Uganda Elections unfolds; Dr. Kizza Besigye under house arrest; Erias Lukwago arrested; NRM Tally Center legally address the press(?)

Kampala 20.02.2016

The third day and the polls continue to dropped while ballot boxes comes to surface as we know the police officers took them away on the polling stations. There has now been found at NRM candidates as Hon. Oulanyah of Omoro had boxes hidden, and Police had boxes containing the votes for Dr. Kizza Besigye.

Kasangati 20.02.2016

The Dr. Kizza Besigye story continues:

As the third day and the counting continues. Dr. Kizza Besigye is after being arrested twice, is now put under house-arrest in his home in Kasangati in Wakiso District, after being taken by force yesterday from the FDC headquarters in Najjanankumbi.and later detained at Nagalama; and at late night driven home by Police, even if the FDC men wanted to make sure that Ingrid Turinwa was also safe, but the Police whisked away the men and sent them home. That was not only Besigye, but also Gen. Mugisha Munut and Biriggwa Wasswa.

Red Pepper writes:
“DEVELOPING STORY: Police has blocked all roads leading to the home of Kizza Besigye in Kasangati. No person is allowed to enter or leave his home. Journalists have been turned away” (Red Pepper, 20.02.2016).

Daily Monitor writes:
“A heavily armed police garrison at Dr. Besigye’s home blocks our editor, Bagyenzire Atuhaire Alex from accessing the home of the FDC presidential flag bearer; they won’t take questions on who has ordered them to block visitors to Dr. Besigye’s private home. Besigye is under siege, he can’t leave home. All entrances are blocked by police” (Daily Monitor, 20.02.2016)

As well as journalists not allowed at the gate of his home, his lawyers Daudi Mpanga and Ernest Kalibbala have been turned away at the gate. The FDC Campaign has also not been allowed to enter his home or be there together with Dr. Kizza Besigye.

Dr. Kizza Besigye was taken home by the Police without a belt, phone or money. Besigye does not have a phone for the moment, the internet in the home is jammed by the police. This is reportes of this from Winnie Byanyima the wife of Besigye .

The amount of Police in the surrounding areas:
“1200 policemen and military have been deployed on all major roads that lead to Besigye’s home in Kasangati” (Kampala FM, 20.02.2016).

Muntu 20.02.2016 Kasangati

As Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago tried to access the house of Besigye he was arrested by the Police today. FDC Party President Gen. Mugisha Muntu has not been allowed through the gates to Besigye’s home.

Amama Mbaabzi house in Kololo suburbs of Kampala was sealed off yesterday by Police and Field Formation Unit. Have not heard any reports since then, so expect that he is still under house-arrest today, and would like to be verified if not.

There have been put up roadblocks on Entebbe Highway around Lubowa and it’s been there since last night!

Roadblocks mounted on major roads in & out of Kampala: Jinja Gayaza, Kampala-Gulu, Masaka, Hoima, Kampala-Mubende & Entebbe” (WBS TV Uganda, 20.02.2016).

In Kasese:

“Reports reaching us indicate that: One person shot dead as police disperse protesters in Kasese. People are demanding release of final results for Thursday elections” (Hello Uganda, 20.02.2016).

Ofwono Opondo has continued his arrogance on today’s Capital Ganag:
“It is not enough people know there was an election. The people who cast the votes decide nothing. The people who count the votes decide everything”. Comment: He has just followed the Dictator of Joseph Stalin and he is such an inspiration these days for you.

Missing boxes 20.02.2016

As the missing ballot boxes seems to surface:
“Besigye has won Acet, Odek and Omoro counties, but Police hid the boxes” (87.7 Kampala FM, 20.02.2016).

Oulanyah House 20.02.2016

Hon. Oulanyah reports:
“A total of seven white ballot boxes, three of which had pre-ticked ballot papers were found in Hon. Oulanyah’s Omoro constituency this morning, reports indicate” (Red Pepper, 20.02.2016).

Transmission of Results Omoro

Interesting right? Especially with the findings in this home as well. There is certainly big tale of fixing results from Omoro alone. And wonder if that is the only area where the elections has unfolded like this. Let all of us just think about that while the Electoral Commission adds more numbers from their cooked numbers as we speak.

Release Bond 20.02.2016

I wonder what the reason by this story:

Here is a woman released after Electoral Violence detained on 17th February and released late last night on 19th February. She was Carol Natukunda and what did she do, that is what I wonder about, what was the reason for the Police to detain her on the 17th February?

Another missing story is this one here: 

House Police 20.02.2016 UPF

What was in the house and story am I missing?

A Plot Twist:

“Kasibante has Declaration forms that show he won the 2016 Lubaga North parliamentary election. The Electoral Commission ordered by Museveni to declare Betty Kamya (Ask yourselves Why?)! The good thing the gentleman has all his forms signed by all officials” (Radio Free Buganda, 20.02.2016)

I have officially quit listening to Andrew Mwenda as he describes the world in a sense seems like a fairytale world. His tweets are like a dream-land and defending the NRM into oblivion and attacking the opposition while the opposition is jailed, detainer or arrested. Even Abed Bwanika has been detained yesterday if you didn’t capture that in the FDC saga and demonstrations in Kampala, that happen after the Police went crazy at the FDC HQ.

Find one thing wrong during my last remarks:

Today the NRM Talley Center at Jokas Hotel has addressed the media on 20.02.2016 while FDC tried to the same at their Headquarter on the 19th January and then the Helicopter with tear-gas came and the military police arrested them all. Why didn’t the Police enter and take down the NRM tally Center as the Electoral Commission is only allowed to do so, they said that yesterday didn’t they?

Well, there seems to still not being close to being a level playing-field in this elections. And there will continue with political movements until it is all uncovered. Peace.

My letter to President Museveni on the recent polls and actions during the general election 2016

UPM Poster

19th February 2016, Oslo

Dear His Excellency (H.E.) President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni!

I write to you in this moment as you are in the midst of another turmoil called Ugandan elections. I know you are trying to ensure your kind of peace and your kind of democracy. Though we are many who disagree at what levels of freedom and validity of your concern of the ballots that the people of Uganda has casted during the last 48 hours in the country.

As you was the man who went to the bush for rigging after the 1980s. When the political platform Uganda Patriotic Movement which you founded Mr. President; was shattered in a well manufactured election by President Obote and his cronies. The same you are delivering today. The different are the amount of people, electronics, cellphones, parties, candidates, districts, cars and strength of the army. As you have seen the different the country is since you seized power in 1986.

