Lack of facilitation hampering Uganda’s mediation role in Burundi (Youtube-Clip)

“Lack of Finances to facilitate the mediation process in the Burundi conflict has crippled the Uganda-led Mediation Talks” (…)”A source who preferred anonymity told NTV that the African Union, which is meant to finance the operation of the mediation team is yet to disburse money to Uganda” (…)”The African Peace Facility which was set up to support peace and security on the African Continent in the Framework of the EU-Africa Partnership is meant to finance the process. And so it appears that with this hiccup, the violence between the Opposition and Government in Bujumbura could be far from over” (NTV Uganda, 2015)

Actions around the Go-Forward rallies in Northern Uganda (25.11.2015)

Amama NRM 25.11.15

We will go through certain actions by both NRM and Go-Forward that is suspect and not something that should occur during campaigning. Especially if this election supposed to be free and fair, not to talk about simple gentleman-ship by the Presidential Candidates towards the Opposition and their parties. Let’s take a look!

Yesterday in Gulu:

The Police together with NRM supporters crashed the rally and claimed for the so called stolen Northern Uganda Development Fund that Amama Mbabazi is supposed to embezzled from while being a part of NRM. They tried to stop the procession towards the venue.

Later in the night NRM supporters storm the hotel that Amama Mbabazi was sleeping in Gulu. To get the money he promised them before the rally in town.

Today before the Amama Mbabazi’s Lira Rally:

This was before the Rally the Team Amama Mbabazi 2016-2021 got delivered to them dark t-shirts with Anti-JPAM message. That led to a fire burning of these t-shirts in the middle of the street. There also been seen in town that Amama Mbabazi Posters have been put of NRM Posters. While burning the Kamudingi Member of Parliament Hon. Otto Odonga shirts that he gave out in June 2015; the public was cheering and even wearing Mzee hat while seeing it burning.

Hon. Otto Odongo Happy Burning Anti JPAM T-shirts in Lira 25.11.15

Preview to the burning today:

In 29th of June he started the Anti-Mbabazi campaign where they had a casket that was supposed to have Amama Mbabazi inside it while wearing the Anti-JPAM t-shirts. This as an reactions to the embezzled funds from the Northern Reconstruction Fund. For instance: “About Shs 50 billion meant for the Peace Recovery and Development Fund [PRDP] was stolen between 2011 and 2012” (Waswa, 2015).

In July 2015 Hon Otto Odonga said this: “If Amama Mbabazi is to be President then will shall our flag and immediately form the Nile Republic because we can’t accept to be led by a theif” (Ojok, 2015).

Hon Otto Odonga was one of the MPs who supported the Youths who brought FDC Flag-Bearer out of TDA offices as a reaction to establish himself as candidate for the FDC and not the TDA in October. He was not alone on that.

Hon Otto Odonga was also the MPs who crashed the Masindi Police Station in September 2015 to get Gilbert Olanya out of jail after the other MP were in jail for demonstrating against the land grabbing of Apa Village in Amuru district.

So as you can see the MP Odonga is a hot-head and a straight shooter, the FDC member is surely acting in faith of Dr. Kizza Besigye though in ways that other MPs wouldn’t go or say. But he has his own points. Though we are allowed to questions his reasoning and argument for his actions. He has really proven loyalty to FDC though not helping the dialogue between Go-Forward, TDA and the FDC. But that on something else.

So with that in mind, the reaction today was to see how Amama Mbabazi and his team reacted to it. While this demonstration was totally tasteful though viable with the casket; the burning of the T-Shirts is distasteful and disrespectful. If they threw them in the garbage that would be understandable and then end out of sight because they he see the t-shirts as spite. Still, it is not a just way of handling criticism in a democratic way to burn opposition’s views. It doesn’t matter if it’s a t-shirt or a book that sends the wrong message; like all the actions from NRM towards the Go-Forward rallies and disruptions towards them. That can also not be validated because it shows that there is not righteous ways of presidential campaigns in the area.

The sad pictures of a Amama Mbabazi supporter in the Northern Uganda has been severely beaten for being that by NRM supporters and the wounds look terrible. Nobody during the elections and campaigns, that is not just by any means.

Amama Lira 25.11.15

Arrested if leaking state secrets

Brigadier Kasirye Ggwanga said this today about Amama Mbabazi: “He will have booked himself a good place at Luzira Prison” (…)”The law is very clear. If you release classified information that came to you by virtue of your office, you are immediately arrested and jailed. That’s what will happen to that man called Mbabazi” (…)”He can tell the people that ‘I used to go hunting with Museveni but he would miss targets.’ That’s okay. But releasing confidential information, no way” (…)”he moment you reveal classified information, we arrest you – because you are joking with national security. That’s a dangerous zone” (Aine, 2015).

