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

cadets10 UPDF

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About the EACJ

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

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

ENDS-
For more information please contact:

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

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

East African Court of Justice
Arusha, Tanzania

Welcome to the East African Court of Justice

Lord Mayor of Kampala Erias Lukwago detained today and more news on the mayoral race in 2016

Lukwago14.05.2015

(Photo from 14.5.2015 – Still relevant though)

He has just been arrested and is detained in Maganjo Police Station. The Lord Mayor of Kampala has been jailed before and also lost powers to Jennifer Musisi in Kampala Capital City Authority since he is a DP Mayor in the Capitol and not one of the loyal subjects of the NRM-Regime.

For a few hours ago he wrote this on social media:

“This is a defining moment in as far as the political history and trajectory of this country is concerned. It’s therefore imperative that we should be judicious, meticulous and diligent in all crucial decisions made during this season. The people’s sovereign authority and political stability of our country should reign supreme over any other parochial considerations. Divine intervention is of critical importance in guiding this intricate political process. May the good lord bless this pearl of Africa. Nice weekend” (Erias Lukwago).

Greenfield Radio had an poll on who people wanted as mayor right now:

“RESULTS

These Are The Final Outcomes Of The Yesterday’ Mayoral Opinion Poll Elections Held On Our Page.

1-Erias Lukwago (TJ) 22 Votes

2-Daniel Kazibwe Aka Ragga Dee (NRM) 03 Votes

3-Isa Kikungwe (DP) O0 Votes

4-Milles Rwamiti (FDC) 00 Votes.

Out Of 26 Votes Only 1 Vote Was Counted Void” (Greenfield Radio with Robert Onyango).

Yesterday this happen as he contest get further people involved in Kampala:

“DP MP Issa Kikungwe has announced that he will contest for the seat of Kampala Lord Mayor currently held by another DP member Erias Lukwago who has already expressed interest in retaining his seat”. Take a look at the press release.

DP 301015

A tiny report from NRM Primaries:

“50 NRM councillors in Kampala were dropped in the NRM primaries by the voters. The voters say that most of these were punished for illegally censuring the lord Mayor Erias Lukwago” (Credible source!). 

Peace!

Press Statement: FDC statement on consultations between the FDC and Amama Mbabazi (30.10.2015)

FDC 301015 P1FDC 301015 P2

Press Release – Ongwen case: the confirmation of charges hearing to be held at the seat of the ICC in The Hague (28.10.2015)

dominic_ongwen_and_icc__dr_meddy

Situation: Uganda
Case: The Prosecutor v. Dominic Ongwen

Today, 28 October 2015, the Presidency of the International Criminal Court (ICC) decided that the confirmation of charges hearing in the case concerning Dominic Ongwen, scheduled for 21 January 2016, shall be held at the seat of the Court at The Hague (Netherlands).

On 10 September 2015, the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber II had recommended to the ICC Presidency that that holding the confirmation of charges hearing in Uganda would be desirable and in the interests of justice. Following consultations with the Ugandan authorities, the ICC Presidency received an updated assessment from the Court’s Registry on the feasibility of holding the confirmation of charges hearing in Uganda.

The ICC Presidency noted the excellent co‑operation of Uganda in assisting the Registry with the preparation of its preliminary and final assessments. The Presidency noted also that there would be a number of benefits to holding the hearing in Uganda as in principle this would contribute to a better perception of the Court and bring the proceedings closer to the communities affected by the alleged crimes. However, the Presidency noted particularly the possibility, expressed by Uganda itself, that political tensions may increase during an upcoming electoral period, especially during January 2016, which may have an adverse impact on the Court. The Presidency also noted operational limitations, in particular concerns that holding proceedings in Uganda would significantly impact the Court’s resources during its move to its permanent premises scheduled for December 2015. For these reasons, the ICC Presidency found that the potential benefits of holding the confirmation hearing in Uganda in January 2016 are outweighed by the significant risks

The confirmation of charges hearing in respect of Dominic Ongwen is scheduled to commence on 21 January 2016 and is expected to last three to no more than five working days. The confirmation of charges hearing is not a trial. It is a Pre-Trial hearing held to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to commit the case for trial before a Trial Chamber.

