Press Statement on the Post Election Environment in the in Rwenzori Region (29.02.2016)

Rwenzori Consortium for Civic Competence (RWECO) & the members: Kali, Good Hope Foundation for Rural Development, Ride Africa and RICNET ere accredited as election observers during the Presidential and Parliamentary  on 18^th Feb, 2016 & local council elections on 24^th Feb. 2016. RWECO and her members deployed a team of 150 as short term observers and long term observers in Bundibugyo, Ntoroko, Kabarole, Kyenjojo, Kyegegwa, Kamwenge and Kasese districts of Western Uganda. RWECO also deployed online platform where comments from observers were remitted through  SMS and plotted on  http://hrcp.or.ug/main. From 17^th Feb, to 28^th Feb, 2016, 164 messages were verified and viewed on the online platform. We commend the Electoral commission that accredited RWECO and her members during the elections.

However, as Ruwenzori region based observers, we note with concern the post -election violence that ensured during and after the elections on 18^th and 24^th Feb. 2016.  RWECO condemns the post- election violence that were reported  between   18^th -19^th  Feb, 2016 at Kasese district Electoral Commission tally center at Kasese district Multi-purpose Hall, located in Nyakasanga, Kasese-Fort Portal Road.  RWECO also condemns the post- election violence that was observed and reported in Bundibugyo District between 24^th -27^th Feb, 2016 after the election of district chairpersons and district councilors. These acts are either driven by personal egos and not accepting the outcome of the elections. Uganda is a democratic country for which we embrace both national and international standards of election observations and democratic processes for which citizens should welcome the out- come of the electoral process.

We wish therefore to state that:

1. All acts of post- election violence be condemned by all actors and Uganda Police take the necessary steps to ensure that peace prevails  in the region and country at large;
2. RWECO and her members also appeals to the candidates who lost the elections to use peaceful and lawful means to address their demands not by inciting  violence in the community;
3. We also appeal to all stakeholders including, Police, state organs, Religious leaders, Cultural leaders and the media to join hands and give the citizens a message of hope that beyond elections, there is a life to live;
4. Police bring the perpetrators of post- election violence to face the law of the land.

Thank you

Jimmy Baluku Odyek
Coordinator

Monies, Guns and Tear-Gas enters the race for Western Youth MP Elections in Fort Portal

There is always interesting during the General Election in 2016. The Electoral Commission and the Government of Uganda or the NRM-Regime can’t make a genuine exercise. The reports are staggering. Here are some of them and even an footage.

Pre-Text:

“Over 800 youth delegates from western region are expected to take part in the youth elections slated for Monday 29. In this part of the country, polls will be held at Kagote SDA hall in Fort Portal municipality” (New Vision, 27.02.2016).

Eye-witness on the direct campaign:

“Supporters of Mwine Mpaka son to Minister Bright Rwamirama are pelting stones at supporters of Amanya Tumukunde son to Rt Lt Gen Henry Tumukunde. They are aspiring for western Mp seat here in Fort Portal. Voting is tomorrow. Only Chairperson, Secretary for Female and Finance secretary youth councils at sub county level are only legible to vote” (“28.02.2016).

Here is what has happen today:

“Western Region youth MP race turn chaotic after a man only identified as Buryo has been arrested in Fort Portal at Kagote SDA hall with a pistol. Has has been arrested. It is said he was under the instruction of a one Michael Katungi who went in to harass supporters of Independent candidate, Amanya Tumukunde” (Eagle Online, 29.02.2016).

“Updates from Fort portal: According to the one in charge of Youth elections, the regional Registrar “Candidates are to be nominated today at 10am, massive rally Campaigns are to be staged at 11am, voting at 01:30 The battle is between the son to Gen.Tumukunde, Amanya and the son to the minister of Agriculture Mwine Mpaka. All camps are 50%” (Fatwes Solutions, 29.02.2016).

There been reports from certain sources that two people have been hurt during the election as the Police and Army has taken control of the venue in Fort Portal!

