Opinion: Revisiting the TDA [and where are they now?]

“5. The goal of The Democratic Alliance shall be achieved through the pursuance of the following objectives:

a) Building the necessary mobilization capabilities and organizational infrastructure of the Alliance and its members in order to win power;

b) Developing and presenting a common policy and governance agenda for elections;

c) Ensuring the attainment of an electoral majority by fielding candidates for all electoral positions across the country;

d) Fielding of joint candidates for electoral offices as set out in this Protocol;

e) Constituting a Transitional Government of National Unity (TGNU) with the purpose of implementing appropriate political and economic reforms to build a strong and durable foundation for democracy, rule of law and economic justice” (Protocol of the Democratic Alliance, June 2015).

Because of the recent cooperation agreement between the Democratic Party (DP) and the National Resistance Movement (NRM). This has started questions about the legitimacy of the coalition that was one part of the opposition ahead of the General Elections in 2016. It is striking that this is happening now and it’s worth to look into what has happened ever since.

The TDA was a coalition made by a various set of parties. The two parties that directly went out of the coalition early was Uganda Peoples Congress (UPC) and the Forum for Democratic of Change (FDC). However, the others stayed behind and they went ahead to stand behind the former Prime Minister and Secretary General of the NRM, Amama Mbabazi. He became the Joint Presidential Candidate of the TDA and the Pressure Group of “Go Forward”.

The TDA was much larger than Mbabazi alone. It was the Conservative Party (CP), Democratic Party (DP), Justice Forum (JEEMA), Pressure for National Unity (PNU), People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and Uganda Federal Alliance (UFA). So, there were a handful of leaders in and around the TDA. There was also Olara Otunnu from the UPC and Dr. Kizza Besigye from the FDC. The UPC as a party left, but Otunnu stayed on, if I remember correctly.

The leaders who are vital part of TDA was Amama Mbabazi, Ken Lukyamuzi, Norbert Mao, Asuman Basalirwa, Beti Kamya, Gilbert Bukenya aka Mahogany and Dick Odur. There was also others associated and part of the proceedings like Mugisha Muntu and others. Therefore, it was a team of the opposition at the time who at certain points did their part here.

However, as time has shown us. Plenty of these people has sided with the NRM or returned to the NRM. The Presidential Flag-Bearer Mbabazi was a NRM Member and hadn’t revoked his membership as he was standing up against Museveni. So, that he returned and is in the good graces with the President is just natural. The stage of Go Forward was only a short sighted project and was over the moment the election was over.

Bukenya has also returned and is living the good life. His living large and having perks with titles and being part of the elite. The Former Vice President has no worries and was only for a minute or less an “opposition”. I doubt we will ever see anything of the PNU ever again.

Mao has just become the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs. His working in cooperation with the government. Still part of the DP but he has a hectic period ahead of him. As insiders in the party wants him out and ousted. Since, this agreement wasn’t signed of from the party or the members. The DP Block has even dismissed him too.

Kamya has gone from being appointed Minister of Kampala. To lose her leadership of her party the UFA. Later becoming a NRM Member and changing Ministry. Now she’s the IGG but certainly not electable or viable candidate. She has become a typical crony of Museveni over the years.

Basalirwa has been close to the People Power Movement and the National Unity Platform. He has ensured popularity and gotten elected into Parliament as the only JEEMA MP. Therefore, his the first man here who is actual opposition from the TDA still.

Lukyamuzi has on the other hand lost his constituency and not become a third time re-elected to Rubaga South MP. He instead focused on finishing his degree, which he did in 2017. The Party President and former MP has been a vocal critic of the government. Even made a case against the Age Limit in the courts, which was dismissed. So, he is an actual man in the opposition. “The Man” is true to his missions and his goals.

Otunnu has been resigned from politics. He also lost the Party Presidency. The UPC has since then signed a secret agreement with the NRM. That’s why the UPC haven’t fielded a Presidential Candidate for two elections in a row. Otunnu has kept himself in the background and you can wonder if he will resurface or do anything for that matter.