You have gotten a Police Force and Special Force Command who kills and destroys; and in the end, doesn’t give assurance of safety; as the “mambas” and tear-gas thunder through streets; as they demolish and kills the democratic values the country supposed to have.

Museveni Butiaba 07112015

You as commander-in-chief and a fellow army-man even before the polls, in the weeks before pictures of you shooting rifles and later calling out that you was the only one who could keep Uganda safe; doesn’t speak of integrity of the laws and systems you put in place or the governmental structure you have been in charge of; if the legacy of your rule is that you couldn’t let anybody else become President in the country and have the ability to control the army. As if you have secrets in the army you don’t want the society to know.

Mr. President your continuation of detaining opposition leaders, presidential candidates, human-rights-activists, journalists and such does not speak of the free society for the peasants you wanted to liberate in the 1980s. It seems more like the society you wanted to free, have you now made in the same image as the your predecessors did. It does not speak of freedom or liberty seeing army men walking down with AK47 in broad-day light and taking ballot-boxes His Excellency! That sounds more like a totalitarian state and a police state. What was the hurry of the Special Forces Command the other day, when they had to take control of Nakasero Hospital on the day of polls?

Milton Obote_pic

Mr. President you did not only go to the bush for fighting against the vote-rigging regime of Obote, you went to war because of the knowledge of the Northern control or the Acholi in the army; this was even proved by Professor Gingyera-Pinycwa at Makerere in 1988. You have during your time turned the Government Officials, Army and Police into a Ankoli or Western-Ugandan people in the institutions, and the people connected to you Mr. President. You have made the state in the image of Obote!

Mr. President you have a flash car, flash air-plane, big-farm, own businesses, your brother Salim Selah own businesses, your daughter owns businesses and the Museveni family is interconnected in higher parts of life, the same as the cronies of the Obote, difference is that your family has been living for decades on the laurels of you His Excellency!

I beg you too see your ways and think about the values you talked about while being in the bush and the peoples who died for the reasons that the peasants deserved a government who truly represent them and tried to build society together with them. At some point you did, you even by narrow escape and people believed in you; the reforms and constitution and laws was positive. The reaction was that the country got more donor funding and strengthening of the army. Also a better relationship with the countries around as Idi Amin and Obote had offended Tanzania and neighbors.

Old Taxi Park 16.02.2016

The then peasants are now grown people and know all of your terms, known your rhetoric and how you have changed. Mr. President you have had the chance of going with glory, but your lingering into power has proven to be one of your sticking points, even if that beats your own words that was: “The problem of Africa in general and Uganda in particular is not the people, but leaders who want to overstay in power”. Today you are in a elections that if you wins you will start your official 5th Term, though I am coining it your 7th. I am sure you will disagree with me there Mr. President, but I have issues with taking away your first decade in power.

Mr. President I know it is much to ask as your wasn’t officially elected in 1986 and as if you get men to cook the ballots to fit you now; to think about what made you go to the bush in 1980, and what made the start of February 7th and 8th with the battle of Kakamba School and taking the town of Kiboga Town to take some guns for the guerilla warfare. This here should make you think of the progression and the state of affairs, as the army, elections rigging and governmental institutions are placed and made for you instead of the peasants you was out to liberate.

Uganda EC Wall

The lives that have died during the polls and during the pre-elections period should be a reminder of the way you have made the state of affairs right now. Mr. President you have done everything in your power to let out information by stopping mobile-money and social media; even if your own media-houses spread information through them. As you also will try to remember the opposition men and woman who has been hurt and gone by your army and police. Mr. President you serve your opposition as much as your own yellow brigade of yes-men even the people of Elegu close to South Sudan as much as the men in Kisoro close to Rwanda, the people of Bududa district; the people of Mbale and Tororo district and even in Kawempe, Kampala. Peasants and blue-collar men deserve security and not having “mambas” driving around making kids and parents afraid to buy splash at the Muhindi store down the street. The helicopter shouldn’t wake people up and look for people with pre-ticket ballot papers for you who hasn’t been counted. Mr. President! This here is your people and the people who at one point trusted you and thought you wanted them well. The times have change and the opposition should be given a chance as you were given. Mr. President you have represented them for ages, but you do not own the country or the people; I am sure Paul Ssemogerere would like to ask how you rigged the 1996 election. Those years nobody can’t take back, but at the same time; Uganda and Government of Uganda deserves a future!

NRM Muhanga Museum 4.1.2016 P3

Mr. President, as it seems by the rallies and the will of the people, you should give them a chance to have a positive change. Give the peasants and the people what is theirs. Their will and ballots, their representatives and their lives that has been altered by your orders and the way you have used government funds to get tear-gas and bullets, instead of medicines for hospitals and wages for teachers. You know this Mr. President and don’t think of it or haven’t been advised about it. Times for that to change as the people should be behind their President and be sure that the government entities as Army and Police working and hurting them now.

Mr. President the Army and Police is issuing and making violence against the people and not securing their homes as they are securing your power. That is not what 1986 was about. You know that Mr. President, the constitution of 1995 was not about your staying in power for life Mr. President. Mr. President this cannot be what legacy you want to live behind. You might write two editions of Sowing the Mustard Seed, but it is the people like me, who either build reputations or destroys it; As the truth of the different times of your regime Mr. President, the times has changed since 1986 and 2016. 30 years of power should be enough for any man. Mr. President do you remember the smile on the face of President Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania when he gave-way to the new President of Tanzania? That is something that also could been you and the people would have remembered the big-man who had it in him to step-down and let new blood control the country. Mr. President I never expect you or any of your men to read my letter. Though I hope that somebody tells you the sentiment and the care; the concern of the state of affairs, the violence, the unnecessary deaths and the careless attacks on democratic values from the government entities.

Best Regards
The Writer of Minbane.

Dr. Kizza Besigye arrested for the third time in two days; FDC HQ under siege; Mbabazi under house arrest; Demonstrations in Kampala; The regime going into panic mode!

Andre Kaweesi FDC HQ 19.02.2016

We can forget to validate the tallying that comes from Namboole today as Badru Kiggundu talks about the final fixed result on Saturday or Sunday. As the Electoral Commission is working under fire from Mzee, as he can’t live with the will people, therefore he is still enforcing militarization of politics as the Police and Army is busy detaining Dr. Kizza Besigye and other FDC “big-men” while sieging FDC HQ and sieging Hon. Amama Mbabazi house.

