Press Statement: On the Ugandan Government’s Post-Election Conduct (11.03..2016)

NBS 01.03.2016 Arrested Journalist Kasangati

The United States reiterates its ongoing concerns with Uganda’s post-election environment, in which the government and its security forces persistently have violated the rights and freedoms of Ugandan citizens and the media.

The continued detention of opposition figures without legal justification, the ongoing harassment of opposition supporters, interference in legal challenges to the election results, and the intimidation of Uganda’s media are unacceptable activities in a free and democratic society. Recently proposed legislation to enhance the powers of the government to restrict media is an attempt to further limit the country’s political space.

The United States and Uganda have a long standing and strong partnership that has contributed to the stability and prosperity of the region. We are concerned that the Ugandan government’s recent actions could endanger the economic and political progress that has enabled our relationship to grow. We urge the government to take prompt action to reverse this troubling trend.

John Kirby
Assistant Secretary and Department Spokesperson, Bureau of Public Affairs
Washington, DC

Fellow brothers and sisters lose their lives because of ballots and rigging; I am in sorrow and in pain; elections feels pointless, but the struggle should continue in peace, as we should not act as the oppressor, because then we are the same

Mandela Quote

It’s saddens me and with sorrow is coming to me. As the knowledge of people dying for politics… people dying for rigging of ballots, dying for pre-ticked ballots, dying for others people’s power.

It is saddens me, as some people are mourning, not only the thieving of their ballot, but their family member suddenly gone from their lives. Which is the biggest loss a fellow human being can have, as the family member can’t return back to them, the person is gone. What we can back is a bottle of coke or waragin, but not the brother who got killed as a candidate got the UPDF or the Uganda Police Force to assert actions in Kasese today as a result of the Local Council III election in a sub-county in Kasese District. It is so sad to see the footage and the unnecessary deaths. The men and woman was unarmed while the Police Officers was having newly polished AK-47 and shooting at them.

It saddens me this as the unsolved murder of Christopher Aine is still in the limbo, as the family and the Amama Mbabazi of Go-Forward has not gotten answers from the authorities or the police, as they are supposed to pick up intelligence to solve the matter.

It is with sorrow that the public has not gotten answers with the fellow persons who came onto the shores of Lake Victoria in December 2015, in the middle of campaigning and right around Christmas. So the silence of the matter is tale of sorrow and pain that has been addressed or talked about as they just died and the society or families deserve to get the justice for the men and woman who lost their lives at the time.

It’s saddens me knowing that a person got bombed on the day before the presidential poll on the 17th February. The bomb and explosion has not led to anything or created anything else than pain for the families who lost their loved ones.

It is with sorrow that the killings are getting staggering levels after the Presidential Election Day on the 18th February 2016 and the Announcement on the 20th of February 2016. From the demonstrators who even got killed on the 15th February as they wanted to Kizza Besigye passage through Central Kampala. They all died and we can ask are this what we all wanted?

That people are dying for seeing a politician, even if he is the epitome of everything the regime of the country is not. It is not easy to write this as a man died while waiting in que for the delayed ballots. The person just wanted to do his civic duty, not die for the soil. It seems so pointless, as he would have thrown a vote that most likely the Electoral Commission would not admit in their final result, as the stations would not be deemed valid by Eng. Dr. Badru Kiggundu and his henchmen.

It’s saddens me what happen in Sembabule district on the 25th February 2016, an Election Supervisor got beaten to death. He was beaten to death by unknown men. It saddens to know that an unknown killed him. Feels sorrow for his family and loved ones, as he was just doing a duty for the rigged voting machine.

It’s with sorrow that a giant group of people died in Bundibugyo on the 27th February 2016, and even more people has fled the area in the aftermath. As the area that has seen guerrilla violence, also see skirmishes between government forces because of local elections. It seems so pointless to die for yet another ballot.

It is with sadness that 3 people lost their lives in Soroti on the 5th March. As the UPDF killed them and injured even more people. The sadness of loss their lives and the killings from the government force on yet another day.

It is with sorrow that two police officers we’re shot dead during the raid of Kapchormwa on the 5th March of an unknown guerrilla, UPDF deserters or rebels. It is with sadness that the attack happens on these men as they have family and friends.

