Karamoja: The NRM got money for the army, but not for the starving…

The recent surge in cattle theft and cross-border conflicts in Minister Kasiaja: Karamoja sub-region issues will continue to be addressed. In a recent supplementary budget, Government provided Shs.112.5 Billions to facilitate the UPDF to carry out operations” (91.2 Crooze FM, 14.06.2022).

More than half a million people are going hungry in Karamoja – Report” (…) “A new report indicates that the Karamoja region is undergoing a crisis of food insecurity and may slump into famine if there are no measures to reverse the situation immediately. The report on integrated food security phase classification also shows that Moroto and Kaabong districts are in a critical phase of acute malnutrition. While receiving the report, the government committed to implementing some of the short-term recommendations” (NTV Uganda, 14.06.2022).

We know that the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) launched Operation Usalama Kwa Wote in July 2021 and they have continued ever since. The UPDF and the authorities have burned villages and killed civilians in their manhunt for cattle-rustlers. However, there been no oversight or proof of their operation really stopping violence or the murders for cattle in the region.

The only thing that has been shown is that the government has killed around 700 civilians and there is no direct justification or proof of the need to do so. There is no direct proof of the use of firearm or report on the use of the weapon. People are just killed and dying because the UPDF said so.

In this regard… the budget priorities are very clear. As the Karamoja is getting funds for the operations of the UPDF in the region. However, there is nothing scheduled or funds to cover or help the people in need. Karamoja is possibly getting into famine and people are now going hungry. That is a sign that the government has failed this people. They are now in the hands of the government.

The UPDF seems to be more important than the civilians it is defending. Since, it has funds and operational means, but the public don’t have what they need. Neither does the state has the mechanisms or the institutions to help them. That’s why they are starving and not getting help. This shortfall has to be covered by either a UN Organizations, CSOs or NGOs. Because, they have ability and funds to come to their aide. Since, the state don’t pay it no mind and would only care if it was profitable.

Karamoja have been targeted and the army has intervened as it has… because the minerals and mining operations needs land. The villages and the people have to flee lands and the use of former methods is to shield their operation. Now it is even more evident as Karamoja is getting money for the army, but not the people in need. This has been forecasted by FEWSNET and others. It isn’t like it happened without any forewarning.

Karamoja was in a danger-zone and the army operations there wouldn’t make it any better. No, the state has addressed its own needs, but the needs of the population. The region has burned because of the army and the soldiers haven’t helped the farmers or the cattle-keepers. Instead it has possibly worsened it and created more internally displaced people. Therefore, it is striking that the UPDF gets funds, as a reported half a million will live in food insecurity and live in hunger.

I don’t see the state doing much or taking action about it. This will most likely spiral into a famine. Because, the state doesn’t have mechanisms or the willpower to do what is necessary now. That’s because the ministries and the institutions haven’t been invested into and neither is there a working protocol for cases like these. That’s for the simple reason: The International Community and their aid organizations are the shortfall for the inept and corrupt elites of Kampala.

That’s why the Minister of Karamoja will do nothing and neither will anyone associated with it. They are awaiting orders from the Office of the Prime Minister and the State House. Which will wait and we shouldn’t expect any miracles. The army is stationed here and they will not bring hope to a troubled region. A region that has burned and now it’s soon starving too. It doesn’t get a minute of peace or hope. Peace.

Ethiopia: Abiy’s twisted path to “peace”…

What we need is to restore peace in Ethiopia, to repeat the victory achieved in the law enforcement operation. By fighting, we maintained Ethiopia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Ethiopia is on the right prosperous path. It is unquestionable. Ethiopia is building institutions that can endure challenges. We should never leave hatred and blood feud to coming generations. Let us control our emotions and go forward for peace that is what we need. We need peace with all actors including the TPLF. We need peace with everyone because we get reward from each peaceful day. Every time we get into fighting, it costs us. Not only money but also productive human lives. We are ready for peace to avoid further conflicts. We don’t like fighting; we hate fighting; I have experience of fighting since I was 14 years old. I have seen the results of fighting. It claimed the lives of my friends. I need development. Who likes fighting? It’s only those who don’t know it who love fighting. We want peace with everyone; but that doesn’t mean we have negotiated with TPLF.” – Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali (14.06.2022).

