Readout of the Secretary-General’s meeting with H.E. Mr. Hassan Ali Khayre, Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Somalia (25.09.2017)

The Secretary-General reaffirmed the United Nations’ full support in the humanitarian, security and the human rights areas.

NEW YORK, United States of America, September 25, 2017 – The Secretary-General met with H.E. Mr. Hassan Ali Khayre, Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Somalia.

The Secretary-General commended Somalia for the progress made in advancing state-building. The Secretary-General and the Prime Minister also discussed efforts related to security sector reform and revenue generation.

The Secretary-General reaffirmed the United Nations’ full support in the humanitarian, security and the human rights areas, as well as in the implementation of Somalia’s development plans. The Secretary-General also reiterated support to AMISOM and to the creation of Somali institutions.

Opinion: The Back-Then UPM-Museveni is someone I could have supported; but today’s Museveni is totally opposite!

Back in the day, long before National Resistance Movement (NRM), the whole bush-war and the hostile takeover from previous governments. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the freedom fighter and former Tanzanian student, we’re the founder and leader of Uganda Patriotic Movement (UPM). It wasn’t a successful one at that, he even lost his district Member of Parliament position to Honorable Sam Kuteesa in the 1980 election. Clearly, the drive and the message didn’t sink-in, if not the rigging of Milton Obote was so rampant that none else than his candidates could win an election. Which is most likely if you followed the 1980 Election. The young Museveni was an idealist, not like today when the riches and stolen wealth has consumed the old-man. Who will find ways to buy his adversaries, instead of trying to reason with them? That is too hard for old man and he doesn’t even consider it. So today, I have dozens of outtakes of speeches he made while being a UPM leader. It is given that the times changes, as three decades of power and rule has eaten his soul. As much as the reality is different today, but the ideals and the governance he spoke of is still relevant today, as much as it was back-then.

“A Government that subjects its citizens to humiliation and desperate solutions is not worth the name and should hence be removed. It was the violation of this cardinal principle by Amin that forced Ugandans to take to arms to liberate their motherland” – Speech at Ishaka, Bushenyi District, Uganda Times (July 16th 1979).

“Uganda’s causes of disunity mainly spring from the fears that public officials are cutting up the national cake among themselves. During the last 12 years, most people especially the top brass had been grabbers” – Speech at a News Conference in Kampala, Uganda Times, (September 10, 1979)

“Ugandan would have been taught how to fight against dictatorship. Don’t fear anything. Amin used to say he feared nobody but God; but where is he today?” – Speech at a rally in Bushenyi, Uganda Times, (July 9th 1980).

“I am saddled by all types of unclean people in the UNLF government. Otherwise, things would have looked much better than they are today. Some unclean people are responsible for the suffering of the people of Uganda” – Speech at a rally in Masindi District, Uganda Times (July 15th 1980).

“Using a government position to a mass wealth is high treason. If the UPM is not going to be supported because it denounces such methods of getting rich, let it be” – Speech in Bushenyi and Mbarara District, Weekly Topic (August 27th 1980).

“Africa is tired of leaders who clings to power against the wishes of the masses” – Speech at the UPM fundraising at Fairway Hotel Kampala, Uganda Times (November 10th 1980).

The young man Yoseri or Yoweri is so more likable are reasonable, than the one leading the republic today. He has had no issues to rig himself, use the power of the army and police to intimidate and harass citizens. Neither, has he had any issues concerning the grabbing land and having cronies making wealth on the state coffers. It is like everything he stood for, was a shell that he decided to break. He used a sledgehammer against everything he believed in, when he got to power. Then he saw the potential and possible reach of power and ran with it.

That is why today he clings power against the will of the people. That why the army was the key group of people at his latest inauguration and paid crowds, not people celebrating his victory, because there was a small fraction of people who was cheering. Clearly, he knows it, that he has become everything he was up against as a UPM candidate.

When he had these speeches, the ideals we’re good and the man was talking righteous. Who knows how the wealth and trigger-happy donors in the 1980s and 1990s has sponged funds on him without any concern on how the funds gotten used by his government. As long as they showed some slow progress and had a few nice photo-ups for their timely magazines, it was funky-dory.

