Opinion: I don’t expect Dictators to fall, unless serious changes befall on them!

After Zimbabwe, people have started to blaze the horns and expecting other dictators to fall. Well, I am humbly saying, I hope so, but don’t expect so. Unless, there are vital changes, unless they lose their support and their weapons behind them. If the support and armies are not behind them, than the Robert Mugabe story can be repeated elsewhere. But it will be different from state to state, from president to president. As each President has built around a stronger or weaker system of orders, strength of institutions and also personal cult around themselves. We also know they are using their myths and their state media to serve their interests.

President’s that I will honor with a mention are Joseph Kabila, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, Pierre Nkurunziza, Faure Gnassingbe, Hailemariam Desalegn, Isias Afwerki, Omar Al-Bashir, Idriss Deby, Paul Biya, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasango, Mahamadou Issoufou, Paul Kagame and Ismaïl Omar Guelleh. These are a list of honorable mentions, there several more that could be put on a list, but these was the first to mention, if feel someone is left behind. Please leave that in the comments down below(I know that sounds like a Youtuber, but I had to take inspiration from somewhere).

All of these men in their republics knows that they use power and security organizations to quell, silence and oppress their opposition. They are keeping control of the state reserves and has their party as filled of loyalists and cronies. All of this states are militarized, there is state controlled media and has various of different rules. They are strict and controlling from the state houses and the freedom in these states are limited. The state and business are usually connected with the President and his family. If not there are cronies who also have business and fortunes. So the dictators are for the moment having control and making sure the people is not uprising.

What we can know is that if these dictators take it to far and the fear for the repercussion from the state. So as long as the public and opposition are detained for arbitrary arrests and citizens hurt after demonstrations. While the state reserves and donor funds are eaten by the elite, while the countries are kept poor. As long as the republic’s are poor, than they still need more foreign donors and supply. So it is good for the dictators to keep their nations poor, as the Western and Multi-National Organization can continue to supply them with non-binding funds. That they are free to use on military and one themselves, instead of building institutions and good governance, it is all controlled by the one man on top and his loyal subjects around.

This is well known and for different reasons, these men should always worry about their decisions and their capacity to rule. Nothing last for ever. There will be some who might want to take their place and replace them. Someone will always be opposition and fight for democratic values, but sooner or later they will succeed. It is just a matter of how and how long it takes.

They are all based on strong military control, even minor specialized groups who are like Presidential Guards/Republican Guards or Special Forces. These are controlled usually by either relations or trusted generals, who are loyal not to turn against the President. The Presidents promotes and demotes leaders inside their armies often, the same in the police force/service to compensate and also to make sure the old guard of warrior and soldiers who fought for the President. Will not be seen as a threat or have power to ever topple him. That is why they are trying to distance themselves from the ones who brought them to power, because they will know their inner-tactics; that is why the stalwarts and historicals are more public personas, but not people of power. Even if they did have so in past.

That is done to secure the role and secure the commander-in-chief, even the President always need the historical battles and origin story to keep himself relevant and prove his place. He don’t needs ones who fought with him and his cause. They will just ask for checks- and balances on the promises made in liberation and in the battles against previous oppressors. That is why they are not entangled with these, unless they give them phony medals and grant money, to hopefully silence them.

Still, with all the protocol and strength of the army, they are still vulnerable as they know this too. That why they are calculating and trying to find out the next person who wants their role and their positions. Which is why there are changes in their cabinets, Vice-Presidents and Prime Ministers. Until they find persons and people they trust to not ambitions to overpower them. Also, they want to stop other MPs and other voices to install hope in the population and to create popularity that is bigger then their personal cult and their teachings.

However, there are ways to bring them down by actually not fearing the state security organizations, waiting for the President to act swiftly without feeling the tensions within his own party. Like President Robert Mugabe did recently. If not actually know you have lost all legitimacy in recent elections, but not willing to step down like Yayha Jammeh. That was ECOWAS and Senegal who intervened on behalf of the newly elected President. Which was the reason for the dictator ending in Exile recently.

Therefore, we have to hope for leaders who have capacity to capture the pulse of the people who are oppressed, of the ones who are marginalized and the ones who are captured by the state. Since the dictatorships doesn’t give up easy, unless there is no escape. History has learned us that and therefore, the lesson needs to be learned. We in our time cannot give in and accept that the liberty, freedom and government are taken by one elite and one ruler.

Certainly, it will not be easy, the fight against oppressors will cost and take time. That is proven time in and time out. The same will happen here, but with their aging and their lack of control. Their trust in family members and trying to create family dynasties. They might fall like Mugabe. Even if some are sons of former presidents. Doesn’t mean they can continue owning the title and running the state. It is proven that is not accepted and that is all within reason. This is what happen in Zimbabwe and we understand if similar events transpire elsewhere.

In the end it is all up to the public for change, the public reactions and their demonstrations, boycotts and their inner works to dismantle the oppressive dictatorship. Often the international community and international counterparts will not intervene as they wants mineral resources and other commodities for cheap; and as long one partner can be bribed, the workers and resources don’t need to paid-in-full or proper. This prospers foreign investments and multi-national companies. This is not well-spoken of, but should be revealed, as it is so often shady dealings with resources sold or land to investors from these dictators. They are funding the state and military, that together with aid are keeping these regimes afloat.

With all this in mind, we have to continue the struggle against these men that are keeping people hostage and taking away freedom and liberty, freedom to assembly and to be activists. They are licensing and authorizing businesses and if people are allowed to have parties and civil society organizations. This are all in different ways, the same with the media and other public ways of sharing information. These are often controlled like all else are in society and in the republic.

We can just wonder if we let this repeat itself, let them continue to oppress and letting these multi-national corporations earn on this forms of government. If we can accept that aid and multi-national organizations keeping budgets and keeping them as leaders, because if these leaders would struggle more economically, more loyalists and more cronies would actually deflect quicker. Also, that if the economy struggle and the security organizations are not paid-off. They could instead of turning their weapons against the public, they could turn against the government/regime. So there are many ways together with public uprising that is needed to topple these dictatorships. Peace.

Hon. Jim Muwezi talks about justifying the house-arrest of Besigye; that personal freedom loses towards a state’s stability; I differ on those opinions; while he has totally forgotten the invitations from … to the Election Observers Mission.

When you’re losing a bar-fight and thinking that another beer, will give you extra strength and power to sufficiently hit the high and almighty bastard; that is the reasoning tactics of the Minster Jim Muhwezi today, the minister of Information and National Guidance!

Today Hon. Jim Muhwezi talked out on the FDC on the Breakfast Show on the NTV. Here is what he uttered today!  

 “When Kizza Besigye moves, he is followed by people, some of whom are potential criminals who want to loot. Police has a duty to stop that” (…)”“He [Besigye] is not under arrest. He is being regulated. He is free. Didn’t he go to church? Kizza Besigye is being treated as a security threat. Police can stop you from committing a crime. Uganda Police acts on information they get” (…)”Besigye’s ‘detention’ means government maintains responsibility of keeping law and order because elections shouldn’t turn Uganda anarchical so that is why security takes precedence over personal freedom always” (…)”“Besigye’s ‘detention’ means government maintains responsibility of keeping law and order because elections shouldn’t turn Uganda anarchical so that is why security takes precedence over personal freedom always” (…)”I don’t know the importance of this. They are diverting people’s attention from work. I find it strange that FDC is asking people to stay home. Very few people are following this. They are trying to defy nature and honest If Kizza Besigye wanted to go to court, we would have gone to court. Amama Mbabazi went to court without going to court” (Muneza, 2016).