Decision on the recommendation to the Presidency to hold the confirmation of charges hearing in the Republic of Uganda

Background:  Dominic Ongwen was the alleged Brigade Commander of the Sinia Brigade of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA). On 8 July 2005, ICC Judges issued an arrest warrant against Mr Ongwen for 3 counts of crimes against humanity (murder; enslavement; inhumane acts of inflicting serious bodily injury and suffering) and 4 counts of war crimes (murder; cruel treatment of civilians; intentionally directing an attack against a civilian population; pillaging) allegedly committed on or about 20 May 2004 at the Lukodi IDP Camp in the Gulu District. On 16 January 2015, Dominic Ongwen was surrendered to the ICC’s custody and transferred to the ICC Detention Centre on 21 January 2015. His initial appearance before the Court took place on 26 January 2015.

Kahinda Otafiire – Bush hero finally being bushwhacked

Kahinda Otafiire

Reports on the elections that lead to the fall of Kahinda Otafiire lost his place as an MP aspirant for the General election in 2016. So he will not be the MP for the Ruhinda South-Mitooma District. He lost to another brother on the ballot who actually is in jail! But first I will address the person and few of his previous actions and issues that he has had in recent years in his position as a government official. So that if the public known all of this it’s a miracle that he is still been staying as a MP and representing this area for that long with all this stories. So hopefully the brother who is jailed and Aspirant for Ruhinda South – Mitooma District has more clean hands then Otafiire! Take a look.

Gen. Otafiire said this this summer:

I have been with President Museveni for more than 40 years and he has not sent me to my voters. How does he start sending you who have spent the shortest time with him?” (…)”You will be saved by your deeds because at the level of primaries, we are all equal and stopping someone from standing would send a bad signal to the people” (…)”Don’t forget that we have competitors in other political parties who are seeing whatever we are doing. Just identify your weaknesses and plan to be stronger rather than blocking other people who want to stand against you” (Zadock, 2015).

A week later he said:

“I don’t think I am stupid as I appear. With all due respect, you’re insulting my intelligence” (…)”I don’t remember writing that letter although it has a signature resembling mine” (…)”I know Kasango as an officer of court. The documents were signed by Justice John Keitirima, whom I know well. I had no reason to doubt” (Walubiri, 2015).

Some cool quotes from the brother:

“Tamale Mirundi should leave issues of the generals to the generals.” Commenting on Tamale’s verbal attack” (…)”I am 85kg, do you think I have become big because of corruption?” (…)”what was a wetland doing in the middle of a city?” questioning the Nakumatt vs Nema saga” (…)”Even Museveni knows I am fire” (…)”I don’t like this nonsense. That is my private life, it has nothing 2 do with my public life as Minister. Whether I am taking my family out or not is none of your business. You fellow can u concentrate on what concerns u and leave Otafiire’s family alone.” In response to Daily Monitor concerning his Christmas plans” (Ortega, 2013).

Nominated as one of the Most Corrupt of Ugandans in 2012 and he was awarded the spot of number 7:

“Taking advantage of his senior position in the elite network that effectively plundered diamonds, coltan, timber and Gold in eastern Congo, Otafiire set up lucrative business enterprises in the neighboring country and refused to pay taxes, as reveals the 2003 final report of the United Nations Panel of Experts on Illegal Exploitation of Natural Resources and Other Forms of Wealth of the Democratic Republic of the Congo:” (…)”Members of the Ugandan network are typically tax exempt. The Panel is in possession of documents showing that the network uses its control over the RCD-K/ML rebel administration to request tax exonerations for imports of high-value commodities. The granting of numerous tax exonerations to UPDF Colonel Otafiire between late 2001 and early 2002 is one of numerous cases. Not only did Colonel Otafiire benefit financially but, eventually, those exonerations forced local competitors out of markets in Bunia and Beni, leaving the petrol trade largely under the control of the network” (…)”Even in his own country, Uganda, Otafiire is routinely accused of abusing power. Fourteen years ago, he was dragged to a parliamentary probe committee for allegedly stealing copper rivets worth billions of shillings from an Asian businessman. In 2007, Kahinda Otafiire abused his office as minister of local government when he fraudulently allocated the Nakawa-Naguru estate redevelopment project to Opec Prime Properties Ltd, according to a 2008 report of the Inspector General of Government” (Sseremba, 2012).

