Opinion: EU Envoy Schmidt are an speaking like an NRM apologist similar to Ofwono Opondo over Besigye’s 2016 Election defiance!

I feel sorry for European Union Envoy Kristian Schmidt who are now sounding like a National Resistance Movement (NRM) apologist, instead of an independent spirit and understanding of the short-falls of the NRM Regime. He seems to been misunderstanding what happen during the General Election 2016. Surely, he wants the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) and Dr. Kizza Besigye, to say it just water under bridge and let it go. Since the Supreme Court followed the orders of the 31 Years and counting President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. First introduce some of the beautiful words of Ofwono Opondo, before the Kristian Schmidt’s foolish interview with Daily Monitor, before enlightening fellow European of his ignorance or forgetting the blatant impunity towards Besigye and FDC in and around the General Election 2016. Since he has forgotten while drinking Nile Brew in the Embassy and going on Safaries with his dignitaries. Surely, Schmidt must feel good about himself!

““In this election, Besigye gained 1.5 million votes compared to two million votes he got in 2011 while Museveni’s gain was a paltry 500,000. To the NRM strategists, this is the most shocking, indeed worrying trend, and having located the cause as being our messaging, strategy, campaign style, internal laxity, occasioned fraud and widespread bickering. We shall not blame anybody else except ourselves. Actually, to be frank, we were almost swept away by our collective failure to robustly respond to the Opposition demagoguery on issues of youth unemployment, despair among the urban population, poor and yet expensive public service delivery and bad public relations, especially to distribution of soft campaign cash that often got stolen along the way among other issues. This, to the Besigye camp, should give hope that with better strategic organisation, not only falsehoods, they can in the future topple NRM through the ballot instead of being bad losers” (…) ““The claims of rigging, especially at the last minute through alleged intimidation of candidates’ agents, ballot stuffing, falsification or alteration of results on tally and declaration sheets and at announcements are perturbing and incredibly unbelievable. These could pass as truth if the peddlers could at least adduce some verifiable evidence from eyewitnesses and documents in their possession that differ from those of the EC, which ought to be available from the multiple sources, including the media that observed these elections” (Opondo, 2016).

So when a NRM spokesperson and Uganda Media Centre director had to come in defense of his master. In the aftermath and with the current illegitimate government. Who has no problems in misusing the government funds and had no problem rigging the election in their favor. As the FDC had massive scores of leaders behind bars, had people with Declarations Forms from Polling Stations at Gun-Point, had their Headquarter barricaded and sealed off, Besigye was under house-arrest and the story goes on. Not an adventure, but a true theft a nation. Still Schmidt says this to the FDC and former Presidential Candidate:

“He added: “That is of course an issue that is dividing but I think it would have been good to come together and discuss. It has not happened and election reforms seem to be not going forward.” (…) “The law of Uganda is what it is: the conditions of petitions are what they are, and for a petition to be successful you have to do a lot of homework. Under your Constitution I believe you have little time, 10 days. I know one of the recommendations of the Supreme Court is to extend that time which I believe makes sense.” (…) “ He said “I think if Dr Besigye was convinced before elections that he would not be happy with the outcomes and the process, he should have been the one to petition. He should have prepared for that but he decided before that he was not going to and under the rule of law.” (Musisi, 2017).

EU Envoy to Uganda Kristian Schmidt, I know you visited him while on undetermined house-arrest. Since the Police Force had been stationed in Kasangati, Wakiso for so long days before the election and until May 2016. When he was able to escape and have his own swearing-in ceremony, before air-lifted to Moroto, where the state charged him with Treason charges. Which he still carries today, he is an arch-criminal and seen as an enemy of the state. Than after all of this, you talk about rule of law, justice and courts. Like Dr. Kizza Besigye haven’t had his time in court, haven’t been detained on more occasions than ordinary thief, even more than average murderers in the Republic.