While the disturbing relentlessness of releasing numbers from the Electoral Commission and also losing of declarations forms in certain districts, and that tally numbers coming from places where the votes hasn’t even been casted. While the Police and army spreading fear in the public while the EC is cooking the numbers to fix the NRM. We know what you do and while your sweeting in the offices and wonder how you will switch the tallies and how many votes you have to pre-tick ballots or calling them.

FDC HQ 19.02.2016 Police Siege

Forum for Democratic Change under siege today:

As Dr. Kizza Besigye is set under house arrest today following the findings of a pre-ticking operations for President Museveni, something nobody should find as they are close knit and tightly incorporated with government facilities and organizations as the Police and NRM-Regime knows all about it.

Today the continuation of Police Force is working against the FDC as they have put the FDC headquarter in Najjanankumbi under siege and even raided the offices as the FDC has put up another Talley Center as the official ones was giving out numbers to sustain President Museveni and stifling votes. Something the Police could not handle at this present state of affairs. The leading operator is Andrew Felix Kaweesi from the Police.

Later as the escalating offences of the FDC, as they question the numbers coming from the Electoral Commission at this point; the siege of the offices is not enough. As the Youth of the area start to demonstrate as of the siege of the FDC Offices closure; this leads into the police shooting live bullets and tear-gas towards the demonstrating youth. They even used a helicopter to throw tear-gas into the compound of the FDC office. (That is some Hollywood kind of actions that would make  Michael Bay proud – Mr. Kale Kayihura!).

Entebbe Road Kampala 19.02.2016. Demonstrations

The Demonstrating Youth also stood and carried out the demonstrations on the Entebbe Road in Kampala as the youth doesn’t accept the siege of the FDC HQ. Police’s Director of Human Resource Development Andrew Felix Kaweesi says they are there to ensure FDC does not announce illegal election results. As the Police is shutting down the demonstrations they has also help from the Army. The Military Police is also at the spot drilling the bullets and tear-gas at the FDC HQ as the siege is continuing.

And yet again Dr. Kizza Besigye was arrested at the FDC Headquarter and taken to an unknown location again. Together with Dr. Besigye the other main FDC figures being arrested by the Police today are Gen. Mugisha Muntu, Ingrid Turinawe and Wasswa Birigwa. They have been arrested for keeping a parallel Tally Center! The UPF and IGP Kayihura can you do this?

A local station, 107.9 FM, reported at 1:43 p.m. that Besigye and another FDC official, Joyce Ssebugwawo, had been taken away in a car by police (Kampala Express, 19.02.2016).

Crowds in protest: students gathered at Makerere University in Kampala demonstrating against the arrest of opposition leader Kizza Besigye (Al Jazeera English, 19.02.2016). Eye witness account:

“Plumes of thick black smoke spiral into the air and the crowds start to run. Some are dressed in sleeveless red university graduation gowns, others carry leafy tree branches to symbolise a past war. They are not all students, but they do all want the same thing: to see President Yoweri Museveni relinquish power to Kizza Besigye” . 

There is also reported demonstrations in Mengo and in Kisenyi in Kampala. The Police is shutting it down with tear-gas and bullets, as the public throws stones at the Police (93.3. KFM Radio, 19.02.2016). There been also reported shots fired in Katwe and Kololo and petty vile photoes from the streets are coming in social media. That I don’t have the stomach to deliver.. as the Live bullets and tear-gas hurt the public!

Kampala 19.02.2016

The latest news broadcast by 93.3 KFM at 3:03 p.m. spoke of “a lot of rampage” at Kasangati and Kawempe although the Kiseka Market area had calmed down a little by 3:00 p.m., with all the shops closed (Kampala Express, 19.02.2016).  In Kiseka Market the Police has shot two people and the picture is spreading online as the victims lay on the streets. a sad sign of the violence of the state and the regime!

Also ordinary people are taken to be detained as they are in the area and demonstrate to the regimes shut-down of the FDC party officials and its headquarter. This here can only be under order of Mzee.

Mbabazi House 19.02.2016

Go-Forward Group:

As other opposition leaders usually is safe. Hon. Amama Mbabazi house is set under house arrest as his home is sieged by the Uganda Police Force and the Army as he is such and threat to the ruling regime. It seems… As that happens at the same time some Polling Agents storms his house demanding pay for guarding his votes!

Amama Mbabazi wrote this:

“This afternoon, police vehicle with Field Formation Unit officers arresting anyone that was outside my gate. They were also accompanied by military police. I am yet to find out why” (Mbabazi, 19.02.2016).

Gaba Kampala 19.02.2016 P1

Continue of Voting in Kampala: 

In Kampala where certain voting has restarted today after the delays of material yesterday as for instance in Gaba, where the demonstrations and anger towards the Polling station occurred. The voters who are named in the Category S-Z are not allowed to vote at the polling stations. (Me asking, so they are the already pre-ticked ballots then?).

At Ggaba Trading Centre the polling station opened today as well because of yesterday’s delays. While this happen though. The Polling station got material, but not the voting material for presidential elections.

In other parts of the Country:

Masaka Talley Center 19.02.2016

In Masaka the Police have started to have heavy deployment around the Talley Center of the town. In Kasese the police has shot tear-gas into the Talley center in the town.

In Nebbi where President Museveni is busy supervising the distribution of Hoes to the public as a appreciations of the voting yesterday. So subtle Mr. President!

Suspicious of rigging, here is reasons why:

In Rubavu in Western Uganda, a government official was caught with pre-ticked ballots for President Museveni. While in Bundibugyo where the presiding officers of the elections and their declarations forms goes missing (The Observer, 19.02.2016). In Bulambuli the results from 6 Polling Stations, Returning Officers claim the Declarations Forms was stolen from the Polling Officers yesterday (The Observer, 19.02.2016). In Sembabule where at certain polling stations yesterday there wasn’t even voting yet, as “at Kirama, Ntusi Primary School, Kazooma A, Lwemibu, Mageege Kinoni all had result 4 tallying even tho they didn’t vote yesterday” (The Obsever, 19.02.2016).

What is some other Presidential candidates up to?

“Presidential candidate Abed Bwanika has been intercepted at Mutukula border by Ugandan security while trying to sneak into Tanzania. He is now being driven back to Kampala, reports indicates” (Red Pepper, 19.02.2016).

