Up and About – Besigye Speaks out on Next Plan (Youtube-Clip)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JI5mRc3iz5M

“FDC Announces Peaceful Demonstration” (NBS TV Uganda, 2016)

FDC 05.05.2016 Planned March

Press Statement from the Uganda Federal Democratic Organization (22.04.2016)

Aggrey Kiyingi PR 22.04.2016 P1Aggrey Kiyingi PR 22.04.2016 P2

EU Election Observers reports says the Ugandan Elections of 2016 was: “Consequently, the legal framework contains gaps and ambiguities and therefore, in several instances, falls short of international principles for holding genuine democratic elections”

UGDebate16 Prayer

There been written a lot about the General Elections in Uganda of 2016, myself is guilty for doing so and with that in mind. I have read through the newly released Report of the European Union Election Observers Mission of 2016. That is worthy of taking what I see fit to broadcast and what the Europeans who went quick, took a safari and also spent some time at the Polling Stations. Here is what they said about the elections!

An important factor in what the EU thinks about the General Elections of 2016:

“Vital electoral reforms did not take place prior to the 2016 elections. Proposed amendments to the electoral legislation, compiled under the ‘Uganda Citizens Compact’, aimed at enabling the conduct of democratic elections, including to increase transparency in the appointment of the EC’s members, to restore presidential term limits and to improve parties’ financial accountability, were disregarded by the executive. Consequently, the legal framework contains gaps and ambiguities and therefore, in several instances, falls short of international principles for holding genuine democratic elections” (EU EOM, 2016).

BVVR Uganda 2016

Election Verification of Voters:

“The newly introduced voter registration system improved inclusiveness and accuracy of the voter register (VR). The final VR contained 15.277 million voters. However, establishing the cut-off date of 11 May 2015 for inclusion in the voter register disenfranchised approximately half million potential voters who turned 18 after this date” (EU EOM, 2016).

Lack of Transparency:

While legislation contains provisions on reporting and disclosure of political finance, these are neither followed by parties and candidates, nor enforced by the EC. This lack of transparency weakens the credibility of the elections” (EU EOM, 2016).

FDC 18.02.2016 Besigye Arrested

Maladministration of the vote:

“Voters showed remarkable determination on election day, waiting long hours to cast their ballots. The markedly late arrival of electoral material in certain areas marred an otherwise calm election day. The EC failed to address growing tensions among people deferred from voting. Instead, an imposing presence of police in the vicinity of polling stations was observed. Further shortcomings, such as unsealed ballot boxes in 20 per cent and compromised secrecy of vote in 11 per cent of polling stations visited, were observed by the EU EOM. Positively, party agents and domestic observers were mostly present in polling stations visited by the EU EOM” (EU EOM, 2016).

Talley Centre mishaps:

“In 85 per cent of the District Tally Centres (DTCs) observed, the printed sub-county results, broken down to polling station level, were not handed out or publicised. The Electronic Result and Transmission System, used to transmit the collated results from districts to the EC, did not contain key anti-fraud measures. In several districts, the electronic transfer did not take place; the results were brought to the EC by the district returning officer in person. The final tallying for these districts could not be observed, further undermining the integrity of the process” (EU EOM, 2016).

Kiggundu 19.02.2016

The Badru Kiggundu’s soul:

“The chairperson of the Commission expressed regret that he had nominated an opposition presidential candidate; made public remarks on a candidate’s family member, and on another occasion described him as not “exactly being a fountain of honour” (EU EOM, 2016).

Amama Blocked from enroute Mulagi to Busolwa 11.01.2016

Police intervene in the Election:

“On a number of occasions, opposition candidates, particularly from the FDC and TDA/Go Forward, were denied access to campaign venues, restricting their ability to campaign freely. The EU EOM received reports and observed extensive use of force by police, including teargas and assault rifles, to disperse crowds during Kizza Besigye’s and Amama Mbabazi’s rallies in Bukwo, Kasenge, and Ntungamo, among others.25 On 15 February, police detained Besigye twice, preventing him from addressing scheduled rallies in Central Kampala, and used teargas and live ammunition against his supporters, resulting in one death and several injuries” (EU EOM, 2016).

Government officials intervene in the Election:

The orchestrated use of state resources and personnel for campaign purposes was observed. Government officials took an active role in the NRM campaign, with several Resident District Commissioners and high-ranking security officials openly endorsing the candidacy of President Museveni and the NRM campaign. Thus, candidates’ equality of opportunity was not respected” (EU EOM, 2016).

Bukwo FDC Campaign Trail 060116 P3

Intimidation during the Election:

“In Bukwo district on 6 January, the police dispersed the campaign rally of FDC presidential candidate Besigye in Toriet Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp using teargas and assault rifles. Several senior FDC figures received minor injuries. The police stated that Besigye diverted from his planned route without justification and thus provoked acts of public disorder” (…)”On 25 January, the IGP stated that all critics who are simply ‘political opportunists’ can ‘go hang.’ On 27 January, he was also quoted saying ‘power shall not be handed over to the opposition to destabilise the peace the country has fought for.’ In a press release, the police later claimed that the media had misquoted the IGP” (…)”EU EOM observers received reports of intimidation of opposition and opposition supporters in Amuru, Bujenje, Buliisa, Gulu, Isingiro, Kamwenge, Kapchorwa, Kasese, Kiruhura, Kisoro, Lira, Masindi, Mbarara, Moroto, Mukono, Nakapiripirit, Nwoya, and Wakiso. Intimidation of voters was reported from Kiboga, Lira, Luweero, Moroto, Nakapiripirit and Sembabule districts” (EU EOM, 2016).