So, the FDC was unable to counter with a petition, Amama Mbabazi was the only one able to fill in a form or petition. Because FDC has done so after General Election 2011. So it is like the EU Envoy for Uganda Schmidt is not in concern anymore of all the breaches that happen to Besigye. Like the whole House-Arrest period, the whole part of the general assault on the rule of law considering the elections and polls. The self sufficient pre-ticket ballots and Badru Kiggundu’s own special math-class. The statistics and the vicious attempt of forging the whole election in favor of President Museveni.

It like he wants the one on Treason Charges since May 2016, since the coup d’etat in February 20^th 2016, when the Electoral Commission announced the result. That as the whole NRM and state organization was behind the whole ordeal. Even the European Election Observation Mission and the Commonwealth Election Observation Mission was explaining the massive flaws of the General Election. Still, the EU Envoy want Besigye just to let it go.

Let’s take his first reasoning, since it is shows his true passion, the Danish dignitary: “Now if this was in any other democracy, like in some European countries, it would be unacceptable that the Opposition party does not then recognise the winner of the elections” (Musisi, 2017). If this was an election in Europe, all of these ploys of the NRM wouldn’t have happen. Not normally, that the army is used to intimidate, that local leaders are paid-off with new cars, that ballot are pre-ticket ballots and all powers to be to silence the FDC. Together with the obvious rigging and mismatch of acts in favor of Museveni. If this would not have happen in a European elections and EU Envoy to Uganda knows this. That why it is remarkable that he says about Besigye.

Besigye knows better and the Ugandan people knows so. They are not fools, even if Schmidt is sounding like Ofwono Opondo and has taken lectures from Andrew Mwenda. He surely has hanged in the same bars in Kampala as these two. To sound so blatant ignorant and so forgetful. Peace.

Reference:

Opondo, Ofwono – ‘The media shouldn’t parrot Opposition false claims’ (28.03.2016) link: http://www.monitor.co.ug/OpEd/Commentary/Media-parrot-Opposition-false-claims/-/689364/3135890/-/2m2g7v/-/index.html

Musisi, Fredric – ‘Besigye refusal to recognise government not helpful – EU envoy’ (09.07.2017) link: http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/Besigye-refusal-recognise-government-not-helpful-EU-envoy/688334-4006606-er8gyr/index.html

Besigye in Mbabara, Police in Running Battles with His Supporters (Youtube-Clip)

“Police in Mbarara has today engaged in running battles with Dr.Kizza Besigye supporters as they held processions in town.  Business came to a standstill as the joyful FDC loyalists welcomed their former presidential candidate who was on his way to Kabale, where he is to appear in court tomorrow. This was Dr. Besigye’s first time in the area since being confined to house arrest for over 40 days” (NBS TV Uganda, 2016)

FDC Supporters detained in Entebbe; while FDC Officials visits Besigye who is detained in Naggalama Police Station; FDC Supporters and Boda-Boda drivers beaten and detained at Naggalama P.S. as well!

As the FDC Leader Dr. Kizza Besigye got detained the reaction sparked instantly in the FDC branch in Entebbe, where a group of FDC supporters went to walk-around the State House in silent demonstration against the oppression of their party.

This was not something the NRM-Regime could accept, this defying spirit and peaceful demonstration around the premises of state property, so the FDC supporters who was walking along the sides of State House, was finally taken by the Special Force Command and detained as well.

Also later in the day the FDC Officials went to Naggalama Police Station in Mukono to visit the detained leader:

“Visiting The People’s president at Nagalama police station.I am with General Muntu, Hon Wafula, Hon Nandala, Hon Mwijukye, Pastor Ngabo e.t.c. The OC CID, DPC have all fled their offices” (Doreeen Nyajura, 2016).

There are more people there with him from the FDC, like  Susan Norma, Ingrid Turinawe and more where they are getting Past Ngabo to pray for Besigye!

More actions at the Naggalama Police Station:

“KB supporters terribly beaten and arrested here at Nagalama police station, the bodabodas that were transporting them have been arrested 2!” (Doreen Nyajura, 2016).

