The Curious Case of Tamale Mirundi

Statehouse Quote

The former mouthpiece of Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the former Presidential Press Secretary Tamale Mirundi who has ever since been sacked by the State House he has been all around media blasting and commenting on politics. This has now been seen by the Uganda Communication Committee (UCC) as a volatile and meager expression of language and profanity that the media doesn’t need. This happens only two days after he appeared on AmamaRadio. He has been on NBS TV and WBS, also certain radio station talking ever since his sacking. Let’s look a bit on the fellow mouth-piece!

Tamale Mirundi Quote of the day 101115 (2)

Some older news on the man:

In 2009 these reports came:

“FM radio campaigns by John Tamale Mirundi, encouraging squatters to attack land owners. Mirundi uses Star FM, TOP Radio and other FM stations to tell his targeted listeners: “When those land owners bring court brokers or surveyors and try to evict you, defend your selves. Be ready to use pangas (machetes), sticks and fire to get rid them.” In the last two months, mobs of bibanja holders have murdered two landlords in Bugerere county alone” (…)”As Mr. Museveni’s Presidential Press Secretary, Tamale Mirundi is widely believed by rural land squatters to be speaking on behalf of the Ugandan strong man. The emerging consensus among Buganda analysts is that president Museveni may be creating the terror because Mmengo seems to have successfully blocked his Land Act Amendment of 2009 the way they did with the his Regional Tier” (Kabaka Concern, 2009).

Here are some wonderful quotes in defense of the former chief and head of state Musveni:

“The President doesn’t have a key to State coffers. If there is extravagance, the MPs should be the ones to blame” (…)”They should tell us why they keep approving this money. And before they accuse the President of being insensitive to the needs of the people, let them come to Parliament on bicycles and cut their salaries” (…)”He must see what is going on, that is why under the Constitution he is obliged to take over the administration of a district if things are not going well” (Kiwanuka, 2011).

Also in 2011:

“Mashate’s case involves the government, so I’m not the right person to comment” (…)”“I’m not Museveni’s lawyer to know why the amount of money involved accumulate” (…)“I have to look for Museveni first before I can comment” (…)”The President’s office is not like a headmaster’s office. I am a highly trained journalist, I know you journalist what you want” (BlackStarNews, 2014).

Mirundi P1

In May 2013 Mirundi said this and did that:

“Sources have told us Mirundi was linked to Sejusa through the general’s phone call logs, which security operatives retrieved. Mirundi was reportedly asked to explain why the general was calling him regularly”. About that Mirundi said this: “They checked his (Sejusa) phone [numbers he has been dialing] and found out that I am one of the people who have been calling Tinyefuza.“I told them that ‘Yes Tinye is my friend and that I have been calling him.’ They later left” (UGO, 2013).

He said this in 2014: “spends hours… abusing members of parliament, abusing everybody and he says he is the president’s dog… the only person he spares is the president!”

When Tamale was managing The Voice newspaper over ten years ago he failed to pay his workers numbering 17. Three of them, including his cousin Felix Kyeyune, sued him and the money (Ush 5m each plus legal fees) was paid just as the bus to take Tamale to Luzira prison waited outside courtroom in Mengo, a Kampala suburb” (Odinga, 2014).

In July 2014 he said this:

“My contract ended. It is now up to the president to either renew it or not” (…)”I entered State House when I had one suit. But look at what I have achieved. The President educated me and my children in some of the best universities in Scotland” (…)”Even if my contract is not renewed, I will not complain. I can assure you that I will never attack Museveni when I am outside State House” (Lumu & Anyango, 2014).

Mirundi P2

Salary he had in the FY 2014/2015:

What did he earn during the last budget FY 2014/2015 while being a statehouse employee that was the net sum off US$ 9.846.672, and monthly salary we’re US$ 8.20.566. If I calculate this salary with exchange rate in November 2014 the UGX that would make that year’s salary: 27.078.348.000 Uganda Shillings that is if the exchange rate is on the level of 24. November 2014; when it was 2750 to one US dollar; so he we’re surely more paid then the average Ugandan in that financial year.

In April 2015:

“Mirundi reportedly singled out Kabiito for his handling of a case in which Cairo International Bank was challenging its prosecution in the Anti-Corruption court in regard to the theft of an estimated Shs 169bn meant for pensioners” (…)”Musota said Mirundi took issue with the judge’s handling of a case involving 1,000 former spies who wanted their retirement benefits worth about Shs 39bn paid. According to Musota, what angered Tamale was the judge’s rejection of an application by the Inspectorate of Government (IG) that sought to block the payments” (Kiyonga, 2015). Tamale Mirundi said this about it: “Those judges are suffering from colonialism. They think they are important but they are not important, they are just servants of the people and as long as they are corrupt, we shall talk about them” (…)”By the mere fact that they have reacted to my statements, that is an indication that I have defeated them. If they think that I’m guilty of anything, let them sentence me to death” (…)”I want Kabiito to tell me how I got his judgment [of Cairo bank] before he could read it out. I’m sure it wasn’t written by him and I have evidence to that effect. I just don’t talk without any proof”. He also laughed off the judges’ call for his firing’” (Kiyonga, 2015).

Mirundi P4

 

In May 28th 2015:

“President’s Press Secretary, Joseph Tamale Mirundi, has been appointed as an advisor to the cabinet of Isaabaruuli Mwogezi Butamanya, the Baruuli cultural leader” (…)”Buruli chiefdom based in Nakasongola District, like Banyala chiefdom in Kayunga District, isn’t recognised by Buganda Kingdom and they have been on collusion course which has sometimes led to deadly riots” (Kaweesi, 2015).

And then he has since gone like every day said something vile on NBS as a commentator on the Campaigns and Politics. Trying to sound wise, but instead becoming a side-show and that is attacks on everybody from Bebe Cool, Dr. Tanga Odoi, Amama Mbabazi, Gilbert Bukenya and so on. The list is longer then the so called Membership register of the NRM that they said at one point they didn’t have before the NRM Primaries. Well, see why I took pieces of his history. Continue to look!

Today:

Uganda Communication Committee chairman Godfrey Mutabazi has said today after Tamale Mirundi in the recent weeks actually was on a show for AmamaRadio. Mr. Mutabazi said to the press: “The language used doesn’t deserve to be on the airwaves. The commission therefore directs you to stop broadcasting such programs with immediate effect” (…)”Some stations have written to us acknowledging the concern and promising to restrain their guest from such conduct” (NewVision, 2015).

Later today because Tamale Mirundi has a show on Radio Star 87,5 FM have been switched off or taken cutting their sender after the report and statement from UCC. The transmitter from the station has to be muted as a reaction to the UCC threat earlier.  

He must have said something profane and vile that makes UCC react like this. We all know that he have after being fired… spoken wildly on every political topic on every format possible in country. They must be listening to you “mute” since July and since he dropped his wit on certain newly founded opposition campaign radio-station AmamaRadio. AmamaRadio the lamest name for a radio; where he must has said something hurtful spiteful crap that is more hunting then calling a political person a walking coffin or Museveni all-of-sudden is not the revolutionary mind that Tamale Mirundi always have claimed. Right?

An UCC has made Uganda and its ruling party and its leadership proud! Yep. The all-time and lifelong legacy of the President Museveni; I am sure the UCC is as afraid of somebody as the Electoral Commission is at the point. We have seen Kiggundu recently act upon Amama Mbabazi and Dr. Kizza Besigye and now Mutabazi acting as an arm of the NRM. Not surprising, it’s expected, right?

Peace.   

Reference:

Committee on Presidential Affairs Meets the Office of the Precidency – (19.03.2014)

BlackStarNews – ‘U.K. Court Says Publisher’s Multi-million Dollar Case Against Gen. Museveni Still Active’ (27.11.2011) link: http://www.blackstarnews.com/others/extras/uk-court-says-publishers-multi-million-dollar-case-against-gen-museveni-still-active

‘Kabaka Concerned, Museveni and Mirundi Promoting Landlord Murders’ (27.08.2009)

Kaweesi, Samuel – ‘Tamale Mirundi appointed advisor to Buruuli Kingæ (28.05.2015) link: http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/Tamale-Mirundi-appointed-advisor-to-Buruuli-King/-/688334/2732166/-/gjeoad/-/index.html

Kiwanuka, William Kituuka – ‘TAMALE MIRUNDI REASONS CHILDISHLY’ (22.07.2011) link: http://williamkituuka.blogspot.no/2011/07/tamale-mirundi-reasons-childishly.html

Kiyonga, Derrick – ‘Judges want Museveni to fire Tamale Mirundi’ (24.04.2015) link: http://www.observer.ug/news-headlines/37533-judges-want-museveni-to-fire-tamale-mirundi

Lumu, David & Anyango, Aida – ‘My contract has expired, says Tamale Mirundi’ (24.07.2014) link: http://www.newvision.co.ug/news/657962-my-contract-has-expired-says-tamale-mirundi.html

NewVision – ‘UCC moves to stop Tamale Mirundi’s ‘abusive remarks’ (01.11.2015) link:

http://www.newvision.co.ug/news/676351-ucc-moves-to-stop-tamale-mirundi-s-abusive-remarks.html

Odinga, William – ‘Tamale Mirundi punches former employee below the belt’ (18.03.2014) link: http://williamodinga.blogspot.no/2014/03/tamale-mirundi-punches-former-employee.html

UGO – ‘Tamale Mirundi grilled over Sejusa calls’ (15.05.2013) link: http://news.ugo.co.ug/tamale-mirundi-grilled-over-sejusa-calls/

Presidential candidates back on the trail after Papal visit.. +NRM Primaries & Tamale Mirundi etc

CCEDU Topowa

The Papal Visit is over and KCCA can chill before trying to nibble on the fact that Erias Lukwago will start his campaign tomorrow. FDC travels to Pader today. Amama Mbabazi is suspending his campaign again. NRM, I am sure starting tomorrow. There are reports of crowds buying from them and also yet more information on the NRM Primaries(a tale that doesn’t seem to end). The Deflections from NRM continues to other parties. And not so much the other way around, if you take the exaptation of UPC-Akena to NRM. But that doesn’t count at this point. Let’s take a look!

