Uganda – Recent events on the Independent Candidature of Dr. Aggrey Kiyingi and his aide

Kiyingi

Here is a recent story on what has happen with one presidential hopeful. The independent candidate Dr. Aggrey Kiyingi, who seem to run out of gas before starting the election engine this campaign before the Presidential election of 2016. First his application to get the form gets rubbished. Then his aide that was supposed to pick it up gets visits from the police and his home sieged today. Here are the reports on the matters.

Stated from the Electoral Commission on the 4th September:  

“Dr. Aggrey Kiyingi wanted to pick the forms but could not confirm that he was a Ugandan”. The Spokesman for the electoral commission Paul Bukenya stated: “presidential nomination forms are issued to only Ugandans and aspirants must prove they are Ugandans” (Nsubugu, 2015).

On the 4th of September Jothan Taremwa said this about Dr. Aggrey Kiyingi’s presidential aspiration form: “He said we should issue the forms to Bulira because he was not available. That he was out of the country and had financial constraints, but when we verified his registration status we were informed that he was not registered and, therefore, ineligible to stand for any elective office” (…)”The first requirement is that you need to be a registered voter. Dr. Kiyingi is not on our register, and even Bulira is not a registered voter”. Commissioner Secretary Sam Rwakoojo said: “”First of all, I haven’t seen the letter but if the department concerned denied him those forms, they are correct. If you are not a registered voter, how do you pick forms? For what? It would be a mockery of the system” (Kashaka, 2015).

Earlier today Dr. Aggrey Kiyingi commented on the matter: “The house of Frank Bulira, (at Mengo along Lunguja Road, Plot 20) one of Dr Kiyingi’s mobilisers who went to the Uganda Electoral Commission to pick up nominations papers for Dr Kiyingi last week has been surrounded by military personnel early this morning” (Nteeza, 2015).

Dr. Aggrey Kiyingi said today on the siege on his aide: “It’s home is still surrounded” (…)”Every peace loving person should voice their objection of this tyranny and intimidation” (…)”But they [operatives] gave his wife a very hard time and wanted to arrest her instead” (…)”Now the Military Personal have backed off after seeing the heavy presence of the media” (The Insider, 2015).

I wonder this will go and how this will be. But something is fishy! Peace.

Reference:

The Insider – ‘Military surrounds home of Dr. Kiyingi’s aide’ (08.09.2015) link: http://www.theinsider.ug/military-surrounds-home-of-dr-kiyingis-aide/

 

Kashaka, Umaru – ‘Dr. Kiyingi ‘ineligible to stand for elections’ (04.09.2015) link: http://www.newvision.co.ug/news/673011-dr-kiyingi-ineligible-to-stand-for-elections–ec.html

 

Nteeza, Michael – ‘Dr Kiyingi: My Aide’s Home is Besieged by Military’ (08.09.2015) link: http://chimpreports.com/dr-kiyingi-my-aides-home-is-besieged-by-military/

 

Nsubuga, Benon – ‘Dr. Kiyingi denied nomination forms’ (04.09.2015)

Link: http://www.elections.co.ug/new-vision/election/1000482/dr-kiyingi-denied-nomination-forms

Press Release No215/2015 – Lusaka Hosts Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Capacity Building Workshop on Ending Child Marriage and Other Harmful Tradition Practices in Africa (07.09.2015)

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The numbers game on the actual fallen soldiers after the Al-Shabab attack on the AMISOM military base of Janaale in Somalia on the 1. September 2015

ALJAZEERA Somali AMISOM

There been righteous ways of seeing this and also the flabbergasting way as well. The sadness of it all it’s a lot of lives been lost for the security of Somalia and the central area around Mogadishu which the AMISOM and the African Union Mission in Somalia is keeping. They have gotten setbacks before while being on the mission and it peaceful efforts in the country. It’s not the mandate I will discuss in this piece. This piece will show the numbers are of the fallen are not structured. There are reasons to believe that Al-Shabab want as great numbers as possible to prove it was worth for their cause. Secondly it’s natural that AMISOM and the UPDF want as little loss of lives as possible and also keep mouth shut about the actual number since that might have a backlash in Uganda. That’s the reason why I question it today. What I will comment on is the different numbers of fallen soldiers. We can also question the accuracy since even the reports they have named the military base of Janaale/Janale which is it? Another thing is the kilometer length from Mogadishu to the base is from 45 kilometers to 100 kilometers depending on which report. I will not mention who says what, but it seems strange that the place will be that far apart in distance from Mogadishu in one report and 50 kilometers less in another one. But the real issue is how many soldiers did fall in the mercy of the Al-Shabab in the military base. Here is the different reports form the 1st September to the 3rd September, both in media and of official sources:

But this story is about the attack that AU Chairman condemns on 1. September 2015 that was in Janaale which is 65 kilometers from Mogadishu. “Gunmen attacked the base at Janaale in the Lower Shabelle region with a car bomb at about 4:30 a.m. local time Tuesday. Al-Shabab gunmen then entered the camp, triggering a gunfight with AU soldiers”. They reported in VOA on the 1. September said that there were 19 killed in the attack (Joseph & Hannas, 2015).

