Opinion: Museveni cannot change the legacy of Tumwiine

The death and demise of Gen. Elly Tumwiine was all created by himself. That people rebuke and spoke ill of him after the fact. This is just a reaction to the life he lived and the purpose of his own achievements. Tumwiine was a reflection and a representation of what the National Resistance Army and what the National Resistance Movement had become.

That President Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni is trying to rectify or change the narratives are commendable. But what else is his supposed to do? He knows what is coming for him. The eulogies of Museveni will be detrimental and mirrored of the ones written for Mugabe. That’s why he saw what happened to Tumwiine and his worried about his own legacy.

A man of his tribe, cause and belief. Tumwiine is a man who stood Museveni near and was a trusted one. A man who fought, continued to fight and showed loyalty. That’s why the brutality, arrogance and all other things doesn’t matter to the President. Because, Tumwiine served and did so diligently. That’s what matters to him. This is why he wants him to be remembered for his philanthropy, playing music, being a church-goer and whatnot. He don’t want him to be remembered for his relentless contribution to oppressive behaviour and lack of rule of law. No, he wants the positivity and the publicity of a hero.

Alas, he might be a hero in the circle of Museveni. That doesn’t make him heroic in the pubs or in the hinterland. No, they have seen what happens when they cross or happens to be stepped on. They know what has happened to their kin and their children. The vicious and vindictive nature of Tumwiine wasn’t all about peace. He didn’t mind to use violence and use brutal retribution. When that sort of man dies. People won’t mourn, but they will celebrate. Because, they lost one brute and villain. He was a villain that the President needed, but the people? They could have been without him and his actions. There are to many scorned, family members lost and people harmed for life. Which the President seems to neglect.

“We all shall die, eventually. That, therefore, cannot be a matter for celebrating whether you

like the person in question or not. People who do that are deceiving themselves” (Museveni, 05.10.2022).

This here is both true and false at the same time. We all shall die, that’s a fact for everyone living. However, you cannot speak about how folks or people will react about your death. It depends on how you chose to live and how you conducted yourself. If you were friendly or a despicable person. That will be reflected on when you die. People are not deceiving themselves, but everyone shows remorse and mourning differently, also depending on their statute and their legacy as a whole. Just like some people praised the Queen Elizabeth, others was right in questioning her colonial acts and partaking in the usage of the British Empire. Therefore, it’s right that people write ill of the bad past that Tumwiine himself was a part of and acted upon. Not only the glory stories, which your text only reflects. Because, you want the same sort of glorification when your end is near…

Museveni’s arrogance comes really forward here:

“Tumwiine was an early achiever in education, a freedom fighter, an artist, a philanthropist and a wealth-creator (big farmer). If some people do not appreciate such people, it could be that they are either uninformed (ignorant) or they are parasites (want affluence without working). Such people should be guided or condemned if they persist in their negativity. The roads everybody rides on, the schools, the electricity stations that generate electricity for the night-club goers to have transnights and tweet the following day etc., are from the sweat of the wealth creators like Tumwiine, not to forget the peace the tweeters are using to express their malice. Go and send tweets in Mogadishu, if you think peace is not important” (Museveni, 05.10.2022).

He acts like we should cherish people who acted with viciousness and vindictiveness. That’s why President Museveni is honour him after his death. It’s all for the ploy of self-service. Tumwiine served him and was loyal to his causes. That’s why his writing with spite like this. Calling the ones who questions Tumwiine Uninformed (ignorant), which he wants to keep people in really. If people was ignorant, they would have praised and glorified him. Alas, that wasn’t the case. They are informed and know what he did in his time. The actions of Tumwine, the families who has lost members because of him. The families who has been torn-apart or has relatives that was caught in “Safe-Houses”. That was all done on the watch and orders of Tumwiine. These are not eulogies or being referred here. Not in a manner, which represents them.

That’s why Museveni is losing a step here and he does it boldly. It isn’t strange to see either. When you know this will resemble what could happen when it’s his turn. Which he should fear now. If people speak about Tumwiine like this. How will they speak of Museveni? He should be frightful and in disbelief. Because, his propaganda and his control of the narrative will be lost. Just like he has twisted and turned on the stories of the predecessors. After his demise. People will speak any which way about him too.

You see how thinks and considers people thoughts when he ends the paragraph with “go and send tweets in Mogadishu”. That’s his rebuttal. Instead of understanding or seeing the pain or the suffering of the his own people. No, they are just supposed to follow the “Correct Line” and be part of his vision. If you don’t follow him. Your an uninformed person and a parasite. That’s just disgusting rhetoric and shows his character to the world.