On the 11th February today, have many unarmed and ordinary citizens been shot in Kasese District, for no other notion than election result and election rigging. In the power of bullets and ballots have yet more fellow human beings lost their lives.

It is in the this notion I cry havoc, the deep pain of these men and woman who died for a cause, for a country or for just being near the decisions of big men. Many of them was not closely involved in politics, some of them was a part of the government as men who worked for that salary, not necessary that they had a pro-government stance and for the oppressive regime who have taken most of these lives. Even though the ones who takes a life does not always matter, because the most important one is the life that got taken away.

I cry and weep in sorrow. As the people who see and feel the emotions and knowingly the bullets in Kasese could have pointed towards us, pointed towards our brother and pointed towards our sister. We could be the target and the random person who got our life snatched away for the mercy of the men of power.

It’s in sadness and staring into the abyss, as some people might wish to retaliate with the same force as the government, as the police and the army. But if they kill and the opposition kills, who can you tell apart? If they tear-gas us and we try to tear-gas them, what is the difference between them and us? If we answer violence with violence aren’t we are the same as our enemies? Let us not be as the one that brings pain to our homes. We need to defy the state by defiance and in disobedience that weakens the state, not use the violence and killing methods of the state. As we who feels this pain and sorrow does not want to deliver the same pain to our enemies. As we are not the same and does not wish to be the same; we are different. We suffer with the ones who suffer, the ones who has lost their family members and the ones that has been in the midst of the dark tombs of the state. Not because we understand their pain and suffering, but because we care and want to bring the peace, liberty and justice, by defying with peaceful means, and through the dignity and honor  the fallen brother and sisters.

We cannot in this pain and violence, join the ones who kills and destroy, the ones that steals and corrupt. The ones that deliberately tortures, detain and arrest innocent citizens, activist and opposition. We are here today in the midst of our pain, our sorrow and with meager hope. As we have seen the government machine and the military police force go and take lives in Kasese. The pain that eat our hearts and souls as the lives matters as much as ours. We could have been the ones the government had picked. They didn’t pick us now, but we could been; therefore we have to remember them and the others who are detained, arrested, who are missing and the ones who lost their lives today and yesterday. As tomorrow will soon shine over us; the pain, the sorrow and the sadness will still be carried, the memory of the actions of our oppressors, but know that our struggle is not over and the fight for justice still has to come. The road might lead us into even a darker shadow and a stronger pain as the government plan is not easy to predict. What we can is stay strong together, remember the violence, remember the ones that got lost, remember the ones that are detained and carry them with us. As they shall not be forgotten and the men and woman dying shall not be in vein; but not done in return in a way where family members of the ones who oppress get the same sorrow and pain. Then we are not different from the ones that take us for granted and take the one we care about right in front of us. Peace.

Quotes and Outtakes from the newest UN Report on Violence in South Sudan!

South Sudan Cartoon

Here is the basic outtake from a report that was released on the 9th March 2016 from the United Nations Office of Human Rights Council. This focused on the matters of human rights and dignity, as it looks at the laws and regulations, how the state affairs with the matter and create safety and security for their people while not taken away their trust and their justice as free men and woman. As the Government of South Sudan has signed and ratified certain statues and human rights laws into their own as a civilized government who want to be respected and seen as a respectable state.

The major problems and issues is not only stemming from sexual violence towards the public as many has addressed, I have also taken that into the picture, but I want to show you the more of it, but not go into the laws and the ratifications, as that is important. For the moment we should all just see the pains that have unjustified hit many of the South Sudanese as the differences between Generals has hurt them. Take a look!