In the Kenyan Newspaper Daily Nation their reports was this: “”It is assessed that at least 50 Amison troops died,” said a briefing note sent to diplomats by Western military officials” (…) “”They were collecting dead bodies, I saw nearly 30 soldiers killed during the fighting,” said local resident Hussein Idris” (Daily Nation, 2015).

Haberler.com had on the 2nd September unconfirmed reports they said from anonymous source to the Anadolu Agency the source said that “18 bodies have been recovered from the Janaale military base” (Haberler.com, 2015).

On the 2nd September Henry Obbo of the UPDF tweeted: “Alshabaab has not overrun AMISOM base in Janaale nor has AMISOM lost such huge numbers of soldiers. That is mere propaganda”.

On the 3rd September Mr. Paddy Akunda said:

“The names of the dead will be published now that the next of kin have been notified as per our policy”(…)” The 10 peacekeepers , whose bodies were returned today are:Leutenant David Etua Ondoma, Sergeant Charles Outa, Sergeant Charles Ojange, Sergeant Eddy Kakaire, Sergeant Abubaker Mugumya, Sergeant Emmanuel Wanyama, Lance Corporal Andrew Engema, Lance Corporal Phinius Ochowun, Private Isaac Okidi Lotyang and Private Geoffrey Kintu” (…)”​This attack is a game changer, Al-shabaab can only expect an appropriate response from UPDF.We will not relent in our efforts to help in the pacification of Somalia despite the attack” . The total number that the spokesman says was deceased in the attack was 12 men from the UPDF” (Anyoli, 2015).

CNN reports this numbers on the 3 September:

“At least 37 African Union soldiers were killed in an attack by Al-Shabaab militants in southern Somalia on Tuesday, according to military sources in Uganda and Somalia” (Kriel & Duggan, 2015).

Witnesses and Al-Shabab claim on the 3rd September:

“No official death toll has been given but Somalia’s extremist insurgents al-Shabab claimed that 50 soldiers were killed” (SomaliAgenda, 2015).  Amhed Yasin eyewitness said this: ““After almost one hour the gunfire stopped and al-Shabab fighters started transporting armaments and troops’ belongings into awaiting cars” (…)”Al-Shabab later abandoned the base after emptying it of all belongings. I could see men in soldiers’ dress being forced into vehicles who might have been soldiers taken captive”.  Another man who also is a witness to the attack said this: “blood and soldiers’ uniforms everywhere” he was Hashi Sheikh Elmi. Maalin Muhummed Nur said this:“One commander said, ‘You have to know that we are always around and will get any apostates among you … working with the enemy.’”(SomaliAgenda, 2015).

Gen Odong Jeje statement in Parliament on the 3rd September:

“On the morning of 1st Sept 2015 at 5:30 am, Alshabab attacked a UPDF unit at Janale approximately 90 km South East of Mogadishu. Janale is in the Shabele province. The result of this attack so far are as follows:

Own side: 10 dead

Enemy side: 46 dead, 2 captured alive.

I am giving you these figures so that you are informed and not swayed by the outrageous stories in the media” (Gen Odong Jeje, 2015).

CDF Gen Katumba Wamala statement on the 3rd September:

He said: ““My visit was prompted by what happened here in Janaale, where we are now, where our base was attacked by the Al Shabaab using a vehicle bomb IED to breach the defense and where we incurred some casualties; some of our friends lost their lives. I came one, to assess how the situation was and to get a clear picture; how the whole thing happened, and also establish whether they were any flaws in terms of the response. I am convinced that the boys put up a good fight” (…)”I just want to give assurance to our partners and also the other soldiers that all is under control and definitively nothing much to worry about. Our hearts go out to the galant soldiers who lost their lives as they were executing this noble task of defending and protecting the civilians in this country against the bad fellows Al Shabab” (AMISOM, 2015).

Afterthought:

This here is massive and no matter how you look on it’s a sad event. Too many people lost their lives on this base. The issue is that the report from all the sources and witnesses doesn’t add up. I could have looked into what the military explained about the explosion and the eyewitness accounts on the actual attack. This has also a detail that doesn’t add up. There are so many numbers, accounts and sources that make the facts on the ground a worrying account. Especially to all those families who has soldiers in the AMISOM brigades of UPDF that are stationed in the area. There been released ten names. There been numbers up to 50 dead UPDF soldiers. Other official sources say Gen Odong Jeje said 10 soldiers; Lt. Col. Paddy Akunda the military official said 12 peacekeepers. The other once goes from 18 soldiers to the Anadolu Agency, VOA reported that it was 19 Soldiers, local resident and eyewitness Hussain Idris said 30 soldiers, CNN reported said 37 soldiers.   