Muntu also lost the Party Presidency. He lost to another candidate within the FDC. This made him create a New Formation, which is now known as the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT). That party was launched in time for the 2021 General Elections and he ran as President.

Besigye ran a the Presidential Flag-Bearer for the FDC and created the People’s Government after swearing himself in after the General Elections in 2016. Since then he has launched several of campaigns and the latest after the 2021 elections is the Red Card Front. A voice of the opposition still.

There are several of other leaders who are in the opposition that was a part of the TDA in 2015/2016. These could be Mathias Mpuuga (former DP now NUP), Betty Nambooze (former DP now NUP) and so fourth. There are more people that has been involved and could be mentioned, but that would make this piece to long.

However, a huge pattern are still there. Plenty of the TDA high ranking leadership went either back to NRM or has found a home in government. That is really happening on a larger scale. We shouldn’t be surprised that Mbabazi and Bukenya went back home. However, the others should really be questioned…

This was a short revising of the TDA. An alliance built quickly and seemingly destroyed. It wasn’t meant to be. We shouldn’t expect the Go Forward or the PNU to be returning either. The era of the TDA is gone and it’s for a reason. The TDA was built on sand and not on mountain. If it had been real and a sincere enterprise. So many of these leaders wouldn’t have sought shelter under the wings of the man who they were promised to create a Transitional Government of National Unity (TGNU).

Obviously… things didn’t pan out, but it is a picture, which shows how the times are changing. Peace.

Opinion: DP had to retaliate against Nambooze…

From 2017…

The Democratic Party and Chairman Norbert Mao have this week lost 10 MPs to the National Unity Platform (NUP). Which is the biggest raid on one single party in a long time. Mao should be shattered and devastated as his party has deteriorated in front of his eyes.

The DP could have aimed at anyone. However, they picked Mukono MP Betty Nambooze, which have taken shots at Mao before. So, its fitting that they retaliate now that she has left. It wasn’t shocking that she found a new home. She’s been on the move and it was bound to happen.

So, that the Party releases a long statement on her. Not on Mpuuga or anyone else. Shows that the party bears special grudges to her. I am wouldn’t be shocked if others got into the firing line too. However, the blend of old spats and blistering words have clearly ruffled some feathers. Mao and the Party had to answer one of them and they just had to pick Nambooze.

That’s why they said this about her:

“Hon. Nambooze Betty has attempted one of the biggest hit-or-miss maneuvers in Parliament, crossing the aisle from the Democratic Party at a climactic moment in Mukono Municipality.

The shadow minister for Local Government in the minority government of Leader of Opposition in the 10th Parliament and also Spokesperson for the People’s Government made her switch to National Unity Platform (NUP) on Thursday 10th August 2020, returned to a TV show on the same night declining to formally cross to the new Party” (…) “Madam Teacher has long had a difficult relationship with many Democrats in her home district, based in part on her support to fail development programs in the area. But during her years in the Parliament , she has was an important opposition vote for the bill against “Tojikwatako” 102(b) which saw her back almost broken by the junta” (Democratic Party, 15.08.2020).

You can see how they are already in it to kill. There is no soft spots. They are taking quotes from the NBS Frontline too. Nevertheless, seeing the whole picture. While also in the same article using the new flag-bearer for Mukono as a centre-piece. Mr. Fred Kagimu is sounding like saint in the same article. Just fitting, when she has left the fold. That he is dismissing her and her journey.

What is really rich is how limited the scope of this is. How little it really says and how its not about why she really left. However, that would have hurt the pride of the Chairman and the historical party. Mao don’t want to look like a fool, even as he lost most of his team.

Nambooze and Mao has fought in public. They have gone after each other. Because, Nambooze been part of People’s Government and that have triggered Norbert. However, the same man never didn’t grieve when his people joined the cabinet of Museveni. So, this is a continuation of attitude towards her. They really like to paint Nambooze in a ill picture.

There is always costs in politics. You win some and you loose some. Sometimes you have to let things go. However, Mao and his team is bearing grudges. They are bitter at Nambooze. That is why they dropped this hit-piece. There is no other reason to do so.