At Lira and at the Akii Bua Stadium there was UPC flags hanging around, hasn’t the UPC become a branch of the NRM-O now? Jimmy Akena must cry in the Uganda House in Kampala. Olara Otunnu must laugh somewhere if he has joined Amama Mbabazi trail… He was pictured in the TDA Manifesto. So there are a real split between UPC-Akena and UPC-Otunnu, how deep it is, will only the future show.

Amama Lira Anti-JPAM T-shirt 25.11 P1

Hon. Amama Mbabazi has a road and trail to go. But the choice to burn T-Shirts of opposition is not a maneuver a gentleman in any election should do. If he threw it somewhere and in the garbage, it would be acceptable, as we all do with leaflets of parties we feel is rubbish; So they get in the bin. The same should have happen to the shirts. There been seen visible NRM members burning NRM-Membership cards during the last months. But that has been themselves after rigged NRM-Primaries hick-ups. This has not happen in villages or towns where FDC has visited they have taken them in and later throwing them. That is gentleman way of dealing with opposition material. Hon. Amama Mbabazi proved a lack of judgement today.

Lira TDA 25.11.15

Brigadier Ggwanga is a loyal man to the UPDF and NRM by all means he will do what he can to go against Amama Mbabazi or anybody else going against Mzee, especially if the drops intelligence that hurts Mzee. That is expected of Brigadier Ggwanga!

Last thought of today:

That was enough for today. I could have reported on President Museveni rallies or Besigye, Besigye keep painting Uganda blue and FDC should be Proud! I am proud of how the FDC conduct themselves and how the campaigning it’s so honest and folksy. The way they travel far and deep into villages, not just big crowds at stadiums. That is something that many of the other candidates do not do. That is why he is the People’s President. Kigwa Leero. Peace.

FDC 25.11.15

PS: I got no space to spare #VoteSsevo – Crap I used space of it now. Please forgive me,  Peace, again! 

Reference:

Aine, Kim – ‘Kasirye Ggwanga: We’ll Arrest Mbabazi if he Leaks State Secrets’ (25.11.2015) link: http://www.chimpreports.com/kasirye-ggwanga-well-arrest-mbabazi-if-he-leaks-state-secrets/

Ojok, James Onono – ‘800 walk 10km to demand Accountability for PRPD money from Amama Mbabazi’ (13.07.2015) link: http://acholitimes.com/2015/07/13/800-walk-10km-to-demand-accountability-for-prdp-money-from-amama-mbabazi/

Waswa, Sam – ‘Odonga Otto Leads Anti-Mbabazi Squad in Northern Uganda’ (29.06.2015) link http://www.chimpreports.com/odonga-otto-leads-anti-mbabazi-squad-in-northern-uganda/ :

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.  

M7: “As we wait for the arrival of Pope Francis this week, below is my welcome message” (23.11.2015)

NRM-701x350

The people of Uganda, government and the National Resistance Movement warmly welcome His holiness Pope Francis, to Uganda. The NRM restored the dignity, intergrity and freedom of worship of the people of Uganda. We are, therefore, honoured to host Pope Francis at a time when our nation demonstrably shows the fruits of this liberation from tyranny of the 1970s and the 1980s that plunged our nation into conflicts and threatened to make our country ungovernable and our people the laughing stock of the world.

Today, almost all our children go to school, our people travel to every corner of the nation in safety and on modern roads and our nation contributes to the peace and stability of the greater East African region, thanks to the work of the Movement in the last 30 years. The NRM ended discrimination of women, youth, people with disabilities and built a firm foundation for unity of our people.

Pope Francis’ compassion for the poor and his frankness of spirit is an encouragement to all of us to live light and stand for the causes that matter to humanity. This is because all of us have one life to live on earth and it should, therefore, be lived purposefully. The Movement too fights to end poverty and fully establish our nation on an irreversible path to progress. We believe that a nation which stands on the core values of godliness and care for the weak, is one that empowers her people to claim their place in the world.

We believe that the blessing of the visit of the Holy father to our nation and the region affirms our commitment to fight for total peace and stability in our part of the world and to open the eyes of the faithful to the values of hard work, knowledge to deal with problems of poverty and to strengthen our resolve to build a better future for our children. May Pope Francis’ visit deepen our love for each other as Ugandans, the oneness of spirit and promote tolerance and unity across our country.

Welcome to Uganda, Your holiness Pope Francis

International reactions to the assassaination plot and killings in Burundi

Burundi Cartoon

If this is not interesting and see how the government and multi-national organizations reacts to the continuations of violence from the Government towards its opponents. The staggering fleeing of people to neighbor countries and the escalations of killings should be put on the map and be addressed.