M7 16.11.15

Bad rhetoric during the Election:

“On 9 October, the President was quoted as saying that anybody who attempts to oppose him will, ‘Be smashed completely and no trace of his remains will be found on the ground,’ and on 20 December that ‘The thugs who attacked NRM supporters in Ntungamo will pay dearly.’ NRM secretary general Justine Kasule Lumumba was quoted on Radio Simba on 25 January saying, ‘We shall shoot anyone who will come on the streets to demonstrate against vote rigging.’ On 1 February, the deputy RDC in Jinja was quoted saying: ‘Whoever will be found disrupting the February 18 elections in Jinja District will be shot dead.’” (EU EOM, 2016).

Campaign funding disclosure:

“The total amount of money jointly spent by presidential and parliamentary candidates is not independently calculated and verified. According to presidential candidate Amama Mbabazi, he funded his three billion UGX campaign from his personal funds and received no donations. Kizza Besigye disclosed that his expenses totalled one billion UGX, of which 96 million UGX were donations. Incumbent president Museveni’s campaign team refused to disclose the amount/value or sources of his campaign funds” (EU EOM, 2016).

Police 29.02.2016 Kasangati

Media Freedom during the Elections:

“The NRM, with more funds at its disposal, admits to frequently using paid-for pseudo-journalism to boost its visibility and enhance the reputation of both the party and its candidates. An edifying example of the system in place occurred in Rwenzori, where 17 outspoken journalists were compelled to attend the President’s briefing in Masindi state lodge. The President not only instructed journalists to campaign for the NRM at grassroots level, but also provided them with financial ‘facilitation’. Consequently, the line between advertisements and editorial content was blurred and the impartiality of information offered to the electorate was eroded” (…)”Hostile statements targeting outlets owned by the country’s largest commercial media house, Nation Media Group (NMG), were repeatedly made by the President and reiterated by the state’s top executives. This reverberated at the local level, with the RDCs and other state actors orchestrating measures that encourage self-censorship on issues that might be perceived as critical to the President or the government. Intimidating phone calls, “guidance meetings” for journalists and editors chaired by the law enforcement bodies, as well as requests to submit the radio’s programming to the RDC or local UCC representative prior to broadcasting were the most wide-spread measures applied to put media under pressure. The EU EOM received reports on such occurrences in 20 districts” (…)”On 24 January the President stated: “Monitor and NTV don’t know that there is a good, they just tell lies…. NTV is an enemy”. The President voiced a similar statement on 31 January. On 29 January the minister of Information and National Guidance: “There is no media house that can take the law in their hands…we definitely shall close them down”. The government/NRM spokesperson criticized media on 1 February. On 9 February owners and editors of all leading media houses were invited to the dinner hosted by the EC and the UCC where all were warned that UCC will “without a hesitation sanction the media outlets” (…)”Media monitoring findings correspond the parties’ and candidates’ assessment of the balance and quality of local radio coverage of their campaign. While 78 per cent of the NRM’s local leadership believes that media featured them fairly, the FDC’s assessment of radio’s impartiality is diametrically opposed, with 78 per cent of local party representatives listing examples of biased coverage. In 21 districts, opposition candidates were denied access to radio broadcasts or stations, and in 32 districts, biased coverage against FDC, Democratic Party (DP) or Go Forward was reported” (EU EOM, 2016).

Kampala 18.02.2016

Election Day:

“In at least four cases, the police used teargas to disperse voters at polling stations. Only shortly before the official closing of the polling stations at 4 PM did the EC chairman announce the three-hour extension of voting in Kampala and Wakiso district. This was poorly communicated to the polling staff in affected areas, and EU EOM observers reported polling stations being closed at first and only after some hesitation did the polling staff improvise and try to re-open voting sites” (…)”Unauthorised persons were present in eight per cent of polling stations observed, and in none of them did the presiding officer requested them to leave. Essential election material was missing in 12 per cent of polling stations observed. Typically, the missing material was seals, but in a small number of cases also ballot boxes, ballot papers in sufficient numbers and the voter register was not available” (…)”In one quarter of the polling stations, observers encountered voters being turned away for not being on the voter register. Such a high percentage of voters not being aware of the location of the polling station indicates the lack of voter information prior to the elections. Only in two per cent of the polling stations visited were voters deprived of voting without lawful grounds” (EU EOM, 2016).

Counting:

“In 37 per cent of polling stations observed, the Presiding Officer had difficulties completing the Declaration of Result Forms (DRF), and in almost half of the polling stations the filling in of the Accountability of Ballot Papers Form proved to be problematic. In 20 per cent of polling stations where closing was observed, the numbers in the DRFs did not reconcile. This can be attributed to malpractice, negligence and/or numerical errors. The latter two were widespread since there were neither provisions nor even proper guidelines on how to conduct the reconciliation at the polling station level. Moreover, after filling in all forms, the safety and integrity of the DRF was not ensured in 30 per cent of polling stations observed, as they were not put into the tamper-proof envelope as prescribed by EC instructions. Intimidation of polling staff during the counting was reported from four polling stations observed by the EU EOM observers. In 93 per cent of polling stations observed at closure, results were not posted outside the polling stations, as required by law. Nevertheless, party agents were given copies of the DRFs in 93 per cent of cases” (EU EOM, 2016).

