An outsiders look into the American Primaries and elections of 2016; I will be wildly wrong and sarcastic while condoning certain values and areas of malfunctions in the electoral process; also assessing the remaining candidates that are in the race

American Primary

After following the Presidential Primaries for months, then I speak about the American Elections as the closure of is getting there, even if they have closed only about July 2016. So there Primary Elections in the American States that been going for so long, has still some time before the “Main” election, where the Two Parties go Campaigning as Presidential Candidate for either the Democratic Party or the Republican Party. As the other parties in the country is nearly not existing, even if the country is big and has splendid amount of political active people, it is just the money goes two the big-shots and they eat all of it.

The American Political System is a blended edition of representatives and polls depending on where you from, as much as the Parties themselves decides who gets to the for front, but if you get PAC (Political Action Committee) that works for you and make campaigns on your behalf and also securing for you campaign. While you as a Candidate are not allowed to control them; though there are certainty that Campaign Managers and other volunteers who are connected with a Candidate gives in and does as the Candidate wishes.

The Other issues are how much money, ads and campaigning that needed for the Candidate to be picked. There isn’t a short run or cheap run for a seat. That is why Senate Members and House Representatives do calls to donors and companies to get hard cash to campaign and run the parties. But that is just the monies side, This Primaries started in February and will be done in July, the first Presidential Debate with the Democratic Party and Republic Party Candidate will discuss their views and policies on the 26th September. The Polls are set to be on the 8th November 2016. So there is a long road ahead and with July – November where the Presidential Campaign will heat up between the parties.

US Dollar Campaign

Example of Money involved in American Politics:

There was in 1920s something called the Ohio Gang was group around President Harding. They we’re also corrupt, like when the Interior Secretary Fall used his connection and got the Navy to give away the land for Harry Ford Sinclair’s Company; while Secretary. Fall was also getting kickbacks to get a bigger and better farm with the money for the license delivered to Sinclair. This kind of deal also changed the law-making and the control of Petroleum Companies in American Politics, as Sinclair and other Petroleum Company owners had vast wealth created quickly (this is very simplified so you should read a book about, because the same kind of scandals happens today; just different names and different numbers).

So it is not only the money but also the long-time on the road as candidates and as the expenses of having campaigns while their professional politicians who are nearly more spokesmen for corporations and their laws then the ethical and law-bearers of a Nation, who will make policy and reforms to fix the issues; instead some of the men are mere spokespersons of Coca-Cola and Monsanto. That is certainly not what Benjamin Franklin or Tomas Jefferson thought the American Government representatives would end up being; when they fought against the Tea-Monopoly and British taxation of the American Continent at that time. There been signals of the same as the British Censored the papers and the media of the time, therefore the Pamphleteers put up pamphlets that countered the controlled media of the time. Because the media of the time was not speaking what was important for the people. The Same as the Cable and Media Corporations are doing now, as they only do what is needed for the sponsors, owners and ratings instead of actual journalism. And that is an dire account and assessment together with the state of the corrupted politicians.

corporate-media-550

So into the end of the Primaries we are in the middle of a Corporate influenced political game in a corporate landscape of media that need a revamp together with the status quo of the primary politics as the advisories and locals doesn’t even got time or understanding why the value of the vote is different from which party, which state and which delegate regulation you have. And that is making of the delegate rally that the candidates that are left working to get, so they can have monopoly and get the nomination automatically at the Convention of the Party in July.

I will not look at the numbers and the ability of the ones that are left. This is just my rare thoughts on a Campaign I look from afar and doesn’t really follow as the circus of American Idol, Survivor, Hell’s Kitchen and every other Reality TV Program is fitting the Presidential Primaries in this year’s primaries.

The debates and aftermaths, the comments and the tone have been childish and not off proper politicians. The deflections and flip-flopping from many candidates have been nearly daily or monthly looking like they changing statements after they are in disenfranchised Louisiana or they are in Wisconsin, even in now in New York. There are only two candidates who says the same in my opinion from the get-go, it is not Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton, both of them have gone back and forth, while playing more balls than Federer on the Tennis court. The once who have been steady are Kasich and Sanders. Cruz been close to the two latest, but he seems so sneaky.

Let me take the worst first then, more and more acceptable candidates. That is how I look at this, so if you’re offended, sorry for you, but this is my view not yours.

Trump Quote

The Worst Candidate – Donald Trump (Republican)

There are scarecrows, there monsters under the bed and there Monster INC from DreamWorks. Still, there are no boggy-monsters as big as “the Donald”. Donald Trump the New Yorker who is rich and successful, though I have myself looked through parts of fallen businesses and they are kind of shady. The other ones are the savior of bailing out from the state. Donald Trump is a product in itself and label, therefore his last name is licensed on houses and other merchandize as it gives the products an edge, supposed to be at-least.

Nobody took him serious on the day he said he started to run for Presidential Nomination while talking negative about anybody who is not making America great. He has stolen the “Making America Great Again” from Ronald Reagan. He has also copied the Pat Buchannan ways of speaking “America First”. As Donald Trump have before spoken well of both the men at interviews and also even now. Though Buchannan is not a topic now, he stills speaks well of Reagan; as any conservative American does. The Holy Conservatism comes from the man who sold Pepsi and Colgate in commercials before becoming President. And now Trump swallows his ideas and pack in xenophobia, fear-mongering and “good deals”. I have heard speaking about good deals, without ever saying what the idea of a good deal is. The words of his mouth are empty words with the same ending and deflecting to another issue. While putting in some American Dreams with fear of immigrants, the irony is that his wife is one, but she is the right type of immigrant I guess. So I cannot speak about Policy as the Wall of Trump and Deporting Immigrants seems far-fetched and ridiculous as Gucci Mane Ice-Cream tattoo. So he is the worst politician or trying to be one in this race, and a disgrace at the same time.

hillary-wall-street-banks-780x439

Deputy Worst Candidate – Hillary Clinton (Democrat)

I know you are shocked and wonder what happen to Kasich and Cruz. They are up next, but she is topping them still. For a simple reason, she doesn’t stand for anything and her views are therefore despicable and deceiving. The so-called progressive candidate who is liberal when needed. Her tune is after what her donors, her advisors or her husband says is wise. Her name rings bells because Bill Clinton was President for two terms. And she also run against Barrack Obama and has been a Minister under Obama first term as President. So if you don’t know her, then you have not followed or had interest about American Politics. She is the woman who supported the Super Predators and the inner-city violence while targeting the minorities there for the benefit of a bill that Bill Clinton needed.   