Museveni should get the insight and the understanding of the people. Instead he wants to be above and beholden on the premise of his own stature. That’s for the reasons of him being in power for so long. He considers his own reasoning and mind above everyone else. That’s why Museveni cannot see or grasp the resentment of his own population. This has been brewing over the years. The NRM and President Museveni should really study it, but they think every solution is bound by heavy weaponry. That’s why they don’t care or pay it no mind.

For being an old man and a supposed statesman. His certainly not having the ear to the ground or listening to the pleas of his public. He might not like the sentiment or the way it’s communicated. However, he should look into himself and what his done. When they could write this about his ally Tumwiine. What can the same fellas right about him?

Well… you can just imagine and some have the eulogies prepared. They have the material and all the stories in the vault. So, His Excellency should listen, but we know he never does. If he did listen. He might have gotten some insights that could broaden his perspective and give him a sort of a reality check. That could be good for him, but we know he prefer being in a trusted bubble and not go outside of it. This is prevalent and it’s becoming a part of who he is. Peace.

Uganda: Ministry of Defence & Veteran Affairs – Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces – Press Statement (25.08.2022)

Opinion: If you want to be remembered as a hero, act like one…

Today, the announcement of Gen. Elly Tumwine death. As he died while getting treatment in Nairobi, Kenya. He was airlifted last week, as his health deteriorating. Ever since then there been speculations and also dismissals of his demise.

However, the General, the former Security Minister and Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) Member of Parliament has a legacy, which he wishes he don’t hold. People want to be eulogized in the finest manners, especially the ones who held power. In the instance of Tumwine, you cannot get both and that’s because of his his judgment while living.

Gen. Tumwine could have planted roses, built magnificent buildings and been a charitable man after he “fought” the liberation war. He decided to do other things. Server the new regime and be the face of impunity. Tumwine wanted to show force and be reckoned with. That’s why nobody should look into his action or be transparent about it. This is why he blocked MPs from investigating in person at ungazetted “safe-houses” and neither has he served any consequences for using lethal weapons on protesting civilians up to the General Election of 2021.

So, the people wanting sympathy and eulogises of wisdom, mercy and mere legends. Well, that isn’t who he is. Yes “he fought” a selfish war for personal gains to grab land and power. That’s why he used “we fought” on a regular basis. He was part of the 1986 brigade that acted above the law and didn’t have pay for their misdeeds. While others would be severely punished by the same group of gentlemen.

Within family or friends, he might be soft-spoken, a loving father, uncle and buddy. That side the public didn’t see. Neither did they care if he loved music or not. When he could be part of system that kidnapped, tortured and kept civilians incommunicado in safe-houses with no prior conviction or trial. Those sorts of acts will be a mere reflection of his actions while living.

He chose this life and the burden of acting like this. The ones who wants a heroes journey and a braggadocios end. Well, that for someone else… that was maybe the beginning of his journey, as he participated in the liberation war or bush war in the 1980s. However, everything he did since then wasn’t noble and he became part of another dictatorship. Yes, he stopped the previous ones, but he ushered in a new one. Where he thrived and lingered in the offices of power. Where he was used as a tool and a face of injustice. He didn’t mind and kept on doing his business.

So, when all the innocent people has been touched by this man. All the people that lost their lives and the ones who are scared for life. The families who has lost their loved ones, the breadwinners, the fathers, the mothers and the sons or daughters. They never got a proper chance to say goodbye. Because, Gen. Tumwine had decided their fate. He accepted the merciless acts of injustice and he served it, time and time again. That was what he did with his role and his time on earth.

He could have painted pictures, written novels, a teacher of leadership or even bravery, as he stood in the battle and lost an eye doing so. Nevertheless, he didn’t do that. The sacrifices he made got paid back thousands of times. He got office, shillings and perks, because of what he did. The bills got paid and he got treatment of an honourable. That’s why it’s not like he didn’t earn on the bush-war. He did and he thought he was entitled to it.

One of the “We Fought” is now gone. One of the men who carried out order without mercy. Has now left earth. Now, the NRM and the UPDF will salute the man. He served them kindly, but not the people. Peace.

Opinion: Gen. Tumwine cannot intimidate death

The National Resistance Movement and National Resistance Army General Elly Tumwine cannot run away from the past or the present. There is a reason why people are celebrating your death and wishing you dead. That’s because of the choices you did while in power and in office. It isn’t like Gen. Tumwine is innocent or a choir-boy. We all know what sort of man he was and that’s why people are addressing their grievances.

