A Message to President Museveni: Free Bobi Wine and Free all them MPs!

We know this is how you torture, how you play with people’s lives. Something you have done nonstop since 1980s. You have had the power, but instead of using it good. Your using it for greed. That greed got to stop. We know it and you know it Mr. President. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, you cannot keep Bobi Wine nor any of the other MPs in prison. As well, as all the other opposition members you have detained during the last two weeks. Because there been plenty, even outside of Aura, where all the focus has been. With the likes of Mubarak Munyagwa as well into the mix.

The ones arrested in Aura, and is still detained are Robert Kyagulanyi, Francis Zaake, Kassiano Wadri, Gerald Karuhanga and Paul Mwiru. All of these forged charges should be let go off, as the Presidential Convoy Car was destroyed by professionals and not by stone. Neither, was the guns and ammunition, Bobi Wine’s property, as the UPDF stated, this was weaponary, that the UPDF have monopoly over. Therefore, he couldn’t even get the hold of that. These charges against Bobi Wine is just merciless and shows the intent to silence you strongest critics.

This is what is happening now, they are all on charges of treason, inciting violence and damage of the Presidential Convoy. While the other Munyagwa have not gotten in the headlines, as he has not been part of Wadri campaign team. Like the rest of them. Still, his case and the others matters. As the Special Force Command and the Police has them in custody.

Mr. President you cannot do this, you have no right to keep them. This is a violation of their rights as citizens and who they represent. What you are doing now is criminalizing innocent campaigning, because they have humiliated you.

President Museveni, if your sincere, we know how you do this, as you have done it to plenty in your time. You started the purge on opposition even right after taking power. For long, you pushed for one-party state, but had to give in. Now, Museveni, you are again at it, this time with the youthful and inspiring MP Bobi Wine and fellow allies of him. Last time it was Dr. Kizza Besigye and his comrades. Before that it was Dr. Paul Ssemogerere and his allies. We know this is who you are.

It is a reason why there are demonstrations in Kamwokya for the second day. You have detained their hero and inspiration. There will be more of this, because it is a matter of time, before you have taken it to far. You have already wasted the Bush-War with your lingering in power and using the same tactics as the ones you overthrow. There nothing else now, than your grip of power. The rest is lies and deceptions. Which the people are tired off.

We are just asking for the release of the innocent of MPs, who you have captured and detained at various locations all over the Republic. You have no right to detain them. None.

You we’re the one sending the order for live-bullet in Arua, you we’re the one who sent your Presidential Guards to the streets and you are the one that has put charges on these people’s head. Even when you are the one who ordered the death, the torture and harassment of all the people. All the unknowns in Arua and beyond. That is all on you and your tyranny.

Time to man up and take responsibility, Mr. President. Man up and stop crying foul, when we know that your the one who is in-charge and who is responsible. Peace.

Kabila’s Arch Nemesis: Katumbi now got an International Arrest Warrant!

As of the December Presidential Elections are scheduled to come. Joseph Kabila are supposed to step down, but his reign are still in enforced. That is proven with how Moise Katumbi not allowed to enter the republic in time to run for the elections. This is deliberate actions by the authorities to stifle him and his allies. Emmanuel Ramazani Shadari is the pawn, as they don’t trust him to even have the ability to beat Katumbi in a free and fair election, or a credible for that matter. That is why the Republic have issued an International Arrest Warrant on Katumbi.

As reported by Radio Okapi:

Speaking at a press conference held Thursday (August 16th) in Kinshasa by the Common Front for Congo (FCC), Alexis Thambwe Mwamba, Minister of Justice said that the Auditor General’s Office has issued an international arrest warrant against Mr. Katumbi. According to him, some African and European countries are already notified. “The Auditor General’s Office issued an international arrest warrant against Mr. Katumbi. And I think that the show that was made in Kasumbalesa was only a political show. This mandate has been issued and remains in effect. It has been communicated to a number of African and European countries. For us, we did not stop him from entering. For Congolese justice, Mr. Katumbi is a fugitive and he must be arrested as soon as he is on the national territory. This position has not changed. The deployment of the police at the Kasumbalesa border had been made to stop him. Mr. Katumbi knew very well that when he arrived on Congolese territory he would be immediately arrested, “said Mr. Thambwe Mwamba” (Radio Okapi – ‘Mandat d’arrêt international contre Moïse Katumbi : « un théâtre de mauvais goût », selon Sessanga’ 16.08.2018, link: https://www.radiookapi.net/2018/08/16/actualite/justice/mandat-darret-international-contre-moise-katumbi-un-theatre-de-mauvais).

This is just cowardice of the Republic. They are using false narratives and criminal charges against main opposition leader. Moise Katumbi had already a challenge ahead of him, as it is not like CENI or anything else would deliver something that could be called “Credible”. But his popularity and his messages, are aspiring for a new approach on politics, which is needed.

This is by all means an answer to the looting, the corruption and cronyism in Kinshasa. Not like that will be gone by the minute. Especially not with Emmanuel Shadari, who is a loyalist, who will be the pawn, the candidate put forward to most likely nominate Kabila and secure his place after a term.

