Various reactions to the Uganda Elections around the world; worth taking a look at!

VPN 18.02.2016 P2

If you think the Election Observer Monitoring teams had different views on the General Elections and Presidential Elections in Uganda. I have already dropped a few of the State Officials and Presidents who has congratulated President Museveni on his 5th Term. I will not repeat those as I put them on as to prove who is the friend of the man who is now unofficial president for the 7th term; first Russian,  Engel (House Member of Committee of Foreign Affairs, U.S.A.), President Kiir of South Sudan and Ivan Ssemwanga.

Gaba Kampala 18.02.2016 P1

Elliot Engel Statement:

“Since the people of Uganda went to the polls yesterday, I have been deeply concerned by the government’s decision to block social media sites and by reports of pre-marked ballots and inflated tallies in some of the voting stations. These are affronts to a free and fair electoral process. I am likewise dismayed by reports that presidential candidate Kizza Besigye was arrested and that the home of another candidate, former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi, was surrounded by security forces. I call upon both incumbent President Yoweri”.

Russian Foreign Ministry has said:

Moscow hails the successful general elections in the friendly Uganda, which have proved broad national support for the government’s course towards stable political and socio-economic development” (…)”noted a generally open and peaceful nature of the election campaign and the voting process and observed no serious violations that could affect the results of the popular vote” (RBTH, 2016).

Salva Kiir P2

President Salva Kiir sends message to President Museveni on WhatsApp:

““Congratulations Big brother…..I’ll always take your advice seriously….You are a man of experience” (…)”Are you still in Mbarara (cattle camp)?” (Osobi, 2016).

Celebrating the Victory of Museveni in South Africa:

“South Africa based Ugandan socialite Ivan Ssemwanga was the happiest when Museveni won the Presidential elections and started partying straight away. The Rich Gang boss shared with us a photo while drowning in booze in celebration of President Museveni’s victory” (Bigeye, 2016).

I think this here shows the difference reactions to it… As the American Official condemn the actions of Government, while the Russian friends of Uganda says it is a “Successful election” in their view so they have read the IGAD/EAC/COMESA statements and swallowed it whole as it fits the view of Moscow, Russia. While the friendship between South Sudan and Ugandan Presidents as they have helped each other now and then. Then you have a Ugandan in diaspora who is celebrating. That is enough for now. Peace.

Dr. Kizza Besigye and Amama Mbabazi still under house-arrest; Simple story behind how Dr.Besigye was able to sneak in Journalist today; South Sudanese army during the election and little more..

Kasangati 20.02.2016

As the home of Dr. Kizza Besigye has been under house-arrest since his arrival from Naggalama Police Stations together with other FDC Officials who was taken home. ONLY Ingrid Turinawe is still behind bars and not let out as the other once has been released.

Still no charge on the FDC Officials in questions as the Police Force are deliberately following orders form up high to take the Democratic Parties as hostage while the tallying of the votes occurred and before Eng. Dr. Badru Kiggundu yesterday officiated and officially verified the tally giving the Presidency AGAIN to Museveni.

Why I am I writing now is because of the wondering how Dr. Kizza Besigye could get the interview that has been showed to the public where he talked passionately about the current situation while being under house-arrest in his own home. His beloved wife has told the world how he managed. His loyal and smart staff told the Police Officers that he had escaped from his home in Kasangati in Wakiso District.

While the Police was searching and in panic of losing their main target that was supposed to be on lock-down as the reports came to his house and then had the interview with him. As been seen from his home; since yesterday both Party Officials from FDC was not allowed in; either was Journalists. So that they got in and Dr. Kizza Besigye got to speak his peace was good as the world wanted to hear his opinion and the view of the progression of the general election; how it has unfolded and the determination of the man that has been more in jail than President Museveni has lied on TV.

Muntu 20.02.2016 Kasangati

Erias Lukwago who we’re arrested and detained for trespassing and trying to get to Dr. Kizza Besigye has been released hours after being arrested without warrant or reason for it.

As we can the reasons for it and the heavy deployment of soldiers and mambas, no crowds celebrating the result yesterday, non-except a few people congratulating themselves yesterday, Justine Kasule Lumumba of the NRM sounding like she was in war after the result was delivered in Namboole Stadium and the Tally Centre there. While the representatives of the ones went away in silence as the result was manufactured to meet the requirement of their master President Museveni. The reason why nobody has really celebrated or the public in the streets of Kampala celebrating the genius victory of President Museveni, a reason why the Daily Monitor wrote the word “AGAIN”.