Clearly the revival of the donor-friendly environment and the possible all-control has eaten all his ideals, you can even question if he ever believed them. If it was a ploy to look significantly different from Obote and Amin. Nothing else. It would be an easy trick. Since, the relics of the state would so shatter the display of character they had. He could amaze and please with simple promises, but no need to keep them. That is why he promises industries and agricultural output today, without having any consideration for budgets or programs that is sufficient for this, if so he would have invested in it long time ago.

President Museveni is a shadow of his former self, the UPM leader I would have respected and cheered for, but the one he is today, I cannot stand and want to get rid-off. In a peaceful transition way, do not want use his tricks, there are better ways than bush-war. The uncertainty and loss of lives in the midst of that is not worth the coup d’état.

UPM Museveni, knew what Good Governance was and knew what a state was supposed to do. Not there to enrichen himself and the cronies, it was not there to prolong suffering and famine. It was there to serve and if they acted wrong. Fight them, dismantle them and get rid of the dictatorship. He is now the man he fought to bring down, he fought Amin, Obote, Lule and Biniasa. All of them got at one point played out by the men who was loyal to Museveni.

Certainly, the matter at hand, how long can he keep the ideals he believed in while leading UPM away from the citizens. How long can embarrass and humiliate citizens so he can stay in power. How long can he eat of the government plate without anyone toppling him. How long? What does it take, how much does the citizens of Uganda stomach of this mess? What is the final nail in coffin? When does the last drop of water hit the cup, so it spills over?

The UPM Museveni, anyone would consider as a fair and good leader, the one that is ruling today, has passed his prime and due date, long time ago. In addition, lost all his principles and values on the way, except for enriching himself and the ones who are by his side.

He is now the one he ones fought against, he is now mirroring the example of the ones who he overthrow. It is something rare and weird about it all, the UPM Museveni would say: “that would never happen, the Ugandans would not let that happen”. Well, they did and they fear you now, because they have seen your actions and your misgivings. They don’t respect you, but wonder how and when you strike. There isn’t a consensus, but a fear and tension to what you might bring, the game you set-up is for the ones who are abiding to you and the ones who could lose it all, since they are not your kind. Peace.

Opinion: IGAD statement on Fresh Presidential Elections in Kenya is disappointing!

I know I have given Intergovernmental Authority for Development (IGAD) a lot of flack. Since their lacking work and also proven respect for the government members, instead of being direct and being critical to their work. Again, they have given a second statement on the Presidential Elections in Kenya. This after they commended it after the 8th August 2017 and was ready to give the powers to the incumbent. We will see in this statement where the IGAD stands, it doesn’t stand by the people or the rights of an honest free and fair election. But more keeping the institutions for the institutions sake. They are defending the IEBC, even after the Supreme Court ruling, which is following the law and codes to follow when concerning Electoral Law. This should be respected, but they fear the approach of reform and question the IEBC even further. Its like its a Multi-National Mouthpiece of the Jubilee Party. Look!

IGAD Statement today:

The Fresh Presidential Elections scheduled by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) for 26th October 2017, in line with the requirement by the Kenyan constitution that Fresh Presidential Elections be held within 60 days, provide another opportunity for the people of Kenya to show their commitment to their constitution. IGAD has every confidence that the will of the people will again be expressed clearly in the ballot, and that Kenyans will elect their leaders in the constitutionally mandated manner on the 26th October 2017. IGAD is however concerned by statements and actions from some quarters regarding the Fresh Presidential Elections. Statements and actions that undermine the people’s confidence in the ability of the IEBC to manage the fresh elections, as well as unrealistic demands that frustrate IEBC from conducting fresh elections, or indeed calls to boycott the Fresh Presidential Elections, put Kenya on a dangerous path. Whereas, as the Supreme Court determined, IEBC has to make certain critical administrative adjustments and correct certain errors that became evident on the 8th of August 2017. IGAD, based on its prior assessment, is confident that IEBC can execute its constitutional mandate to facilitate the expression by the Kenyan people of their sovereignty. IEBC must thus not be crippled from executing this mandate. Sabotaging IEBC or boycotting the elections will put Kenya in a constitutional crisis and likely on a path to Unconstitutional Change of Government” (…) “IGAD urges all actors in Kenya to reject those who would seek to interfere with the constitutional order by seeking to disrupt or prevent the court-mandated fresh election, thus putting in peril democratic change of government and ushering in a crisis from which unscrupulous actors can seek Undemocratic Change of Government” (IGAD, 2017).