Latest on Dr. Kizza Besigye:

He has yet again been sent home to his home in Kasangati by the Police. Right now this is unconfirmed. Have no information on the other “big-men” and detained FDC Officials or public around Kampala that the Police has taken in today. While this reports has been taken back. He is not yet home. Dr. Kizza Besigye and the other FDC Officials are detained in Nagalama Police Station as we speak! He was never home in Kasangati after taken from FDC Headquarter. Winnie Byanyima confirms that he is detained together with the other FDC officials, and not yet escorted home!

I think this is enough for now. More to come as the events unfolding in amp speed right now! There is certainty that the NRM-Regime works hard to suppress the will of the people and the change of power as the siege of opposition is a proof of! There is vicious attempts to destroy democratic values again from the authorities and doesn’t seem to seek the truth. The Police, Military Police and the Army is deployed heavy and guns around as the fear and tension is sky high. Peace.

As the canisters of tear-gas lays in the street; remembering the day I first felt the fear of speaking against Mzee; I Still have hope for political change in Uganda!

Entebbe 11.02.2016 FDC Campaign Rally

“I will not say the fact that there are no European Union observers at an election means that it will not be fair and free” – Olesegun Obasanjo

In the midst of and in the end of the pre-election period 2016; the town of Kampala went into turmoil. The Military Police and ordinary Police went into a violent streak. That manifested itself at Jinja Road which turned into a war-zone like scenario; as in the aftermath the blood of the hurt and the diseased. Visible was the empty shells, the dust and dirt, even metal-boxes as murals of the tear-gas.

As the Police used force and hurt people to the extent that some blood touched the scorched earth and dust; the people in the area scattering in fear while the police continue to push them away as the resilience to the violence committed by the state. The sounds of bullets and metal hits the ground makes the tarmac shake. People we’re running; mixed sounds of shoes knocking grounds while the sounds of gas flowing into the air as the area goes from being casual to pink.

Wandegye Kampala 15.02.2016 FDC P2

This is the signs and scenes of the 15th February in Kampala. The reactions and chaos as the Police went into the procession of Forum for Democratic Change to the planned rally at Wandegye and Makerere. So the continuation of violence from the state security outfits as the military, the police and the military police; as they have been tools in the machine hurting the public as they want to greet the opposition leaders in the sub-counties, towns and districts. There been steady violence against from the Police as the execution of the Public Order Management Act is more used then paper-towels at the Police Headquarters in Kampala. The sadness is all the hurt people and shot people during the pre-election period.

The reason why I got into Ugandan Politics was because I became a board-member or council member in a project supporting and building a library in the town Uvira in Southern Kivu province in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Later I became an exchange student to Uganda. Where I read the Daily Monitor and the New Vision Daily; that together with the books I had read about the adventures of UPDF in DRC, I was still ignorant about the politics there. But the moment after staying in Uganda for month changed it for me.

Mbale Gas-Station

What changed me:

I was on the way with a group going for a training conference in Mbale. On the way we stopped at a Total or any gas-station. While the Hiace we’re getting fuel. I was looking around the area as I lived in Kampala was curious about the environment. This was on the road and no big place. We had passed Mabira forest, but were not too far on the road to the bigger Eastern town. As I was looking it was this GIANT ad for NEW VISON. And saying something similar to this: “‘I am the only one with a vision” and “Publishing the Vision every day”. When I saw that and hadn’t thought well about it. I asked polity with a grin: “Are they serious, only one man with a vision?” The little moment of silence before he answered me: “You can say that, but I can’t; and please not speak about it”. That ate me and made me wonder; why we couldn’t speak about the wonders of the” man with a vision” in public by a gas-station. And why he wouldn’t’ say anything and asked me to not speak about it. On the broad daylight without anybody near us; hours later on the same day we would be stopped by Police and had to convoy to nearest police station; reason missing valid insurance card in the window. The same brother who wouldn’t want to speak about politics gave the Police men some money because of the hunger of the Police men. The first introduction to the bribery culture of East Africa! This day was an eye opener for me. How he could not speak his mind and question the one man with the vision that The New Vision printed his Vision every single day. I started to questioned the vision that they printed every single day.

Mbarara Police 02.02.2016 FDC Campaign Convoy

The election violence in Uganda is massive and has been in all corners of Uganda. In Kabale, Soroti, Jinja, Maska, Ntungamo, Rukungiri, Bukwo and so on. More than twice in Kampala as when Hon. Erias Lukwago started his campaign the Police shot a Journalist when he was planning to campaign. Later was the election violence ushered in by the Police before FDC campaign convoy could come to Makerere Rally on 15th February. The was violence at Jinja Road and at Wandegeya as they demonstrated that Dr. Kizza Besigye wasn’t allowed to campaign there. There been so many times during the calendar-year as the consultation meetings and also campaign rallies has been shut down by the Police and Army. Even campaign venues has been closed for the opposition leaders, while days before been open for NRM and President Museveni as Makerere, Kyambogo and Lira where opposition leaders at one point was not allowed to take part.

There is so many malfunctions and hurt people by the way the government security outfits has hurt both emotionally and bodily hurt that they have inflicted during the recent time. As the canisters and the left clothes is still lying in the corners of the streets. As they did in days after the Rukungiri where the FDC cars was demolished and the police shredded a woman’s respect.

The bullets and the tear-gas towards the general public is not an security issue, but an democracy issue, freedom of speech issue, and issue of trust between the public and the security organs. As the Electoral Commission is not trusted as the high payed leadership prays on the loyalty towards the regime. The NRM electoral Commission is highly flawed and the reactions to the primaries has been burning offices and membership cards, that was even happening in Nakawa Division as the Police turned against the happy celebrating people looking forward to be parts of Besigye’s rally that day. The result of the tear-gas and dispersing of the public instead of proving any steady progress! So the certified message is the tarnishing the venues of opposition while the ruling party keeps up as business as usual.

steve-biko-quotes-5

As my brother told me that day, that I should be silent and not talk about; I feel it still is the same and the reports make it feel the same; as the opposition has not the same rights as the ruling party. The violence ensures the fear and insecurity of a volatile state instead of bringing the positive changes the government might already have brought. Without the Police State and the Militarization of the Politics it might even brought in other type of investments that could have raised the economic climate in the country. As the export of natural resources and natural products instead of finished products and industry; as the assembled industry happens in other parts of the world, it could been in Uganda if the Government tried to pull that in and facilitate it or even used stronger Co-Operations between farmers to bring educating to earn more and yield better quality agricultural output instead of ending struggling to get the maize and matooke to the market. That is not bringing the men with cash-money in (to invest).