I don’t know here true stance on anything as she flip-flops and are like boat on the waves, depending if she is up-or-down depending on what is right for her right now. If she is pro-gun, I don’t know, since when she was against Obama she was against, now she sounds pro-gun because of Sanders. There is viability of changing rhetoric and change of position. If she is pro-life or not, if she was for the Iraq-war or against; if she was for bombing Tripoli or not; even if she knew about Lewinsky or not; it are not easy now. That is why she comes after Trump. She is intelligent and hard-headed, but she seems more to be about pocketing and having money as the speeches for Goldman Sachs and other Corporate entities proves her grade and value of campaign funding then grass-root work. She should have one of the election machines and create momentum; still; she is losing to somebody who is actually a credible guy and acting as a fellow human being, and not just to cater to establishment and the donor who funds her campaign.

cruz mccarthy

The Sheep in Wolf’s cloth – Ted Cruz (Republican)

Ted Cruz the Senator from Texas. The one that I knew very little of before the campaign; his political history from somebody who is not American is not well-known. He is a clever man and decisive one too. The similarity to another American Politician that comes to mind is McCarthy and his McCarhyism. The speeches and rhetoric; he also use the conservative Christian values while subduing other characteristics of state. Therefore he has capability to bring the South and Mid-West to him, and other parts of the country too.

The man has had an expensive campaign and is lagging behind Trump at the Moment. But the Establishment prefers him over Trump. Though then they choose between an Open Racist in Trump and a Sheep in Wolfs cloths Cruz. The idea of monitoring the Muslims and the other quotes that Cruz has come with does not prove his ability to see other people out of the circle of conservative republicans. So even if the campaign for Presidential Nomination he tries to establish himself as an alternative to the other ones in the party. He is wise and vibrant, but his ways and cunning demeanor makes him scary for a guy like me. The reason why I see him as lesser of a fear then Hillary, you know where you have him and what he really want through certain policies. Something you can’t see with Trump, but can also see in some ways in Hillary; because Hillary will cater to her donors of Wall Street.

Ohio_Gov__Kasich_speaks_out_about_Presid_2843890000_17057394_ver1.0_640_480

Socio-Economic Wise-guy, but to Conservative – John Kasich (Republican)

I know that this is surprising too, but his mellow demeanor and honest approach that is more sincere then Cruz, Trump and Clinton. Not that I am Conservative Republican, but this man has a least of sense and manners. He is a Ohio Senator who has behind the reason why Ohio state have gone from having $8bn deficit to $2bn surplus. So he surely knows how to balance a budget and create economic stability.

He has a long history of good economic policies and that is something the United States needs, even if the Democratic Obama Administration have also made progress and secured more jobs after the Recession. Certain issues that is not feasible for people like me to be voting for him; that being strict and supporting harsher Death-Penalty and also making federal appeals against the cases about Death-Penalty, henceforth making it harder if a person is wrongly judged. He voted against the Kyoto Protocol on CO2 emissions so that  the U.S. Industry and Government in his mind was saying  that they don’t need to think about global emissions. What is positive is that he wants higher taxes for the wealthy and worker for making a stronger Medicaid, is opposed to ObamaCare, but have kind of built similar system in Ohio under the Medicaid flag. Therefore certain economic and social structures are good, but his conservative views and votes make him hard to like for a guy like me.

Bernie BS Slogan

The Liberal Leftist that is a so-called Socialist – Bernie Sanders (Democrat)

He is different than other candidates as he is pro-labor unions and is not directly supported by PACs and Corporations. Differentiate on the stance he has in total as he is set in surface of Liberal Leftist. He is the only clear candidate who speaks about Climate Change and global warming, I am sure he was the Guy spoke about Ozone hole in the 1980s. He is against the idea of marginalization of voters as they should not stop the minorities from voting in elections.

His positive voting for history in my opinion: that he has voted against five favorable free-trade agreements with Latin American States, which would favor the American view instead of the value of labor rights in these countries. He has talked about stopping the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), he also wanted to end NAFTA, CAFTA PNTR to secure better labor rights and better regulations of the industry. Bernie has voted mostly against the reduced taxes for the riches in the Congress. On Tax Related Motions and Bills he has Voted NO 11 times. Some for the commoner other that is stop lesser taxation of the wealthy. Sanders have voted for ObamaCare and similar issues as the faith in government support for health care and not a private issue. Therefore he has also tried to stopping the Privatizing Social Security.

Party Election

A Scenario if the candidates had their own Parties and what name they could have had:

So he is diverse candidate and shows the length and basic different between the candidates. They are not only from different parties, but the wings of the parties are so big, that these Presidential Candidates could have 4 different parties. You could have had a Far-Right Xenophobic Party under Donald Trump called the American Patriotic Party United (APPU) with the Slogans “America First” and “Make America Great Again”. The headquarter would be in the Trump Tower in New York to occupy some of the office space in the building. Then you have Hillary Clinton who could have run for the “Progressive” Party and Wall-Street Backed Party called Liberal-Democratic American Party (LADP). She is the Establishment so she wouldn’t need to go anywhere else, but if she would be running for something like LADP. The LAPD would be in Little Rock, Arkansas. Then there is the Conservative Christian Ted Cruz who would be under banner of TrusTED and the party of Christian Federal Republican Party (CFRP) and they’re headquarter would be in Austin, Texas. Then there is the Ohio Candidate John Kasich would run for the alternative Christian Conservative Party he is the establishment of Republican, so he would not need to run for another party, but that Party would be Christian’s People’s Party (CPP) and would have their Headquarter in Toledo, Ohio. The last Candidate but not least Bernie Sanders who is a social-economic policies and strong big-government that counters the Republicans and establishment Democratic Party right now; therefore the Party he will run for as a Presidential Candidate are the American Labor Party (ALP) under the “Feel the Bern”. The Headquarter will be in Montpelier in Vermont.