It is hard to believe that this man was “worthy” at one point to the Nobel Peace Prize. However, in the year of 2022. No one should believe that this man is worthy of such an honour. The honour bestowed upon him wasn’t for his kind. No, he has ventured into war, destruction and used all means to consolidate power in the Republic.

Prime Minister Abiy is a warlord and this sort of speech proves that. He says the “Law Enforcement Operation” was successful, as it has ensured destruction, complete ruination of a region, massacres, mass-rape and a man-made-famine. That is really telling when he wants to repeat that “victory”. That’s saying something and there is no mercy, apparently.

What is striking by saying all of these words. The hatred and the means to an end has been clear for a while now. There been such talk of endless violence and trying to conceal the war-crimes committed. Just like his speaking of peace now and possible negotiation, but who really believes him?

Seemingly, the PM has been more interested in ordering bloodshed and going after his enemies. That’s why this sort of speech is hard to believe. Abiy can talk of saving lives and avoiding war. Nevertheless, most of his time in office has been decreeing and ensuring more conflict. That’s why the army and authorities are brutal in nearly every region of the Republic. There haven’t been any region where the state haven’t used impunity, injustice and been behind extra judicial killings. Therefore, the speaking of peace and wanting it is futile.

The PM has been a man of arms and using the “rule of law” as a stick to pin people. Anyone who suddenly oppose or dare to question will end up in jail or be in real trouble. That’s what is happening. So, his using all means to torment and go after anyone in the Republic.

He says he hate fighting? Why has the army, regional special forces and everyone else been so boosted and ordered to use violence, then? It doesn’t sound sincere or truthful. If this was only a one time or just to quell on bloody riot. Well, it could be believable. However, in this regard… the PM and his government has used the troops to silence the population an-mass.

Abiy wants to talk like he means this… but I don’t believe him a single bit. He would rather kill and destroy his enemies. The PM won’t talk or negotiate with an open heart. No, his just buying time to find another way of ending them. That’s why this humanitarian truce have been put in order. To buy time and get possible foreign aid to save the economy. The war has cost the state and inflation is running wild. Therefore, the PM needs a little bit stability before he strikes Tigray region again.

A man that could usher in a war like this. Can easily do it again. The goal is to end the ones who didn’t bend the knee and follow the program. Abiy is that sort of leader and that’s clear. Anyone who opposes him will be in jeopardy. Peace.

USA: President Joe Biden letter to CEO Darren Woods of Exxon Mobile (14.06.2022)

Opinion: The 40 million shillings which makes the world go around…

The 11th Parliament is as corrupt and filled with stooges as the previous ones. The Speaker and Deputy Speaker is the “visionaries” of it and it shows by what sort of characters they are. Therefore, the news of an envelope for voting in the budget of financial year 2022/23 wasn’t shocking. It was more of the same…

The Members of Parliament allocates themselves a higher allowance and a kickback for their services. While teachers, nurses and civil servants will sought far and wide to get any help with the rising prices or the cost of basic commodities. No, this is the representatives and the ones who are working for the people. Who is giving themselves a pay-rise and an additional money-grab. While the President and others tell people to live within their means or eat cassava.

The 555 MPs was offered a huge fee as incentive and a bargain for doing their actual duty. They should scrutinise and have general oversight over the budget. Every vote and need should be looked into. The MPs should state the needs or the usage of the funds. However, by the manner of which the budget is passed. It seems like its ceremonial and pre-fixed ordeal where the MPs just has to accept and move-on. As if the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED) has everything covered and they should just nod their heads all along.

It is not strange that they accept the verdict and let bygones be bygones. When the money is coming in and it didn’t cost them anything. They are just accepting “free” money and can easily spend it however they deem fit. Nevertheless, their role as legislators and MPs is pointless. When they are not doing their job and is only stooges for the State House and the machinery of the “high above”.