1980s Luweero Triangle tricks:

“Obote put it more succinctly to Andrew Mwenda:” (…)”Maj. Gen. Kahinda Otafiire, for example, revealed that the National Resistance Army rebels used to wear UPC colours and then go into villages in Luwero and kill people in order to make the people think these were actions of the UPC government. Otafiire was boasting of the “tricks” NRA employed to win support in Luwero, but was also revealing the sinister side of Museveni and his insurgents… Each time there was a reported case of mistreatment of civilians by the army, we arrested those responsible and punished them severely” (Kalyegira, 2010).

Messy water of 2005:

“Maj. Gen. Kahinda Otafiire, the Minister for Water Lands and Environment, last month fixed the price of water in rural areas at Shs 10 per 20-litre jerry can” (…)”Until last month, prices varied from one area to another, depending on operational costs. Because costs differ, there is fear that a uniform tariff will jeopardise the operations of the water systems and lead to their collapse. This is because the companies can only continue running the water systems if there is a profit to make” (…)”However, Otafiire this week dismissed such fears, saying that the new water tariff aimed to make accessible it to every one. “It was a bad policy. I am the minister and I have changed it,” he said of attempts to develop a business model. “Water is not for commerce. If we can give free medicine, why not free water?” He said only two water schemes with electricity-powered systems would get government grants to subsidise their power expenses” (Kavuma, 2005).

Kenya Probe 2007:

“KENYAN police are investigating a possible link between Maj. Gen. Kahinda Otafiire to a large consignment of sugar currently impounded in Mombasa over tax evasion, but the Local Government minister has denied involvement in the racket” (…)”The huge consignment, worth about Shs 850 million was impounded at Mombasa seaport several months ago after authorities realised its destination papers had been falsified to avoid paying taxes due” (…)”If the racket succeeded, said Port CID Chief Mr John Nyanzwii, then the owners would have evaded the 100 per cent duty paid for imported sugar and the import duty due to the Uganda Revenue Authority. The sugar would have appeared to have originated from Kenya” (…)”Although police authorities in Mombasa had information that the Sugar belonged to Uganda’s local government minister, Maj. Gen. Kahinda Otafiire, he denied the allegations in a phone interview with Daily Monitor last week” (NFV Zone, 2007).

Car Crash in 2008

THE Minister of Water, Lands and Environment, Maj. Gen. Kahinda Otafiire, crashed his car on Saturday morning and drew a gun at a journalist who came to the accident scene.The incident took place on Kinawataka Road, off the Old Portbell Road at 2:30 a.m. Daily Monitor photo-journalist Mr Mike Odongkara was put at gunpoint by an angry Otafiire and manhandled by policemen who were called to the scene to rescue the minister” (Odangkara, 2008).

Threating to leave NRM in 2010:

“I might have to join another party. I won the elections but my name is not on the list [of party flag bearers released this week]. They are chasing me away. What do you want me to do?” (…)”“If you were in my shoes, what would you do?” (…)”You cannot petition someone who does not want you” (Kiggundu, 2010).

Shell case of 2012:

“Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Kahinda Otafiire yesterday failed to show up in court to explain his side of the story in a case in which petroleum giant Shell (U) Ltd sued him over alleged breach of contract“ (…)”Gen. Otafiire, through Benzina (U) Ltd, allegedly negotiated a land lease deal with Shell (U) but later failed to honour it” (…)”The petroleum company now wants a Shs1.2 billion refund for refusal to deliver land to it, which it says resulted in loss of business.” (Wersaka, 2012).

