Statement by Prime Minister Rt Hon Dr Ruhakana Rugunda on the sudden death of Hon Gen. Aronda Nyakairima, Minister of Internal Affairs

Gen Aronda Nyakairima

12 September 2015:

“We have today learnt, with great sadness, of the sudden death of Hon Gen. Aronda Nyakairima, the Minister of Internal Affairs. General Aronda Nyakairima was returning from South Korea, on official duties, transiting through Dubai. The cause of his death is not yet known. His family has been informed. Government has set up a task force, led by Defence Minister, Hon Dr Crispus Kiyonga, to coordinate all matters relating to this tragedy.

A team of doctors–pathologists—is also being sent to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to assist with the post-mortem and the repatriation of the body. We will keep the country informed of any further details. General Aronda Nyakairima, who also served the country as Chief of Defence Forces, was a dedicated servant of the people of Uganda and his death is a tragic and huge loss to the country. We extend our deep condolences to the family and friends of General Aronda during this most trying period, and pray that the Almighty God comforts them”.

Reference:

http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/Prime-Minister-Rugunda-issues-statement/-/688334/2867470/-/rlf2bcz/-/index.html

ICC-CPI-20150910-PR1148: Ongwen case: Pre-Trial Chamber II recommends holding the confirmation of charges hearing in Uganda; ICC Presidency’s decision to be made in due course (10.09.2015)

Ongwen

Situation: Uganda
Case: The Prosecutor v. Dominic Ongwen

On 10 September 2015, Pre-Trial Chamber II of the International Criminal Court (ICC) recommended to the ICC Presidency that the hearing on the confirmation of charges against Dominic Ongwen, be held in the Republic of Uganda. The ICC Presidency will now consult with the Ugandan authorities and make a decision on this matter, in consultation with the Pre-Trial Chamber, in due course.

The confirmation of charges hearing in respect of Dominic Ongwen is scheduled to commence on 21 January 2016 and is expected to last three to no more than five working days. The confirmation of charges hearing is not a trial. It is a Pre-Trial hearing held to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to commit the case for trial before a Trial Chamber.

The Chamber considers that it would be desirable and in the interest of justice to hold the confirmation of charges hearing in Uganda, preferably in Gulu as this location is the closest to the location of the alleged crimes, or alternatively in Kampala. Also, the Chamber is of the view that the hearing on the confirmation of charges is well suited to achieve the ultimate purpose of holding proceedings away from the seat of the Court, as it is a short, self-contained, discrete procedural step. In addition, the Chamber considers that the estimated costs of organising the confirmation of charges hearing in Uganda do not appear disproportionate.

Prior to making this recommendation, the Chamber received an assessment of the ICC Registry as to the possibility of holding the confirmation of charges hearing in Uganda, as well as submissions of the Office of the Prosecutor and the Defence both in favour of attempting to bring the Court’s process closer to the communities affected by the alleged crimes.

Pursuant to Rule 100 of the Rules of Procedure and Evidence, where the Court considers that it would be in the interests of justice, it may decide to sit in a State other than the host State, for such period or periods as may be required, to hear the case in whole or in part.

dominic_ongwen_and_icc__dr_meddy

Background:  Dominic Ongwen was the alleged Brigade Commander of the Sinia Brigade of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA). On 8 July 2005, ICC Judges issued an arrest warrant against Mr Ongwen for 3 counts of crimes against humanity (murder; enslavement; inhumane acts of inflicting serious bodily injury and suffering) and 4 counts of war crimes (murder; cruel treatment of civilians; intentionally directing an attack against a civilian population; pillaging) allegedly committed on or about 20 May 2004 at the Lukodi IDP Camp in the Gulu District. On 16 January 2015, Dominic Ongwen was surrendered to the ICC’s custody and transferred to the ICC Detention Centre on 21 January 2015. His initial appearance before the Court took place on 26 January 2015.

 

Amama Mbabazi had a plan to have a consultation meeting in Jinja that got spoiled by the UPF

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3LJzgsejG4U

Jinja Mbabazi

The Government of Uganda and its security forces goes wild again in the Eastern town of Jinja. When Amama Mbabazi tries to have yet another consulting meeting in another town, we all know that there was issues with meeting in Soroti. Today the UPF went ballistic literally in Jinja. Which isn’t very democratic, and the Electoral Commission is objective the consultation meetings while the Museveni can do the same thing for some strange reason. Who wonder what he does before he went to eat sushi in Tokyo?