No matter if it is 10, 12 or 37 Soldiers in the UPDF that has fallen in the battle of military base. It should be sure every single one of them is one to many. That I think we all are on accord with. The loss of these men is a sad thing for the AMISOM, the UPDF and the Republic of Uganda. For the loss of their men in Somalia in the African Union mission. I personally wished that the actual number would appear and that the difference between the CNN and the military sources wasn’t that big as it is. There is all the reasons in the world to believe that the Al-Shabab would juice their numbers up to prove that their attack had effect. So it’s the difference between the military, other sources and the media that are staggering and makes people like me wonder and question it all. That the attack appeared and that are people who has lost their lives is something we can be sure about. Since the pictures of the fallen and caskets with the Ugandan flags has been released as they have been flown home. The thing we have to question, which sources are true here? Who tells the actual facts on the ground? What is reality and what is spiked up? Feel me?

In the end I will do the same as Gen. Odong Jeje did in parliament today: “May I request we rise in a minute of silence in honor of our dead comrades”. Peace.

Reference:

AMISOM – ‘STORY: Ugandan, CDF Visits and Commends Frontline Troops in Janaale, Somalia’ (03.09.2015), AMISOM PUBLIC INFORMATION

Anyoli, Edward – ‘UPDF loses 10 soldiers in Somalia attack’ (03.09.2015) link: http://www.newvision.co.ug/news/672966-updf-loses-12-soldiers-in-somalia-attack.html

Joseph, Dan & Hannas, Chris – ‘19 AU Soldiers Killed in Somali Al-Shabab Attack’ (01.09.2015) link: http://www.voanews.com/content/al-shabab-militants-attack-amisom-base/2940387.html

En.Haberler.com – ‘Shabaab Kills Dozens Of Ugandan Troops İn Somalia: Reports’ (02.09.2015) link: http://en.haberler.com/shabaab-kills-dozens-of-ugandan-troops-in-somalia-794252/

Kriel, Robyn & Duggan, Briana – ‘Military sources: Al-Shabaab attack in Somalia kills dozens of AU troops’ (03.09.2015) link: http://edition.cnn.com/2015/09/03/africa/somalia-al-shabaab-attack/

Nation.co.ke – ‘Al-Shabaab kills ‘over 50’ Amisom soldiers, say Western sources’ (02.09.2015) link: http://www.nation.co.ke/news/Al-Shabaab-kills-over-50-Amisom-soldiers-say-Western-sources/-/1056/2855476/-/g0cs33z/-/index.html

SomaliAgenda – ‘RESIDENTS: DEAD BODIES LAY INSIDE AFRICAN UNION MILITARY BASE AFTER SOMALIA ATTACK’ (03.09.2015) link: https://somaliagenda.com/residents-dead-bodies-lay-inside-african-union-military-base-after-somalia-attack/

Statement to Parliament on the unfortunate attack of UPDF detachment at Janale Somalia by Gen Odong Jeje, 3rd September 2015, Uganda.

Letter from the Landlords Lawyer Company to Norman Tumuhimbise: (MS/GEN/2015) ‘Re Notice to Vacate’ – 1. September 2015

Letter To Norman

He is forced out of his home, because of the Police take him to custody without any court order. The price of that is that he loses his home and has to relocate because being followed by the Police and Security Agencies of the State of Uganda. Because he writes and is activists for the ones who doesn’t have work in the country! How is that possible? Well, could he sue the government for loss of housing and livelihood? That would be fair in the situation though I guess that will not happen and it would not served. I am sure he would again be taken to be Police Officers to an unknown location and beaten again! Instead of serving in court for his stance. Peace.

Three members of the Team Amama Mbabazi is arrested in Mbarara today

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Press Release from Team JPAM 2016-2021:

Comrades, it is with sadness that we inform you of yet another unfortunate incident that occurred in Mbarara just a few minutes ago where they rounded up people wearing T-Shirts with the face of Amama Mbabazi and took them to the police station. This must stop. We believe in equality in spite of political differences. The Uganda Police force must explain to us why they are continually arresting us and not members of any other political party. We find this unfair and unconstitutional.

AmamaNRMElection2016

The Police are saying this about the arrests:

“I don’t really know whether when you want to become a leader means that you first demonstrate or stage a procession that is when you get votes. I think it really wrong and Ugandans need to understand that when you really have a heart for Uganda you can’t do what these people. We are going to treat them as the law says. it is not a procession, it is something staged. I think they either wanted to rob a bank or to steal. All those people who have alleged that they have lost things, they will have to compensate them” says Jaffar Magyezi the District Police Commander. The Police have apprehended them and have the suspects in the Mbarara Central Police Station.  They claim that the men were plotting to steal monies from the Centenary Bank in Mbarara (Observer.co.ug, 2015).