Quote of the day:

Yoweri Kaguta Museveni: “I have no problem meeting Besigye or anyone, I am for Uganda and Africa”.

Reports before NRM Rallies:

There been rumored of advance teams of NRM and Museveni in Teso Sub-region where they already spending money on the people in the area to get them to attend the NRM rallies in the area. Each Constituency in the area was delivered 20 Million shillings to achieve the numbers that the NRM wished to see at the venues and rallies.

Use of Football stars to verify the Western support for Museveni-Regime:

“Uganda Tourism Board has payed millions of dollars to Barcelona football stars to come to Uganda as tourists but in reality they are supposed to appear on Museveni’s political rallies in Central and Western regions of the country. The football stars already in Uganda include Edgar Davids, Patrick Kluivert, Louis Garcia, Simao Sabrosa and others. This is designed to give Museveni maximum world wide exposure to fool the West that Museveni is still popular in the country, and the opposition would not be in a position to scream election rigging. They are scheduled to appear with Museveni from Dec 8th through Dec. 12th”.

ofwono

Ofwono Opondo saying about TVO:

“”Tom Voltaire Okwaliga is Tamale Mirundi , all that you see on Facebook are posted by Tamale Mirundi but he disguises in the name of TVO” (…)”Of all Tom Okwalinga’s 40,000 followers no one has ever seen him physically. We have proved without doubt that TVO is Tamale Mirundi” (…)”you’re asking me proof?? if you want proof, arrest Tamale Mirundi for some days and you will never see a post on Facebook by Tamale I mean by TVO”.

Padre 29.11.15

FDC on the Trail in Padre:

“This is the first time uganda is going to remove a president without using gun” said Dr. Kizza Besigye as he addresses a mammoth crowd in Pader Town Council

Lukwago-Eria

Invite to Erias Lukwago’s mayoral rally tomorrow:

“Monday 30th November 2015 at Nakasero Market Park yard at 2:00 pm as we launch our campaign platform. The program is organised in strict compliance with the EC harmonised campaign calendar. It’s truism that transformation of Kampala into a modern metropolis befitting the pearl of Africa will always be a mirage unless we cultivate a culture of democratic and corporate governance in the way we run public institutions. It’s for that sole reason that the policy agenda we’re unveiling tomorrow revolves around institutional building, creating strong and vibrant systems of accountable governance, strategic planning and prioritisation, social justice and equity as well as building viable synergies that will engender the much desired sustainable transformation of our capital city. Come One Come All”.

Amama 17.11.15 Poster

NRM Primaries continues:

In Rubaga North MP the contested candidate for the region has been taken to court and therefore blocked his nomination. That means that Singh from the Rubaga North can’t stand as a candidate for MP for the area, and that leaves NRM without a candidate for the area unto the 2016 General Elections.

Second report:

“533 declared NRM parliamentary primaries’ losers have now picked forms to run as Independents. Out of these 17 are serving ministers and ministers of state, while 69 are current Members of Parliament”.

Third Report:

Go-Forward and Amama Mbabazi are holding talks with 44 MPs who lost their nominations and candidacy in the NRM Primaries to give them a place under the Go-Forward Group under the election in 2016.

Message from Amama Mbabazi:

“Dear Friends” (…)”I would like to inform you all that we will have a slight postponement of the next leg of our campaign tours. This is as a result of my travel to visit with my wife and her anticipated return this week”.

Elton Joseph Mabirizi 17.11.15

PLEASE DONATE TO THE MABIRIZI CAMPAIGN

We appreciate all the financial contributions you are making to the Mabirizi TIC Presidential Campaign. Over the weekend, we returned from Eastern Uganda over the weekend. This week till Friday, we are in Kampala divisions and will leave on Saturday for Kalangala, Masaka, Bukomansimbi, Kalungu, Sembabule and Lwengo. A team of 15 campaigners will spend 8 days and nights in the field before returning to Butambala again.

We really need money for this extended campaign leg. We need fuel, car maintenance, water, food, accommodation, posters, and communication.

Please send your generous contributions to:

MTN: 0772 411 491

Airtel: 0702 411 491

You may want to call to confirm receipt or send a separate message to the same numbers, if you did not send for your own phone.

Thank you for your support to the struggle for an better Uganda.

Enough right?

I think that was interesting enough for today. Peace.

NRM cries foul over media coverage

M7 NRM

There is some fun in this that the NRM cries foul over coverage. Especially when some of remember when certain loyal cronies was crying over how the NBS and NTV was following and imbedded into the convoys to their consultation meeting. Let me remind you on that before going over the comment recently coming from the NRM.

Kale Kayihura

On the 14th October 2015 IGP Kale Kayihura spoke at his press conference that day on the media:

“The thing, you as Journalists, especially NTV, NTV and NBS. Who normally are embedded with, in these convoys, I don’t know for what reason, whether you are really Journalist, at the edge of consents, or your been inducted into parties politics. That goes against by the way the professional ethics of journalism! That got a mandate to go after this, because it’s the broadcast act, the media and journalist act”.

So having the head of the Police commenting on how the journalist follows the FDC and Go-Forward consultation meetings was expected for everybody, though ironic talking about ethics, because they did in the same time period create havoc in Rukungiri and in the Greater Masaka area where the FDC was planning to have events. The Police also was violent in Soroti and Jinja where the Go-Forward camp had planned meetings. So that the media was following was to address the interests and how the Police was going against their own citizens. They are doing their duty as journalist to address the matters and also the unnecessary violence and detaining opposition party members and leaders; that is a common good that, that get addressed by the media in those instances.

Justine Kasule Lumumba

But let’s take a look at what the NRM said this week:

The Secretary General of NRM Justine Kasule Lumumba said this: “You should take note that our candidate has so far addressed 70 rallies and some haven’t even covered 20 of them(…)”I have observed that some media houses are biased and do not cover all the candidates equall” (FakeBeast, 2015).

What we have seen in October this year had the IGP Kale Kayihura saying that Media should not be in the convoys of a political parties, especially considering their ethical and codes of conduct of a journalist. That is in stark contrast to what the Secretary General Cries fowl about this week.

Though she does that, I am sure that NRM forgetting their own actions while they we’re in Lango Sub-County on the 13th November 2015 on the trail to 2016. This happen that day:

Museveni expels NTV from his media team after what he called unbalanced reporting on him. As per now, NTV journalists are being escorted back to Kampala by soldiers of the Special Forces Command. Daily monitor was also warned of a possible closure should their reporting continue to ‘favor’ the opposition ‘against’ Mr. Museveni.

Mbabazi M7 Besigye

That is just two weeks ago. So when you see how the NRM and their Presidential Candidate Yoweri Kaguta Museveni wasn’t happy with the pictures and “unbalanced” reports given at the time and at the rallies. That the Secretary General now in all respects says the same thing. It is not surprising, since they want all coverage! They don’t want people to follow the FDC, Go-Forward, Farmers Party or PDP, even the Independents who also have rallies.

The trouble NRM and the Police has with the coverage is that it isn’t just in favor with the view and perspective that NRM wish to perceive. That is because they will cover as they feel is right and question it all. I am sure the NRM is not happy with the covering reports of how they have used Crime Preventers to fill up crowds and deliverance of T-Shirts, foods and paying gas to Boda-Boda drivers around the venues of the NRM rallies. That is something that is not happening around the Go-Forward or FDC venues in the same time frame.

The pain that NRM have right now is that they don’t know how to handle that their losing grip. Everybody isn’t eating out their hands and taking their words for granted. That the media doesn’t follow you as they used to, because they are trying to cover the other parties rallies as well. Since there 8 candidates, there is a trio on the top that has the most coverage no matter how you look upon it. That Museveni, Mbabazi and Besigye has the most is natural, not only by looking at the size of their campaigns, but also the suctions of the candidates. That is why deflections is mostly happening to these candidates and their parties.

The reason why Go-Forward Camp or FDC camp is claiming the same as NRM about biased and unbalanced coverage is because of the massive coverage in general these days. NRM has their own media-house, which has been proven with 5 pages special from the NewVision during the start of the campaign trail. Something that the same paper would never do on FDC or Go-Forward because of its loyalty to the NRM. That is something other media-houses doesn’t have, even when they have shut down the Daily Monitor, reports of even paying of editors to scribble something else then negative and true coverage of the Government of Uganda and that means the NRM.

So if the Secretary General Kasule Lumumba and President Museveni complain; it’s kind of expected at this point. That IGP Kayihura was directing the media was also expected since he will detain anybody who doesn’t follow his reasoning. But that the internal parts of the Party of NRM now reacts with three months to go to General Elections in 2016. This shows that their struggling with convincing the media on how to cover the rallies and pledges given by Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.