Masaka Talley Center 19.02.2016

Tallying:

“The ban on social media on mobile devices was not lifted for four consecutive days. The overall environment created by state actors during the final stages of the tallying of results curbed voters’ right to access to information as called for in Uganda’s international and regional commitments” (…)”Further constrains on the public’s access to information originated from the EC’s statement de facto prohibiting media to publicise results announced at the polling stations. Such live reports on results by polling station is a habitual and defining feature of Ugandan media’s election coverage as it enables each voter to independently verify the results in his or her polling station. With the FDC’s leadership being detained, the police surrounding Mbabazi’s home, and with critical media being effectively silenced, the EC held a monopoly over both the content of electoral results information and the pace of its disclosure” (EU EOM, 2016). “The results, however, did not contain data from 1,787 polling stations, affecting 43 districts, eight of them strongly” (EU EOM, 2016). The EC eventually updated the final result on 22 February, adding the results from 1,658 polling stations. The EC also nullified results from 129 polling stations in 34 districts due to various malpractices, including disruptions during voting and the number of votes cast exceeding 100 per cent of registered voters. However, the list of affected polling stations was not published, thus compromising the EC’s accountability” (…)”These were Jinja with 388 polling stations (PS) out of 399 missing, Rukungiri with 273 PS out of 276 missing, Kyenjojo with 277 PS out of 337 missing, Kabale 190 PS out of 478, Kampala with 162 PS out of 1,338, Wakiso 119 PS out of 1,359, Isingiro with 88 PS out of 385, and Ntungamo with 78 PS out of 432 missing. These eight districts account for 1,575 or 88.5 per cent of the missing PS” (EU EOM, 2016).

M7 2016 Post Interview quote

It is good to see that the Elections Observers is saying the same as so many other people have said about it. This here counters the words of Andrew Mwenda, Ofwono Opondo and President Museveni. The words that should stick to into President Museveni mind is this:

“Consequently, the legal framework contains gaps and ambiguities and therefore, in several instances, falls short of international principles for holding genuine democratic elections”.

Because he said this after the elections was over: “am glad that my people here have seen the mistake of listening to foreign meddlers.” (…) “If the international community has lost confidence in us, it is a compliment and it means we are right”.

So in his mind because the European Union now saying he is wrong and that the framework is co-operative with free and fair elections; then in the mind of President Museveni means we’re right. The President Museveni has now “won” the 7th Term and is ready for his 31 years of power. He is double the age of average aged Ugandan. So there is something missing and wished for. Therefore the ending of the tension and the presence of security outfits in nearby area. The Army and Police Force is close by and the ones that keep him in Power. Not the loyalty of the people or the legitimacy of the way he became the incumbent again! Peace.

Mou EOM GoU 2015

P.S. Mr. Eduard Kukan I will be honest I had little faith in you and your mission as the fraudulent and praising foreign missions to express faith in the government they are funding through donor-aid and direct-budget funds. Therefore I thought that you would naturally say it was free and fair without hesitation. Because you went from Slovakia to go on Safari, drink some sodas and have matooki and be merry. But I am glad you did your job well, not because of your view, but because of sense observations and reports been told. That seems genuine as your concern for the maladministration and fraudulent elections you observed.

Reference:

European Union Election Observation Mission – ‘Uganda Presidential, Parliamentary and Local Council Elections, 18 February 2016’ (April 2016)

Don Museveni says “I would never accept these foreigners to give me orders about Uganda”; Time to cut the direct donor assistance to the government budget of Uganda and after that let Don Museveni eat alone!

museveni and his gun

“I wouldn’t ask these foreigners, but I would never accept these foreigners to give me orders about Uganda. Or about anything in the world! They got their own countries to run. Let them go and run them. Uganda is ours. Nobody gives us orders here” – President Museveni at Kololo Independence Grounds Speech while celebrating the “Double Victory” on 9th April 2016.

Now that it is not long ago he told the world that Uganda was his playground and he could shot and kill opposition because they had no place in his country. From the same man and leader comes this. Let me ask the international community to react to violent behavior and the aggression this President shows his own county.

The racketeering of the NRM and their Executive has to stop at one point. That can happen when the funds dry up and the ammunition does come with the next boat. The American should stop with their alliance and their UPDF trainings. The Americans should do as they did with the MCC in Tanzania; suspend the projects and direct-donor aid to budget funding of the Ugandan Government.

Total rig Uganda

The French should stop supporting the Government projects in Northern Uganda and cut their loans as they have promised to effect directly the RDC and the other loyal cronies of Northern Uganda. This does so the Capos of the Don get their monies and keeps eating. While the Japanese should stop supporting infrastructure projects together with the Chinese Foreign Ministry, while the CNOOC should terminate their contract with the Uganda Government. Total Oil firm of the French should suspend their operation until the government accept their blood-money. The Same with Heritage Oil for Britain so the UK Gov. should disband their direct government support and take away the incentive from UK to Uganda. The Norwegian Government should suspend the Oil for Development Program that have been a steady program since 2006. Because if you hurt it where it could become most important, then the Don Museveni might listen.

The European Union should to hurt the Foreign Exchange rate suspend the import of Robusta Coffee beans from Uganda, as the export of this is a major factor in the economic trade in the land-lock country. “A total of 271,941 bags of coffee valued at US$ 25.12 million were exported in February 2016 -Source UCDA report”. If you want to hit where it hurts, then you take away the foreign exchange and the foreign exports. This here could really hurt the government that does not want to have any interference or questions about their rule.

If the Donors and giving aid, would suspend or cut the services for the Peacekeepers, the same reaction that the Dutch did with the Burundian Peacekeepers in the AMISOM in Somalia. The same could be done by the American Government and EU as they are the major benefactors for the economic spending ground and facilitators for it.

Muhoozi Museveni

It is not like I am for neo-colonialism, but when a totalitarian and gangster like Don Museveni complains about the US Mission questioning his oppressive behavior and European Union saying their opinion on the display of character showed during the Election and announcement of the results. Then it seems like he does not need any-more international legitimacy for his rule. Only their money and aid when it comes in handy too fuel money to a private plane, refurnishing the State Houses, buying new cars and more estates. Especially considering in FY 2013/2014 the donor assistance of the total budget was 21 % of it. Therefore the USAID, World Bank, IMF, DFID, European Commission, Irish Aid, NORAD and the other contributors should suspend that for the coming financial year of FY 2016/2017. To not hurt the citizens do this instead!

