Robert Rukaari Mwesigwa MP letter to the Commandant of Police Professional Standards Unit – Re: Complaint against ASP Mkiibi Karim & Another (07.03.2023)

Opinion: Did Gen. Muhoozi forget the “sports”? [the M23 tweets can damage the trust between Kampala and Kinshasa]

“If he was tweeting on sports — things which are not controversial — that would not be a problem; but to talk about other countries or even the partisan politics of Uganda, that he must not do” – President Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni (14.10.2022).

“KINSHASA, May 28 (Xinhua) — The government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has decided to classify the March 23 Movement (M23) as a terrorist group, a DRC government spokesperson said late Friday. “The M23 is now considered as a terrorist group and will be treated in the way (we treat the terrorists),” Patrick Muyaya said at a press conference after a national security committee session chaired Friday by DRC President Felix Tshisekedi” (Xinhua – ‘DRC classifies M23 rebels as terrorists’ 28.05.2022).

Again and again, General Muhoozi Kainerubaga goes on a rampage on social media and yet again on his Twitter page. This time he isn’t saying it’s easy to invade Kenya or speaks of admiration of ladies. No, his going in again and deliberately taking part in diplomatic works in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The General today has defended the Mouvement du Mars 23 (M23) which the FARDC is fighting in North Kivu province. While the UPDF is together with the FARDC is in a mission going after the ADF in the DRC. So, we are seeing the General is openly going to war against one rebellion and one militia, but defending another. The other has already the origins and support from both Kigali and Kampala. Therefore, the latest support of Muhoozi can question the regime’s direct support of the M23 within the DRC.

We know the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and even President Museveni will end up with writing a letter to President Tshisekedi. There is no reason for the National Resistance Movement (NRM) or the Government of Uganda for that matter to support M23 in public. We know the UPDF and the GoU has supported the M23 in the past. The cantonment of former soldiers or combatants was stationed in Uganda. That happened after the Nairobi Accords and later these has been able to flee or re-locate in the DRC. Therefore, the General is maybe saying the silent part out loud.

In this regard… Muhoozi is playing with fire. He is humbling an ally, which they are fighting together with elsewhere in the DRC. If Kinshasa is coming out with a hasty press conference or even wanting an answer from the Ugandan ambassador. That all makes sense.

Since these words are not only from the Son of the President. His the Senior Presidential Advisor on Special Operation and former Commander of Land Forces. He has relevance and means within the army and the government. A man of his stature should know how Kinshasa looks and has designated M23. That Muhoozi says M23 isn’t a terrorist group is directly challenging Tshisekedi.

Will Kinshasa accept this? Is Kampala in on it all along? There was all sorts of speculations when M23 came back into the picture. The M23 is and has been supported of both Kigali and Kampala. That is proven and no one can deny that in 2022. However, who is behind them right now and who has financed it this time around.

Now with the latest rant of Muhoozi. We can wonder if there was something more directed from Kampala. That wouldn’t shocking or earth shattering, but the ones in-charge in Kinshasa should be worried. Since, the UPDF is participating and already allowed within it’s borders. If a General and a High Ranking Official is defending a militia and a terrorist organization on your soil. You know there is more to this…

President Museveni has soon to fly out to Kinshasa. He got to meet President Tshisekedi and make amends. This sort of statement or uttering is only deteriorating the relations. When these are supposed to be strengthen by the joint operation. Instead, Muhoozi is acting like this and recklessly too. Peace.

Opinion: Mugumya arrested as a ADF in 2014, but released in 2022 as a M23…

“What happened in Beni?

I found officers from Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence who interrogated me about the Allied Democratic Forces. One of the most painful things I witnessed is someone die out of suffocation and unfortunately I leaned against his dead body for the entire night.

How did you know they were CMI operatives? Were they clad in uniform?

They had army uniform and they introduced themselves to me as such. On the first day, they were two. They asked if I had links with ADF then shortly after said I was coming to link up with the People’s Redemption Army. I told them I was just running away from your brutal regime. On the second day, another set of three CMI operatives came. I remained in Beni for three weeks before I was called for a joint interrogation between Congolese authorities and CMI. They debated if to bring us back to Uganda or hold us in Congo” (Ivan Okuda – ‘I was arrested while fleeing to exile, says Mugumya, 19.12.2015, Black – Journalist, Cursive – Mugumya, Daily Monitor).