Well, this here is not easy to subtle and kindly as he claims ordinary Ugandans are criminals for being supporters of Dr. Kizza Besigye, since the crowds and showing up at every town was big and many of the locals. Hon. Muhwezi follows the IGP Kayihura guideline, which Besigye is not under arrest: claiming the few hours going to All-Saints is the proof. I am sorry Hon. Muhwezi you’re soon getting three roadblocks to your home, getting a visiting book to sign in your entire guest, having police-officers outside your home for 40 days and not calling it a house-arrest. Then I and you can have an honest conversation. Even though the IGP Kayihura lies and you do as well, does not make it a truth!

Later you say the personal freedoms cannot be granted if it is fear of security and anarchical actions. The logic is flawed as your master and you’re Executive; your boss and the man you admire with all of your being Mr. Muhwezi. Hon. Muhwezi is defending a Preventative Arrest without any evidence that it has made an impact or given the country more secure. Law and Order means detaining people without having charges in sake of security, for me it sounds as making people criminal before they have even done a crime Hon. Muhwezi; is that the Information and National Guidance you will be remembered for?

Hon. Muhwezi it is ironic and fun to me how the NRM officials and NRM MPs and NRM Spokesmen have issues with the FDC Boycott. Why it’s ironic? If you are the grand-slam winners of the elections and have the majority then the boycott would not matter and wouldn’t be on your lips, right? Since it is, then it is hurting society and the general moral as it is way of peacefully reacting to the thieving of the election and acts of violence from the Security Forces and Police Force for the general public.

Then the last point on the Petition squabble, I did address this also with the CP Fred Enaga right after. It is special how the NRM people and Uganda Police sound like they have programmed to address and reasoning the same. Must be the 50 shades of ballot-stealing they are learning at Kyankwanzi retreat. It is hard to discuss this with rational sense that Dr. Kizza Besigye could go to court, he was under house-arrest, his fellow Party-Officials was not allowed to meet, the ones with DR Forms from the Polling Stations met at Gun-Point from the Police and also detained by the same Police; also the besieged FDC headquarter of Najjankumbi and twice raided since the Election Day. Therefore the assessment of easily walking with evidence and precedence to the Supreme Court is flawed one. If the NRM party had the aggravated assaults from the Police Force against their operations then their Executive would have gone back to his guns and taken the “Freedom, Liberty and Justice” for himself, but you know that right, Hon. Muhwezi?    

On International Actors during the Elections:

“Uganda’s internal matters” (…)”observers are not in our constitution and we don’t know why they were here” (Gorilla Express, 2016).

Well, you’re a minister of information, but it is the country who get request and takes the Observers Mission sometimes as a way of creating credibility for the election or securing funding for the government as the precedence of the reign of the rule of power is by the ballot box and an election. Just as the Commonwealth accepted the rigged the election of 1980 was to get a positive government that the United Kingdom and the United Kingdom investment could trust, therefore the Election Observers from Commonwealth in the 1980s was there to give credibility to the Obote II Government. You who are man who has been in government for so long should know this?

Your right an election is an internal matter! But that does not make them righteous to do them wrongly, the reason is to respect the ballot and the wishes of the citizens. That is an internal matter and matter of government, to have the representatives and the leaders the people decided to vote for and get in power. Not for the one handpicked by the Electoral Commission or the NRM-O. So the internal matter can be questioned by the people following and outsiders as we can see that the Government does not respect the internal matter of respecting your population and the citizens in general. Complete disregard for the will of the people when the rigged election has appeared and the announcement takes away the will and power of the ballot.

Wasn’t that why President Museveni had MoU on the Election Observation Mission in December 2015! But that is forgotten in your mind Hon. Muhwezi? The EAC Election Observers Mission came on invitation from the Electoral Commission, which is also forgotten? The Commonwealth Election Observation Mission happens after an invitation directly from the Government of Uganda, so certainly the GoU and the Electoral Commission; they have asked them to come! That is why they were there and observed the elections, apparently. But as a NRM Ministry of Information and National Guidance, your work is to make people forget certain facts to fit into the vision of the only man with a vision, isn’t that right Hon. Muhwezi?

I did the other destroy the words of Hon. Opondo, but you Hon. Muhwezi was much easier and with more delight. Hope you get to read these words and respect them as a advisory, because it could have been less humble and been more disgraceful as you called the men and woman who follow Besigye criminals, which is a low-point and a common disregard to common sense; why? Because the men majority of the men and woman following Besigye is citizens, tax-payers and the “average” Ugandan! Peace.

P.S:

Well, Hon. Muhwezi you’re speaking so biased I am sorry for you. There is not easy to take you seriously. That is because when I sent a question to mail the NRM Party Online Page, I was sent directly to your Ministry of Information and National Guidance; promised an answer within 24 hours in mid-February, and by today; still no answer on a single question.

Reference:

Muneza, Stephen – ‘Besigye followed by criminals – Minister Muhwezi’ (30.03.2016) link: http://eagle.co.ug/2016/03/30/besigye-followed-criminals-minister-muhwezi.html

Gorilla Express – ‘Jim Muhwezi stings International Community for meddling in Uganda’s internal affairs’ (30.03.2016) link: http://gorillaxpress.com/?p=517

FDC Boycott continues and the NRM Officials attacks it!

There is something ironic about it all, the way the NRM should not care if the FDC calls a boycott. As they are supposed to be a minority, to be minor group of people, as the NRM is supposed to be the people’s party with 10 million members and be the giant liberations party.

Even President Museveni claimed this a little while ago:

“Without this organizational weakness, our vote should be around 65% for the President in this week’s vote.  Even then, that should not have been the vote we should have got given the work NRM has done, especially in the area of infrastructure (roads, electricity, schools, health centres, piped water, etc.) and also in the area of peace and security.  We should have got 80% in my opinion” (Museveni, 2016).

Spokesperson Opondo said:

“Wearing black, ‘Black Thursday’, as a system of mourning, prayers for election loss and staying home,” Opondo cynically tweeted” (…)”The Uganda Media Centre boss said there is no harm if they (opposition) are peaceful and stay in their homes” (…)“Question is for how long will they stand?” (…)“Yet these businesses employ Ugandans and pay taxes to Ugandans,” he argued” (…)”According to Opondo, the boycott is exposing their (FDC’s) true colour of “a party that would strangulate businesses of people who don’t agree with it”(…)“Yet these businesses employ Ugandans and pay taxes to Ugandans,” he argued” (The Insider, 2016).

NRM Secretary General Said this:

“the NRM Secretary General Justine Kasule Lumumba says opposition leaders should not be taken seriously labeling them selfish and interested in keeping Ugandans in poverty” (Ssali, 2016).

Today’s retaliation:

“Kayunga District NRM chairperson Moses Karangwa has warned district and sub-county leaders who subscribe to the ruling NRM party against awarding government contracts to Opposition supporters” (…)”We should strengthen our party. Many of our supporters are unemployed so all the tenders and contracts should be given to them because they have the capacity to run them,” Mr Karangwa said, adding: “I don’t want to hear that an FDC or DP supporter has been given a tender.” Mr Karangwa made the remarks at the weekend while addressing NRM leaders who contested on the party’s ticket” (Muzaale, 2016).