Jaffar Magyezi continues: “The arrest of Mbabazi supporters followed their refusal to follow laws in this country as they went ahead to stage demonstrations without alerting police, something that puts security at stake in Mbarara town” (…)”They staged the demonstration near Centenary Bank, Mbarara branch where one of the customer’s huge sums of money went missing. It is suspected the group was involved in the theft” (…)”This group will be presented before court to defend itself against accusation of the theft” (Chimp Reports, 2015).

This does not fit the press release from Team Amama Mbabazi 2016-2021!

One of the once arrested Mr. Joesph Kiiza has said this: “We shall do everything in our means to cause a transitional government. You can see how the police are holding us as if we are useless citizens of this country; we are tear-gassed day and night but we believe change must take place” (…)”But we will continue supporting Mbabazi till he is sworn in as the president of this country” (Chimp Reports, 2015).

Peace.

Reference:

Observer.co.ug – ‘Amama supporters arrested for ‘attempting to rob Centenary bank’ (01.09.2015) link: http://www.observer.ug/news-headlines/39610-amama-supporters-arrested-for-attempting-to-rob-centenary-bank

The Republic of South Sudan – The Reservations of the Government of the Republic of South Sudan on the “Compromise Peace Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan”, Juba 26th August 2015

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Burundi – The fresh reports of torture from Amnesty and proof that it’s old habits from the regime in the country

Burundi Report Police

There was released a report on torture of citizens in Burundi in recent year from CSO Amnesty the 24th of August. This here has been described I will take the defining characters of this from that report, but also some older documentation to prove that this isn’t new actions from the Governmental and Security organizations in Burundi. In 2006 the Committee from International Service from Human Rights commented on the torture matters already then. After that I will look on what numbers and anti-torture project where the purpose was: “Effectively build capacity for sustainable support to victims of torture; and prevent future incidences of torture”. And the projects are telling from the USAID in the same period. USAID had also a monitoring period that ended in 2007 that gives some interesting insights to the methods of torture. United Nations has made a review of the situation when it comes to torture as well in 2014. So that Amnesty International is telling stories that everybody who cares about Human Rights should read all of the personal stories. I have taken the big picture from the report that was delivered from the organization on the 24th of August 2015. Which also shows to the works of the UN and OHCHR and describing the matters and sadness of how the police and other units treats its citizens who demonstrate against the government. It should be stopped and international community should do something about it. Though it’s an issue that is continuation from 2006 and I am sure earlier then that while in war, an CNDD-FDD promised to lead with the USAID projects to shun this activities, but certainly hasn’t with the reports released recently. Read under the quotes and outtakes from a set of reports and some of the pieces from Amnesty.

Reports from 2005 and so on:

“The Committee criticised the lack of a definition of torture in Burundian domestic legislation. The delegation admitted that while Burundi officially endorses the definition contained in the Convention, their criminal code does not define torture, nor is torture as such criminalised. In practice, torture is treated as an ‘aggravating circumstance’ and pursued on the basis of ‘infliction of bodily harm’” (…)”Both country rapporteurs underlined that the legislation prohibiting torture must not only cover physical torture (which is the case as long as torture is prosecuted under the category of ‘bodily harm’), but needs to extend to psychological and mental torture. The Committee drew the delegation’s attention to the obligation States have to initiate investigations into cases of torture. Mr Camara said that given the lack of a domestic legal basis, prosecutors in Burundi did not have a clear incentive to investigate cases of torture” (…)”the National Intelligence Service (NIS). It is responsible for the collection of date in order to protect the state security of Burundi. It can also carry out police functions and arrest people. According to the State report, the NIS is one of the main institutions involved in cases of torture. The Committee repeatedly expressed concern about this situation. Mr Mariño said the NIS seemed to have a dual mandate and be responsible for political oppression; it needed to be reformed, monitored and made accountable to the judiciary. Mr Camara asked if NIS officers could be sanctioned by the PPS; the delegation confirmed this with reference to ongoing cases. The delegation agreed that the NIS had too many prerogatives and specifically asked for recommendations on how to curb its power” (…)”In reference to the prohibition of the use of evidence obtained through torture, the delegation referred to a supreme court judgement which prohibits such evidence from being used in court. However, a Committee member pointed out that this particular decision is ambiguous since it says that “a confession is not proof in itself, but merely a piece of evidence that must be corroborated by other evidence”. The Committee felt this could be construed so that evidence extracted through torture could be used if supported by other evidence (Human Rights Series, 2006).

Turning to concrete cases, some Committee members asked about further information on a massacre which had taken place at Gatumba. The delegation responded by saying that it had issued a report which attributed the responsibility for the massacre to members of the armed movement PALIPEHUTU-FNL” (Human Rights Monitor Series, 2006).

What USAID has worked on a long while and had programs with:

“IMPLEMENTING PARTNER: Search for Common Ground (SF CG), Trauma Healing and Reconciliation Services (THARS), Ligue ITE KA, Association pour la Protection des Droits Humains et des Personnes Détenues (APROD H)

FUNDING PERIOD: March 2003–September 2005

AMOUNT: $1,700,000

PURPOSE: Effectively build capacity for sustainable support to victims of torture; and prevent future incidences of torture” (Victims of Torture Fund, USAID, 2005-2006).