Footage of the Yout Election in Fort Portal:

As the campaign and voting continues in the hall eyewitness report says this:

“Tear gas rocking at Kagote SDA hall, as the western youth MP elections is still going on”. The tear-gas happens while they are counting. There are rumors that Tumukunde is detained and arrested by now. But that is not confirmed.

A Side-note – on the MP as Alex Ruhunda:

“Our credible source revealed that Alex Ruhunda supplied, 1m to each polling station 64stations in the municipal, him and his agents bought a vote at 10k.which means at every polling station he bought 100votes” (Tooro News, 28.02.2016).

I think that is enough for today. Peace.

Elton Joseph Mabirizi Post-Election Statement (29.02.2016)

Kampala, Monday February 29, 2016

I, Elton Joseph Mabirizi, independent presidential candidate and flag bearer of The Independent Coalition, TIC, congratulate the people of Uganda on turning up in large numbers to vote on February 18, 2016.

I salute the 23 former presidential aspirants who put Uganda first, and backed my candidature. Through their individual and collective effort, we were able to present our campaign messages and to receive votes from every single district of Uganda. We ran a very challenging campaign that lacked equipment and money. But we were efficient.

We completed the race with honor. We did not win the election. We instead proved ourselves as front line stakeholders in Uganda’s democratic struggle. It is in this capacity that I issue this statement. We are not spectators. TIC and I are actors, and will continue to be, in the struggle for true democracy, justice and the rule of law to be established in Uganda.

On February 20, 2016, the Chairman of the Electoral commission declared Mr. Yoweri Museveni winner of the 2016 presidential elections. This is a shame. Mr. Museveni did not win this election. Besides, Dr. Badru Kiggundu, as all reports from local and international observers have indicated, presided over an election that was neither free, fair not credible.

Our own records obtained from our agents countrywide and from our colleagues with whom we cooperated in vote protection attest to the sad fact that the results announced by Dr. Kiggundu were and are a deplorable forgery.

The Independent Coalition and I reject these results. We consequently demand the immediate resignation of Chairman Kiggundu and his commissioners.

Working with our colleagues and partners, we shall challenge this result using all constitutional means available to us, until the stolen victory is reversed and handed back to the true winner of this election. In doing so, we shall not allow ourselves to be intimidated, coerced or blackmailed.

The nation is at cross roads. Something must be done quickly.

To manage the scandal that was committed by Dr. Kiggundu and to avert possible violence, we propose the following:

a) Annulment of the declaration of Mr. Museveni as winner

b) For the avoidance of doubt, a vote recount be conducted, as national demand, as there was no tallying worth its name at the national tally center at Nambole, but periodic announcements of forged results. Results from at least 1700 polling stations were selectively not tallied.

c) To save the country and petitioners from the huge expenses of a court petition whose outcome is not likely to be different from that of 2001 and 2006, we propose an out of court settlement that involves a public hearing on the conduct of the 2016 Presidential election, during which all evidence of electoral irregularities will be presented and analyzed.

d) To halt preparations for the swearing in of the winner that never was.

e) To seek interpretation and guidance from the constitutional court on the matter of the likely event that the public hearing may not have been complete by May 2016

f) Return of the Army to barracks and to substantially reduce the presence of other armed personnel from the streets and some villages, which has created an atmosphere of intimidation, fear and siege.

g) Release all persons arrested on election related offences. Many of these have not been produced in court. Those that are already remanded through the court system should be produced in court as soon as possible and granted court bond.

h) Immediately remove the siege on Dr. Kizza Besigye residence and to guarantee his right of free movement within Uganda and abroad.

i) Establish a Contact Group on the Post-Election Situation comprising at least two representatives from each presidential candidate’s camp, Uganda Police Force, other security agencies, civil society, faith communities and other stakeholders to take care of emerging conflicts and security issues on a daily basis, during this period of uncertainty.

j) The Elders Forum, Inter Religious Council of Uganda, National Consultative Forum, and Inter-party Organization for Dialogue should jointly convene an urgent meeting of stakeholders to agree a minimum agenda for diffusion of tension.

k) All stakeholders meeting as in (j) above, should sign a declaration pledging peaceful resolution of the ongoing conflict and desist from inciting the public into actions that could lead to break down of law and order, as an amicable solution is being sought.