Nyamitwe 061115

THE AFRICAN UNION REITERATES ITS CONCERN ABOUT

THE SITUATION IN BURUNDI

Addis Ababa, 4 November 2015: The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU), Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, reiterates the AU’s deep concern about the situation obtaining in Burundi. She notes the continuation of acts of violence and the increase of statements that are likely to further aggravate the current situation and create conditions for more instability, with devastating consequences for Burundi and the whole region. She expresses the AU’s strong condemnation of all acts of violence and violations of human rights, as well as of all statements that can inflame the situation.

Against this background, the Chairperson of the Commission reminds all concerned Burundian stakeholders that the AU Peace and Security Council (PSC), at its 551st meeting, held on 17 October 2015, decided, in support of the efforts aimed at finding an early and consensual solution to the crisis facing Burundi, to impose targeted sanctions against all Burundian actors whose action and statements contribute to the persistence of violence and impede the search for a solution. The Chairperson of the Commission stresses, once again, that only an inclusive dialogue, bringing together all Burundian stakeholders, will enable Burundi to overcome the serious prevailing challenges and prevent the situation from totally undermining the gains made since the signing of the Arusha Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation. She urges the Burundian authorities and other concerned actors to demonstrate the sense of responsibility that the situation demands and to place the interests of the Burundian people above any other consideration.

The Chairperson of the Commission reiterates the AU’s support to the mediation efforts led by President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, on behalf of the East African Community (EAC), and urges the Government of Burundi and all the other concerned stakeholders to lend him their full cooperation.

Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights statement:

“I unreservedly condemn the killing of the son of one of Burundi’s most prominent human rights defenders, Pierre Claver Mbonimpa, in Bujumbura earlier today. This is second member of Mbonimpa’s family to have been killed in recent weeks. Welly Nzitonda was reportedly arrested by police this morning around 11 a.m. His body was found this afternoon in the neighbourhood of Mutakura. Pierre Claver Mbonimpa himself narrowly escaped an assassination attempt in August 2015 and is still undergoing treatment abroad. One of his sons-in-law was also killed on 9 October” (OHCHR, 2015).

“Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region of Africa Thomas Perriello will travel to Burundi November 8-11 to express urgent concerns over the political and security crisis there. He will communicate the U.S. government’s alarm at violence by government and non-government actors inside of Burundi, and the recent dangerous rhetoric by the Burundian government surrounding the expiration of President Nkurunziza’s five-day ultimatum to turn over all illegal arms. He will also call for all parties to exercise maximum restraint and to follow through on commitments to dialogue” (…)”The Envoy also intends to visit Uganda, Rwanda, and Ethiopia between November 11 and 18, to consult with regional leaders on restoring stability to Burundi and emphasize the United States’ belief that a comprehensive, inclusive dialogue, as laid out in the AU’s October 17 communique, is the best means of doing so” (US GOV, 2015).

Belgium Foreign Affairs Minister Didier Reynards Statement 6th November:

“Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Didier Reynders is shocked by the murder of Welly Fleury Nzitonda, son of Pierre Claver Mbonimpa, the human rights activist who took refuge in Belgium. This murder follows that of his son-in-law, Pascal Nshimirimana. Tens of anonymous victims already died because of the instability in recent months. The Minister expresses his sympathy to the family of Pierre Claver Mbonimpa and to the people of Burundi.  The death of Mr. Nzitonda illustrates once again that incitement to hatred and violence can have tragic consequences. The Minister noted with deep concern the public statements in this regard. These brought to memory the darkest pages in the history of Burundi. The Minister calls on all parties, both from government and opposition, to exercise utmost restraint in declarations and to avoid new violence at all costs”.

Hey! What do you think about it? Peace!

Reference:

OHCHR – ‘Comment by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein on Burundi killing (06.11.2015) link: http://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/Media.aspx#sthash.bqxnw4Hf.dpuf

 

US GOV – ‘Special Envoy Thomas Perriello’s Travel to Burundi and the Great Lakes Region’ (06.11.2015) link: http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2015/11/249291.htm

Press Release: Court dismisses Case against Uganda and SG on the alleged Failure to Investigate Business related to Trafficking of Military Goods (05.11.2015)

cadets10 UPDF

East African Court of Justice Arusha, 5 November 2015: The First Instance Division dismissed a case filed by a Ugandan national, Oscar Okaly Opuli, against the Secretary General of the East African Community (1st Respondent) and the Republic of Uganda (2nd Respondent) alleging that the government of Uganda’s failure to investigate David Greenhugh and business related to trafficking of military goods from Ukrain to Sudan through Uganda, a conduct which is contrary to the United Kingdom’s Export Control Order Act 2008 and the East African Community Laws is an infringement of the Treaty. The Applicant also alleges that the Secretary General’s inaction constitutes an infringement of the Treaty for the Establishment of the EAC.