Presidential Candidates USA

Back to Reality:

I know this became long, but the Election in the United States is long in that view it is fitting. But I will in my last remarks say how I hope and guess that it might go, but that is an outsider’s view of somebody who lives 1,000 miles away. This with the levels of fear, the levels of childishness, the levels of debates with unnecessary rhetoric and the certainty of a vocal ending before the Convention of the two parties.

What we on the outside is looking at is a failure of discussing policies and seemingly that the so-called greatest democracy who’s army has invaded the most countries since 1850 in world history. What they are doing is making democracy looking so foolish with their candidates that actually discussing their penis sizes and the beauty of their wives. This from a Nation that usually tells the world how to conduct their affairs and how important democratic values are, and if they are not democratic enough they have actually invaded them. So that the deficit of democratic values and stated through the progression of the primaries as the corporations, media and rules that disfranchise so many voters and citizens alike.

Felon Issue

There are so many states that are forcing former felons’ from voting. This with strict laws that are making it worse for them and disfranchising them, also together with the regulations against ghost voters makes the registering the voters even harder in certain states. And this has to happen in short time span before the next election. This is also happening in states that are struggling economically and has disfranchised population that have been lagging behind and under the poverty line, either by the government structure. Historical factors like Up-East is the educated and industrial parts, and parts of mid-West where the Industry and Automobile industry have declined since 1980s. There are states like Mississippi, Louisiana and Michigan that a have high rates of unemployment. That in the end let them pick the men who is most fundamental or most anti-establishment, like Michigan picked Sanders and parts of the Southern States that are weak economic states picked Trump. It is hopeful that people pick Sanders as a straw of hope, but it is worrying that people who struggling economically pick the xenophobic Trump that is more nerve-racking.

We can see the how I have stated things and made some assumptions and I am righteous in doing so. I don’t expect people to also agree with me. As this is my view. Call this sentences my disclaimer if you like. Like if you copy this FBI will come to your house and ask for copyright infringement as this article and this scripture are only mine, and not owned by Warner Brothers, Billy the Kid, but me.

This is my political view and understanding as an outsider. I could vomit on Michael Moore’s hat, but in return I wouldn’t know crap about American Government and the American society if he didn’t exist. Though the minor brief instances of Bill Clinton Sex Scandal and Bush Wars both father and son.  Also big gratitude to Bun B of UGK for his documentaries while following the Primaries. You Bun B have made political rallies interesting and continue your good work with both music and the rest!

We have followed the American Government and their actions. And I also question their foreign affairs and their reactions to fellow nations as they are still applying the moral judgement, while they still in my eyes have a flawed corporate system and self-censored media that are speaking the corporations and the political view of the corporations. They are not addressing directly the citizen’s values and needed access as the ratings and profit is more important than democratic values and free expression. The liberty is there as long as Morgan Stanley, Wall Mart and Verizon is earning cash. And that is not a sign that the American Democracy should show to the world as their guns and their funds are fueling war in the effort for American interest and the American Democratic values. Peace.

The Markie event of the President Bid of Hon. Moses Wentangula in Kakamega yesterday; as the rally happen; the chaos and the bickering transpired; either it is issues between the Opposition or the hired noise from JAP; it make me worry about the coming election!

Kakamega 02.04.2016

Yesterday the Forum for the Resotoration of Democracy (FORD-Kenya) Hon. Moses Wentangula had his Presidential Bid Rally in Kakamega at Muliro Gounds. As much as the Kakamega County said the grounds we’re rebuilt for recreational use and not public rallies anymore. The rally still occurred. Though under some unfortunate circumstances as Orange Democratic Movement supporters crashed the venue and created unnecessary actions, that lead to tear-gas and people hurt in melee.

Yester was supposed to be the start of the Hon. Wentangula bid for presidency as the main candidate for the Opposition Parties and their alliance Coalition for Reform and Democracy (CORD-Kenya). That is a multi-party coalition of the most of the opposition parties that are in the country. They are supposed to be the stark contrast to the Ruling Jubilee Alliance which is the ruling coalition with Jubilee of President Kenyatta and his Deputy Hon. William Ruto of the United Republic Party.  Just as they in October 2015 was to create a Party out of the coalition that becomes the Jubilee Alliance Party (JAP). So the ruling party will be stronger and counter stronger towards the opposition coalition.

Odinga Wentangula

As we saw yesterday even with the days before Hon. Raila Odinga in his written statement on 01.04.2016: “I will endorse Wetangula Tosa 2017 at the monumental Muliro gardens Kakamega.I find strong leadership in My brother Hon Moses Wetangula,he is young,energetic and brave to face-off with Uhuru in the 2017”.

Hon. Odinga had already given in public sphere the endorsement of Hon. Wentangula as he had planned his bid and surely had worked the CORD before this, so it was not a coming like a lightning strike or all of sudden no Chapattis in the whole of Kenya!

The ODM supporters acted wildly as they tried to undermine the leadership of CORD. If not is strange tactic from Hon. Raila Odinga to first endorse then sending his loyal followers to destroy the start of Hon. Wentangula bid for presidency in coming election of 2017. CORD if they will ever counter the ruling regime, need solidarity and ethics. Prove that they are different from them and strike as viable choice for the public to run behind.

If the Opposition wants to be taken serious they have to show it with actions and not go to grind against each other; especially not rowdy ODM Supporters at a campaign rally. The same would be if FORD Supporters ran around creating havoc at an ODM Rally. Even if the ODM supporters did this in good faith to support Hon. Raila Odinga and tamper with the President Bid of Hon. Wentangula. As he already had endorsed and given way for in the way he did Mwai Kibaki.