In 2013 Otafiire had issues in the parliament:

“Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs has been thrown out of Parliament for Government’s failure to appoint substantive DPP as Cases pile up and suspects spend longer time on remand without trial” (…)”Appearing before the parliamentary budget committee to present the DPP budgetary estimates for this financial year, MPs today ordered Major Gen Kahinda Otafiire out from Parliament accusing government of delaying the appointment of the substantive Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP)” (Investigator, 2013).

Shopping in 2014:

The Minister of Justice was shopping at the Joy Supermarket in Mbuya who is a city suburb on the outskirts of Kampala. After shopping in his trolley he came to the register where he asked the price for each of the picked items in the trolley. The whole shopping spree cost the minister 160, 000 shillings. He started first buy paying it with 50,000 bills. Before picking coins from another pocket there he started to count and used time to make a jam in the star while getting enough coins to pay the balance missing of 10, 000 in small change (Ugandadrone, 2014).

Kahinda Otafiire. P2jpg

What happen in today’s NRM Primaries:

Retired Maj. Gen Kahinda Otafiire storms the tally center in company of security personnel for the Ruhiinda county polls and orders everybody out; and says they must leave everything inside in the hands of one of the security boys; Kahinda Otafiire came along while saying his votes have been rigged. The people and the officials are reportedly refusing to leave the centre.

Gen. Kahinda Otafiire is seriously being given a run for his money according to the pre-liminery report. Capt. Mugabe Dononzio Kahonda is leading with the difference of 4773.Mind you Kahonda did not vote because he is in the prison on allegations that he forged academic documents. Otafiire is also reported to fall behind Hosea Muhanguzi.

Kahinda Otafiire lost to Rtd. Cap. Kahoonda in Ruhiinda County while he is still incarcerated in prison.

Reasons for the fall of Otafiire:

“Gen. Kahinda lost because of his rejection for Mitooma not become a district. This resulted into the district chairman Benon Karyaija who is very popular to part ways with him and become arch enemies. The former Mitooma district NRM chairman Tito Nsigireho, district speaker silver Tumukuratire, finance secretary Bamusiime Muhwezi have all been against Otafiire since 2010 when they defeated him and Mitoma was granted district status from Bushenyi district. Still in Mitooma district, Thomas Tayebwa won in Ruhinda North with over 80%. He was contesting against one Musinguzi. Ruhinda North is a new constituency that was curved of Ruhinda this year” (Muhwezi, 2015).

If this wasn’t interesting then I don’t know; we can see that with the fix of somebody else as flag-bearer in the district, especially since the district was split of the districts in the area. Also with losing the loyalty of patrons in the area, that cost him a lot of votes. So I am sure that Mr. Otafiire can become Minister Without Portefolio or something in the 10th Parliament. Now we have seen that the future handpicked loyalist of the Party, not because the locals in Ruhinda want him anymore. Peace.  

Reference:

NFVZone – ‘Kenya Police Probe Otafiire Over Sugar’ (20.11.2007) link: http://www.nfvzone.com/news/2007/11/20/3108994.htm

Kalyegira, Timothy – ‘Rwanda: How RPF and NRA perfected the human atrocities to blame it on Hutus’ (18.03.2010) link: http://rwandarwabanyarwanda.over-blog.com/article-rwanda-how-rpf-and-nra-perfected-the-human-atrocities-to-blame-it-on-hutus-46935719.html

Kavuma, Richard M – ‘Otafiire upsets water experts’ (25.08.2005) link: http://www.worldwatercouncil.org/fileadmin/wwc/Sections_for/Journalists/Water_Media_Program/wmp_resources_kavuma_25.08.05.pdf

Kiggundu, Edris – ‘Gen.Otafiire threatens to quit NRM’ (23.10.2010) link: http://www.observer.ug/component/content/article?id=10614:genotafiire-threatens-to-quit-nrm