In February 2015, the Court directed the Applicant to file evidence of a witness by way of affidavit and his submissions with the Court by 8th May 2015. To date none of the orders have been complied with and the Court has gone ahead and dismissed the matter.

The Court in its ruling stated that, they agree with the Counsel for the Respondents that no sufficient reasons had been advanced by the Counsel for the Applicant for his failure to take steps ordered by the Court on 23rd Feb 2015 after the Scheduling Conference. The Principal Judge Hon. Lady Justice Monica Mugenyi further said that in absence of sufficient reasons such failure amounts to abuse of Court process. The Court therefore exercised its discretion under Rule 1 (2) and 66 (3) of the Court’s Rules of procedure and dismissed the case.

Before the Court ruled, the Lawyer for the Applicant submitted that the Applicant lost contact with the witness leading the to delay in filing of the Submission as the Court had ordered in February 2015 and was requesting the Court for more time of 30 days to file the same.

Mr. Agaba representing the Secretary General also submitted opposing the prayer for the Applicant and said that Applicant has consistently shown lack of interest in the matter since the time the Court directed him to file his submission up to today. That this was evidenced by his failure to communicate to Court what the challenge was. He further said that if he had failed to submit the requirements in eight months then he might not do the same in the one month being requested for. Mr Agaba asked Court to strike out the case because the Applicants have failed to fulfill their obligations and that is the abuse of the Court’s process.

The 2nd Respondent (Attorney General of Uganda) represented by Ms. Margaret Nabakooza also associated herself with the submissions of Counsel for the Secretary General and asked Court to dismiss the case.

The matters came before a bench of the Judges of the First Instance Division composed of Honourable  Lady Justice Monica Mugenyi (Principal Judge), Justice Dr. Faustin Ntezilyayo, and Justice Fakihi A . Jundu.

Notes for editors
Rule 1 (2) of the East African Court of Justice Rules of Procedure 2013 states that; nothing in these Rules shall be deemed to limit or otherwise affect the inherent power of the Court to make such orders as may be necessary for the ends of justice or to prevent abuse of the process of the Court.

Rule 66 (3) of the East African Court of Justice Rules of Procedure 2013 provides that; Where any party to whom time has been granted fails to produce evidence or to cause the attendance of its witness, or to perform any other act necessary to the further progress of the case, the Court may, notwithstanding such failure, proceed to determine the dispute or reference forthwith.

About the EACJ

The East African Court of Justice (EACJ or ‘the Court’), is one of the organs of the East African Community established under Article 9 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community. Established in November 2001, the Court’s major responsibility is to ensure the adherence to law in the interpretation and application of and compliance with the EAC Treaty.

Arusha is the temporary seat of the Court until the Summit determines its permanent seat. The Court’s sub-registries are located in the respective National Courts in the Partner States.

ENDS-
For more information please contact:

Ms. Geraldine Umugwaneza, Ag. Registrar
Email: umugwaneza@eachq.org

Mr. Owora Richard Othieno, Head of Department;
Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Department;
EAC Secretariat
Tel: +255 784 835021; Email: othieno@eachq.org

East African Court of Justice
Arusha, Tanzania

Welcome to the East African Court of Justice

Picture of the Day – The Dictators lingers at the inauguration in Tanzania

Linger at Inaguaration in Tanzania

For Immediate Release: Message to the Congress — Notification to the Congress on AGOA Program Change – Burundi (30.10.2015)

Burundi Report Police

TO THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES:

In accordance with section 506A(a)(3)(B) of the African Growth and Opportunity Act, as amended (AGOA) (19 U.S.C. 2466a(a)(3)(B)), I am providing notification of my intent to terminate the designation of the Republic of Burundi (Burundi) as a beneficiary sub-Saharan African country under AGOA.

I am taking this step because I have determined that the Government of Burundi has not established or is not making continual progress toward establishing the rule of law and political pluralism, as required by the AGOA eligibility requirements outlined in section 104 of the AGOA (19 U.S.C. 3703).  In particular, the continuing crackdown on opposition members, which has included assassinations, extra-judicial killings, arbitrary arrests, and torture, have worsened significantly during the election campaign that returned President Nkurunziza to power earlier this year.  In addition, the Government of Burundi has blocked opposing parties from holding organizational meetings and campaigning throughout the electoral process.  Police and armed youth militias with links to the ruling party have intimidated the opposition, contributing to nearly 200,000 refugees fleeing the country since April 2015.  Accordingly, I intend to terminate the designation of Burundi as a beneficiary sub-Saharan African country under AGOA as of January 1, 2016.

 

BARACK OBAMA

EALS/UG/10/15 – Re: Call on Your Excellency to Reign in State Sanctioned Police Brutality that is stiffling the enjoyment of Democratic Rights and Freedoms in Uganda (22.10.2015)

EALS Museveni Letter P1EALS Museveni Letter P2