UhuruandRuto

As long as they bickering and look chaotic the JAP under President Kenyatta and Deptuy Ruto will blossom while looking smart to the public. That is something both Hon. Wetangula and Hon. Odinga. The Odinga family have had misfortune compared to the ruling mafia in Kenya that is in fourth extension with Uhuru Kenyatta, as he follows the proud leadership click from Jomo Kenyatta his father, Daniel Arap Moi who was Jomo Kenyatta’s Deputy; the same with Mwai Kibaki who worked under Daniel Arap Moi before being ready for the Executive position or become the President; the same was with Uhuru Kenyatta who got groomed during Mwai Kibaki and made ready when his turn came. While Jaramogi Ogdinga Odinga got detained and lost his Prime Minster position, Rail Odinga got to become Prime Minister under Kibaki as the Power-sharing agreement was to med peace. After that he lost on his bid to again try to become the President as Uhuru Kenyatta won on his coalition and Raila Odinga got back into Opposition.

Now that the Opposition should be gearing up together and make sure the makeshift that the Opposition wish to create, instead the ruling party and the JAP can have field day and think their wise as their consolidate their alliance and coalition under one house to strengthen the party towards the General Election in 2017.

The actions of yesterday was to be a merry and not create tension between the ODM and FORD, which is not needed; if they want to be seen as professional partners who have one single presidential candidate, if not they may fall short as the The Democratic Alliance before the General Election in 2016 with the bickering between the partners and the loosing of the major-party and their main candidate Dr. Kizza Besigye while Amama Mbabazi and his newly formed party Go-Forward got the whole Coalition for himself, but the DP and the UPC struggled with affiliation, as the FDC grew strong by being the third force during the election period.

The same could happen, but the CORD have been strong together for long under the regime of Hon. Raila Odinga, but the assessment after yesterday seems bleak as even Hon. Raila Odinga did not show up at the venue, even Hon Nabil Naberwa (FORD) was detained after the rally.

Sugar Deals Wentagula 2015 Press Release

Cord Effect Says this:

“Intelligence reaching us indicate that a prominent Western Kenya leader, working with unnamed politicians from outside Western, not aligned to CORD and suspected to be heavily financed by Jubilee, has spent the better part of the last three days hiring buses and trucks full of people from as far as Khayega and Kibigori with the intention to use them to cause disturbances at Moses Wetang’ula presidential launch later today” (CORD Effect, 03.04.2016).

So the Government and Police will investigate the matter and the cause for chaos that happen on Muliro ground at the Presidental Bid of Hon. Wetangula. The matter at hand it’s supposed to be a joyful occasion to inspire the opposition and gain support as something else then the JAP. The day was not only marked with the words, but with the killing of an unfortunate police officer and people hurt by the crowd of ODM supporters. If they we’re payed to be that by the JAP then this is a sorry for a ruling party to make a propaganda victory and senseless actions towards counterparts, fellow brothers from another mother.

We as pundits like me, hope for peaceful election and not of violence by any means. If this is only the start then it is worrying of the state of the politics, if it is really ODM supporters, then the ODM Party have to sufficiently either stand by their endorsement of Hon. Wetangula and Hon. Odinga better enlighten his fellow supporters. If the FORD gets hurt by this, they better get into dialogue and square it out, as this should not be something that creates animosity. Certainly JAP will win on this if this is truly a actual event where the Opposition parties going against each other, but if this is payed and staged by them. Then the JAP Party is the reason for the death of Police Officer, and then getting the FORD Official behind bars for their own gain, which is political manipulation and then trying to score a mental victory by making it look like a flawed event.

That is just my vision. You might have another one. Peace.   

Press Statement: The Blue Friday Campaign (14.03.2016)

FDC Youth 14.03.2016

Nakasero, Kampala, 14th March 2016 – The blue Friday team greets you ladies and gentlemen.We appreciate your efforts and resolve to withstand the challenges and difficult times we are facing as a nation.

The year 2016 started with excitement,hope and promise but at the same time it has brought misery onto us.The month of February in particular was a turning point in the history of our country.Witnessing the unthinkable imposed onto us by men and women of the electoral commision who conspired with security agencies to deprive us of our constitutional civil rights.

Having known the choice we Ugandans had made to overwhelmingly vote for FDC’s Presidential candidate Dr.Kizza Besigye,the electoral commision decided to alter the results as they wished!
Dr.Sulaiman Kiggundu with assistance of the Uganda Police Force deliberately refused to declare Dr.Kizza Besigye as the winner of the Presidential elections exercise which he won but instead chose to announce the loser as the winner!!! That was not only unconstitutional but also criminal.We can sum it up as an “election coup of Namboole”.

Therefore,we must protest on one hand the election coup of Namboole and on the other hand the deliberate violation of Dr.Kizza Besigye’s individual rights through an illegal detention at his home.

A campaign known as Blue Friday has been agreed upon as one among many other non violent campaigns to reclaim the people’s victory and reinstate Dr.Kizza Besigye as the dully elected president of Uganda.Blue Friday is a movement composed of Ugandans who recognise Dr.Kizza Besigye as the President elect of the republic of Uganda. Any other person who claims to the Presidency by proclamation or declaration is an imposter.

For that matter,we call upon all peace loving Ugandans who recognise Dr.Kizza Besigye as the President elect of this country to wear blue every Friday in solidality with their President.This is constitutionally right.We do so because we believe that we can reclaim our victory without necessarily using violent means like Mr.Yoweri Museveni did in 1981 when he lost elections to DP and UPC.This non violent campaign is simply to denounce Mr.Museveni’s plans of fraudelently imposing him self onto Ugandans yet he is Dr.Kiggundu’s choice rather not a choice of Ugandans.

We also wish to make more fundemental demands as the Presidency of Mr.Yoweri Museveni comes to an end.