IGP Kayihura get his wish in a way if that the media is not imbedded with convoys of the NRM party, since that is what he said was against the ethics of journalists. Something that Museveni and Kasule Lumumba we can assume isn’t happy about at this present time. Since they want to have the NRM in the spotlight, get the GREEN positive GO light. That they don’t get. The coverage is followed by their actions and when you constantly attack and address journalist as problems and make their relationship problematic, it will be easier to address the Go-Forward and FDC where you are welcome. That is proven with the actions done by the NRM in Lango Sub-County.

And by looking at their actions and wishes is not something you can combine. It doesn’t match. If they want more coverage then they also have accept it for what it is. Instead of telling what and trying to spin it the way they want it. I am sure Dr. Kizza Besigye didn’t want the photos with the chicken to the public, as much as Amama Mbabazi didn’t want to have the “Share-A-Coke with” moment earlier in the campaign. But that happen and the media and online world has captured it.

Share A Coke W Amama 101115

That the NRM feels that the coverage is biased or not covered enough is telling more about the NRM, then the media. The Media can make their decision to where to cover and how they explain and express what happens around the NRM. The NRM can’t do like they do internally to explain and argue, the media should be different. That they feel less covering then Dr. Kizza Besigye and Amama Mbabazi proves how much they fear the opposition and their candidates since the NRM can’t handle how big crowds surround their trails and none of them is payed Crime Preventers or hired men to show up. Some of the crowds at the NRM venues has been so and when that has been pointed out in media, the media has been criticized for saying so. Well, the retort should be – there shouldn’t be hired crowds at the campaign trail, and doesn’t matter which party. NRM they have a history for this kind of action, therefore when the media and journalist address it, it’s the NRM who should change, not the Journalist addressing it.

That is in general what the NRM, Museveni and Kasule Lumumba implies that the Media and Journalists should change to their tune and not think for themselves and just cover what they want to show. Like they wanted all to see Bebe Cool speaking about roads to Moroto after the recent rally, but not about the rest of the state of Sub-County where he was campaigning, I am sure not all parts of those areas was that great built and functioning, right?

NRM can cry foul and can be suspicious of how the coverage is being carried out. But we all know that they just want the whole spotlight and leave everybody else into darkness. That would be wish of President Museveni, he want to be leading star and the guardian of the galaxy!

Still, it seems that they still get massive coverage, maybe not the one they want… or wished in the first place. And that hurts them because they want be the beautiful ruling government instead they are showing the NRM-Regime as they really are. The actions and rhetoric hurts them and doesn’t help their cause, if they really have another one then ruling, and one man ruling them all. If so, please enlighten me on that, since I only see a one-man ruling party who is a skeleton when he needs it. And loyal subjects to him like Secretary General Kasule Lumumba and others who comply with his every need. Something the media does not do and question their behavior and words. To see and discuss it! That will hopefully also happen under a new regime and hopefully be more tolerant of the journalist and their opposition then the one that currently ruling Uganda. Peace.

Reference:

Fakebeast – ‘Media ignores Museveni, Kasule cries out’ (26.11.2015) link: http://www.fakebeast.com/media-ignores-museveni-kasule-cries-out/

Kabuzire, Linda – ‘NRM: Mbabazi Must Stop Provoking Us’ (26.11.2015) link: http://www.chimpreports.com/nrm-mbabazi-must-stop-provoking-us/

The Electoral Commission of Uganda – LEG 75/79/01: “Re: Conduct of Campaigns and Related Concerns” (23.11.2015)

EC Letter November P2

Adm72/01: Press Statement from the Electoral Commission of Uganda – Progress of Electoral Programmes for Presidential, Parliamentary and Local Government Councils Elections (25.11.2015)

Badru EC

  1. Introduction

Our esteemed partners, members of the press, it is my privilege and pleasure to welcome you to this press briefing.

Today, the Electoral Commission would like to update the country on the commencement of the campaign period for Local Government Councils Elections, preparations for nomination of Candidates for Parliamentary Elections, as well as other activities related to the Roadmap for the 2015-2016 General Elections.

  1. Conclusion of Nomination for Local Government Councils Elections and Commencement of Campaign Period

The Electoral Commission concluded the nomination of candidates for the following elective positions at Local Government Councils countrywide:

  1. Candidates for District/City Chairpersons, District/City Directly-elected Councilors; District/City Councilors representing Women, the Youth, Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) and Older Persons;
  1. Candidates for Municipality/City Division Chairpersons, Directly-elected Councilors, Councilors representing Women, Youth, Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) and Older Persons; and,
  1. Candidates for Municipal Division, Town Council and Sub County Chairpersons, Directly-elected Councilors; Councilors representing Women, the Youth, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and Older Persons.

Campaigns for the above elections commenced after the harmonization of the candidates’ programmes, for each respective category yesterday, Tuesday November 24, 2015, and will stop forty eight hours before polling day for each category.

The Electoral Commission urges all candidates, their agents, supporters, and members of the general public to adhere to set rules and regulations guiding the campaign period, and to particularly ensure that campaigns are held in accordance with the harmonised campaign programme.

Candidates and/or their agents must not use or publish any foul language or defamatory words, which incite public disorder, hatred, violence or which threatens war.

Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission has appointed the following polling dates for the above electoral positions as follows:

No. Elective Position Polling Date
1. Chairpersons, Directly Elected Councilors and Women Councilors for District (LC V); 24th February 2016
2. Lord Mayor, Directly Elected Councilors and Women Councilors for Kampala Capital City Authority* 24th February 2016
3. Councilors for PWDs, Older Persons and Youth to District Councils and Kampala Capital City Authority; 26th February 2016
4. Chairpersons, Directly Elected Councilors and Women Councilors for Municipality and Kampala Capital City Divisions; 2nd March 2016
5. PWDs, Older Persons and Youth Councilors to Municipalities and Kampala Capital City Divisions; 4th March 2016
6. Chairpersons, Directly Elected Councilors and Women Councilors for Municipal Division, Sub County and Town Councils; 9th March 2016
7. PWDs, Older Persons and Youth Councilors to Municipal Division, Sub County and Town Councils; 10th March 2016

* The nominations for Councilors representing Professional Bodies at KCCA have not yet taken place because the Commission is still waiting for the list of members of respective electoral colleges, namely:

  1. Uganda Institution of Professional Engineers;
  2. Uganda Society of Architects;
  • Uganda Medical Association; and,
  1. Uganda Law Society
  1. Nomination of Candidates for Parliamentary Elections 2016

The nomination of candidates for Parliamentary Elections will be conducted on 2nd – 3rd December 2015.

Aspiring candidates for the following elective positions at Parliamentary level are advised to collect the nomination forms and guidelines from the Office of the Returning Officer in their respective district across the country;

  1. Directly Elected Member of Parliament (representing constituency);
  2. District Woman Member of Parliament;
  3. Member of Parliament for Persons with Disability (PWD).

The nomination of candidates for Directly Elected Member of Parliament (representing constituency) and District Woman Member of Parliament, shall take place at the respective EC District offices across the whole Country beginning at 9.00 a.m. and ending at 5:00pm on each of the appointed dates.

Please note that the nomination of Members of Parliament representing Persons with Disability (PWDs) will be held at the Electoral Commission headquarters during the above period.

The National Conference for elections of Members of Parliament representing Persons with Disability (PWDs) will be held from 21st to 22nd February 2016, at a venue to be communicated by the Commission in due course.

The Electoral Commission calls upon the Uganda Police Force to ensure law and order during this period.

Please note that the Electoral Commission will not organize nomination for representatives of the following Special Interest Groups to Parliament, during the above period until Parliament of Uganda addresses the concerns raised by the Constitutional Court.

The affected Special Interest Groups include;

  1. Member of Parliament for Workers;
  2. Member of Parliament for Youths; and,
  3. Member of Parliament for Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF);
  4. Requirements for Nomination of Member of Parliament

An aspiring candidate for Member of Parliament shall be a citizen of Uganda, a registered voter;  

  1. The nomination shall be made by two (2) registered voters from the constituency, who shall appear in person before the Returning Officer, and present a nomination paper filled in duplicate indicating the following:
  1. The names, age, address, and occupation of the aspiring candidate;
  2. Names and address of a person appointed as the official agent;
  1. A list of names and signatures of a minimum of ten (10) persons, who must be registered voters in the constituency where the candidate seeking nomination supporting his/her nomination; each of the persons so signing shall state his/her village, occupation and Voter Number or National ID Number or Application ID Number;
  1. Aspiring candidates shall also be required to present the following:
  1. A receipt being proof of payment of non-refundable nomination fee of Shs. 3,000,000/- (three million shillings) only. Please note the nomination fee can be paid in any commercial bank which collects Non Tax Revenue, in accordance with the issued guidelines;
  1. Three (3) postcards size copies of a recent straight face, color photograph with a light background;
  1. Certified copies of educational qualifications showing the aspirant attained a minimum formal education of Advanced (A) Level or its equivalent;
  1. Certified copies (if qualifications were attained from outside Uganda) from the National Council of Higher Education (NCHE);
  1. Proof of resignation, in the case of public officers;

Please note that a candidate who uses a convoy for purposes of nomination shall have a maximum of two vehicles bearing police stickers and each shall carry a maximum of ten persons.

  1. Update on the Presidential Campaign Meetings

The Electoral Commission would like to commend the Presidential candidates for the smooth start to the campaigns, and especially compliance with the harmonised campaign programme. We urge the candidates to continue in this direction, so that together, we achieve a peaceful campaign and elections.