Trauma healing: Eighteen Healing Memory Group activities (785 participants) held to provide psychological healing for victims. 372 victims of torture received psychological support and 567 received medical services; 289 referred to partners; 750 transported to medical facilities (Victims of Torture Fund, USAID, 2005-2006).

Social Reintegration: Twenty-seven victims associations created. Thirteen ongoing series of monthly healing sessions/retreats with 1,636 participants (Victims of Torture, USAID, 2005-2006)

Funding/Year 2002 2004 2005 Total
USD In:  Thousands of Dollars 1,200 500 1,200 2,900

(Victims of Torture, USAID, 2005-2006)

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USAID has continued to follow up the country and reports on Torture between October 2007 – September 2011. Here is their findings and what they have received of information on the matter: “Human rights. The project worked to strengthen the institutional capacity of civil society organizations, particularly those focused on women, to advocate for gender-based violence, victims of torture, and conflict management. By launching campaigns and engaging in effective discourse with the government and the media, civil society groups were able to open up about the sensitive and often dangerous nature of supporting human rights, which led to increased awareness and understanding” (…)”Victims of torture. In Burundi, torture continues to be practiced and victims have had little recourse because those in positions of authority, such as public security agents, presidential police, soldiers, local government officials, and rebel groups have all practiced torture without being held accountable for their actions. Through its activities, the project has been able to help Burundians open up a public dialogue and raise awareness about the problem of torture, a subject that over the years had become taboo in many parts of society” (…)”Victims of torture consortium. One organization cannot influence change alone, and working in the anti-corruption or human rights arena can be dangerous. Thus to strengthen advocacy against torture in Burundi, the project convened civil society organizations working in human rights and torture to start a dialogue on what is needed in this area and propose the idea of creating a consortium. The project worked via the consortium structure to coordinate these various and extensive activities. At subsequent meetings, the number of civil society organizations more than doubled and by the time the consortium, Consortium Action Contre la Torture (CACT), was incorporated it represented most of Burundian civil society working in human rights, with 26 organizations and government entities. The consortium, designed to coordinate advocacy for the eradication of torture in Burundi, identified priorities for reform when the consortium was first formed” (…)”Victims of torture grants. The project allocated 18 grants to civil society organizations in Year 2; eight of them provided medical and legal assistance to 453 victims of torture. The project provided medical, psychosocial healing, and legal and judicial assistance. The grants were provided to organizations with previous experience in this area, and they were able to work in cooperation with other grantees as well as in the consortium against torture. The most pressing need for a victim of torture is medical assistance. Many victims are debilitated or prevented from working due to the injuries, and others live with the physical scars and residual pain. The assistance consisted of providing victims medicine, hospitalization, and specialized care. Seven grantees provided medical assistance to victims in various provinces. One example of the medical services provided by grantees is the work done by ACAT, an organization that carried out medical services in 26 communes” (…)”In addition to being physically traumatic, torture is also emotionally and psychologically traumatic. Even if physical scars heal, there are lasting psychological effects. The project created a support group that fostered an atmosphere of empathy, affection, and security that victims greatly appreciated — especially significant because most victims never dared to speak about their experiences” (…)”In Year 4, project grantee ABDP-DRS advocated for the use of alternative sentencing to imprisonment in accordance with a law of 2009. By meeting with decision-makers, including prison authorities, police, and judges to present data from a survey, ABDP-DRS was able to provide information on alternative sentencing. It also organized prison visits so that police and judges could see the current conditions of the prisons to which they were sentencing perpetrators. Action Chrétien Contre la Torture (ACAT) also received a grant to continue advocating decision-makers and judiciary actors. ACAT equipped judges, judiciary police, and prison officers with information gained during site visits of detention centers in 11 provinces to evaluate the torture cases, living conditions for detainees, and the application of the penal code regarding torture” (Burundi Policy Final Reform, 2007).

When we see earlier what the UN has scaled on the State of torture in the State of the Burundi. The UN commented this on the issues that were at hand in 2014:

Legislative measures for the prevention of torture

  1. While noting that an absolute prohibition of torture is established in the Constitution, the Committee is concerned at the numerous shortcomings of the organization and command structure of the country’s security services, particularly the Burundian National Police (Police nationale du Burundi) and the National Intelligence Service (Service national de renseignement). These services are still governed by presidential decrees, whereas the Constitution provides that they be governed by the necessary legal framework. While noting that article 31 of the State party’s Criminal Code establishes that an order from a superior officer cannot be used as an argument by the defence in a case of torture, the Committee remains concerned about the effective implementation of that provision (arts. 2, 6 and 16)” (United Nations, 2014).