They should support the IDP camps and refugee camps in the Ugandan country through United Nations programs and organizations, build stronger relationship with NGOs in Uganda and forge good governance programs instead of supporting a government who is carrying out rigged election and embezzlement of government funds and international aid. Therefore progressive use of the tax-payers money from the Western Hemisphere, and if that is not working then, use it instead on local infrastructure projects to their own tax-payers.

EuroOK

Especially when a specialized report on Donor Aid to Ugandan Government says this:

Budget support has not helped much in relation to cross sectoral dialogue. Some improvement was realized in education sector as dialogue with Ministry of Local Government and Ministry of Public Service improved. But this has not happened for the health sector” (…)”The power relations between bilaterals and Global Health Initiatives including PEPFER, Global Fund, GAVI, Stop Malaria etc shifted in favour of the latter who had no experience in the development of the budget support process and completely ignored to an apparent ineffectiveness” (…)”Budget support resulted in a greater commitment and quality of dialogue on PFM issues, especially after 2007 with the launch of FINMAP and JBSF. The influence of performance measures on sector dialogue declined from 2011/12, as the link with releases became less clear” (Joint Evaluation of Budget Support to Uganda – Final Report – 2015, P: 132).

This here proves the values of the Donor-Funding and the Budget Support from the International community to the Ugandan Government and the NRM-Regime. The NRM mafia under Don Museveni who says that the Ugandan authority do not want to have internal interference and foreign people questioning his playground. Therefore the authority and the Don want to rest things into peace he lets the people end up resting in peace. As he takes the Army and Police to detain the ones it needs and use draconian laws to oppress his own people.

NRM Oyee! 09.04.2016

Therefore with also the fraudulent election to keep the NRM mafia in order and also silence the opposition; as it even did yesterday the 9th March 2016 with the Military Police taking over the Nakivubo Settlement Primary School so the “Victory Celebration” that was supposed to be held there with Lord Mayor Lukwago and FDC Leader Besigye. This happen while the Crime Preventers, NRM Diehards and the new MPs we’re celebrating at Kololo Independence Grounds while costing the 1, 5 billion shillings. The racket also carries to pay their own and let the kingpin eat the money alone. As he has done since 1986 and the donor have continued to fund the budget support and give Don Museveni money to do his bidding.

Therefore I ask the governments to question if they want to deliver more money the NRM Mafia who uses monies to the army and police, squander away State House money on funding his campaign and also rumors of AMISOM contingent. There are certain numbers on his spending on military is staggering over the years. In between 2011 and end of term 2016 the taxpayers and donor-funding the total Shs. 6.617 trillion to the Army, Police and Intelligence Agencies. Of this in MPS in February 2015 into the portfolio of sophisticated military equipment there was the extended use of Shs. 470 billion, alone that year.

Bundibugyo 28.02.2016

So with that knowledge and knowing the international donors should consider some reactions as he does not accept any interference not internal and not external. The Playground might be for the moment him, the Don Museveni has spoken of killing demonstrating citizens and opposition. The harassment of the ones that question the power of the kingpin!

That is when the international donors in the powers of US Mission in Kampala and their Amb. Malac recently; and also when the European Union does state the fact that the election was not free and fair. Therefore the Don Museveni feels betrayed as this has been loyal men who have given money to his government and not question his power or rule. Because they needed him to do their dirty-laundry and also have a steady ally in the East Africa; as the US have a relationship with Ethiopia and also Kenya, but have a longer engagement with the Ugandan Government, and now accepting the harassment of opposition as a price for some form of stability.

UGDebate2016 P8 Amama

While the other donor-funding is not questioning other than expressing some have cut funding over the $12 Million that was going to Northern Uganda Development Fund (NUDF) in the 2012, that went lost to through the Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi. Also the Anti-Gay Bill had their reactions from UK, Norway and Dutch who cut parts of their aid. So now it is the time again, as the oppression, election fraud and the man who want to be the Don and acts like the Don of Uganda. The Godfather of Uganda has spoken. He does not want to be inference. So since he does not wish to have interference the international donors and bilateral organizations should offer him a hand with that.

The International donors and bilateral organizations should certainly suspend their direct budget support to the Ugandan Government. As they don’t wish to have any interference and can handle it all on their own. The money should instead spend on the Multi-National Organizations working in Uganda, as the OCHA, UNICEF and WFP as they will submit and carry out quick resolved matters in Internal Displaced Camps and around the borders through their projects. Since that will not have any other government questioning their actions, then the other governments should not help to fund their actions. Simple rhetorical assessment that banish the 20 % power of the funds that Don Museveni has at his disposal and use; when outsiders are such a pain, then the pain should leave Don Museveni alone and not support him.

Newspapers Same Scandal Uganda

So the Donors and Bilateral organizations should cut their aid and give less power to Don Museveni and his NRM Mafia who spends and eats alone; while his government does not have money to build health care, roads, schools or the other necessities in the Ugandan Society. But not with Foreign tax-payers money, when they get used on the expensive cars, lavish lifestyle, foreign health care and private planes for the Godfather. There is time to take action as the gangster will act as Don and not as a Statesman. Henceforth, when a player does not want question, but accept your money and not accountable for them; and when the player squander the money and expect to get away with it. Then the Player should lose the ability to get the money from you. The Don Museveni have already had long enough time to deliver and used enough of donor-funds without showing progress. Time to cross out the donor-funding to direct budget support; then Don Museveni does not need to be questioned. As the international community will not have put a stake and being stakeholders for certain parts of the budget. But when they step away, then Don Museveni can be the kingpin and the gangster he want to be in military fatigue and do as he want in his playground, without opposition who should just stay home; and also without foreigners questioning him. Then he can rule alone with the capos, underbosses and then be grand Don Museveni. Peace.  

Good News: Christoper Aine Come’s Back from the “dead”; but the question remains – What did really happen?