Certainly the fear and semi-democratic environment isn’t making the bargain, the talk I had with my brother; I am sure people are still having today even in the midst of the polls that starts in hours-time. As the conversation stays put in my mind and still eats my heart out. The issue of not letting the truth out or speaking their mind out; as the people has to stay put and silent as the ruling regime does as it please. Only giving away money to the villagers in pre-elections period to buy the votes, but when the ballots are gone, the representatives are long gone and forgotten the promises like old-sweethearts who never got the ring. The same seem to be with the talk of choice of the people and the right to speak your mind.

NRM UPF 07.01.16 Mbale Clock Tower

My brother and the conversation is why I am focused on Uganda Politics, as I can’t help that he didn’t have the ability to even comment the “only one man with a vision” paradigm in the country. The canisters and the shattered metal should not be stories. The blood and the toil of the people should not be story of the elections. The story shouldn’t be sad as the violence and spoken fear from the ruling party as they have the only man who can control the army and run the government; as the opposition doesn’t have the manpower to do so; which is lie the ruling party lives on. The ruling party uses security outfits to hurt the public and blame the opposition parties for their activities to deflect the issues of the campaign. Christopher Aine the diseased security agent for Hon. Amama Mbabazi the now opposition leader is the epitome and manifestation of government violence against civilians together with the one that lost his life on the streets of Kampala on the 15th February. Two people who have lost their life for a struggle that is far from over. The Democratic values is rendered down by time and cronies that has spoiled the potential as the movement system turned into the big-man system built with the head-of-state deciding it all; while giving when needed and taken the rest for himself or to his loyal fellows. This here together with the semi-autonomous and militarized politics as there so many former military men in the parliament the public knows the value of the elected or hand-picked men from on top is on the scale they can follow the chain-of-command instead of delivering the pledges and governmental service they deserves.

As it ate my heart out when my brother said he couldn’t talk about it years ago. It hurts to see the same state of affairs and struggles still, and it continues. It is time to let it pass and move to the next level of democratic values; and also good governance with state institutions serving the public instead of making the government officials fat and rich. That is not why the state and government exists; they exist because they supposed to serve the public, not for the governmental officials to take the money supposed to go. The same with the Security Organization as the Police and the Army, they follow the orders up high instead of serving the people and generating peace. As we saw on 15th February Kampala the Military Police didn’t secure the public, but made the citizen in fear and hurting them instead. That is the hurting to hear again and again, as the day is different, the place is different, but the opposition party and supporters are the ones in the cross-fire getting hurt for supporting the leaders of opposition instead of the old-man with the hat.

I never want to hear in any state that you can’t comment towards a ruling party, when that happens I know something is wrong. And knowing it still is like that with the canisters in the streets, the burned yellow membership cards in the bins and the people getting healed after police violence. The families losing their loved ones during the calendar year should not only vote, but only mourn the loss of the valuable people who was a part of the struggle to gain true freedom and respect for the people; as they now are now in invisible chains as the government keeps them tight knit in fear and in a police state using the militarized politics that ate my heart that day and haven’t let go. As I also understand is that the people who has lost their family members because of political affiliation; I understand if they don’t want to do their civic duty, still we all should and shall not forget the people who died for the cause. As we should not forget the people who are jailed and detained for following a political belief that counter the ruling-party and the NRM-Regime. And it wont until change that gives progression and let the accountability; the true transparency and let the will of the people shine as the template of the representatives that deserve to work-hard to be there for the citizens. Something that not been important, what has been is to be loyal to cadre-line and to Mzee! Peace.

The 1996 election and the 2016 elections; staggering similarities of government party and actions towards the opposition! The difference now is Besigye VS M7; then it was Ssemogerere VS M7!

1996 Museveni Sworn in Ceremony

As President Museveni lost with no swagger in 1980 he later returned twice with armies to become the president in 1986. The 1986 where NRA took the power; that story knows all of Uganda well; what Uganda has forgotten is the tactics and ways of rigging the elections of 1996. Even Dr. Kizza Besigye was ready for somebody else in 1996. That says something as the NRM tactics was using levels of fear and tell the general public: “if you vote for somebody else then the Obote-Dictatorship will return!” There is something wrong with that picture as this should be the ushering of democratic values that was installed and promised in the 10 Point Program from President Museveni. This was also the Election that ushered in the Universal Primary Election (UPE) while has done certain things with educations and spreading schools around the country, after many years to many of them has been neglected and has shown that the promise and reform was easier then actually achieving quality school education under the NRM-Regime.

The democratic values and fair elections were not achieved in 1996. As the countless reforms says. The Western nations and International Organizations accepted the result as a positive move for Uganda, even with the malpractices and also because still at this time the world saw President Museveni as the new breed of leadership. He would go away from all the things he might have built later in his presidential career. 1996 Elections was “No-Party” election with a new Interim Electoral Commission who was far from impartial. Kind of what the Electoral Commission proves without any subtlety in today’s election climate.

Besigye against Museveni candidature in 1996:

“Though Besigye was a National Political Commissar, minister and Museveni confidant, by 1996 – as his 1995 decision, and that of other officers like  now Lt. Gen. David Tinyefuza and the late Lt. Col. Serwanga Lwanga to oppose entrenching the Movement’s monopoly of power in the constitution and the  near-banning of political parties – the differences were public” (…)”However, it has now emerged that Besigye and other people in the NRM and army  in 1996 were opposed to Museveni running as the Movement presidential  candidate” (…)”In 1996 Besigye relented at the last minute to go and campaign for Museveni in Rukungiri. He appeared at no more than two rallies, and spoke at one. The very personal and acrimonious face off between the two men last year therefore arose from a feud that had been simmering for about 10 years” (COO, 2002).

Ssemogerere Manifesto

How not to vote for Ssemogerere:

“The Constant refrain during Museveni’s 1996 presidential campaign was that a vote for his opponents would cause a return to the past, the former dictator Milton Obote was waiting in Zambia to return to power if Museveni was defeated. One of Museveni’s presidential election poster featured a picture of skulls and bones besides a mass grave in Luwero with the caption: “Don’t forget the past. Over one million Ugandans, our brothers, sisters, family and friends, lost their lives. YOUR VOTE COULD BRING IT BACK”; another campaign advertisement stated bluntly: “A vote for Ssemogerere is a vote for Obote” (Bouckaer, 1999).