However, the Commission has also noted with concern, the consistent calls by Candidate Kizza Besigye, one of the Presidential candidates, for defiance as a campaign strategy. This kind of campaign is likely to have serious impact on the conduct of peaceful campaigns and elections.

The Commission condemns this kind of conduct and hereby warns the Presidential Candidate, his agents and supporters, to desist from taking this path, but instead conduct the campaign in accordance with the law.

The Electoral Commission has also noted several reports of malicious acts of defacement and/or removal of candidates’ posters.

The Commission warns the general public, candidates, their agents and supporters, that a person who malicious defaces or removes or tears any election poster of any nominated candidate commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment.

  1. Misrepresentation of the Electoral Commission

The Electoral Commission has further noted that several stakeholders, especially the media, have continued to call this institution either the National Independent Electoral Commission, or the Independent Electoral Commission. I would like to clarify that the name Electoral Commission has never been changed

We, therefore, caution the public, and our stakeholders to stop using unauthorized name and logo when referring to the Electoral Commission.

Similarly, the Commission took note of the article published in The Sunday Monitor (November 15th 2015) where the Chairperson Electoral Commission is said to have stated that the Electoral Commission will announce the right winner, because the Electoral Commission of 2016 is different from the Electoral Commission of 2006. This has created an impression that the Commission did not announce the right winner in 2006, which is very wrong.

I wish to state that the statement attributed to me was not correct. The Commission has always announced the winning candidate at each elective level; this has always been the case in all elections we have organized, and it will be the case in 2016.

  1. Message on Papal Visit to Uganda

Finaly, the Electoral Commission joins with all Ugandans to welcome His Holiness Pope Francis to Uganda. We congratulate the people of Uganda on this unique opportunity to host the Pontiff a third time.

This should serve as a reminder to all Ugandans of the special position our country holds in the world.

The visit takes place at a time when political campaigns are taking place by candidates contesting for various elective positions. Let us use the visit to promote the virtues of unity and peaceful co-existence.

Thank you for listening to me,

For God and my Country,

Eng. Dr. Badru M. Kiggundu

Chairperson, Electoral Commission

The Dream of a Public TV-Debate between top three Presidential Candidates in Uganda

Mbabazi M7 Besigye

There is a dream of TV-Debate between the three main candidates in Uganda: the NRM with Museveni, the Go-Forward Amama Mbabazi and the FDC Dr. Kizza Besigye! So what will that be, it should be sent on NBS, NTV and WBS at the same time. So that nobody can watch dubbed South American TV-shows for those who don’t care about the politics or elections.

I can’t expect the now gone away Maureen Faith Kyala or Joseph Mabirizi being a part of this. The same with Gen. Benon Biraaro or Abed Bwanika and Professor Bayramureeba; I am sure some people wont to see this candidates to! But, we know that they don’t have the suction yet to be viable combined with the trio who are really fighting to become the President. Even if the Electoral Commission (Now the Independent Electoral Commission), surely will work towards another term for the Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and his NRM! Still, would be fun to have him on the spot together with his arch-nemesis Besigye and new enemy Amama Mbabazi!

Why I discuss it:

“President Yoweri Museveni, also NRM flag bearer, says “he is ready to take on any of his fellow 2016 presidential candidates in a public debate” (…)”While addressing a press conference early Monday in Gulu at the State Lodge, Museveni said: “If Besigye or any other candidate wants to debate with me, I am ready. I don’t move without my mouth or brain…” (…)”The president’s comments today come days after Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) presidential candidate Dr. Kizza Besigye challenged him to a debate ‘to discuss issues affecting Ugandans’” (…)”Besigye became the second candidate to dare the president to a live televised debate after Venansius Baryamureeba” (NBS TV, 23.11.2015).

Though the Professor Barya we’re first touched it and Dr. Besigye we’re second. And then the President answered them. It’s a reason why he didn’t answer the Professor, he doesn’t see he as threat. That he do by Dr. Besigye. So that he sent shots and questioned in the public with other candidates. That is something new, because the NRM-Regime can’t control it or really stare the conversation, they can’t rule it. They can’t script it all. Neither can the other candidates. If it will happen there will be banter and change, even if they set certain terms for the discussion and the general debate between them.

Then the candidates can recharge their words they will stay in memory. Certain facts will be tested. The numbers they drop to each other will be discussed like they also are on the manifestos and speeches. The difference with speeches in campaigns is that the candidate can write it himself and conduct it himself. He will say his own words on the debate, but the forum and space will be different. It’s a place where you need your tongue check and in order. If you don’t do it well you will be political daft or naked by your own words. You can be praised if you have said and conducted yourself accordingly. That is an reaction that you can’t script in anyway, but they have to mobilize and anticipate accordingly to the debate. That will show if the politicians actually has any substance or is just some hot air.

The things that can be good about a debate is if the candidate really get tested. Touched and emotional and loses his cool. Even if many debates can end up in stale boring sadness, because none of candidates actually say something meaningful about the subjects at hand. Since there haven’t been in ages or ever been a presidential candidates debate there would be a breath of fresh air to the citizens. Might even see Mzee out of his comfort-zone! That is something that would be good. I think even Amama Mbabazi could be fired up. Dr. Kizza Besigye has been attacked so much that him I am sure would keep his composure in the debate.

A made up debate between: 

Who is in the debate:

The Canidates are President Museveni, former PM Mbabazi and (rtd) Col. Dr. Besigye. 

And an un-named TV-Host.

On security:

Museveni: “I and the NRM has ensured, secured and made this country safe, nobody except NRM and my government can keep UPDF under control. Then me and the NRM”.

Mbabazi: “You say you have kept the country safe, but not paid the veterans or made people safe, is that why you have hired crime preventers?”

Besigye: “There isn’t just one man who can control the UPDF; the people, the Government, the Parliament can hold the army under control!”

This is a segment we will show more time later in the debate! (the crowd clapping).

Dr.-Kizza-Besigye-speaks-to-NTV-Uganda

On media freedom:

Museveni: “I am revolutionary differs from Obote and Amin, we have given the freedom of the media, look at the Vision, the Monitors, the radios, they can speak their mind, unless it creates problems, they should not speak to much then they create problems for the country”

Mbabazi: “I will address that the media get more funding from the my new government, get digital and fresh new visions, not the secured media of the NRM that have secured in the past”

Besigye: “The media should be total free and not kept under surveillance from the NRM-Junta. There is too much Musveni-Media where his own propaganda get spread instead of the truth!”

TV Host: 

“What are your thoughts on the balloting and election reforms? Are they ensuring the people of free and fair elections in Uganda?”

EditedElections-300x145

On Elections:

Museveni: “We have re-introduced free and fair elections, an independent Electoral Commission, that have delivered more than before 1986 when the government had fraudulent elections. If you see somebody who rigs the elections take it to the police and their will take care of it”.

Mbabazi: “After you have voted and not sure if the polls will matter and get the correct result. Ensure to stay at the polling station until they finish. So that the Election Officers can’t fix it! Don’t  leave!”

Besigye: “We need a new Electoral Commission, now it is a Museveni-Commission. The culture is to rig for the NRM-Junta. There isn’t a way that this entity will give the will of the people. Until we reform it and change it, we will see that the will of the Ugandans will happen”.

Dr Kizza Besige From Police Station to Police Station 151015 Kiira Road

On the Police:

Museveni: “The police are ensuring and securing the people, my people all of Ugandans which the revolutionary force that I have made since the 1980s. Obote or Amin never had the safety and security as the police is doing now. The police only acts, acts upon those forces in Uganda who works against the government, like ADF and LRA”

Mbabazi: “the Police under me and Go-Forward will be police for the Ugandans. The Police will not stop public gatherings and meetings. They will be going against criminals and fight corruption, will make a new commission to fight corrupt much better”

Besigye: “The Police needs reforms. They are not for the Ugandans, if not the Ugandans means the NRM and Museveni. They are a unit and ensure the regime to crackdown on anybody, anybody who speaks against them or acts towards them. We need a police reform that ensure that the IGP, DPP and Courts are independent and not loyal to Museveni, but according to laws to ensure safety for Ugandans”.

TV Host:

Now it’s time for a commercial break please don’t switch the channel, it’s more juicy quotes to come!”.

NTVUgandaUPDF

On Foreign Affairs:

Museveni: “We fought against sectarianism; we the NRM are a Pan-African Movement. We Move-Forward. We fight to liberate and have liberated Uganda and Ugandans. In the same way we will fight these guerillas, guerillas [who] will destroy the NRM and Uganda. We will continue to fight the LRA, the Al-Shabab and other force together with other African armies to secure Uganda and the movement”

Mbabazi: “We will continue to fight together with African Union in AMISOM and continue to have forces in C.A.R. to fight LRA. We in Go-Forward will re-evaluate the police to civic protection, not to fight Ugandans as they do now. The Armed forces will get better housing and better salaries”

Besigye: “We have to change the UPDF from a mercenary force which it has been in South Sudan, been hired to fight in C.A.R. but I will still continue to have forces in Somalia as part of the struggle of our fellow comrades in Somalia. But the NRM-Junta and have kept the UPDF to have seats in Parliament, that is something I will change!”