Salva Kiir P2

Internally Displaced Persons in South Sudan:

“By December 2014, more than 1.4 million South Sudanese had been displaced internally, while approximately 467,000 people had fled to surrounding countries. Additionally, roughly four million people in the country faced serious food insecurity. Humanitarian access continued to be hampered by fighting and violence perpetrated by both parties to the conflict against aid workers, equipment and infrastructure. In Unity and Upper Nile states, active hostilities and insecurity continued to disrupt humanitarian assistance as well as, road and air access” (…)”By mid-December 2014, more than 100,000 civilians were housed in UNMISS compounds – designated “protection of civilians sites” (POC sites) – because they were too afraid to return home, fearing potential violence. The bulk of these internally displaced persons (IDPs) were in Bentiu (43,000 people), Juba (32,000) and Malakal (17,000)” (UN OHRC, 2016)

Violence against IDPs:

“For example in Bentiu the SPLA soldiers have taken aggressive postures towards civilians in the PoC site. On 30 September, UNMISS witnessed approximately 20 SPLA soldiers in uniform, including child soldiers, outside the entrance of the PoC site pointing their weapons, including a vehicle with a mounted machine gun” (UN OHRC, 2016).

In Lakes State:

“In Lakes State, inter-communal conflict among different Dinka clans has continued despite efforts by the Government and state authorities to defuse tensions. Revenge attacks, including acts of sexual violence, continued in relation to the killing of a Paramount Chief in Cuei-Chok Payam on 5 August. In response to the violence, the Government has increased its security presence in the State. However, this has given rise to further violations as a result of heavy handed measures sometimes adopted by the security forces” (UN OHRC, 2016).

In Easter Equatoria:

“Eastern Equatoria has also witnessed major incidents of inter-communal violence, including on 6 December, in Loronyo, Torit, where several civilians, including women and children were killed. Reports received indicated that human rights violations were committed by security forces sent to the area in response to the violence, including sexual violence and looting of property. Likewise, the deterioration in the security situation in Chukudum in Budi County, Eastern Equatoria, in September and October, led to allegations of human rights violations by the SPLA, including arbitrary detention, torture and extra-judicial killings” (UN OHRC, 2016).

In Western Equatoria:

“In Western Equatoria, the influx of armed Dinka pastoralists from Lakes and Jonglei with their large numbers of cattle has seen an increase in tension with host communities, particularly in the Mundri West County areas.  In Central Equatoria State, UNMISS monitored developments in clashes between the Kuku and Madi communities spanning the border between Kajo Keji in South Sudan and Moyo district in Uganda, resulting in several deaths in both communities and the displacement of between 8,000 and 10,000 civilians from the Ugandan side to the South Sudanese side of the border” (UN OHRC, 2016).

UNMISS

Conflict related sexual violence:

“State officials allege that at least 20 women were abducted from Souq sabi, Dere, and Lich University and taken to Guit and Nhialdiu. Allegations have also been made that SPLM/A-IO used rape as a punishment for suspected Government sympathizers” (…)”In another incident, in December, three women out of a group of 30 were reportedly raped by SPLA soldiers while proceeding to a village located near the PoC site in Bentiu, after soldiers allegedly asked them to join them and then shot at the group” (…)”Incidents of sexual violence have also been reported in the context of inter-communal violence. In Lakes State, women and children have reportedly been used as proxies for revenge, including through rape. In Rumbek East, the allegation that the paramount chief of the Guony clan was murdered by the Thuyic clan reportedly ignited a wave of retaliatory attacks, including reports of rape against women and children” (UN OHRC, 2016).

Child Soldiers:

“Child soldiers have been observed in Bentiu, Malakal and Kuajok. Between September and November, UNICEF documented more than 70 incidents of grave violations against children affecting more than 2,000 children” (…)”During the reporting period, the SPLA issued new orders prohibiting the recruitment and use of children by the SPLA as well as occupation of schools. On 8 October, the United Nations submitted to the Government and SPLA a list of 20 schools reportedly used by the SPLA for military purposes” (UN OHRC, 2016).

I think the words in the reports say’s enough and I won’t comment on it; as the violence and actions are so straightforward and harsh. The people are victims and the reasons behind it should be sorted out. As they are violated, injured, harassed and killed by armies and militias while they are searching for power or keeping power. Peace.