Aine NTV

I have written about this before, since there was no clarity of what happened after the Election Violence between NRM Supporters and Go-Forward Supporters in the Ntungamo clashes. That was on the 13th December there with NRM People and Regional Commander involved in the sponsoring of the violence,;therefore the Don Museveni said the famous words of never playing with the Leopards Anus. The Go Forward camp got detained and the NRM supporters got facilitated with monies for their hurt; because the only Ugandans that matters is the ones that follows the vision of the Don.

The Good News:

“Christopher Aine, Amama Mbabazi’s security aide has resurfaced alive and well, four months after he reportedly went missing. Aine has handed himself over to government, according to Gen. Salim Saleh. A soft spoken Aine says he spent the last four months hiding in Tanzania. At the height of Aine’s disappearance, his family accused police of being in possession of their relative. Social media was later awash with a photo purported to be Aine’s body. During the entire time of his ‘disappearance’, police maintained it was not in possession of the aide who was reportedly picked up by police in December” (NBS TV Uganda, 07.04.2016).

Go Forward 17.12.15 Free Aine

Before all of this, the Inspectorate General of the Police Kayihura took out Cash Reward for telling where he was on the new-years. That was necessary skeptical about since it seemed so strange from the Police Force and the amount of detaining the opposition. Especially since this kind of thing happens the detaining family members for questioning the authorities for his whereabouts. That former Police Intelligence worker and now Political Analyst Charles Rwomusushana for posting a picture on social media get detained and questioned at Special Investigation Unit at Kireka. That Norman Tumuhimbise of the Jobless Brotherhood who went looking in the missing person in Nakaseke District without look; and second person to offer reward for finding the man. So with all of these actions while nobody coming up front with great details. And the Police through CP Fred Enaga claiming this and that do not secure the family. While later the Police Slamming the Family of Aine to create drama about his status. That while the son still not-knowing the whereabouts.

So the picture of a seemingly dead man makes a person suspicious when it comes to a Police Force who shots journalist and detain opposition without trials or court verdicts, henceforth the initial thoughts went to he was dead. The assumption should not be weird knowing the violence from the Police Force and the Army in the Pre-Election Period.

IGP Kale Kayihura Quote

On 11th January 2016 I wrote this one the case:

“The starting spin-control in the end of December 2015; show’s a man like me that they know more then what they are telling the public. So we can question what is happening, I don’t have the answers, it just don’t add up. The Police know more then what they release, the Go-Forward team comments are direct, and the family of Aine has been upfront from the get-go since it their son and family member. They are the only ones in this who has been totally truthful and saying how they feel. Something they are entitled to and they should be the first ones to gain information on the matter” (Minbane, 11.01.2016).

We had the right to question what happen and what we’re the truth, as the Authorities and the Go-Forward Group tried to either deflect or attack each other, while the family and Civil Society Organization, together with Political activist went in to try to find answers.

Ntungamo 13.12.15 Yellow

Even with him surfacing today, there is many unanswered questions where was he really? Who has supported him while being gone? Why did the Police detain his family member, Rwomusushana and Tumuhimbise? Because there must be reasons for the issues the Government had with them trying to find out his whereabouts and question the Police in their search for him. The supposed death and the intelligence if the government had it; could have issued something else then the Spin-Control that was done during the month of January in 2016.

It’s good news that has surfaced in the home of Gen. Salim Selah, brother of Mzee, the former General of Intelligence. That the military man sheds light on the giant question that has been in public during the Pre-Election Period and the worry of the Go Forward Security Officer. There were many reasons for this, as the violence from the government could be put in question and the militarized politics that the President Museveni stands for.

When the truth get shed light on and when we can see who coined the most for his disappearance and the agreements for hiding him. Then we will truly know the truth behind it, because parts of the disappearance are still in the dark and the play it did on the Hon. Amama Mbabazi campaign. Also what did President Museveni have done when it comes to the disappearance as well, because the NRM regime could have done a lot and shed light on matter; but that didn’t happen at all!

So the story will continue to unfold and many questions remain, where was Christopher Aine during the Pre-Election Period, and why did he surface today? Peace.

The Markie event of the President Bid of Hon. Moses Wentangula in Kakamega yesterday; as the rally happen; the chaos and the bickering transpired; either it is issues between the Opposition or the hired noise from JAP; it make me worry about the coming election!

Kakamega 02.04.2016

Yesterday the Forum for the Resotoration of Democracy (FORD-Kenya) Hon. Moses Wentangula had his Presidential Bid Rally in Kakamega at Muliro Gounds. As much as the Kakamega County said the grounds we’re rebuilt for recreational use and not public rallies anymore. The rally still occurred. Though under some unfortunate circumstances as Orange Democratic Movement supporters crashed the venue and created unnecessary actions, that lead to tear-gas and people hurt in melee.

Yester was supposed to be the start of the Hon. Wentangula bid for presidency as the main candidate for the Opposition Parties and their alliance Coalition for Reform and Democracy (CORD-Kenya). That is a multi-party coalition of the most of the opposition parties that are in the country. They are supposed to be the stark contrast to the Ruling Jubilee Alliance which is the ruling coalition with Jubilee of President Kenyatta and his Deputy Hon. William Ruto of the United Republic Party.  Just as they in October 2015 was to create a Party out of the coalition that becomes the Jubilee Alliance Party (JAP). So the ruling party will be stronger and counter stronger towards the opposition coalition.

Odinga Wentangula

As we saw yesterday even with the days before Hon. Raila Odinga in his written statement on 01.04.2016: “I will endorse Wetangula Tosa 2017 at the monumental Muliro gardens Kakamega.I find strong leadership in My brother Hon Moses Wetangula,he is young,energetic and brave to face-off with Uhuru in the 2017”.

