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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kampala Twin Bombs: Insecurity is a real problem in the Republic

Today’s twin bombs in the Central Business District of Kampala continues after two incidents in October. On the 23rd October a pig-joint or restaurant was bombed. Days later a suicide bomber hit a Swift Bus. Therefore, what is happening today is a continuation of the insecurity in the Republic.

Today in the CBD, the was first a bomb at the Kooki Tower across from the Central Police Station on Buganda Road not far from the City Square or Constitutional Square. This is really hitting the central and just being of from the Kampala Road. To hit a place like this says it all. This is a deliberate attack. Not a random pork-joint like the one in Komamboga in Kawempe Division in late October.

The second target today was Jubilee House or Jubilee Insurance Building off Parliament Avenue. It is nearer Kimanthi Avenue. A small stroll up “the hill” to get to into the Parliament. So, this is in the middle of it too.

The Police Spokesperson CP. Fred Enanga has in a press conference already claimed that the Allied Defence Force (ADF) is behind the twin bombs. The CCTV cameras has caught one suicide bomber at the CPS and two other who drove boda-boda’s on Parliament Avenue to detonate themselves there. That’s the knowledge we have for now, but just what we know.

Fatwe Solutions reports in addition to this:

Confirmed bomb threat in Katooke B, Nansana municipality. The suspected bomb was abandoned in a house by a man currently known as Mowzey. Eye witnesses say the man was shot ‘abandoned plan’ assailants sped off and he rushed to hospital abandoning bomb in a house” (Fatwe Solutions, 16.11.2021).

So, there might easily be more. When the state goes this early claiming it’s ADF. It is worrying and spreading fear. While the authorities claimed it was ADF in October 2021 too. However, only arresting people, but later releasing them. As they had no evidence or case against these possible people. That’s what usually tend to happen…

This insecurity should worry anyone. The people should be worried how quickly the Uganda Police Force went out with knowledge and stating who is behind it. Yes, the public wants to know and needs to know. Nevertheless, shouldn’t there be a longer investigation and find out who is behind it. See the evidence, the bomb technicians and detectives, if not the intelligence community and Joint Security Taskforce should be on this. However, why do they need to be? When the UPF already know right after the incident.

That is why I would be concerned here. Yes, the ADF or ADF-NALU isn’t an organization or militia that is innocent. No, they are guerrillas who has killed within the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). They are Islamists and claims to be connected to ISIS. Therefore, they are a viable target and connected to a international terror organization.

Still, with that in mind, it is not like Enanga or the UPF is trustworthy source. Recent statements from the same source was intelligence of planned riots and demonstrations by the opposition. That follows the same patterns of the opposition burning down petrol-stations. So, just days after those stern warnings…

The ADF attacks and it just a couple of weeks apart from the Komamboga or Swift Bus bombs. Now, three more suicide bombers have attacked Kampala. This time in the CBD and within the spectrum of power. That’s why the CBD become closed off and people dispersed from the area. The buildings hit is just 15 minutes walk apart of 6 minutes by a vehicle.

This is worrying and we should be. These levels of insecurity isn’t a sign of peace or strength. The Joint Security Taskforce should be vigilant and not only ask the citizens to be the same. The authorities should use the same amount of energy to secure the liberty and freedom of the people. As they are using their manpower to apprehend opposition activists and leaders.

We can only pray now and hope the truth will come out. Innocent lives was taken today. Plenty more was hurt and damaged by the bombs. Lives ruined and some people who will forever be touched by what happened. This is tragic and no one should ever live through this. No matter who is behind it. It needs to be addressed and justice being served to people targeted by them.

There is a need for a investigation, trials and charges on the people behind the suicide bombers. That is what the state needs to do. They need to prove the allegations of ADF and also catch the ones who did the operation and organized the missions. This is what the citizens needs and then the authorities actually does their work and not only monitor the movements of Bobi Wine. Peace.

Opinion: M23 – when the origins come home to roost

The origin of the “Mouvement du 23 Mars – The M23 Movement” or M23 for short isn’t a long one and neither is it a tale of bravery. No, it was joint venture from two parties who was willing to fight a war and cause insurgency in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The M23 was an able body and a well-funded militia from both Kigali and Kampala. They both supported, trained and gave weapons to the fighters battling inside the DRC.

So, that the M23 returns and causes havoc. Then the eyes return to those capitals. Especially, Kampala, as the Ugandan counterpart has had several of soldiers, leaders and contained them for years now. While the M23 claims they never left. However, leaders have been in “exile” in both Uganda and Rwanda since the Nairobi Accords was signed.

Now, that there is meeting between the FARDC and RDF you know they are monitoring and looking over the situation. While the Ugandan counterparts dismisses everything and claims its propaganda. However, both Kampala and Kigali have created M23, and they must take responsibility for it. No matter what happens and when there are reports of helping hands to support the resurgence. There will be even more speculation into who did what and where.