Also been said about actions there:

“Police are scared and firing bullets in Nagalama now. The people have had enough of the police criminality, we have to confront these goons. They have arrested even Mr. Ajuna the FDC candidate Fort Portal municipality as if he is a petty criminal” (Moses Atocon Atyeko, 2016)

There will come more, as it evolves and as the Government of Uganda, and the Police continues to stifle and undermined the opposition in Uganda. Peace. 

Besigye had planned to participate at the Prayers at the FDC HQ in Najjankumbi by the Calvary; As praying is a tool of ‘Evil’ for the NRM-Regime; Dr. Kizza Besigye detained before the prayer and taken from Kiira Road P.S. to Naggalama Police Station to be detained!

Today the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) had yet another planned Tuesday Prayers at their headquarters all over the country. This is the continuation of the boycott that has been going on from the Political Party since the Announcement of the Result from the Electoral Commission and Eng. Dr. Badru Kiggundu. So today was the first day that Dr. Kizza Besigye has driven out of his home since he went to All Saints, when he was detained straight after Service.

While at the FDC Headquarter the Police have sieged the building and discontinued the planned prayers. Journalist from the area has been whisked away as the Police do not want this to be reported in the spirit of the new Kampala Metropolitan Police chief Andrew Felix Kaweesi.

FDC reported:

“Many are gathered at our HQ, waiting for Dr. Kizza Besigye to arrive. The police has stopped him from proceeding and journalists denied the right to do their work. Police is armed to the teeth, beating up people” (Forum for Democratic Change, 05.04.2016).

FDC’s Presidential Candidate’s Dr. Besigye car was towed away by insecurity police. This is a photo taken by Besigye’s in the car .Now at Yusuf Lule road. Meanwhile the FDC prayer has been disrupted by the same Uganda police.

Dr. Kizza Besigye while being towed:

“Scared regime!! We couldn’t be allowed to get to Fdc Hqs for prayers. Now being towed to… I don’t know where!”

As the day went ahead and the Prayer was stopped and the Police had stopped the FDC convoy at Kalerwe and they planned to drive over Mulago to Central Kampala and the FDC Headquarter. But the Police towed his car and detained Dr. Kizza Besigye at the Kiira Road Police Station.

MP-elect Francis Mwijuke statement:

“We were towed together with the president of the people Dr. Kizza Besigye and taken to Kiira rd police station. We were led to the DPCs office. Two minutes later we were asked to get out and board a police van. When we reached at the van UP 4860, only Dr. Was forced into the van and driven away. Meanwhile there was an van UP 4861 which police surrounded to confuse the journalists and the public. Later the journalists followed the second van and then we were release” (Francis Mwijuke, 05.04.2016).

Certain FDC Officials are now traversing to Kasangati, others plans to see at Naggalama Police Station where Dr. Kizza Besigye have been detained before. As the Uganda Police Force continues to display arrogance towards the opposition party and destroy their peaceful prayers. The final news is that Besigye is detained at Naggalama Police Station in Mukono.

Kampala Police Spokesperson Onyango Said: “Besigye defied orders, charged at Wandegeya police station with participating in unlawful procession”.

Let me explain:

So for those who don’t know the coded langauge of the Uganda Police the people who turned up to finally see Dr. Kizza Besigye and followed him by their own will. Made a Procession that was not seeked for; as the Police Force need to award the Opposition Party and Opposition Officials for the planned activities that any other then NRM have to follow under the Public Order Management Act (POMA); who nicely been dubbed the Anti-Besigye-Act (ABA); so if Besigye to be allowed riding down to central Kampala and go to his office he has to file papers to allow his movement. If not the Police will through tear-gas, storm the Najjankumbi Headquarters of the FDC in the name of that draconian law!

So as I expect and what we thought the Police would do when he entered out the home; Dr. Kizza Besigye would enter into pastures where he is well known in the Police Stations of Kiira and Naggalama, as the NRM-Regime keep him under surveillance and want to stop him from doing political work and drain his spirit. While he is strong keeps pushing the peaceful actions against the regime that uses tear-gas and preventative arrest of him and others to keep the opposition on leach. Peace.