Hon. Odinga had already given in public sphere the endorsement of Hon. Wentangula as he had planned his bid and surely had worked the CORD before this, so it was not a coming like a lightning strike or all of sudden no Chapattis in the whole of Kenya!

The ODM supporters acted wildly as they tried to undermine the leadership of CORD. If not is strange tactic from Hon. Raila Odinga to first endorse then sending his loyal followers to destroy the start of Hon. Wentangula bid for presidency in coming election of 2017. CORD if they will ever counter the ruling regime, need solidarity and ethics. Prove that they are different from them and strike as viable choice for the public to run behind.

If the Opposition wants to be taken serious they have to show it with actions and not go to grind against each other; especially not rowdy ODM Supporters at a campaign rally. The same would be if FORD Supporters ran around creating havoc at an ODM Rally. Even if the ODM supporters did this in good faith to support Hon. Raila Odinga and tamper with the President Bid of Hon. Wentangula. As he already had endorsed and given way for in the way he did Mwai Kibaki.

UhuruandRuto

As long as they bickering and look chaotic the JAP under President Kenyatta and Deptuy Ruto will blossom while looking smart to the public. That is something both Hon. Wetangula and Hon. Odinga. The Odinga family have had misfortune compared to the ruling mafia in Kenya that is in fourth extension with Uhuru Kenyatta, as he follows the proud leadership click from Jomo Kenyatta his father, Daniel Arap Moi who was Jomo Kenyatta’s Deputy; the same with Mwai Kibaki who worked under Daniel Arap Moi before being ready for the Executive position or become the President; the same was with Uhuru Kenyatta who got groomed during Mwai Kibaki and made ready when his turn came. While Jaramogi Ogdinga Odinga got detained and lost his Prime Minster position, Rail Odinga got to become Prime Minister under Kibaki as the Power-sharing agreement was to med peace. After that he lost on his bid to again try to become the President as Uhuru Kenyatta won on his coalition and Raila Odinga got back into Opposition.

Now that the Opposition should be gearing up together and make sure the makeshift that the Opposition wish to create, instead the ruling party and the JAP can have field day and think their wise as their consolidate their alliance and coalition under one house to strengthen the party towards the General Election in 2017.

The actions of yesterday was to be a merry and not create tension between the ODM and FORD, which is not needed; if they want to be seen as professional partners who have one single presidential candidate, if not they may fall short as the The Democratic Alliance before the General Election in 2016 with the bickering between the partners and the loosing of the major-party and their main candidate Dr. Kizza Besigye while Amama Mbabazi and his newly formed party Go-Forward got the whole Coalition for himself, but the DP and the UPC struggled with affiliation, as the FDC grew strong by being the third force during the election period.

The same could happen, but the CORD have been strong together for long under the regime of Hon. Raila Odinga, but the assessment after yesterday seems bleak as even Hon. Raila Odinga did not show up at the venue, even Hon Nabil Naberwa (FORD) was detained after the rally.

Sugar Deals Wentagula 2015 Press Release

Cord Effect Says this:

“Intelligence reaching us indicate that a prominent Western Kenya leader, working with unnamed politicians from outside Western, not aligned to CORD and suspected to be heavily financed by Jubilee, has spent the better part of the last three days hiring buses and trucks full of people from as far as Khayega and Kibigori with the intention to use them to cause disturbances at Moses Wetang’ula presidential launch later today” (CORD Effect, 03.04.2016).

So the Government and Police will investigate the matter and the cause for chaos that happen on Muliro ground at the Presidental Bid of Hon. Wetangula. The matter at hand it’s supposed to be a joyful occasion to inspire the opposition and gain support as something else then the JAP. The day was not only marked with the words, but with the killing of an unfortunate police officer and people hurt by the crowd of ODM supporters. If they we’re payed to be that by the JAP then this is a sorry for a ruling party to make a propaganda victory and senseless actions towards counterparts, fellow brothers from another mother.

We as pundits like me, hope for peaceful election and not of violence by any means. If this is only the start then it is worrying of the state of the politics, if it is really ODM supporters, then the ODM Party have to sufficiently either stand by their endorsement of Hon. Wetangula and Hon. Odinga better enlighten his fellow supporters. If the FORD gets hurt by this, they better get into dialogue and square it out, as this should not be something that creates animosity. Certainly JAP will win on this if this is truly a actual event where the Opposition parties going against each other, but if this is payed and staged by them. Then the JAP Party is the reason for the death of Police Officer, and then getting the FORD Official behind bars for their own gain, which is political manipulation and then trying to score a mental victory by making it look like a flawed event.

That is just my vision. You might have another one. Peace.   

(In Pictures) Besigye had A Mid-Night Stroll in Kasangati tonight and also his statement on the continued House-Arrest; My second take on IGP Kayihura who lied to the Public on Besigye’s dire situation!

02.04. 2016 Besigye P1

Dr. Kizza Besigye Statement after midnight at Kasangati:

“IGP Kayihura once again deceived Ugandans today that I’d been freed. It was fools day anyway!!! I took the pictures here after midnight- on 2nd April 2016. It terrible to have a leader of a police force that breaks the law routinely and willfully; that seems to enjoy telling lies; and that has no regard for the opinion of others!”

02.04. 2016 Besigye P2

And here his last released picture to the Public from Kasangati:

Kasangati 02.04.2016 Police

FDC Statement on it earlier in the day on the 1st  of April 2016:

“What was an open secret that Mr. kale Kayihura had instructed his policemen to move away from Dr. Kizza Besigye’s home has now turned into a fat lie, the Uganda Police Force has actually multiplied in number”.

