Bank of Uganda (BoU): Government has not failed to pay Bank of Uganda (20.09.2022)

National Environment Management Authority (NEMA): Clarification on information concerning the Environment and Social Impact Assessment (EISA) Reports for Oil and Gas Projects in Uganda (19.09.2022)

The CMI is involved in a civilian matter: In the arrest of blogger Kasagga Matovu

To understand the current affairs, you need to know that the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI) is a branch under the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF), which could be called the National Army. The CMI is the intelligence branch of the UPDF. Now that you know these facts and has that under wraps.

Let us read this story from earlier today: “The Directorate of CID and CMI, have charged to court a blogger known as Kasagga Bashir aka Kasagga Matovu, with 4 counts of Unauthorised Modification of computer material, under the Computer Misuse Act. The facts gathered indicate that during the month of August and September, 2022, while in the Kampala, the suspect, with requisite intent and knowledge, used his social engineering techniques to create, obtain and modify tweets and screenshots of twitter handles of the Defence Spokesperson @UPDFspokesperson, Uganda Police Force @PoliceUg, Annita Annet Among @Anita Among and Balaam Barugahare Ateenyi @Balaam 1980” (…) “The suspect has been the leader of the network of social media abusers. His communication matrix is linked to thousands of group members. It also clearly shows selected individuals and political groups, that have been glorifying and sponsoring his offensive behaviour, towards government officials and institutions. We have retrieved some of the deceptive posts, charts, accounts and pictorials, which he has been sharing with 6,588 followers on Twitter and 5,625 Facebook followers” (…) “The suspect has been charged with 4 counts of unauthorised modification of computer materials C/S 14 (1) and (6) of the Computer Misuse Act, 2011” (Uganda Police Force – ‘BLOGGER CHARGED WITH 4 COUNTS OF UNAUTHORISED MODIFICATION OF TWITTER ACCOUNTS’ 19.09.2022).

The Law itself:

14. Unauthorised modification of computer material

(1)

A person who—

(a) does any act which causes an unauthorised modification of the contents of any computer; and

(b) has the requisite intent and the requisite knowledge at the time when he or she does the act,

commits an offence” (Computer Misuse Act, 2011).

This Statute or Article of the Law is punishable up to 15 years in prison. That’s if the Courts or the authorities finds it fitting to give him the full extent of punishment for his actions. They are using the Computer Misuse Act of 2011, which has been used against dissident in the past. It has been a favourable tool. Even more so than certain parts of the Penal Code to pin crimes on the ones speaking ill or with malice against the state.

Now, we are seeing the army is involved in the prosecution. That isn’t new in the Republic. It is a staple around Election and in the Post-Election. The CMI have been used and directed to apprehend, kidnap and keep civilians incommunicado. That has been done by several of authorities and by other law enforcement as well.

So, with that in mind, it isn’t weird that the CMI is involved in making a case against a blogger. The CMI has also been used and have training for cyber crimes. That means the CMI is going into civilian matters Just like when the Court Martial is used as a tool to oppress civilians. When the civilians are neither soldiers, serving in the army or affiliated with the UPDF in any shape or form. Therefore, these sorts of practices isn’t new, but showing how the state operates at this point.

Now, that the Computer Misuse Act is used again. Expect it to be more relevant in the time ahead, as it has been amended and is more broad to capture even more people in the net. That’s why this year will be filled with cases like these and no one should be surprised by it. This is what the authorities has ordered. Peace.

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF): EFF Calls for the Immediate Firing of Eskom Board, CEO and COO (19.09.2022)

Opinion: The Prosperity Party promotes the annihilation of Tigray…

When the arrogant group begs for peace; He trampled on the government’s plea that peace is better than war and chose to wave bullets instead of the palm of peace. By this action, he started a new war in a way that proves that he is a great curse that brought the coming of the people of Tigray more than anyone else. The Ethiopian coalition itself has begun to burn in the fire that the group has set because of its arrogance. Although some countries and international organisations are walking here and there pretending to be ambassadors of peace to prolong the life of the group, TPLF will not be able to move upwards or sideways from now on. Right now, the team’s sun is setting. It has reached the eve, when the terrorist TPLF will be buried in the pages of history with its black face. A loose tooth is likely to come out soon. Just as it was removed from the shoulders of Ethiopia, it is about to be dismissed from the land of Tigray once and for all, and its resources are about to be fulfilled as a history of garbage personality. It is the right time for the people of Tigray, who are paying for the group’s repeated arrogance and undeserved sacrifice, to separate from this evil group once and for all. Above all, the people of Tigray must get rid of their mental slavery in order to free themselves from the TPLF yoke. Without a change in thinking, it is impossible to solve the problem or escape from it” (Arada Woreda 09 Prosperity Party, 19.09.2022).