If the NRM and their President are supposed to be over 60% of the people, any kind of boycott should not be issue for the government or the authorities, especially when your leader and the countries leader thought he should have had 80% in the polls. So why are all of your NRM leaders and officials crying foul towards the FDC if you have this support, Mr President?

As Ofwono Opondo tries to cry a river for the business-men and the tax-money, well, I don’t know how you think Mr. Opondo, but a boycott is usually stopping using money on certain companies and things as a reaction to either their ethics or their codes of conduct. Like in history where people boycotted South African production during apartheid, not because the people boycotting the production wanted to hurt the innocent farmers, but not give tax money and using their funds to in-directly funding the machinery fueling the government who was behind the draconian laws.

So if you look at that, Mr. Opondo, the FDC does the same as they believe the tax-money going to the Ugandan Government goes into funding the anti-riot police, police or army who detain, arrest and shoots at them; while they trying to keep their operation and support their members of their opposition party. So your reasoning does not make clear sense, as if they wanted to use these businesses and shop there, the FDC supporters and FDC officials would make sure that the tax-money would not come to you or your advisories, as that give them cash money to hunt down FDC supporters, Officials and pay meals to the Police who keeps the FDC members detained. That is the reason for the boycott, and the tax-money is a reason, not to direct hurt the people working there, they are third-party who get issues because of the cause that the parties who boycotts are working for.

Example: As it not the clothes producers of H&M in Bangladesh who is the issue why people boycott H&M. The issue why people boycott H&M is because of their ways of producing their clothes and buys jeans from another chain or store. Mr. Opondo that gravity has never hit your head before has it?

Let me address NRM Secretary General Justine Kasule Lumumba who says that boycott continues to leave people to live in poverty and continuation of it. That makes it seem that it is majority who boycotts, and that the boycott cuts grand charges of the economy instead of being a tiny minority as the announced result claims. My second counter is that the NRM has had 30 years to create wealth, even before the Operation Wealth Creations, 10 Point Program and so on. So that a reaction from the opposition and their supporters shouldn’t do more damage to the economy than already level that the NRM and the NRM-Elite has created since 1986. So sorry, feel no sympathy with you reasoning for speaking about the boycott Mrs. Lumumba. You and Your NRM can actually work for the people and not feed yourself, than you get my sympathy.

And the last person addressing the boycott from the FDC is the Chairman of Kayunga district Moses Karangwa who now wants to boycott back. That is a valid argument, as the NRM has the right to boycott, but as a ruling party. This is a retaliation that actually has arms to hit back the FDC who has valid reasons for their boycott, while the NRM is the ruling party of 30 years and have machinery through the state and decides all the major agreements already. As seen with the non-transparent licenses of drilling oil in country. So that he wants to leave the opposition in vivid poverty and keep the cadre-policy instead of trying to open deals, is what we are seeing with this. While the FDC is an open boycott with a clear message, the message of Mr. Karangwa is more a reaction that supposed to leave all the money to the ruling party and ruling party officials. That makes the state even more inclusive and take more control, as he want to secure that if you’re not an NRM member or part of the NRM Local Councilor grant them contracts and their importers, not from opposition as that is weakening the NRM he claims.

Well, I would not say claiming that it would weakening the party, as they already run the country through the executive and get the money, the tax-payers money and the laws make the possibility for the NRM campaign team to run their campaigning during the pre-election period. So the contracts and the monies already targeted through local-government and state contracts are already going to companies that leave money for NRM officials. So the quotes and wishes from Mr. Karangwa are futile. Why does the party who already has the funding and have the money need to boycott anybody else? Or is Mr. Karangwa saying that NRM is poor and need funding? Peace.

Reference:

Muzaale, Fred – ‘Don’t give Opposition government business deals – NRM boss’ (15.03.2016) link: http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/Dont-give-Opposition-government-business-deals-/-/688334/3116820/-/15r1d0bz/-/index.html

Museveni, Yoweri Kaguta – ‘President Museveni’s statement on the elections’ (27.02.2016) link: http://www.statehouse.go.ug/media/news/2016/02/27/president-musevenis-statement-elections

Ssali, Godfrey – ‘Shun FDC’s ‘free my vote campaign’ – Lumumba‘ (08.03.2016) link: http://radioonefm90.com/shun-fdcs-free-my-vote-campaign-lumumba/#more-6451

The Insider – ‘NEWS Ofwono to FDC: Wear black & mourn election loss’ (07.03.2016) link: http://www.theinsider.ug/ofwono-to-fdc-wear-black-mourn-election-loss/

Opposition leader Besigye have been under house-arrest since Election Day; giving more legitimacy to his cause by every moment; while the government can’t give real reason for the continued arrest!

Today I am writing out of my mind, as the was reported that the MPs in Parliament wanted reasons for keeping Dr. Kizza Besigye under siege with the heavy police brigade in Kasangati, Wakiso District. Something they been up to since 18^th February, not that he has not been house-arrested before, that has occurred before, just as the travels and detentions at Naggalama Police Station and Kiira Road Police Station, is seemingly normal for the Presidential Candidate. And for a Presidential Candidate the close relationship with the men of law should not be there.

In his defense he is a politician, an opposition leader and the ghost of democratic leadership in Uganda, which is big thing for the men of law in Uganda. As the Police is a useful tool of the NRM-Regime and their tireless behavior to discredit the opposition. As they have created laws to get legitimacy for their actions as they have done tirelessly for attempting to stop opposition parties from organizing themselves. This done by the most biased law ever Public Order Management Act (POMA), IGP Kale Kayihura, CP Fred Enaga and all other Police Officers knows this law better then receipt’s for G-Nut sauces.

The continuation of the House-Arrest that lasted since mid-February without any charges or warrants, other than the preventative-arrest because if he is released; the country will go into chaos and contagious violence of near Armageddon proportion. As he does not have a tank, mambas, army and militias ready to re-create the massacre of Luweero again, the issue with that is that he is a peaceful politician with peaceful agenda, also talking about a peaceful transition and government that supposed to be accountable and the be transparent. While the ruling regime uses the army to suppress the people, police-force to detain people before trial and without charges, police-force who takes and detain people human rights activists and so. So the NRM-Regime and the government institutions are the ones who use the laws and order to keep everybody under their oppressive regime, while the NRM can do as they please and the opposition get detained or arrested for trying to their political work. Because the NRM has the Executive and he runs the place, so the other just should just kneel to throne.

Well, that is not a representative government right now. That is why the public is morning. Many might not be able to home today, because they couldn’t afford not to lose their jobs or would risk it by staying home. But the boycott can be important as the public performance of the black clothes or blue clothes as a sign of solidarity. But this here is not about that, still it is important to look at. This is a reaction to the unfree and house-arrested Dr. Kizza Besigye.

He has been house-arrested since 18^th February, even been back and fourth since the 15^th February, when he tried to get to have a Makerere rally and was taken back from Wandegeya roundabout. Then detained and then taken home. So he has only been really out of his home, when he went to All Saints for service, he has not voted in the local elections and been a citizen for the last 22 days, or even more. As the times he has tried to go out even to shop he has been arrested and detained at Naggalama Police Station. Before the Police took him home for more house-arrest, as that is their business at the moment.