I am disappointed by IGAD. IGAD has again shown their mentality and their reality, that fits the paradigm of the government that they work for and not trying to enforce a better state. They are loyal to their contractors and not loyal to the people. The IGAD proves again, that the state of affairs and loyalty to Kenyatta is more important that actually reform. The IEBC in Kenya needs reforms, it needs to change. The IEBC was ruled against in the Supreme Court, since their manufactured and doctored results could be proven. That they didn’t follow the codes and Electoral Laws. The Supreme Court followed the Constitution and didn’t create a crisis. On the other half, that was created by the IEBC, as they working closely to Jubilee and not validating the ballots and results. That is why the trust between IEBC and the people are at an all-time low. It isn’t the Supreme Court or the Constitution fault, it is the IEBC Secretariat for their decisions to not respect the people’s will.

The IEBC was not sabotaged, it was the IEBC who sabotaged and we’re holding the people hostage with the announced results for the incumbent. The statement proves he could be working in favor of Jubilee, not in favor of just results for Kenyans. Its weird, but not unexpected with the IGAD track-record. Kenyan opposition should and could boycott elections, as long as the IEBC is not reformed, if not is a second possible rigging scenario. Just moths after the other was hold. There been minor changes inside the IEBC Secretariat, but they are not transparent and not giving way for the challenges of possible rigging again. The computer generated Presidential Elections could easily appear in October 26th 2017. It might be a road into uncertainty, and the NASA Coalition knows this. Jubilee knows this too. Its not a clear answer, but the IEBC has to changed, if it will ever get trusted with doing their duty as civil servants. That is not the Supreme Court fault, they are just the messenger.

It would be undemocratic for the IEBC to announce anyone who was rigged into power. That should worry the IGAD, but its not doing so. They are more in-line of the process, instead of thinking of respecting the power of the ballots and announcement of the counted ballots. They are accepting an unconstitutional process, as long as someone is elected. The IGAD is a disappointing organization as they are clearly serving the elites of the nations who are members. Not considering the will of the people, as even them are defending the IEBC. It would be better if they we’re silent instead of releasing this statement today. Peace.

Reference:

IGAD – ‘STATEMENT BY THE IGAD EXECUTIVE SECRETARY ON FRESH PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS IN KENYA’ (24.09.2017) link: https://www.igad.int/executive-secretary/1655-statement-by-the-igad-executive-secretary-on-fresh-presidential-elections-in-kenya

Opinion: Donald J. Trump VS. Ri Yong Ho made UNGA General Debates into a spectacle!

In New York this week the United Nations General Assembly of the 72nd Session. We can clearly see that the world has changed. Not to the better, but a grim state of affairs. Where the greatest nation and former superpower United States of America (USA) having their President on direct war-talk at the General Assembly. This is not something that is normal, I can never recollect anyone talking like this at this venue. That the United Nations are used in this way is flabbergasting, but Trump never cares about audience or how it affects them. As long as he get PR and becomes the megalomaniac as he always is. Someone, should have learned him this, but the flawed education and obvious indifference of the world. Has been transpired to world long time ago.

I will look first at the most striking words President Donald J. Trump has against the North Korea, than do the same from North Korea Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho. This will be interesting, before discussing their approach from the General Debate at the UNGA. Look!

President Donald Trump on the 19th September:

