Double Standard: IGP Kayihura is out on bail, but shouldn’t he linger in jail; While investigation goes on?

Since the 12th June 2018, former Inspector General of Police Kale Kayihura have been in the custody of the military, as he has been under investigation and arrested. This was until today the 28th August. As he was released on bailed after being detained at the Makindye Military Barracks awaiting trial for 3 charges. Now, today he was released and is out while awaiting possible more trials on the charges.

So, it is not like Gen. Kayihura is free or even close to freedom. He went over two months before his first trial and without direct charges. Now, he himself has tasted the system that he used against other people as the IGP. Therefore, I don’t have much sympathy for the man.

What we know with former IGPs under Museveni, as either they get other roles or end up in a demise. As they know to much and there are reasons why the President wants to get rid of them. We cannot know for sure, but the former loyal cadre of Museveni is surely not done with the Courts. As he is awaiting to answer the trials, as this is just a temporary release though.

What is ironic about today, is that back in the day. He was himself against the bail. Back in April 2015 for cases like himself and treason, the really serious cases against the state and with dire consequences. He wanted the bail abolished and the opportunity to release this charged persons behind bars indefinitely as they was a cause to interfere with the investigation itself if they was released. His argument was that this temporary freedom could undermine evidence gathering, therefore, that he is released on bail today. Is that a giant worry for the state or doesn’t the argument valid for him? Is he above his own argument as the three charges are serious? What if he can silence or even intimidate the ones who will testify against him?

That is what we should question today, if the rules changes when your in power and when your not. If the used argument while your in power are still valid when you have lost your title and station. As Kayihura is at this point a citizen without a position. He is a former cadre and loyal henchman of the state, who now is a target by the authorities he himself served for life. Therefore, his vision might be blurred now, as he is feeling a bit of pinch, as he knows what the state does to their enemies.

With knowledge of what he has done to the opposition and activists, how he has been a tool and used his time in power to suppress people. There is hard to wish his to meet the rule of law and justice. It is supposed to equal to law. That means also for Kayihura even with all kind of harassment, intimidation and arbitrary arrests.

He has to report to Court as required and cannot move wherever he wants, as this is partly freedom on state terms. He should know this and so the celebration of his family today. However, there are many of us, that wants him to answer for all the ills and the orders he has put, as people have died for attending rallies, lingering in jail without trials and so-on, that was all done by his orders and his watch. Therefore, people like me isn’t happy he is on bail. He doesn’t deserve it, he should pay for his sins, as he has been a loyal stooge of the tyrant and accepted to do dirt for him. Peace.

Uganda: MoH Press release on the death at Naguru Hospital due to Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever (24.08.2018)

Gen. Kazini’s nightmare could soon follow Gen. Kayihura!

Today, in Makindye General Court Martial, the former Inspector General of Police Kale Edward Kayihura was charges with three counts of criminal conspiracy. This was after 72 days in Military Detention at the Makindye Military Prison at the Barracks there. So, that Lt. Gen. Andrew Guti was saying the words and the conspired charges against him. Is just like other men who the President has built up, put on a pedestal and later dismantled into tiny pieces. We can soon await more trouble, as the twisted tale of Kayihura is not over, as the Court adjourned today.

I am expecting the same sort of ordeal of Gen. James Kazini, who rose the ranks, became a big-man and suddenly fallen dead at the home of his side-dish. The story of Gen. Kazini is relevant today, because both Kayihura and him has been vital parts of machinery of President Museveni at some point. Kayihura was the loyal IGP for two terms and now is a criminal. Therefore, because of how he lacked tact towards opposition and citizens in general. There is little sympathy for Kayihura. Because he knows what he has done, even if he had deserved fair justice, he served dozens of people and activists with less human respect in his time in office. He should get justice and get fail trail. However, he has himself let people through fire to be loyal to Museveni. Now he get to feel the side of the side stick himself.

Kayihura should worry that he would become the next Kazini. Because just like Gen. Kazini, he knew enough and the President didn’t want that out. The same might be similar to Kayihura. As they have both been close the President at their time. Now, he is paying for the loyalty with harsh charges. The same happen to Kazini, that was supposed to overthrow Museveni from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Now, Kayihura are supposed to have brought weapons from Rwanda and supposed other misgivings. Both Kayihura and Kazini has been charged with neglect of official duty. Therefore, Museveni is returning old tricks against his own former henchmen.

