A Special Message to the People of Uganda from General David Sejusa, the Chairman of Free Uganda (FU) pro-democracy campaign group (24.02.2016)

David Sejusa TV

The message was communicated by General Sejusa on Tuesday 23 February 2016, when Museveni’s Kangaroo court, the so-called General Court Martial denied him bail on wholly illogical and politically defined grounds that his sureties must be army generals at his rank, something that is impossible given the fact that the only Generals at Sejusa’s rank are the same ones who have conspired with Gen Museveni to place Sejusa in custody and are now at the heart of the politically motivated plot to keep Gen Sejusa out of circulation.

Full Statement by General David Sejusa (Tuesday 23 February 2016):

“Ugandans must not loose hope.

I think now you believe what I told you about the dictator’s intentions.

I told you that participating in a sham election was going to be a waste of time.

However, the struggle for political change must continue.

Together we shall succeed.

Do not worry too much about what is happening to me, the most important thing is for you not to give up.

For God and My country.

Thank you.”

Dr. Kizza Besigye Demonstrates by the gates to his home in Kasangati as he wants to be “charged” by the Police and is not making his home a Jail; As he has gone back and fourth to Naggalama Police Station in the recent days!

Besigye 23.02.2016 Kasangati

Here is the story as the few hours have unfolded. It turns out to be a big story on its own. Had to separate this one; as the details continue and the demonstration makes the Police unsure of what to do. As he even pushes for going to town, but that is not allowed by the Police apparently.

More details:

“Dr. Kizza Besigye has been delivered to his gate by Police. On getting there he has refused to enter his compound” (…)”Dr. Kizza Besigye says “he’s tired of the routine of being arrested every morning, spending the day in jail & then being delivered to his house” (…)”Dr. Kizza Besigye said: “I am not going to be complicit in turning my home into a prison” (Daily Monitor – Erias Mukiibi, 23.01.2014).

Latest Eyewitness report from the gates of Kasangati:

“Dr. Besigye protests the kind of arrests by police. He was forcefully driven from Nagalama at 10pm back to his gate. He had preferred to stay in cells arguing home is not prison. He has not charged with any offence or given bond for all the times he has been arrested. He now get out of van enters his car (outside the gate) he wants to move out now! Police blocking him. He vows if they can’t open for him he will walk. THERE IS A STAND OFF HERE…He just wants police to charge him and take him to court- if at all he has a case to answer. Stand off still in progresses!!! Here at gate. He wants to walk. No press at all. It’s a worrying situation”.

Late night report:

This has occured after he demonstrated to his night-time house-arrest after being detained earlier today at Naggalama Police station. Best evidence! Dr. Kizza Besigye with his two advocates at his home in Kasangati in the middle of the night, right by his gate!

KB Kasangati 23.02.2016 Night

Shawn Mabiru reports: 

Kizza Beisgye refuses to enter his home, “my home is not a prison, you can take me back if you want.” He is in his car at the gate.

Later Francis Mwijukye reports:

“Happening now: Dr. Besigye tells policemen at his gate that the wants to move out and do whatever he wants in town. The police commander is telling him that although he is out of Nagalama police station, he is not free to leave his House”.

KB 23.02.2016

My quick take on it:

He has been on outside his gates since 10 PM and now it is midnight and the Police does not do anything or react to the protest! This have no been days on end without a charge from the Police.  The issue is that he today  the whole day detained without charge and been hours on the outside gate. As he was taken in the morning and back at gates on the evening at 10.Am. Which tells a story on it’s own.

This will unfold and the story will not stop! An the Police of Uganda seem not to stop detaining and arresting Dr. Kizza Besigye as his movement and actions are the greatest danger to the Militarization and Police-State under the NRM-Regime under President Museveni, as he is the total opposite of him. Peace. 

Official Congratulations letter’s to President Museveni from South Africa (President Zuma, 22.02.2016), Rwanda (President Kagame, 21.02.2016) and Republic of Korea (President Guen-Hyen, 23.02.2016)

ZA Congs 22.02.2016

Rwanda Congs 23.02.2016

South Korea Congs 23.02.2016

Press release from Uganda diaspora P10 – The arrest of Dr. Kizza Besigye and other opposition leaders (22.02.2016)

Kizza Besigye 23.02.2016

Uganda Diaspora, friends and Development partners join to strongly condemn the cowardly acts of arresting opposition party leaders, intimidation of the opposition voters, use of force and violence against innocent civilians.