The ones believing the ruling regime and ruling party of Ethiopia wants peace. Just read this statement posted on one of the Party’s Twitter and Facebook page, which happens to be on the Arada Woreda 09 Prosperity Party. The message is chilling and very obvious. No one should be shocked or in awe in 2022. This is a continuation of the “Law Enforcement Operation” and continued warfare where they have vilified the Tigray or the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF).

This is just a continuation of it. Where the sentiments of total destruction and allowed genocide is fine. The FDRE is fine with the attacks and annihilation of the Tigray region. It seemingly serves a purpose to do so. They can exhaust the armies, the regional special forces and even the Eritrean Defence Force (EDF) That’s why the Eritrean has been reported to send the reserve or even apprehending people to enforce them to the front-lines. Therefore, we know the war isn’t going well for the ENDF, Amhara Para-Military Group “Fano” and the EDF.

That’s why the PP has to put out statements like this. Just to show how they really want to end the TPLF and the Tigray region, if they have too. This just shows what they are willing to do and defend their actions. No one should be shocked if the ENDF air-force is attacking civilian institutions or public markets. They are just people who didn’t know better and died because of their ethnicity.

The ones believing that the Addis Ababa or Asmara ever was concerned about peace. Well, read the statement again and think again. The men and people behind the Prosperity Party will have no will or want for peace. They just want to end the TPLF, as they are doing so to consolidate all power and have total control. The PP fears the TPLF because of its past influence, though it decided not to be part of the PP. This is why the whole war happened in the first place and the high ranking officials decided to retaliate and never let go.

No one should expect a swift peace or honest ceasefire. The ENDF or EDF will only ask for ceasefire or truce, when they have no ammunition, gullible soldiers or anything else to send into the war. They just want enough people to support their cause and defend it no matter what.

That’s why people shouldn’t believe the PP or PFDJ. They are both only interested in consolidated power and getting rid of the TPLF. Peace.

Tajik-Kyrgyz border skirmishes: The Conflicting Press Releases from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs…

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tajikistan and Kyrguzstan both released a Press Release on the skirmishes and persist conflict on the Tajik-Kyrgyz border. A place that has had several of skirmishes and cease-fires. The nations are clearly tense and has old grudges, as they are now in brewing conflict.

The Press Releases are certainly compelling and telling a story. Because, it shows what both sides believes and wants to state as fact. That’s why I will take the Press Releases by each side and just show how they portray it. Since that shows what is going down and how they are operating.

Let’s begin with how they claim it all started on the 14th September 2022:

On September 14, at 7:15am, military units of the Border Troops of the State Committee for National Security of the Kyrgyz Republic, without any reason, began shelling the Kekh border post of the Border Troops of the State Committee for National Security of the Republic of Tajikistan in the Vorukh Jamoat of Isfara Town, Tajikistan. During this unprovoked act of aggression, the Kyrgyz side used mortars, machine guns and other small arms. As a result of the shelling, two servicemen of the Armed Forces of Tajikistan were killed. At the same time, the Kyrgyz side carried out the transfer of additional forces and heavy equipment to the border areas. The Tajik side was forced to return fire” (Tajikistan MFA, 18.09.2022).

We consider that groundless accusations of Tajikistan against Kyrgyzstan in “military aggression towards the Republic of Tajikistan” is an attempt to put the responsibility and guilt on Kyrgyzstan. The Tajik party has launched the campaign of misinformation in order to discredit the defensive actions of the Kyrgyz Republic. We state that any information from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan and other public bodies does not correspond the reality. Kyrgyzstan has all the evidence (photos and video footages) of the beginning of aggression, crimes and atrocities of the Tajik soldiers on the territory of our country. We are ready to provide the evidence if necessary” (Kyrgyzstan MFA, 18.09.2022).

Here you see really vast differences in storytelling and in accuracy. The Kyrgyzstan MFA isn’t showing any sort of proof or clarity. Only saying they can provide it. While Tajikistan MFA is direct about where and when. That’s why their statement is more believable in the sense of the actions and how the whole skirmishes on the border started. The Kyrgyzstan on the other hand only dismisses the Tajikistan Press Release without going into detail. That’s concerning, because it isn’t flattering to say the least. When you are accused and only talks of providing evidence, instead of actually outlining how it possibly started. In that regard, I rather believe Tajikistan since they have unleashed details, which can be verified.

When we are seeing just these paragraphs it is obvious that they are both going against each other. They are pinning the blame on each other. However, the Tajikistan Press Release has more accurate details and that makes it more sensible. As the other is just trading insults and accusations against the other party.