This endless house-arrest is a meager display and arrogance of the ruling party, the Executive and the security forces who is in his hands. Besigye is under house-arrest for one simple reason: Legitimacy. The word who kills Museveni right now. No matter how the court case is going. How many people getting detained to hide the actual result, how many witnesses get missing, how many documents get forged to fit the announcement of Badru Kiggundu of 20^th February; as the display of the government funds used to re-elect Museveni, the way the bribery and corrupt officials given voters money to sway their minds. This here is taking the vitality of the regimes new term and tenure. As the silence on the streets and the nearly warrior speech of NRM Secretary General Justine Kasule Lumumba right after the announcement! That should be visible sign as the only ones celebrated been Uganda Media Centre, Kiira Motors Company and the paid Youths who made a tiny made up victory rally in Kampala. Certainty is that simple reason for Dr. Kizza Besigye continuation of house arrest is Legitimacy.

Legitimacy and legit assurance and trust come with validity of the support of your citizens and population. That you do not get with guns, arms and rigging government institutions. But that is not easy for President Museveni to see right now, as it is not “Who” but “What” for him while he talking to his best fans, instead for the cows of Mbarara.

There been demonstrations in the diaspora like in Boston, U.S. and London, U.K. but not openly in Uganda, as in Uganda the Army, Military Police and Police has been heavy deployed. The people trying to access Besigye’s home has been either sent away, stopped on one of the three main roadblocks from Kampala, or if they got close been detained the DPC Kawalya or DPC Kasangati, and then sent to Kasangati Police Station. While using around USh8m daily to make sure that the presidential candidate, so he does not make a fuzz. With 22 days detained by close calculation means the government of Uganda has spent on keeping Besigye under siege a total 22 days x 8M = 172m. And the total amount of Police Officers on the detail is 150. So the Uganda Police Force sees the pride in keeping him inside his gates and in his home in Kasangati. If not, they are wasting a lot of manpower and resources to keep him there.

That the People and Citizens have not done more can be questioned, as they really showed up at every step of his campaign trail from November until the last day before Election Day. Since then the mourning and sadness has attended the land, while the government and security forces has gone into state of emergency. As the state has deployed the army and police to intimidate the public!

So long as Kasangati and the home of Dr. Kizza Besigye is besieged by the police under order from up-high and the Executive; as he knows what torn and scars to his reputation it is to have him around and know that he does not have support that Besigye have! That FDC could not file a petition that was why I first suspected why he was house-arrested and detained. Now over a week later and still behind the Police siege; the Police siege is so great that the Police invades the homes of his neighbor’s homes to go to the toilet, as the police officers after so long has still no mobile-toilet or anything of sanitary facilities. Therefore they have done it around the house, before the ones got fined for doing so. This proves the disregard of the public and how the people who happen to live around him now, get the issues with police. As the reports of people struggling to visit neighbors and move around the area, as the police check everybody.

With that in mind, people should know by addition to the Besigye home under siege, the people around also besieged and even “invaded” by the Police. That says how far this guy’s goes with efforts and reasons. As still days upon days an opposition leader is behind siege and not allowed to live normally because of his wish to create change and another type of government. That is the “sin” Besigye has done and why he is behind the siege. While the world is forgetting and the people seem to forget that they supported him during the pre-election period and just wanted be part of rallies, and not create the change. If not the fear of the Police and Army with their ability of create violence to citizens and detaining people. Now it is so strong that they do it because the government spread massive amounts of fear. I think is the fear and the mourning, not because they don’t believe in the change and the wish of changing government that actually represent them and not representing Museveni. As it does now!

So Uganda should #FreeTheVote #FreeBesigye and Kigwa Leero! The long staying and prolonged house-arrest does not make sense, but to validate the legitimacy of Besigye and proving as Gen. Muntu and others said it was a Coup d’état on the 20^th February as the army was heavy deployed and police in the streets, not celebrating crowds for yet another term for President Museveni. Peace!

The Police say the Boycott from “FDC is Illegal!” The Police use their holy grail POMA, and that some actually stay home in solidarity with Besigye today; Actual shop-keepers get arrested for closing their store in Rukungiri today!

Today it is first Thursday when many people stay home in solidarity to Dr. Kizza Besigye’s house arrest and the stealing of the votes on 18^th Feburary 2016. The Police can’t handle that people are staying home and not talking. They can’t gather evidence and find out who really is opposition to harass. Therefore the CP of the Police said this to the media! And he had to use Public Order Management Act (POMA) the bill who is more used in Uganda then the Constitution to give the Police right to whatever they want.

“These demonstrations are deemed illegal because they are not authorized by Police as required under the Public Order Management Act, due to the potential of culminating into riots across the city; including arson, looting of properties, destruction and vandalism, and violent clashes between Police and rock throwing protesters. It is on record during the last such unlawful protests that several businesses reported damage, buildings destroyed, vehicles vandalized and injuries sustained,” says Fred Enanga, the police spokesperson” (Afunah, 2016).

That not going to work is illegal and not authorized from the Police is amazing. That the Police can state that you are making arson and potentially destroying property by not going to work is flamboyant at best.

Take look here:

Eyewitness: “Time check. 9:00 am I am at home i mean staying at home. The thought rung in my mind..go out and access the situation and find out the public response towards call for stay at home. Here i took a 5 minute walk to Kitintale taxi stage. This is one of the busiest stages in Kampala”

And if the police has issues with black or blue t-shirts while walking to work, it proves their partisanship and really, really foolish to demolish this way of showing their agony in public. The Police might not gotten a petition or form filled in with the planned demonstration, but the issue is that if they had filled it in, they would not been accepted. They have themselves aggressively preventative arrests of FDC and GO-Forward activists/officials/agents. Therefore the initial activities from the Police is not giving justice, but securing the Presidency and the elite of NRM. Not caring about democratic actions as they have sieged the home of Dr. Kizza Besigye since before the Election Day, the way the Police has attacked the Najjankumbi Headquarter have been raided twice. So if the Police expected that the FDC would comply with their rules now, it would be strange as they themselves has no regards for laws or regulations as they attack the FDC and Go-Forward by any means since the 18^th of February.

The Demonstration of the FDC and their supporters is peaceful defiance and defying the institutions and businesses that supply funding to the NRM-Regime. They do not say that people should stay home if they fear of losing their job! It is a demonstration of character as they will defy the regime by peaceful means. The destruction and vandalism is more the way of the Police and Army as they hurt and kill. While the FDC want to wear a shirt and stop using MTN. If that is hard for Police to understand, I understand that as they have shown that they only understand violence, as they create it or harass the public. The Police cannot harass the public if they stay in their own home. They are allowed not to listen to Bebe Cool or Dr. Jose Chameleone or anybody else who supported President Museveni during his campaigning. They can listen to Bobi Wine or Lucky Dube if they want to, with that should cause tension. As much as staying home is a way of showing disaffection, if you couldn’t do that; than the public could do that through clothing as a sign of defying the regime; both of them are is soft and peaceful ways of demonstrations, not making the violence and creating vandalism.

So Uganda Police I do not know what you do in your homes if that is violent or vandalism, but that is up to you, and if the public is wearing something dangerous by wearing blue or black. Than you should start to wear that yourself since the Police are often the most dangerous, as you throw tear-gas, live-bullets and other aggressive behavior towards the people. And telling people that they are breaking the “Public Order” by staying home or even wearing some other clothing is just unserious, even if the FDC and the FDC NEC didn’t send a form displaying the articles and decisions to demonstrate peacefully in the country.