Uganda Shillings

On the Economy:

Museveni: “We the NRM will continue to build a secure economy as we have done since 1980s. The NRM has built stability and we will over the next term, create a industrial economy, there will be more towns turned into city status, more villages turned into industrial towns, we will stop land grabbing and secure the development. We will focus on agriculture and cash-crops like coffee and tea. I myself as a farmer, a farmer knows the importance of cows and I got rich of agriculture myself! That is wealth creation which Ugandans can do himself. Parts of wealth creation that ensure our YOUTHS! Our Ugandan people we also will strengthen the NAADS and SACCO’s to assure that districts and counties get funding for their and our agricultural projects, agricultural projects who will ensure the Ugandan people and grow our economy”.

Mbabazi: “We will establish more of our economy to support our famers. Farmers are the main workforce. We will move forward to support our farmers. We will support growth with the cooperatives and ensure that districts get silos, follow up budget by the Mputo Declaration. That they get silos in every district and cheap fertilizers! Get more education on cash-crops and learn about more effective methods to earn more on their farm. We Go-Forward! ”

(Some guy in crowd scream: “WE GO FORWARD!”)

Besigye: ““This will be in recognition of the pivotal role of the Agricultural Sector in economic growth and development given the fact that the sector employs 70 percent of Uganda’s labour force.  We boast that the backbone of our economy is agriculture yet the budget allocation is small, something that has curtailed the growth of the sector and poverty fight among the farmers. Once voted into power I will increase the budget allocation to agriculture to 15% Time to revive ourself from the NRM-theives”.

FDC TV Show

The host ends with asking: 

“Does anybody in the crowd here have any questions for the candidates? Please grab the microphone so the candidate can try to answer you question, and please adress the one or who your asking the question!”

Afterthought:

Like this I could have continued. Don’t you think it would be interesting! What do you think? It would be special with a TV-Debate between three Presidential Candidates. Who can address the public on TV and can’t make switches and changes to their statements and can’t retract quotes. Their banter will stay and they can’t stop the filming and their mouths from blabbering! That can be beautiful. Peace.  

The Thirteen Day of Presidential Rallies in Uganda + New Pledges from the Government..

Janet M7 in Mbarara 21.11.15

Today has been a good day a Saturday with quotes and actions from the trails. There been some serious hazard of actions from the ruling party of NRM. But hat is understandable, that is the only thing they know. That’s why the others have to campaign with defiance and strength to overcome the ruling party. There is heavy campaigning. Though not reports from them all. Like the smaller candidates.

I got the most notable from the trio of Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, Dr. Kizza Besigye and Amama Mbabazi. Not squat on the rest today.  

Erias Lukwago: “It’s now interesting that 95% of KCCA NRM councilors have not returned at the primaries”.

NRM vice chairperson eastern region Capt. Micheal Mukula said this recently: “Jinja town will never be granted a city status while still in the hands of the opposition”.

Ibrahim Nganda Ssemujju – “I have a feeling that if Kayihura doesn’t like you; you may not be announced winner”.

Dr. Kizza Besigye on the trail: “We spent $760m to buy 6 fighter jets. We can get $360m to buy laptop for secondary students”.

Gen. Mugisha Muntu: “I don’t understand why the most marginalized districts overwhelmingly vote for NRM”.

Olara Otunu: “Museveni has used the dived and rule policy”.

Amama Mbarara 21.11.15

In Mbarara where Go-Forward and Amama Mbabazi are having an rally later today on this Saturday. The Police wasn’t happy about that so they has jailed two hundred (200) boda-boda drives, motorcycle taxis, so that there would be less transport from town to the venue where the former PM where holding his Presidential Rally later today. Also the day before the Campaign rally of Amama Mbabazi their posters was taken down and changed for the NRM-Posters. Surely this is clean business as usual for the NRM-Regime. After the rally and little or no pay from the promised chiefs to shun the Go-Forward Rally; they have no been running and chasing the local RDC Office “demanding payment for their service”.

M7 21.11.15

While in Kakyeka at the Total there the ones who was travelling and refueling their motorcycles was paid by the NRM for fuel, but many just entered the Total with NRM-posters, but when they left the Gas-Station they just threw the NRM-Poster away.

In Bushenyi there been groups and teams who has had their duty to take down campaign material and posters of Go-Forward and Amama Mbabazi posters in the town. They have even been caught on tape explaining the plans on how to do so. And that is fair game?

In Mitooma District NRM Supporters was disrupting the event and venue for the Go-Forward and Amama Mbabazi. That was because this district was a Museveni District.

Next weeks planned Presidential Rally for the Go-Forward team at the Lira Golf Grounds. They have now been sealed down with Iron sheets. So that when the other candidates will have a venue in town they have to arrange it at smaller spots like Mayors Ground.

Bududa Manafwa KB 21.11.15

In Bududa there were 104 NRM members who deflected after the rally to the FDC camp.

Letter from Go-Forward to ICC:

ICC Amama P1ICC Amama P2

UPC Drama:

UPC leaders in Acholi have shunned the Jimmy Akena over the NRM agreement and alliance.

Bududa/Manafwa (Mwanyaala Naabi):

The health services system under FDC led Government will consider the citizen as the central focus and include a complete package: treatment, diagnosis, prevention, education, research and outreach. It must take into account the unique roles of women and the burden they shoulder in caring for the sick in our households and community. ‪#‎WesigeBesigye

Dr. Kizza Besigye Quote Outspend

Some Government letters: 

Security Requirements 201115 P1Security Requirements 201115 P2

One More:

Provision Hoes 20.11.15

A little more:

Hepatitis Ug 2015 P1Hepatitis Ug 2015 P2

Aftermath:

So there we go; another day done and the trail continue at high speed. The Police is very active still and showing its face yet again. For those who wondered if the police would be a part of this election? They are and the one interesting are the reactions to the deal between NRM and UPC. How the leaders of UPC respond. Hope you enjoyed. There will be more to follow. We have the rest of November, December, January and parts of February. There will be more and more actions from the ones involved. It is just a matter of time before the Public Order Management Act gets into action! Peace.

Election Timeline in Uganda: From 1st September to 19th November 2015

Tamale Mirundi Quote of the day 101115 (2)

Analysis of elections so far in Uganda:
I will go back to 2 and a half months will follow it chronically, to prove how it all has gone. That means I start on the 1st September till to today, to prove that I will not continuation of the Presidential Rallies, I will address them in the future if there are actions or quotes that are need for follow up. Because now it’s going into the stage that the follow up feels like a rewind of what that has happen yesterday instead of bringing the news. Because what I does now will be to set the last around 80 days in perspective and prove the value of the changes on the ground.

This here is kind of a follow-up of this one:

Uganda President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni Campaign of Fear for 2016 Presidential Election

This here piece is more of a timeline and not on the actual words expressed; this here is about the actions of the NRM-Regime against opposition parties and also against their own during these months.

So we all can get a feel on the aspects and perspective of it all, instead of following the campaign trails, instead of thinking and analyzing the events and acts of the people who makes this election and polls matter.

On the 1st September in Mbabara there were three men in Team Amama Mbabazi getting detained for wearing Amama Mbabazi T-Shirt. The Police did that day claim that they were staging an illegal procession in town. Second claim was the political activist was stealing from the Centenary Bank.

Norman

In Kampala the 1st September Norman Tumuhimbise of the Jobless Brotherhood was kicked out his own home, because the landlord couldn’t stand how the police was detaining him and wanted peace, therefore the activist lost his home for working for a better Uganda.

2nd September Amanya Mugesha said this: “You are taking me back to my first answer. I don’t believe in saviors, I have seen it…there are things you will do by leading others…by advising your successors than leaving the grave to advise them…it’s not a question of defeating Museveni, it’s about if you are to be in power, what organisation is likely to lift Ugandans out of this situation. Is the priority strong leaders or strong institutions? But I have told you that the graves are full of indispensable leader”. This was the way he was talking about Dr. Kizza Besigye right before the decision on who’s supposed to become the FDC Flag-Bearer for the general election at the FDC Conference the same day.

Bukenya A
4th September Gilbert Bukenya returns his nomination forms for becoming TDA Joint-Presidential Flag-Bearer and in his press release writes: “They are handed money in bags instead of teaching them to look for their own money. These sharks don’t want to teach the poor “to fish”but want to give them fish making them beggars. This must change”. He surely changed his mind. We will come back to that.

Other actions that happen on the 4th of September, Dr. Aggrey Kiyingi wanted to pick forms to be nominated as a presidential aspirant, but the Electoral Commission could not confirm him as a Ugandan National, therefore he could not get a form for the EC. And his aide Frank Bulira was apprehended in his own home before going to offices of Electoral Commission.

NTV Odoi NRM Primaries

5th September Dr. Tanga Odoi the chairman of the National Resistance Movement Electoral Commission postponed the internal election to the 10th of September.

8th September after protesting the land-grabbing in Amuru District; the protest is for the sale of Apaa village that gave way to the imprisonment of Member of Parliament Gilbert Olanya. Also 3 people in the village killed and a group of people seeking treatment at the Amuru Health Center.

9th September in Soroti where Amama Mbabazi we’re he was to have a consultation meeting in town. He had filled in the letters and forms to the Electoral Commission and UPF to hold a meeting. The UPF still showed up and harassed the public and threw tear-gas into the venue.

10th September in Jinja where the David Kyasanku; the town clerk in town, at the last minute dismissed the venue for the consultation meeting. The UPF had used the venues the last two days before and the town clerk was afraid of losing money to rent it for political use. So when the Team Amama Mbabazi tried to have his consultation meeting it got wild and even more tear-gas then in Soroti the day before.