How the sentiment was during the campaign:

“Ssemogerere seems to have hugely underestimated the depth of fear and hatred for Obote and his party among the majority of Buganda. Virtually everyone interviewed  who had voted for Museveni emphasized that they had voted in part to avoid any chance of a return to the violence and anarchy of the early 1980s. The effect of Ssemogerere alliance with UPC, however, does not seem to have been intimidating. Most people felt shift in sentiment against Ssemogerere in the last two months prior to the election. The Museveni campaign strategy of increasingly emphasizing the UPC and Obote connection towards the end of the campaign period was felt to been effective” (IFES, 1996).

Hon Ssemogerere in Northern Uganda campaigning

Museveni used the laws to stifle Ssemogerere campaign:

“The Ssemogerere camp tried to set up branches in the country. This ran foul of the law against setting up party structures. The police constantly frustrated this method of trying to reach the voters. There was a simpler and more effective method used by the Museveni camp. It is simply to announce campaign task forces and groups for given locations. While Ssemogerere was attempting to organise by “structure”, Museveni was organising by “process”. The former violated the existing law; the latter did not. The task force approach recognises the criticality of patrons who mediate the delivery of the votes of their peasant flock. In this approach it is not direct contact with voters, which is not feasible in backward areas with all forms of barriers (language), but contact with the patrons who go through lesser nested patrons to reach the final voters. Yoweri Museveni set up a more effective patron–client campaign network than Ssemogerere’s party structure approach” (Kotorobo, 2000).

How it ended:

“Hours after the Interim Electoral Commission (IEC) led by Stephen Akabway had announced provisional results on May 10; the IPFC candidate Ssemogerere dismissed them as false at a press conference at IPFC headquarters in Kabusu, Kampala. Ssemogerere said: “I cannot accept these results as valid”. The New Vision, The Monitor, as well as the Crusader newspapers of the following day, quoted him as having said. “I have been a patient person in public life. I thought this was the best thing for this country. I have spent time with people I don’t agree with for the sake of democracy. I have not known time before or after independence, when people of different political beliefs, religions and nationalities have come together for once. Now all this has been shattered by the stubbornness of [Yoweri Museveni] wanting to cling to power,” he added. During the press conference, Ssemogerere also revealed 54 cases of malpractices recorded by DP across the country. The 64-year-old DP stalwart said rigging of votes included intimidation of voters by the State, use of pre-ticked ballot papers, use of fake voter’s cards and doctored voter registers” (Mugabe, 2016).

Questionable freedom of speech during the 1996 campaign:

“The Government controls one television station and the radio station with the largest audience. There are three local television stations, three local radio stations, and five stations available by satellite. Uncensored Internet access became widely available through three commercial service providers in major cities, although its price was prohibitive for all but the most affluent noninstitutional users. Freedom of speech did not fare well in the context of the transition to constitutional government, including the presidential and parliamentary elections. Guidelines imposed by the Ministry of Internal Affairs prevented members of the former constituent assembly from addressing groups outside their constituencies. Electoral rules prohibited “campaigning” by presidential challengers until the official start of the campaign 39 days before the election. However, in their official capacity, President Museveni and senior members of the Government were free to travel throughout the country for months prior to the election. Rallies in support of all three presidential candidates suffered varying levels of harassment from thugs, in some cases resulting in physical injuries. It appeared, however, that such incidents were particularly directed at President Museveni’s opponents. Yusef Nsubuga Nsambu, a leader of the Conservative party and a supporter of presidential challenger Dr. Paul Ssemogerere, was arrested in May and charged with sedition for his unflattering descriptions of President Museveni. He was released unharmed 2 days later” (U.S. Department of State, 1997).

Celebrating the victory:

“KAMPALA, UGANDA — Thousands of President Yoweri Museveni’s supporters drove through the capital honking car horns and chanting “No change” Saturday to celebrate his first electoral victory” (…)”When Museveni was declared the winner on national radio Saturday, tens of thousands of his supporters poured onto Kampala’s streets, chanting “No change” in the local Luganda language, blasting car horns, and waving branches and flags” (Bashor, 1996).

One reason why he won the 1996 Election:

“Not all NRM successes showed the system’s popularity. The government manipulated small constituencies to gain beholden candidates in many special interest seats created by the 1995 constitution for women, youth, workers, the disabled and the army” (ICG, 2012).

Ssemogerere Museveni

Reports of malfunctions during the 1996 elections:

““The election drew a lower turnout than expected and suffered some logistical problems, but Ugandans generally avoided widely feared violence” (…)“Many of the country’s 8.4 million voters stayed away from the polls, and in many districts, turnout hovered around 50 percent. Logistical problems also hampered voting. At numerous polling stations, Ugandans complained that their names were not on the list of registered voters. “We have waited for hours, and we cannot vote,” said Patrick Nuwgaba, 20, surrounded by about 20 people who said they had been barred from voting. “We have our voter cards, but they say the numbers we have don’t match the numbers they have for us.” Despite those problems, calm prevailed around the country. Election observers reported, however, that in some pro-Museveni districts, especially in western Uganda, Ssemogerere backers had difficulty voting because of hostile crowds” (Buckley, 1996).

Questions about the victory:

”Within 24-hours of voting — and while the ballot papers were still being counted — the Inter Political Forces Cooperation (IPFC) backing the main opposition candidate Ssemogerere, announced that the constitutionally imposed “no-party” elections had been rigged” (…)”We have left it up to individuals to decide whether to stand,” Ssemogerere told IPS. “The electoral process is wrong and its going to be wrong again. If anyone stands they should know it will be with those disadvantages.” (…)”The IPFC’s compromise decision was reminiscent for some people of the 1980 elections in which the UPC are widely believed to have cheated the DP of victory — leaving Ssemogerere open to accusations of legitimising the government when he then took up position as leader of the opposition” (…)”Museveni was backed by, and represented his Movement “no- party” system of government while Ssemogerere was supported by the DP and UPC alliance and represented a return to multi-party politics — a return which would have required a change to the constitution” (Bozello, 1996).

m7, besigye

As we see about this Dr. Kizza Besigye and other opposition candidates get the same treatment that Dr. Paul Ssemogerere of Democratic Party in 1996. The vote-rigging, the issues with meeting people, with consulting the party members in the districts, the time for campaigning which apparently happens also before the pre-election period in Uganda in 2015. President Museveni doesn’t only recycle pledges his Police acts similar in 2015 as in 1996. That should be thought of as he talks of that the Movement brings progress. If progress means the same structure that doesn’t offer people freedom or liberty to discuss politics. Then it is NRM for you tomorrow. As the 1996 experience shows; there is a multi-party elections tomorrow, but the signs of 1996 looks strikingly similar, and the Police Force and Governmental institutions is structured to facilitate for the ruling party and funding his campaign while the opposition struggles with unleveled campaigning field that has been all through to the 18th Feburary polls. There is a certainty that Dr. Kizza Besigye has used smarter tactics than Dr. Paul Ssemogerere, but them both has fought the same monster which used the same style of campaigning in 2015-2016 as before the 1996, as he then gave 40 days campaigning as the districts was less, and the same now to the other candidates.