Also, make her opponent from the party look like a rising star. The new King of the Hill. Because, that is what is needed. Now, that she left. They need to usher in a new star and make him look shiny. While burying the old. That is what this piece was all about. As they picked the first defector they took a shot at.

Who can wonder whose next. Maybe Mpuuga, as the DP will either field Mbidde or Bwanika to get his spot in Masaka? Peace.

Opinion: 10 DP MPs cross to NUP [It’s raining tears in the land of Mao]

The Democratic Party is being totally purged by the National Unity Platform (NUP). The DP have today lost 10 MPs. In the 2016 election the party got 15 MPs. So, there is a total free for all. Norbert Mao has really lost out today. This is the biggest purge in a long while.

Norbert Mao must be screeching and teething as his seeing his top shot MPs … going for Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine. NUP has a big big blow to the DP today. This here is like aiming at the heart of the DP. This is the supposed third term for Mao, but his not able to keep his ducks in a row.

We can see how his losing. I saw the three earlier today, but now a few hours later. This is seriously rattling the cage. Bobi Wine can smile to the bank. He has raided a party and gotten their biggest MPs. The likes of Mpuuga, Nambooze, Ssewanyana, Kivumbi and Namayanja. All of these will be flag-bearers who can flex for the party.

Just look here!

“DP MPs cross to #PeoplePower’s NUP

Mathias Mpuuga from DP

Joseph Ssewungu DP

Medard Ssegona DP

Betty Nambooze DP

Moses Kasibante Ind

Muwanga Kivumbi DP

Allan Ssewanyana DP

Ssempala Kigozi DP

Ssentongo Robinah DP

Veronica Namaganda DP

Florence Namayanja DP” (Uganda Radio Network, 13.08.2020).

This here is insane. Just imagine that the about 66% of the DP MPs crossed today to NUP. That is major blow. This is like a kill-shot. Yes, the DP can field new flag-bearers. In Masaka, Mpuuga might met Bwanika or Mbidde, but that is not heated competition there. The others are having huge bases where they elected.

We can really see that Bobi Wine has taken over Baganda and the DP caucus there. This without being long in the political sphere. This is depleting the DP party. We can just wonder if others will follow too. As there soon final deadlines for nominations in the parties and the tickets are finalized.

Mao should cry today. Either that or raise havoc. He should be fuming, but understand that acting like a big-shot on NBS Frontline clearly isn’t enough.

Bobi Wine is winning. No doubt. The DP is dying and the umbrella is taking over. Evidently 66% MPs switched to NUP. That’s a train-wreck signal of the DP, but also a sign of strength for the NUP. Bobi Wine can wave a flag tonight. His gotten the bag without doing much today. Peace.

The Umbrella swallows three DP MPs

Today, there are three MPs who are announced at National Unity Platform Party Office in Kamwokya. These are Mukono Municipality MP Betty Nambooze, Makindye West MP Allan Ssewanyana and Rubaga North MP Moses Kasibante. All of these MPs are leaving the Democratic Party and becoming NUP Flag-Bearers in the up-coming 2021 elections.

Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine didn’t even need to join the DP. He got the big-shots and the MPs who are vocally from the party. The DP Block leaders will be happy that Ssewanyana leaves the party. While we know Nambooze haven’t been friendly with Mao of late. Kasibante is seeking a new home and found safety here.

Nambooze have been moving along to elsewhere for a while. She has been part of People’s Government and been close to Besigye. That she now moves to NUP was in the cards. She’s been in Parliament since 2010 for Mukono and have drifted away from DP. We can see that since the 2016 elections. Therefore, today wasn’t a shocker, but was anticipated.

Nambooze have been in too trouble for her stances. Been treated with vile force. House raided, tortured and arrested for her stances. Therefore, she knows the cost of defying the state. Betty knows perfectly well and will continue this part with her change of party.

