Dr. Kizza Besigye house-arrested on the 6th Day

“Police block several MPs at Kasangati-Nangabo junction as they move to visit our leader Besigye at his residence” (The Red Card Front, 17.05.2022)

There are over 100 policemen deployed around my residence. My immediate neighbour’s banana plantation is now part of the police barracks, where they are camped. They think that maybe I will disappear in that plantation” – Dr. Kizza Besigye, Former FDC Leader” (NTV Uganda, 17.05.2022).

The pre-emptive arrest and detention without a court-order persist. The state has not produced him to a court, delivered a warrant or done anything of the sorts, which would deem the acts of Dr. Kizza Besigye illegal. Instead, they are taking away his freedom and liberty for 6 days now.

This a continuation of the impunity and lack of rule of law. As the activists, political leader and citizen himself isn’t allowed to demonstrate, protest or even gather the public behind a reasonable cause. This is the misuse of the Public Order Management Act (POMA) which we all was afraid of when it became the law of the land. As it blocks, stops and silence anyone who wants to gather, political rallies or demonstrations.

So, without any real justification, only the words of the CP Fred Enaga his detained in his own home since the 12th May 2022. This just shows how the state operates and doesn’t respect people’s rights or liberties. They have let this one go on for more the 48 hours. By law they should do something, but not expect anything.

Yesterday, the lawyers representing him was able to enter the compound. However, FDC MPs who tried to enter the compound today wasn’t allowed too. They also struggled through several checkpoints and blockades towards the home of Besigye. Proving that it’s not only the home of Besigye that is sealed off, but the roads going to his home is blocked as well.

Update – later in the day:

Forum for Democratic Change party members, including Hon. Francis Mwijukye and Hon. Gilbert Olanya have paid a courtesy visit to Dr. Kizza Besigye, who remains under house arrest. The group carried some foodstuffs for him” (NBS Television, 17.05.2022).

These MPs was finally allowed to enter after persistent acts at any checkpoint and barricade along the way. Alas, a small battle just to see Besigye.. That isn’t justified and righteous. It shows what the state does and what is willing to do. Peace.

Dr. Kizza Besigye house-arrested on the 5th Day

I want to warn politicians about holding unlawful assemblies and processions. Use of illegal processions is not encouraged as they disrupt the rights of other people. It’s against this background that we blocked Dr. Kizza Besigye’s plans last week”Fred Enanga

Forum for Democratic Change wants unconditional freedom of their former President, Dr. Kiiza Besigye, who was arrested as he attempted a Walk-To-Work protest over high commodity prices. Party Secretary-General Harold Kaija insists the acts of their former President were lawful, and his prevention arrest should end” (NBS Television, 16.05.2022).

Police has finally granted permission to the lawyers of Col. Dr Kizza Besigye to access their client, who is currently under house arrest at his Kasangati home. Today marks the fifth day of Besigye’s house arrest since he announced his intentions to protest against hiked commodity prices” (NBS Television, 16.05.2022).

We are again seeing the reason for the house-arrest of Dr. Kizza Besigye, which has been under siege since he tried on Thursday last week to start a protest going from Kasangeti in Wakiso district into Kampala. This is the pre-emptive arrest and without court order. The authorities are using the Public Order Management Act (POMA) and that was clear from the get-go.

While they have ever since the small procession or protest on Thursday has been barred from leaving his home or getting visitors. The state has made him a felon and a criminal without giving him charges or indicting him. Neither has the judges or the police officers served him anything. Therefore, this is an illegal act and blatant disregard for the rule of law. As they are stopping his rights to protest and be an activist.

The state and the authorities have done this before and it’s not really anything new. It is a continuation of what they have done in the past. Just like Besigye is continuing with his defiance and trying to use civilian protest for his cause. A righteous one at that, but that doesn’t matter to the Uganda Police Force or any other agency. Besigye is a nuisance and they want to silence him. Because, they know he can incite popular uprising and be detrimental to the stability of the regime.

That’s why his house-arrested yet again. With a usage of a law, which was made to cater to him and his ideals. In such a way, that the President and the Authorities could block and stop them from gathering. This is why no one is really allowed to meet, hold rallies or protest. Because, the state can block it and make it illegal. Therefore, the rights are only on paper and not a reality. Since, we know the state wouldn’t allow it anyway.

Besigye fight for justice and freedom is far from over. His a victim of his struggle and continues to pay a price for fighting. It is honourable and a just cause, though very costly for the man. The man haven’t lost his step and the authorities are following his every move. Peace.