1. We urge the International community to recognise Dr.Kizza Besigye as the dully President elect of the republic of Uganda and should denounce Mr.Museveni who was illegally declared by Mr.Kiggundu’s electoral commission.

2.We demand for an independent audit assisted by eminent persons and delegated political party officials to audit the Feb/18th/2016 Presidential elections.

3.We request that the International community puts sanctions on Mr.Yoweri Museveni and some officials of his government,a travel ban should be considered among others.

In conclusion ,we request that Dr.Kizza Besigye establishes a government of the people of Uganda and such a governent must start re~organising this country.

Thank you

Kahemba Babi
for
Blue Friday
Kampala Uganda
0752871050

In remembrance of Dr. Andrew Kayira and the possible plot of the NRA to assassinate him on the 6th of March 1987

Andrew Kayira

Today it has been 29 years since the assassination of Dr. Andrew Kayira, the former rebel and government minister at his time. He even had an alliance with the NRA then military rebel-group of President Museveni and at one point even helped with his rebel-group attacking central barracks and taking weapons from the governmental forces of the then Obote II government. At one point he even had an alliance with Col. Gaddafi of Libiya who sent weapons from Burundi through Rwanda to both NRA and the UFM rebel groups to regain more support in Sub-Saharan Africa. This here is telling a story of why he possibly was killed, by who and some insights into the reports. Also the way the newly NRM tried to shut-up media who covered it after the coup d’état in 1986 when they controlled the media and wouldn’t release the information in 1988 when articles came out for the first time about the assassination of Dr. Kayira. Here take a look!

Report from 1983:

“the Ugandan Freedom Movement (UFM) led by Andrew Kayira, a minster in the short-lived Lule government which succeeded Amin, and member of the opposition Democratic Party’s militant, unconstitutional wing” (…)”Kampala is now relatively quiet and secure, and the UFM leader Andrew Kayira is reported to have left the country” (Crisp, 1983).

Treason Charge on the 8th March 1987:

“Former Energy Minister Andrew Kayira was killed by gunmen, some of whom were wearing army uniforms. He was acquitted two weeks ago of charges of treason. Journalist Henry Gombya said the men, armed with knives and guns, came to his house Friday night. Kayira had been living there since his release. Gombya said he hid in the bush and his wife and three children locked themselves in a bathroom. Kayira tried to hide in a bedroom but was found and shot in the head, arms and thighs, the journal ist said. Kayira, who was named energy minister last year, was arrested five months ago with 25 other prominent people. They allegedly were involved in a conspiracy to overthrow the government of President Yoweri Museveni” (Orlando Sentinel, 1987).

NRA M7

Museveni ordered it:

“It is believed that he ordered the assassination of Kayiira. Kayiira was killed in March 1987, and his movement began to fall apart soon thereafter. As director of military intelligence, Kagame would have supervised  the assassination plan; certainly, say Ugandan, it could not have occurred without his imprimatur also” (De Hoyes, 1997).

What was the Pre-Text for the assassination of Dr. Kayira:

“Despite Kayira’s integration into the NRA and his subsequent appointment as Minister, it seems the NRA Government mistrusted him, resulting in his eventual arrest in October 1986. He was accused of treason for allegedly plotting to overthrow the Government of President Museveni, though he was acquitted and released by court on February 24, 1987. On 9 March 1987, Kayira was assassinated by unknown gunmen. After his death, his followers disintegrated. Some went into exile, others were integrated into NRA, while others deserted” (Refugee Law Project, 2014).

What the Scotland Yard Report says happen:

“On 6th March, 1987, at about llp.m. Dr Kayira and his friend, Mr, Henry Gombya, a B.B.C stringer, were having dinner with Gombya’s wife Victoria Naava ,24 , and three other girls Josephine Babirye, 19, Julian Nabwire, 14, and Annet Namatovu, 23, when about 10 armed men stormed the compound and attacked the persons present” (Scotland Yard).

Andrew Kayira P2

Witness report from Scotland Yard:

“According to Gombya, whilst the attackers were shouting at the occupants and kicking the door/ he in panic split Shs40 million which he had in his bedroom into two halves and threw Shs20 million into the banana plantation from the balcony leading from his room and left the remaining money in the bed for the suspects to steal. He then jumped from the balcony/ a height of 12 feet and ran down the driveway and on the second attempt managed to climb over the gate. He then hid in a banana plantation” (…)“Whilst this was happening the attackers were shouting to Dr Kayiira to open his bedroom door, which he did at the same time asking them what they wanted. Witnesses’ state that when Gombya escaped and was running towards the gates he was seen by one of the gunmen who raised the alarm and was told not to pursue him as the “UFM man” was in the house. This would suggest that the gunmen knew that Dr Kayiira was staying at the house” (…)”Police were eventually notified at Kabalagala Police Post some two miles away and arrived shortly after 7:30am. A photographer and scenes of Crime Officer arrived soon afterwards. Scenes of Crime examination was always going to be difficult as prior to police arrival villagers and other persons from the surrounding areas had descended onto the premises and went inside the house to satisfy their curiosity, and pay their respects” (Scotland Yard).

Aftermath:

“Investigations by the Kampala C.I.D under the direction of Simon Mugamba (Director of C.I.D) and Senior superintendent Fideiis Ongom (Officer in charge) commenced and quickly established that Gombya had requested from Mr Henry Kateregga, a Kampala businessman Shs40 million very urgently” (…)”As a result of their investigations the police were contacted by a man named Emmanuel Sebbunza, 17, who informed police that he had been involved with the people responsible for the killing of Dr Kayiira and although not at scene at the time of the offence, he assisted them in its preparation” (…)”He further stated that he had been paid money for both his assistance and to keep quiet about who took part. He states that the motive was robbery as the persons involved in the offence knew that Dr Kayiira was at the house and further that a large amount of money was in the house. He states however that it was believed that Dr Kayiira had the money. Mr Sebbunza further stated that arrangements for the offence were made at the shop of Muzeyi & Sons, Kampala, belonging to Mr John Katabazi, 28” (Scotland Yard).