You know when are story is too good to be true, it’s most likely not true. The story of Sam Mugumya will be one for the ages. The sudden way he was kidnapped, taken-away in October in 2014 and later found out to be in custody in Beni, Democratic Republic of Congo in November 2014. He also spent time in a prison in Kisangani as well. Before he was transferred from there to Kinshasa and Ndolo Military Prison, where he spent most of the time behind bars until his released on the 21^st October 2022.

Mugumya spent 8 years in custody. As he was arrested for involvement in the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF-NALU). As he was supposed rebel with a fictitious name: “Katembo Mukiga William”. There was also additional factors put into play like he was having either “cargo” or “bags of monies”. Which have never been proven or evidence for the public to see. Therefore, a lot of hearsay and never any real given fact.

Now 8 years later in the documents released as his free. They are now claiming he was involved or participated in the Mouvement du Mars 23 (M23). That is in contrast to the reported connection to the ADF-NALU, which was rumoured for years.

Mugumya himself said he was arrested, as he was fleeing to exile himself. The Dr. Kizza Besigye aide was trying to get to freedom, but instead was sent to the slammer abroad. The Observer reported this back in 2014: “The army spokesman, Lt Col Ankunda, said then that Mugumya had been found in possession of dollars and was suspected to be involved in subversive activities” (Edris Kiggundu – ‘Where is FDC’s Sam Mugumya?’ 11.11.2014, The Observer).

There are so many words, but nothing definite. What is likely is that the authorities apprehended him within Uganda and kidnapped him. Because, no one knew where he was and he suddenly disappeared. Later to be find in custody in Beni (DRC) which means the authorities of Uganda did help him cross and get detained there. It happened in such a manner, that he never returned and was a suspected rebel or a militia member.

That’s why you know these stories don’t add up. It is total fabrication and an injustice served Sam Mugumya’s way. He has been a victim of his activism and association with Besigye. If he hadn’t been a part of Reform Agenda and Forum for Democratic Change (FDC). He wouldn’t be here. The authorities targeted him, because the likes of him was the future. We are seeing that happening today with associates of the National Unity Platform (NUP) who are kidnapped and disappearing for the public sphere. Therefore, Mugumya is just a representation of the oppression the government of Uganda is doing. While they where able to use the Courts and Prisons to silence Mugumya for years.

It is a long time to be paying the price for doing the right thing. Mugumya has paid a huge price and it has cost. Back in the day he was ADF and now his M23. You just know the whole thing is made up. That’s the gist of it.

What is tragic is that Mugumya spent 8 years behind bars and only because of political affiliation. He was a target and a means to an end. That’s why he was kidnapped and never returned to Uganda. Mugumya lingered in jail because of who he was affiliated with. That was all the authorities needed and Military Court could find excuses to keep him behind bars too. It took years before he went to trail and now that his released. The story has changed again.

I wonder where the “cargo” and where the “dollars” went. If they even existed. Secondly, the UPDF spokesman Paddy Ankunda better have his story straight now. Especially, if his asked about this. It’s all a unique situation and this sort of thing has to be tested.

This is injustice and Sam Mugumya has been scarred, he has been tested and worse, he paid a price of losing eight valuable years. He lost so much time in detention, instead of being free and a voice of reason. His now free, but his story needs to be told. As it is a story on how the authorities targets dissidents. Peace.

DRC: Joint Press release from FARDC and UPDF on the Operation Shujaa (11.12.2021)

Opinion: Okello Oryem is mocking the wrong partners with MONUSCO

“In an Interview with NTV this morning, the minister for foreign affairs in charge of international relations Okello Oryem said Uganda “does not need the help of the UN” which he says they consider as a “useless group” that has allegedly preserved terrorism in Congolese soil. “We have no good words for them, they have been there for long but what have they done? As far as we are concerned, we do not want their military assistance, even if they offer us a cup of tea, we do not need it,” said Mr Oryem” (Ritah Kemigisa – ‘Uganda doesn’t need UN’s help for DRC mission- Oryem’ 02.12.2021, KFM.co.ug).