For God and My Country.
Elton Joseph Mabirizi

Nobert Mao at a Polling station in Gulu – Youtube-Clip (18.02.2016)

“Uganda: Democratic party president Nobert Mao turns to cast his ballot on February 18, 2016 with an iPad to capture every development”.

Worth taking a look at and listening to, the man who has been voting for a long time. Also the view on how the process and the way voting where going. As a former presidential candidate, it is a good insight to hear him give his view and aspect from Gulu. Peace.

Press Release: Uganda – Violations against opposition party impeding its efforts to contest election outcome (29.02.2016)

LONDON, United Kingdom, February 29, 2016. The Ugandan government is continuing to violate the human rights of leaders of the opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) and undermining the ability of their party to legally challenge the results of the 18 February elections, said Amnesty International in a statement, as the 10-day deadline for filing presidential election petitions looms.

Security forces have repeatedly arrested the aggrieved presidential candidate Dr Kizza Besigye, and some of his party leadership colleagues and supporters. They have also besieged his home, and raided the party’s main office in the capital Kampala.

“The FDC has a legal right to challenge the election results and it must be allowed to do so,” said Sarah Jackson, Amnesty International’s Deputy Director for East Africa, the Horn and the Great Lakes.

“It is unacceptable for the government to stifle a lawfully-registered party from pursuing the only legal recourse available for it to contest the electoral outcome.”

Since the results were announced, Dr Besigye has been detained without charge at police stations or at his home in Kasangati, near Kampala.

His first post-election arrest was on 22 February, as he attempted to leave his home the day after he had suggested in a televised speech that he would challenge the outcome of the election in the Supreme Court.

“These arbitrary arrests are an affront to Dr Besigye’s right to freedom of movement and a clear sign of the prevailing climate of impunity and disregard for rule of law in Uganda,” said Sarah Jackson.

“The Ugandan government must fully and effectively respect its own constitution, and honour its voluntary international obligations to protect every Ugandan’s human rights, including to freedom of movement, freedom of expression, and freedom of peaceful assembly”.

Background

On 20 February, the Electoral Commission declared incumbent President Yoweri Museveni winner of the presidential election with 60.75% of the vote as opposed to Besigye’s 35.37%, an outcome Dr Besigye dismissed as fraudulent.

The election took place amidst a government-ordered social media shutdown that according to European Union (EU) election observers “unreasonably constrained freedom of expression and access to information”.

According to the police, Dr Besigye’s continued arrest was made under powers of “preventive arrest” for “utterances and activities that amount to incitement to violence and defiance of the law”. Amnesty International has examined Dr Besigye’s televised remarks and does not consider him to have incited violence.

FDC headquarters were raided by police on 19 February, while elections were ongoing in parts of Kampala. Witnesses interviewed by Amnesty International said police officers fired tear gas canisters at crowds gathered at the scene.

Bwanika criticizes EC for mishandling elections (Youtube-Clip)

“Former presidential candidate Abed Bwanika has criticised the manner in which the electoral commission handled the electoral process. Bwanika said the commission has failed to give an account of how the tallying was done and what caused the irregularities registered on the presidential polling day. While addressing journalists in Kampala, Bwanika said he would headed to Kasangati to visit former FDC Presidential candidate Dr. Kizza Besigye who is under heavy police guard and movements restricted” (NTV Uganda, 29.02.2016).

Dr. Kizza Besigye taken from House-Arrest; AGAIN! Detained at Kiira Road P.S.; Planned to meet at FDC HQ for a National Executive Council meeting to discuss Court Petition; While Journalist detained in Kasangati to follow the situation; Police blames journalist for “Disseminating information” to the public!

As the House Arrest continues, Dr. Kizza Besigye has still limited access to the world. He had planned to meet fellow FDC officials. That he was not allowed to does his party work, still days after the Election Day.