My take on it: 

IGP Kale Kayihura of the Ugandan Police Force might have had the ability to fool some people. But the pictures and the manifestation of the Police Officer talking in the phone while monitoring Dr. Kizza Besigey should be send a clear message, while they talked about the leaving the premises of Besigye’s gate and compound; they still have the metal-teeth and the Police Officers squatting in reach of the gate and still having the ability to check-in everybody who enters and leaves his home. So Practically the House Arrest never stopped and the illegal detention and unlawful detaining of the FDC Presidential Candidate and the man who never had the ability to really content the result of the February 2016 Presidential Elections have been sufficed to his own gates and home without being the ordinary man who can walk to work or even go out to buy his food. This has been going for over 40 days, since straight before the Election Day on the 18th February. So you know that the Police Force is still besieging the Compound at Kasangati.

Truly and clearly the IGP Kayihura lied and tried to deceive so that his master and the Government could work in Peace and hopefully without issues from the outside world; as even the U.S. Mission talked about progressing toward democratic elections in recent statement. I am paraphrasing the U.S. Mission, but that is in general what the army ally wrote as the Post-Election Period is going away and “ordinary” State of Affairs resumes before the swearing-in and the 10th Parliament sessions starts. As paraphrasing is not good enough here is actually the main quote in my opinon from the United States Embassy that is worth noticing.

Kasangati 02.04.2016 Police P2

Here what the U.S. Mission in Kampala says in their Statement to the Public:

“The U.S. Embassy notes today’s Supreme Court ruling affirming the results of Uganda’s February 18 presidential vote that saw President Yoweri Museveni re-elected to his fifth term. We encourage all Ugandans to respect the Court’s decision, and express their views in a peaceful manner” (U.S. Embassy of Kampala, 31.03.2016).

Certainly one thing is clear. The House Arrest of Dr. Kizza Besigye never happen and the orders from above would not let that happen, as he is the epitome of everything President Museveni is not, a legitimate leader compared to Executive; who have to House Arrest his main opponents. Peace.

CEON-U: Post election Press release (01.04.2016)

CCEDU Topowa

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 1, 2016

The post election season has been characterised by tension arising from the house arrest of lead opposition leader Dr Kizza Besigye, a court case by former presidential candidate Amama Mbabazi and filing court petitions for MP, L.C and municipal elections.

The Citizen Election Observers Network- Uganda (CEON-U) is concerned that the continued house arrest of the lead opposition candidate infringes on his right to freedom according to article 23 of the constitution.

In article 43 of the constitution: (I) In the enjoyment of the rights and freedoms prescribed in this Chapter, no person shall prejudice the fundamental or other human rights and freedoms of others or the public interest.

(2) Public interest under this article shall not permit-

(a) political persecution;

(b) detention without trial;

(c) any limitation of the enjoyment of the rights and freedoms prescribed by this Chapter beyond what is acceptable and demonstrably justifiable in a free and democratic society, or what is provided in this Constitution.

NBS Besigye 16.02.2016

Section 24 of the police act gives the police a right to arrest someone if he is a threat to public security, but CEON-U demands that police produces evidence that makes Besigye a threat to public security, otherwise will his arrest be indefinite.

In a multiparty system, opposition parties should not be viewed as enemies of the state, but rather as groups that provide alternative Government programmes.

As part of a process of increasing citizen participation in Uganda’s electoral process, CEON-U recently carried out an opinion survey on the recently concluded general elections.

The survey was meant to expose electoral irregularities so as to provide a premise on how to better organise elections in Uganda.

EC 22.02.2015 Guarded Heavy

Consequently;  8 CEON-U managers visited areas where there is conflict, court petitions and requests for vote recounts to establish the causes of the disputed elections. The team visited Tororo, Gulu, Kotido, Butambala, Serere, Jinja, Mayuge, Iganga, Mukono, Kasese, Bundibugyo and Ntungamo. The managers worked closely with our long-term observers who are natives of the constituencies and the districts which they observed, before, during and are observing after elections. CEON-U held focus group discussions with members of the community, local council leaders, opinion leaders and voters from all political parties in the districts.

CEON-U also met district police officials, district returning officers, registrars in courts of law and victims of electoral violence.

Oulanyah House 20.02.2016

Findings:

Generally, the presidential and parliamentary elections were peaceful, but the period leading up to the election day was volatile in all the districts visited. In Mayuge for instance a man died under unclear circumstances. He was a supporter of Robert Ntende, an independent candidate. He is said to have been killed by supporters of Idi Isabirye.

In Iganga at Idudi supporters of NRM and FDC clashed on the eve of elections over voter bribery. The NRM MP was giving out cash to voters who alerted FDC supporters. FDC supporters reacted by blocking the NRM from giving out money, the NRM called a NAADS soldier to rescue them. He came and shot dead a 25-year-old man and the crowd became more rowdy. And the soldier continued firing live bullets. In the process of the scuffle, a woman was shot through the arm and an s.3 student was shot through the neck. Both these people were not involved in the scuffle but had gone to the trading centre to buy food. This shooting took place at 8:00pm. (attached are the pictures of the victims of the shootings).

The way results were tabulated and announced at the district provided a sharp contrast with what the locals had gathered from the polling stations. This happened for all the elections, presidential, parliamentary, district council and municipal elections.

NRM UPC Arua 16.11.15

There are mainly two known political parties, the NRM and FDC; even though Uganda has 10 political parties. UPC which was once a known party is almost non-existent.

In a strong multi-party dispensation system people are given an opportunity to have divergent views on handling issues of governance. A weak political party system promotes a one party system of governance which impedes institutional growth.

The management of electoral processes by some of the district returning officials was poor.

A case in point is Jinja: When it came to the L.C.3 election of Walukuba West Parish B;

The LC 3 election had five candidates Joseph Bateganya Atumika, Bisusa Amisi Kafuko, Kirunda Isaac Kiwunda, Mande Milton and Mbulugu Emmanuel.