The hubris and the arrogance is clear as the Minister Henry Okello Oryem who is is now downplaying the role of United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the DR Congo (MONUSCO), which is starting their gradual exit strategy from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). MONUSCO is based in the provinces of Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu, which the UN based mission is to stop the militias with disarmament and demobilization of them. In such a way, that the MONUSCO is there to be the civilians’ protection.

It is really striking that the Ugandan Minister is mocking and not wanting to work with MONUSCO now. This mission was first established in 1999 as MONUC and got a new mandate in 2010. While in 2020 the mandate changed and they are starting already to back-out. Therefore, the UN Mission is dwindling down. As well, as there are new militias and foreign interference in the region of which the Ugandan army entered yet again.

MONUSCO is partly created by the interference of Ugandan troops within the DRC. Not that the Ugandan armies was alone in these wars or always been welcomed to enter the DRC. The UPDF and Rwandan Defence Force (RDF) have both entered it. As well, as both nations have been involved in supporting militias, rebels and armed groups within the DRC. That is well-known and they re-appear at certain stages. Just like the UPDF have been inside the DRC before on specialized operations towards certain targets.

Okello Oryem is just showing how the Ugandans elites and the ones within the regime is thinking about it. It is their rights to attack and be part of military operations within the DRC. Since, they don’t want anything with the UN or MONUSCO. I wonder, if Okello Oryem would accept similar feelings in Somalia between the Somali National Army (SNA) and African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), which the latter UPDF is a pat of. I wonder, if Okello Oryem and all of the Ugandan hierarchy would like to be painted in similar fashion. Because, there is two sides to any coin and this is a foolish take.

Yes, MONUSCO isn’t perfect and neither is it’s mission. There has been continued insurgency and lack of territorial integrity, which the Ugandan and Rwandan counter-parts has supported and participated with. That is well-known and is a reason for the illegal export of resources from the provinces as well. Therefore, Okello Oryem should be a bit more humble, but I know that’s too much to ask for in 2021.

Okello Oryem could suddenly wake up and bite the dust. Since, his just showing a lot of flair. Nevertheless, we know the trouble will return and be a real issue. There isn’t only the ADF in Ituri, North and South Kivu provinces. There is several of other militias and guerrillas in the provinces and they are causing massive concern and is a silent war that never ends. They are invested in, given arms and training. This is deliberate and the joint operation will not stop this… sadly…

MONUSCO will not end this and they being gone will not stop the existence either. As long as the head of state and foreign interference for profits continues. The insecurity and usage of militias will continue.

It is like we are supposed to be naive and forget how this all started. The UPDF and RDF is responsible for a lot of the pain. The two nations have used the provinces and the DRC as a treasury chest for them. While using the same means to re-enter again and for some reason the Kinshasa government allows that to happen. This is even happening, as the State of Emergency in this regions are occurring. That is really tragic…

Okello Oryem should think about what he says. Since this could be easily said about the UPDF within the AMISOM. Which the SNA and Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) only creates more problems within Somalia. Alas, he as a diplomat should be more careful, but I don’t expect it to ever happen. Peace.

Opinion: Museveni’s recent address don’t reassure anyone

“I’m not your usual president. I speak with action and let me remind you that I’m not going to show any mercy to anyone who is Found guilty of killing my people. We are not here to joke, Uganda is able to protect itself from people who think that they’re better than us. We have already Gunned down several ISIS leaders and now they know that I’m not a man who you should play with. The sheikh who ordered his men to kill my people should run because I’m also ordering my men to go after them, it’s fire for fire don’t confuse power and authority” – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (20.11.2021).

Everything that General Museveni touches has to be violent. There is no peace and no sort of resolve. That’s how General solves things and not in a manner of which is with protocol. Yesterday he defended extra judicial-killings. He has no issues with it and seems to order it. This is not a warning, but a stern realization that the President believes he has the right of people’s life and death.

This national address on COVID-19 and National Security isn’t anything new. Very little was said that was striking or game changing. We have heard these things before and the state just shows intelligence in speeches, but without further proof. The President just speaks of intent and violent force. Because, that is how you strike fear and not how you generate peace. However, this is all that Museveni have after over 30 years in power. He cannot have love or care, neither concern or ability to read the room. No, he just have to blaze the guns and thinking that this is the manner of which terrorists will fear him.