For the last 5 days in a row, the morning of 22nd February 2016, we witnessed the arbitrary arrest of the opposition leader Dr. Kiiza Besigye, Secretary for mobilization of FDC party Ingrid Turinawe and a host of staffs at the FDC party headquarters.

The Uganda Diaspora P10 an international communication arm of the FDC Party is deeply concerned by the continued persecution, arbitrary arrest and detention without trial of opposition leaders and our supporters by the dictatorial regime in Uganda. This raises serious concerns about restrictions on the freedom of expression and assembly in Uganda.

Jinja Road 15.02.2015 P2

Uganda has degenerated into a police state with a heavily militarized police force. The police have been used to vent violence and abuse the fundamental rights and freedoms of Ugandan citizens especially the opposition.

The Opposition and citizens of Uganda have a right to express their dissatisfaction with the outcome of the February 18, 2016 election through peaceful assembly. The right to assembly and freedom of express are universal right enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Uganda is a party.

We condemn in the strongest terms possible state inspired violence and the show of force on February 22, 2016 in arresting opposition leaders, DC members of staffs and hundreds of our party supporters.

Opposition parties that peacefully voice criticism of the government play a vital role in inclusive, pluralistic societies.

We are engaging all forms of justice from, local, regional and international courts to ensure that the elements of the Uganda police, military and government involved in the abuse of the fundamental rights and freedoms are brought to justice.

DEMANDS

1. We demand Government of Uganda to protect the universal rights of freedom of expression and assembly.

2. We demand the immediate release without and delay or conditions of all persons arrested without due process.

3. We demand the immediate cessation of state violence against the people of Uganda.

4. We demand that the government elements desist from any intimidation, fear mongering and arbitrary actions against the people of Uganda.

5. We are collecting and analyzing all evidence of these violations which we shall present it the appropriate fora at the appropriate time.

We shall not relent in our fight for a free and fair election in Uganda. We will seek justice in all forms at all levels collectively and as individuals against institutions, individuals and the state for violation of fundament rights and freedoms of the people of Uganda.

Chairperson Uganda diaspora P10
MS JACKIE OLOYA.

Botswana’s Position on the General Election in Uganda (22.02.2016)

ministry-of-foreign-affairs-botswana

The Government of the Republic of Botswana has taken note of the reports of international observer groups on the recent General Election held in the Republic of Uganda. The Government of Botswana has observed that based on the findings of some international observers, the elections were characterised by, amongst others; lack of transparency, reported incidents of intimidation and harassment, social media restrictions, as well as continuous arrests and detention of a prominent leader of the opposition.

In view of this, the Government of Botswana remains deeply concerned that such conduct during an election would have deeply undermined the norms of best practice governing democratic elections, as well as, the continent’s efforts towards consolidation of democracy. Going forward, the Government of Botswana therefore encourages all concerned Parties to address the election disputes for the peace and stability of their nation.

(Ministry of Foreign affairs and International Cooperation)

Press Release: Ugandan Youth Decide the next steps (23.02.2016)

Uganda Youth 22.02.2016

The young people of Uganda comprise the majority, at over 78% of the total population and they overwhelmingly participated in this election. The voting exercise having been completed two days ago, as key stakeholders and bearers of the burden in all its manifests, we would like to share with all Ugandans and the international community our observations, conclusions and the way forward. The youth in Uganda, is facing a very uncertain future ranging from; having the highest unemployment rate of 83%, deteriorating the quality of education, corrupt credit schemes, abject poverty; and the desperation that is driving us to become, gamblers, prostitutes, economic refugees. slaves in the middle east, far east and other Asian countries.

All this is, as Yoweri Museveni put it in his book “WHAT IS AFRICA’s PROBLEM”, a consequence of, but not limited to; 30 years of poor leadership of the very author of the book who now believes Uganda is him, him is Uganda and that he doesn’t see anyone else capable of leading Uganda apart from him!