Ssewanyana, the MP for DP since 2016, the former Sports Editor and Chairman of Katwe United. Who has been arrested, charged and been in to much trouble in his term. A vocal opposition MP. A certain type that makes headlines without even trying. Just by opposing the government and its policies. That’s why this man is the perfect fit for the NUP at this point.

Kasibante have been in Parliament since 2012. Who is a DP MP, but on the pages of the Parliament his registered as Independent. Surely, he has gone more and more away. These are people who has associated themselves with the NUP and People Power.

So that Nambooze, Ssewanyana and Kasibante is all expected at this point. That they would either got to NUP or ANT. These was all individuals who was drifting away from Mao and the DP. They where abandoning the project, one by one.

It is not surprising. This is typical election season, but also a matter of making advances ahead of the polls. This is to score relevance and be part of the right team. They are fleeing DP to get more suction. This is Baganda MPs leaving the DP party.

Norbert Mao knew he would loose Lukwago and Nambooze. That was just a matter of time this time around. That he laso looses Ssweanyana is a loss, but the allies within DP Block will be happy if the rumours are correct. Give way to others to run on the DP ticket in Makindye West. Kasibante leaves Rubaga North and opens for another there too.

They are fleeing a sinking ship… to a party, which is on the rise. Bobi Wine has scored a victory with these folks in his team. While DP is even more weakened. The DP should start to reconsider their methods, as the ones vying for re-elections are abandoning them.

This are all vocal MPs and are people who are popular in their areas. These are not just some random MPs who nobody knows. Nambooze and Kasibante has been defiant for so long. They have suffered for it and now they are becoming NUPs.

This is a blow today for the DP and worth to celebrate for NUP. However, let see how this unfolds in the up-coming elections. Peace.

Opinion: Mao is loosing to Bobi Wine [and needs his umbrella]

Right now Party Chairman and Presidential Candidate Norbert Mao needs Bobi Wine’s umbrella. Mathias Mpuuga, the Masaka MP are an ally of People Power. Betty Nambooze, the Mukono MP who has been elected in the last election on a DP ticket is going over National Unity Platform. While Medard Lubega Sseggona, MP Busiro East are today stating the DP block is endorsing Bobi Wine as their Presidential Candidate. While the leaders of the Masaka Chapter has also gone over the NUP.

Mao is clearly loosing. Not only has he lost other high ranking officials to National Resistance Movement. Now, the DP is missing others to People Power and the NUP. The leadership is failing and doing it horrifically.

If this was the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) the NRM would swerve all around the carcass and dance. There would psalms played in the New Vision, tales of mischief all over the Daily Monitor and questionable tea in the Observer. However, this will play out more next week if this continues.

Mao is clearly missing Nambooze, Mpuuga and Ssegona. Who are all showing loyalty elsewhere. Just like the State Minister Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi crossed over to National Resistance Movement (NRM). While Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago made his party too.

Norbert is clearly not running the show. He can only keeps Fred Mukasa Mbidde circulated around him. The rest are fleeing apparently. Mbidde who even went to NRM to get the approval and positive vibes to become EALA MP. So, Mao clearly doesn’t control his troops.

It is really clear that umbrella is eating the party from within. He is not only loosing the ones who has been shifting away from some time. However, the stronghold of DP in Baganda, Masaka is all turning to Bobi Wine. This being Sseggona and Mpuuga. Mbidde must be wondering what is going on, as the team is turning on him and Mao.

DP Bloc is not behind Mao, but behind Bobi Wine. That must hurt the pride of Norbert. Seeing his own visions turning against him. Also, the MPs under him undermines his drive to relevance. Not like he can act educated on NBS Frontline and hours later being humiliated by his own elsewhere.

Soon, there will be a battle cry. However for someone calling other serial looser. This here is a sign, that use of DP is falling. DP isn’t a flagship of importance. When Mpuuga needs to associate with other entities to be relevant, like has always done with A4C, TDA and now PPM.

Mao should know this, when his losing DP Bloc too. It is really time for Mao to take up the umbrella too. His friends is abandoning him. Maybe Abed Bwanika will show him some love to become an MP candidate in Masaka too.