As he continues…

“If ADF had remained quiet and not attacked Gen Katumba we wouldn’t have known them.They are overestimating themselves. They wanted to kill Gen Katumba because he is a big government person to show they are there. Although Jamilu Mukulu was arrested, they wanted to show they are still there (in existence). They also thought that Katumba being the Minister of Works and was to work on road in DRC which is their territory, how dear he” (Museveni, 20.11.2021).

“I have heard some arguments about Kirevu and how he was a good person. The attempt to kill Gen Katumba landed them in trap. All these incidents are linked. Our security was lax but when you provoke them, they wake up. We were able to use technology to identify some of them. It is a matter of time we got them” (Museveni, 20.11.2021).

It is strange how these things goes and how these things are connected. As the state claims it is ADF behind it all. While, there is no court trial or any evidence gathered for a court case. No, it is just empty statements in speeches. The Minister and General Katumba should be insulted of being used this way after surviving an assassination attempt and his daughter lost her life there together with his driver. They have not gotten justice or peace. Just like all the people in Kampala who lost their lives in the bombs.

The President is just showing his fierceness, but it is just a flex. This isn’t strength or ability to show control or have systems to ensure people’s safety. Instead it is boosting his own ego and his troops. They are just trigger-happy soldiers and officers who kills. Just like the terrorists does and without proof of alleged crimes or terrorist activity.

We should with certainty… but we cannot be happy with this. The President isn’t showing any sort of character or ability to govern here. Only that he can order people deaths and destroy lives. It is not like can secure or ensure anyone. That is missing here.. and he cannot regain that trust. Since he believes his guns and army can fix everything. That is evident here and parts of it is true. Because, we know he is only ruling because of it. If it wasn’t for the army and the soldiers, he wouldn’t have an office to go to. The President needs the UPDF and Intelligence Agencies to secure his political life. While, that will not give peace to the general public or secure their lives. As the President cannot find ways to make things peaceful and justifiable. If he did, he wouldn’t be speaking like this and be such an inactive person at the same time. Peace.

Opinion: Extra Judicial-Killings will not solve crimes or stop terror

Yesterday it was revealed from the Uganda Police Force that they killed Sheik Muhammed Kirevu. A man who was in their custody and handcuffed. The authorities had him in their midst and still they decided to shoot-and-kill him. That is extra judicial killing. They killed him right in-front of his family and his kids as witnesses.

The authorities are not only the ones who apprehend alleged criminals, but they are the court and the hangman. They are all in-one and they do this on their duty. This isn’t the first time or the last of which the Police Force or any of the state Security Organizations are inclined to use lethal force to stop an alleged criminal or suspect. They are not tried or charged, they are just taken out.

This isn’t the manner of which shows a difference between the state and a terrorist organizations. Since, the ones dropping the bombs is issuing terror and the state is issuing terror with their guns. There is no very to no difference between the parties. They are both sanctioning death upon both innocent and suspects. The state can after the fact claim links and evidence for the suspect. However, that was never proven in the courts or their supposed illegal activity was never tested. Therefore, it is flawed and what if the person was just another citizens catching a stray-bullet? Will the Police or Authorities take this to account and be responsible for the unfortunate death?

I doubt that… and Sheik Kirevu might have been connected to the ADF and might not have. All we know now is that he was in their custody and he ended up dead. Instead of doing due diligence and doing the process. Proving the alleged criminal conspiracy and his involvement in the terrorist organization. He was taken out and we can never know now. The Police Force is coming with hearsay and allegations, which will never be proven. They can say he was monster and a vicious individual, but the man can never defend his innocence either. Since the man is no longer breathing.

This is why the whole ordeal is wrong. The state isn’t doing this right. They are ambushing and hostile. They are not trying to show why they are righteous and have the laws to uphold. Since, there is no indication of difference between them or the bombers. Both are just killing senselessly and doing it for their respective end-game. That is the tragic things here and in the manner of the Sheik. Its his kids that is scarred for life. While the victims and the families of Kampala will forever be touched by the bombs earlier this week. In this way, nobody is getting peace and resolving the hurt. The state isn’t fixing things the right way, but only causing more harm.