Kabila knows this and is silent, as he thinks he can play the people out with insurgency, violence and constant looting. While his state lack service delivery or even care for its citizens, that is why MONUSCO and NGOs deliver needed state services, while he make backroom agreements with the mining industry and others. Which is all paying him kick-backs.

This is known and isn’t a secret, even if the Kabila government wanted it to. That is why they are afraid of someone like Katumbi. He will uproot this regime and stop their tantrums, their control and lack of care. As long as they are paid and the rest is starving. They just don’t care, the International Community will give donations and find aid services to fix it.

That is why Kabila does what he does. He knows the game, this is part of it. They are playing and making sure Katumbi get stuck. As their allies will apprehend him and than he will go through a charade of misgivings. Not getting praise, but getting detained. Because Kabila and Shadari needs him behind bars. Peace.

Cameroon: CHRDA – Report on the Torture and Murder of an Officer of the Cameroonian Marines (15.08.2018)

Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine – Facebook Update (16.08.2018)

Today we spent the whole day in Gulu. Bobi Wine was produced before the military court and charged with three counts of illegal possession of firearms. No one else was permitted to see him including his family and the press, except lawyers Hon. Asuman Basalirwa and Hon. Medard Ssegona. He has been remanded to Makindye military prison until 23rd August, 2018.

According to the two lawyers, Bobi is in a very worrying state. He was badly tortured. He cannot stand, sit or even walk on his own. His face is badly deformed and he has a fractured back and hip. He has wounds all over his body, including one on his head and ear. The lawyers also say that he has not yet fully regained consciousness and does not fully appreciate what is going on around him. He could barely talk coherently to them.

Friends of Bobi home and abroad, this is the state of affairs!

Thank you all for the love, concern and support.

Admin.

FDC Statement on Arua By-Elections (16.08.2018)

I would like to firstly take this opportunity to condemn the brutal, primitive and uncalled for attack in Arua of the citizens of this country by the military as they exercised their civil liberties that are fully supported by our constitution.

Secondly I wish to thank the people of Arua especially those who stood with our candidate to the end despite the numerous challenges that we faced in this election. The FDC national team has just returned from concluding the campaigns and observing the voting exercise on behalf of their flag bearer Mr. Bruce M. Musema. In doing this we upheld a two year period standing decision to support our flag bearers for the duration of the term of the office they aspired for. We therefore take full responsibility for the choice of candidate of Bruce as well as his performance in this by- election. I wish to thank Mr. Bruce M. Musema for being the refined and outstanding candidate that he was during this contest and wish to assure him of our continued support in various ways, in the party’s bid to grow young leaders.

Through their vote and amidst massive intimidation the people of Arua spoke loud and clear and I wish to congratulate them for their resilience and their newly elected leader for a well fought for and deserved victory. The election of Hon. Kassiano E. Wadri an independent candidate should send a message to the dictatorship in this country that no matter the amount of force used, citizens will always reign supreme. We also call on the authorities to ensure an expeditious process of justice or immediate release of Hon. Wadri and his other incarcerated colleagues.

As a party we have taken lessons from this and other by-elections where we lost and succeeded and this will inform the party’s policy direction on how to deal with any election we shall participate in, in the future.

One Uganda One People.

Patrick Oboi Amuriat
Party President
16th August, 2018.

The acts towards Bobi Wine: Could happen to all of us, if we challenge the NRM!

Let’s be clear, the Gulu Military Court Martial Order, the days of torture, harassment and detention in unknown location is something the National Resistance Movement (NRM) has done to their biggest threats. In the same fashion, the NRM have acted towards Dr. Kizza Besigye. Therefore, Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine. Are now walking in the shoes of Besigye, in his own way, but the acts of Bobi Wine and his supporters. They are similar in ways, off course different, but working towards the same goal.

That is why the NRM, the authorities and the security organizations acts as vile perpetrators against their enemy. This has happen to Besigye and is now happening to Bobi Wine. Both have gotten tear-gassed, arrested and charged with treason. Now, Hon. Kyagulanyi are air-lifted from Gulu Military Court to Makindye Military Barracks, this is after the charges was put on him.

What we should learn by this, are that what happen last with Besigye in 2015 and 2016, when he went back- and fourth from prison and treason charges, will now be happening to Bobi Wine in 2018. His trials, court cases and government petitions for his crimes, will come in steady order, the cases will be adjourned and pending evidence indefinitely. That is how the NRM has acted towards Besigye, the same will now be repeated with Bobi Wine.

The arbitrary arrests, the house arrests and all the pains the police and security organizations will give Bobi Wine. Is something that we have already seen the NRM done to Besigye. Therefore, we should prepare for similar activity towards the Independent MP and Activist. He will not be carried softly, the regime is now answering with force and forging charges. They are putting on all sort of malice and trying to fix his fate. Therefore, expect Luzira Prison as well. There is where all big-men and politicians with some character ends under the NRM.

Why do I say all this now, as he is airlifted and charged with treason. Put him in the same fashion as Besigye. Because, Besigye isn’t an example, but a proof of what the NRM does, if you challenge them and gain popularity. Now, the same hand is dealt to Bobi Wine.