The United Nations continues with this:

“The absolute prohibition of torture” (…)”The State party should, as a matter of urgency, take steps to incorporate provisions into its Military Criminal Code that establish that acts of torture and ill-treatment committed by military personnel constitute an offence, that such offences are not subject to any statute of limitations and that the sentences for such offences are irreducible. The provisions to be incorporated into the Code should also establish appropriate penalties” (…) “The Committee is alarmed by credible, corroborative and persistent reports of a large number of acts of torture and extrajudicial killings committed by members of the Burundian National Police and the National Intelligence Service. It is concerned about the slow pace and limited scope of the investigations and judicial proceedings that have been opened in this connection, which would appear to corroborate claims that the perpetrators of these acts enjoy impunity. The Committee also finds it regrettable that no information about cases that have gone to trial or the outcome of those trials has been forthcoming. It is also concerned at the absence of protection for victims and witnesses, who are subject to reprisals (arts. 2, 4, 6, 7, 12 and 14)” (…)”The Committee is alarmed at the appalling conditions of detention in places of deprivation of liberty. It deplores, in particular: the high levels of prison overcrowding; the failure to separate male prisoners from female prisoners, adults from minors and persons awaiting trial from those already sentenced; the shortage of beds and sleeping space; the poor sanitary conditions; the dilapidated state of the facilities; prisoners’ inadequate and unbalanced diet; and the lack of health care. It further deplores the death of 263 inmates, inter-prisoner violence and the sexual violence against women and minors perpetrated by other inmates and guards. Lastly, the Committee is concerned about the continuing practice, in the State party, of detaining patients in hospital for non-payment of fees” (…)”While taking note of the fact that article 289 of the new Code of Criminal Procedure provides for the compensation of victims of torture, the Committee expresses its concern at the failure to apply this provision, in violation of article 14 of the Convention” (…) “The restrictions on the right of assembly and demonstration imposed by law enforcement bodies and reports of cases involving the violent suppression of demonstrations resulting in the excessive use of force by the authorities, for example during the protests of March 2014” (…)“The serious human rights violations perpetrated by a youth group (referred to as the Imbonerakure) with close ties to the Government, including: the harassment of political opponents; the disruption of public meetings, acts of intimidation, arbitrary arrests and arbitrary detention and other acts of violence; and the use of so-called “amicable” arrangements for settling disputes. The Committee is deeply concerned by reports that the Government is providing this group with weapons and training” (United Nations, 2014).

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Amnesty has in recent reports on how the torture has been from May 2015:

“Both the SNR and the Burundian National Police (PNB) are responsible for torture and other ill-treatment. Former detainees described being beaten with branches, iron bars, and police batons; and being stomped on, threatened with death, denied medical care, and verbally abused. In one particularly horrific case, a five-litre container full of sand was hung from a man’s testicles, causing enormous pain and swelling, and then the man was made to sit in a shallow layer of what he believed was battery acid, burning his skin severely” (…) “In and after the demonstration in April 2015 this has happen: “The police response to the demonstrations was marked by a pattern of serious violations, including of the right to life, freedom of association and peaceful assembly. They used excessive and disproportionate force, including lethal force, against protesters, at times shooting unarmed demonstrators running away from them. Even where children were present during demonstrations, police still failed to exercise restraint, and used tear gas and live ammunition” (…)”The cases of torture and other ill-treatment under SNR detention documented here all took place at the SNR compound near Bujumbura’s cathedral” (…)”In early June, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Burundi told Amnesty International they had documented nearly 50 cases of torture and other ill-treatment. On 7 July, the UN Secretary General’s report on the electoral observation mission in Burundi stated that “some 307 people have been arrested, including 14 minors. Most of those arrested have been subjected to torture and cruel, inhumane and degrading treatment by security officers (mainly police and intelligence agents)” (…)”According to information received from lawyers, when individuals previously held by the SNR have alleged torture before court, the evidence obtained under such circumstances did not appear to have been declared invalid in spite of clear provisions in the Burundian Code of Criminal Procedure. To date, there is no investigation and nobody has been arrested for torture at the SNR” (…) “However, the Burundian Code of Criminal Procedure makes provision for a detainee to remain silent if his lawyer is not present and for a detainee to communicate freely with his lawyer.16 A leading Burundian human rights organization, the Association for the Protection of Human Rights and Detained People (APRODH), is no longer granted access to the SNR’s compound. At least one detainee says that he signed a document under duress” (…)”A man held at the SNR was also told by other detainees that the Imbonerakure had given information to the police for their capture” (…)”several testimonies of torture and other ill-treatment at a place known as Chez Ndadaye in Bujumbura. According to a policeman and UN human rights monitors, Chez Ndadaye is an operational command centre for the police.36 It is known as Chez Ndadaye because the presidential palace that housed President Melchior Ndadaye, the country’s first democratically elected president and first Hutu president, once stood there” (…)”According to the first policeman and two victims, demonstrators were not kept overnight at Chez Ndadaye, but were beaten there before being transferred to the judicial police and/or police stations” (…)”The OHCHR carried out a planned visit to Chez Ndadaye on 12 June 2015, but did not observe any torture or beatings at the time” (…)”One policeman told Amnesty International some policemen are frustrated by the situation. He explained: “Several policemen are not happy about what takes place at Chez Ndadaye and have complained to their superiors. Most of the perpetrators are those who were previously in the bush (ex-FDD). They beat protestors. Maybe around 10 people came through Chez Ndadaye every day. Police used their batons and electric wires to beat them. They’d say ‘you who are against Nkurunziza, you are wasting your time, he’ll be president forever’,” (Amnesty, 2015).