AmamaRugunda2

12th September PM Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda stated this: “We have today learnt, with great sadness, of the sudden death of Hon Gen. Aronda Nyakairima, the Minister of Internal Affairs. General Aronda Nyakairima was returning from South Korea, on official duties, transiting through Dubai. The cause of his death is not yet known. His family has been informed. Government has set up a task force, led by Defence Minister, Hon Dr Crispus Kiyonga, to coordinate all matters relating to this tragedy”.

The same day on the 12th of September Amama Mbabazi went into the Opposition alliance and at the same time delivering a form for the spot of Joint Presidential Candidate for the TDA.

14th September IGP Kale Kayihura address the tear-gas events recently this way: “Don’t blame the police (for firing tear gas and live bullets at Mr Mbabazi’s supporters). Blame Mbabazi who organized and held illegal rallies in a market and near the schools. Don’t blame the consequences, blame the cause”.

16th September the FDC Youth Forum wanted to part ways with the TDA because of Amama Mbabazi inclusion to the Opposition Alliance.

17th September the NRM Poor Youth stated: “If TDA summit consider Col Besigye Its presidential candidate, NRM POOR YOUTH FORUM will request Hon Amama Mbabazi to contest on Go Forward Ticket”.

20th September, Dr. Tanga Odoi verifies the Presidential Nomination form for Yoweri Kaguta Museveni as the NRM Flag-Bearer.

MbabaziTDA110915P1

24th September the TDA had not been able to pick either Amama Mbabazi or Dr. Kizza Besigye as joint candidate. This because: “CP and FDC have endorsed the candidature of Col (Rtd) Dr. Kizza Besigye; while DP, Go-Forward Pro-Change, PPP, UFA, and UPC have endorsed the candidature of Rt Hon Amama Mbabazi”.

25th September the Parliament will read the new Election laws in the country. These we’re the Presidential Elections (Amendments) Bill 2015, Parliamentary Elections (Amendments) Bill 2015 and the Electoral Commission (Amendment) Bill 2015. These laws went through the Parliament and had their first reading.

25th September, Amama Mbabazi said this: “Members of The Democratic Alliance: I accept your nomination.” (…)”To my fellow candidates Mr. Norbert Mao and Professor Gilbert Bukenya – I salute your sense of duty and your willingness to put our country first. I look forward to working with you, for it is your help I want and your help I seek; and our cooperation that our country desires and deserves. I am certain that the doors of cooperation are still open to Dr. Kizza Besigye of the FDC. Let us leave the quarrels of the past behind in favour of unity”.

25th September resent in the FDC send a letter to the Electoral Commission to seek time for a new nomination date for their Presidential Flag-Bearer Dr. Kizza Besiyge.

29th September three FDC members were arrested for demonstrating against the new Electoral Reforms. The persons we’re Mubarak Munyagwa the Mayor of Kawempe, Nasurdin Basalirwa the FDC Youth Chairman for Kampala and Hamidah Nalongo Nassimbwa the VC of FDC Woman’s League in Central Region.

29th September the NRM Electoral Commission and Dr. Tanga Odoi postponed the Internal Elections again; this time to 5th and 6th October.

2nd October the Parliament passed the new Electoral laws that was set for reading in Parliament at the 25th September.

Uganda-Electoral-Commission

2nd October the Electoral Commission has moved the dates in the Election Road map for 2016. The Electoral Commission has set new dates and the nomination days for Presidential Nomination are set for 3rd and 4th November. This happen the same day as the new laws that was passed in Parliament.

9th October Gilbert Bukenya does a U-Turn and get back into the fold of the NRM after being not seen as qualified enough to be TDA Joint Presidential Candidate and will now support yet again YKM in his race for 2016.

10th October the Police stopped the FDC convoy going for consultation meeting in Rukungiri. The Police was heavy deployed in the town and scattered. Even with the cars destroyed and FDC people of Rukungiri jailed. Wasn’t the worst of the Police actions they undressed a female activist during the raids on the convoy. They ended in the Lyantonde Prision until local FDC members got a whined off the leadership of the FDC.

Uganda FDC 101015 P3 Rukungiri

11th October FDC members who freed the other men from prison the day before had to go to jail. These people where the FDC chairman in town Yusuf Matovu, oman’s secretary of town Yudaya Naiga and Chairman of the Town-Council Richard Kayondo.

13th October first reports from the NRM Primaries. In Ngarama the reactions between two candidates led to the police shooting with rubber bullets. In Sembabule the NRM Party Office got burned down. In Kyannamukaaka in Masaka District they burned Membership Cards in anger after election rigging. In Isingiro at the NRM Party Office they we’re burning documents from the Election of 2011.

Also on the 13th October Bank of Uganda took over the management of Imperial Bank Uganda Limited.

14th October there was the first reading in Parliament over the Public Finance Management (Amendment) Bill of 2015. This bill if passed gives the Government to take out short-term-loans without permission of the Parliament.

14th October the FDC members was in prison overnight in Lyantonde, this is the FDC members who helped their other FDC leaders out of prison were in court after their weekends actions. They all got free after paying bail to the magistrate.

Dr. Kizza Besigye House Arrest 141015 to 151015

14th October in a famous home in Wakiso on the outside of Kampala where Dr. Kizza Besigye lives; the police decided to do a preventative arrest of the FDC leader. He and other FDC leaders were supposed to go to the Western-Uganda for consultation meetings.

15th October both Dr. Kizza Besigye and Ibrahim Nganda Ssemujja got both arrested and house arrest that day. They both we’re driven in between police stations in Kampala. While they we’re jailed in Kampala there was FDC members in Jinja who was supposed to be a part of consultation meeting in town. That led to the FDC leader of Jinja and other scores of people was hurt by the shootings of the Police in Jinja town that today.

IGP Kale Kayihura Quote

18th October IGP Kale Kayihura told the world this:
“We are advising that you propose postpone program. Give Police notice! As required by the law. Within the law and ensure the party presidential aspirant, Dr. Kizza Besigye precide, conduct himself in line with the Presidential Elections Act Section 3 as well as the Elections Road Map and Guidelines as an Presidential Aspirant given by the Electoral Commission”.

enanga

20th October CP Fred Enanga said this:
“We are already aware of broths and conspiracies, but we are committing to promote rule of law, peace and stability. We want to warn this unpatriotic Ugandans that which mix politics with our nations security. That such anarchy an act of recklessness, by suffocating the media and the public with falsehoods will actually be failed their political mileage. You cannot achieve any political mileage by triggering violence and chaos”.

21st October in Bugiri there was set up metal trenches or teeth on the road. FDC opened their new Mobilization office in town. The Police was in the town and even in some Police was a part of the meeting of the new office in Bugiri. They we’re in town with heavy weaponry shielding the venue. In Tororo the police followed the procession to the consultation meeting of the FDC. They opened the roadblocks so that FDC could have the meeting in Tororo.

22nd October the FDC member Muhamad Ssegiringya was released on bond. He was one of the demonstrators against the digitalization of TVs, if you remember the demonstration with the Youth with TVs on their heads?

22nd October the Human Rights Activist Allan Kitonsa Ssava was released on bond the day and said: “I was arrested and charged armed robbery as I was found speaking to the youth of Namutumba district”.

24th October Amama Mbabazi stated:
“I will not be attending the NRM delegates conference slated for October 30th. Instead I will be focused on preparing for my nomination” (…)”I encourage all supporters of Go Forward to remain patient and calm as our team prepares us for nomination. I am truly looking forward to launching the campaign, and engaging voters across the country”.

26th October there was again discussion and negotiation between Amama Mbabazi and Dr. Kizza Besigye this time in London together with the Kofi Annan Foundation.

26th October the NRM EC postponed the Party Primary to the 27th October.

NRM Membership Cards 15.11,15

In the NRM Primaries in 26th October in Ngoma Sub County a business man trying to bribe voters was jailed. In Kirahura the main candidate lost his life during a car accident and it got postponed. In Sembabule in the town of Mwogola, there was shootings and teargas in town. In Kinkiizi East one of the candidates had a car accident in the car they found pre-ticket ballots. In Kasese an MP was caught with trying to bribe votes and his car got impounded. In Mbale 32 people was jailed for planning to disrupt the voting in Bungokho South.

Postpone NRM

27th October in the NRM Primaries the ballot-boxes was already filled before voting started in Ajuri District. In Adjumani an MP was having a mobilization team to bribe voters in the district. In Bukedea there was 7 people arrested for election violence. Rubanda West a candidate was found with 16,000 pre-ticket ballot-papers and therefore the election was postponed. In Iganga NRM members was disappointed that they started to burn their membership cards. In Isingiro North there was found boxes with pre-ticket ballots and a candidate got caught in the market trying to buy votes. In Kabarole the journalist was not allowed to follow the elections. Lwengo a dozen candidates was caught with pre-ticket ballot-papers. In Kumi there had escalated into violence. In Ntungamo there was a candidate who was found with a 1000 fake membership cards and ballot-papers pre-ticket. In Busia there was found at one candidates place pre-ticket ballot-papers. In Kiyandongo the NRM Flag-Bearer are detained and charged for election rigging.

28th October there was held more NRM Primaries and at the Bbale Police Station the incumbent Sulaiman Madada got detained yesterday for attempting to run away with the declaration form. In Mbabara because of election rigging “the DPC says up to 50 suspects were arrested in a swoop, from which the ringleaders will be singled out and charged”.