Dr. Kizza Besigye house-arrested on the third day

Today is the third day of the house-arrest of Dr. Kizza Besigye, as he staged a protest against the rising commodity prices in Kasangati. As he and his supporters of this cause was participating, as they were planning to go to Kampala. This would be a trek for help and support of the citizens, as the inflation and rising prices on basic commodities.

This a pre-emptive arrest of a political activist, leader and former Presidential Candidate for the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC). Even as his ageing… his still resilient and fights for just causes. While his not allowed to demonstrate, protest or even gather fellow comrades of these causes. That is very obvious, as the Public Order Management Act (POMA) was made for this and was nicknamed the “Anti-Besigye-Act” for a reason.

It is striking that’s his not charged, indicted or even had any court order for the arrest. The Police Force has done this before and it’s nothing new for them to besiege his compound in Kasangati, Wakiso district.

Besigye deserves his rights and liberties like everyone else. That has been taken from him, time and time again. The officers and soldiers surrounding him is just continuation of the impunity of the state. As they are only silencing him and his causes for a peaceful transition of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and the want of a popular public uprising against the military government.

Besigye have released the formula or the road-map to dismantle the junta government of the day. However, the public haven’t follow it or listened to him. That has been an issue for a long time. His again trying to galvanize and lead, but the citizens aren’t following suit. There are a small fringe who does it now. However, Besigye is right and the need for defiance through protest is one way out. Peace.

Dr. Kizza Besigye house arrested on his second day!

Lots of uniformed & non-uniformed Police and goons still totally surround my home (including that of my immediate neighbour)! They get one “meal” a day! They haven’t allowed anyone to come in since yesterday. Court has twice previously declared this illegal! No turning back” (Dr. Kizza Besigye, 13.05.2022).

Yet again, there is Police Force surrounding the compound of Dr. Kizza Besigye. He was yesterday taken in swiftly and arrested, as he was starting a protest against the rising prices on basic commodities.

Besigye is besieged again without a Court Order or having a trial for the citizen, activist and political leader. His detained pre-emptively without any prejudice. He did not incite violence or cause public harm. Neither did he or the ones demonstrating yesterday stop business or the public life. Therefore, this arrest is unlawful and outside of the 1995 Constitution.

This just shows how the authorities are misusing their power and authority. They are baring him from being a citizen and a civilian. Besigye is blocked from his day-to-day activities. His targeted and silenced, because of his prior role and popularity. That’s why the authorities are doing this and keeping him detained in his own home.

What is happening now is reminding us of what has happened before. We can just await that his suddenly forcefully taken into a drone and into the courts. As there is no proof or evidence of his possible problematic behaviour or danger for society. Alas, this is just showing how impunity and how the state is cracking down on its citizens.

Besigye is a proof of how the state operates… and the authorities in this swift manner. Where they are pre-emptive arresting him and detaining him in his own home. Besigye is illegally detained and it’s tragic. His within his constitutional rights to demonstrate, but we know the state would use the Public Order Management Act (POMA) against him. Peace.

Dr. Kizza Besigye house arrested today [as he started to protest the rising commodity prices]

BREAKING: Rtd. Col. Dr. Kizza Besigye has been arrested outside his home as he attempted to move to town in protest of the unreasonable commodity prices and alleged “political succession”” (NBS Television, 12.05.2022).

Four time presidential candidate Rtd.Col Kizza Besigye has been arrested by police following his declaration of the walk to work protests today. He was whisked back to his Kasangati residence where he remains under detention!” (Ekyooto, 12.05.2022).

The authorities and the Police Force has yet again used their abilities to pre-emptive arrest Dr. Kizza Besigye. Done with a Court Order or an indictment of Besigye. This is showing how the state is blocking Besigye from being active or protest.

The pictures of the protest only shows a handful of people and wasn’t a major gathering even. This wouldn’t be a cause for a stir or could been seen as public disorder. Neither was this protest violent and such. So, this is just cracking down on anything that could inspire or spiral out elsewhere.

There was anti-riot police who picked up and certainly they are blocking his compound off. That is something the authorities has done before and the same with this arrest. Besigye knows everything about being arrested.

More news to follow. Especially, when Besigye starts to announce things from his home and when the Uganda Police Force comes out with statements to explain the matter. Peace.

Opinion: Ssemujju Nganda have forgot who owns the county

Hon. Ssemujju Nganda has asked the Prime Minister to find a compound for the First Family so that they can stop packing military trucks in the middle of the road. “We have roads in Kololo but these days when coming to Parliament, there are trucks that seal the roads when the president is having meetings, even the KCCA roads near Nakasero State House. Maybe we should procure a compound for the president because if it’s not……him, it’s the wife or son. I use the banks in Kololo and sometimes I go without money for a whole week.”~Ssemujju” (Parliament Watch, 05.05.2022).