Reported:

“Dr. Kizza Besigye arrested this afternoon outside his home as he attempted to go to Najjanankumbi for an FDC Management committee meeting which will be followed by the National Executive Committee meeting tomorrow”.

Just as before he was taken in a Police-van as he was trying to leave the home and will be detain somewhere as he was driving away from his home; the DPC of Kasangati James Kawalya is still following his orders.

As he went out of the home he got taken by the van and then detained at the Kiira Road Police Station. He has been there the whole day.

About the Meeting that Dr. Kizza Besigye was about to attend:

“Leaders in the Forum for Democratic Change party are meeting today to decide the next course of action as the deadline for challenging the outcome of the February 18 presidential election looms” (…)”The meeting convened by the FDC president Major General Mugisha Muntu at the party headquarters seeks to decide on whether the party’s option of court still holds water, a day to the deadline” (…)”Present at the meeting is FDC chairman Wasswa Biriggwa, Vice President Northern, Reagan Okumu, FDC Electoral Commission Chairman Dan Mugarura, Leader of Opposition Wafula Oguttu, FDC Treasurer Geoffrey Ekkanya, among others” (…)”FDC presidential candidate Dr Kizza Besigye was also expected to attend the meeting however, he was arrested again by men in Police uniform as he left his home in Kasangati for the meeting” (…)”There is heavy police presence at the party headquarters with regular and field force police officers deployed around the area” (The Capital Gang on 91.3 Capital FM, 29.02.2016).

What I have highlighted is the issue that the Police and the NRM-Regime cannot handle as they have too much to hide by the way they “won” the election. If they didn’t then they would let the FDC and their organization come with evidence to court without any issues together with their presidential candidate. It is obvious that Police is going against the FDC and that shows how the NRM are dealing with their “Knock-Out” win; they are proving by their actions alone. That they fear the petition that the opposition party could come with, also the results of the evidence brought to court. That is something to think about!

Abed Bwanika had this to say:

“Today 29-Feb-2016 I am on my way to meet Kizza Besigye peacefully. Thereafter I await to meet National Resistance Movement – NRM Candidate Yoweri Kaguta Museveni having sent him my notice of intention to meet him. It shall take humility to realize a government of national unity.  For God and My Country” (Bwanika, 29.02.2016).

Mr. Bwanika will not be able to meet with Besigye at Kasangati as he has been detain the whole day at Kiira Road Police Station, and the basis for the meeting and the premise. The planned and sought of Unity between Besigye and Museveni; should be deleted plan as it is not something to go for. The only one winning on that is President Museveni and he does not deserve “Legitamacy” for his power and rule at this point.

Also today as journalist from NBS TV arrived around the home in Kasangati and was yet again. This journalist was Elijah Turya and his camera man was taken away. Another reporter was also arrested not at Kasangati, but in Kampala near the State House in Nakasero as the reporter was filming the piglets dropped there earlier today. The reporter was CCTV Abubaker Muwonge. After the report the matters has gotten worse as the Police have asked to get his passwords for his phones to get the information on his phone. He has declined to deliver that request.

Clip from NBS TV:

“With Kizza Besigye under house arrest, it has become increasingly dangerous for journos who cover his stories. Some were recently arrested by the police for inexplicable reasons” (NBS TV Uganda, 28.02.2016).

One Journalist talk about his experience at the Kasangati Police Station:

“Am back from Kasangati police cells with no charges but accused of disseminating information to the public especially covering Besigye. Among other journalists detained but released together were Lubowa Dean Ssaava Nbs Tv, Elijja Turyagumanawe Nbs Tv, Mukose Arnold Anthony Salt Media, Ssendegeya Mohammed CBS and other 3 BBS Tv reporters. This was done by police to smoothly sneak out and arrest Besigye to un known place without being followed by journalists. We appeal to police to professionally work with us because we are not enemies with security agencies and we want one another” (Arnold Anthony Mukose, 29.02.2016).