NTV 20.02.2016

While this was happening the Dr. Kizza Besigye was under house-arrest and other FDC Officials in Prison, Hon. Amama Mbabazi is still under house-arrest and Abed Bwanika is detained still. The other candidates is no news on. Only that Elton Joseph Mabirizi has congratulated President Museveni and has given in.

Well, this is for now. It is very silent and doubtfully so; as the people seem to be in sorrow over the declarations and the blantant way the Electoral Commission has done this election and declared the result while taken away massive amount of polling stations, the amount of polling stations unaccounted for is 1778. Which should be a enormous amount of votes that was casted for nothing and not registered in the tally center at Namboole. While also over 30 polling stations alone in Wakiso and Kampala that never got even to vote. This here tells the story of the malfunctions and the disregard for the public will of the Electoral Commission. I know that the world don’t care… or doesn’t take that in consideration, but it will always be remembered the display of irregular activities and the disrespect of people’s will during the general election in 2016. As the army and police has had a leeway to do as they please.

As the reports of 1200 army-men around Kasangati recently this here will help to verify it: 

“The report titled “Brotherly respond to H.E. Yoweri” contained a list of ammunitions taken to Uganda by SPLA soldiers and the location of the SPLA bases in Uganda as well as civilian targets in case of any election fall out” (…)“Last week, a Minister in the office of the President was reported to have taken more than $2 million dollars to Uganda to “help Museveni win election” (…)”In Juba, the sending of the 1400 troops as well as money funding to President Yoweri Museveni’s re-election is seen as a special favour by the government in return for his involvement in south sudan internal conflict, where UPDF sided with the regime in Juba” (Bith, 2016).

Ugandan Election 2016 Grieving

While still two presidential candidates are under house arrest Dr. Kizza Besigye and Hon. Amama Mbabazi, as the world watch this meager display and for the first time; I have not watched the victory speech of President Museveni; as I don’t care for his lies today… but that is just me! Peace.

Reference:

Bith, Jonathan – ‘President Kiir sent an SPLA battlion to ‘help Museveni win the election’ (20.02.2016) link: http://upperniletimes.net/must-read/president-kiir-sent-an-spla-battalion-to-help-museveni-win-election-report/

Release of AUEOM Preliminary Findings of the 18th February 2016 General Elections in the Republic of Uganda (20.02.2016)

NTV 20.02.2016

Kampala, 20 February 2016

“The AUEOM notes that the elections in Uganda were largely peaceful, but not without shortcomings.”

The African Union Commission deployed a Short Term Election Observation Mission to the 18 February 2016 General Elections in the Republic of Uganda. The Mission comprised 40 Short Term Observers from several African countries drawn from the African Union Permanent Representatives’ Committee, the Pan-African Parliament, Election Management Bodies and Civil Society Organizations.
The AUEOM assessed the General Elections in Uganda based on the relevant African Union instruments, namely; the 2007 African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance; the 2002 OAU/AU Declaration on Principles Governing Democratic Elections in Africa; the 2002 AU Guidelines for Elections Observation and Monitoring Missions; and the legal framework governing the conduct of elections in Uganda. This statement presents the Mission’s preliminary findings covering pre-voting, voting, counting and tallying processes up to 18 February 2016. The African Union will, however, continue to observe the post-electoral developments and release a final report within the next three months.

Pre-election environment
The AUEOM noted that the legal framework for elections in Uganda provides for, and guarantees the holding of regular elections in conformity with regional and international frameworks. This framework comprises the 1995 Constitution of Uganda, the Electoral Commission Amendment Act 2015; the Presidential Elections Amendment Act 2015; the Parliamentary Elections Amendment Act 2015; and the Political Parties and Organisations Act 2005.
The AUEOM observed that there is no legal framework for regulating political party campaign financing. The Mission noted that the law expressly prohibits the use of Government resources for campaigning by all candidates and parties, except for the President, as stated in Article 27.1 of the Presidential Elections Act. Stakeholders reported that there has been unprecedented increase in campaign spending.
The AUEOM learned that in 2015 Uganda introduced a National Identity Card System, which required the conduct of a mass biometric registration of citizens aged 16 years and above. The EC extracted information of all registered citizens who were 18 years and above to compile a National Voters’ Register. The AUEOM noted that at the end of the National Voter Registration exercise, there were 15, 277,198 registered voters. This Voters’ Register was continuously updated until 11 May 2015 when the process was concluded in line with the electoral calendar.