Because both of these men has been hailed by Museveni at one point, before later stabbed in the back by the same man. It is just like Museveni likes to repeat himself. Another General is taken down. Because they both was fired swiftly and months later take to trial. We can just await what happens after the up-coming trials and collected evidence from the state towards Kayihura.

I don’t know how the last demise will be for Kayihura. But if he repeat himself, there will be love-triangle, maybe even at the Sky Blue Hotel in Lyantonde, Western Uganda. Where he liked to spend his time, when the former IGP wasn’t on his farm. I wouldn’t be surprised if he was found there and there was wide speculation of his sudden fall and loss of life. That is just me guessing, as the great Kazini suddenly was found with his side-dish and never returned.

The similar efforts done to Kazini could easily be done again. Museveni have the ability to order and do this. We shouldn’t be surprised by this.

Kayihura should worry himself and not feel safe, as the program is put into play and how this ends, might be fatal. Hopefully I am wrong. But Museveni doesn’t play around. He has had the power and ability to do it to the ones he knew in the past. Museveni could do it again.

Kayihura should pay for his sins. These sins should he answer for, but not possible extra-judicial killing. That is what I am implying, but with the history and acts of Museveni. There is the possibility. Not like the old-man is more tolerant with his age, more hostile and less caring about the environment around him. Peace.

Statement by the Secretary-General on the passing of former Secretary-General Kofi Annan (18.08.2018)

Kofi Annan was a guiding force for good.  It is with profound sadness that I learned of his passing.  In many ways, Kofi Annan was the United Nations. He rose through the ranks to lead the organization into the new millennium with matchless dignity and determination.

Like so many, I was proud to call Kofi Annan a good friend and mentor. I was deeply honoured by his trust in selecting me to serve as UN High Commissioner for Refugees under his leadership. He remained someone I could always turn to for counsel and wisdom — and I know I was not alone. He provided people everywhere with a space for dialogue, a place for problem-solving and a path to a better world.  In these turbulent and trying times, he never stopped working to give life to the values of the United Nations Charter. His legacy will remain a true inspiration for all of us.

My heartfelt condolences to Nane Annan, their beloved family, and all who mourn the loss of this proud son of Africa who became a global champion for peace and all humanity.

Museveni, you cannot order God around!

I don’t fear God’s calling and even if he wants to call me, I have no problem but I want him(God) to do it an organised manner” Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (10.08.2018).

The Almighty will not follow your command, I know on planet earth and in the East African sphere, you have gotten your way or bribed your way. You have used all methods to get people to follow you, if they haven’t you have finished them and sent them into eternity. However, if you want God to show mercy, maybe, just maybe repent from your ways Mr. President.

Because someone who speaks so favorable about the Christian faith as you, Mr. President. Your acts are sinister and devious. You cannot deny that yourself, as the enemies of your vision are usually ending up in trouble, while you have prospered. You have vast wealth, but your country is poor. That is your making, not the people, instead of serving them, you have served yourself.

What sort of leader is that? Your are not selfless and open, you bring the guns and ammunition, you bring the tear-gas and the forged charges against the men and woman standing your way. You send the army to topple other leaders, to secure benefits and resources from the neighboring countries.

With all the men and woman whose lost their lives because of your petty politics. You should fear God. You should wonder if he would show remorse or if you will be in damnation. I do not know how that will be for you, Mr. President, but surely you should respect him a bit more. Because of the havoc and pain you have put other through.

Gods ways are mysterious, while your are an open hazardous bazaar. That is why you should repent and act a bit more sincere, because we know who you are and your ways. They are written and the pains in Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and South Sudan. To name a few, also now with mercenaries in Equatorial Guinea and the lives taken in the power-game in Somalia. We know who you are and what you do.

You should really look into yourself and be aware of the consequences. Not because of me, but because of the almighty God, the Divine, the creator of Earth and everlasting, the ones who breath life into all of us and decides our fate. You should be a bit more concerned. We all will answer to him for our deeds and you know perfectly well what you have done.

He knows and he will take care of it, in due time. But not expect it to be your way. You have already razed enough havoc. You should not expect him to clock you in when you feel like it. Peace.