Press Release: Uganda – Violations against opposition party impeding its efforts to contest election outcome (29.02.2016)

LONDON, United Kingdom, February 29, 2016. The Ugandan government is continuing to violate the human rights of leaders of the opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) and undermining the ability of their party to legally challenge the results of the 18 February elections, said Amnesty International in a statement, as the 10-day deadline for filing presidential election petitions looms.

Security forces have repeatedly arrested the aggrieved presidential candidate Dr Kizza Besigye, and some of his party leadership colleagues and supporters. They have also besieged his home, and raided the party’s main office in the capital Kampala.

“The FDC has a legal right to challenge the election results and it must be allowed to do so,” said Sarah Jackson, Amnesty International’s Deputy Director for East Africa, the Horn and the Great Lakes.

“It is unacceptable for the government to stifle a lawfully-registered party from pursuing the only legal recourse available for it to contest the electoral outcome.”

Since the results were announced, Dr Besigye has been detained without charge at police stations or at his home in Kasangati, near Kampala.

His first post-election arrest was on 22 February, as he attempted to leave his home the day after he had suggested in a televised speech that he would challenge the outcome of the election in the Supreme Court.

“These arbitrary arrests are an affront to Dr Besigye’s right to freedom of movement and a clear sign of the prevailing climate of impunity and disregard for rule of law in Uganda,” said Sarah Jackson.

“The Ugandan government must fully and effectively respect its own constitution, and honour its voluntary international obligations to protect every Ugandan’s human rights, including to freedom of movement, freedom of expression, and freedom of peaceful assembly”.

Background

On 20 February, the Electoral Commission declared incumbent President Yoweri Museveni winner of the presidential election with 60.75% of the vote as opposed to Besigye’s 35.37%, an outcome Dr Besigye dismissed as fraudulent.

The election took place amidst a government-ordered social media shutdown that according to European Union (EU) election observers “unreasonably constrained freedom of expression and access to information”.

According to the police, Dr Besigye’s continued arrest was made under powers of “preventive arrest” for “utterances and activities that amount to incitement to violence and defiance of the law”. Amnesty International has examined Dr Besigye’s televised remarks and does not consider him to have incited violence.

FDC headquarters were raided by police on 19 February, while elections were ongoing in parts of Kampala. Witnesses interviewed by Amnesty International said police officers fired tear gas canisters at crowds gathered at the scene.

Dr. Kizza Besigye still under House-arrest at Kasangati; while Lukwago and EU EOM visits; the Calvary is kind and let a FDC supporter go in with some food to Besigye (26.02.2016)

Yet another day under house-arrest as the world follows the situation and the way the depressing; Uganda Police Force continues to hold Dr. Kizza Besigye house under siege and have no direct answer other than “preventive arrest”. They have not directly complied with it, while Kale Kayihura wrote in a statement on the 24th February:
“Rtd Col Kizza Besigye is not under house arrest. He is allowed unlimited access to his lawyers, family and party officials, among others, and is not in any way hindered from preparing to legally challenge the results of the Presidential Elections if he so chooses to do so”.

Well the DPC of Kasangati must be counting his boss or the direct orders of his master; if not it is a pure lie on the 24th February 2016 as the Uganda Police chief Inspector General of Police Kayihura. The DPC of Kasangati James Kawalya has the power to either let people in too Dr. Kizza Besigye or not. Therefore up to 15 people and supporters of Presidential Candidate has today been taken to custody by the police as not “everybody” can visit him; as they have to check if you fit the profile of the men that enter the home.

The ones that was allowed earlier in the morning today was one of his lawyers and also newly elected Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago was allowed into the premises with foodstuffs and having a chat with Besigye.