The actions of Rukungiri where shops have been closed in solidarity of the FDC and “Free My vote” campaign; the shop owners are now being arrested and detained by the Police;  So the Police have now lawful power to tell if the stores can be open and closed. By the assumption of the public display arresting Mr. Batuma and Mr. Sonko of Sonko Electronics in Rukungiri who has been arrested today after their store been closed. The FDC has been informed that UPF is looking out for business-owners that closed their businesses voluntarily. Is this the proud state of Police and NRM-Regime that you order businesses to be open or be detained by government forces? Is that parts of President Museveni’s pledges and speaking of peace during the pre-election period. As nobody could create violence or unrest in the country as long as he was President, the old man with hat and his security organizations has gone to far, when they take the men who lay down the work in solidarity for a cause and then detaining them, while looking for the other ones.

The people do this without creating any of the violence and vandalism. Even if a government car got burnt by the Electoral Commission offices in Kampala, compared to the violence you created when Dr. Kizza Besigye was crossing town to go to the Makerere rally on the 15^th February 2016, this here has been nothing. I am sure the Police will blame it on the opposition, even if it was the Police themselves blazing the car, even if it was just a disgruntled employee of the Electoral Commission, who hadn’t gotten his/hers pay-check.

So if the Police struggle with the sit-home demonstrations and the clothing to show allegiance with opposition, with boycotting NRM and showing public disobedience. That should be allowed and not be questioned. Peace.

Reference:

Afunah, Badru – ‘Police Warns As FDC’s Protests Begin’ (10.03.2016) link: http://news.ugo.co.ug/police-warns-fdcs-protests-begin/

Resurrection of rebellion surfaces; while now the SUN sets on the NRM-Regime; And the disregard of justice and the Power-Vacuum created by this announcement of election results; creates distance between the Executive and the People!

This here is worrying signs in the times as people have fled their homes in Bundibugyo district, the violence that spark in Kasese, the intimidation in Kaabong amongst the Karamojong. The situation of house arrest of Dr. Kizza Besigye, the harassment of FDC officials and the FDC agents detained, and the witnesses of the Go-Forward Group in the same predicament. While the army is still heavy deployed and the police is still in anti-riot gear. The FDC headquarter in Najjankumbi has been raided and staff been detained to take Declaration Results Forms. That is the main reasons for the troubles of Go-Forward and FDC.  

The worrying is the escalation with a rebel group official starting to attack President Museveni under their leader “Maii Moto” went and attacked the Police Station in Kapchorwa. Even reported that the “We, Save Uganda Now” (SUN) has taken responsibility for the attack on the 5^th March 2016. As even seems to be two battalions and also having UPDF deserters. That is worrying sign, because the UPDF is very professional and well-trained therefore used in operations in Somalia, DRC and Central African Republic. They have even entered South Sudan and reported that certain parts were in Burundi right after the election in 2015. Therefore that UPDF army men leaving the fold and be parts of rebel group, says enough.

This election has left lot of stones to turn as the continuation of fraud surface and the ways government has handled the elections and the aftermath. We see now the historical artifact surface after a hampered and rigged election. It is not enough how the announcement of the result happen on the 20^th February from the Electoral Commission and the question of the existence of a National Talley Centre. The end game is strange and charade at the Supreme Court.

That a rebellious group as the SUN has surfaced should be worrying with mentality that the NRA came to power, as in previous times the ADF-NALU has made violence in the Rwenzori-Region and the LRA in Northern Uganda. Both of the other groups are now at other places and fought back by the UPDF, still they exist and torment of citizens in Democratic Republic of Congo and Central African Republic. They are all reactions to the regime of President Museveni. As the newly formed SUN; that SUN exists and already have created casualties in Kapchorwa. That is not a great look into the start of a new term and sworn-in. knowing that people are starting to use the same format and the same guerrilla and bush-war mentality as you did in the 1980s.

It should be worrying already with the men killed after demonstrations, the hurt men after the tear-gas and live-bullets, the detaining and the shunning level playing-field and used the government institutions to achieve yet another “victory”. Not that it is legitimate or correct as the mourning proves and the way people showed up at the rallies of the opposition and the way they was ferried to President Museveni.

There certainly things brewing who is not well established, with the arbitrary laws and creating the Crime Preventers, while mixing the powers of the army and the police in joint operations while carrying out unlawful house-arrests and detaining opposition. It is in this territory that the SUN guerrilla and rebels shows up and shoots up a Police Station in Kapchorwa. Where they pick up guns and kills a police officer. In 1981 the NRA went to Kabamba in Mubende to gain strength and secure guns and ammunition for their bush-war.

For a man who knows this tactic, for a President, who gained force in this way and created a atmosphere of invisibility and maneuvering between guerrillas and government army, while regenerating public support his cause. That must be a worry for the man who has called the people of Kampala rats for voting opposition, blaming opportunists MPs and claiming that he is the only one who can keep Uganda safe. In that picture with the recent deaths, fleeing people and the tension proves that something has occurred and a mentality has changed. As the UPDF, UPF and other security outfit has more work than claiming the P10 of the FDC is an illegal branch who should be dissolved. As they don’t carry guns or create violence. They should fear the SUN guerrillas and rebels who have been created to work against President Museveni. As much as he should not underestimate them as the President Obote did in his time and how the rippling effect it does have, and knowing the main target is to take out NRM and their President Museveni after 30 years in power.

This here is not a wished picture or something anybody wants to see, as I have before explained the similarities between the election in 1980 and even how Dr. Kizza Besigye has been worked against is similar to then Presidential Candidate in 1996 – Dr. Paul Ssemongerere. There is vicious ways of the government operations and the ways they operate has generate a ghost or a reaction that is not peaceful, even if the main opposition speaks of peaceful dis-obedience, as boycotting and not using NRM infused businesses and tax-collecting companies that gives the regime money to fuel their operations. That is decent way of doing so if they get it deliberately and get the public to eat in and take part of it. As the western nations started to shun products from South Africa when the Apartheid policy surfaced and the oppressive regime was taken the lid of. Then the public started to buy the same products from other sources instead of giving the tax-money to South African and South African producers. That is what FDC and other opposition powers are talking. In the political climate now, that is sustainable, as long as the public actually does it. Citizens who show their disregard of the ruling party and their rich elite who keeps them there; therefore the natural reaction would be to stop using MTN or other big business that serves the government right now.

The SUN is another type of reaction and their attempt and even start proves the liability and weakness in the army and the police as they could ambush the Police station. Even Police Spokesmen Fred Enaga claimed they we’re “mastermind” and this is a Police Force who prides themselves in intelligence and gathering information while detaining people preventative arrests and takes them to jail before the actions are done; as they fear people doing crime or creating chaos. As they have done ever since creating the Anti-Besigye Act or the POMA.

The SUN group uses the same device as the NRA did and already cleared one police station in the midst of the heavy deployment of army, roadblocks from central Kampala and out to Kasangati, the UPDF who supposed to keep things tight-knit and together with the police make sure no post-election happens, even as the violence hits Soroti, Kasese, Bundibugyo and now Kapchorwa. This is inflicted and notion of the intent from the government as they secure their own men and the handpicked men of the NRM, as they have ruled without to many questions since 1986. They been backed by the United States, Russia, Libya and other powers to secure a strong army and rebuild the country after bush-war. Now they are returning into the same landscape they fought to get rid of. As the Police standby while lawyers who work on a petition to question the legitimacy of the recent election is getting raided. While the evidence getting lost. This violent disregard of justice and double-standard; can fuel the men of SUN. Not that we want that, but we have to understand that.