Reference:

UN Human Rights Council – A/HRC/28/49: “Report on the human rights situation in South Sudan” (09.03.2016)

BREAKING: 6 People Shot Dead In Kasese Post-Election Violence (Footage/Youtube-Clip)

“4 people shot dead following fresh clashes today afternoon between UPDF, police and residents of Kisenyi Town Council in Buhohera Sub-County, Kasese district. The dead are civilians. 2 UPDF soldiers were seriously injured while the area commissioner of police in charge of operations Opolot Jacob was shot and injured” (…)”Today’s clashes follow overnight skirmishes in Hima Town Council yesterday during which 2 people were shot dead. Eyewitnesses tell NBS TV that at around 8pm, UPDF and police officers patrolling Kikonzo town in Hima Town Council were forced to fire back in self defense after they were attacked by panga and stick-wielding residents” (…)“Our reporter in the multi-ethnical area says the attack on the men in uniform was a culmination of tension that followed the announcement of incumbent Katura Musan as winner of the LC III race” (…)“Prior to the final announcement, Katura’s main rival Tom Wabokumbi’s supporters, sure about a win, took to the streets to celebrate only to be shocked by Katura’s victory” (…)”The situation in both Kikonzo and Kisenyi remains tense with security reinforcements seen patrolling” (…)”A number of people have been seen packing up their belongings and heading out of the two towns” (NBS TV Uganda, 2016).

Youtube clip: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVBATs-uIZw

Uganda Civil Society Organization File Amicus Curiae Motion to Join Presidential Election Petition No. 1 of 2016 (10.03.2016)

CSO Join Petition 10.03.2016

On March 10th 2016, civil society organisations filed an amicus curie motion to join the presidential election petition. The organisations have interest in the petition because it raises important questions of public interest; whether the general elections were conducted in a manner representative of the will of the people.

The admission as amicus curiae will serve the interest of justice and enhance participation of people of Uganda not otherwise represented. The civic duty to engage in matters of public interest is enshrined in the 1995 Constitution; civic organizations are especially charged with the responsibility to engage to protect constitutionalism, human rights and democracy.

The organizations that join this application are mandated by their missions to do civic engagement on matters of interest to citizens. As organizations working on human rights, their responsibility extends to matters of the rule of law and accountability to citizens of Uganda who are the voters in every election.

The applicants are members of the civil society coalition that was accredited as election observers in the 2016 general election under the framework of the Citizens Election Observers Network (CEON-U) and the Citizens’ Coalition for Electoral Democracy in Uganda (CCEDU).

Civil society organisations observed electoral processes prior during and after the Presidential elections along side convening voter mobilization campaigns. The organisations therefore possess valuable, credible and verifiable information on the elections, which will enrich the Court’s consideration of the presidential election petition.

The organisations include: Foundation for Human Rights Initiative (FHRI), the Uganda Association of Women Lawyers (FIDA Uganda), Chapter Four Uganda, Human Rights Network Uganda (HURINET), Centre for Constitutional Governance (CCG), Kituo cha Katiba (KcK), Legal Aid Services Providers Network Uganda (LASPNET), and Transparency International (TI).

Contact for more information:

Dr. Livingstone Ssewanyana, FHRI: 0752791963

Hon. Irene Ovonji-Odida, FIDA Uganda: 0772701488

Mr. Crispy Kaheru, CCEDU: 079444401 or 0772332747

Another group called USF claimes responsibility for the violence at the Kapchorwa Police Station on the 5th March 2016 (11.03.2016)

USF Kapchorwa 10.03.2016

Afterthought:

Is these folks the same as the “Save Uganda Now” or claiming to be somebody else, as the name has a similar tone and style as it it: “Uganda Saving Force”. Have they changed their name? Or is it somebody else claiming the liability for the violence and killings at Kapchorwa Police Station? Because the Press release from SUN was very detailed and clear about how they acted.

No matter what, there seem to be a group or groups taken responsibility for the actions in Kapchorwa, so that the UPF does not need to conduct business and find intelligience. Because both the SUN and now USF take charge and say did it. And the question is if the SUN and the USF is the same, in the same way NRA and the NRM is the same. Peace.

Joint statement by the Spokespeople for the UN Secretary-General and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission on Darfur (09.03.2016)

Darfur UN

NEW YORK, United States of America, March 11, 2016 – The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, and the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon, condemn Wednesday’s attack on the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) by an unknown armed group, in which one South African peacekeeper was killed and another wounded. The attack took place 40 km southwest of Kutum, North Darfur, while the peacekeepers, on patrol, were travelling from Kutum to Djarido.