The AUEOM noted that, whereas the use of data from the National Register ensured that all citizens from 18 years by the end of the mass registration exercise were registered; interlocutors expressed concern that the 11 May 2015 deadline for updating the Voters Roll left many potential voters who turned 18 years after that date, disenfranchised. The EC collaborated with civil society organizations (CSOs) in conducting voter education. However, the accredited CSOs raised concerns that their efforts were constrained by late provision of materials by the EC. In addition, voter education was generally perceived to be inadequate.

NTV Uganda Presidential Debate 2016

The AUEOM noted that for the first time, two presidential debates were held in Kampala and broadcasted live on television and radio. All 8 presidential candidates were invited to reach out to voters using this platform.

The AUEOM observed that despite the unprecedented political and electoral competition, campaigns were generally conducted within the legal framework. However, the Mission noted the 15 February 2016 incident in Kampala, which led to the arrest of an opposition leader, causing anxiety among opposition supporters. The police informed the Mission that the arrested leader and his party had defied the prescribed campaign route.

VPN 18.02.2016 P2

The Mission noted that women were nominated to run as party and independent candidates in various constituencies and that there was one female Presidential candidate. In addition, women contested for the 112 parliamentary seats specially created for them. The Mission noted the participation of youth in the elections both as candidates and in the campaigns. However, there were concerns raised by some stakeholders of the youth being used by political parties to intimidate and disrupt election campaign rallies of their opponents. The AUEOM noted that besides involvement in voter education initiatives CSOs were involved in domestic observation. Thousands of domestic observers were deployed throughout the country, especially in areas considered as hotspots. The AUEOM noted that in compliance with the legal provisions, the media covered political parties and candidates’ manifestos and campaigns. However, stakeholders felt that the state media provided more coverage to the incumbent president and his party, at the expense of the opposition. It was further reported that private media provided a fairly balanced reporting on all parties and candidates. Besides the mainstream print and electronic media, campaigning was carried out on social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook and Whatsapp. The AUEOM noted general concerns following the shutdown of social media platforms, by the Uganda Communication Commission from Election Day citing security concerns. The AUEOM noted that there was a generally calm and peaceful pre-election environment with no major security incidents reported.

The AUEOM noted concerns raised by interlocutors with regard to the recruitment, training and deployment of community policing units called Crime Preventers, which they alleged were misused to intimidate opposition parties. The AUEOM was however informed by the police that these were purely crime prevention units at community level with no arresting powers.

The AUEOM noted the lack of trust in security agencies by some opposition parties, which were reported to have created counter units.

Election Day

On Election Day, the teams visited 148 polling stations comprising 60% urban and 40% rural where they observed opening, voting, closing and counting processes. The observers used tablets to capture and transmit real-time observation data to the Mission Command Centre. The AUEOM teams observed opening procedures countrywide and noted that the environment outside these centers was peaceful.
Delays in opening time by up to 4 hours were reported in a number of polling stations. The delays were attributed to late distribution of polling materials. Consequently, opening procedures pertaining to sealing of ballot boxes, identification and verification of voters were not fully adhered to in some cases.
As per the laid down procedure, voters were asked for identification and their names checked against the register before voting. Only a few were turned away because they did not have the required identification, were not on the voters’ register, were at the wrong polling station or were rejected by the Biometric Voter Verification Kit.
With regards to the Biometric Voter Verification Kits, which were introduced for the first time, the AUEOM observed that in some polling stations, the kits worked well, hence hastening the verification process; while in some stations, they were not used because they were either not working, or the election personnel did not have access pass codes.
As an additional identification and voting facilitation measure, voter identification slips were used to direct voters to the right voting station within a voting center. Voter processing times were reasonable and mostly ranged from no more than 3 minutes in 54% of the polling stations and between 3-6 minutes in 39% of the polling station stations observed.
The AUEOM observer teams observed closing procedures at 4:00pm and beyond in areas where polling was extended because of late opening.
Closing and counting procedures were not strictly adhered to in all polling stations visited. For example, there were instances where polling officials and agents did not reconcile the number of registered voters with the number of people who actually voted. In a majority of polling stations observed, party/ candidate agents were furnished with a copy of the results form by the presiding officer.

Kaabong 18.02.2016

Conclusion

The AUEOM congratulates the people of Uganda for turning up in large numbers to perform their civic duty.