Gen. Tumwine won’t be fondly remembered by plenty. That’s his legacy and the career that he built. No matter what sort of sacrifices he did in the Bush. The generations after that didn’t eat out of that. Except for a small marginalized click of NRA fighters and the anointed people around the President. Therefore, Tumwine can be praised by those, because he kept the NRM alive, but not serving the people.

Gen. Tumwine was on Thursday flown to Nairobi, Kenya in critical condition. After rumours of his death yesterday on Saturday. We don’t know how his condition or sickness for that matter. He has to be ill to be flown out and not getting treatment in Kampala. That’s why the state has offered this and made it possible for him. A sort of service and option that the average citizen would never see or have ability to do.

The General knows perfectly well what he did and the lives his taken. That is something he knows. Both as an army commander, Minister of Security and all the other roles he had in government. Tumwine has played a vital role in the security apparatus and he has had no scruples. That’s why he blocked MPs to have oversight of “Safe-Houses”, using soldiers to quell to demonstrators and all other measures to be in power. Therefore, his life work has been surrounded by terror and death.

He has chosen to intimidate and scare. The weapons, the soldiers and the use of torture to get his ways. Gen. Tumwine has used this and spelled out it a lot of times. He has acted above the law and been practically the law in flesh. Now, his meeting the one thing he cannot overpower, which is ageing and health.

Gen. Tumwine and the family might want sympathy. However, the General never shown that to the dissidents, the rioters or the ones fallen. No, he has expected total retribution and demise of the ones in his way. This man haven’t served with concern of life or worried about using lethal means. No, that’s been his code. So, a man like that is hard to give any sympathy too. His made this bed and he got to sleep in it.

That Tumwine is on life-support at Aga Khan in Nairobi says it all. He did his whole defend a government and a system, which couldn’t help him when he needed the most back-home. The man who was UPDF MP in Parliament for ages. A former Minister for Security and all the other roles served. Certainly, he could have offered and made amends while in office. However, he chose to be a Freedom Fighter and be a loyalist of the NRM.

This is why Gen. Tumwine is paying the price now. His part of “them” and the ones who has enforced brutality, torture and extra judicial killings. As a leader and as a man who choose to do this and that’s why people will not shed tears for his demise. Because, people know people who has been touched by his orders. The system he was part of and he could easily order death. That’s why people will not sorrow when his day comes.

Gen. Tumwine and family might want him to be remembered as a legend or bush war hero. However, the innocent lives on his record will stain him forever. The lives that he has shattered, the families he has broken, that will linger on and be part of his legacy. This was choices he made and prospered while doing so. It isn’t like he couldn’t have changed path or decided differently. Everyone can take a moral stance or consider their actions. However, he choose to get people abducted, use safe-houses, order soldiers onto the streets and use lethal force against civilians. That’s the sort of man he was and that he cannot run away.

He cannot run away from that, not even in death. Since that’s what he did as a living and a man in power. The General could have done it differently, but that wasn’t his character. People are celebrating his demise, because he ordered the demise of others. That’s why he will not be fondly remembered by everyone. He might have been a good father, a great grandparent and a family man. However, that doesn’t change the blood that is on his hands. That they cannot erase or get us to forget. Peace.

Opinion: Bambi… Tumwine is late … Part II

“What did you mean when you said let the president retire peacefully?

Who doesn’t know it? Those who want to understand it, understand it, those who don’t want to understand, it’s up to them. Who doesn’t know that anybody who is working at one point must retire? Who doesn’t wish the president well? Who doesn’t want our president to retire peacefully?

When do you want him to retire?

When the right time has come; when God says this is the time to retire so that others take over from him. That time must come and it should be peaceful. That is my prayer.

It becomes your prayer after you have been sacked as minister?

No, I have not started now but the handover was the best occasion for me to put out that message.” (Muhammed Kakembo – ‘Gen Tuwine: I love Museveni but he must retire’ 30.06.2021, The Observer).

The General of all ages Elly Tumwiine was at it again. This time in a interview at CBS Radio. Where he discussed the outburst and speech, as someone else took over his role in the cabinet. He went from being a Minister and MP to become a Presidential Advisor. He has been demoted and since then wished retirement on President Museveni.

This is not shocking, but a tendency of people who has a fallout of grace. That they suddenly wish the end of the Museveni era. It was all cool and dandy when they had an office and was in good graces. However, when they are not useful anymore.

That’s when they strike out and speak their true opinion. Now, Tumwine is all out and speaking of retirement. When there has no signal of that and no plans of an official transition. Though, there have been secret plans to usher in the son, Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerubaga under the code of “Project Muhoozi”.