If the righteous many do not confront the wicked few, then evil will triumph. When decent people and nations become bystanders to history, the forces of destruction only gather power and strength. No one has shown more contempt for other nations and for the well being of their own people than the depraved regime in North Korea. It is responsible for the starvation deaths of millions of North Koreans, and for the imprisonment, torture, killing, and oppression of countless more. We were all witness to the regime’s deadly abuse when an innocent American college student, Otto Warmbier, was returned to America only to die a few days later. We saw it in the assassination of the dictator’s brother using banned nerve agents in an international airport. We know it kidnapped a sweet 13-year-old Japanese girl from a beach in her own country to enslave her as a language tutor for North Korea’s spies. If this is not twisted enough, now North Korea’s reckless pursuit of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles threatens the entire world with unthinkable loss of human life. It is an outrage that some nations would not only trade with such a regime, but would arm, supply, and financially support a country that imperils the world with nuclear conflict. No nation on earth has an interest in seeing this band of criminals arm itself with nuclear weapons and missiles. The United States has great strength and patience, but if it is forced to defend itself or its allies, we will have no choice but to totally destroy North Korea. Rocket Man is on a suicide mission for himself and for his regime. The United States is ready, willing and able, but hopefully this will not be necessary. That’s what the United Nations is all about; that’s what the United Nations is for. Let’s see how they do. It is time for North Korea to realize that the denuclearization is its only acceptable future. The United Nations Security Council recently held two unanimous 15-0 votes adopting hard-hitting resolutions against North Korea, and I want to thank China and Russia for joining the vote to impose sanctions, along with all of the other members of the Security Council. Thank you to all involved. But we must do much more. It is time for all nations to work together to isolate the Kim regime until it ceases its hostile behavior” (Donald J. Trump, 19.09.2017).

Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho on the 23rd September:

Since Trump uttered such reckless and violent words provoking the supreme dignity of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) at this very platform, I think it is fair enough for me to make a response in the corresponding tone. During his 8 months in power, he has turned the White House into a noisy marketing place full of crackling sounds of abacus beads and now he has tried to turn the UN arena into a gangsters’ nest where money is respected and bloodshed is the order of the

day. The absurd reality that the person like Trump, a mentally deranged person full of megalomania and complacency, the person who is chastised even by American people as “Commander in Grief, “Lyin King”, “President Evil” is holding the seat of the U.S. President, and the dangerous reality that the gambler who grew old using threats, frauds and all other schemes to acquire a patch of land holds the nuclear button; these are what constitute the gravest threat to the international peace and security today. Due to his lacking of basic common knowledge and proper sentiment, he tried to insult the supreme dignity of my country by referring it to a rocket. By doing so, however, he committed an irreversible mistake of making our rockets’ visit to the entire U.S. mainland inevitable all the more. None other than Trump himself is on a suicide mission. In case innocent lives of the U.S. are lost because of this suicide attack. Trump will be held totally responsible. The respected supreme leader Comrade Kim Jong Un stated: as a man representing the DPRK and on behalf of the dignity and honor of my state and people and on my own, I will make the man holding the prerogative of the supreme command in the U.S. pay dearly for his speech calling for totally destroying the DPRK. Trump might not have been aware what is uttered from his mouth but we will make sure that he bears consequences far beyond his words, far beyond the scope of what he can handle even if he is ready to do so” (Ri Yong Ho, 23.09.2017).

The words are really out of bound. It is not the ordinary, it is no code, no brief statement that could been for many issues or many nations. In this particular event both gentleman and representatives of their nations went in for the kill. First Trump went on his way to offend and endanger the situation. The special thing is that both Yong Ho and Trump claims they are on a suicide mission, either its the American President or the North Korean one. There both of them are saying it. If this is true, than them both are possibly killing themselves and their nations for some brownie-points. That has clearly not sunk in at any of the parties.

The second thing you see, is how they both are envisions the United Nations and their role. That Trump think its a tool for his use and that the powers inside UN are for his causes and favors. He will see in the future that he is wrong. Since that is a consensus and majority vote in favors of sanctions and change of protocol towards a state. Nothing that happens on just a popularity contest. North Korea on the other hand, is worried about the vision Trump has and his agenda to destroy them. That is natural defense from them, as they have the worries of the rest world blowing them to bits. Trump doesn’t understand that others has self-defense and natural reactions to threats. Neither understanding the consequences of his actions. Which makes it ironic, that the North Korean counterpart see the same.

This here will not end here with these statements from either parties. The tide has not turned. And that is sad since the conflict and warfare will hurt someone in the end. Just like the United States Sanctions against North Korea and sudden move by China to stop selling Petrol. Not that anyone want another state with Atomic Bombs, but clearly it is hard to trust Trump with it either. He is not the stable world-leader, its hard to know if his fit to it. Since, he attacks without thinking consequence of his actions.