The Chairperson and the Secretary-General express their sincere condolences to the family of the fallen peacekeeper and to the Government of the Republic of South Africa. They wish the wounded a full and speedy recovery.

The Chairperson and the Secretary-General call on the parties to the conflict in Darfur to respect the integrity of the peacekeeping force. They urge the Sudanese authorities to investigate the attack promptly and bring the perpetrators to justice.

The Electoral Commission letter to Mbabazi Lawyers on inspections of DR Forms (10.03.2016)

EC Registar Court Document

Statement by Mabarizi: “When the victim is to blame” (10.03.2015)

Mabirizi Debate16

1. When my brother Kizza Besigye bandaged his hand after he was shot by a rubber bullet in his finger during the walk to work protests of 2011, a government minister said he was lying – that “he was using the bandage and arm sling to attract sympathy”.

2. When Police undressed FDC Women leader along Masaka Road on her way to Rukungiri, police said she had “undressed herself”.

3. At the start of my presidential campaign in Busoga,when I was abducted my men in military uniform never mind that I was under the watch of 11 counter terrorism policemen who had been placed to guard me 24 hours a day even as I use the bathroom, “They said I had kidnapped myself. That I was a comedian”.

4. When armed personnel broke into my brother Amama’s petition lawyers’ offices they say it was an inside job; “that the lawyers broke into their own offices and stole their own computers and documents..

Lets wait to see who abducts himself next.

You cannot fool all the people all the time.

For God and my Country.

Elton Joseph Mabirizi

Opposition leader Besigye have been under house-arrest since Election Day; giving more legitimacy to his cause by every moment; while the government can’t give real reason for the continued arrest!

Road Block at Kasangati 22.02.2016

Today I am writing out of my mind, as the was reported that the MPs in Parliament wanted reasons for keeping Dr. Kizza Besigye under siege with the heavy police brigade in Kasangati, Wakiso District. Something they been up to since 18th February, not that he has not been house-arrested before, that has occurred before, just as the travels and detentions at Naggalama Police Station and Kiira Road Police Station, is seemingly normal for the Presidential Candidate. And for a Presidential Candidate the close relationship with the men of law should not be there.

In his defense he is a politician, an opposition leader and the ghost of democratic leadership in Uganda, which is big thing for the men of law in Uganda. As the Police is a useful tool of the NRM-Regime and their tireless behavior to discredit the opposition. As they have created laws to get legitimacy for their actions as they have done tirelessly for attempting to stop opposition parties from organizing themselves. This done by the most biased law ever Public Order Management Act (POMA), IGP Kale Kayihura, CP Fred Enaga and all other Police Officers knows this law better then receipt’s for G-Nut sauces.

The continuation of the House-Arrest that lasted since mid-February without any charges or warrants, other than the preventative-arrest because if he is released; the country will go into chaos and contagious violence of near Armageddon proportion. As he does not have a tank, mambas, army and militias ready to re-create the massacre of Luweero again, the issue with that is that he is a peaceful politician with peaceful agenda, also talking about a peaceful transition and government that supposed to be accountable and the be transparent. While the ruling regime uses the army to suppress the people, police-force to detain people before trial and without charges, police-force who takes and detain people human rights activists and so. So the NRM-Regime and the government institutions are the ones who use the laws and order to keep everybody under their oppressive regime, while the NRM can do as they please and the opposition get detained or arrested for trying to their political work. Because the NRM has the Executive and he runs the place, so the other just should just kneel to throne.

M7 2016 Post Interview quote

Well, that is not a representative government right now. That is why the public is morning. Many might not be able to home today, because they couldn’t afford not to lose their jobs or would risk it by staying home. But the boycott can be important as the public performance of the black clothes or blue clothes as a sign of solidarity. But this here is not about that, still it is important to look at. This is a reaction to the unfree and house-arrested Dr. Kizza Besigye.

He has been house-arrested since 18th February, even been back and fourth since the 15th February, when he tried to get to have a Makerere rally and was taken back from Wandegeya roundabout. Then detained and then taken home. So he has only been really out of his home, when he went to All Saints for service, he has not voted in the local elections and been a citizen for the last 22 days, or even more. As the times he has tried to go out even to shop he has been arrested and detained at Naggalama Police Station. Before the Police took him home for more house-arrest, as that is their business at the moment.