This is not easy for Mao, but then, its raining and he needs to shield himself with an umbrella. The rain doesn’t seem to stop and he needs it. That’s if he wants to be relevant himself. Unless, if his happy with being a staple on NBS Television and doesn’t care about his party deteriorating in-front of his eyes. Peace.

Opinion: Here we go again, it’s not the tormentors fault, but the ones tortured

We have been here before, this story isn’t new. Just like suddenly a shell of a man comes out from one of the ungazetted safe-houses and has to sue the state to get some compensation for the hurt. This has happen with several of people with this regime. They have continued this practice and never let anyone has any oversight over this. Only continued the same regime as the ones they overthrow with several of security organization doing the bidding of the “high above” and ensuring they are intimidating the ones who challenge the throne and its rights.

With this in mind, there are big-men and high ranking opposition figures who suddenly fall into the demise of these security organizations. These are just the few ones I can remember and can reflect upon. There is surely more of these.

Than, you have the arrest in march 2001 of Major Okwir Rabwoni.MP Who was arrested by military police and alleged torture of himself before going into exile. Something the authorities back then denied.

It could be the likes of Dr. Kizza Besigye, who in 2011 was shot with a rubber-bullet and destroyed his finger. He travelled to Nairobi to get treatment. While the Army Spokesman, Lt. Col. Felix Kulayigye said that he wasn’t “hurt at all”. Claiming, indirectly, that Besigye travelled abroad for treatment just on a whim.

You have the likes of Betty Bakireke Nambooze MP, who in march 2018 dared to insult the authorities, therefore got into an “accident” while in custody. Prolonged detention before allowed to be released to India for future treatment.

Later in 2018, Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine was tortured and kept at a secret location after the Arua By-Election. Which damaged his feet and other parts of his body. Where it is still not to this day verified what sort of actions they did. But after a long time awaiting, he was allowed to fly for the US for treatment.

In the same year and after the by-election in Arua. Francis Zaake MP in late 2018 was arrested, taken to a secret location and was tortured. He was suddenly dropped from detention and left at the gates of a hospital. A hospital he was not allowed to leave, because he was a “fugitive”. At this point he wanted to get treatment in India, which his lawyers and fellow MPs fought for.

Now in 2020 since April, Francis Zaake MP has been through this ordeal again. He has been beaten and hurt during detention with the authorities. Just been released yesterday from the hospital. That from being transferred and been between the Courts. The MP has proven his illness and the damage done to him. Therefore, it is very unique, when the minister claims he did damage on his own.

These is just a mere reflection, I am sure there plenty of more stories that could be told. Because, with what happen to Zaake over the recent month. I just felt the need to drop these stories. To show how this is something the state does.

Right now its Zaake whose in the spotlight. A man who has been through this before and gotten similar returns from the state. It is sad, but that is the reality. Again, the state will deflect and say its self-created, which would be a miracle. Just like the other cases or stories, which I have put together here today.

These are just a few and quickly mashed together. Not even that deep. It however, gives an insight and show over the years what the state has done to MPs and leaders of the Opposition. Peace.

A one-sided court system: Lukwago & 13 others Election Petition dismissed yesterday

What Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago and 13 others shown the world is that there is one-sided court system or judicial system in the Republic. For the ones that didn’t know that, should know that by now. Because, the state can easily go after Lukwago years after the supposed crime.

Like for instance, Besigye and Lukwago had to answer for “crimes” committed during the Walk to Work demonstrations of 2012 on the 18^th July 2016 at the Kabale Chief Magistrates Court. That was fine, but when his filling in an petition in consideration of the voter registration and election road map for 2021. His too late to do so. That is a double standard.

We can see quickly by two statements by the judge, that the 14 respondents had no chance in hell to let this pass the devil. There was no plan to do so. The judge even called the Lord Mayor an activist, as everyone is supposed to be equal by the law. Not treated differently because of role or your participation in society.

Here is the two quotes that says it all.