So, don’t be shocked if that is on the table and people are sudden on guard for that one. Nevertheless, the General doesn’t speak of this. It is a generalization, which everyone can agree. The advanced aged President and Self-Styled President for Life. Has run its course and should have ended a long time ago. His Presidency isn’t turning better, but for the worse as the time goes by.

Tumwine isn’t saying that and neither is his peers. It is more mumbo jumbo and static friction. There is a lack of general concern and a reality check. It is like we are supposed to it this meal and let bygones be bygones. Like the likes of the General didn’t help this to happen and him being a loyal servant for the cause for years.

That’s why this is hard to believe and BAMBII his late to the appointment. Man, the jam must have been hard to cross from Kawempe to Makindye. It has taken ages and the jam must have been crazy. Because of the VIPs and the H.E. who has passed through the Central Business District and held a speech at Hotel Serena or something. Since, it has taken this long for him to get here.

That’s why we can question him. It is only happening now and not ages ago. He has let this happen and happily abided. He has entertained this, and he cannot suddenly twist his tongue and make it believable. Peace.

Opinion: Bambi… Tumwine is late …

“You know it should be our duty to save him from being ‘ngamba nyenka’ . The Banyankole have proverb ‘ngamba nyenka anyunka amarwa mabi’; That the one who does not take advice brews some bad beer. But we should save the president that problem or we should save him from the disease diagnosed by political scientists and political psychologists that is called hubris syndrome” – Gen Elly Tumwine (24.06.2021).

The one with the highest honours, the one who has shielded and been entitled for rewards. A man who is of the golden generation and one of the trusted allies of the President. He suddenly has a moment of clarity. Though, do I think it is profound and real?

Nah… his just toying around with it, because it will do him no harm. He knows that he will sooner or later get a role. Become a special envoy or appointed to a government role. His not worried about the future. Just like Gen. Moses Ali never have too worry. They always have a place and will get a plum-job somewhere.

That’s why I don’t really believe the words of General Elly Tumwine. The loyal and trusting fellow. Who has been by the side of the President since forever. He been one of the cadres of Museveni and he has enjoyed the spoils.

Why would he turn now… well.. I think it is just causing some headlines and it will die out. His to old to renegade and act a fool. Not like he will become a dissident and be on the streets jamming for support. Neither will this man join party with Robert Kyagulanyi or Mugisha Muntu. No, this man will sooner or later ask of relevancy again.

“I can say that while most of my senior colleagues in the struggle have been ministers for very many years, me in the 35 years in our regime, I have been minister for less than five years but throughout the rest of the time, I have supported, I have worked, I have guided, I have helped those who are in those official positions and I have served Parliament representing UPDF for all those years since 1986. As a matter of fact, to date, as we speak I am the longest continuous serving Member of Parliament in the history of Uganda and in the British system they call him the father of the house; the one we follow but here they refused it for whatever reasons” – Gen. Elly Tumwine (24.06.2021).

We can clearly see that he has no regard to do that. He see himself as a great person and wants to be respected, as he has been a UPDF MP until this term. That says a lot and his proud of it too. He wants to be the father of the house and be seen as a honourable still. Even if he never needed to go to the districts, the sub-counties or even campaign for his role as an MP. He won special elections with delegates of the UPDF. Which has 10 slots for the UPDF regardless of the popularity. A questionable army interference in the Parliament from the get-go. So, it is not like the General have been elected for his charisma or his political capacities. No, he was a token soldier for the cause of the President and supposed to follow his direction blindly. Therefore, his own ego is bigger than the mountains of the Himalayas.

Showing his loyalty still, even after the transitional talk. He still has a soft cushion to land on: “Let me assure you of my commitment to support you as I will be Senior Presidential Advisor of Security and as a fellow freedom fighter, which duty goes much beyond being a minister. You know some of you are dying to be ministers and you see people anchoring to be ministers” (Tumwine, 24.06.2021).

You know his unhappy with being demoted and becoming a Presidential Advisor. That role is close to pointless and has now power. A man who has been in Parliament, been a Minister and held various of roles in the Security Organizations. He doesn’t want to be aligned with Jennifer Full Figure and Butchaman. No, he wants to be seen as useful. He fought… so he should be rewarded to the death of him.

That’s the spirit that always come and shows the heart of the occasion. The General don’t want to be a Presidential Advisor. We all can see that… he don’t want to go out of Parliament either. He feels that he has to retire, but the President doesn’t have too.

