet answers said “Imperialist!” Nyerere answered “Nonsense” (WikiLeaks, 1976).

Uganda – Kenya Tension continues:

It’s now 15 October 1976. Kenya has released the Bedford trucks as a quid pro quo for getting their electricity back. Still all military equipment isn’t being shipped from Mombasa. It will be that way until the OAU 6 nation based commission is put into place. There are negotiations in New York on the matter. Kenyan Foreign Minister Karithi says all non-military based deliveries to Uganda except for jet-aviation-fuel which they are holding back. Amin is more and more irritated at the Kenyan boycott of arms. This led to the point where Amin attempted to call VP Moi of Kenya to complain about the matter. Most of the members of Ugandan Defense Council are not unwilling to take action towards Kenya (WikiLeaks, 1976).

Arms from Tanzania to Uganda:

There been rumors of regular arms traffic from the Kismayu to Uganda via the Kilmanjaro International Airport without entering Kenyan Air Space. The route being: Kismayu – Somalia – Tanzania – Uganda. This been in Ugandan’s own C-130 Transport Aircraft. And an U.S. Citizen is involved in the arms trade. This increasing support of Uganda is happening, even after the assurance of otherwise from Nyerere during the last meeting in August between Nyerere and Kenyatta (WikiLeaks, 1976).

Tanzania – Kenya tensions:

Permanent Secretary of Kenya has claimed that the Tanzanian government is dealing with “trade sabotage” and also focusing funds on rebuilding Tanga and Ports of Dar-Es-Salam. They also preferred the Chinese over the Kenyan. Kenyan Foreign Minister Karithi also claimed that Tanzania doesn’t trade rightfully with Kenya. Especially when looking at the trade balance which was in 1975 2, 3 to 1, in the three first months of 1976 it’s 3 to 1. Nyerere’s answer to all this that the trade gap between Kenya and Uganda that was in 1975 20 to 1 and in 1976 became 40 to 1. Nyerere also admits that Ugandans smuggle coffee to Kenya so that distort the numbers (WikiLeaks, 1976). Tanzanian also claims that Kenya is taking the major share of the tourism. The East African Airways are supposed to lure tourist to all parts of East Africa, not only Kenya, even though the Tourist infrastructure seem superior in Kenya compared to the rest, even if the animal and nature sights in Tanzania is much greater (WikiLeaks, 1976).

1977:

5^th July 1977 Amin approached Kenyan Foreign Minister Waiyaki at the OAU summit in Libreville. Amin claimed that Nyerere agreed to have a “save the EAC” meeting and Amin hoped that the Kenyan would have this meeting in Nairobi. This request comes at the time when Kenya won’t spend funds into the EAC until Tanzania reopens their common borders. Government of Kenya has also recalled their workers from the EAC headquarters from Arusha (WikiLeaks, 1977).

EAC and USAID:

Kenya already sees the EAC as and non-existent entity already at 15^th of June 1977. In Kenya the EAC research programs that have been under EAC will now be under GOK (Government of Kenya). The Government desires that the aid continues and sign project agreements as soon as practical. Kenyan government has also started to convert community entities to Kenyan once. Uganda is supposed to pull unless Amin get to meet Nyerere on the 20^th of July. There is no reason for that to materialize. The borders also still closed between Kenya and Tanzania (WikiLeaks, 1977).

US African Affairs – DRC’s Mobutu and Uganda’s Amin:

Mobutu responded positive to our request of approaching Amin. The matter at hand is if we’re give Amin something then Mobutu need something as well. We have been using Mobutu to deal with Amin, but we can’t expect him do the deals with him without some gestures from our part. The message US African Affairs sent Mobutu in September 1977:

• We are pleased by Mobutu’s prompt, public support of our proposals on Zimbabwe settlement.
• We appreciate also Mobutu’s intervening with Amin on Humanitarian grounds, and recognize the difficulties posed for him by this and other interventions he has made on our behalf.
• We value Zaire’s continued corporations and wish to stay in close touch on issues of common concern.