First:

“This court also realizes that the nature of the complaint seems to be made by a group of political activists, rather than the actual persons directly aggrieved by the timelines set by the Electoral Commission. This form of public interest litigation challenging non-inclusion of names in the Electoral register should be discouraged and is not maintainable. But a political party should be the best complainant in such matters rather than political activists” (High Court Judgement 21.02.2020).

Second:

“If the applicants wanted to invoke the jurisdiction of this court they should have come at the earliest reasonably possible opportunity or sought leave of the court to file their application out of time but not to file the same as of right after such a long time of almost 3 years. The court could have exercised its discretion to extend the time depending on the facts to determine whether to extend the time to file for judicial review depending on the reasons on how the delay arose” (High Court Judgement, 21.02.2020).

We can see the judge determination to undermine the statutes with just this argument from him. Judge Musa Ssekaana had decided it. It doesn’t matter if Lukwago or anyone had merit for their arguments, when these sort of arguments runs the town.

Wonder if Musa could explain to me with statutes why Lukwago could be called for Walk to Work charges in 2016, when they were done in 2012? Why shouldn’t he and 13 others do this? They had nothing to loose to this.

Now that the case is dismissed, the ‘MISCELLANEOUS CAUSE NO. 431 OF 2019’ is now done. The chicken is fried and served. The dismissal sealed it. However, it proves on vital point. That the state is allowed to follow old cases on the opposition, but the opposition isn’t allowed to question old appointments nor cases. That is the double standard within the law.

Congs Musa. You showed the world that, maybe without even knowing. Peace.

Opinion: Tumwiine thinks his above the law in concern of the safe-houses

“What I know is there is safe houses but you (MPs) will not be allowed to go there because the laws does not permit you” – Gen. Elly Tumwiine on 28th August 2019

General Elly Tumwiine, the Security Minister and the one who has the oversight and governing role over the safe houses, the Police Force and so-on. The General has blocked the Human Rights Committee from the Parliament to access the Safe Houses. As they should be able to assess and report on the works of the state.

Alas, the General has denied that and even asked for the MPs to ask forgiveness for doing so. As they humiliated the owners and the ones whose running these houses. What is out of this world and lack of understanding of his role as a Minister. His not a higher ranking, above the people, but a servant of the public. His Security Ministry is in-charge of Internal Security Organization (ISO), External Security Organization (ESO) and Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI).

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) apparently needs these Safe Houses, as they are still keeping Nalufenya Prison also. The NRM are not interested in disclosing or stopping these practices. That is why the Parliament and the Committee are doing this to the General. Since, the General are not willing to let them overlook the acts of it.

Like the NTV report today:

“Parliament has adopted a motion to censure Security Minister Gen Elly Tumwine for blocking the committee from visiting safe houses and repeated contempt of parliament and the office of the speaker. This follows a report of parliament’s Human Rights Committee that faulted Tumwine for blocking the committee’s work on safe houses, before also stopping the Director of Internal Security Organizations Col Kaka Bagyenda from appearing before the committee” (NTV Uganda, 05.02.2020).

The Parliament is not wrong looking into it. The General should be worried, when you easily access horrific stories of people whose been taken into these places without trial. Tumwine might think he can do it, because there is no repercussions for his actions. Neither will the NRM take any hits for this. Even as they continuing the post-colonial legacy of it. This practice was before the NRM and will hopefully be abolished after it.

“The word “safe house” has now almost gone out of use in Uganda, but multiple sources within the police and accounts by people who have been subjected to torture recently suggest that such places still exist. In his narration to the MPs, the tortured Byamukama said the beating that nearly ended his life did not happen in Nalufenya, for instance. He was blind-folded and driven to a location within Kampala City where he was tortured and was only dropped in Nalufenya after the fact” (Eriasa Sserunjogi – ‘ON WHOSE ORDERS? Torture as an instrument of repression in Uganda’, The Elephant, 29.07.2017).

Gen. Tumwiine knows these stories, there been several cases in Court, which the state has lost. As they are breaching the Constitution and their own laws. By not abiding to it, as they are not gazetted neither are the detained and tortured individuals following the courts nor the rule of law.