NRA marching to Kampala 1986

Museveni action after the takeover of power:

“On Thursday 26th March 1987, at the request of President Museveni-the Ugandan President I (Detective Chief superintendent Thompson) attached to the serious crimes Branch New Scotland Yard, together with Detective Inspector Sanderson, scenes of crime officer attached to the Metropolitan Police Laboratory travelled to Uganda to assist the investigating officers because of the strong suggestions that the murder of Dr Kayiira was a ‘political’ one” (Scotland Yard).

Gomboya Statement:

“The majority of the attackers were dressed in NRA uniforms while others were dressed locally. Suspicion immediately fell on NRA soldiers when on the Saturday morning as hundreds of people were flocking my house to view the body of Kayiira which was still lying in a pool of blood in his bedroom” (…)”I told commander Kazoora that in my view, those who had killed Kayiira were likely to have been government enemies. I further told him, “If these people now return and shoot me dead, the government would find it quite difficult to prove it was not behind my death.” (…)”Mr Ssemogerere expressed surprise that “anyone would suggest that I was involved in the killing of your friend”. As he put it, on that day when Dr Kayiira was killed Mr Ssemogerere was the only Cabinet minister who came to my house and saw Dr Kayiira’s body lying in a pool of blood” (…)”The arguments went on almost the whole night until I finally made up my mind that the safest way for me would be the airport. I reached this decision for mainly one fact, Earlier in the day I had contacted my BBC colleague in Nairobi Mike Wooldridge whom I told about my fears concerning my safety. I told Mike that I had received information from the Uganda CID that I would be arrested as a murder suspect” (…)”He found this difficult to believe until I told him I had been to Mr Ssemogerere’s house to brief him about this new development. It was then that Mike volunteered to call Dr Besigye and find out from him whether I would really be arrested” (…)”The answer he got from Dr Besigye was; I want to assure the BBC and Henry that we have no intention of arresting him nor have we even suggested he be suspected In any way in this killing”. Dr. Besigye further told Mike Wooldridge that I was free to go anywhere but added “He may be needed to give evidence” (…)”Mr Wooldridge replied that since Dr Besigye had assured me I was not wanted he did not see any reason why I should not rest. Mike agreed with me that it would look like as if I was running away if I did not use the airport. Since in my heart I knew I was quite an innocent man who had just lost a great friend I did not see why I should try to leave the country as a criminal. My decision took everybody present by surprise!” (…)”But soon after my first interview the Uganda Foreign Affairs Minister Mr Ibrahim Mukiibi called the British High Commissioner in Kampala Mr Derek March to protest at what he called “the way your deputy helped a Ugandan journalist Henry Gombya to escape from Kampala”.Mr Mukiibi further told the British High Commissioner that I was “wanted” back in Uganda in “connection” with the killing of Dr Kayiira” (…)”The Investigating team also received evidence from some NRA soldiers from the 19th Battalion in Lubiri barracks which points to involvement of top NRA leadership and its lieutenants in the murder. According to these soldiers/ the murder of Dr Kayiira was planned days before his release. When the Directors of public prosecution (DPP) and CID jointly told government that there was no evidence to incriminate Dr Kayiira and several of co-accused in the alleged plot of treason this brief was received with a lot of reservations” (Scotland Yard).

M7 Makerere 1986

One Conclusion:

“There was also no evidence that Dr Kayiira put up any resistance. In addition, Gombya who was the owner of the money and other property in the house was not the prime target as he was ignored by the attackers when escaping. On the strength of the evidence the motive of the attackers was very clear: they wanted to kill Dr Andrew Kayiira. This gives credence to the 2nd hypothesis” (Scotland Yard).

Analyzed report:

“Despite President Museveni’s friendship with Dr Kayiira there had been recent mistrust of him by the President as a result of which Dr Kayiira was arrested in October 1986 for alleged;y ploting against the government, and subsequently releases by the court on February 24, 1987, due to lack of evidence” (…)”The release of Dr Kayiira surprised somee people and the subsequent murder of Kayiira led to strong rumours that his death was politically motivated and had been caused by the government’s hand” (…)”It was because of the above facts and the political overtones that the subsequent murder of Dr Kayiira was quickly seized on by various factions to suggest that his death was not only politically motivated, but might even have been carried out by President Museveni’s soldiers on the President’s orders. This charge is emphatically denied by the President” (Scotland Yard).

Fall Guy:

“It seems a British police report has been doctored to make it seem like I am a suspect or somehow involved,” said Mr Gombya, who fled Uganda after the killing and now lives in Farnborough, Hampshire. “Who carried out the shooting? I don’t know. Who ordered it? I believe it was President Museveni, and I’m not afraid to say it … I’m the fall guy.” (…)”There was speculation [at the time] about whether it was a politically motivated murder or a criminal attack,” said Peter Penfold yesterday. He was a diplomat at the British high commission in 1987. “I suppose both scenarios were plausible.” (Lewis, 2007).

Arrests after Article 1988 Uganda Front Page of ReportArrests after Article 1988 Uganda

I hope that gave some insights to the matter and that the truth will hopefully come out one day and that the men behind the killing of this man will get their punishment has he died for political reasons. This here is just one of many, still important as there been many killings and many assassinations under the NRM-Regime and their NRA. This one is significant as this was a way of getting rid of opposition forces and solidifies the regime after the civil war. Peace.  