We know this and heard about this for ages. The road-blocks and the “Green Truck Alerts” says it all. That has been heard around the globe. It should be worldwide now. Those pictures of army trucks and road-blocks are now so common that it would be shocking if it didn’t happen.

That the First Family is used to special treatment is also ordinary. The are the epitome of VIP and “High Above”. We know that the President is driving in a huge convoy. The same does his cabinet and all the high ranking officials.

When there is National Resistance Movement (NRM) have a Caucus or moved the Parliament to Kololo the roads have been blocked. Every national event, last 1st May Parade and the Birthday Bash Marathon. The roads was blocked as well. Soon, the state shouldn’t only make a compound for the “High Above” convoy. No, it should build a separate road-network for the “high above” and his huge “entourage” because they are causing traffic problems.

The roads of Kampala wasn’t built for this and neither was the roads around Kololo. There should be done studies and ensure the needs are met. Since, it has become a place of importance. Not only for swearing-in the President every 5 years, but for all sorts of speeches and big ceremonies. That’s why there is a need for a better road congestion and planning. This has certainly never happened by the Ministry of Transport and Works (MoTW), neither the Minister of Kampala or the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA). We can rest assure that the state has never ordered Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) or City Hall to study it either. Because, the plights of the city dwellers or citizens in the capital doesn’t matter that much. Its more important to have a televised speech, than making the city liveable as that happens.

With this in mind… the President is in his might expected to stop all business and roads in-and-around Kololo or from Central Business District or Nakasero Hill. No, the NRM doesn’t care and they are not concerned of the costs of the road-blocks. Neither are day concerned about the Presidential Convoys or any other High Ranking Official. They are driving like they have no rules, they have police, ambulances, army vehicles, police and everyone else following them. It is like a motorized village hitting the road and only missing a chef or pastry chef ensure the VIP get more than cassava when arriving at the end of destination.

Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) MP Nganda Ssemujju knows the First Family acts like owners and so does their court. The others are just to obey and follow orders. So, he did really challenge them here. He knows that nothing will happen. Just like with every preposition and whatnot to make things work. Because, the state isn’t interested in that, unless there is coins and profits for the first family. That’s just the sad reality of how things are working these days.

The convoys and road-blocks will continue to be an issue. The roads and the traffic jams will be a re-occurrent feature of the nearby area. That is just the price of the flamboyant acts of the President and his inner-circle. Peace.

Opinion: Besigye should have been the “former head of state” by now

Today marks the 66th Birthday of the rebel, reformist and firebrand politician Dr. Kizza Besigye. The man who aspired and continues to inspire thousands. He would have been the righteous title of “former head of state”. It wasn’t without a reason he went around and got called the “People’s President” for years.

Besigye haven’t had it easy. He never gotten peace and mind to do his work. Neither has brothers or sisters who has joined him. They have been purged, arrested, charged and detained. The folks around him has been kept detained for months on end without any trial or fair judgement. Besigye have been charged with treason, civil disobedience and all other penal codes that you can name. He has been detained in nearly any corner of the Republic and he has been in plenty of trials. Which has ended up in nothing and been a waste of time.

Besigye is a resolute man and an honest actor. A man of honour and a brave man at that. He could have lived in riches abroad and been a successful doctor. However, he returned back from exile and tried to serve within the NRM government. Nevertheless, he saw the rot and the acts of government and couldn’t bare in mind to be associated with that. So, he left and created Reform Agenda, which later become the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC).

No one can say it hasn’t cost. The days of house-arrest, the loss of family members and the fatalities within his ranks. The ones who has been poisoned and the ones who has been extra judicially killed by just campaigning for a better tomorrow. The man has seen it all and faced it all too. His comrades and people in the struggle have never had it easy.

The ones who thinks the struggle and hardships came with Bobi Wine. No, it was already here, but People Power and National Unity Platform is the next generation that exposes it even further. They are working for the same cause, but materialize itself differently. Besigye has seen all the ills and the Republic haven’t changed.

The Junta is in-charge and Besigye can still amp up the crowds and spark a fire if he wanted too. Besigye have shown how to revolt and ignite defiance in the population. There been plenty of times because of his popularity. That the authorities and the government has come with an iron-fist and no mercy towards this man. The tear-gas, the assaults and the brutal arrests that will forever linger in my mind. As the video-clips and the photos showed what the authorities is capable of doing to a civilian. Who was only working for the betterment of the Republic and not for his own gains.