Muhwezi, Wilber – ‘PRISONER CAPT. KAHONDA DEFEATS GEN.KAHINDA OTAFIIRE’ (27.10.2015) link: http://mknewslink.com/prisoner-capt-kahonda-defeats-gen-kahinda-otafiire/

Investigator – ‘Otafiire thrown out of parliament over DPP’s appointment’ (08.08.2013) link: http://news.ugo.ug/otafiire-thrown-out-of-parliament-over-dpps-appointment/

Odongkara, Mike – ‘Otafiire crashes car, pulls gun at journalist‘ (08.05.2008) link: http://mikeodongkara.blogspot.no/2008/05/otafiire-crashes-car-pulls-gun-at.html

Ortega, Ian – ‘Kahinda Otafiire Quotes (Compilation)’ (31.07.2013) link: http://bigeye.ug/kahinda-otafiire-quotes-compilation/

Sseremba, Yahya – ‘10 Most Corrupt Ugandans’ (19.04.2012) link: http://campusjournal.ug/index.php/special-report/investigation/471-10-most-corrupt-ugandans

Ugandadrone – ‘Kahinda Otafiire causes jam in a supermarket counting coins’ (15.12.2014) link: http://ugandadrone.com/kahinda-otafiire-causes-jam-in-a-supermarket-counting-coins/

Zadock, Amanyisa – ‘Stop deceiving voters, Otafiire tells aspirants’ (05.06.2015) link: http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/Stop-deceiving-voters-Otafiire-tells-aspirants/-/688334/2740506/-/ure9e3/-/index.html

 

Walubiri, Moses – ‘I am not as stupid as I appear – Otafiire’ (14.06.2015) link: http://www.newvision.co.ug/news/670963-i-am-not-as-stupid-as-i-appear-otafiire.html

 

Wersaka, Anthony – ‘Otafiire shuns Shell case mediation’ (18.05.2012) link: http://www.kigalikonnect.com/article/otafiire-shuns-shell-case-mediation.html

 

Disillusionment growing in Uganda’s ruling part NRM ahead of election next year (Youtube Clip)

“Uganda holds parliamentary and presidential elections in february or march next year and the political temperature is already rising. President Yoweri Museveni has led Uganda since 1986 and is widely expected to win another five-year term. Analysts however say disillusionment is growing in the ruling National Resistance Movement because of corruption and failing public services. The opposition regularly complains of vote fraud, an accusation dismissed by the government. Opposition presidential candidate Kizza Besigye was arrested earlier this month as he was headed for a rally in what his supporters call an escalating crackdown” (KTN NEWS).

NRM Primaries continues and is impressed by how they do it!

NTV Odoi NRM Primaries

If you want some intersting news and reality check just check how the ruling party of 29 years has issues in their own internal elections. The rigging is so functional that the district without pre-ticket ballots should be showered with gifts from the leaders of opposition. Why? Because in the areas without election rigging the leaders of NRM might have some real character and not just buying the votes or pre-ticking the ballots which is easy. The funniest kind of voting is happening in Hoima and Bunyoro today where the chief of the area has decided despite not having ballot-papers and election material they started to vote with WhatsApp. Read the reports from the elections today! They are magnificent.

NRM Press Release 261015 Hajj

Ofwono Opondo said this today: “Because of this, elections for special leagues of NRM have been pushed to 30th October. They will report on 29th” (…)”Kiruhura elections have been halted after death of one of the contestants in un clear circumstances”.

Ofwono Opondo said also this: “The National Resistance Movement has so far spent 5.5 billion shillings on the ongoing primary elections countrywide” (Nakatudde & Labeja, 2015).

Ofwono Opondo says: “party agreed to extend voting time from 4 pm to 5 pm, because of delayed delivery of voting materials” (Nakatudde, 2015).

Mr Muhindo said this today: “I must say this before you without fear or favour because we have seen President Museveni lose at polling stations where policemen vote from. You must know that NRM is the sitting government which you have to support for your brighter future”.