Jinja Police 10915 P1

One report:

“The Regional Police commander, Edgar Nyabongo, said they will not allow Mbabazi to hold a rally. The former premier is set to hold a consultative meeting at Kakindu and later address a rally at Kazimungu industrial park” (NewVision, 2015).

Jinja Police 10915

A well written timeline of the events transpiring today:

“2:14pm Mbabazi is 3km away from Jinja:

Jinja town is awaiting the arrival of former prime minister and presidential aspirant Amama Mbabazi. Mbabazi who left Mbale town in the morning is about to reach Jina. However, the road entering Jinja from Iganga has been blocked by the Police. Traffic is slowly building up as the vehicles are forced to use a narrow area the Police has left for the other road users. There are groups of people at the roundabout, occasionary shouting out at the Police’s decision to block Mbabazi. We are following his convoy, which is under the escort of Police” (Kirya, 2015).

“2:54pm Police clashing with Mbabazi supporters:

Mbabazi has arrived at his meeting venue, Kazimingi Industrial grounds with hundreds of supporters. He has been received by the Police and told he cannot use it. After a heated exchange between supporters and the Police, the Police fires tears gas and is still trying to disperse the crowds. The convoy is now moving towards Zamo Hotel, about a kilometre away. Mbabazi entered the town using a different route despite the fact that the highway had been blocked” (Kirya, 2015).

“4:00pm: Mbabazi bodyguards clash with Police:

Mbabazi convoy is still heading to another venue after he was blocked from using Kazimingi Industrial Park. After a heated exchange between Mbabazi and Kiira regional Police commander Edison Nyabongo, Mbabazi left for Zamo Hotel. However, the RPC had a fist fight with Mbabazi bodyguards and their leader Christopher Aine was briefly held before being released back into Mbabazi’s vehicle as they snake through the heavy jam to the meeting venue (Kirya, 2015).

Amama Mbabazi Jinja10915 P1Amama Mbabazi Jinja10915 P2

Other reports from what happen at the spot:

“Most of the residents fled towards the maize mills while others scattered towards Jinja Central Market, where they remained watching what was transpiring at a safe distances. Mbabazi closely watched was happening from the roof on his vehicle while raising his ‘go forward’ symbol” (…)”One of Mbabazi’s guards known as Aine was arrested while another was shot in the leg. This morning, David Kyasanku, the Jinja Town Clerk asked Mbabazi to look for alternative venues saying both Kakindu Stadium and Kazimingi were unavailable” (…)”Heavily armed Police officers led by Haruna Isabirye, the police director operations and Edgar Nyabongo, the Kiira Regional Police Commander intercepted Mbabazi at Lubogo road on his way to Travel Hotel” (URN, 2015).

I think the reports and letters was interesting, right?

The world should know more about what is happening in Uganda, right?

Peace!

Reference:

Kirya, Donald – ‘Mbabazi in Jinja’ (10.09.2015) link: http://www.elections.co.ug/new-vision/election/1000571/live-police-assures-mbabazi-security-indoors

NewVision – ‘Police ‘force’ Mbabazi out of Mbale’ (10.09.2015) link: http://www.newvision.co.ug/news/673213-police-force-mbabazi-out-of-mbale.html

URN – ‘Police disperse Mbabazi supporters in Jinja’ (10.09.2015) link: http://www.observer.ug/news-headlines/39791-police-forces-mbabazi-out-jinja-disperses-crowd

 

Uganda – UPF Press Release on the Amama Mbabazi Illegal consultation meeting in Soroti Town today (09.09.2015)

PR UPF 0909

Uganda – Reports on the Amama Mbabazi’s consultation meeting in Soroti; Where the UPF had an oppressive behavior and they used teargas as well.

Amama 090915

Yet another day in the wilderness for Amama Mbabazi, the former weapon brother of Yoweri Kaguta Museveni who wishes to surpass him and become the president of the country from 2016. The reports saying even though Amama Mbabazi has sent in all the forms and letters recommended by the Electoral Commission, still the UPF harass the rally or consultation that was held on the Boma Ground.