Kahinda Otafiire. P2jpg

29th October the NRM Primaries continues and in Burashya district in Kabarole the Police had to intervene because of the different supporters was fighting after the results came in. There was so much violence that the bridge of Katanda broke down. In Kanungu there were more Special Forces and police voting then ordinary voters. In Ruhinda county Captain Mugabe Domonzio Kahonda who won over Gen. Otafiire in the Primaries in the district has finally been released, but, there is a big but! He has to meet before Jinja High Court tomorrow!

31st October the NRM Primaries and in Abletong reports were saying: “When time came for collecting polling materials and results, the police and the soldiers did not allow us to go to the polling stations. Soldiers were using the vehicles belonging to the District Internal Security Officer, OC station and that of the town council,” Mr Owino told Daily Monitor”. In Amudat many NRM members burned their NRM membership cards. In Kibaale where the reports were: “Police fired tear gas at National Resistance Movement party supporters in Kisiita sub-county, Kibaale district who were protesting results of the recent primaries”. The same day, Enoch Matovu, a correspondent for a local television, NTV, in Mityana District was reportedly shot on the head while covering an incident of vote rigging during the NRM party elections at Bulera police station in Mityana district. He sustained a bullet injury on his head.

31st October the Lord Mayor of Kampala Erias Lukwago arrested and is detained in Maganjo Police Station.

1st November there Uganda Police Force and IGP Kale Kayihura was claiming that they only knew about the NRM Presidential Nomination rally at Kololo and FDC rally at Nakivubo Stadium, but not the Go-Forward rally for Amama Mbabazi the same day as NRM at Kololo. Even though it later appeared that the NRM had sent in the letter late to Electoral Commission compared to the Public Order Management Bill, while Go-Forward had followed the instructions in time. The Police had to later go back on their words and said that received the letters from Go-Forward after all.

2nd November Beatrice Anywar deflected from FDC to Go-Forward.

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3rd November the first day of Nomination started with Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of NRM in Kololo and later in the day Amama Mbabazi of the Go-Forward. Professor Venasius Baryamureeba also started his presidential campaign. One of candidates who have now returned his Presidential candidacy is Nasser Ntege Ssebaggala the former Mayor of Kampala.

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4th November the second day of Nominations. Adam Bwainka of the People’s Development Party arrived at Namboole for the nominations today on a boda-boda. He has said this today: “If we are going to turn around our Economy. We must be firm on our Education”. But the day wasn’t about him. “The Blue siege of the city, the energy of our young people! We have a sacred duty to engage our youths to build a stronger prosperous Uganda” – Asuman Kiyingi. The town and nominations was about FDC and its Flag-bearer Dr. Kizza Besigye. Who made Kampala go into a shutdown; other candidates we’re who wanted to be nominated was Joseph Mabirizi of The Independent Coalition. The only female Presidential Aspirant Maureen Faith Kyala was first turned away not accepted, but arrived later at the same time as the other TIC candidate was then verified. Maj. Gen. Ben Biiaro of the Farmers Party came 5 minutes before the deadline to get his nomination verified. The Electoral Commission started and scrutinized the nomination papers of his. After a while Dr. Kiggundu stamped and appends the papers. This means that he became the 8th candidate in the Presidential race for February 2016.

On the 4th November – Official from the Electoral Commission:“BREAKING: Uganda Electoral Commission sets February, 18, 2016 as polling day for president and MPs”.

5th November in Mubende after the NRM Primaries the supporters of one candidate protested. This led to the Police shooting and tear-gas to disperse the procession in the area.

Cars 051115 Frank Tun.. P1

7th November on that day, the minister for Presidency and KCCA, Hon. Frank K Tumwebaze has handed over nine brand new Isuzu double cabin pickup trucks to the RDCs of Karamoja and Rwenzori regions.The vehicles valued at 145m each were handed over to the RDCs of Abim, Napak, Moroto, Nakapiripirit, Kaboong, Amudat, Kotido, Kamwenge and Kasese districts at a function graced by the Secretary, Office of The President, Ms. Deborah Katuramu and the media. More on the NRM Primaries: “Junior minister for Lands Idah Nantaba has been flown to Aga Khan Hospital in Nairobi for specialized treatment after police subdued her with pepper spray following a confrontation at Kayunga Police Station in the chaotic NRM primaries”.

Also on the 7th November the UPF reported: Minister of state for Internal affairs, Honorable James Boliba Baba has today launched twenty seven (27) regional Joint security Operation Centers with the aim of further enhancing crime reduction & management at a regional level. These centers will work hand in hand with the security teams within the districts. The regional centers will also work very closely with the Joint Operations Command center at the national level. The function took place at police headquarters & was attended by representatives from UPDF, UPF, UPS, ESO,ISO, DPP. All regional Police commanders were in attendance. The launch was also attended by Mr Stephen Kagoda, the P.S Ministry of Internal affairs”.

9th November the NRM had a plan: “The NRM is now on the move to Neutralize ‪#‎Goforward Msge saying they are the ones going forward and in effect it resonates with the No Change Slogan”. Muhamad Kikomeko who is a support of the Amama Mbabazi escapes death in Sembabule, a group attacked his car and burned his car.

Uganda Shillings

9th November reports was saying: “A well-placed source at the Ministry of Finance has told Watchdog that President Museveni ordered the Ministry to arrange for him Shs500 billion. The source suspects the money is meant to fund Museveni’s campaign”. The chief made the remarks while speaking to residents at his home in Guru-guru village Lamogi Sub-county, Amuru District, while receiving a new Pajero donated to him by Mr Museveni on Friday. n Kabale there has been a Radio Panelist who first escaped from arrest after orders from the Resident District Commissioner Darius Naninda who tried to catch the Anti-Corruption Activist who was taking part of a show on the Kabala Freedom Radio (Mughisa, 2015). Later is seen that he has a warrant on inciting violence. The Southern Africa Litigation Centre (SALC) is deeply concerned about the safety of Ugandan refugees Musa Isabirye and Timothy Yamin who were deported to Uganda by Botswana Government last week. They have previously been active in opposition politics in Uganda and could face persecution, imprisonment or torture there. Professor Venasius Baryamureeba after day will suspend his campaign because of weak campaign security provided by the Electoral Commission and the Government.

10th November the Police gave the public some words on the their tear-gas: “The Deputy Spokesman Polly Namaye: “The Police Policy is to ensure as little engagement with the public terms of crowd control. We will only use means such as tear gas where absolutely necessary” (…)”The decision, according to the source, could also informed by the fact that the force wants to avoid using expired stock”. Even Amama Mbabazi supporters are currently detained at Namataba Police Station. Go Forward’s PRO Mayanja Nkangi says they have been told those in police custody committed the offence of ‘driving a car with machines’. Five Journalists and photographers who were covering President Museveni rallies in Nakaseke and Nakasongola were arrested and detained. They were forced to delete all there photos and videos.

Joseph-Mabirizi

11th November At around 2.00am this morning, 11th November 2015, TIC Presidential Candidate Elton Joseph Mabirizi heard a knock on his hotel room. When he asked who it was, the assailant said : “I am your bodyguard”. So he opened. It turned out that it was not his bodyguard but two strange men. So there been reports that Presidential Mabirizi were abducted and kidnaped. n Kijabijo (Gayaza Karagi Road). The community says «they need power back». They have spent 4 months since the transformer was taken by UMEME. So they have put fires into the main roads as a demonstration against the government and UMEME for taking away electricity.

12th November because of the road quality Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in Abletong he drove with Personal Armored Carriers in the area to get to the venue in Abletong to have his rally! He needed the Army vehicles to get around and he has been in charge since 1986.

NRM 13.11.15 Kole South
13th November this happen: Museveni expels NTV from his media team after what he called unbalanced reporting on him. As per now, NTV journalists are being escorted back to Kampala by soldiers of the Special Forces Command. Daily monitor was also warned of a possible closure should their reporting continue to ‘favor’ the opposition ‘against’ Mr. Museveni. In Mbrarara: “About 200 angry supporters of the ruling National Resistance Movement in Mbarara district this morning denounced the party and proclaimed support for the Forum for Democratic Change”. In Masaka: “More NRM party members, including councillors from Masaka sub-region, have defected to the Go-Forward camp, declaring their support for Mr Amama Mbabazi’s presidential bid”.

14th November this happen with UPC members that day:” Over a 1000 former supporters of UPC and FDC crossed over to the NRM and were introduced to the Chairman of NRM, President Museveni, by the Vice Chairman of NRM for Northern, Hon. Sam Engola”.

14th November the rumor of a deal between Jimmy Akena the President of UPC and Yoweri Kaguta Museveni the incumbent President of the Country was surfacing.

15th November the Police had to say to the public that the Nominations for Lord Mayor of Kampala should not storm the Electoral Commission the next day.

Kampala 16.11.15 UPF

16th November the Police detained Lord Mayor of Kampala Erias Lukwago after sieging his house where they shot the journalist and TV Reporter Enock Kugonza. Also Councilor Mariam Kizito was detained at the same time. The public around the house of Lukwago was also hurt.

16th November two persons of Sauti ya Vijana became impersonated for petitioned the ruling leader to go away from power and let somebody else run their country.

