Opinion: Muhoozi cannot spot the difference…

“Last week, we were shocked to receive a judgment from the Supreme Court that, in effect, halts all trials conducted by military courts. The UPDF, without doubt, remains the foundation upon which democracy and socio-economic transformation can be realized in our country. The historical mission of the UPDF, which predates the laws being debated today, could not have been achieved without a highly disciplined force. This development (Supreme Court judgment) is very unfortunate and quite unacceptable” – Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba (06.02.2025).

Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the brightest of them all?

Well, it surely isn’t the brute or the General. No, he needs some enlightenment and civic understanding. Because his delusion is too strong. He isn’t capable of grasping reality and what is concerning. What is striking is knowing that this man aspires to the highest office, but he doesn’t have the mental capacity to understand the difference between a civilian court and a military one. That’s what I am getting here, and someone needs to throw the book at him.

Gen. Muhoozi isn’t known for being the brightest or the wisest of them all. No, though his supporters and “yes-men” will tell that he has the foresight and the visionary embodiment of all the dead poets, revolutionaries and whoever are revered from the past. That who this man supposed to be, but we know the gist.

It is just proven again when he speak of the Supreme Court judgement, which directly spells out the placement of the General Court Martial (GCM) and the other civilian courts. It specifically says and states things as mere fact. Meanwhile, this brute wants to condemn it and say it’s an unfortunate affair. It’s unfortunate that he throws around death treats like drunk people throws empty bottles. Alas, this is a systemic issue and has to be addressed accordingly.

The victims, the civilians taken to the GCM should either be released or be properly moved as quickly as possible to civilian courts. That’s if the cases have merit or even have any sort leg to stand on. We know that is questionable at best, because the state arrests someone and finds evidence or witnesses later. Especially in regard to its dissidents and opposition leaders. That’s why we know the state needs the GCM to prolong the agony and torment the ones who dares to challenge it.

Gen. Muhoozi doesn’t grasp that or have any idea of that, because it doesn’t concern him. He don’t pay them no mind and they are only pawns to him. The civilians who are captured and having pending cases in the GCM are there for a reason. The reason is to spread fear and intimidate people. It is to show the strength of the army and what it is capable of doing. That’s why people are taken there and not for the betterment of the Republic. No, this is a show and a play of guards. That’s it… and you cannot make up enough mumbo jumbo to make it legit.

General Muhoozi needs some civic lessons and understanding of the different branches of government. Because at the moment he thinks his guns and his title is bigger than anyone else. That he isn’t accountable to anyone and the military is above the law. This is how I interpret it and it’s not a good look. Regardless, we couldn’t expect anything else from him.

That’s just who he is and what has become of him. The General who strikes with no mercy but expect blind praise for standing up straight and breathing. Peace.

Burundi: RED-TABARA – Press Release (06.02.2025)

Besigye behind bars for 76 days [on the 3rd of February 2025] without proper trial as a civilian…

“There is a heavy presence of the military and police at the Makindye-based General Court Martial, where four-time presidential candidate Dr Kizza Besigye is expected to appear, as indicated during the last sitting of the court. However, sources confirm that the Court Martial will not sit today following the Supreme Court’s ruling last Friday, which ordered that all cases involving civilians before the Court Martial should cease immediately and be transferred to civil courts with competent jurisdiction” (Daily Monitor, 03.02.2025).

Well, the more things change, the more they stay the same. The General Court Martial of Makindye Barracks is upon us. The case pending for Dr. Kizza and his associates are still on schedule. Meanwhile, the verdict on the 31st of January 2025 have certainly had no barring or powers to stop the continuation of the GCM.

The ones that is shocked or in awe. They haven’t seen how the state acts and doesn’t comply with orders. The President’s words are law, and his orders are the ones that matters. The Executive or Commander-in-Chief can decide, and he has the final word.

We all should know that the Supreme Court could do the citizens and civilians a favour, but that is worthless when the High Above has another idea. That idea is to use the GCM and target his dissidents there. As he can order and have a direct involvement in their decisions. The manner of keeping people detained and defer the case. Therefore, keeping the suspect behind bars, but without a proper trial or even prove any evidence on the charges pinned on the civilian. That’s what the President wants, and he is supportive of this practice.

President Museveni needs the GCM, and it is a vital tool or mechanism of his oppressive regime. It gives a lifeline and ability to try civilians without any sort of proper function. Meanwhile, skim the top of the activists, leaders and whatnot, which him and his allies deems unfit to be in public. These citizens can be pawns and be the poster-boys of the opposition. That’s why they are there, and he keeps them there.

Dr. Kizza Besigye isn’t new to all of this. He has been touched by the authorities or faced the law more than anyone else in the Republic. Besigye should be released, because a civilian tried in the GCM. However, we know the words of Museveni is law. So, with the knowledge of that. We can just expect that Besigye, and his associates will linger in jail.