Soroti Boma Grounds 090915 P6

Amama’s dream said in Seibei yesterday:

“It gives me great pleasure to be here with you today. I have come here on a consultative tour because I have a dream of becoming a president of this country” (…)”Kaguta Museveni has served us as a country and we as NRM have done well for the last 30 years but you see you still have some serious problems like poor education, poor roads, hospitals and land grabbing” (…)”Some people are saying that I have never visited the Sebei region but this is the first area I visited after we captured power in 1986 and the whole stretch is a food basket. You have the capacity to grow enough wheat to meet the demand of Uganda but because of roads you cannot” (Kay, 2015).

Kale Kayihura Letter to Amama 040915

The Electoral Commission says about Mbabazi’s meeting plans:

The Secretary of the Electoral Commission Sam Rwakojo says: “Presidential aspirant can only hold consultative meetings but not public rallies” (…)”so what Amama Mbabazi is doing wrong” (…)”We advice presidential aspirants to carry out nation-wide consultations as provided by law not campaigning at rallies” (Insider, 2015).

Soroti Boma Grounds 090915 P2

Reports from official sources:

“Angry residents did not only pull down President Museveni’s campaign posters off buildings and poles along Soroti streets but also dared security operatives in running battles following Police’s disruption of Amama Mbabazi’s rally today” (…)”Police was able to disperse the residents from the Sports Ground, they started pelting the officers with stones. The residents later regrouped and managed to cut off a team of about 30 Police officers at Soroti Sports Grounds and threatened to lynch them. The officers pleaded for their lives saying they were only following orders from above” (Kisakye, 2015).

Soroti Boma Grounds 090915 P5

The teargas arrived. Even if it is out of date!

Reason given by Gen. Kale Kayihura:

“Huge numbers on the independence grounds (Soroti public gardens) will destroy the grass, which will cost the municipal spent large sums of money to grow”.

Fred Enage the Police Spokesman to the New Vision via Soundcloud reports today:

“The respective territorial commanders edicted and other DPCs to ensure that to police the numbers that are actually involved. If there are a hundred, if there are a thousand. What is important is that the venues are efficient to accommodate the supporters who are going to be consulted. Is it a clear place? Does it have the consent of the owner of the venue? If it is outside a town hall then we have to assure that it have time-limits to 7 am to 7 pm. If it is within the town hall then its continues” (Nsuguba, 2015).

Peace!

Reference:

Kay, Julius – ‘I have a dream of becoming president—Mbabazi’ (09.09.2015) link: http://crooze.info/i-have-a-dream-of-becoming-president-mbabazi/

Kisakye, Frank – ‘Anger in Soroti as Police disperses Mbabazi supporters’ (09.09.2015) link:

http://www.observer.ug/news-headlines/39788-anger-in-soroti-as-police-disperses-mbabazi-supporters

Nsubuga, Benon – ‘DPCs to monitor Mbabazi meetings’ (07.09.2015) link: http://www.elections.co.ug/new-vision/election/1000522/dpcs-monitor-mbabazi-meetings

The Insider – ‘EC declares Mbabazi rallies illegal’ (08.09.2015) link:  http://www.theinsider.ug/ec-declares-mbabazi-rallies-illegal/

Uganda – Amuru Land Grabbing and MP Arrested

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTzpJpcVzqM

More to come later!

Peace.

A Cup of tea: The recent Tea-export numbers from Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda

TeaMombasa

There been in the recent days fresh export numbers. And they are either positive or staggering in the different countries. I have taken the massive cup of tea and how much of the leaf that are being sold abroad. So we can see the difference between Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda. Which has stories; the most significant is Burundian Tea Export especially considering the turmoil and issues after the “election and swear-in” on the third-term of Pierre Nkurunziza. But I believe the numbers will speak for themselves. I will take it country by country.

black-tea-330x265

Numbers from Burundi:

“Burundi’s tea export earnings in the first half of the year were up 61 percent on the same period of 2014” (…)”Burundi’s state-run tea board (OTB) reported first-half earnings of $17.9 million, against $11.1 million in the same period last year, on export volumes that jumped to 6,262,710 kg from 5,229,351 kg” (Nduwimana, 2015).

Tea-Board

Numbers from Kenya:

“Kenya’s tea output fell 22 percent in the first-half of 2015 from a year before, according to data from the industry regulator, after the country was hit by drought at the start of the year” (…)”The data also showed Kenya exported 247.57 million kg of tea, down from 249.8 million kg in the first six months of last year” (Clarke, 2015).