While we note that the election process is ongoing, the AUEOM’s overall assessment of the 2016 General Elections thus far, is that they were largely peaceful, but not without shortcomings; in particular, the late delivery of election materials. The late delivery led to more than 4 hours of delays in the opening of polling stations. The Mission wishes to underscore that this impacted on the overall conduct of polling day operations, and caused anxiety and tension among the voters and polling officials, which could have been avoided.

Based on its preliminary findings, the AUEOM makes the following recommendations: The AUEOM encourages the Electoral Commission to:
• Adhere to the prescribed 48 hour time frame for delivery of materials as provided in the Electoral Act, when distributing election materials to polling stations;
• Conduct continuous voter education and voter registration;
• Strengthen training for polling personnel to avoid inconsistencies in implementation of polling procedures;
• Consider using indoor polling in order to create order around the stations and to protect polling officials, voters and materials from weather elements; and • Consider adopting voting booths that ensure the secrecy of the ballot.

The AUEOM recommends that the Government provide adequate resources to the Electoral Commission to conduct continuous voter registration and voter education and enable timely procurement of election materials.

To Parliament, the AUEOM recommends that it:
• Develops legislation to regulate political party and campaign finance; and
• Concludes electoral reforms at least a year before elections to allow for timely preparation and implementation.

The AUEOM encourages the public broadcaster to provide equitable coverage to all candidates.

The AUEOM recommends that Political Parties avoid the usage of inflammatory language during campaigns and inciting supporters.

Lastly, the AUEOM recommends that the Police enforce the law equally on all parties and candidates, and desist from heavy handedness when dealing with the public, political parties and candidates.

The AUEOM will continue to observe the tallying and other post-election developments and issue a comprehensive report three months after the announcement of the election results.

Her Ladyship Justice Sophia Akuffo
Head of the African Union Election Observer Mission

COMESA wraps up Mission in Uganda – commends voters for ordely conduct

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Kampala, Saturday, 20 February 2016: COMESA Election Observer team to Uganda has completed its mission and commended voters for turning up in large numbers to exercise their constitutional right of choosing their leaders in the February 18, 2016 elections.

In a joint press briefing with the East African Community (EAC) and Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) election observer missions, Leader of COMESA Mission Ambassador Ashraf Gamal Rashed hailed the massive turnout in casting the ballots, and the orderly manner in which voters conducted themselves.

“The polling process was generally free, peaceful and transparent despite the logistical challenges that delayed the opening of polling stations,” Ambassador Rashed said.

The Mission made several recommendations to enhance the conduct of future electoral processes in Uganda. Among them is the need for the Electoral Commission to ensure better organization with regards to logistics such as marking of polling stations, preparation, distribution and delivery of polling materials.

It emphasized the need for a robust communication strategy that will ensure information is relayed in a timely manner from the EC to the polling stations to avoid misinterpretations and confusion that might arise due to delays.

“While noting the progress made to consolidate multi-party democracy, there is need for increased dialogue among political parties and other stakeholders to address any challenges and enhance the credibility of the electoral process and the acceptance of all parties of its outcome,” the mission leader said.

Further, he stated that the credibility and impartiality of the EC should always be maintained and urged the government to adequately provide funding should for the EC to enable it to execute its mandate effectively.

Amb. Rashed encouraged the citizens of Uganda to remain calm and address any electoral disputes that may arise through the proper legal channels.

Preliminary Statement: East African Community Election Observation Mission to the General Election of the Republic of Uganda held on the 18th February 2016 (20.02.2016)

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Go Forward: Post-Election Statement (20.02.2016)

Go Forward Statement 20.02.2016

Interim Statement of the Commonwealth Observer Group: On the Ugandan General Election 2016 (20.02.2016)

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Final Presidential Results – President Museveni declared for his “official” 5th term

NTV 20.02.2016

“I declare Yoweri Kaguta Museveni who attained the highest number of votes as a duly elected President of the Republic of Uganda” – Badru M. Kiggundu.

“The commission declares candidate Yoweri Kaguta Museveni as the elected President of Uganda this 20/Feb/2016 – Kiggundu” (NTV Uganda 20.02.2016).

“FINAL RESULTS:

Abed Bwanika 0.93%

Prof. Baryamureeba 0.55%

Gen.Biraaro 0.27%

Dr. Kizza Besigye 35.37%

Joseph Mabirizi 0.26%

Maureen Kyalya 0.44%

Amama Mbabazi  1.23%

Yoweri Kaguta Museveni 60.75 5%” (NTV Uganda, 20.02.2016).