Today in this case alone, Besigye have been behind bars for 76 days. That is what has happened to him. Neither is there any real hope of release nor be on bail. No, the state is making an example of Besigye. Even if Besigye if the person who has all knowledge of how the state operates and how they use the law against the innocent. He knew this long before they kidnapped him in Nairobi, Kenya.

The GCM is a tribunal made for disciplining soldiers or commanders in the army. Nevertheless, Museveni wants it to be used as a tool of oppression. That’s why his defending the usage of the GCM and will not stop the practice.

I wouldn’t be shocked if this case continues and is pending. There is nothing… that is shocking about it. If he is released… we should expect him to be re-arrested and if lucky… his again house-arrested or something similar. Because Besigye will be followed, monitored and be in legal jeopardy. That is just the nature of thing. I wish it could be different, but that is mere reality of everything. Peace.

A look into Mzee’s Statement on the General Court Martial Judgement of Yesterday

However, on getting back to Kampala, I was sorry to hear of the wrong decision by the Supreme Court in the matter of the fire-arms armed civilians being tried by the Military Court Martial. This is a method which we the freedom fighters support because it reinforces the Civilian Judicial System to defend the lives of our People against Criminals armed with guns. If you are not a soldier, why do you arm yourself with guns and, moreover, for criminal purposes and illegally, that are a monopoly of the Armed Forces? If you voluntarily acquire these guns, why should you complain when you are tried in a forum that deals with those matters when soldiers are involved?” – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (01.02.2025).

The old man with the hat had to way in and in his military spirit. The Head of State has profited of the usage of the General Military Courts (GMC). The GMC is serving the interests of the President and his inner-circle.

The ones believing or hoping the Supreme Court judgement would change things. I hate to be bearer of bad news. The Executive and the Commander-in-Chief has no mercy. The President has plans to sufficiently make it legal and ensure the usage of the GMC this way. Therefore, the ones believing the civilians will be freed or released. They are wrong. Expect the NRM MPs start singing and come with Private Motions to sing the psalms of the President. That will happen after a NRM Caucus and a NRM CEC meeting guiding them all. Why do I say that…

Well… the old man said it himself, but in other words: “Anyway, the country is not governed by the Judges. It is governed by the People –all of us Ugandans, that are old enough to vote. In the matter of the Constitution and other legislations, we govern ourselves by having Referenda or Constitutional amendments or amendments of the laws by Parliament” (Museveni, 01.02.2025).

We are just seeing how he moves and what he will do. The President has the final say and whatever he thinks goes. This is the way he operates and everyone is at his whim. That’s why his words is the law. The Constitution can be pigeon-holed and become a wrecked document. Just so it serve any interest or ideal that the President has. Not for the betterment of the Republic, but to serve his needs and whatever he deems fit.

He really thinks his own army courts can deal with everything: “Back to some of our Judges, the rape, corruption, etc., cases are tried in Military Courts to protect the institution of the Army. The guns armed illegal operators should be tried, initially, in Military Courts to protect the Society” (Museveni, 01.02.2025).

It just shows his mindset and pattern of behaviour. The ones who is in shock or awe. They haven’t followed the militarism and the junta government acts of Museveni. This is just who he is and what he has become. The army is the nation and the nation is at the mercy of the army. The President don’t need the people or the civilians, but he does need the army. That’s why he entrust the army to deal with any civilian manner anyway. Therefore, he just wants the absolute power and control any decision made.

President Museveni is just showing his true face here. There is no middle-ground on this. He just says what everyone knows and proves where his mentality is at. The man who lives by the gun. Will die by the gun. A man who took power by the gun. Will leave power by the gun too. That’s who he is and he intends to use it. Nevertheless, the ones defending this impunity and infamy is foolish. They could get caught in the same web the moment they fall out of favour or is useless to the General on top. Peace.

Opinion: Hon. Kabaziguruka deserves his flowers

The former Member of Parliament, Michael Kabaziguruka deserves credit and accolades for what went down at the Supreme Court today. That he stood tall and persevered through the adversity. A man who has faced legal jeopardy and trouble.

The newly elected MP was facing charges of Treason and was supposed to behind a scheme to assassinate the Head of State, General and President Yoweri Kaguta Musevei. That’s why the authorities and the state tried this case at the General Court Martial of Makindye Barracks. Just like others has been since then.

Hon. Kabaziguruka pushed for it and has waited for. A man who could have given up and given way. No one would have judged him after all these years. Yes, his vindicated today, but the hurt must be alive for the man. As he knows the acts of the state at first hand and tasted the brutality of it. Not like he was walking off easily or even without a touch from it.