1361404042_RWANDA MOUNTAIN GREEN TEA.WGT.100g(50 tea bags.Price-US$3.1(Rwf.2000)

Numbers from Rwanda:

“Rwanda’s tea export earnings increased by 27 per cent to over $6 million in July, driven by better prices on the international market, the National Agriculture Exports Board (NAEB) monthly report indicates” (…)”Tea prices were up 55 per cent to $3.49 (about Rwf2, 617.5)/kilo in July, up from 2.25 (about Rwf1, 687.5)/kilo during the same period last year, according to the report” (Tumwebaze, 2015). Auctioned of sale of tea at the Mombasa Market: “Kenya, the leading contributor on the Auction, offered 5.6 million kilogrammes and was able to sale 4.5 million, indicating a 24 per cent sale” (Nakaweesi, 2015).

dscf3627

Numbers from Uganda:

“The data shows value of exported tea fell by 4.6 per cent or Sh5.3 billion ($51 million) in the period to stand at Sh110.4 billion” (Irungu, 2015). More scary numbers of this cup of tea:  “Uganda has about 200,000 hectares suitable for tea production, but only 14 per cent (28,000 hectares) is utilised both by small holder and estate owners” (Nakaweesi, 2015).

Afterthought:

That Burundi has gotten such a leap forward and Kenya going down because of drought. Rwanda is earning more per kilo and Uganda export also slowed down. And this is important for the rural agriculture and export business. The rural famers need security of export and prices. Therefore the worldwide change of prices together with the weak local currencies isn’t making things safe for farmers. That is not their business to keep the inflations at bay. They are making sure we’re drinking a superb cup of tea. Therefore when we see these prices the Governments has an issue to make sure the value of export is stabile for the sake of the farmers. This are not just numbers for crunchers to swallow and by “futures” to secure stock in the trade and a quick buck. They don’t see the hard-work on the ground. The farmers should be paid fair for their work and surplus of their produce. As everybody would be given what they deserve for their harvest, right? Peace.

Reference:

Clarke, David – ‘Kenya’s tea production falls 22 pct due to drought’ (08.09.2015) link: http://af.reuters.com/article/kenyaNews/idAFL5N11E2P020150908

Irungu, Geoffrey – ‘Shilling under pressure as export-import gap rises by Sh115bn’ (06.09.2015) link: http://www.businessdailyafrica.com/Export-import-gap-up-by-Sh115bn/-/539552/2860600/-/item/1/-/yhbrw0z/-/index.html

Nakaweesi, Dorothy – ‘Regional tea prices go down’ (03.09.2015) link: http://mobile.monitor.co.ug/Business/Business/Regional-tea-prices-go-down/-/2471014/2856212/-/format/xhtml/-/3qljyl/-/index.html

Nduwimana, Patrick; Drazen Jorgic and Goodman, David – ‘Burundi first-half tea earnings jump by 61 pct’ (08.09.2015) link: http://af.reuters.com/article/investingNews/idAFKCN0R80S120150908

Tumwebaze, Peterson – ‘July tea exports rake in Rwf4.7b, earnings from coffee drop 21%’ (04.09.2015) link: http://www.newtimes.co.rw/section/article/2015-09-04/192182/

Press Release: TDA condemns the violent and forceful eviction in Apa, Uganda (08.09.2015)

land-graphic

Kampala, Tuesday, 8 September, 2015:

The Democratic Alliance (TDA) has learnt with shock and consternation of the deployment of heavily armed police and the military in Apa Parish, Pabbo sub county, Amuru district. The aim of the deployment is to subdue the residents violently in order for the government to demarcate boundaries between the districts of Amuru and Adjumani. They also claim that they want to demarcate the boundary of East Madi Hunting Area.

In 2012 the Uganda Wildlife Authority sent armed Rangers with the backing of police and the army to forcefully evict the residents of Apaa. People were beaten up, their livestock raided, their houses burnt and their crops set on fire. Some young men were shot dead in the operation. Twenty five men were arrested, beaten severely, taken to Adjumani where they were charged with offenses ranging from criminal trespass, being idle and disorderly to threatening violence.

Primary schools were closed down, the pupils and teachers sent away and the school desks were being used as firewood by the army and police. In fact the school became the command post of the army complete with a road block along the road leading to the school.

We are aware that this forceful eviction is being driven by a profit motive. We are also aware that at the instigation of Hon. Moses Ali, the area had been offered by Adjumani district to one Bruce Martin, a foreign investor, to be developed as a private game ranch and hunting area. We feel that since the affected area is not under the exclusive jurisdiction of Adjumani district, it requires cross border collaboration and a joint discussion and a shared decision and consent by the neighboring districts of Amuru and Adjumani.