Aftermath:

I don’t really want to comment more on the issues. Because the reports on reports are really telling its own tale, I will not add much on it. Then it’s a sad story of real men and woman who is scared and hurt for their position in society. That the UN, USAID, OHCHR and Amnesty reports from 2006-2015 is telling a vivid stories and painful facts. Too many victims of the government and police of Burundi, they all deserve a voice, they all deserve justice and a society where this wouldn’t happen. Instead the Police and Government of Burundi is going after their own people without prosecution and trial. Putting them in shackles, pushing them in cells and hurting them in places like Chez Ndadaye in Bujumbura and that is not the only house and police institution that is being used in a vile place. So no matter what people are being unjustified threaten and punished by the police and security forces in Burundi. There should be something the world could do to stop this systematic and unjust ways. Not just in writing and councils reviews of the United Nations, but in actual forum that can change the President Pierre Nkurunziza of Burundi and the regime of the country. That is the issue and it’s not easy especially with the ways that the president got “elected” into the third term. Pierre Nkurunziza will always be remembered in a unique way and essentially with the shunned sworn-in celebration in mid-August 2015. An also for the reports of torture that the police and security organizations are doing as well in his presidency as well, which isn’t a beautiful view. Peace.

Reference:

AFR 16/2298/2015 – ‘“JUST TELL ME WHAT TO CONFESS TO”, TORTURE AND OTHER ILL-TREATMENT BY BURUNDI’S POLICE AND INTELLIGENCE SERVICE SINCE APRIL 2015’ (24.08.2015) – Amnesty International

CAT/C/BDI/CO/2 – ‘Concluding observations on the second periodic report of Burundi’, Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, Committee on Torture (12.12.2014) – United Nations

Human Rights Monitor Series – ‘COMMITTEE AGAINST TORTURE 37TH SESSION BURUNDI, INITIAL REPORT’ (2006), International Service for Human Rights

‘BURUNDI UNDER REVIEW BY UNITED NATIONS UNIVERSAL PERIODIC REVIEW: RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING JUSTICE MATTERS’, Commonwealth Human Rights Intiative

USAID – ‘BURUNDI POLICY REFORM FINAL REPORT October 2007 – September 2011 (12.09.2011) – This publication was produced for review by the United States Agency for International Development. It was prepared by Chemonics International.

USAID – ‘VICTIMS OF TORTURE FUND PORTFOLIO SYNOPSIS 2005–2006’, Victims of Torture Fund, U.S. Agency for International Development

Uganda – Reports: Good news Norman Tumuhimbise was released from the Kampala Central Police Station earlier today

Norman

The National Cordinator of the JOBLESS BROTHERHOOD has finally Norman Tumuhimbisehas finally been released by from the hands of a dictator at around 4:30am in the morning almost in the same time Vincent Kaggwa was released now we are demanding for Sam Mugumya! 

Norman2

Press Release from Uganda Youth Platform!

Latest update on FREE NORMAN NOW – It’s him now, Tomorrow it’s me:
”””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””
Tumuhimbise Norman was released after news came in about his death. he was dropped at a roadside near Kasubi tombs after midnight, by a double cabin with dark curtains. his health is so worrying at a moment. he cant speak a word. his wife, family and members of Jobless Brotherhood are so worried about their lives.

Right now, POLICE HAS SURROUNDED HIS HOME & NEIGHBORHOOD FOR UNKNOWN REASONS. We call on Ugandans, media, international community to come to our rescue! The youth of uganda have not committed any offence. our demands are very clear..NO ELECTORAL REFORMS, NO ELECTIONS – we want a new governemnt that can attend to our needs – we need JOBS, good education, secure and bright future.

Uganda – UPF is detaining close family of Norman Thumuhimbise in Kampala today!

Norman

The reports and messages I got is sadly not a cute fairytale. This is becoming a farce from the UPF and the Police in General! This is acutally going on as we speak! After Norman Thumuhimbise disappearence… it’s still movement on the ground, but he has not come back to society yet! And no official statement from anybody! But there are reports on the persons connected to him, which isn’t a good look on anybody involved in the disapperence of Norman. Where is he? UPF what is going on? IGP Kale Kayihura where are you hiding the brother?

The reports I have gotten today is: “Normans Wife,the Kid Of 2yrs, Mayanja, Normans Sister Perfect Myself(Ojobile Augustine) Mubiru And 3 Others. Are Arrested At Kampala CPS As we reported To Make Inquiries About Normans File Of Disappearance Since Wednesday 19th!”