“Electoral Commission Chairperson Eng. Badru Kiggundu has declared NRM’s Candidate Yoweri Museveni winner of the 2016 Presidential Election!!!!! According to EC’s Kiggundu, Museveni scored 60.75%. As Kizza Besigye Wrn. scored 35.5%” (Hello Uganda, 20.02.2016).

Declartion President M7 20.02.2015 P2Declartion President M7 20.02.2015

And there was total silence when the result was delivered, only “three people clapping” after the result was delivered. This here is proof of the silence of the result. I don’t expect the result to be served in the public like it was in 1996. AS the military and roadblocks shuts down the Kampala and the tension in the country is still strong! Peace.

 

Uganda Elections unfolds; Dr. Kizza Besigye under house arrest; Erias Lukwago arrested; NRM Tally Center legally address the press(?)

Kampala 20.02.2016

The third day and the polls continue to dropped while ballot boxes comes to surface as we know the police officers took them away on the polling stations. There has now been found at NRM candidates as Hon. Oulanyah of Omoro had boxes hidden, and Police had boxes containing the votes for Dr. Kizza Besigye.

Kasangati 20.02.2016

The Dr. Kizza Besigye story continues:

As the third day and the counting continues. Dr. Kizza Besigye is after being arrested twice, is now put under house-arrest in his home in Kasangati in Wakiso District, after being taken by force yesterday from the FDC headquarters in Najjanankumbi.and later detained at Nagalama; and at late night driven home by Police, even if the FDC men wanted to make sure that Ingrid Turinwa was also safe, but the Police whisked away the men and sent them home. That was not only Besigye, but also Gen. Mugisha Munut and Biriggwa Wasswa.

Red Pepper writes:
“DEVELOPING STORY: Police has blocked all roads leading to the home of Kizza Besigye in Kasangati. No person is allowed to enter or leave his home. Journalists have been turned away” (Red Pepper, 20.02.2016).

Daily Monitor writes:
“A heavily armed police garrison at Dr. Besigye’s home blocks our editor, Bagyenzire Atuhaire Alex from accessing the home of the FDC presidential flag bearer; they won’t take questions on who has ordered them to block visitors to Dr. Besigye’s private home. Besigye is under siege, he can’t leave home. All entrances are blocked by police” (Daily Monitor, 20.02.2016)

As well as journalists not allowed at the gate of his home, his lawyers Daudi Mpanga and Ernest Kalibbala have been turned away at the gate. The FDC Campaign has also not been allowed to enter his home or be there together with Dr. Kizza Besigye.

Dr. Kizza Besigye was taken home by the Police without a belt, phone or money. Besigye does not have a phone for the moment, the internet in the home is jammed by the police. This is reportes of this from Winnie Byanyima the wife of Besigye .

The amount of Police in the surrounding areas:
“1200 policemen and military have been deployed on all major roads that lead to Besigye’s home in Kasangati” (Kampala FM, 20.02.2016).

Muntu 20.02.2016 Kasangati

As Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago tried to access the house of Besigye he was arrested by the Police today. FDC Party President Gen. Mugisha Muntu has not been allowed through the gates to Besigye’s home.

Amama Mbaabzi house in Kololo suburbs of Kampala was sealed off yesterday by Police and Field Formation Unit. Have not heard any reports since then, so expect that he is still under house-arrest today, and would like to be verified if not.

There have been put up roadblocks on Entebbe Highway around Lubowa and it’s been there since last night!

Roadblocks mounted on major roads in & out of Kampala: Jinja Gayaza, Kampala-Gulu, Masaka, Hoima, Kampala-Mubende & Entebbe” (WBS TV Uganda, 20.02.2016).

In Kasese:

“Reports reaching us indicate that: One person shot dead as police disperse protesters in Kasese. People are demanding release of final results for Thursday elections” (Hello Uganda, 20.02.2016).

Ofwono Opondo has continued his arrogance on today’s Capital Ganag:
“It is not enough people know there was an election. The people who cast the votes decide nothing. The people who count the votes decide everything”. Comment: He has just followed the Dictator of Joseph Stalin and he is such an inspiration these days for you.

Missing boxes 20.02.2016

As the missing ballot boxes seems to surface:
“Besigye has won Acet, Odek and Omoro counties, but Police hid the boxes” (87.7 Kampala FM, 20.02.2016).