The talks between Kigali and Kinshasa are a smart move of the Rwandese government. Though they can never downplay the origin or the grand support it gave before. The M23 wouldn’t be what it was without them and neither the support from the Ugandan government either. Them both have helped both the leaders and the militia fighters in time of need. They have given military and strategic support, which cannot be questioned now.

The M23 militia and armed insurgency will forever linger back to Kigali and Kampala. Even if the UPDF/CMI has sponsored the for the moment and given way to transport combatants this time around. Therefore, the bloodstains and the general support will forever be part of history of this group.

The M23 can say they were always there and never ceased to exist. That might be true, but they weren’t strong and suddenly an issue before someone gave them more power and ammunition. That is just a mere reality, as well, as suddenly seeing commanders and combatants coming in groups across the borders. The ones who were contained and in a camp within another state’s territory. Therefore, it had to be planned, organized, and funded to do so now. Years after the previous attempts and insurgencies.

M23 will be a wrecking-ball and be an issue for a long time. As long as it has backers and has sponsors for their machine. They cannot just linger on and not have someone supporting it. That is just a mere fact… for the FARDC and government of North-Kivu it is the same who supports and funds the operations. If they cause pain and suffering, uses military might and force. It will be the same results and damage done. That will not change and only the calendar year is changing. Peace.

Mali: Ministere des Affaires Etrangeres et de la Cooperation Internationale – Communique (08.11.2021)

Rwanda Defence Force (RDF): RDF not involved in M23 attack in DRC (09.11.2021)

RDC: Mouvement du 23 Mars – The M23 Movement – Mise au point du M23 (08.11.2021)

Opinion: Is Kampala behind the M23 resurgency?

 

If you ever wonder, there has always been a close connection with the Uganda People’s Defence Forces and other security organizations like the Chieftain of Military Intelligence (CMI) in concern with the armed militia called “Mouvement du 23 Mars – The M23 Movement” or M23.

This militia have now attacked several of villages within the Democratic Republic of Congo and in the North Kivu province. They are supposed to move towards Goma and challenge the government, as the M23 claims it has disobeyed the “Peace Agreement of Nairobi”. Alas, who knows about that or has any clue. It seems like a fixed solution and a way to resolve the matter quickly.

We know from the past that Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) and armed allies in Uganda border region have facilitated and ensured weapons for the M23. Heck, the Government of Uganda let the M23 return to Uganda after the cease-fire and previous deal. Also, back in the day, the Rwandan Defence Forces (RDF) was also supporting the outfit. So, it’s not like wasn’t a sole mission of Kampala, but Kigali had their stakes in it too.

Now, today as the villages are attacked in Kivu again by the M23 and they resurged from the border region of Uganda. Which is where the government allowed them to be and the let the rebels stay. The government let them in and housed them. Just like the Rwandese has done with rebels as well in the past. So, it is not like this is a one-sided arrangement in concern to insurgency in the DRC.

However, the main stay and the leaders of M23 went in peace to Uganda. Back in 2015 there was reports of a total of 1500 combatants who had fled the DRC to Rwanda and Uganda, while only a small fraction returned to the DRC. Therefore, the return today is really a spectacle, but also a tactical manoeuvre.

When we know that the Ugandan government has in the past supported with weaponry, training and a safe haven. It doesn’t take much brainpower to suspect them is behind it again. That the Ugandan government have an excuse and a reason to return to the DRC. Just so they can get rid of insurgency and insurgents. While the MONUSCO and FARDC struggles to contain it.

The Ugandan Press is claiming the Rwandese is behind it and the Rwandan Press is claiming the Ugandans are behind it. What we do know is that in the past both has had their hands in the cookie jar and eaten out of it. However, the implications now and speculations are easier to target Kampala, as the leadership and the ones fighting comes from Uganda. It is not like they could just run loose and not have some sort of military backing. They need weapons, training and ammo. That doesn’t come cheap and someone sponsored this.

M23 doesn’t just show up out of nowhere and sudden ambush inside the DRC. Someone facilitated this and made this happen. If the CMI and UPDF did this. Then they are cunning and vicious. As they plan for more bloodshed to have the ability to further extradite and export valuable resources from the region. That wouldn’t be shocking but would a decent business strategy. While using insurgency as a “mask” for the operatives taking mineral resources and other valuable commodities from the region.

The Government of Uganda (GoU) needs new revenue and bring some profits home to Kampala. So, this here seems plausible. As the state is struggling to finance itself and it needs war to gain substantial amounts of funds. The warfare in the DRC could be a valuable enterprise and the costs would be significant less, compared to the amounts invested in the militia. That’s’ why the M23 could be arranged at this time. Just to ensure supplementary budgets and other needed fixtures of the state.

It is just a way of securing more shillings and running of business. While earning money on the blood other people sacrifice elsewhere. Since, the President and his handlers in Entebbe knows what sort of profits they can gain by doing this. It is an asset and a viable operation to begin with. That’s why they hope it succeed and gives them a decent pay-off. Peace.