Also later in the day the European Union Election Observers Monitoring (EOM) mission during the General Election in Uganda was courting together with the American embassy riding a big convoy through Wakiso into Kasangati. They could not drive to close and had to have a conversation with the the director human resource development for Police, Mr Andrew Felix Kaweesi. He had to allow them to enter! As the EU EOM was not able to meet him yesterday meet him then, as he was arrested and taken to Kira Road Police Stations and deployed in the evening back to Kasangati. The issue is that EU had to court the Police to enter the compound. This here shows that the words written in the hands of IGP Kayihura from 24th February is utter lies; if he was a free man, the police would not arrest FDC Supporters, would not siege his home and would not tell who could enter and who would be lucky to get to meet him. That is not freedom or liberty, which is a house-arrest where the Police decide for Dr. Kizza Besigye and tell him if he can leave or can visit! This here proves the arrogance of the Police and how the use some words of peace, and does unjust actions the second the public shows the blind eye or doesn’t watch carefully.

Take a look at this arrogance as the loyal supporter show trust and care for his candidate:
“FDC supporter seen escorted by a number of police officers as takes food into the private residence of Ugandan Opposition heavyweight Dr. Kizza Besigye, barricaded by both Ugandan military and Police force for a week since polling day”.

From clear sources when they arrived in the convoy this was the message from the Police:
“A European Union (EU) delegation has been denied entry into Kizza Besigye’s Kasangati home. The delegation arrived this afternoon in a convoy of about six cars. Police which remains deployed outside the residence declined to let them in” (Forum for Democratic Change, (26.02.2016). Something that changed after a conversation with Andrew Felix Kaweesi before entering by foot, because the compound is closed for cars for the moment, as the Police has to secure the area! For some reasons they wouldn’t discuss or really tell, while we all kind of figured it out; as the subtle ways of the Ugandan Police doesn’t really exists... as seen through the pre-election period and continue every single day!

This here shows that there are no moral standards to the leadership of the police as they use the force to the people; as they are treated as subjects, not as citizens as many of the ones by the gates of Kasangati has been detained and driven away. As even the ambassador and the representative from U.S. and EU had to plea to Human Resources Kaweesi as he has the final say together with DPC Kawalya who orders and gives the opportunity to let them in or not. I am sure If they wasn’t international observers and ambassadors that could really sham and destroy the little integrity of the government, they would not have entered the premises and had the talk with Dr. Kizza Besigye. This here proves the mobility and the arrest that he has. If this does not give way and prove the determination of the Police to keep him monitored and also secured in their power instead of giving him an opportunity to talk to his FDC officials and also petition the elections. As the NRM-Regime fears that, because of the massive rigging; they would not go to this extent if he was somebody who doesn’t have the support or political capital to force a change. That is why the Police is not around Joseph Mabirizi’s house, only Professor Joel circles around it to get new jokes to his TV show.

So IGP Kayihura shut-up and talk’s sense, as you ask the public to talk sense and not sensationalize events and rhetoric from the opposition or media. This time it all makes sense, and it is common sense as the facts and the fiction from the Uganda Police Force is just foolish and they could you know; easily see that he manipulates the laws and use Public Order Management Bill as it was intended  the“Anti-Besigye Act” used to suppress his party and his affiliates, as the NRM can do as they want and nobody; especially the Police does not mind, but if the opposition, and especially Dr. Kizza Besigye and the FDC officials; than it is another story and even doing the same; is illegal while it’s okay for the NRM.

So now that Dr. Kizza Besigye continues to live under house-arrest, get detained without a warrant or reason other than pure fiction from the Police, as he supposed to generate chaos or violence; while the Police kills and throw tear-gas unto civilians, while he last time ask for people to walk to a destination, not grab arms and bring down the NRM-Regime as the rhetoric from the IGP Kayihura could sound like. That is the honest truth, though Gen. Kayihura would never say it, because his NRM-Police has loyalty toward President Museveni. That is why the Police secure peace from the President Museveni (that is main objective). The Police does not need to think to much about the government of Uganda or the citizens;  who apparently is the people, because none of them is President Museveni. The IGP Kayihura they are second fiddle and not that important, because he just follows orders directly from President Museveni. Peace.

FDC Supporters detained at Wandegya Police Station and sent to Luzira; The Calvary shows loyalty to NRM on the final day before the Polls!