We will see how this goes, but these sort acts and statement cannot become the new normal. This sort of diplomacy and risk-taking shouldn’t be played on the grand-stage like this. It is not the place and neither is the possible result. United States should know better, they have been involved in conflicts for decades and are vital part in plenty. North Korea, who knows the Americans has interests in the South-East China Sea, should be careful, but they have to answer to not lose face. That is natural in the circumstance. They are squeezed by sanctions and further pressure, the United States knows this. United Nations should be used for peaceful means and possible place for debate for a better future. Not create war… Peace.

Uganda Police Force Press Statement on their “Crack-Down” on Civil Society and Lord Mayor Lukwago (22.09.2017)

Opinion: It is time for DEFIANCE, now more than ever! #AgeLimit

It is time to bring back the slogan and the act of defying in the face of oppression. It is not the time to cease the acts against oppression. The time for actual defying of the draconian and Orwellian behavior of National Resistance Movement. The Uganda Police Force and Uganda People’s Defense Force are acting brutality and without justification to quell and silence all parts of society, in favor of thieving and brutal regime, who do not care about the safety of the citizens, but of the security of the NRM elite and the President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is more important than anything else!

Oxford Dictionary says Defiance is: “Open resistance; bold disobedience: an act of defiance the demonstration was held in defiance of official warnings” (Oxford Dictionaries – ‘Defiance’)” (…) “Origin: Middle English (denoting the renunciation of an allegiance or friendship): from Old French, from defier ‘defy’” (Oxford Dictionaries – ‘Defiance’).

Let’s be clear wearing red bandanna on the steps of Parliament is not bold disobedience, neither is singing the National Anthem during the plenary session. It is defying, but not bold. It is obvious and in the public space, but the ones really defying. Is the ones breaking the bans and laws, who we’re out in the streets. Demonstrating in Bushenyi, Arua and Lira. The ones demonstrating at Makerere and Mbarara University, where the Police where detaining and throwing tear-gas.

The defiance that matters and makes it expensive to up-keep is the ones that breaks the system. The ones actually defies and the system. Not the ones sponsoring it and legitimizing it. Like the Opposition MPs did and the Shadow Government did after the General Election of 2016. They gave way for the NRM and the President to continue as normal. None of them gave him reason to change or to give-in. Since he saw they became weak and could get bought by a title and allowances.

Defiance has to capture the spirit and give hope to organizations and movements who actually defies the system. The underground activity and the possible defiance could hurt the government. Instead, they have now postponed the debate, but that is only making the troubles come back to haunt them. Not stop them! It will return like any sequel, like any Hollywood remake of a franchise. It just keep on returning. The lifting of the Presidential Age Limit will not leave the scene. Neither will other laws made for securing the life Presidency of Museveni.

Therefore, more than ever it is important to defy the system. Stand up against it and not accept it. Stop buying from companies that are connected with the NRM elite, stop registering and being connected with NRM affiliated organizations and avoid all sort of legitimizing the current government. That meaning, being bold and brave. Actually, show your disregard to the current leadership. T-Shirt, Campaigns and Open dialogue in the public sphere, that will hurt the government. Make sure they will lose their arguments and ideals to upkeep the Presidency.

Besigye himself gave this advice in July 2017:

The following needs to be done to terminate the Junta’s control of our country:

1) Intensify the “awakening campaign”, for most Ugandans to become active in the processes of achieving a transition. Everyone has a role to play in achieving this.

2) Forming activist networks to make it possible to act together and to be coordinated.

3)Everyone seeking a democratic transition should take deliberate actions, individually or in concert with others to disempower and break down the Junta. Each one’s actions, however small, contribute significantly towards the desired change.

4) Public servants, including those in the security and military are called upon to join the struggle for democratic transition.

5) In coordination with other political and civil society formations, we’ll soon start various activities that will disempower and bring the, now fragile, Junta to an end” (Dr. Kizza Besigye, 11.07.2017).

The words Besigye are relevant for DEFIANCE. It is the making of shaking the system. Give the Oppressor a kick where it hurts, but with bold actions. Not dancing like hooligans on the outside of the Parliament. These acts would actually hurt the government. The public would really defy the government with this acts. It is time to activate and listen to Besigye. So that the NRM can be taken down, by peaceful means and a meaningful transition of power. Since it doesn’t belong to Museveni alone. But all citizens of Uganda.