This endless house-arrest is a meager display and arrogance of the ruling party, the Executive and the security forces who is in his hands. Besigye is under house-arrest for one simple reason: Legitimacy. The word who kills Museveni right now. No matter how the court case is going. How many people getting detained to hide the actual result, how many witnesses get missing, how many documents get forged to fit the announcement of Badru Kiggundu of 20th February; as the display of the government funds used to re-elect Museveni, the way the bribery and corrupt officials given voters money to sway their minds. This here is taking the vitality of the regimes new term and tenure. As the silence on the streets and the nearly warrior speech of NRM Secretary General Justine Kasule Lumumba right after the announcement! That should be visible sign as the only ones celebrated been Uganda Media Centre, Kiira Motors Company and the paid Youths who made a tiny made up victory rally in Kampala. Certainty is that simple reason for Dr. Kizza Besigye continuation of house arrest is Legitimacy.

EU Out of Politics Pre-Election Period

Legitimacy and legit assurance and trust come with validity of the support of your citizens and population. That you do not get with guns, arms and rigging government institutions. But that is not easy for President Museveni to see right now, as it is not “Who” but “What” for him while he talking to his best fans, instead for the cows of Mbarara.

There been demonstrations in the diaspora like in Boston, U.S. and London, U.K. but not openly in Uganda, as in Uganda the Army, Military Police and Police has been heavy deployed. The people trying to access Besigye’s home has been either sent away, stopped on one of the three main roadblocks from Kampala, or if they got close been detained the DPC Kawalya or DPC Kasangati, and then sent to Kasangati Police Station. While using around USh8m daily to make sure that the presidential candidate, so he does not make a fuzz. With 22 days detained by close calculation means the government of Uganda has spent on keeping Besigye under siege a total 22 days x 8M = 172m. And the total amount of Police Officers on the detail is 150. So the Uganda Police Force sees the pride in keeping him inside his gates and in his home in Kasangati. If not, they are wasting a lot of manpower and resources to keep him there.

That the People and Citizens have not done more can be questioned, as they really showed up at every step of his campaign trail from November until the last day before Election Day. Since then the mourning and sadness has attended the land, while the government and security forces has gone into state of emergency. As the state has deployed the army and police to intimidate the public!

Ugandan Election 2016 Grieving

So long as Kasangati and the home of Dr. Kizza Besigye is besieged by the police under order from up-high and the Executive; as he knows what torn and scars to his reputation it is to have him around and know that he does not have support that Besigye have! That FDC could not file a petition that was why I first suspected why he was house-arrested and detained. Now over a week later and still behind the Police siege; the Police siege is so great that the Police invades the homes of his neighbor’s homes to go to the toilet, as the police officers after so long has still no mobile-toilet or anything of sanitary facilities. Therefore they have done it around the house, before the ones got fined for doing so. This proves the disregard of the public and how the people who happen to live around him now, get the issues with police. As the reports of people struggling to visit neighbors and move around the area, as the police check everybody.

With that in mind, people should know by addition to the Besigye home under siege, the people around also besieged and even “invaded” by the Police. That says how far this guy’s goes with efforts and reasons. As still days upon days an opposition leader is behind siege and not allowed to live normally because of his wish to create change and another type of government. That is the “sin” Besigye has done and why he is behind the siege. While the world is forgetting and the people seem to forget that they supported him during the pre-election period and just wanted be part of rallies, and not create the change. If not the fear of the Police and Army with their ability of create violence to citizens and detaining people. Now it is so strong that they do it because the government spread massive amounts of fear. I think is the fear and the mourning, not because they don’t believe in the change and the wish of changing government that actually represent them and not representing Museveni. As it does now!

So Uganda should #FreeTheVote #FreeBesigye and Kigwa Leero! The long staying and prolonged house-arrest does not make sense, but to validate the legitimacy of Besigye and proving as Gen. Muntu and others said it was a Coup d’état on the 20th February as the army was heavy deployed and police in the streets, not celebrating crowds for yet another term for President Museveni. Peace!