Besigye became officially second in many Presidential Races. Though we know the rigging and the means of the state. If it wasn’t for the pre-ticked ballots, voter intimidation and all the tricks of the book to legitimize Museveni. Besigye would have already been the President and been the Head of State. If not in 2016, he would have been so in 2011 or in 2006. We can never know, but in my heart I knew he won in 2016. Without a shadow of a doubt and only by laws of crooks he was stolen from getting a well deserved position as His Excellency.

That’s why today isn’t a day of mourning. It is a day of celebration. He is a man who has shown the way and continues to do so. Bobi Wine is maybe this generations freedom fighter, but he needs to learn and reflect from what Besigye did. Besigye has gone in all the footsteps and paths that was possible in the past. He knows the hurdles and the system at hand. It is an unforgiving on and a type that corrupts. That’s why he resilience and will power of Besigye is not only admirable, but something we can all learn from.

Besigye don’t only have ideals, but manuals on how to dissolve the Junta. The people should reflect on those and they need to follow these. Because, it gives insights into how to overpower and create a peaceful transition. Which has been one of the main goals of work. Where it goes from the dictator and to a civilian leader. It goes from the guns and to the people. A transition without violence and with the will of people. That is what he has strived for, but never seen. Hopefully, Besigye get to see promise land. Maybe not for himself, but for the next generation.

He will never be forgotten. His a hero and a man of integrity. There will always be a need for people like him. If things had gone the right way. Besigye would have been the President and the Head of State. We know by now that this never happened. The will of the people and the authorities was able to quell it. Still, he will always have a special place and should be remembered for the campaigns, the rallies and how he stood on the barricades for the people. He did it for them and we cannot forget that. We will not and the ones who stood in his way. Deserves to be tarnished and remembered for blocking his reign. Peace.

Dr. Kizza Besigye – “Loud & Clear”

 

”I told you that I have never and I will never ask Ugandans to fight for me. What I do, I do voluntarily as part of the process of freeing our country and myself inclusive.

Therefore to that extent, all Ugandans have as much responsibility as I do in ensuring that we live in a free and fair country

That we have full citizen rights, full economic rights, all Ugandans have equal responsibilities

I have only been dispensing my own part of that responsibility all over the last 40 years

When I left my job I could have been working abroad also, I was a medical doctor in a modern hospital, I could have continued my profession as a doctor, earned well and lived comfortably and continued to enjoy family life like all other citizens should do. I have not abandoned that because I want to become anything, not at all. It’s because I want to live somewhere I call my country, where I have full rights. I don’t want to live in Europe, America and others countries that have been freed by their own citizens.

I want to free my own country where I was born and where my ancestors are so that I can live here in freedom”

The Former Kawempe South MP Munyagwa was kidnapped by an unknown security agency today

Former Kawempe South MP Mubarak Munyagwa has been kidnapped & whisked off in a drone. His aide says the kidnappers waylaid him around Masanafu as he drove to NBS Television for NBS Eagle” (Simon Kaggwa Njala, 20.02.2022).

A source familiar with the matter reveals that Joseph Sabiiti on Saturday morning rang ex Kawempe South MP Munyagwa Mubarak and gave him an offer of UGX 15m to stop defending Zaake on TV shows but the FDC strongman declined to trade his integrity for peanuts” (Emmanuel Busingye – ‘Among flees country, deploys UGX 100m for bloggers, NBS journalists’ 20.02.2022, Ekyooto.co.uk).

First and foremost we don’t know why Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Stalwart Mubarak Munyagwa was kidnapped earlier today. He has been kidnapped and arrested before, he has fought cases and been in legal jeopardy before. This is nothing new to the former MP. He has been under fire and in trouble during his career. However, that doesn’t justify the recent kidnap and keeping hum incommunicado without any knowledge for why.

We don’t know why the former MP was taken away and kept in an undisclosed location. We don’t know the charges or the reason. If it was a bribe or he “offended the Don”. We don’t know if he has uttered some “offensive communication” or anything,

The former MP is taken without any clear reason or indication for doing so. This is lightening striking in broad daylight and for no apparent reason. That’s what’s going on. The former MP was kidnapped back in 2010 and this is a re-issue of that. Nevertheless, we don’t know the reason or why it happened. Which is showing how “rule of law” is only in the words, but not in the action of the current time. Peace.

National Unity Platform (NUP): Statement on Propaganda about IPOD Funding (18.02.2022)