On Election day the ballot papers that were supplied to the polling stations had wrong names. Mande Milton was called Mande Milton Kirunda. Also party symbols were mixed up between the NRM candidate and FDC candidate. This was sufficient ground for the election to have been cancelled. However, even when the Jinja district returning officer, Ambrose Mwaita was notified about the anomaly he told the candidate Kirunda Isaac Kiwunda that electoral commission Jinja was not going to do anything about this case. A case has been filed against the electoral commission in Jinja court by Kirunda Isaac Kiwunda.

There are several other electoral disputes that have been filed in courts of law in the various districts. In Omoro Constituency there is a Petition: Simon Toolit Vs Oulanyah Jacob was logged in on March 24 2016. Simon Tollit is suing the Incumbent Oulanyah Jacob and EC over election mal practice. These included ballot boxes being kept away in a saloon, EC tampering with DR forms, EC using a Different format of the District DR Form to declare results among other things.

Anti Riot Police 30.01.2016 Before FDC Campaign Kabale

Intimidation and Violence:

In Katawi, Amuria, Bukedea and Serere there were cases of intimidation and violence. The community claimed they were beaten by militia groups and crime preventers and were warned against voting an opposition party into power. ( attached is a picture of the people who gave confessions during a focus group discussion)

In Mukono the parliamentary campaigns were characterised by violence and chaos. According to the electoral commission, Fatuma Ndisaba’s supporters used to beat up Betty Nambooze’s supporters during campaigns. There was also the problem of candidates campaigning beyond the stipulated for campaign time and supporters clashing after the campaigns.

Badru EC

Recommendations:

 The military should be restrained from participating in elections, because elections are volatile in nature. Electoral commission should improve its image by investigating and eventually laying off district returning officers who are said to have altered DR forms and extorted money from candidates who wanted to be announced winners.   All political parties should be treated equally and respectfully by the Government in power.  The Government should seriously consider the electoral reforms that civil society presented last year. Presiding officers and polling assistants should be better remunerated to prevent them from being compromised during elections.  Management of elections is not a single days event. Planning and training of officials, desk officers, middle level managers, desk officers, heads of departments on the process of elections should start the second month after the general elections. Training presiding and polling officials should be done a month to the elections to minimise errors on the DR forms.

Ugandan Election 2016 Grieving

Conclusion:

The democratic path is a long bumpy one, despite the many electoral irregularities that marred the recently concluded elections, the gains made over the last 30 years cannot just be thrown away. We need more concerted effort to promote true democratic ideals.

For more information about CEON-U contact Dr Martin Mwondha on 0788929052 or email omwondha662@yahoo.com visit our website at http://www.ceonu.or.ug (CEON – Uganda) – Towards 2016: Conducting a Unified, Comprehensive and effective election Observation Mission in Uganda. You can also visit the FHRI offices in Nsambya.

IGP Kayihura lied; Still Police guarding the gate at Besigye’s home in Kasangati!

Kasangati 01.04.2016 Police

As earlier in the day the IGP Kayihura talked bravely again of leaving the home of Dr. Kizza Besigye, the reality of on the ground and around his compound is the same. It is more or less the same as in the recent 40 days of house-arrest!  The Police is in the Anti-Riot Vehicle guarding his home and keeping him under strict surveillance and has not left the gates of his home. This is strictly countering the words earlier in the day.

So IGP Kayihura the man who says he never was under house-arrest and now said he ordered DPC Kawalya to drop the Police from the premises and the compound of the FDC Presidential candidate and the Amama Mbabazi Petition to Supreme Court for annulment of the Election have been dismissed, why are they still there?

Kasangati 01.04.2016 Police P2

Or has somebody after hearing your lying words countered you and not allowed for another deployment of the honorable Police that are still standing outside the gates of his home!

For those who forget quickly this is what was being told to the press for IGP Kayihura: ““he has instructed Kasangati Police Station DPC to withdraw deployment outside Dr Kizza Besigye’s home as they maintain close monitoring of his movements to ensure people’s safety”.

Wafula Oguttu statement today:

The police has just deployed more officers around Dr Besigye’s home. More than before with more motorcycles and closer to the main gate. We are yet to know what is going on especially given the fact that the IPG told the world today that they had given back Dr Besigye’s freedom. I am here”

Does not look like that to me. They are still sitting there and wondering if he ever going to leave the compound so they detain him again, that is the routine for the men at the gates of Kasangati.

Well, same old same old. More lies from the proud, IGP Kayihura and the pictures say it all. Peace.

An Important Update!

Look now at evening time they are still there and not planing to leave!

Kasangati Night 01.04.2016

The Grand display of Celebration for NRM in Kampala after the dismissal of Election Petition and in general validating of the election in favor of Mzee

NBS Celebration 31.03.2016

“NRM supporters in Mukono celebrated President Museveni’s victory in the Amama Mbabazi petition which was dismissed today by the Supreme Court “(NBS TV Uganda, 2016).

Today there was the Supreme Court ruling that dissmisal of the Election Petition number one, and therefore there was all of a sudden a giant celebration, so big that we can forget the Nomination Day in Kampala; when Dr. Kizza Besigye was sitting on the chair between Central Kampala to the Stadium where he had the first rally of the pre-election period and Presidential Campaign. Here is two pictures show’s the” massive” grand celebration for the NRM and the President Museveni re-election in Kampala!

Kampala NRM Celebration 31.03.2016 P1

How the NRM got the crowd today:

The National Resistance Movement – NRM hired boda boda riders and skate boys to hold stage-managed celebrations in Kampala, amid heavy police deployment. The public ignored them, which is a huge political statement indicating the unpopularity of President Museveni’s electoral and court victory among Ugandans”.

Kampala NRM Celebration 31.03.2016 P2

Somewhere sits Dr. Kizza Besigye, wait, he sits in house-arrest in Kasangati and laughs at the meager display from the NRM-Regime. He should have a laugh at this, because this proves his rhetoric and arguments earlier today. Peace.