An hour later reports came from Augsustine Ojobile: “we Are Still In Statement Rooms”.

Reports from Uganda Youth Platform:

“Norman’s wife & daughter Clarisa & 5 other members of JOBLESS BROTHERHOOD are under arrest & torture at CPS room 48 being interrogated by kayihura police. Others are Mayaja Robert (Deputy Coordinator – Jobless Brotherhood), Augustin Ojobile, Mubiru Bashir”.

This clip is terrifing:

What do you think?

Peace!

Maj. Gen. Matayo Kyaligonza, the NRM Historical; Who has interesting thoughts on President Museveni’s succession and retiring plans

NRM Ideology.jpg-large 2

Major General Matayo Kyaligonza who is part of the Ugandan Envoy to Burundi has started to speak his mind to the media. He has become critical of the way Museveni lingers in power and trying to get his son-in-law Rwabwogo to succeed him in power in country. At the same time talking about respecting him as the president he still is, but this is totally different from what other loyalist are doing in the country. A breath of fresh air, wonder how Mzee feels about this? Now all of a sudden brigadier Kyaligonza from the bush-war is questioning his methods and continuation of the power in the country.

Maj Gen. Matayo Kyaligonza has been saying recently:

“Let the president call a meeting of NRM top organs of the National Executive Council and Central Executive Committee and we discuss the matter [Sucession]” (…) “Our dear president has also made it very clear. Presidency is not like hereditary club. He should call NEC and CEC and let us discuss. We used to discuss matters in the bush really” (…) “I can defy any other person but Museveni is still the president and I respect him” (…) “the way I see it” (…) “If I meet him (Rwabwogo) somewhere and he says that I know nothing will give him a hot slap” (…) “the one who brought us here? If you want to succeed your father do you kill him in order to get your inheritance?” (…) “Youths shouldn’t think that they will start with wanting to be president. Let them start at the LC-I then we see how they behave. But when you say that the old guard are “bazeeyi”[old] and they don’t know what they are saying then we shall have problems” (…) “[Historicals] don’t want familiarity because when we came [into power] we didn’t disrespect people” (The Insider, 2015).

He has spoken his mind a little bit more:

“Who is that one? Odrek? I don’t know him, I have never even seen him,” he said. “Is he the one who gave me work? He should tell such things [about retiring] to his father in–law [Museveni]. We are the ones that brought his father-in-law in power. Don’t make me talk too much” (…) “As a matter of fact, he was the commander who took down Makindye barracks, attacking Ndeeba from Masaka road. I know that very well,” Rwabwogo said. “I give him the due respect and the honour that you give an elder. However, I stand on the shoulders of the elders in order to do something better because there is always an evening of something and a dawn of another” (…) “When I get annoyed, I really get annoyed and I say the truth. I never sugar-coat in order to make people happy. We [historicals] don’t want familiarity because when we came [into power] we didn’t disrespect people,” (…) ““Look at all those people who are attending [Col Kizza] Besigye’s rallies. They want to support a cause because they are tired” (Kiyonga & Nsubuga, 2015).

Kyaligonza Old Pic

Afterthought:

I think his quotes and words speak of volume on their own. That he is asking questions in this manner also from a man who has been that loyal and becoming part of the Historicals of the NRM. He has gotten even a place in the Ugandan Envoy to Burundi as talk of dialogue there. He straightforward talking about discussion of power in the NEC and CEC proves that their questions from the loyalist even in the party. Even if the Police have gotten control over NRM Poor Youth Forum it will be harder to push on the Historicals because of their history and place in the legendary bush-war that brought the NRA which is now the NRM into power. So the President has to listen to keep things in order he can’t ambush the brigadier in the same way as the youth, even if he ask sincere questions about the succession and sole candidacy that President Museveni lives by. And it should be thought about when he is quoted and clear voice: “I never sugar-coat in order to make people happy. We don’t want familiarity because when we came [into power] we didn’t disrespect people”. That should be red light for the president! That is not GREEN! Not a go. That is what he is saying! Though I believe that the Mzee he has served all this year’s, won’t listen now and he hasn’t listened before. Brigadier can have the best intention in the world and speaking his mind about the president, but he at the same time want to show loyalty, that doesn’t mix with the general words he speaking. Though that is something we can expect, he is after all a military man who want to be frank, but also want to keep up with chain-of-command! Peace.

Reference:

The Insider – ‘Kyaligonza demands NRM meet on Museveni exit’ (24.08.2015) link: http://www.theinsider.ug/kyaligonza-demands-nrm-debate-on-museveni-exit/

Kiyonga, Derrick & Nsubuga, Alex – ‘Kyaligonza to Rwabwogo: first tell Museveni about retirement’ (24.08.2015) link: http://www.observer.ug/news-headlines/39452-kyaligonza-to-rwabwogo-first-tell-museveni-about-retirement