He got there because he won over a favoured candidate. The man became an MP and conquered one of the anointed men, Fred Ruhindi. That’s why he faced doom and was in dungeons of the SIU Kireka at one point. As the state schemed on how to prolong the pain and suffering. Making up charges and fabricating allegations to make sure he wouldn’t be released. That’s why he ended up it the General Court Martial. Just so the civilian courts couldn’t touch him or have him under their jurisdiction. That way they could keep him detained and make him a poster-child of the unfortunate who was more popular than the state’s own candidate.

Today’s verdict is a vital one and an important one. Nevertheless, this is just one stepping stone. Hon. Kabaziguruka took us here. Now others has to lead on to take it further. He has taken this journey and allowed for this door to open. Now others have to follow suit and challenge the other discrepancies and misuse of power, which is rampant within the authorities and the law enforcement of the Republic.

That’s why we should cheer for the outcome, because of the significance of it. However, I am not hopeful for the civilians tried in the General Military Courts. No, these are still in legal limbo and will face a continued pursuit of justice and freedom in civilian courts. These people won’t be freed on a whim and the state will make cases for continuing the persecution elsewhere. So, don’t think the political prisoners will be freed because of this verdict. No, if it is adhered too… the state only have to move dockets and chambers, but the game plan will be the same. The game is rigged and Hon. Kabaziguruka knows that well too.

This is why today is a good day, but not the end of the matter. It is just one step. One important step, but not the end. There is a lot more to give. Hon. Kabaziguruka did his part and now others got to step up to clear the courts, yet again. That to stop other practices that is unlawful and breaching with the codes or articles of the constitution. It is about time to end these actions and make them obsolete. However, that won’t happen over night and neither will the political prisoners be released without remedy or justification, which gives the state leverage to do so. These will not be free or at liberty tomorrow. No, they will linger in jeopardy and within the realm of the law. As long as they are in custody. They are endangered and the state can just find new allegations or criminal conspiracy to pin on the victims. That’s what it does… and we have seen that movie before. Peace.

Opinion: The General Court Martial is deemed unfit – but I won’t celebrate to early…

There is breadcrumbs and certainly if the authorities and the state was to abide by the Supreme Court, the civilians on remand and awaiting a proper trial at the General Court Martial. These are now celebrated and expected to get justice. The justice being released and getting their freedom again. However, I wouldn’t run that fast and be jolly.

The Supreme Court did the right thing, but it doesn’t let the buck stop. These cases will be moved civilian courts and the authorities will apprehend and re-arrest the ones that is pending judgment or sentence at the GCM. The ones believing in anything is naive.

The regime isn’t imposing these instruments of power and chambers for fun. They are using any aspect of the law and legalities to ensure the demise of its dissidents. That’s why I have little to no faith in the system. This system is rigged against the individuals caught in it. This is why they will not get justice or the freedom they are supposed to have. They have already lost their liberties and possibly the privileges that an ordinary citizen has. Because they have dared to question, act within the space of opposition politics and been public in their dissent. That’s why they are behind bars and awaiting trial and sentencing at the GCM.

We haven’t seen people being released or civilians being issued paperwork to get off from these cases. No, the state and the authorities will find technicalities and measures to continue the prosecution and persecution for the foreseeable future. They are now under the mercy of authorities and they aren’t forgiving. No, they will use all means and find all tricks of the book, which they will use to throw at these fellow peers.

The ones believing the National Unity Platform activists or supporters behind bars will be released. Nah, it won’t happen. The ones believing Dr. Kizza Besigye or fellow associates of him will be released. Nah, it won’t happen. These are there for a reason and to tell a story to the citizens of who is king. That’s why they are there in the first place and their master won’t release them just like that.

Brig. Gen. Robert Freeman Mugabe is now famous for his operation at the General Court Martial of Makindye. He is now infamous and will forever be known for his actions within his chambers. The tribunal that acted like a prestigious court…

If I assess things in order. The civilians which are currently in custody. They might possibly get a release, but quickly will be picked up by drone or “Panda Gari” which later schedules them for another civilian court and will prolong the agony. They will either be there within the 48 hours or will be put into safe houses. Only the high profile cases will be put under jurisdiction of well known courts and be on public display. Meanwhile, they will be kept in prison and be under remand. As these “investigations” and such will prolong the agony of the ones who are state property.

That’s why I am not celebrating today’s verdict in the Supreme Court. There is no time for that. The state will use it and find ways of keeping these political prisoners, regardless of the verdict. That is bound what the Supreme Court even said today. It is just moved from entity to another. This is buying the state time and reasons to keep them detained. That’s why I am subtle and clear.

The ones that wants people freed from this torment. They have to target the tormentors and find ways of weakening it. Because right now they can install fear and use the rules of law as a weapon against the ones who dares to challenge its authority. That’s why they are in the slammer to begin with. Peace.