“Africa doesn’t need strongmen; it needs strong institutions”: Obama
Like President Barak Obama said while on his first official trip as president to the heart of Africa;
“Development depends upon good governance”.
“No person wants to live in a society where the rule of law gives way to the rule of brutality and bribery. “That is not a democracy, that is tyranny, and now is the time for it to end.”

Democracy and good governance are the ingredients which has been missing in Uganda, for far too long.
The 30 years’ revolutionary turned dictator who attained power by gun, rules by the gun and believes only the gun shall remove him from power legitimizes his rule and disguises dictatorship through sham elections.
A rigged election in favor of the incumbent implies our sufferings is not about to end, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government has resorted to the mass arrest of the youth as a means to silence us. It is time for the young to claim their rights and lead this struggle. Uganda’s future, our future is in our hands. The young have the potentials to make this country work for each and every one of us.

Rejection of Feb 18th Election results.

Having widely observed this election and actively participated in voting in search for change from a tired brutal regime to democratic and good governance, we would like to distance ourselves from the final results that were declared by Kiggundu.
We reject these results in the strongest terms possible as they are not a true reflection of the will and wish Ugandan people said on 18th Feb 2016. We saw the deliberate delay, ballot boxes stuffed with pre-ticked ballot papers in favor of the incumbent and kidnap of tallying material and FDC party leaders from the FDC Party headquarters we will not allude to what happened any further.
The entire electoral process became a sham; it was rigged using intimidation of voters, imprisonment of opponents, sabotage of rallies, late delivery of election materials, delayed opening of election centers, vote falsification at undisclosed tally centers, and bribery, among other malpractices.
The European Union and Commonwealth preliminary reports are already out, were aired on 20th February 2016 and are available on the YouTube channel for you to see and confirm our concerns as Ugandans.

The Chairman of the Electoral Commission, Mr. Badru Kiggundu intentionally announced the false results in favor of the incumbent, Gen Yoweri Kaguta Museveni as the ‘winner’ of the election, on the 20th February 2016. This has been challenged by the main opposition candidate Col DR Kizza Besigye (rtd), the FDC party and the majority of Ugandans! They could have gone to demonstrate their protest but in Uganda, demonstrations are curtailed.

Road Block at Kasangati 22.02.2016

Continued arrests of party leaders.

We have observed the Uganda Police and Military police continue to insurmountable force in illegally arresting and detaining opposition party leaders, FDC party staffs, P10 volunteers, FDC party supporters and pressing no charges against them. We are aware that these are deliberate steps to curtail their freedoms of assembly, expression aimed at physically and illegally blocking all their efforts to seek court redress within the 10 working days required by law to contest this election.

We are calling upon all Ugandans, pro-democratic forces, and human rights activists to reject these actions with all constitutional means possible. We will not continue to look on as you illegally arrest FDC party leaders and members. It’s our constitutional right to stand against all illegalities and inhuman treatment. This should stop immediately and if you don’t stop we will take all measures to stop an illegal operation by the police.

Kizza Besigye Premises.

We would like in the strongest terms possible condemn the continued persecution, house detention, detention without trial of Presidential candidate Kizza Besigye. There is heavy deployment around his house and he can hardly make a step outside his door. This is unacceptable and is very unprecedented in our country. He is not only a Ugandan but a human rights activists as well as a presidential candidate. who deserves to enjoy his constitutional rights and a right to a dignifying treatment by the state. As key stakeholders in this country, we are asking the state not to taste our patience. You have done many unconstitutional things but we will not let you curtail the rights of RTD. Col DR. Kizza Besigye and Illegal besieging of FDC party Headquarters

In the same spirit, we would like to condemn the Uganda police for the continued besieging of a legally registered political party FDC headquarters. The breaking of doors and vandalisation of FDC property by Uganda police. This was uncalled for.

International Community.

To the international community and observers. Will you look on as Uganda’s constitutional order is abused and Ugandans are raped of their dignity to vote for the leaders they want?
We commend you for raising your concerns about the flawed electoral process but actions speak louder than words. We are calling upon you to diligently continue observing the process and remain key watchdogs in this process but also take swift and drastic action that will restore the freedom of assembly, association and movement of Col Dr Kizza Besigye, members of his campaign task force the P10 vote protection volunteers and all the FDC party activists, so that the petition can be finalized and launched in the required time frame for the high court to handle, or impose targeted sanctions on the regime if they don’t comply.