Museveni winning a Peace Price? You got to be kidding me!

“Let’s not wait to use guns. We can use the tongue; so why not get the unity we desire?” Yoweri Kaguta Museveni at a speech at a rally in Mbarara District (Uganda Times, January 7, 1980).

Mr. I Took the Power by the Gun in 1986 and has been sticking with it since. Are now awarded with a peace price (!!). This the biggest insult to peace, as a man who has supported endless war, prolonged his own civil war to topple countless leaders who stood his in way. Now, he is awarded for peace. On the day, that he started the Third Congo Civil War, which is even a bigger insult, as the civilians there are still lingering from the pain caused by proxy-militias supported by the Ugandan President. It is not as if he has passed on the opportunity to be the kingmaker anywhere and still does when he can.

“The 2018 Global Peace Award will be presented President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in honour of his leading peace efforts and initiatives in the Great Lakes region and beyond, Shukla Mukesh the Chairman Global Peace Foundation Uganda Chapter has announced. Mukesh told a fully parked press conference in Munyonyo that the award ceremony for Museveni would be one of the major highlights of the on-going 3-day Global Peace leadership conference being held at the Common wealth Speke Resort Hotel in Munyonyo that started on August 1, 2018” (New Vision – ‘Museveni’s peace initiatives win him global award’ 02.08.2018, link: https://www.newvision.co.ug/new_vision/news/1482633/museveni-peace-initiatives-win-global-award).

Therefore, because he rewarded. Let us look into the man’s past. Just briefly, to show the madness of giving this man this award. It is insulting to peace, it like making the war-lord into a saint. That will not work in my book, when your crook, your stay a crook, since we know what you took. It is that simple and plain, we know your history and that will not rewritten. We know that recently, you promised to serve President Salva Kiir Mayardit with more arms if needed, even in the midst of negotiations and peace-dealings. That you did, at the time UN put sanctions on arms trade to the Republic. Well, that didn’t matter. That is just in 2018.

Take a look at his past, in DRC, Rwanda and South Sudan. Nothing about peace, more about war!

DRC:

“The Third Congo Civil War became the deadliest conflict since World War II. An estimated 5.4 million war-related deaths occurred and more than twice that number were displaced from their homes and sought asylum in neighborhood countries. The Third Congo Civil War evolved out of Laurent-Desire Kabila’s victory over Mobutu Sese Seko in 1997. Once Kabila became president of the DRC, his relations with previous allies like Rwanda and Uganda quickly deteriorated. In July 1998, Kabila ordered all officials and troops from Rwanda and Uganda to leave the country. Instead on August 2, 1998, those troops began supporting rebels who were intent on overthrowing Kabila. Two days later, Rwandan troops flew directly from their nation to the DRC province of Bas-Congo (now Kongo Central) which the intention of joining other Rwandan and Ugandan soldiers and march on the capital of Kinshasa” (Samuel Momodu – ‘Third Congo Civil War (1998-2003)’ link: http://www.blackpast.org/gah/third-congo-civil-war-1998-2003).

Rwanda:

“Museveni’s political survival strategies; and the prevailing economic, political, and humanitarian climate in the post-Cold War regional and international arena. Fourth, there is considerable evidence that the mobilization for the invasion was public knowledge in Uganda. This in tum suggests that President Museveni’s regime was almost certainly aware of it as well. The existing evidence also indicates that the regime trained, provided sanctuary, arms, logistical support, political, and diplomatic assistance to the RPA throughout the period of military engagement in Rwanda” (Ogenga Otunnu, ‘The Path of a Genocide’, P:48, 1999).

South Sudan:

“In the Sudan, Mr. Museveni for years has aided the Sudan People’s Liberation Army, led by his old comrade and classmate John Garang, against the Islamic fundamentalist Government in Khartoum” (James C. McKinley Jr. – ‘Uganda Leader Stands Tall in New African Order’ 15.07.1997 link: https://www.nytimes.com/1997/06/15/world/uganda-leader-stands-tall-in-new-african-order.html).

This should be more than enough reasons to not give him the reward. The way he has made dozens of wars within the DRC. To take out Mobutu, but also Laurent Kabila, also the support of RPA to overthrow the regime of Rwanda. While supporting the rebel force of South Sudan in their battle too. Therefore, he has supported enough wars and delivered enough conflict. As he continue to do to now. Surely he would help Pierre Nkurunziza in Burundi and so on.