That’s what he feels is unfair. As a loyal soldier… and he should see the Head of State retire too. However, they have all worked to give him the Presidency for Life. Gen. Tumwine just find it unfair and that’s why his warning now.

Nevertheless, the General and all of his buddies have helped to feed this monster. They have made it all possible and they have all followed his directions. The General and his fellow peers has ensured and sounded the horns, whenever the President have called. Therefore, it is to late to cry now. These people are accomplices to it and they have to carry their burden for it. Not only for the coup d’etat in 1986, but for participation in his reign.

Tumwine have been a individual linked and been part of the NRM. They are not separated at any point of time. The General has to answer for his time and what he contributed. Not like the President have changed overnight and now is a danger of being a dictator. That’s something his been for years. It is late to sing psalms about it now. Now that your not as important and doesn’t have a title to your name. You are as important as the influencers from the ghetto.

General, please be dismissed. Peace.

Opinion: Tumwiine thinks his above the law in concern of the safe-houses

“What I know is there is safe houses but you (MPs) will not be allowed to go there because the laws does not permit you” – Gen. Elly Tumwiine on 28th August 2019

General Elly Tumwiine, the Security Minister and the one who has the oversight and governing role over the safe houses, the Police Force and so-on. The General has blocked the Human Rights Committee from the Parliament to access the Safe Houses. As they should be able to assess and report on the works of the state.

Alas, the General has denied that and even asked for the MPs to ask forgiveness for doing so. As they humiliated the owners and the ones whose running these houses. What is out of this world and lack of understanding of his role as a Minister. His not a higher ranking, above the people, but a servant of the public. His Security Ministry is in-charge of Internal Security Organization (ISO), External Security Organization (ESO) and Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI).

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) apparently needs these Safe Houses, as they are still keeping Nalufenya Prison also. The NRM are not interested in disclosing or stopping these practices. That is why the Parliament and the Committee are doing this to the General. Since, the General are not willing to let them overlook the acts of it.

Like the NTV report today:

“Parliament has adopted a motion to censure Security Minister Gen Elly Tumwine for blocking the committee from visiting safe houses and repeated contempt of parliament and the office of the speaker. This follows a report of parliament’s Human Rights Committee that faulted Tumwine for blocking the committee’s work on safe houses, before also stopping the Director of Internal Security Organizations Col Kaka Bagyenda from appearing before the committee” (NTV Uganda, 05.02.2020).

The Parliament is not wrong looking into it. The General should be worried, when you easily access horrific stories of people whose been taken into these places without trial. Tumwine might think he can do it, because there is no repercussions for his actions. Neither will the NRM take any hits for this. Even as they continuing the post-colonial legacy of it. This practice was before the NRM and will hopefully be abolished after it.

“The word “safe house” has now almost gone out of use in Uganda, but multiple sources within the police and accounts by people who have been subjected to torture recently suggest that such places still exist. In his narration to the MPs, the tortured Byamukama said the beating that nearly ended his life did not happen in Nalufenya, for instance. He was blind-folded and driven to a location within Kampala City where he was tortured and was only dropped in Nalufenya after the fact” (Eriasa Sserunjogi – ‘ON WHOSE ORDERS? Torture as an instrument of repression in Uganda’, The Elephant, 29.07.2017).

Gen. Tumwiine knows these stories, there been several cases in Court, which the state has lost. As they are breaching the Constitution and their own laws. By not abiding to it, as they are not gazetted neither are the detained and tortured individuals following the courts nor the rule of law.

That is why Nalufenya is still a thing in 2020. He might be censored, but that will not change the fact of the innocent behind bars and tortured in ungazetted safe-houses across the Republic. Where people who dissent or who are troublesome to the NRM are put. Without trial, without justice and without answering in courts of law. They are guilty before even proven innocent. Instead of being innocent until proven guilty. Peace.

My letter to Gen. Tumwiine on the role the MPs and their investigation of Safe-Houses!

“I am a member of parliament, honourable members and I felt hurt when you ashamed the institution of parliament for knocking at peoples gates thinking that its a safe house. I want them to apologise for shaming parliament” – Gen. Elly Tumwiine (Moses Namayo – ‘Gen Tumwine wants MPs to apologise for “invading safe houses”’, Nilepost, 02.10.2019).

Dear Sir, General Elly Tumwiine, Members of Parliament (MP) and the Minister of Security.

I am writing to you, because clearly it is need. For someone being an MP and Minister. You surely need a kind lecture.

I know your arrogant and feels entitled to living lavish and being unquestioned for role in the National Resistance Army war against Milton Obote II government from 1980-86. Since, then you have been in power together with the President. This is public knowledge.