Like in the end of the Kyrgyzstan Press Release: “Unlawful actions of the Tajik party are the aggressive and destabilizing campaign which contradicts with bilateral and multilateral agreements, the spirit of good-neighborliness and mutual support between peoples of our countries. We are gravely concerned with the active involvement of irregular paramilitary groups on the Tajik side. The actions of the Tajik side may lead to the outbreak of a large-scale interstate conflict, as well as to the destabilization of the situation in the Central Asian region as a whole. Moreover, the situation provoked by the Tajik side has already resulted in casualties among the civilian population, military personnel, serious damage to military and civilian infrastructure, health and property of local residents” (Kyrgyzstan MFA, 18.09.2022).

As we see, the Kyrgyzstan MFA continues but isn’t direct about where or when. It is just claiming that the Tajikistan forces entered their territories and act outside of the ceasefires. Alas, the Tajikistan MFA said this: “In recent days, with a view to creating the image of an “aggressor” in the face of its neighbor, the Kyrgyz side, not shunning outright lies and insinuations, continues an information campaign against Tajikistan, thereby escalating tension in the border area. On September 17, in his address to the nation, the President of Kyrgyzstan used the word “enemy” in relation to Tajikistan” (Tajikistan MFA, 18.09.2022).

Here we see the differences too. While one is stating and blaming the other party directly through the whole Press Release. The other is saying from the get-go, that it knows its being vilified while their territories are attacked by the neighbour. In this instance, I believe more in Tajikistan own wording. While the Kyrgyzstan only targets the neighbour directly yet again.

This here just shows the stories they are telling. It is compelling with the reports and the actions made by the neighbours. The skirmishes from Kyrgyzstan has surely occurred and they just want to pin Tajikistan in this matter. Certainly more is to come, but this doesn’t bound well for the days to come. Peace.

Cameroon: Bamenda Provincial Episcopal Conference (BAPEC) – Communique about the Burning Down of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church Nchang, Mamfe Diocese and the Kidnapping of Religious Personnel (17.09.2022)

Kenya: Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Re: Kenya’s Position on the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) – (16.09.2022)

Opinion: The EACOP is no bargain

This week there been new talks of the East African Crude Oil Pipe Line (EACOP). That comes after the European Union Parliament came with a Motion, which reflect dire concerns about it. The EACOP pipeline will go from the Lake Albert Basin down to Port of Tanga in Tanzania. It is a joint venture deal, but the one who has the most leverage is the French Company Total. While EACOP itself is a United Kingdom based corporation.

The others with smaller stakes are the Uganda National Oil Corporation (UNOC) and the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC). Not to forget the even smaller ownership of the China National Offshore Oil Corporation. So, it is not like the EACOP or the drilling of petroleum is done by solely Ugandan ownership either. Not like Tanzania has a huge stake in it either.

Yes, CNOOC and Total will pay taxes and transport fees of sorts, which is normal for a pipeline to the respective nations. However, they are still able and licenced to drill or exploit the oil fields in the Lake Albert Basin. They are doing that and then later transporting the petroleum from Bunyoro to the coast of Tanzania, which is a long pipeline over vast different environments, which could cause harm or endanger it even. That’s only one thing in this enterprise.

The drilling and exploitation of the petroleum in Lake Albert basin and parts of it is done in Murchison Falls National Park. Meaning the ones with the licence to drill will do so in areas, which has already been facilitated to reserve the nature and the habitats of the species living there. In beautiful surroundings and unique as well. Therefore, the whole petroleum industry could cast a spell on the area as a whole. Especially, if there was something going wrong or an “accident” would occur, which could cause massive damage to the areas.

The EU Parliament Motion has been called “colonial” and “Supremacist” also said to block industrial development in East Africa. They are calling it undermining and saying the Europeans should mine their own business. Which is very ironic, when Total, the French company is the main investor and company involved. The lions share of it run by Total and not by anyone else. Before that UK businesses Tullow and Heritage had vast control of the licences to drill in Lake Albert Basin. So, it’s very weird to call one thing “colonial” and yet allowing the same “colonial” enterprises to run business there.

The Ugandans speaking ill of it. Should first ask for Good Governance and proper due diligence over the projects. The development done and the deals should be looked into. Because, little to none is public. Only the diplomatic papers and some shareholding or ownership details are known. The licencing deals for drilling is “secret” and the transactional parts of also under wraps. The same with registration and practically ownership of the UNOC and TPDC. They are not entities who is very open or transparent about.

That’s why when the minority isn’t transparent, and the Total company isn’t either. The grand public cannot know what is at stake. Who is getting a cut and who is really earning on it. Not like the monies or the credible profits cannot be siphoned. It is not like it is in the domain of the public or it has a knowledge about that.

That’s the making of the President and his Office. They have kept it all hidden for a reason. It is his business and not the citizens one. It is his “oil” and he can do what he likes. He don’t like nosy people and don’t want to be bothered with real questions. That’s why its been kept secret… and it’s deliberately so. Peace.

Tchad: Front pour l’Aternance et la Concorde au Tchad (FACT) – Communique de Presse No. 021 (18.09.2022)