As the killings and guerrilla warfare is not wished. But it happens when oppressive regimes and totalitarian regimes cremate the skeleton of sham elections, sham government and sham funding of government facilities, the loss of accountability and transparency; where everything is circulated amongst one man and his cadres. We can see that is the exposure and the clarity of the government institutions right now. They are all centered toward the executive and his decisions, as the IGP Kayihura has said he “follow orders” and do that without thinking. While before election Generals of the Army together with MPs said they feared going against the President Museveni. This here was put on wax and said to Daily Monitor. There was even reported that it was fear of defacing campaign-posters of him, as the poster represented the President.

When you are in this state and in the climate between people and leaders, when the MPs, Generals and IGP fear the President and would follow his command as a fear of losing the position he has “given them”. Then can have a deteriorating effect and make people kneel and speak as they want to think like the Executive, instead of building to creating a better government, as that is not important as much as clearing the state. Make sure that the state, parliament and government institutions can surely serve the Executive and not the people. The reason why the election became like it was and the excuses and tragic outcome, as the silence and the meager display of confidence in the regime; with the reaction as people tarnished Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya as he was first to congratulate President Museveni. In this sieging of the people’s will and the open stealing of ballots, has made certain bubbles to burst.

As it now seems as certain army deserters actual becomes a part of a guerrilla or militia, even an armed rebel group. That should be worry, even as it is nothing new in the history of Uganda, and the ability of UPDF to shut-down rebellion, though this time they might play it differently and the people might not celebrate the governmental army as before, because of the longevity of the bush-war that created the NRM and the longevity of President Museveni. It would be special if a guerrilla of his own trained deserters would bring him down, as he has never chosen peace or taken defeat as a leader, instead always blamed other people for his failure or opposition for destroying good policies. The SUN might be a little mosquito right now, I am sure Obote at one point didn’t take the runyankore upstart seriously, even if had been defense minister at one point, and been a part of the armed battle together with him battling Idi Amin. He was still sure together with Tanzanian army would be able with UNLA to destroy NRA. Something he didn’t as they could hide easy and move quicker than the government forces while tactically outmaneuver both other rebel forces as Dr. Kayira his Uganda Freedom Movement (UFM) and other ones. So secure the loyalty from the Baganda Kingdom and take Kampala and be sworn-in in 1986. This is something the NRM knows and should worry that they are doing the same as the men they got rid of in 1986, they even seem to have done certain murders that came to the surface in December 2015 by the shores of Lake Victoria, as the Police has not given the public any answers to the crime or given any indication of knowledge on the Christopher Aine case. And the months are rolling and the next swearing in of President Museveni together with his loyal Presidential neighbor’s and President Mugabe, as he will cling to power by any means. That means the army and police will use their guns and the tear-gas, operation to raid opposition offices, even lawyers offices and detain witnesses to keep silence on the electoral fraud that happen on the 18^th February 2016.

Somewhere is Dr. Milton Obote shaking his head together with Yusuf Lule and Dr. Paolo Muwanga who did their business at one point of time in the Ugandan history. Now, this period will be historical for the disarray and measly display of arrogance from the NRM-Regime while the nature of business is shaping the results with the iron-fists, instead of democratic means or justice, as the concern of rule of law does not care for anything else the rule of power. The answer to this is the resurrecting of ghosts of the Ugandan history. Guerrilla and rebels to the government and their ruling; that it happens now show how deep down and little regard the government has for the people. That the Government of Uganda, President Museveni has made the people his enemy and created a big vacuum as the people feels betrayed by their Executive, this has led to people and UPDF deserters to start a rebellion and a guerrilla under the name “We, Save Uganda Now” (SUN). And the violence has been released unto police men in Kapchorwa days ago, as the Police and army, together with other political forces has created similar outcomes in Bundibugyo and Kasese. To many dies for too little as the Executive continues to suppress his own people and take them for granted. Peace.

“SADTU stands in the way of a better future for our children” – Bokamoso by Mmusi Maimane

WikiLeaks – East Africa in the 1970s: how the tensions running high between the nations ,disbanding EAC, and US involvment.

Here is brief WikiLeaks on the rich history of the 70’s in East Africa. The interesting times and political play of an era which is now gone. What we can learn by this, is how to deal with tension between nations and also what values we should seek. Read this and hopefully you will be a bit more enlighten on some history which happened not too long ago.

Short historical pretense to the Uganda-Kenya-Tanzania tensions of the 70s:

“Kenyan press accused Ugandan soldiers of murdering and chasing off railway officials in February, 1973. Uganda claimed that it was planned by former Ugandan president, Obote and his supporters” (…)”President Amin of Uganda placed his military on alert for an invasion of British forces from Kenya as tensions grew concerning the death sentence of British journalist, Denis Hills who criticized Amin. On June 25, 1975, Amin accused Britain of sending two warships with soldiers to Kenya in preparation for an invasion. The British government called the deployment a routine visit. On July 1, 1975, Amin announced that he would grant Hills a pardon” (…)”President Kenyatta of Kenya threatened war with Uganda in February, 1976 over a border dispute” (…)”President Amin of Uganda withdrew his claims on the disputed area on Febraury 27, 1976, but tensions continued. Kenya protested the killing of a Kenyan student in Uganda on March 12, 1976” (…)”Israeli troops rescued some 100 hostages at Entebbe airport in Uganda on July 3-4, 1976, and Israeli military aircraft used in the rescue mission landed in Nairobi, Kenya for refueling before returning to Israel. President Idi Amin of Uganda accused Kenya of collaborating with Israel on July 4, 1976. Some 3,000 Kenyans fled from Uganda on July 5-15, 1976. On July 8, Kenya demanded that Uganda pay for all goods being shipped through Kenya because of the debt Uganda owed it. On July 9, Kenya restricted Uganda’s access by rail to the Indian Ocean. The Kenyan government reported on the tenth of July that 245 Kenyan citizens had been killed in Uganda” (…)”On July 16, 1976, Kenyan truck and railway workers refused to enter Uganda. Uganda promised not to invade Kenya on July 21. Uganda cut electricity supplies to Kenya on July 24. Kenya severed the supply of oil to Uganda on July 25, 1976, and President Amin retaliated by threatening to go to war with Kenya. Uganda agreed to hold negotiations with Kenya on July 30, 1976” (…)”President Amin of Uganda and President Jomo Kenyatta of Kenya signed an agreement in Nairobi on August 7, 1976, which provided for the withdrawal of troops from the border region. Kenya resumed the supply of oil to Uganda on August 11, 1976. This ended the series of conflicts that make up” (…)”Kenya and Uganda agreed to resume diplomatic relations on February 10, 1978. Kenya closed its border with Uganda in April, 1979 to stop the inflow of fleeing Ugandan soldiers fleeing from the invasion of Tanzania” (Dingu.sbs.arizona.edu)

This was the short history of the exiting times in East Africa. Here is what I found from the releases of documents on Wikileaks:  

In May 1973 Kampala Uganda, the elite or prominent people resigned their post.  Professor and Dean in Political Science, Ali Mazrui is specialized in the fields of Europe and American politics. Since the coup of 1971 he has given lectures that are pro-Amin, still with the repression of the elite has changed his views (Wikileaks, 1973). The reason why Ali Mazrui was turned against Idi Amin was the way he repressed the Acholi, the Langi, the Asians and the murders of Bendicto Kiwanuka and Vice-Chancellor Frank Kalimuzo of Makerere (Binghampton, 2011).