Reference:

Crisp, Jeff – ‘National Security, Human Rights and Population Displacements in Uganda with special reference to events in Luwero District, Jan – Sept. 1983’ (October 1983) – British Refugee Council

De Hoyes, Linda – ‘Why London supports Rwanda’s confessed mass killer Paul Kagame’ (05.12.1997) – EIR News Service

Lewis, Paul – ‘I’m the fall guy for Ugandan murder, says ex-BBC man’ (20.01.2007) link: http://www.theguardian.com/media/2007/jan/20/bbc.uganda

Refugee Law Project – ‘COMPENDIUM OF CONFLICTS IN UGANDA – Findings of the National Reconciliation and Transitional Justice Audit’ (2014) – Makerere University

Orlando Sentinel – ‘Treason Charge: Former Energy Minister Andrew Kayira was…’ (08.03.1987) link: http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/1987-03-08/news/0110340050_1_treason-overthrow-the-government-arms-and-thighs

Scotland Yard – ‘SCOTLAND YARD REPORT THE MURDER OF DR ANDREW LUTAAKOME KAYIIRA: DEMOCRATIC PARTY VERSION’

Press Release: KCCA will be supported against all odds (01.03.2016)

KCCA at work

A lot has been said about Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) in the aftermath of the presidential and parliamentary elections.

What is becoming clear is that certain sections of people with vested interests are giving the President wrong information on KCCA’s role in the elections to try and cover up for their own inabilities or create room for their ill-motives to thrive.

There is no doubt that KCCA has undertaken massive infrastructure and service delivery initiatives that have positively turned around the image of the city. But this has never been smooth-sailing. Even as we battled to have KCCA undertake whatever projects it did, there were always forces whether from the opposition, the NRM or even mainstream government that opposed our (KCCA) firm and decisive approach to transforming Kampala. A lot of this opposition was based on selfish commercial interests. It is now visible that these forces are hoping to use these election results as an excuse to push through their agenda.Passing the KCCA budget in parliament every year was always a tag of war, but friendly forces in parliament mainly of NRM and a few from the opposition would see the logic of our efforts. Am happy and proud of the KCCA team led by Madam Musisi for all we achieved and still achieving.

lukwago-musisi

As minister for Kampala, I chose to firmly support KCCA so as protect them from the unending political altercations and enable them to concentrate on their technical work. I am happy that visible progress has been made. So the poor performance of NRM in kampala in the recent elections, is a challenge that we need to correctly analyze as a party and not blame on KCCA. Therefore, those rushing to give the President biased information against KCCA are only trying to use the challenge of the party’s poor performance in Kampala as a blessing in disguise, to further their earlier on anti- KCCA Agendas. A honest conversation is required or else we risk undoing the great milestones we have painfully achieved in the city. Let us asses how potent our party’s campaign and mobilization strategy in Kampala and other urban areas generally was? However, in doing this, we must avoid falling prey to those who now see this as a chance to roll back the gains made under KCCA and return this city to the dark ages of disorder, filth, wheeler-dealing and corruption. Already I can see different groups pouring back on the streets of downtown Kampala with intention of returning the city to its old chaotic and filth state. This will not be accepted. We have informed the police and we expect their full support in this noble duty of regulating the city’s trade environment.

JinjaRoad Roundabout Kampala

Kampala is the the image of uganda and its our nation’s signature mark. We must therefore decide how our image should look like. This is a must do irrespective of who is politically popular or unpopular in Kampala. As long as am still minister for Kampala, I will pursue this line with with neither fear nor indecisiveness!

Frank Tumwebaze, MP

Minister in Charge of the Presidency and Kampala Capital City, Government of Uganda

Discussion: My thoughts on a Power-Sharing deal between President Museveni and Dr. Kizza Besigye

m7, besigye

This here is something that has surfaced after Gen. Benon Buta Biraaro entered the premise and compound of Dr. Kizza Besigye on the 26th of February 2016. This is just days after the announcement of victory of President Museveni on the 20th February from the Electoral Commission.

So that the days of arrests and detaining of Dr. Kizza Besigye together with the oppression of the opposition party and his loyal officials and agents has been violated and arrested for following up on a flawed and a fraud of an election. The violence and police utilization as a tool to oppress the men who has declaration results forms from the districts agents as the candidates are getting to validate the counting of the ballots from the district before being announced and getting the right verdict of the will of their constituency. This here says it all when the police follows the men and trying to get the FDC officials and agents jailed and at gun-point or to rewrite the forms to fix the malfunction from the registered outcome that was announced from the Electoral Commission; it is in this context there have been talked about the opportunity to have talks to make President Museveni still in power, while giving Dr. Kizza Besigye to become his Vice President (V.P.) in a new government.

Biraaro UGDebate16

Let me be clear: this comes as the presidential candidate of the Farmers Party Gen. Biraaro have been at Kasangati home of Besigye; there been reports of meetings between Inter-Religious Council of Uganda and the Commonwealth Observer Group leader and former Nigerian President Olesegun Obasanjo, as he is supposed to mediate between President Museveni and Dr. Kizza Besigye; he is supposed to be able to talk them both into a deal that with power-sharing and keeping the peace between the persons in question.

Zim 2008

This here happen between Morgan Tsvangirai of Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) and President Robert Mugabe of Zanu-PF this happen after 200 dead and violent election during 2008 after a fraudulent election that opposition leader Tsvangirai was expected to have won as his popularity had risen in the public, while the economy had gone bonkers. Thabo Mbeki the President of South Africa mediated in this crisis of leadership and got the deal between the parties, where Tsvangirai accepted becoming the deputy in a coalition government that one that still President Mugabe controlled.

Salva Kiir Poster

In the South Sudan there been issues in the leadership between the fractions of the Sudan People Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/SPLA) as they even have an outfit that is SPLM in Opposition (SPLM-O). This is as the power-struggle between President Salva Kiir and Vice-President Riek Machar; they had even used arms against each other. So when they signed a peace-agreement that was settled during the winter of 2015, has stopped the months on months with violence and destruction in the country. President Kiir has become of this also made his former enemy and now Vice President Machar. He was re-appointed after on the 12th of February 2016.

FDC HQ 19.02.2016 Police Siege

This here shows examples of it of power-sharing deals between the ruling-party and the opposition. That is the dream of some people now as the tension is running high while the Police is harassing and detaining the FDC party officials and agents. While house-arresting Dr. Kizza Besigye since the Election Day; so that he cannot file in the petition to counter the declared results of the election results. Something that President Museveni and his security outfits works to stop by any means these days and also destroy the evidence of the actual rigging of the 18th February 2016.