The NRM picks out anyone who are standing in their way. Right now, that is Bobi Wine, in the past it was Besigye.

In the future. Who knows, it might be you. Peace.

Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine: Gulu Court Martial – Charge Sheet (16.08.2018)

Ebola outbreak in North Kivu: Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) treatment centre opens in Mangina (16.08.2018)

The virus has already killed 41 people, according to the Ministry of Health.

PARIS, France, August 16, 2018 – Taking a new step in its response to the current Ebola outbreak in North Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) opened a treatment centre on Tuesday 14 August in Mangina, a small town considered to be the epicentre of the outbreak. All patients from the isolation unit where MSF was working to improve biosafety have been transferred to the twelve tents of the new Ebola treatment centre. A total of 37 patients are currently hospitalised – 31 of them have been confirmed to be infected by the virus by laboratory tests, while the others are classified as suspect cases.

“Among our patients, we have several colleagues from the Congolese health system in the area” says Gwenola Seroux, MSF Emergency Programs Coordinator. “They were the first to respond and some were exposed to the virus.”The virus has already killed 41 people, according to the Ministry of Health.Addressing some of the priorities set out in the overall response plan of the health authorities, MSF is also active in support of the local health infrastructure. In Ituri province, an MSF team is working on the route between Mambasa and Makeke, on the border with North Kivu, visiting health centres to set up isolation rooms in case of need, undertaking surveillance activities and working with community health workers to raise awareness around Ebola. Infection prevention and control protocols are being reinforced to ensure continuity of care for non-Ebola patients – a critical pillar of the outbreak response.

For the same reason, the organisation is working to keep the several existing projects it runs the area safe from the risk of contamination, thereby continuing to provide much-needed medical services.

A vaccination programme is being run at present by the Ministry of Health with the support of the World Health Organisation in the area most affected by the outbreak. And almost 1 200 contacts have been identified so far according to the Ministry of Health.

North Kivu, where the outbreak was declared on 1 August, is one of the most unstable areas in the region. Ongoing conflict and heavy military intervention have resulted in a high number of displacements, worsening the chronic problem of limited access to healthcare. Large movements of population can happen suddenly in response to an outburst of violence. These aspects of the context will have a significant impact on the humanitarian response. Critical activities that typically require the ability to reach remote locations, such as contact tracing, community outreach, surveillance, alert investigation, vaccination and health promotion are inevitably affected by the practical limitations imposed by.

In neighbouring Uganda, MSF is part of the national task force to ensure effective preparations are in place to tackle the risk of cross-border contagion.

UPDF Press Statement on Arua By-Election (16.08.2018)

Besigye says: “No Civilian should be tried in a Military Court Martial!”

We know that the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni are breathing and living of militarism. That is evident with the recent Arua By-Election, every solution to a problem can be answered with the Special Force Command or the army. That is what the President and his henchmen do. Now, the opposition leader of Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Dr. Kizza Besigye have addressed the press today.

Besigye have been charged for treason and all sorts of charges by the authorities, he has been hospitalized and lost his possessions over his campaigns against the NRM. Therefore, if there is anyone who knows what they do to you. He is the one, who has fought tirelessly and continued since he went out of the NRM himself. That is why his words matters, as he has been charged with treason more than once. He has been for long, house-arrested without charges and also detained more times than anyone can count. All of that because he has worked for a peaceful transition from Museveni. However, that haven’t happen. Now, there are other leaders whose in the same fire, which Besigye have felt in the past. This being Robert Kyagulanyi, Paul Mwiru, Francis Zaake, Kassiano Wadri and Gerald Karuhanga.

Here is extracts of his words:

There has been a choreographed presentation of a state of confrontation between opposition groups which I believe is deliberate and has ominous intentions” (…) “The people being detained have been held against a background of state inspired violence. There’s absolutely no way the regime can convince people that they can cover their tracks by planting evidence against our people” (…) “These tramped up charges are the rule in as far as NRM dress its opponents in an attempt to criminalize them. We demand that all those persons being detained be freed unconditionally and immediately” (…) “Certainly, no civilian should be charged or attempted to be tried in a military court martial. The main inciter of violence is the NRM junta and they shouldn’t transfer this onto anyone” (NBS Television, 16.08.2018).

Besigye is speaking the truth here. That is evident and not the first time, the NRM is creating a story to maliciously arrests and charge opposition. He has been there himself countless times. Now we are seeing this with other opposition leaders.

He is spot on, with the recognition, that only soldiers and generals should be Military Court Martial, but in the minds of Museveni and NRM. Everyone are soldiers of his NRA. They are all loyal to him and his guns. That is why it is okay to take civilians to Military Court. Even if that is only for the military and deserters. Which none of the MPs or their fellow activists are. They are all civilians who represents people and also citizens. They are not representing the military or the army.

It is not like these MPs was in the service or deserting from the army. These was civilians, therefore the jurisdiction of the Gulu Military Court is not sufficient. But mere militarism of politics. Which is the hallmark of the political landscape under Museveni. He does it again.

Besigye is right. Again. Speaking words of truth. Peace.