16th November before the Amama Mbabazi rally in Hoima the Police had to scatter the public with tear-gas; they just can’t help themselves. In Rubanda this was reported: “Police arrest 20 youth with sticks in 2 vehicles moving towards Rubanda, Kabale. This happens as the NRM Primaries is underway”.

17th November in Kaiiro where the NRM Primaries we’re held 5 Supporters was taken into custody after inciting violence, they found pangas and spears. There was a cabinet reshuffle after orders from the Yoweri Kaguta Museveni: “
Mr. Kirunda Kivejinja – Rt. Hon. 3rd Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of East African Affairs; Madame Rose Akol – Minister of Internal Affairs; Mr. Werikhe Kafabusa – Minister of State for Industry.

18th November for the independent Candidate Maureen Faith Kyala statement: “I am shocked with what I am discovering during my presidential campaign trail. How did we Ugandans; become slaves in our own land? E.g, I found the people of Lyirimbi in Bugiri district being enslaved by Chinese “investors” who had come to do the Musta-Namayingo road, with alleged permission to destroy our natural forest reserves and tourist hills of Lyirimbi”. Alert: “We have been reliably informed that 3 of our FDC youth leaders were kidnaped from Mbarara and transfered to the notorious police in Kireka in a Kampala suburb, there are accurate information that points to them being tortured! Kireka is a renown military torture chamber. Among the kidnapped include Mr. Mayanja Micheal, he was part of Dr. Besigyes Security team during FDC flagbearer campaigns and also on nomination day, he earns a living as a commuter driver, Mr. Yasin Mastiko from Ruti a Mbarara suburb on Mbarara-Kabale road , he is self employed and Mr. Bampagyi ,a Boda-boda operator( motor cyclist) in Mbarara Municipality”.

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19th November the UPC Woman MP for UPC Joy Ruth Aceng told the crowds that day: “That Mbabazi called northerners monkeys and as such her party has decided to join Museveni in the elections”. At the rallies of FDC Dr. Kizza Besigye at Butebo in Paliisa district the we’re given scores of NRM membership cards to show that they we’re tired of the ruling party. Police commanded by Siraje Bakaleke has barricaded the road to the returning officer’s office, only few vehicles allowed. Lukwago supporters have had to fight Police to make way to the nomination venue. Lord Mayor of Kampala Erias Lukwago we’re able to be nominated for the race for mayor again in the capital. Since the KCCA Act Amendments got shelved for the moment of time. Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) President Jimmy Akena’s declaration supporting an alliance with the ruling NRM has touched off a rebellion in his party. There will be demonstration from different wings of the UPC next Wednesday. Paul Kato of Hoima was arrested as well. He is the Hoima District Registrar and was charged with theft at the Hoima Magistrate Court. The alleged crime we’re that he took the 10 Million Shillings meant to be paid to the Police officers. Because of this the Election results will be delivered by Deputy Registrar Maureen Businge.

Aftermath:
That sets things in perspective doesn’t it? Doesn’t it give you a feeling how the police and government has been working. How the political shifts is happening. And this is just in two and half month time; not the whole 2015. This is the kind of thing the Monitor or Chimpreport doesn’t deliver. Because the big picture and time proves how the movements are. We can see UPC and NRM has moved together and made the UPC/Akena and UPC/Otunnu is proving to surface. Also the DP has moved strongly with Go-Forward. Lukwago has more trouble. The Electoral Commission is proved to be a tool of the ministries and not following laws, but following instructions from the NRM-Regime. It proves it is not a independent body to check and balance the electoral process.

The NRM Primaries has proven how little structure the ruling party has and inefficiency of their ways. The constant rigging and ballot-paper malfunctions. The general basis of leaders and incumbent jailed. Supporters shot at and use of tear-gas. There are so many words who can describe the recent events; Also the Police interaction in the election and also internal polling stations. We can also see how the journalist and media people who has been shot and dismissed. Had to delete material, been told off and also sent away with Special Forces Unit. The way the opposition had a hard time to hold consultation meetings while the NRM regime could have giant meetings around the country.

The way the Police was telling at a set of time they knew nothing about the Go-Forward Nomination meeting in Kampala, and hours later the letters resurfaced. We have seen that Go-Forward and TDA has been in talks with FDC and Dr. Kizza Besigye; which shows maturity and negotiations between the parties, though they didn’t leave to anything of set value for the moment. There been movement and will be like that up-to 18th February 2016. More dirt will happen. Especially after the Papal visit; then we will see the true color of the Police and the NRM-Regime. Trust me. Peace.

“2016 may be worst elections in our history” – Written by Ibrahim Nganda Ssemujju

Kampala 16.11.15 UPF 2

On Sunday afternoon, a police patrol pickup truck full of officers drove to the residence of Kampala Lord Mayor Ssalongo Erias Lukwago to deliver some important information.This information was a letter from the Electoral Commission officially notifying Lukwago of the postponement of Kampala mayoral nominations earlier set for Monday November 16 and Tuesday November 17.Lukwago, being a smart lawyer that he is, asked the officer in charge of Old Kampala police station, Emmanuel Ochamringa, why it was him (police) and not an EC official serving him this letter.Ochamringa instead pleaded with the lord mayor to sign a delivery note so he could fulfill a command given to him by his superior. When Lukwago refused to sign, Ochamringa demanded that he surrenders the letter. I will spare you the rest of the story and go to the gist of today’s column, which is the credibility of the 2016 general elections.
I have argued in an earlier column that Gen Kale Kayihura has taken over the electoral process. There cannot be a better illustration than the one above. Not only was a letter calling off nominations for Kampala mayorship authored and delivered on a Sunday, but it was being transported by a police patrol pickup truck full of policemen.
Probably this letter was authored at the police headquarters or Kayihura simply summoned Electoral Commission chairman Badru Kiggundu from his weekend. Total connivance! Obviously this letter was supposed to be used as a tool the following day to stop Lukwago from proceeding to the Electoral Commission offices for nomination. And this is the game the Electoral Commission of Prof Kiggundu has been playing throughout.
The letter to Lukwago was signed by Kampala’s returning officer Charles Ntege, who quoted another letter signed by EC secretary Sam Rwakoojo. So, it is Rwakoojo who writes to Ntege and Ntege writes to Lukwago. Although delivered on Sunday (November 15), Rwakoojo’s letter was dated November 12 while that of Ntege was dated November 13. And these games started with Amama Mbabazi. When Mbabazi wanted to mobilize support for his impending candidature, Kayihura ordered him to seek clearance from NRM. That was partly before he chose to stand as an independent.

Kampala 16.11.15 UPF
In fact Kayihura organized a meeting attended by NRM electoral commission chairman Tanga Odoi and Attorney General Fred Ruhindi in which they agreed to block Mbabazi until he was cleared by NRM. When Mbabazi chose to go independent, Kayihura then connived with the Electoral Commission to stop him. Prof Kiggundu had at first cleared Mbabazi but made a U-turn and stopped him.The story of the FDC Rukungiri trip that was terminated at Kanyaryeru is another example. I am sure you still remember how police nearly killed us before it undressed our party secretary for environment. I have quoted all these examples to emphasize a point Col Dr Kizza Besigye has been making. We are not involved in an election. We are, in fact, in a struggle to rescue the state.
If anyone was in doubt, Prof Kiggundu has assured you. The professors at Makerere University played a pivotal role in the struggle for independence and almost dominated the post-independence politics. With the likes of Kiggundu in place, I think I won’t encourage my children to study a third degree. That professor, with a straight face, announced that he didn’t have regulations to guide mayoral nominations just last week. He is the same man that organized the same nominations and elections in 2011. He now could not organize them and was waiting for guidance from Kampala minister Frank Tumwebaze!
And a few days later, the same Kiggundu is announcing that nominations can go ahead because he has held a consultative meeting with Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda and Attorney General Ruhindi. And guess who else was in the meeting? It is singer and mayoral aspirant Dan Kazibwe, aka Ragga Dee, and obviously Jennifer Musisi.
With due respect to Ragga Dee, I think a consultative meeting between a professor and him to discuss regulations can only explain how low we have sunk as a country.

And that is why at our rallies as FDC, we are preaching three points: rescue the state, transform the country and then move to equitable development.

But most importantly, almost all of us involved in the electoral exercise are left with no option but to organize teams that will force Kiggundu to announce us winners.
I have a feeling that if Kayihura doesn’t like you; you may not be announced winner.

Written by Ibrahim Nganda Ssemujju

The author is Kyadondo East MP.

Press Statement: Mbarara – Election Violence Alert Message (17.11.2015)

TDA Logo

For the FDC Campaign Team:
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This is urgent message,to all our supporters and country at large the regime has embarked on a systematic targeting of our agents through methods of intimidation and outright brutality.

We have been reliably informed that 3 of our FDC youth leaders were kidnaped from Mbarara and transfered to the notorious police in Kireka in a Kampala suburb, there are accurate information that points to them being tortured! Kireka is a renown military torture chamber.

Among the kidnapped include Mr. Mayanja Micheal, he was part of Dr. Besigyes Security team during FDC flagbearer campaigns and also on nomination day, he earns a living as a commuter driver, Mr. Yasin Mastiko from Ruti a Mbarara suburb on Mbarara-Kabale road ,he is self employed and Mr. Bampagyi ,a Boda-boda operator( motor cyclist) in Mbarara Municipality.

We are calling upon the Uganda police, human rights agencies and civil rights advocacy groups to assist us in pursuing the unconditional release of our party agents, it’s elections campaign period and there is no law prohibiting FDC agents from electioneering.