(WikiLeaks, 1977)

Kenya trusted American ally:

Ministry of Defense briefed them on their situation:

• Kenya is surrounded by alien ideologies and Soviet and PRC influence, and its economic development and political stability that have caused envy and hostile neighbors.
• Somalia is recruiting actively guerrillas against Kenya. This in a so called Ogaden style to carry out the claims for the North-Eastern Kenya. The Guerrilla has now a force of up to 10 000. This with the training from North Korea and Cuba since 1969. With the expulsion of Soviets, this might lead to a better friendship between them. But Somalia has not renounced the territorial claims. The Kenya-Somalia relationship can be described as “No Peace, No War”. Kenya would not be offended by a tighter relationship with Mogadishu; they know that Somalis will not talk to the Americans since they have their relations with Soviet and Ethiopia, who provide those arms and aid.
• Uganda is an unstable neighbor. And has threats to attack Kenya. The lifeline for Kenya is that if Somalia attacks North-East, then Amin might be tempted to go in the Western. Because Amin would like to upset Kenyan stability.
• Tanzania hasn’t been an issue not until 1977. When they closed down the EAC and also their borders. Also with incursions from Tanzania with killings and cattle rustling. It seems as Tanzania now works more closely to Zambia and Mozambique.
• Ethiopia because of Somalia is a reliable ally. Though if it is so in future, they are not so sure. This be given the Soviet and Marxist believes in the country.
• Because of this, Kenya needs to strengthen its borders. Particular Uganda and Somalia.

(WikiLeaks, 1977)

Links:

Binghampton.edu – ‘IN PURSUIT OF PERSONAL EXCELLENCE: THE DECLINE AND REVIVAL OF ALI A. MAZRUI’: Second Draft (10.2011) Link: http://www.binghamton.edu/igcs/docs/In%20Pursuit%20of%20Personal%20Excellence-The%20Decline%20and%20Revival%20of%20Ali%20A.%20Mazrui.pdf

Dingu.Sbs.Arizona.edu – ‘Rivnotes’ Link: http://dingo.sbs.arizona.edu/~ggoertz/rivalry/cmv5.10/cm500501v5.10.txt

WikiLeaks – ‘MAZRUI RESIGNS; SOLDIERS REPLACE CHIEFS’ (05.05.1973) Link: https://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/1973KAMPAL01538_b.html

WikiLeaks – ‘UGANDA COUP PLANS’ (21.08.1973) Link: https://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/1973NAIROB05577_b.html

WikiLeaks – ‘NEW PROBLEM IN TANZANIA-UGANDA RELATIONS’ (15.07.1974) Link: https://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/1974DARES02360_b.html

WikiLeaks – ‘PRESIDENT NYERERE ON KENYA-UGANDA QUARREL’ (19.07.1976) Link: https://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/1976DARES02606_b.html

WikiLeaks – ‘UGANDA: AMIN SNUBS RWANDA ON PETROL CRISIS’ (30.03.1976) Link: https://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/1976KIGALI00245_b.html

WikiLeaks – ‘KENYAN-UGANDAN RELATIONS’ (15.10.1976) Link:

https://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/1976NAIROB11323_b.html

WikiLeaks – ‘FUTURE OF U.S. AID PROGRAM TO EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY’ (26.07.1977) Link: https://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/1977NAIROB09350_c.html

WikiLeaks – ‘CODEL PRICE CONSULTATION WITH BOK’ (18.11.1977) Links: https://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/1977NAIROB15006_c.html

WikiLeaks – ‘PROPOSED MESSAGE FOR MOBUTU’ (10.09.1977) Link:

https://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/1977KINSHA08671_c.html

WorldBank – ‘FINANCING AGREEMENT’ (05.02.2007) Link: http://www-wds.worldbank.org/external/default/WDSContentServer/WDSP/AFR/2010/06/03/54A8AF4762E6EA70852572A600670F84/2_0/Rendered/INDEX/FA01Conformed1010Corrected.txt

UN Security Council Press Statement by Eugene-Richard Gasana on Central African Republic (25.07.2014)

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Eugène-Richard Gasana (Rwanda):

The members of the Security Council welcomed the signing of a cessation of hostilities and violence agreement between armed groups in the Central African Republic during the Central African National Reconciliation Forum held in Brazzaville on 23 July 2014.  They called on all parties to immediately and fully implement this agreement.