The fear used to intimidate candidates has been used in 2016. As even the security outfits has been deployed and both the army and Special Forces Command; they have been there following opposition and the police has target their trail as the Electoral Commission has given okay to their campaign trail in the start of the campaign in November 2015. This here shows the levels of fear and strong militarized politics that President Museveni feeds on; that has occurred through the whole campaign in the same way it did in 1996. That 2016 and 1996 looks so alike is staggering. The names of the other “actors” are different, but the end-game is the same. Though we hope that the people who are ready for change will see it as the old-man with the hat will do what he can to keep power; even if the people are ready for something else then his empty promises. Peace.

Reference:

Bashor, Richard – ‘In First Direct Election Since ’62, President Wins Overwhelmingly’ (12.05.1996) – Chicago Tribune.

Bouckaer, Peter – ‘Hostile to Democracy: The Movement System and Political Repression in Uganda’ (August 1999).

Borzello, Anna – ‘UGANDA-POLITICS: ‘Where-To-Now’ Conundrum For Opposition’ (16.05.1996) – Inter Press Service

Buckley, Stephen – ‘INCUMBENT LIKELY WINNER IN UGANDAN PRESIDENTIAL VOTE’ (11.05.1996) – Washington Post

Katorobo, James – ‘The Uganda Presidential and Parliamentary Elections 1996’ (2000)

Mugabe, Faustin – ‘How free and fair was the Uganda 1996 election after 10 years of rule by the political party of the National Resistance Movement?’ (30.01.2016).

International Crisis Group (ICG) – ‘UGANDA: NO RESOLUTION TO GROWING TENSIONS’ (05.04.2012).

International Foundation for Election Systems (IFES) – ‘Uganda: Long Term Observation of 1996 Presidential and Legislative Election (May-July 1996).

Onyango-Obbo, Charles (COO) – ‘Besigye Opposed Museveni’s Bid in 1996, And Set Off Movt Demons’ (15.12.2002) – Daily Monitor

U.S. Department of State – ‘Uganda Country Report on Human Rights Practices for 1996’ Released by the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, (January 30, 1997).

Kofi Annan’s Message to Ugandan Authorities: “Victory without legitimacy is no victory at all” (16.02.2016)

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As Uganda prepares to elect its president on 18 February, I join all Ugandans in their hopes for an election with integrity, which will bestow legitimacy upon the winner and secure stability for the country.

Legitimacy is the crucial currency of government in our democratic age. Only elections that are transparent and fair will be regarded as legitimate, both by the people of Uganda and by the international community.

I therefore urge the government and the electoral authorities of Uganda to ensure a level playing field for all candidates, including the right to campaign free of intimidation.

I encourage the candidates and their supporters to exercise restraint in their deeds and in their rhetoric so as to ensure credible and peaceful elections, which the people of Uganda demand and deserve.

Kenyan government involvement in the funding of President Museveni’s 2016 Campaign

UhuruandRuto

This here was addressed and questioned earlier during December 2015 the Kenyan support of President Museveni. As we are close to the poll; I did some quick check up about it. And especially in Kenya as it is even a bit controversial there; even if the rumors of funding from President Museveni to the Jubilee Coalition in 2013; something that has not been denied or confirmed; as President Museveni or President Kenyatta will disclose the funds of the campaign.

As much as President Museveni prefers keeping information close or only throw shade on enemies. He keeps it tight until he needs to show it, as he plays things close. He needs loyal cadres everywhere and knowing that the Jubilee Coalition could be a great ally in the EAC, as the trade between Kenya and Uganda is important for both of the countries. The connections between has been pivotal. Here today I will go through the recent reports on the support from Government of Kenya towards the Campaign for re-elections of President Museveni. Another way of showing it is not a level playing-field for President Museveni as the opposition candidates do not have the international support that President Museveni does have! Take a look!

Kenyatta Museveni

Group from Kenyan Government delegation help in Museveni campaign:

“Reports indicate that the team of more than five leaders will be pitching camp in Uganda just a week before the country holds its General Election. The delegation is said to be led by Endebess Member of Parliament Robert Pukose accompanied by Elgeyo-Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen, Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago and Deputy President William Ruto’s personal assistant Farouk Kibet. The Jubilee delegation is set to be hosted at a State Lodge in Kapchorwa where they will spend the night before participating in several rallies in the ongoing heated campaign” (Muchiri, 2016).

What they are doing and amount of funds:

“At a weekend fundraiser event in Sebei, Kenyan politicians Mr Pukose and Mr Tunai handed over 100 bags of cement, 170 iron sheets and Sh48 million for school projects in Tumbaboi (Kapchorwa), Ngenge (Kween) and Kapkoros (Bukwo). Reports also emerged that Kuka’s Inn in Kapchorwa was full of activity, as ruling party members prepared to receive the visitors. When the Kenyan politicians arrive, they are expected be hosted to a breakfast at State Lodge Kapchorwa and spend a night there after several rallies. On Saturday they will attend a get-together with the Sabiny community big shots” (Chekwech, 2016).

ODM accuse the Jubilee Government of Involvement in Museveni Campaign:

“ODM has accused Jubilee of using public resources to drum up support for Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni ahead of the country’s general election on February 18” (…)”The Ugandan elections have sparked a lot of interest among Kenyan politicians, with both Deputy President William Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga being actively involved in campaigns” (…)In a statement made by the ODM:“We remain deeply concerned about the involvement of the Kenyan government in the ongoing Ugandan presidential election campaigns in support of incumbent President Yoweri Museveni,” (…)”Kenya’s involvement in Uganda elections also sets a dangerous precedent that will see incumbents openly rally behind each other,” (…)”ODM said in the statement signed by director of elections Junet Mohamed” (Mbaka, 2016).