However, I am not writing to you because of your history. I am writing to you, because you need to hear this. I cannot believe I have to write it even, but apparently I do. The Members of Parliament are Representatives of their constituents, they are the Representatives of the citizens. Initially, they are the lawmakers and the ones having oversight of the government, the Republic and secures the state. The Security Organizations are mandated to secure the country for crime, spying and possible insurgency. The army has mandate to secure the territory and safe the Republic, but not to be policing.

Just as I wrote that, I have to be clear, as Representatives of the Citizens, they are there to ensure the citizens are safe and taken care of accordingly to laws. The MPs did their job as an oversight mechanism to see the state of the safe-houses. Because, this is ungazetted safe-houses should be scrutinized and analysed like Nalufenya Prison before its closure. Surely, there is found and litigated violations of laws from the safe-houses, as this has been proven in the Courts. Therefore, the MPs should be allowed to enter and report to the Parliament.

General Tumwiine, you need to understand your place. Your in the mercy of the MPs and the citizens who elected them. They are not your minions or your little civilians. They are the people, who is there to ensure the public safety. Which you are supposed to respect as a Minister and MP in Parliament too. Instead, you want to keep these practices secret and only the survivors and brave enough to speak about it. Get to give a little gist of the acts done by the Security Organization within these ungazetted safe-houses.

Mr. General, your not superior, these practices will be shed lights on, whether you like it or not. Because, the truth will appear eventually, not because you want it, but the reality will be surfaced or leaked. At one point, the acts and the questionable violations done in the mercy of the security agents of the state. Will shed lights on the ones you want to keep a secret.

Still, you should let the citizens and the MPs know what that is done. General Tumwiine you need to understand your part. Because, you got no rights keeping people without warrants, without court rulings or in detention indefinitely. These things needs to be brought to light. We cannot let this be in the darkness. What we already know about these Safe-Houses is grim and bleak parts of humanity, which a state shouldn’t do. However, you want this behind closed doors and forgotten.

What if one day, another regime put you and your family members in a house like this, General? Wouldn’t you like your MP to knock on the door and check if he laws was abided and your rights was preserved? Have you considered that?

General Tumwiine, tides are turning, times are changing. We don’t know tomorrow, that is why we have to make the best of today and try to make tomorrow, even better. Therefore, you should think of the future and what might happen to you. Who is now defending these practices, who says that you cannot end up in similar places?

I am not the one to charge you, I am just the one to make you think and maybe reconsider your approach. General, the MPs should be allowed to enter and do their duty. Just like you have the duty to ensure the Republic is safe and prevent crime. That doesn’t mean, the state shouldn’t allow questions in how it does it.

Time for you to respect others and actually listen to others. It would be helpful.

Best regards

Writer of Minbane

FYI: The use of Safe Houses are unconstitutional and Gen. Tumwiine is wrong!

“What I know is there is safe houses but you (MPs) will not be allowed to go there because the laws does not permit you” Gen. Elly Tumwiine on 28^th August 2019

Gen. Elly Tumwiine is again defending the indefensible. Where he is now apologetic in the concern of the safe houses, which is ungazetted arround the Republic. This is the Minster of Security, the one whose the head of the operations and he has no issues with them.

“The Minister confirmed that indeed there were safe houses in Uganda and noted that safe houses were not peculiar to Uganda but they are a worldwide intelligence practice.

He told the Committee that some of the functions of safe houses included:

▪To coordinate clandestine intelligence operations

▪To debrief and re-brief intelligence assets

▪To secure and protect witnesses in danger, especially criminals who have turned into witnesses

▪To secure persons who come seeking to be protected by the state for various security reasons

▪To manage hard-core criminals who require a long time to reform and now need observation and surveillance” (Parliament Watch Uganda, 28.09.2019).

Clearly, the state misuse the Safe Houses, these unverified locations to keep people they have as suspects. It is a reason why this is problematic. Because, the people taken there is kept for long, without warrants, court orders or even following their citizens rights.

When the General speaks of permission, what in his right mind does he have to take away the public civil liberties and their constitutional rights?

Have the NRM during the time of Gen. Tumwiine at any point suspended the 1995 Constitution to give a free-for-all and take everyone as suspects before trial, before sentencing and discovery of evidence? Because that is what this seems.

Thanks to ulii.org and several of Court Cases, where innocent civilians was put into these Safe Houses and later won for damages against the state. These cases uses certain laws, which I will copy. To prove the misgivings within the law of the Republic for having these places. No matter, what Tumwiine says. Because, the Republic can never repay him back for his sacrifices, not even with their time and their freedoms apparently.