That is why Nalufenya is still a thing in 2020. He might be censored, but that will not change the fact of the innocent behind bars and tortured in ungazetted safe-houses across the Republic. Where people who dissent or who are troublesome to the NRM are put. Without trial, without justice and without answering in courts of law. They are guilty before even proven innocent. Instead of being innocent until proven guilty. Peace.

The Calvary have besieged and house-arrested Betty Nambooze MP!

“Five patrol vans and dozens of Police and army men sorround my home…..Am told that the number is five times bigger at my other home where I had organised a Press conference for today. At both my homes, police has set up heavy barricades disallowing any movement in or out. UGANDANS are getting used to tyranny…grave actions of human rights abuse and persecution are mented out on individual activists but because they have been happening for long…it has more or less become a way of life and its normal….other people even have the audicity to mock the victims!” (Betty Nambooze, 22.11.2019).

The Democratic Party Member of Parliament for Mukono Muncipality, Betty Nambooze was from early morning under house-arrest. This happens as the MP wanted to have a signature drive in the district for the People’s Government ICC Petition.

Therefore, the state is using their police and their resources to stop the opposition from doing their work. By illegally arresting her and keeping her home in Mukono under siege. The government are so afraid of the popularity of the ICC petition among the public. That they have to stop her from doing this in Mukono and the Greater Kampala area.

If the NRM and the government doesn’t fear the ICC petition, maybe it should ridicule the assessment and the things it alleges. Instead, they are amplifying the evidence and the case itself. By using state law-enforcement to illegal detain an MP in her own home. This without any warrant nor court orders. She is proven guilty, before she was proven innocent.

That is the Police Force ways in the Republic. Where opposition leaders and MPs are more criminal, than violent gangs and killers itself. They are monitored and detained at will. This house-arrest of Nambooze is another proof of that.

Nambooze didn’t even need to do more, than announce the signature drive in Mukono district to get this into trouble. The authorities really doesn’t care or has no issues taking the liberty, to away the liberty and freedoms of its citizens at any given time.

Today it was Nambooze, tomorrow it might be someone else. Peace.

FYI: The use of Safe Houses are unconstitutional and Gen. Tumwiine is wrong!

“What I know is there is safe houses but you (MPs) will not be allowed to go there because the laws does not permit you” Gen. Elly Tumwiine on 28^th August 2019

Gen. Elly Tumwiine is again defending the indefensible. Where he is now apologetic in the concern of the safe houses, which is ungazetted arround the Republic. This is the Minster of Security, the one whose the head of the operations and he has no issues with them.

“The Minister confirmed that indeed there were safe houses in Uganda and noted that safe houses were not peculiar to Uganda but they are a worldwide intelligence practice.

He told the Committee that some of the functions of safe houses included:

▪To coordinate clandestine intelligence operations

▪To debrief and re-brief intelligence assets

▪To secure and protect witnesses in danger, especially criminals who have turned into witnesses

▪To secure persons who come seeking to be protected by the state for various security reasons

▪To manage hard-core criminals who require a long time to reform and now need observation and surveillance” (Parliament Watch Uganda, 28.09.2019).

Clearly, the state misuse the Safe Houses, these unverified locations to keep people they have as suspects. It is a reason why this is problematic. Because, the people taken there is kept for long, without warrants, court orders or even following their citizens rights.

When the General speaks of permission, what in his right mind does he have to take away the public civil liberties and their constitutional rights?

Have the NRM during the time of Gen. Tumwiine at any point suspended the 1995 Constitution to give a free-for-all and take everyone as suspects before trial, before sentencing and discovery of evidence? Because that is what this seems.

Thanks to ulii.org and several of Court Cases, where innocent civilians was put into these Safe Houses and later won for damages against the state. These cases uses certain laws, which I will copy. To prove the misgivings within the law of the Republic for having these places. No matter, what Tumwiine says. Because, the Republic can never repay him back for his sacrifices, not even with their time and their freedoms apparently.