Ambassador Barigye resigned on the 3^rd of May 1973. Julius Nyerere granted him political asylum in Tanzania. His travel paper told another story that he ended in Lusaka, because the work opportunity is supposed to be better there (WikiLeaks, 1973).

Certain diaspora in Tanzania:

Obote is reported to be in Tanzania, also with terminated cabinet ministers. Idi Amin has put new people who have to act in their position, leaving the other one to end their former minsters posts (WikiLeaks, 1973).

4^th of May General Amin appointed soldiers to be Saza and Gambola Cheifs. Their training started on 7^th of May which now has turned into 3 or 4 weeks. Amin told them: “When he completes reorganization and everything is seen (to be) working well, he will give six months or one year for people to prepare for general elections” (WikiLeaks, 1973).

Tentative coup plans of 1973:

The ones that were supporting this operation were the Tanzania, China and also possible USA to assist the coup in Uganda. Ugandan leaders supporting this were Ali Mazuri and Major Okoth. Richard Ojok was delivering a plan at the embassy at the 21th August (WikiLeaks, 1973). Ojok has organized a group called UNQTE. Ali Mazuri is a part of this outfit. Major Ojok has met Nyerere to get Tanzanian assistance for the coup. Chinese Millitary Attache Cho En Tieng was present and offered financial assistance. The Chinese also offered Army personnel, but Ojok was afraid that if the coup succeeded the Chinese would be tied to power. The plan for the plot was to let the army men travel in civilian at 5^th of October on an East African Airlines. Mazuri has discussed the matter to a African American Arms dealer Julian Hilbert. Hilbert assistance will come if they get enough funding. Major Ojok has been into Uganda and knows that they have 200 well trained military men, with a unit of 400 Libyan troops and 21 Mirage Jet Fighters. On his assassination list is the Commander of the Simba Mechanized Regiment at Mbabara: Lt. Col. Maliyamungu. They fear him because he has control of the tank division. So UNQTE feel they need to get tanks and are trying to get funds to complete this. Former Minister Kibedi is offering a position to those who are supporting funds. Ojok is not planning to have the coup when Amin is departed trip to Algeria for a conference. It will be when he is in the country. 22th of August 1973 will Ojok be back in Uganda and stay at the Standard Hotel. Lindstrom forward all information to the Washington Agencies (WikiLeaks, 1973).

Problems between Uganda and Tanzania:

13^th of July 1974 General Amin had allegation of supposed plans of a coup and invasion from Tanzania. Amin is saying that Zambia and Tanzania is wishing to get the ousted Obote back as president in Uganda. He says: “Actively supporting Dr Milton Obote to mount an invasion of Uganda” (…)” Continues to encourage and assist invasion of Uganda, battlefields will be Mwanza, Musoma, Tabora, and Dodoma. I am not going to kneel down in front of him, he must know that I am a General who can fight any war, at any time, anywhere” (WikiLeaks, 1974). Tanzanian Governement replied to Amin: “Government wants to make clear that should these allegations be used for an attack, Tanzania will be justified to take all necessary steps to defend itself”. Radio Tanzania has reported on 15. July 1974 that President SIAD has inquired to the Secretary General of the OAU to get a meeting between Uganda, Zambia and Tanzania. This tension strand from the prominent position Obote got under the 20^th anniversary of TANU on 7. July 1974 (WikiLeaks, 1974).

Boycott of Ugandan goods:

Idi Amin statement: “Does not constitute apology for recent territorial claim which GOK is insisting upon before presently strained bilateral relation can be normalized”. Dockworkers in Mombasa boycott the boats with Ugandan destined cargo. This leading too delayed boats out of docks of Mombasa. Amin is waiting for a Government of Kenya (GOK) apology. This boycott could lead to Amin to cut electricity which Amin claimed was substantial for Kenya, the estimation is between 15-20%. The photographer of Jomo Kenyatta has been burned in public in Uganda (WikiLeaks, 1976).

Fuel Shortage in Rwanda:

Uganda has had economic setbacks due to the closure of borders with Kenya. This has led to the gas shortage in Rwanda – because of the Mombasa-Kampala line. Tea and coffee export is really hit by this gas shortage (WikiLeaks, 1976). Rwandan MINFIN, National Bank of Rwanda flew to Kampala with President Habyarimana on the 17. March to discuss a government deal with Amin. Amin snubbed it for three reasons:

1. Rwandan transport is the reason why the Ugandan roads deteriorating.
2. Rwandan economic policies are the reason why the Ugandan Shilling is weakened and making Rwandan Franc is staying strong.
3. Amin Accused the Rwandan of selling Ugandan coffee.
4. Amin wasn’t happy that Habyarimana met with Nyerere last month.

(WikiLeaks, 1976)

President Habyarimana is sure this economic sanction from Uganda is because of his way of dealing with Amin. Also even with the new Rwandan Foreign Policy of having good relation to its neighbors. And continue with building relation with Tanzania, even hasten Mwanza-Rusumu to Dar es Salem (WikiLeaks, 1976).

MINFIN is Ministry of Finance (Worldbank, 2007).

Continuation on the tension in East Africa:

• Nyerere is not happy about the arms deal that they have done with South Africa. Especially after the meeting between South Africa’s Heath and Zambia’s Kaunda. Nyerere said he “Put heat in the Dock”. Nyerere was now bitter about the whole affair.
• UK was happy with the Amin coup, they supported him and to overthrow of Obote. UK wanted that Amin to get rid of Sudanese troops in the South. When OAU gave the conference to Kampala it “gave this crook continental respectability”.
• Nyerere thought it was amusing now that UK, Israel and Kenya is now enemies of Uganda. He commented: “Jomo needs a little external trouble to reinforce internal unity right now and an external fool always help is such case” (…) “we all do sometimes”.
• Nyerere had really not any real fear of Amin neither had Kenya. Secondly Nyerere wasn’t going to start anything.
• What Nyerere was worried about what was US up to. Especially on sale of F-5. Since their trying to out maneuver Soviet military support to Uganda and Somalia. Secretary Rumsfeld visited Nairobi. Nyerere wished that UK and USA helped Kenya in all other ways then military operation towards Uganda as he said “Leave this quarrel to East Africa, we will take care of it”.

(WikiLeaks, 1976)

Tanzania and USSR:

Nyerere will order Foreign Minister Kaduma question the USSR ambassador whom the Soviet arming Uganda against. Nyerere had done the same time before when Uganda got the military equipment called MIGS. Soviet answers said “Imperialist!” Nyerere answered “Nonsense” (WikiLeaks, 1976).

Uganda – Kenya Tension continues:

It’s now 15 October 1976. Kenya has released the Bedford trucks as a quid pro quo for getting their electricity back. Still all military equipment isn’t being shipped from Mombasa. It will be that way until the OAU 6 nation based commission is put into place. There are negotiations in New York on the matter. Kenyan Foreign Minister Karithi says all non-military based deliveries to Uganda except for jet-aviation-fuel which they are holding back. Amin is more and more irritated at the Kenyan boycott of arms. This led to the point where Amin attempted to call VP Moi of Kenya to complain about the matter. Most of the members of Ugandan Defense Council are not unwilling to take action towards Kenya (WikiLeaks, 1976).