We have seen this before and these sorts of votes will happen again. They called them suits or whatever really. As long as the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and their MPs follows the program, which is whatever Museveni deems fit. That’s the gist of it. They are additionally paid for their services and they have already high allowances, salaries and levels of perks. It is not like the MPs is unfortunate or lack wealth. No, this is the gig to go after and the state abundantly pay you.

While the less fortunate gets even lesser. The value of currency and lack of revenue makes it harder to get by. Meanwhile their representatives are getting paid-in-full with add-ons. These ones are living the high life. They are living life like there is no tomorrow and topping up at any given opportunity. Therefore, there is no second coming or worry…

It just shows how there is one world for the citizens and another for the MPs. Peace.

National Youth Council: Press Statement on the Dissastifaction of the Youth with the Implementation Mode of the Parish Development Model (15.06.2022)

Niger: Communique du Ministere de la Defense Nationale (14.06.2022)

RDC: Partenariat pour la Protection Intégrée (PPI) – Communique de Presse 06 – Portant Denonciation du Vandalisme de la Radio Communautaire la voix de Mikeno a Bunagana au Nord-Kivu par les M23 et l’Armee Rwandaise (14.06.2022)

Dr. Kizza Besigye arrested in Kampala Central Business District and is detained at Nagalama Police Station

Besigye on Tuesday returned to the city center to resume his protests against rising commodity prices. He was however intercepted by dozens of law enforcement officers on Namirembe road where was addressing a crowd on top of his Toyota Land Cruiser” (Rest TV, 14.06.2022).

Rt. Col. Dr. Kizza Besigye has been arrested & detained at CPS under heavy military deployment. Besigye was arrested at Mini Price, downtown Kampala rallying Ugandans to protest against the high commodity prices in renewed demonstrations” (97.8 Kazo FM Omushomesa, 14.06.2022).

Dr. Kizza Besigye has yet again come under surveillance and gotten into legal jeopardy because of his resilient and will to demonstrate for a just cause. The former Presidential Candidate and leader of Forum for Democratic Change are continuing the “Wake Up” Campaign against the rising commodity prices. As he again drove from Kasangati in Wakiso district to Kampala Central Business District. Where he started to drop off “Red Cards” or Flyers for the cause and talk in a public.

The ones that has followed Besigye knew it would end this way. There is no way in the world or within the current regime that a person like Besigye could protest or demonstrate without being arrested. That was inevitable. There was no way out and the authorities would apprehend him and take him away. They would impound the vehicle and take him far away.

It has been reported that Besigye was first taken to the Kampala Central Police Station and later whisked away to Nagalama Police Station in Mukono District. As there been reports that he was taken to Buganda Road Court and again dropped off at Nagalama Police Station.

We know that his now on a spiral of being kept in custody. Where he will fight for his freedom and return to the streets. As he will be produced and there will be a bond/bail application. We can expect it to be excessive and possible sky-high. In such a fashion, that you would think he killed a nursery or a kindergarten. Alas, all he did was doing his constitutional right of demonstrating for a just cause.

The final reports is that Besigye will spend the night at Nagalama Police Station. In this regard, everyone should expect this to play out for the next coming days and possible for a two weeks time or so. It depends on how the bonds will be made and if he again will spend a day or a few possible weeks in the slammer.

Besigye is just starting another stint and issues with the legal system, which is built to degrade and be a depressing ordeal for anyone who faces it. We know that Besigye is resilient and has a record amount of charges against him. He has more bond-notes or bail documents, which should be fitted to a part of a museum exhibition in the future. Because, no one has been in jail and detained as Besigye has ever been.

Time will tell, but will not be shocked if he sooner or later spends days behind bars in Luzira. Peace.

South Sudan: Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM/A-(IO) – Press Release (14.06.2022)

Ethiopia: TPLF President Debretsion Gebremichael – Open Letter from the President of the Government of Tigray (13.06.2022)