Lets look briefly at some pieces of legislation. Shall we?

Article 28 clause 1 of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda as follows:-

“In the determination of Civil Rights and obligations or any criminal charge a person shall be entitled to a fair, speedy and public hearing before an independent and impartial court or tribunal established by law”

Article 44(a) of The Constitution of The Republic of Uganda states:

“Notwithstanding anything in this constitution, there shall be no derogation from enjoyment the following rights and freedoms-

(a)Freedom from torture and cruel, in human or degrading treatment or punishment.”

The National Resistance Army (Application to Civilians) Regulations 1996, Regulation 5(1) provides that – “upon arrest of civilian, that civilian may be detained in a military cell and shall be brought before a military court not later than forty eight hours after arrest”.

While these legislation proves how the state are supposed threat there suspects, but that is not what they do.

I will take some snippets from a court case dating to the Judgment on 19^th August 2019 –

“THE HIGH COURT OF UGANDA, CIVIL SUIT NO. 386 OF 2014, LT. (RTD) GEORGE KIGGUNDU:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: PLAINTIFF VERSUS ATTORNEY GENERAL::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: DEFENDANT, BEFORE HON. JUSTICE MUSA SSEKAANA”.

As the Plaintiff testified this: “He testified that he was taken to the Head of Investigations Captain Mbahweza Ceaser who was a captain at the time, now a Colonel, who had a heap of sticks and started beating/assaulting him and asked him to remove his shoes and later locked him up in the toilet at Chieftaincy of Military of Intelligence. He was not informed of the reason why he was being beaten. PW1 further testified that was repeatedly beaten to a point when he started bleeding profusely. He was detained in some place in Kololo, which he came to know was a safe house in the dungeons. The plaintiff further testified that after about two weeks he was asked to make a statement that was when he was told that he was suspected to be recruiting PRA (Peoples Redemption Army) and ADF (Allied Democratic Forces) in areas of Kasese, Kampala and Masindi to which he responded that he did not know anything to do with any rebel activity. He insisted that evidence be brought forward connecting him to the allegations but to date nobody ever brought any evidence against him. Pw1 stated that spent sixty one (61) days in detention in a safe house under extreme torture, sleeping on floor, no visitors, and no treatment. As a result of that torture and detention, PW1 testified that he became black as a result of skin disorder, was beaten on his left leg and suffered severe grievous head Injuries” (High Court Judgment, 19^th August 2019).

We are seeing a pattern of this, where the state keeps suspect without their constitutional rights respected, neither the lawful procedure, as the state has decided that a certain individual is a suspect and therefore, can be handled with the full arm of the law. Without any warrant, court order or sentencing. This is just one man out of plenty.

Lt. George Kiggundu got 20 million shillings in damages, which was a nearly half of what he sought out for, which was 50 million shillings. However, this proves that High Court see the damages, the way the CMI and most like ISO is breaking the laws in concern of the safe houses.

That is why I had to write to day and put pieces together. Because, Tumwiine wouldn’t want to end up with the treatment of Lt. George Kiggundu any day of the week. No one should, because, you should have fair trial and process. To see if the state is right about the possible crimes a person has committed. With the safe houses, all people are fair game and whatever snoops of intelligence the ISO/CMI/Flying Squad has gotten. They can abduct, torture and detain someone for long without the legal justifications for doing so. Plus breaking the law, by making the supposed suspects victims of state violence against them. Where the state justifiably breaks the articles of the Constitution and other laws to be able to hurt, damage and scorn people for life.

Just because Tumwiine and the NRM is afraid someone might be a criminal or spy, without even having the evidence. Therefore, they need houses to torture the incriminating evidence instead of gathering it and proving it to the Courts, that the person in question is planning/doing/evidentially connected to the sort of activity that would put their life in legal jeopardy. But the way the state is doing it.

They are not doing it right, not acting right and using the passage of power as a government and authorities to bring the peace. They are actually acting, as if people are guilty before they are proven innocent. Instead of everyone is innocent before proven guilty. Peace.