Lets look briefly at some pieces of legislation. Shall we?

Article 28 clause 1 of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda as follows:-

“In the determination of Civil Rights and obligations or any criminal charge a person shall be entitled to a fair, speedy and public hearing before an independent and impartial court or tribunal established by law”

Article 44(a) of The Constitution of The Republic of Uganda states:

“Notwithstanding anything in this constitution, there shall be no derogation from enjoyment the following rights and freedoms-

(a)Freedom from torture and cruel, in human or degrading treatment or punishment.”

The National Resistance Army (Application to Civilians) Regulations 1996, Regulation 5(1) provides that – “upon arrest of civilian, that civilian may be detained in a military cell and shall be brought before a military court not later than forty eight hours after arrest”.

While these legislation proves how the state are supposed threat there suspects, but that is not what they do.

I will take some snippets from a court case dating to the Judgment on 19^th August 2019 –

“THE HIGH COURT OF UGANDA, CIVIL SUIT NO. 386 OF 2014, LT. (RTD) GEORGE KIGGUNDU:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: PLAINTIFF VERSUS ATTORNEY GENERAL::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: DEFENDANT, BEFORE HON. JUSTICE MUSA SSEKAANA”.

As the Plaintiff testified this: “He testified that he was taken to the Head of Investigations Captain Mbahweza Ceaser who was a captain at the time, now a Colonel, who had a heap of sticks and started beating/assaulting him and asked him to remove his shoes and later locked him up in the toilet at Chieftaincy of Military of Intelligence. He was not informed of the reason why he was being beaten. PW1 further testified that was repeatedly beaten to a point when he started bleeding profusely. He was detained in some place in Kololo, which he came to know was a safe house in the dungeons. The plaintiff further testified that after about two weeks he was asked to make a statement that was when he was told that he was suspected to be recruiting PRA (Peoples Redemption Army) and ADF (Allied Democratic Forces) in areas of Kasese, Kampala and Masindi to which he responded that he did not know anything to do with any rebel activity. He insisted that evidence be brought forward connecting him to the allegations but to date nobody ever brought any evidence against him. Pw1 stated that spent sixty one (61) days in detention in a safe house under extreme torture, sleeping on floor, no visitors, and no treatment. As a result of that torture and detention, PW1 testified that he became black as a result of skin disorder, was beaten on his left leg and suffered severe grievous head Injuries” (High Court Judgment, 19^th August 2019).

We are seeing a pattern of this, where the state keeps suspect without their constitutional rights respected, neither the lawful procedure, as the state has decided that a certain individual is a suspect and therefore, can be handled with the full arm of the law. Without any warrant, court order or sentencing. This is just one man out of plenty.

Lt. George Kiggundu got 20 million shillings in damages, which was a nearly half of what he sought out for, which was 50 million shillings. However, this proves that High Court see the damages, the way the CMI and most like ISO is breaking the laws in concern of the safe houses.

That is why I had to write to day and put pieces together. Because, Tumwiine wouldn’t want to end up with the treatment of Lt. George Kiggundu any day of the week. No one should, because, you should have fair trial and process. To see if the state is right about the possible crimes a person has committed. With the safe houses, all people are fair game and whatever snoops of intelligence the ISO/CMI/Flying Squad has gotten. They can abduct, torture and detain someone for long without the legal justifications for doing so. Plus breaking the law, by making the supposed suspects victims of state violence against them. Where the state justifiably breaks the articles of the Constitution and other laws to be able to hurt, damage and scorn people for life.

Just because Tumwiine and the NRM is afraid someone might be a criminal or spy, without even having the evidence. Therefore, they need houses to torture the incriminating evidence instead of gathering it and proving it to the Courts, that the person in question is planning/doing/evidentially connected to the sort of activity that would put their life in legal jeopardy. But the way the state is doing it.

They are not doing it right, not acting right and using the passage of power as a government and authorities to bring the peace. They are actually acting, as if people are guilty before they are proven innocent. Instead of everyone is innocent before proven guilty. Peace.

Parliament Reports shows Gen. Tumwiine lack of discipline!

“Who is the Speaker? Who is she? What is Parliament? The Speaker rules over Parliament. She does not rule over Uganda. This Country was liberated by the military but not her Parliament. Do not tell me about your Speaker and about your Parliament. The army cannot be directed by civilians.” – Gen. Elly Tumwiine on 23^rd July 2019

We knew something was up as the reports of the altercation in parliament between Hon. Cecilia Ogwal and Gen. Elly Tumwiine on the 23^rd July 2019. What went down where not been sure of, but what the reports are stating and the recommendation from the majority shows why these sorts of things has to be sorted out correctly.