Opondo there was pictures of the crashing car in Kiruhura yesterday, is that unclear circumstances?  ‪Mr. Muhindo support NRM for a brighter future? You guys can’t even hold a clean internal election! Look at the evidence for yesterday and today. 5.5 billion Shillings that is a lot of monies for such much postponement and rigging surely some of that has gone to the ones that tries to buy the votes in the district. Not only to the producers of the ballots in Kenya where NRM has bought the Ballot-papers and printing jobs from. Did you know that?

Rogers Mulindwa the head of media and public relations as apologies for the irregularities and he believes the NRM has infiltrated by moles (And he is not kidding!).

Rwampara MPs Ballot Papers 271015

There has even been seen that Police officer in full uniform going into the election and voting. Surely the Ugandan police is not partial at all in this coming General election!

Wakiso:

The primaries for Busiro North have been called off after reports of a certain candidate not being on the ballot. Annet Bakunzi was not even on the ballot. To further the foolishness in the area MP Tinkasiimire actually scared voters while carrying a gun to get them to vote. Mr. Al Hajj Moses Kigongo went to Lwengo to calm protesters between the fractions. After this the elections has been called off!

Ajuri District:

There been reports of already stuffed ballot boxes before starting the actual voting and they have been sitting in the NRM Registrar’s Office.

Arua:

In the sub-county of Ayivu the ballot papers missed a lot of candidates. These we’re MP and Flag bearer for the area Ben Dravile, also Simon Avutia, Alex Adia and Moses Etukibo.

Adjumani:

MP Jessica Akabiku has had a team that was mobilizing in the area to a certain extent that they was caught buying voters and paying voters for their votes; as much as the police has a mobilization team in custody.

Bukedea - Kasoka Polling Station P1

Bukedea District:

Lt. Gen. Charles Angina has arrest 7 persons alleged for election violence in the area. They are at the police station and in custody.

In the Kasoka Polling station there was delivered ballot papers for another district which is Bulambuli.

Rubabo County:

There been found ballot-papers supposable found in Bushenyi in Igara East. Yet, another place where they got the wrong ballot-papers!

Rubaga:

The people of the area are staring to questioning the election with the delays of material to their party secretariat so they can distribute the voting material in the county. Two hours later the famous Katongole Singh has cast his vote! And the election has started there.

Rubanda West:

It’s called off and postponed for the moment. That is because Henry Banyenzaki was taken with 16,000 pre-ticket ballot-papers. So there you have the reason why it was postponed.

Kitgum:

In Chua East there was a wrong person on the District Woman MP. The one set up on the Ballot was Lucy Rose Achan on the District Woman MP instead of being set on the ballot for the directly MP for the District. That has led to postponement of the local election.

Lyantonde:

In Lyantonde district, a retired soldier identified as Sergeant Abel Kafuruka has been knocked dead by a convoy of four cars belonging to the incumbent woman MP Grace Namara Lutemba Kirumira which were reportedly carrying pre-ticked ballot papers. This came after the late tried to block these cars as he was waited for his candidate Pauline Kemirembe Kyaka to arrive. This incident happened at 1:00am at Seeta village in Kinuuka sub-county. The DPC of Lyantonde Rogers Kapere confirmed the incident and said the car which knocked the late is a premio registration number UAW 442L and the driver is on the run. Meanwhile two cases of assault have also been opened against the Kabula Mp James Kakooza for beating a Councillor of Kooki C in Lyantonde town council and a journalist attached to Vision Group Sadati Waligo who were following him as he tried to give bribes of 5000 notes to voters in Kaliiro sub-county. James Kakooza famously remembered for leading the debate for lifting term limits and his wanting academic papers which made the parliamentary vetting committee to throw him out of the Primary health care ministry where he was re-appointed lost the race for NRM district chairman and is now struggling to retain his parliamentary seat for the fourth time – (Source: Godfrey Ssali – Radio one).