Museveni-Ruto-523x350

William Ruto rewarded for helping President Museveni:

“Reports emerging indicate that William Ruto grabbed a prime parcel of land in Kayunga Uganda, the same place where he went to campaign for Museveni” (…)”Charles Tabora, a local denizen narrated to our pressman that area residents have already suspected Museveni’s hand in the heist because his government is mum on the same” (…)”We shall not go to sleep until we redeem our land that has been grabbed by this Kenyan land baron. Museveni and his ‘land addict’ can go to hell for all we care. We will teach that Kenyan man that Ugandans are like the rock that is right in the bottom of the deep ocean and does not fear rain” Explained Mr. Joseph” (Politica, 2016).

Allegation of using Eurobonds funds to support Museveni campaign:

“Henry Rotich said Raila’s sentiments were only meant to create unnecessary anxiety” (…)”“We have provided all the information on our website for all to see and make their conclusion on who is telling the truth. What I know is that people cannot be fooled all the time,” said Rotich” (…)””We have invited him to table the dossier he has with PAC (Public Accounts Committee) but he refused and instead goes to the media to claim he has information. Odinga should table the evidence with the Auditor General and stop disturbing the CS,” the legislator said” (…)”“If Odinga does not have faith in Parliament he should visit agencies that will carry expeditious and independent probe about the alleged saga,” Mr Chepkonga” (Kibor, 2016).

This here proves that it is manpower and monies that extended the power of the campaign while the other candidates are struggling and howling over; the NRM get even support of Money from Eurobonds from Kenya as William Ruto want to pay him back for the support of campaign they had in 2013. The approach is to give back for the support earlier even with a full-fledged team who gives pledges and gifts in districts go give credit to NRM and President Museveni. There is an issue here as the involvement will question the Government of Kenya’s address if the rigged election turns sour and make the people demonstrate and react to the thievery of their public rights to elect their leaders. Something that will make H.E. President Kenyatta like a moron instead of Powerbroker as this might give him an edge and fulfill the promise to pay back for the election of 2013. His deputy seems to enjoy the spotlight of Ugandan crowd as he was on the campaign rally in late 2015. This here is just an insult to all the Ugandans who might stand for a opposition candidate, as their neighbor involves themselves with the ruling-party and their militarization of the politics in Uganda. Peace.

Reference:

Chekwech, Allan – ‘Kenyan lawmakers return to Uganda in campaign for Museveni’ (12.02.2016) link: http://www.nation.co.ke/news/Kenyan-lawmakers-campaign-in-Uganda/-/1056/3073296/-/or4y1d/-/index.html

Kibor, Fred – ‘CS Henry Rotich dismisses Raila Odinga over Eurobond’ (15.02.2016) Link: http://standardmedia.co.ke/?articleID=2000191666&story_title=Kenya:cs-henry-rotich-dismisses-raila-odinga-over-eurobond

Mbaka, James – ‘Jubilee funding Museveni poll campaign – ODM’ (13.02.2016) link: http://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2016/02/13/jubilee-funding-museveni-poll-campaign-odm_c1294217

Muchiri, Marikio – ‘Jubilee Politicians Who Will Fly to Campaign in Uganda’ (12.02.2016) link: http://www.kenyans.co.ke/news/jubilee-politicians-who-will-fly-campaign-uganda

Politica – ‘Breaking: Ruto Grabs Land in Uganda, Residents boycott Museveni rally as a result’ (12.02.2016) link: http://www.thenairobitimes.com/2016/02/12/breaking-ruto-grabs-land-in-uganda-residents-boycott-museveni-rally-as-a-result/

Dr. Kizza Besigye’s Press Statement earlier on today (16.02.2016)

NBS Besigye 16.02.2016

FDC Press Statement 16.02. P1FDC Press Statement 16.02. P2FDC Press Statement 16.02. P3FDC Press Statement 16.02. P4FDC Press Statement 16.02. P5

The Campaign Rallies today:

Press Release FDC 16.02.2016 FDC Route

AMISOM Backs Somalia’s 2016 Electoral Model

baydhabo1323

Baidoa, February 15, 2016 – AMISOM senior leadership was part of an international delegation that rallied Interim South West Administration (ISWA) to support the 2016 electoral model.

Senior Political Affairs Officer, Ssebirumbi Kisinziggo, joined a delegation comprising the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Somalia (SRSG), Michael Keating, European Union (EU), Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), Federal Government of Somalia and embassies of Djibouti, Kenya Uganda and Ethiopia on February 14.

“I am here as part of African Union representation to the international community delegation which has come to the Interim South West Administration (ISWA). The purpose of our visit here is to listen to ISWA’s views on the electoral process later this year. You are aware that the model for election for 2016 was selected by members of the regions and the Federal Government of Somalia recently, in January,” said Mr Kisinziggo.

The Senior Political Affairs officer said the main agenda was to emphasize the international community’s support for the electoral model agreed upon recently and to ensure both regional and the federal government leaders back the roadmap for its implementation.

One of the key points of the electoral model is that the next Parliament both the Upper and Lower House will have representation based on a balance between constituency and clan. It also stipulates that a minimum of 30 percent of seats in both the Upper and Lower House will be reserved for women.

“AMISOM is here to support both the government and the international community to achieve the same objectives of ensuring that Somalia gets back to its feet and returns as a full member of the international community,” said Mr Kisinziggo.

Speaking during the media briefing, ISWA President, Shariff Hassan Sheikh Ada, stated that upcoming election and ISWA’s view on the electoral model to be applied dominated the talks that were held behind closed doors.

“The delegates headed by the SRSG including the ambassadors and AMISOM leaders, both governmental and non-governmental are here today to take stock of the progress made and the suitable model for the 2016 general election in Somalia. We discussed at length about all these issues,” noted President Shariff Hassan Sheikh Ada.

The ISWA President said the residents expressed their views and opinions regarding the issues discussed, adding that the leadership was ready to steer South West regions towards any change that will benefit the local people.

“We want Somalia to move forward, to be united and to collectively defeat Al-Shabaab. We support a fair and inclusive election where everyone’s opinion is represented, owned by the people. We support the model forwarded by the Federal Government of Somalia,” President Shariff Hassan Sheikh Ada said.

The visit is part of a countrywide consultation the international community has held with federal member states to listen to their views on the proposed 2016 electoral model.

The delegation held meetings with the ISWA President, cabinet ministers, Speaker of Parliament, Governor of Bay Region, Baidoa District Commissioner, traditional elders and members of the civil society among others.