Oulanyah House 20.02.2016

Hon. Oulanyah reports:
“A total of seven white ballot boxes, three of which had pre-ticked ballot papers were found in Hon. Oulanyah’s Omoro constituency this morning, reports indicate” (Red Pepper, 20.02.2016).

Transmission of Results Omoro

Interesting right? Especially with the findings in this home as well. There is certainly big tale of fixing results from Omoro alone. And wonder if that is the only area where the elections has unfolded like this. Let all of us just think about that while the Electoral Commission adds more numbers from their cooked numbers as we speak.

Release Bond 20.02.2016

I wonder what the reason by this story:

Here is a woman released after Electoral Violence detained on 17th February and released late last night on 19th February. She was Carol Natukunda and what did she do, that is what I wonder about, what was the reason for the Police to detain her on the 17th February?

Another missing story is this one here: 

House Police 20.02.2016 UPF

What was in the house and story am I missing?

A Plot Twist:

“Kasibante has Declaration forms that show he won the 2016 Lubaga North parliamentary election. The Electoral Commission ordered by Museveni to declare Betty Kamya (Ask yourselves Why?)! The good thing the gentleman has all his forms signed by all officials” (Radio Free Buganda, 20.02.2016)

I have officially quit listening to Andrew Mwenda as he describes the world in a sense seems like a fairytale world. His tweets are like a dream-land and defending the NRM into oblivion and attacking the opposition while the opposition is jailed, detainer or arrested. Even Abed Bwanika has been detained yesterday if you didn’t capture that in the FDC saga and demonstrations in Kampala, that happen after the Police went crazy at the FDC HQ.

Find one thing wrong during my last remarks:

Today the NRM Talley Center at Jokas Hotel has addressed the media on 20.02.2016 while FDC tried to the same at their Headquarter on the 19th January and then the Helicopter with tear-gas came and the military police arrested them all. Why didn’t the Police enter and take down the NRM tally Center as the Electoral Commission is only allowed to do so, they said that yesterday didn’t they?

Well, there seems to still not being close to being a level playing-field in this elections. And there will continue with political movements until it is all uncovered. Peace.

My letter to President Museveni on the recent polls and actions during the general election 2016

UPM Poster

19th February 2016, Oslo

Dear His Excellency (H.E.) President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni!

I write to you in this moment as you are in the midst of another turmoil called Ugandan elections. I know you are trying to ensure your kind of peace and your kind of democracy. Though we are many who disagree at what levels of freedom and validity of your concern of the ballots that the people of Uganda has casted during the last 48 hours in the country.

As you was the man who went to the bush for rigging after the 1980s. When the political platform Uganda Patriotic Movement which you founded Mr. President; was shattered in a well manufactured election by President Obote and his cronies. The same you are delivering today. The different are the amount of people, electronics, cellphones, parties, candidates, districts, cars and strength of the army. As you have seen the different the country is since you seized power in 1986.

You have gotten a Police Force and Special Force Command who kills and destroys; and in the end, doesn’t give assurance of safety; as the “mambas” and tear-gas thunder through streets; as they demolish and kills the democratic values the country supposed to have.

Museveni Butiaba 07112015

You as commander-in-chief and a fellow army-man even before the polls, in the weeks before pictures of you shooting rifles and later calling out that you was the only one who could keep Uganda safe; doesn’t speak of integrity of the laws and systems you put in place or the governmental structure you have been in charge of; if the legacy of your rule is that you couldn’t let anybody else become President in the country and have the ability to control the army. As if you have secrets in the army you don’t want the society to know.

Mr. President your continuation of detaining opposition leaders, presidential candidates, human-rights-activists, journalists and such does not speak of the free society for the peasants you wanted to liberate in the 1980s. It seems more like the society you wanted to free, have you now made in the same image as the your predecessors did. It does not speak of freedom or liberty seeing army men walking down with AK47 in broad-day light and taking ballot-boxes His Excellency! That sounds more like a totalitarian state and a police state. What was the hurry of the Special Forces Command the other day, when they had to take control of Nakasero Hospital on the day of polls?

Milton Obote_pic

Mr. President you did not only go to the bush for fighting against the vote-rigging regime of Obote, you went to war because of the knowledge of the Northern control or the Acholi in the army; this was even proved by Professor Gingyera-Pinycwa at Makerere in 1988. You have during your time turned the Government Officials, Army and Police into a Ankoli or Western-Ugandan people in the institutions, and the people connected to you Mr. President. You have made the state in the image of Obote!