Uganda Law Society (ULS): Supreme Court Ruling on Civilian Trials in Military Courts: A Victory for Constitutionalism and the Rule of Law (31.01.2025)

Burundi: Force de Defense National du Burundi (FNDB) – Point de Presse (16.01.2025)

Besigye behind bars for 59 days [on the 14th of January 2025] without proper trial as a civilian…

“The General Court Martial (GCM) at Makindye in Kampala has overruled four-time presidential candidate Col (Rtd) Dr Kiiza Besigye’s objection to charges before it and trial, ordering him (Besigye) to plea to the charges slapped against him. Besigye, his aide, Hajji Obeid Lutale, and UPDF soldier Captain Denis Oola are charged with treachery, subversion and unlawful possession of firearms” (New Vision, 14.01.2025).

“The General Court Martial (CGM) says it has jurisdiction to charge and try four-time presidential candidate Col. (rtd) Dr Kizza Besigye. GCM chairperson Brig. Gen. Robert Freeman Mugabe dismissed Besigye’s claims that the charge sheet was defective” (88.7 Arua One FM, 14.01.2025).

The tragic saga of forged criminal conspiracy against the state continues. The General Court Martial (GCM) and Brigadier General Robert Freeman Mugabe who is the tool to keep Dr. Kizza Besigye behind bars and detained indefinitely. That is the reason for all of this and how the GCM is reacting. Nothing new under the sun….

Only more misuse of office, misrule and weaponizing the GCM to arrest and detain dissidents of the state. That’s why Besigye is behind bars and now the state has opened up yet another case on him. His pending another criminal conspiracy without any proof or proper witnesses to prove the alleged criminal intent or actions. Therefore, we know the drill and they are just postponing the inevitable.

The GCM is a useful tool for the state and a way to keep people detained without the need of bonds or bails. As they have the power and jurisdiction to deny the charged individuals as long as they deem fit. Meaning they can keep them detained with a conviction or even a proper trial. Just defer it and adjourn it without any end. As long as the Brig. Gen. Robert Freeman Mugabe deems fit. That means he can do this and continue this case as long as he likes without any remedies for Besigye or any of his associates.

We know that the case has been adjourned today until next Tuesday, 21st January 2025. That means the state have had Besigye and his fellow associate behind bars for 67 days without any proper trial, judgment or proof of a criminal conduct, which gives the state any reason to penalize or even prosecute them. Therefore, we know this is all political and a part of a play to keep Besigye off the streets. That is the reality here and it’s obvious to the naked eye. Peace.

Besigye behind bars for 58 days [on the 13th of January 2025] without proper trial as a civilian…

“At the Army Court in Makindye, the prosecution, led by Colonel Raphael Mugisha, has applied to amend the charge sheet against Dr. Kizza Besigye and Hajji Obeid Lutale, seeking to add a new offense of treachery and include Captain Denis Ola, a serving officer attached to the Armoured Brigade, as an additional accused. However, the defense team, led by Martha Karua, has objected to the move, citing a pending ruling on the General Court Martial’s jurisdiction to try civilians” (NTV Uganda, 13.01.2025).

Time is a wasting and it’s proven. Just as time goes by, the state just has to revise, add and make the proceedings even worse. The abduction case turned into a criminal case pending in the General Court Martial. This is just horrific and a tale as old as the National Resistance Movement (NRM). It is just what the state does to its dissidents.

Besigye and his allies are just mere targets and people that is plotted against. They are claiming Besigye travelled to buy weaponry, had illegal guns, which only the UPDF has monopoly over and was scheming to overthrow the legal government in the Republic. Now in addition to all that, his supposed to be treacherous too. Meaning he will be charged again with Treason.

Besigye have been charged with treason before and we are seeing it appear again. This is to make the GCM more viable and give it more time. It is a way of making the case more severe than a gun-case and conspiracy to conspire against the state. However, now it is direct attack on the state, and he had insiders working within the army to do so. Therefore, this is just making the status of the case more alert and more damaging. Giving the state and the GCM enough reasons to keep him behind bars indefinitely.

So now after 58 days in detention and behind bars in Luzira Maximum Prison. This means his still barred from an ordinary life and abilities to be an hardworking opposition leader. The new charges and amendment of it is just to keep him there. They have neither produced any evidence or witnesses of the first charges pinned on him. Now they are adding and amending just to ensure his longevity behind bars. That is just mere technicalities to keep him detained…

That is the story here and this is what the state wants. They have no case and nothing sufficiently to prove any alleged criminal conspiracy. However, they are willing to manufacture and create hogwash stories to narrate and persistently keep Besigye from the public light.

This is how these things go. It is impunity in action and misusing the General Court Martial to haunt, destroy and go after the opposition in the Republic. This isn’t for the peace or to address the rule of law. No, this is just sending a message and go after anyone who dares to oppose the one on the throne. Peace.