Constitutional Mandate.

We believe in part that the supreme law of the land has been abrogated in accordance with chapter one of the 1995 constitution that states that:
1. The sovereignty of the people.
(1) All power belongs to the people who shall exercise their sovereignty in accordance with this Constitution.
(2) Without limiting the effect of clause (1) of this article, all authority in the State emanates from the people of Uganda; and the people shall be governed through their will and consent.

We believe that the current situation and the announcement of false results infringe on the will and consent of Ugandans. Yet the constitution further says that;

(4) The people shall express their will and consent on who shall govern them and how they should be governed, through regular, free and fair elections of their representatives or through a referendum.
We have all reasons and overwhelming evidence that is blatantly clear to all Ugandan and all election observers that the just concluded presidential elections were not free or fair and thus fell short of this constitutional mandate.

As such we have a constitutional duty enshrined in our constitution and these will be but our next steps until such a moment as instructed by this constitution and we quote;

3. Defense of the Constitution.
(4) All citizens of Uganda shall have the right and duty at all times—
(a) to defend this Constitution and, in particular, to resist any person or group of persons seeking to overthrow the established constitutional order; and
(b) to do all in their power to restore this Constitution after it has been suspended, overthrown, abrogated or amended contrary to its provisions.
(5) Any person or group of persons who, as required by clause (4) of
this article, resists the suspension, overthrow, abrogation or amendment of
this Constitution commits no offense.

1.We are giving the police 6 hours from now to stop trespassing and vacate the premises of Kizza Besigye or else we mobilize a demonstration at his home in our usual large numbers.

2. Respect Col Dr. Kizza Besigye’s freedom of movement, assembly, association and freedom of expression. He committed no crime to contest as president in this Election.

3. We are further asking you to leave FDC headquarters in peace with immediate effect.

4. We demand that the Electoral Commission must forthwith avail comprehensive lists of the over 3000 polling stations that were omitted from the final tally.

From now further business is not going to be as usual, we are going to assertively control our destinies in order to claim our future. There is no other person who will do it for us.

“For God and My country”.

The EC: Appointment of Date for Polling Constituencies where Elections were Suspended (23.02.2016)

EC Postponed Elections

UPF Press Statement: “Area Police commanders are mandated to work closely with the candidates” (23.02.2016)

UPF 23.02.2016

Dr. Kizza Besiyge out of House-Arrest and again detained by the Police (23.02.2016)

Kizza Besigye 23.02.2016

Yesterday: Late in the night the Police drove Dr. Kizza Besigye back from detaining at the Naggalama Police Station in Mukono. He was driven back to Kasangati in Wakiso. In the early morning when the police was seen with less deployment then in a while in the area; as they have had something in mind.

This morning they again took Dr. Kizza Besigye out of his house-arrest as he got sleep in his own home before becoming detained and left the premises in yet another police car, this time it is expected to be detained at the Kiira Road Police Post. The world should know that he has continuously been either in house-arrest or detained since the polls, this here is ridiculous and proves the fear President Museveni has for the man and his party; as the legitimacy dwindles with every moment Dr. Kizza Besigye spends in jail or house-arrest. Peace.  

Statement by Canadian High Commissioner in Kenya David Angell on the Ugandan Elections (22.02.2016)

NTV 20.02.2016

Canada congratulates the people of Uganda for holding largely peaceful presidential and parliamentary elections, despite delays in the opening of polls in some regions and other voting irregularities.

We are concerned by the arrest and continued detention of opposition political figures, and the prospect of those actions inciting violence. 

The blackout of social media platforms is troubling given the impact on the right to freedom of speech, particularly as it relates to the democratic process.

We note with regret the preliminary findings of various international election observation missions which highlighted, amongst others, concerns over the transparency and independence of Uganda’s Electoral Commission, and alleged misuse of state resources for campaign financing purposes.

Canada encourages authorities, the government, and opposition leaders to work in collaboration to address these issues, in support of the full rights of all Ugandans and the electoral process.

Mbabazi M7 Besigye

All Canadians in Uganda should limit their movements, avoid demonstrations and large gatherings, follow instructions of local authorities and monitor local news and consult http://travel.gc.ca/destinations/uganda for further advice.