He is more likely to escalate conflicts in his interests, than try to forge peace. Therefore, it is insulting to give him an award for peace. Especially on the day of 20 years ago since he invaded together with Rwanda the Democratic Republic of Congo to topple Laurent Kabila. That should be a no-no, but certain ones just don’t care about all the people who died in the conflict and who was behind it. That was him and Rwandan President Paul Kagame. Something that the world should remember and never forget. Peace.

RDC: Communique de Presse (09.07.2018)

RDC: CLC – Le Peuple Congolais Revendique Haut et Fort son Droit a des Elections Credibles (07.07.2018)

 

Human Rights council discusses situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (05.07.2018)

The committee appealed to government, faith-based organisations, traditional leaders and community organisations to join hands against this scourge that is plaguing our society.

PRETORIA, South Africa, July 5, 2018 – The committee was made aware of the weaknesses and strengths within Sapo and the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) before this process was implemented. Because weaknesses in the implementation of the payment process are now becoming manifest, the committee wants to revisit the roadmap that Sapo presented to the committee and to hear about the progress Sapo has made in its checklist for disbursements.

Such weaknesses include, among other things, long queues, stampedes in post offices, the inability of staff to cope with large numbers of people and the unavailability of enough cash in most areas. This is why the committee wants to understand how far both entities are in working together to ensure that grants are disseminated successfully in future.

The committee has also urged Sassa to improve the way it communicates with South Africans and to do so timeously, particularly when challenges are anticipated. The committee urges Sassa to ensure that frontline staff dealing directly with the public are kind and courteous.

The committee also believes that Sassa should consider alternative ways of using a pin number to access the social grants. It has transpired through provincial reports that a lot of grant beneficiaries, particularly the elderly, easily forget their pin numbers and there was no support system, as had been promised before implementation.

The scourge of sexual assault on children was also before the committee at today’s meeting. Some of the Chapter 9 institutions attending the meeting suggested that poor coordination is failing these vulnerable groups. The committee resolved to ask the Minister of Social Development to take up the matter with the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Leader of Government Business. This serious social challenge requires a response from government, particularly from within the Department of Social Development, which should champion this response.

The committee also sent sincere condolences to all families whose loved ones passed away as a result of a sexual assault. The committee appealed to government, faith-based organisations, traditional leaders and community organisations to join hands against this scourge that is plaguing our society.

Statement by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein: “Enhanced interactive dialogue on the Democratic Republic of the Congo” (03.07.2018)

3 July 2018

Distinguished President
Members of the International Team of experts,
Excellencies,

This interactive dialogue on the Democratic Republic of the Congo is both timely and important. The human rights situation remains of great concern across the country. The United Nations Joint Human Rights Office has documented an increased number of violations: 2,858 from January to May this year, as compared to 2,332 during the same period in 2017 – and the real scale of violations is certainly even greater.

The security situation continues to deteriorate in several regions across the country, with dramatic impact on civilians.

I remain particularly concerned about the violence in South and North Kivu, and in the Kasai regions, with increasing activity by Nyatura and other Mayi-Mayi armed groups in North Kivu, as well as a Mayi-Mayi coalition led by William Yakutumba that is particularly active in South Kivu and, more recently, in the province of Maniema.

Interethnic and intercommunity violence has also continued in Ituri province between members of the Hema and Lendu communities, resulting in deaths, the burning of villages, and mass displacement. Recently deployed army troops are also alleged to have committed human rights violations, particularly targeting the Lendu community.

The situation in the Kasai regions is also deeply preoccupying, with severe abuses against civilians by armed groups, and multiple human rights violations committed by Congolese defence and security forces in their response to the activities of these militias. You will be appraised of the findings of the team of international experts dispatched by my Office in line with the Council’s Resolution 35/33. In this context, I would like to note that further to Resolution 35/33, my Office has also assisted the military authorities’ investigation in the Kasai regions, with two missions by forensic, judicial and witness protection experts.

Mr President,

These and other conflicts continue to drive very large numbers of people away from their homes and livelihoods – further deepening their vulnerability to violations, particularly in the case of women and children. According to OCHA, there are now 4.4 million internally displaced people in the DRC.