Police are rounding up our supporters in Kampala at Wandegeya Police Station and taken straight to court and jailed. I only see Hon Nabilah Nagayi Sempala fighting for their freedom but not us. We need to amplify this. Those are voters and police will lock many to deny them chance to vote!

Hon. Nagayi Sempala written this:

“Happening now at Kagugube Court near LDC! Our FDC youth who are being rounded up are being taken to Luzira! The military and police are coordinating this! Let’s fight on! The intention is to intimidate, frustrate and break the people’s resolve to fight for democracy tomorrow”.

This here is election-rigging at it’s finest. Rounding up and spreading fear for affiliation with the wrong political party; getting detained for beeing political in the wrong party. If the NRM call this a peaceful election they are lying to the world as they are not giving peace to anybody else then themselves; as the FDC supporters getting jailed 24 hours before the polls begins. That is just a BITCH move from the NRM-Regime and their Police Force! As this can’t not be addressed and be shunned. All the Election Observation Missions and the International presens does not stop the disregard for other political stances then standing by the side of President Museveni. As this Young people who! Peace.

Dr. Kizza Besigye message after the Arua Rallies

This election is about Mr. Andrew Buzzu, 90 years old; he has never seen a peaceful hand over of power from one president to another. This historic election can be Mr. Buzzu gift, yes we can give it to him because he deserves it, and all we deserve it.

It has been a two days sojourn over a total of 14 rallies, tens of thousands of men, women, young people, children grand fathers and mothers, we have talked to and I am sure as we left Boma Grounds when they were convinced that we have the answers to Rhino Camp, health care, jobs, agriculture, social security, Petition for infrastructure, education, national security and many more.

Let me take this opportunity to thank our party leaders and members that voluntered to make our campaign trail a success. Many of you who donate to our campaign do not have so much money to give but you are selfless men and women who have chosen to get involved in shaping a future with your voice.

Yes some people will come to you to buy you, but that money they are using to buy your support is your money so eat it with pride and ask for more, but secure your future by voting for FDC candidates and those who identify with our cause to bring the change we all deserve at all levels.

Thank you Arua.

For God and my country.

#Wesige Besigye

No exemption in the reign of terror as it continues at Rhino Camp Health Care

Today there been FDC-Supporters who have been in car-accidents. But that is not the worst. It is sad to see all the car accidents that are happening in Uganda, because of the poor roads and security on it.

In Arua districts and sub-counties one of the two days they are on the campaign trail there. The Police have been involved and taken charge in the area. Just as they have done with the Go-Forward Presidential Candidate Amama Mbabazi in recent days.

Even NTV Senior Journalist Francis Jingo and Ronald Galiwango we’re manhandled by the Police and because he and for the reason of wanting to visit the local referral hospital, but was not allowed therefore the hard treatment from the local police force.

The DPC Jonathan Musinguzi made a decision and denied the FDC Campaign trail to visit the Rhino Camp Health Care. This is the place where the Besigye Convoy we’re attacked. Even the FDC MP Flag-Bearer for Madi North with registered number UAX 381L we’re injured in the battalion. It was the DPC and the Police blocked the entrance for everybody!

Message from Dr. Kizza Besigye:

“A lot of interferences by Police couldn’t stop the people of Madi and Terego from taking part in our campaigns today. Thanks to the FDC leadership and people for the good work at all our 7 rallies. Tomorrow we continue with other parts of Arua and our main rally. Wesige Besigye”.

That’s enough of the madness from the Police on the matters of FDC today! Peace!

Statement from Hon. Betty Ocan – on the events leading to campaign violence in Lalogi, Gulu (Released: 24.12.2015)

Tuesday December 22nd, was the day for Uganda’s Presidential Candidate Dr Kizza Besigye to have a campaign rally in Gulu district. To build up to the this, the FDC national campaign team arranged to hold mini rallies in Bobi, Lakwana (Opit), Odek (Acet), Lalogi sub counties and Gulu municipality at the Carribean/ Kauda grounds.