It is time not accept official warnings and protocol. The Public Order Management Act (POMA) should cease to matter, the notification of demonstrations and processions should not happen from the defiant organizers. The defiant organizers should focus on the cause, not respect the laws that are there to uphold the government. They should step up their activity and not fear the government. But disrespect it and make it on edge. It should start to shake and wonder what is the next move. Not be able to anticipate or expect the next move. The POMA makes it easy for the Police Force to block and throw tear-gas. The informing of the planned defying acts should stop. The CSOs and the Opposition Parties should start with actions that are in the shadow and out of reach of the government. Go into the “black” and sudden appear as unknown force of loyal subjects to the cause.

If the ones in the deep darkness of oppression actually acted in defiance, defied the law and the state, as it has turned to be oppressing instead being their to serve. Therefore, the citizens has the right and is justified to defy the laws, who are there for the emperor and his court; it is not there for serving the people. It’s time to listen Besigye as the brutality and the crack-down shows the true heart of the government. Peace.

Gen. Mugisha Muntu: Statement on Police Brutality, Arrests and Siege on Parliament (21.09.2017)

Age Limit Debate Postpone and the Plenary Session in Parliament Adjourned after tension and demonstrations!

Clearly, the crisis meeting earlier today between Parliamentary Speaker Rebecca Kadaga and Deputy Speaker Jacob Oulanyah has resulted that even as the nation in the grips of the army and the police. They are still postponing the outcome of the discussion of the motion to lift article 102(b) of the Constitution, the Age Limit bill inside the State legislation.

Just as the Police Officers are rounding up fellow Makerere Students, anti-Constitutional Amendments Supports and other random civilians who have been showing their dissatisfaction with the whole idea.

The Police has busy stopping peaceful demonstrations in Lira, Arua, Bushenyi and all over the place. They have silenced the critiques with house arrests, detained at random and even tear-gassed. Clearly, the state knows better than their citizens do. There are now reports that Patrick Amuriat as he delivered a petition to the Parliament; he was also arrested for his acts against the state. Therefore, no one is whom stand up against the will of the state get free from the oppression today!

Today, I don’t care what the European Union or United States of America has condemn the activity of the army or the police in Uganda, since they are paying to keep the government afloat and support their activity years upon end, and even surprisingly not trying support regime change. Therefore, their concern is not believable at this point of history. Just like in the end of 1980s, no one would believe the concern of Americans who had Mobutu as their puppet in Democratic Republic of Congo. The same can now be said of Museveni in Uganda.

There are even reports that UMEME has trouble with their power-lines as many places been in the black. Some not verified reports that NTV and NBS has been stopped or has no signal.

As the hours has gone and the plenary sitting started, with all the ambushes and silence of demonstrations. The streets of Kampala is silent. Just like the President wants it. He want utter indifference to his continued rule. Not that is continued rule of law, since he is the law. Apparently so, since he has to besiege many vital parts of city and houses of opposition voices. Since he is afraid of their voice as dissidents to his pro-longed rule.

This combined with demonstrations in and about, this with the tear-gas and the detaining of youth at Makerere and soldiers. Clearly, the President is afraid of Coup d’état. If not, why do the man need the army on the steps of the August House? Is he afraid of bogeymen appearing from the deep forest of Mabira to eat his soul?

Also because of the chaos in Parliament, with Opposition singing the National Anthem, the NRM MPs wanting Evelyn Anite possibly disciplined for her comments during the week and all the other mess. Deputy Speaker Oulanyah adjourned the sitting to next week. This being proof of the whole embargoed and botched day. That has not delivered what the NRM Caucus wanted to give their master. Neither what the Opposition wanted with a debate, that proving the vital points of the amendments and the reality that is all to extent and give the President the opportunity to rule for life.

This whole day has proven the ill will of the regime and government, that they have intent, but has to silence anyone into submission. There are no-way back, since the President needs it. His own existence hangs on it weak thread. The demonstrations and clear evidence of the fear of the opposition voices. Since they have been detained and arrested. That shows the fear the state has for these individuals and their power within the communities.

This saga is not over. However, the toils, the tears, the wounds and corrupt police only working directly for the President is even more evident, than ever. It was like this during campaigns and during elections, but now, they are back to same old game. We can just wonder how far they will take it and what sort charges they will put on the people. Peace.