Arms from Tanzania to Uganda:

There been rumors of regular arms traffic from the Kismayu to Uganda via the Kilmanjaro International Airport without entering Kenyan Air Space. The route being: Kismayu – Somalia – Tanzania – Uganda. This been in Ugandan’s own C-130 Transport Aircraft. And an U.S. Citizen is involved in the arms trade. This increasing support of Uganda is happening, even after the assurance of otherwise from Nyerere during the last meeting in August between Nyerere and Kenyatta (WikiLeaks, 1976).

Tanzania – Kenya tensions:

Permanent Secretary of Kenya has claimed that the Tanzanian government is dealing with “trade sabotage” and also focusing funds on rebuilding Tanga and Ports of Dar-Es-Salam. They also preferred the Chinese over the Kenyan. Kenyan Foreign Minister Karithi also claimed that Tanzania doesn’t trade rightfully with Kenya. Especially when looking at the trade balance which was in 1975 2, 3 to 1, in the three first months of 1976 it’s 3 to 1. Nyerere’s answer to all this that the trade gap between Kenya and Uganda that was in 1975 20 to 1 and in 1976 became 40 to 1. Nyerere also admits that Ugandans smuggle coffee to Kenya so that distort the numbers (WikiLeaks, 1976). Tanzanian also claims that Kenya is taking the major share of the tourism. The East African Airways are supposed to lure tourist to all parts of East Africa, not only Kenya, even though the Tourist infrastructure seem superior in Kenya compared to the rest, even if the animal and nature sights in Tanzania is much greater (WikiLeaks, 1976).

1977:

5^th July 1977 Amin approached Kenyan Foreign Minister Waiyaki at the OAU summit in Libreville. Amin claimed that Nyerere agreed to have a “save the EAC” meeting and Amin hoped that the Kenyan would have this meeting in Nairobi. This request comes at the time when Kenya won’t spend funds into the EAC until Tanzania reopens their common borders. Government of Kenya has also recalled their workers from the EAC headquarters from Arusha (WikiLeaks, 1977).

EAC and USAID:

Kenya already sees the EAC as and non-existent entity already at 15^th of June 1977. In Kenya the EAC research programs that have been under EAC will now be under GOK (Government of Kenya). The Government desires that the aid continues and sign project agreements as soon as practical. Kenyan government has also started to convert community entities to Kenyan once. Uganda is supposed to pull unless Amin get to meet Nyerere on the 20^th of July. There is no reason for that to materialize. The borders also still closed between Kenya and Tanzania (WikiLeaks, 1977).

US African Affairs – DRC’s Mobutu and Uganda’s Amin:

Mobutu responded positive to our request of approaching Amin. The matter at hand is if we’re give Amin something then Mobutu need something as well. We have been using Mobutu to deal with Amin, but we can’t expect him do the deals with him without some gestures from our part. The message US African Affairs sent Mobutu in September 1977:

• We are pleased by Mobutu’s prompt, public support of our proposals on Zimbabwe settlement.
• We appreciate also Mobutu’s intervening with Amin on Humanitarian grounds, and recognize the difficulties posed for him by this and other interventions he has made on our behalf.
• We value Zaire’s continued corporations and wish to stay in close touch on issues of common concern.

(WikiLeaks, 1977)

Kenya trusted American ally:

Ministry of Defense briefed them on their situation:

• Kenya is surrounded by alien ideologies and Soviet and PRC influence, and its economic development and political stability that have caused envy and hostile neighbors.
• Somalia is recruiting actively guerrillas against Kenya. This in a so called Ogaden style to carry out the claims for the North-Eastern Kenya. The Guerrilla has now a force of up to 10 000. This with the training from North Korea and Cuba since 1969. With the expulsion of Soviets, this might lead to a better friendship between them. But Somalia has not renounced the territorial claims. The Kenya-Somalia relationship can be described as “No Peace, No War”. Kenya would not be offended by a tighter relationship with Mogadishu; they know that Somalis will not talk to the Americans since they have their relations with Soviet and Ethiopia, who provide those arms and aid.
• Uganda is an unstable neighbor. And has threats to attack Kenya. The lifeline for Kenya is that if Somalia attacks North-East, then Amin might be tempted to go in the Western. Because Amin would like to upset Kenyan stability.
• Tanzania hasn’t been an issue not until 1977. When they closed down the EAC and also their borders. Also with incursions from Tanzania with killings and cattle rustling. It seems as Tanzania now works more closely to Zambia and Mozambique.
• Ethiopia because of Somalia is a reliable ally. Though if it is so in future, they are not so sure. This be given the Soviet and Marxist believes in the country.
• Because of this, Kenya needs to strengthen its borders. Particular Uganda and Somalia.

(WikiLeaks, 1977)

Links:

Binghampton.edu – ‘IN PURSUIT OF PERSONAL EXCELLENCE: THE DECLINE AND REVIVAL OF ALI A. MAZRUI’: Second Draft (10.2011) Link: http://www.binghamton.edu/igcs/docs/In%20Pursuit%20of%20Personal%20Excellence-The%20Decline%20and%20Revival%20of%20Ali%20A.%20Mazrui.pdf

Dingu.Sbs.Arizona.edu – ‘Rivnotes’ Link: http://dingo.sbs.arizona.edu/~ggoertz/rivalry/cmv5.10/cm500501v5.10.txt

WikiLeaks – ‘MAZRUI RESIGNS; SOLDIERS REPLACE CHIEFS’ (05.05.1973) Link: https://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/1973KAMPAL01538_b.html

WikiLeaks – ‘UGANDA COUP PLANS’ (21.08.1973) Link: https://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/1973NAIROB05577_b.html

WikiLeaks – ‘NEW PROBLEM IN TANZANIA-UGANDA RELATIONS’ (15.07.1974) Link: https://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/1974DARES02360_b.html

WikiLeaks – ‘PRESIDENT NYERERE ON KENYA-UGANDA QUARREL’ (19.07.1976) Link: https://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/1976DARES02606_b.html

WikiLeaks – ‘UGANDA: AMIN SNUBS RWANDA ON PETROL CRISIS’ (30.03.1976) Link: https://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/1976KIGALI00245_b.html

WikiLeaks – ‘KENYAN-UGANDAN RELATIONS’ (15.10.1976) Link:

https://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/1976NAIROB11323_b.html

WikiLeaks – ‘FUTURE OF U.S. AID PROGRAM TO EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY’ (26.07.1977) Link: https://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/1977NAIROB09350_c.html

WikiLeaks – ‘CODEL PRICE CONSULTATION WITH BOK’ (18.11.1977) Links: https://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/1977NAIROB15006_c.html

WikiLeaks – ‘PROPOSED MESSAGE FOR MOBUTU’ (10.09.1977) Link:

https://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/1977KINSHA08671_c.html

WorldBank – ‘FINANCING AGREEMENT’ (05.02.2007) Link: http://www-wds.worldbank.org/external/default/WDSContentServer/WDSP/AFR/2010/06/03/54A8AF4762E6EA70852572A600670F84/2_0/Rendered/INDEX/FA01Conformed1010Corrected.txt