After his successful rallies in Opit and Acet trading centers, Dr Besigye was due to travel to Lalogi. I, Hon Betty Aol Ocan being the area Woman MP and host of my Party President was in the advance team responsible for preparation of his rallies. As such I was always ahead and in Lalogi I arrived before the Besigye Team only to find that the Deputy Speaker Hon Oulanya Jacob was having a rally at our booked venue. He had mobilized his supporters and was physically present talking to a crowd. His parked convoy had one lead Police Vehicle and about 12 armed escorts and a number of “crime preventers” who seem stationed for a purpose at the venue Aketket Primary school ground.

When I arrived, as you may have seen on the NTV news footage on that day, I reached out to engage Hon Oulanya and his team on what was going on in our booked campaign venue. We chatted amicably as we always do in the corridors of parliament and he argued that his rally was prearranged before Besigye. He stated that there was no need for Besigye to interfere and in that case we should leave. I reminded him of our arrangement with the community leaders who agreed with me and we chatted on….

For a reason I am yet to know, many of his supporters started waving sticks and hoes, axes, stones at my team as time passed by. The situation quickly became tense and in the confusion his “security” manhandled me in a failed attempt to get me away. I am sad to note that my hair was pulled and I was physically assaulted which led the gallant youth on my campaign team to protect me from the rowdy melee. All this while, the fracas was being filmed by NTV and NBS news crew who were also present at the venue.

Now, as the disturbance escalated, the attention of the rowdy NRM supporters was drawn to the TV crew and their news van which had been well documenting the situation all this while. Their anger was perhaps due to fear of exposure of their conduct. They attacked the crew and journalists were pelted with stones and great damage was caused to their equipment. Villagers started gathering from all over in large numbers despite the security deployment and over powered Hon Oulanya and his supporters. The deputy speaker quietly escaped from the site and his guards fizzled out one by one. This brawl lasted about 35 minutes!

Dr Besigye then later joined us at the venue and we had a clam campaign as scheduled later having a big rally in Gulu town that evening. We have reported the matter at Lalogi Police Station and a case of threatening violence, causing injury and damage has been opened against Hon Oulanya and his campaign team involved. Assault case SD REF:08/22/12/2015.

I later heard the Aswa Region police Spokesperson Jimmy Patrick Okema comment on Mega FM that “the action of the Deputy Speaker at Lalogi was provoked by Hon Betty Aol.” Of course they are trying to cover up the misuse of power and state security by Hon Jacob Olanya and we dismiss such a baseless statement due to lack of substance. We do have the footage of the entire fracas and our people are on the ground in the villages.

Also, you may be aware that the Electoral Commission had suspended ALL parliamentary campaigns and Hon Jacob Oulanya campaigning on that day was in violation of this Electoral Commission directive. His team was shamelessly and unlawfully breaching that directive. Only presidential campaigns were scheduled to go ahead at the time.

Friends, this campaign should not be a matter of Do or Die. People should not take the law into their hands and should respect the election schedule. The youth being used to break the law in the name of “crime preventers and security” will account individually and collectively. If may be they thought fear and intimidation would cow us in to giving up our rights, they are miscalculating big time. We have been in those trenches for a while now. Our team will continue to obey the law and we request other political players and the police to do the same. And intimidation will not get you votes we promise!

Our sincere apologies to the people of Lalogi who were affected by this unfortunate event and unnecessary attention. I have known people in Lalogi as some of the most calm people I have met in my decades of community work in Gulu district. Our biggest regrets to the NTV and NBS crew whose independent work was unduly interfered with and suffered physical attack and property damage. That is not how we do things in Gulu; We will all get justice.

We want to wish every body a happy festive season, let us celebrate in peace, let us refrain from violence in this campaign. Let us spare resources for the next year. Education of our young people should be our focus in the New year. Let us also remember to vote and maintain leaders who will keep our interests on the contentious issue of land and education, livelihood empowerment, social services and culture among others. I love you all very much.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and Happy New year. May God Bless you richly next year.

–Betty Aol Ocan, Gulu Woman MP 2016.