I strongly urge the authorities to abide by their obligations under international human rights and humanitarian law in all the conflict zones, namely Bas-Uélé, Haut-Uélé, South and North Kivu, Maniema, Tanganyika and the Kasai regions.  I further urge much stronger efforts to hold the perpetrators of violations responsible. The perpetrators of conflict-related sexual violence must also be held to account – even, and perhaps especially, when they are agents of the State.

Members of the Congolese armed forces, or FARDC, appear to have been responsible for fully one third of the violations and abuses, including sexual violence, which the UN Joint Human Rights Office has documented across all the conflict zones since the beginning of the year. These crimes do not only harm their victims: they damage the credibility of the authorities responsible for protection, inciting people to create or join irregular self-defence groups. I urge the Government to undertake the necessary measures to ensure the prosecution of perpetrators of these human rights violations. Effective justice will be a deterrent to prevent future violations by members of the military.

I note that in recent months there has been some limited progress in establishing accountability for past violations. In April, a Lieutenant Colonel was sentenced by the South Kivu military tribunal to a 20-year prison term for crimes against humanity and war crimes, including sexual slavery, as well as pillage and attacks on civilians, committed between 2005 and 2007.

Mr President,

I am also deeply troubled by numerous violations of human rights norms and principles in relation to people’s rights to participate in the democratic space. This persistent trend raises serious doubts about the credibility of the DRC’s long-delayed elections, which are now due to take place on 23 December 2018.

Regrettably, there has been no progress in implementing the confidence-building measures laid out in the 31 December 2016 political agreement, including respect for the rights to freedom of opinion, expression and peaceful assembly, the release of all political prisoners, and accountability for human rights violations. The alleged perpetrators of violations, including those who have used disproportionate force to suppress demonstrations, continue to benefit from widespread impunity, undermining public trust in commitments made by the Government.

As requested, my Office has provided technical advice to the national commission of inquiry set up by the Government in response to the brutal attacks which took place during protests in December 2017 and January 2018. The report of the commission, which was released in March, concluded that members of the police and army committed human rights violations, including excessive use of force. It formulated a number of very pertinent recommendations, notably lifting the ban on public demonstrations, and restrictions on use of the military during demonstrations. I regret that to date most of these recommendations have not been implemented and that the consolidated report was transferred to the Ministry of Justice only last week.

Despite verbal commitments by the Minister of Human Rights to lift the ban on public demonstrations, the authorities continued to prohibit or repress activities organized by civil society and opposition parties. In March, April and May, my Office documented 61 violations of the right to freedom of assembly. For example, on 19 May, in Kindu, Maniema province, the launch of the opposition platform Ensemble pour le changement was banned by local authorities, although the President’s political party organised two public demonstrations in Kindu that same month without impediment.

Intimidation of human rights activists and journalists has intensified, with many suffering regular threats to their lives and families. Multiple cases of arbitrary arrests and detention by the security forces continue to be documented by UNJHRO. Lengthy incommunicado detentions by intelligence services, without judicial review, are another matter of great concern and should be prohibited.

Moreover, legislation currently in preparation appears to be intended to further restrict public freedoms and the role of civil society in the DRC. These bills include a draft law on terrorism; a draft law on the protection and responsibilities of human rights defenders, which is currently before Parliament; and a draft law regulating the work of non-profit organizations. I strongly encourage Members of Parliament to refrain from adopting laws which fail to comply with the people’s human rights.

Mr President,

Landmark elections are approaching in a context characterised by continued restrictions of rights and freedoms, and a shrinking democratic space. The Government should be encouraged to prevent further erosion of the rights of the Congolese people at this crucial time, and to fully implement its commitments under the 31 December 2016 agreement, including the release of all political prisoners.

Measures to uphold human rights will also address many root causes of the conflicts now raging in the DRC, which have led to one of the continent’s largest caseloads of displaced people. Both national security and international security can only be obtained when individual security and rights are respected.

The work of the Office, through technical cooperation and monitoring, brings vital assistance to the authorities, including in the electoral process. We stand ready to provide further necessary support to the government to uphold the fundamental rights and freedoms of the people.

Thank you Mr President.