The members of the Security Council applauded the efforts led by the Mediator of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), President Denis Sassou Nguesso, and its Chairperson, with the support of the United Nations and the African Union, to broker this cessation of hostilities and violence agreement between the parties.  The members of the Security Council commended Transitional Head of State Catherine Samba-Panza’s active involvement throughout this process to foster this agreement.

The members of the Security Council underlined that this agreement is a first step in a wider political process in the Central African Republic of ensuring durable peace, respect for human rights, protection of civilians and the rule of law.  They stressed the need to address the underlying causes of the conflict through an inclusive and comprehensive political dialogue and national reconciliation process, efforts to fight impunity, formulation of a disarmament, demobilization, reintegration and repatriation strategy, including children formerly associated with armed forces and groups, and the rebuilding of effective State institutions.  The members of the Security Council underlined in this regard the paramount importance of preserving the unity and territorial integrity of the Central African Republic.

The members of the Security Council further commended the commitment of the Transitional Head of State Catherine Samba-Panza to a political process that should ensure a successful transition.  The members of the Security Council reiterated their call to the Transitional Authorities to accelerate, with the support of the United Nations and other partners, all necessary preparations in order to hold free, fair, transparent and inclusive presidential and legislative elections, with the full and effective participation of women at all levels and at an early stage as well as the participation of Central African Republic internally displaced persons and refugees.

The members of the Security Council reiterated their appreciation for the decisive actions, commitment and sacrifice of African Union, French and European Union troops in implementing their mandates to protect civilians in the Central African Republic.  They further encouraged the United Nations Secretariat to take all necessary steps to ensure that the transfer of authority from the African-led International Support Mission in the Central African Republic (MISCA) to the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) on 15 September translates into a significantly enhanced international military presence in the Central African Republic in order to implement the priority tasks of its mandate as defined in Security Council resolution 2149 (2014)

Link:

http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs//2014/sc11491.doc.htm

 

 

UPF: Police guaranteees safety and security of the tourism industry

PRESS STATEMENT

1.    The Police and its sister security agencies have boosted security in the Western districts of Kasese, Bundibugyo and Ntoroko following the tragic events surrounding the ethnic and cultural conflicts in the area.
2.    The area that comprises the Mountain Rwenzori National Park has very significant Safari attractions that have drawn an increase in the number of visitors in the area.
3.     This is to therefore, inform all domestic and international tourists that the combined forces of the Uganda Peoples Defence Force (UPDF) and the Uganda Police (UPF) successfully countered the attackers who were linked to the Rwenzururu Kingdom and arrested several of whom it arraigned before the courts of Law.
4.    Apparently, calm has been fully restored in the area and recreation centers opened by the Government in the districts of Bundibugyo and Kasese that has led to the recovery of several guns and ammunitions as well as accommodating people seeking shelter and protection. The local leaders and elders managing these centers have taken the lead for the immediate restoration of calm by dialoguing and engaging the locals and all other stakeholders in the area to solve the current issues.
5.    The deployment of appropriate Police and Military assets and supporting infrastructure has created safety for visitors selecting the Rwenzori region as a holiday destination. The Tourism Police that is tasked with the primary mandate of ensuring the safety and security of both international and domestic tourists, tourist attractions and facilities in Uganda is fully deployed covering all facilities in and around both the Queen Elizabeth and Mountain Rwenzori National Parks.
6.    The Police therefore, urges the public and all tour companies to resume their operations in the area and benefit from the security infrastructure in the area.

Fred Enanga
Press and Public Relations Officer
Uganda Police
Kampala.
16.07.2014

– See more at: http://www.mediacentre.go.ug/press-release/police-guarantees-safety-and-security-tourism-industry#sthash.z2eUFVh9.dpuf

President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Speech the 24th July 2014, Nairobi – Fight against youth Unemployment