Because, there is always to side to every story and by all means, the culprits, the ones charging against someone. Always or most likely want to look more innocent or more nicer, than they really was. Secondly, in this narrative as the story progress, the historical and the title of Tumwiine comes to haunt his actions. His a many of the army, the rebel outfit NRA and acts like a intolerant rascal. Which is not a good look, especially if his so proud of being an army man. Than, he should keep his cool and show finesse. Alas, that is not the case with an entitled man, who cannot come under question.

That is why these parts of the reports is striking to me. As they show the intent and also the reasons why Tumwiine lack discipline and needs to be reprimanded by the Parliament. Which is a bad look for a General and some of his stature, shows that his not that great after all.

Key aspect of Minority Report:

“Hon. Cecilia Ogwal while in the committee averred that Gen. Elly Turnwine attacked her while sitted in the parliamentary lobby in the presence of some members of parliament. She further contended that the General pointed a finger at her and said “You are a liar, I have never pointed a gun at you”. That the General left and shortly came back and repeated the same words. That Hon. Gen. Elly Turnwine being a General of the UPDF, she apprehended fear for the safety of her life and the entire family” (Minority Report, 2019)

Key aspect of Majority Report:

Hon. Ogwal statement – “On what Hon. Gen. Tumwine said to make her feel threatened, she responded that, He said: ” You are lying, I did not pull a gun at you. You are a liar.” She also informed the Committee that his body language obviously displayed fury and agitation which scared her and the people around her. They anticipated a physical attack. She further said that if anything happened to her or any of the members of her family she would know that Hon. Gen. Tumwine was involved. She wondered why he would attack her twice with no provocation. She informed the Committee that she felt her life was threatened by the assault of a top military leader, aware of the fact that in the recent past many prominent Ugandans have been killed in unclear circumstances in this country. Her health was also affected as indicated by her blood pressure which continued to rise and could be controlled by medication since the incident of 23rd July 2019” (Majority Report, 2019).

“Hon. Gen. Tumwine was pointing at Hon. Ogwal and leaning over her. He was almost poking her eye. Hon. Adong said she was so scared, more so with the fact that she grew up during the wars in Northern Uganda” (Majority Report, 2019).

Conclusions:

“The House adopts the resolution to reprimand or admonish the Member; The Member to be reprimanded or admonished is ordered by the Speaker to stand at the Bar of the House. In the event that the Member is not in the Chamber at the time, the Member may be called in to receive the reprimand or admonition forthwith, or may be ordered to attend the House the following day or some later day (except if the House chooses to reprimand the Member in absentia). The Committee’s recommendation that the Member stand at the Bar is based on the precedent set by Rule 90(2)of our Rules of Procedure, where an apology is made at the Bar” (Majority Report).

Now we have to wait and see if Speaker Kadaga will force an apology out of the General. That would show some real character of him. Not that it suits him or his ego, but surely would show some humility. Which is not a word I would commonly use for a man Elly’s stature. Because, his more ruthless and direct. He doesn’t spare anyone and everyone should be his servants.

That is why his addressing the rest of the Parliament as mere civilians, who shouldn’t dare to insult his authority as the army of both liberation and now currently safeguarding the public. That is the sort of man Tumwiine is.

We can clearly see that Majority is displeased and concerned by the actions made by Tumwiine, which acted as brute within the chambers of Parliament. Instead of feeling the room, he went straight for Hon. Ogwal. Which even intimidated the ones around her. That shows what sort of play he did. That is why he should think of his actions and his words. Because, they matter and causes a stir. He could show finesse, could show character, but don’t expected.

His NRA entitlement will overboard any civility out of a man like Tumwiine. He will only loot, conquer and eat. He will not do an apology, unless the President sends him a order to do so. Peace.

Reference:

The Parliamentary Committee on Rules, Privileges and Discipline – In the Matter of Hon. Cecilia Ogwal and Hon. Atkins Katusabe Versus Gen. Elly Tumwine (25.08.2019)

Parliament of Uganda – REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON RULES, PRIVILEGES AND DISCIPLINE ON AN INQUIRY INTO ALLEGATIONS AGAINST GENERAL ELLY TUMWINE, MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT REPRESENTING UGANDA PEOPLE’S DEFENCE FORCES (UPDF) AND MINISTER FOR SECURITY (August 2019)