The way the Police have deteriorating the opposition after the elections. So they could not gather their evidence and they continue to arrest candidates agents; as they try to deliver evidence and Declaration Results Forms to the Central Organization to secure the evidence and gather the basics to the petition. If you think this kind of actions talks of somebody who want to share power. Then your blind man trying to lead another blind man; that will lead the government with somebody else, seems more like a man who wants to own the executive position. Especially also his own words for the opposition and blame of stifling development on MPs, Opposition MPs and LCV of Opposition is usually the reason for the wrong kind of development. The last straw was when he wrote in the article on the 27th February that the opposition is an “endangered species”. That says what kind of methods he will use together with the “knock-out” victory he proclaim in the article is just wild-talk from a President.

Missing boxes 20.02.2016

If President really wanted to have dialogue and actually honor Dr. Kizza Besigye and his FDC; than he hadn’t constantly stopped his movement and opportunities to make a petition or meet fellow officials to make a best casework possible. This here is viable and exercise of violent behavior that does not give credible and legitimacy for President Museveni. Except for his loyal cadres and payed mouth-pieces; the ones that has accepted his salaries for being there for the NRM and the Government under the Museveni umbrella, it is not like that will change with Dr. Kizza Besigye as V.P. The only result of such a match is to give credit to the fraudulent elections and kiss and make-up. But not do a substantial groundwork and honor the voters that were not taken care of during the Election Day and the tally that followed.

I do not believe that this is a good idea. For the simple argument: Legitimacy of a NRM-Regime and the NRM led Government. I stay clear on that point as the results has been deliberately cooked while mouthpiece of NRM Andrew Mwenda blames on twitter that opposition is lying; Mr. Mwenda there to many perfect scores and polling stations that doesn’t make sense; especially that 100% for Museveni in 133 stations, every single registered person, living and dead, every ballot and not a single invalid ballot. For some strange reason Mr. Mwenda every single ballot in those polling stations went to President Musveni! That is an amazing achievement when NGOs and CSOs who followed the elections claimed that the voter educations was lacking and missing during the pre-election period. So there are certain and even more questionable acts of fraud as the Declarations Results Forms that has altered so they can be compared to the released result from the Electoral Commission. And the voter intimidation and the way the army and police acted accordingly even facilitated rigging in certain areas, questions also the faith in the ballots and the tally result from this presidential election exercise. And with all of that mind; the FDC and Dr. Kizza Besigye should not legitimize a government who got power in that way, and by house-arresting their presidential candidate days in and days out without a warrant or reason.

The only one earning on this President Museveni and his NRM, by trading away a ceremonial position of the Vice President; silencing the opposition and their claims while still having the Executive power. The same way President Mugabe through thorough negotiations gave the V.P. to Morgan Tsvangirai, but got little legitimacy and even credit for sorting out peace between political parties. That gave him also time to give more power and access to it to the Executive. That is the same way would happen with President Museveni and instead of Mbeki negotiating the agreement; It would be Obansanjo. He is not the kind who serve power away and if a person get to much of following. And that follwing not beeing directed  to him or he feels that person has to much control in the NRM; then he clips your wings. Just as he has done in the past with Gilbert Bukenya and Amama Mbabazi; they are the essential former loyalist to NRM and Museveni, but is now outplayed by their former master.

Obansanjo Uganda 2016

In the same way President Museveni would have done with Dr. Kizza Besigye. At this point former Nigerian President Obasanjo should just take a ticket home to Lagos instead of trying to mediate between the NRM and the FDC. As this here is a stalemate and deserve to be one until justice and rule of law is followed; not only orders from President Museveni. That is the tale of the day and the way the Police and Army uses to oppress the opposition.

As he has said he wants to destroy the opposition and make them go away as they are burden to his rule. And when a President has that kind of wish and does not respect the ballots or electoral reform that does not fit him. Why should the opposition give him the honor of legitimizing his stay in power?

Museveni Debate16

Dr. Kizza Besigye, Amama Mbabazi, Olara Otunnu, Norbert Mao and all the other opposition leaders should shun the President and not honor him. Instead they should stay away from or not negotiate with him, until justice prevails and the truth of the matter get to the surface as the blatant disregard for the election from the regime is obvious and carefully orchestrated and taken care of to secure President Museveni, not the will of the people, just as Dr. Milton Obote did what he could to secure his will in 1980 election.

Kigwa Leero!  Peace.  

Footage from the General Election of 1980 in Uganda (Youtube-Clip)

What do you think and does it sound similar, doesn’t it? Back to the Future President Museveni Style! Peace.

Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago talks to media after casting his vote (Youtube-Clip)

My take on it:

He talks after voting today, about his posistion and about his validity of the posistion as the Lord Mayor of Kampala. Being ceremonial and not head of the city. Also about the rule of law and that he doesn’t have an direct issue with President Museveni. This here is interesting and shows the character of Erias Lukwago. That must be the reason why he has such an impact in as a Mayoral Candidate and won the election in 2011. He has had effective campaign in the city, even with the issues and detaining him during the pre-election period. This here shows the value of keeping his head cold and going through the obsticals to become the Lord Mayor again. He desverves respect for his posistion and the platform he describes the importance of “Rule of Law”.  Respect the rule of law, policy of the programs and policies in Kampala that lays on the head of the City and the Lord Mayor of Kampala. Something President Museveni does not respect.

As the Personal problems between him and President Museveni, but the issue is that with Lord Mayor Lukwago; President Museveni does not have direct control of Kampala, he cannot live with that! He sucks with trusting people and giving away power… As we saw in the Presidential Election and Parliamentary election on the 18th February.

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

NTV 20.02.2016

Kampala, 20 February 2016

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

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

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

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

NTV Uganda Presidential Debate 2016

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

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

VPN 18.02.2016 P2

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

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

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

Election Day

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

Kaabong 18.02.2016

Conclusion

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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