After the incident where mother of Apa exposed themselves naked be fore the government delegation in protest, government made a commitment that a border meeting would be convened to listen to the concerns of the residents and the leaders.

To our surprise, we were told that three days ago a team comprising the army, police and other government officials were already on the ground and had come in via Adjumani district and were carrying out a survey, boundary opening and were also planting mark stones. This was in total contravention of the spirit of dialogue. Leaders tried to access Apa but roadblocks were set up and they were prevented from speaking to the people.

Three people are now confirmed dead by sources in Apa. Several people suffered grave injuries and are being treated at Amuru health centre. The Member of Parliament Gilbert Olanya was arrested and is believed to be detained in Masindi police station.

We condemn the greed behind this illegal and violent eviction of people trying to settle down after twenty years in concentration camps. We demand that this illegal survey and boundary demarcation he halted immediately.

Only open and transparent dialogue with the affected communities can resolve this matter. Force and violence by the army and police will only escalate an already volatile situation. For centuries the people of Madi and Acholi have coexisted and lived peacefully and there has never been any dispute over the administrative boundaries of the two districts. A case in point is Bibia Parish which is located in Attiak Subcounty, Amuru district and has a considerable population of ethnic Madi people. The administrative boundaries of Amuru and Adjumani are well known. That is why we believe that this current dispute is being orchestrated by greedy people who have selfish interests.

We now propose the following way forward:-

1. Any attempt at a unilateral process of survey and boundary opening at the instance of Adjumani district or the central government should be halted.
2. A high level meeting of government representatives, leaders from the districts of Adjumani and Amuru should be convened by to clarify issues of contention and provide an initial platform for dialogue.
3. A meeting of the communities that reside in the affected area should be convened in order that they become part of the efforts to seek a solution rather than being victimized by decisions and actions imposed from above.
4. Trusted mediators should be sought and asked to get involved in facilitating dialogue by the affected communities. The residents of Apa have for instance proposed that Archbishop John Baptist Odama and retired Bishop Macleod Baker Ochola be asked to mediate in this conflict.

TDA stands in solidarity with the people of Apa. We demand that the media blackout and the isolation of Amuru stops. This brings back memories of Operation North when the entire region was cordoned off as soldiers violated human rights with reckless abandon.

Finally, we know that the NRM regime doesn’t adhere to the rule of law but we wish to state that the matter is before the courts of law and the court has issued an injunction against any further survey and boundary opening.

Government should act impartially and without any undue delay in order that an amicable solution to this problem be found.

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: (RSA) Parliament Rejects Recent Reports About Precautionary Suspensions (07.09.2015)

ZADeraildImage

Parliament, Monday, 07 September 2015 – Parliament notes and strongly rejects various newspaper reports related to the precautionary suspension of the senior managers in Parliamentary Protection Services, as a desperate attempt to sensationalise and dramatize a management and labour process that is aimed at stabilising security arrangements in Parliament.

Parliament notes that these actions are aimed at damaging the image of the institution, its management and the Parliament Protection Services by way of engaging in unbecoming ‘politiking,’ against the integrity of the institution. Parliament will not be drawn into this type of engagement because it lacks integrity.

Parliament stands by its previous statement that the precautionary suspension is without prejudice, it is put in place to allow for an independent investigation to take place without any negative influence.

Parliament wishes to reiterate that it is precisely for such reasons as demonstrated by the unprofessional behaviour of some staff members that it wishes to protect the integrity of the process from those who seek to influence and direct the outcomes of this process in a manner that is not consistent with our policies and general professional conduct. Through such utterances in the media, any official is in direct violation of the terms of Parliament policies regarding the Code of Ethics and Conduct for Employees and the Media policy of Parliament, which are very clear on the rules of staff engagement with the media. Parliament notes the brazen disregard for organisation processes, authority and policies in regards to speaking with the media.

Parliament urges all involved to allow the due process of Parliament to take place without interference and attempts to influence the process or its outcomes. To this end, Parliament has engaged with the suspended employees to take the process forward as quickly and smoothly as possible and has not received cooperation in this regard.

Parliament will not respond to each and every utterance as covered by recent media reports.

Parliament notes that its security environment has progressed positively towards stabilisation and it is working hard to ensure a more sustainable solution.

ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENT of RSA