I hope I disseminating information to the public because I do not want to sound like Adrew Mwenda or Ofwono Opondo as they are the ones are allowed to write whatever and say whatever with getting the police and being detained at the moment. The journalists and the opposition officials are still under hot-water and the police acting “wokoloso”.

The actions towards Dr. Kizza Besigye are as foolish as it has been since he has been day-in and day-out. Still the issues are there and the warrant or charges for the man has not come. So the issue is that the Police and government are violating his freedom of expression and also political life. As he is the man who they fear the most! While now the Police are tired of the expression of the Press as they attacks the journalists and detain them for doing the job, they are alerting the world about the situation of Dr. Kizza Besigye. Something that should not give them a felony! Peace.

The Jobless Brotherhood statement on the Yellow Pig outside the State House (29.02.2016)

Only in Uganda: Journalist arrested on Live-TV while filming outside of Dr. Kizza Besigye’s home.

“VIDEO: Our very own Elijah Turyagumanawe arrested by the police outside Kizza Besigye’s home while reporting live” (NBS TV Uganda, 29.02.2016)

Some reports on the post-election clashes in Bundibugyo

There some NRM propaganda and certain nonsense going out saying it is reported to FDC or P10 people behind this clashes as they are the ones responsible while this is a reaction; the rigging in Fort Portal that reacted the groups that has clashed before. The last big clash that caught national attention was in 2014 when the Police and Army went in when it escalated between the groups as the sub-region.

Reports:

“Suspected electoral tribal clashes has hit Busaru sub county in Bundibugyo leaving at least 17 people dead as per police reports. Locals however tell the Investigator the number is higher. The clashes between the Bamba and pockets of Bakonjo have hit the villages of Bubandi, Bumaddu, Nyahuka and Buhindu leaving 15 homes torched and over 400 fleeing for their dear lives” (The Investigator, 27.02.2016).

Second Report:

“50 arrested over Bundibugyo post-election clashes. 12 killed during clashes, over 300 people have already fled their homes. Police have been deployed to restore calm” (URN, 27.02.2016).

Certain rumors for the actions in Bundibugyo:

“That minority king of Bundibugyo, Ntabazi and the ousted chairman five are the ones causing violence in Bundibugyo the chairman deceived the Bamba that if Mr. Mutegeki won their kingdom would lose weight. The omudingiya(king) said,he would undress his crown if Mr. Mutegeki and finally passed the elections.to a surprise they all passed.so there is fear the Bakonzo are deing for voting Mr Mutegeki.(truth everyday)who is causing the problem”.

There been reports that this stems from the change of the ballots and rigging the result after the Electoral Commission changed the results. This here is footage proving the counting of the result from the Busaru sub-county in Bundibugyo, Mr. Mutegeki was supposed to elect but the incumbent Jolly got the place and after that the violence escalated.

Here is the evidence:

“As ‪‎Okware this is my proof to show that ‪Hon. Mutegeki Ronald is the newly Elected LC V chairperson ‪#‎Bundibugyo in addition to today’s monitor and last night’s bulletin on NTV-Uganda at 9:00pm. let Jolly’s team produce evidence”

So the public should know what has happen and that is what not a P10 actions that put this in motion, but the NRM-Regime rigging, and the aftermath was a natural as the locals could not accept the defeat. Especially when the results is not the ones that people expected it to be, the sad thing is the people who lost their lives and the people’s fled their homes. This here is sad story of violence that is unnecessary deaths because of election rigging. What worries me is the way the NRM-Regime and their loyal subjects supress the media with bias. Telling it is Power 10 groups who has done it; without any information blaming Besigye and other officials as they don’t have the manpower or the structure. The ones with guns and mambas are the police, army and crime-preventers not the P10!

Something not needed and proves yet again that the Electoral Commission have done something vile. While they have forgot the outcome of their rigging. That certain men and woman might take revenge or vengeance. Especially in areas like this where they have gone violent before and done skirmishes because of tribal codes. That is why the government should work for unity and for their will, not for the will of one man and his cadres as the President Museveni continues to work for himself and his power. Not the people, and the people of Bundibugyo is the ones that suffers. Peace.