The Uganda Police Force and all the other agencies shouldn’t be proud for doing this. There is little to no difference between them and a average murderer. They both kills, but one has a license like James Bond and the other is a nameless killer. The officers and state agents should be better, than random stranger with a gun. However, in 2021 in the Republic that’s too much to ask. We can beg to differ, but the reality is that this is how they operate.

This is how they deal with criminals, by being their own gang of operatives ready to shoot and kill. The Courts are useless and laws are too. When lives can be taken so easily and without mercy. The idea of an extra judicial killing should be a rare occasion, but in concern to the UPF. It is just to common and so ordinary. That is why this is a cultural way of acting and modus operandi. This is the tragic thing and lives which can never return is taken in the quest for “justice”. However, justice was denied and never served. The ones they are trying to rectify or act for isn’t getting the truth. They are just hearing about more families scorn by the authorities who acts like outlaws themselves. Peace.

Uganda Police Force (UPF): Further Update Surrounding the Bomb Blast Investigation (17.11.2021)

Opinion: Where are the Ministers of Security? [Muhwezi, Otafiire and Muhoozi]

“We cannot say that there is a lapse in security. Security has managed to keep this country secure for many years, and Uganda has been one of the safest places to stay” – Jim Muhwezi (on NBS Television, 27.10.2021).

Today as the twin-bombs hit Kampala. There are many questions remaining. The Uganda Police Force held their Press Conference and released their Press Release. The authorities sealed of the areas and dispersed the general public from the Central Business District. That was all natural after the incident.

What is striking is the deafening silence of the ministers who are in-charge. These are Minister of Security Maj. Gen. Jim Muhwezi, Minister of Internal Affairs Maj. Gen. Kahinda Otafiire and State Minister for Internal Affairs Gen. David Muhoozi. The mandate of Internal Affairs is: “To ensure and maintain internal security,peace and stability”. Clearly that mission was breached today.

These are the leaders who are in-charge except for the Commander-in-Chief and His Excellency Museveni. Therefore, you have natural expectation that these are in coordination and works to ensure these things to not happen. There are so many security organizations and intelligence gathering units. That the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Ministry of Security should both have a decent overview of the possible threats and who could do these kinds of things.

The United Kingdom warned in the mid-October 2021 of terrorism threats. This warning has clearly not been adhered too or been listened too. They have avoided to act and we have no four possible terrorism acts within a few weeks apart. In the end of October 2021 there was two incidents and today another two, which is well reported on.

We should wonder, if Muhwezi, Otafiire or Muhoozi will do anything about this? Do they have a plan? Will there be a open report and a re-group to foil possible domestic terror in the Republic? Since the authorities seems preoccupied with apprehending opposition activists and leaders. They are not busy finding culprits or gathering intelligence.

These three ministers has a lot to answer for. There is a lot to be desired and the way the security apparatus is organized. In the manner of which, all of the organizations can run and operate. As well, as the various of conflicts of interests in combination with the pressure from the outside. You just know there is to many chefs in kitchen. It will be a mess and a non-edible treat for your eyes to see, which only the unlucky bastards has to eat.

The three gentlemen should go out together and make not only joint statements. These three should make joint investigation and reports, as they can prove their worth. Unless, all three is just paper-tigers and someone else is really running the show from behind them. Because, these folks should have some pride and dignity to prove their mandates and roles. Alas, maybe that’s to much to ask in the Republic.

I am awaiting their returns to the NBS Television and NTV Uganda. However, I am also waiting for a statement to the Plenary Sessions in Parliament. Nevertheless, that isn’t an proper inquiry or such. There is a need or a joint exercise and where there is look at the whole structure. It is a need to see, who does what and where. This will ruffle some feathers … and some will be butt-hurt.

However, when these things are happening and innocent lives are taken. There needs to be consequences for the heads. The heads of government and ministers need to address it. Not only come with flattery and empty words of nothingness. That we have seen so much of. So, where are you? What do you do? The Red Cross can’t always save your asses. There is real implications to this. Peace.

Uganda Police Force (UPF): 3 Ugandans Dead, 3 Suicide Attackers Killed, 33 Victims Injured, 5 Critical, from Two Deadly Suicide Attacks (16.11.2021)