 

State Oppression cause Havoc as the #AgeLimit Debate are about to start later today in Parliament!

“Freedom is not something that one people can bestow on another as a gift. Thy claim it as their own and none can keep it from them.”Kwame Nkrumah

Today is a repeat, as yesterday was the obvious elevation of mockery of justice and freedom. Today, is yet another of this in the streets of Kampala and in Uganda. As Members of Parliament, who dissent from the Age-Limit lifting paradigm are behind house arrest. The honorable Francis Mwijukye has his home besieged by the Police. Hon. Mubarak Munywagwa has also been put under house-arrest. As Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago we’re taken from home, latest report on him: “Kampala Lord Mayor Lukwago’s car spotted parked outside Naggalama Police Station where he is currently being detained” (NBS Televison, 21.09.2017).

There been plans of demonstrations going from Makerere to the Parliament. The Military Police has come to guard the area. Certainly it will be students and activist detained, as well as tear-gas. The prospect of peace and free-wild is only in the imagination. KCCA Councilor Doreen Nyanjura has been arrested from Makerere. There been bursting canisters of tear-gas in the halls of Lumumba and Mary Stuart, as the Military Police is besieging the premises. Ingrid Turinawe are also arrested by the Police after demonstrating in the streets.

In other parts of Kampala, the Democratic Party Offices has been sealed off by the Police, therefore, the workers and members of the party is not allowed to leave.

UPDF soldiers has been patrolling Lira town today, by military trucks and pick-ups to gear up the fear the in the town. To settle protest against the age-limit there. There are also demonstrations in Arua. But little knowledge of the outcome

As expected the Police has besieged and blocked the home in Kasangati, Wakiso of Dr. Kizza Besigye, as he is barred from leaving his home. The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Offices has also been sealed off and become besieged by the Police.

Therefore, if you wonder, the political police is all in and about, they are holding the Parliament sealed off to secure the location of the debate. The same police force has put in all people into the Constitutional Square as well. To make sure people cannot walk from there to the Parliament. They are clearly, making all provisions to silence the people and their will to stand up to the Presidency and the NRM.

At City Hall of Kampala, the Police even confiscated 9 T-Shirts that could incite violence. Who knows at this point, it is all political mind-games from the regime. Anything hostile to the lifting is dangerous.

This is just beginning of the day, the Plenary of Parliament hasn’t even started yet. The Oppression and the insane heinous acts of the state is just starting! Peace.

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees calls on Democratic Republic of the Congo to protect refugees after tragic killings (19.09.2017)

So far, some 57 people with critical injuries were evacuated to Goma and the nearest city of Bukavu, while another 37 are being treated in Kamanyola.

GENEVA, Switzerland, September 19, 2017 – UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency is urging the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to ensure protection for refugees and asylum-seekers after a shocking shooting incident in Kamanyola on September 15 in which at least 39 people were killed and another 94 injured.

The incident took place after Congolese soldiers fired live rounds at Burundian protestors in the eastern part of the country, many of whom UNHCR believes were refugees and asylum-seekers. The protest, reported to be initially peaceful, allegedly started after a small group of Burundians were detained by Congolese authorities, creating fears they were going to be deported to Burundi.

The dead included Burundian men, women and one child. The incident also resulted in the death of one Congolese soldier, with six others wounded.

“This is a devastating tragedy. It should never have happened,” said Filippo Grandi, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. He welcomed the announcement from Congolese officials to launch an inquiry into the incident and called for it to be detailed. “We need to establish facts and determine responsibility and make sure that such an incident never happens again.”

UNHCR immediately deployed a team to the area on Saturday where it is working with the medical staff of a partner organization in the local hospital to provide life-saving medical assistance to the injured.

So far, some 57 people with critical injuries were evacuated to Goma and the nearest city of Bukavu, while another 37 are being treated in Kamanyola.

The UNHCR team on the ground reports a tense situation with over 2,400 Burundians seeking protection next to the small MONUSCO (the UN peacekeeping mission in Congo) base in Kamanyola. They are too afraid to go back to the locations where they have been staying. Some refugees have expressed the wish to move elsewhere in Congo. UNHCR is working with local authorities to find a suitable location.

DRC hosts more than 43,700 refugees who have arrived from Burundi since 2015.