Mr. President you have a flash car, flash air-plane, big-farm, own businesses, your brother Salim Selah own businesses, your daughter owns businesses and the Museveni family is interconnected in higher parts of life, the same as the cronies of the Obote, difference is that your family has been living for decades on the laurels of you His Excellency!

I beg you too see your ways and think about the values you talked about while being in the bush and the peoples who died for the reasons that the peasants deserved a government who truly represent them and tried to build society together with them. At some point you did, you even by narrow escape and people believed in you; the reforms and constitution and laws was positive. The reaction was that the country got more donor funding and strengthening of the army. Also a better relationship with the countries around as Idi Amin and Obote had offended Tanzania and neighbors.

Old Taxi Park 16.02.2016

The then peasants are now grown people and know all of your terms, known your rhetoric and how you have changed. Mr. President you have had the chance of going with glory, but your lingering into power has proven to be one of your sticking points, even if that beats your own words that was: “The problem of Africa in general and Uganda in particular is not the people, but leaders who want to overstay in power”. Today you are in a elections that if you wins you will start your official 5th Term, though I am coining it your 7th. I am sure you will disagree with me there Mr. President, but I have issues with taking away your first decade in power.

Mr. President I know it is much to ask as your wasn’t officially elected in 1986 and as if you get men to cook the ballots to fit you now; to think about what made you go to the bush in 1980, and what made the start of February 7th and 8th with the battle of Kakamba School and taking the town of Kiboga Town to take some guns for the guerilla warfare. This here should make you think of the progression and the state of affairs, as the army, elections rigging and governmental institutions are placed and made for you instead of the peasants you was out to liberate.

Uganda EC Wall

The lives that have died during the polls and during the pre-elections period should be a reminder of the way you have made the state of affairs right now. Mr. President you have done everything in your power to let out information by stopping mobile-money and social media; even if your own media-houses spread information through them. As you also will try to remember the opposition men and woman who has been hurt and gone by your army and police. Mr. President you serve your opposition as much as your own yellow brigade of yes-men even the people of Elegu close to South Sudan as much as the men in Kisoro close to Rwanda, the people of Bududa district; the people of Mbale and Tororo district and even in Kawempe, Kampala. Peasants and blue-collar men deserve security and not having “mambas” driving around making kids and parents afraid to buy splash at the Muhindi store down the street. The helicopter shouldn’t wake people up and look for people with pre-ticket ballot papers for you who hasn’t been counted. Mr. President! This here is your people and the people who at one point trusted you and thought you wanted them well. The times have change and the opposition should be given a chance as you were given. Mr. President you have represented them for ages, but you do not own the country or the people; I am sure Paul Ssemogerere would like to ask how you rigged the 1996 election. Those years nobody can’t take back, but at the same time; Uganda and Government of Uganda deserves a future!

NRM Muhanga Museum 4.1.2016 P3

Mr. President, as it seems by the rallies and the will of the people, you should give them a chance to have a positive change. Give the peasants and the people what is theirs. Their will and ballots, their representatives and their lives that has been altered by your orders and the way you have used government funds to get tear-gas and bullets, instead of medicines for hospitals and wages for teachers. You know this Mr. President and don’t think of it or haven’t been advised about it. Times for that to change as the people should be behind their President and be sure that the government entities as Army and Police working and hurting them now.

Mr. President the Army and Police is issuing and making violence against the people and not securing their homes as they are securing your power. That is not what 1986 was about. You know that Mr. President, the constitution of 1995 was not about your staying in power for life Mr. President. Mr. President this cannot be what legacy you want to live behind. You might write two editions of Sowing the Mustard Seed, but it is the people like me, who either build reputations or destroys it; As the truth of the different times of your regime Mr. President, the times has changed since 1986 and 2016. 30 years of power should be enough for any man. Mr. President do you remember the smile on the face of President Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania when he gave-way to the new President of Tanzania? That is something that also could been you and the people would have remembered the big-man who had it in him to step-down and let new blood control the country. Mr. President I never expect you or any of your men to read my letter. Though I hope that somebody tells you the sentiment and the care; the concern of the state of affairs, the violence, the unnecessary deaths and the careless attacks on democratic values from the government entities.

Best Regards
The Writer of Minbane.