Kibaale:

Ballot papers that were supposed to go Kibaale went to Luweero District.

Moroto:

The Ballot-Papers that was supposed to be sent to Moroto was forgotten in Kampala.

Soroti:

In Soroti the NRM-EC forgot to deliver Ballot-papers too, the same as happen to the people in Moroto. In Budaka District they got ballot-papers that we’re supposed to go Soroti.

Iganga NRM Cards 27.10.15

Iganga:
Because of malpractices in the election members of the NRM has started to burn their membership cards in Iganga.

Isingiro North:

The Special Forces Command taken into custody two full boxes of pre-ticket ballot-papers for Kangwagye. MP Bright Rwamirama Kanyontore has also runs in the election for MP in Insingiro North have actually gone to the local market where he was trying to buy votes from the local police and UPDF guards in town.

Hoima:

They have found pre-ticked ballots in the town. Henry Muganwa Kajura the MP of Hoima has ordered the polling to start even without ballot-papers. There been rumors that they have accepted votes through WhatsApp.

Kabarole:

The voting material comes from Fort Portal Central Police Station to the districts in the area. And the journalist are not allowed to follow the elections.

Mbabara:

In the Rwampara Constituency had delivered voting materials as ballot-papers and ballot-boxes. The ballot-papers was pre-ticked for the one MP candidate and no other candidate to vote for, that was for MP Vicent Mujuni Kyamadiidi. The Ballot papers for local mayors in the municipality were not to get in the election.

Masaka:

Election in Masaka has halted. Kintu Musoke has found his car full of stones and kiboko.

Masindi:

Kahinda Otafiire the elected for Ruhinda County in Mitooma District has been seen on the Ballot-papers in the greater Masindi area.

Nakaseke:

The Nakaseke NRM Register Paul Tandeka has told that on the ballot in Nakaseke South had the Nakaseke North MP.

Lwengo:

The Police chief arrested the pre-ticket ballot-papers that was ticket for the candidature of Sarah Muwonge Nkonge for Woman MP. Sarah Nkonge and Isaac Sejjoba the MP of the Bukoto Midwest was caught with 7000 pre-ticket ballot papers!

George Mutabaazi and MP for Buyaga County Barnabas Tinkasmiire was put into jail over night for the vote rigging in the district. Michael Mbirimu is also into custody after tempering with the ballot boxes in the area.

Luweero:

Here there found ballot-papers belong to Kabale; yet another place where the NRM-EC has delivered the ballot-papers to the wrong location.

Nebbi:

In the sub-county Erussi the chairman Mr. Odubi has been found with pre-ticket ballot papers. There been found 3,000 pre-ticket ballot papers was ticket for the candidate of Allan Kajjik, which is the husband of the Minister Anite Evelyn. The local favored candidate Padyere will then be denied his possibility to run for the sub-country area because of the rigging. In the area there been people stopped from voting, but still they are registered to vote.

Rukungiri:

Actually a place where there is peaceful elections today. The place of the violence of FDC rally is a silent and peaceful paradise in the midst of the madness.

Kumi:

There been reports of violence and ambulances. Bloody clashes around the election! Apollo Mubiru was reporting!

Sembabule:

After yesterday’s violence and shootings there is rising a tension in the town today. Local NRM candidates of Nkarubo and Sekikubo have been publicly fighting.

Kable NRM Primaries P1

Kabale:

There been reports that the Independent candidate of Riita Rhona has been on the ballot-papers.

Kable NRM Primaries P2

Teso:

Been calm and well spent election in the primaries there. Good to hear that some areas has it peaceful.

Teso 27.10.15

Entebbe:

Voting today has been postponed. The ballot papers miss certain candidates for MPs and one of the mayoral aspirants is even missing on the same ballot-paper.

Ntungamo 271015 P1

Ntungamo:

Found bunches of fake party cards and the DPC of the area shows pictures of it. They were found in running Mayor Jacob Kafureeka’s house. Matayo has been caught with over a 1000 fake NRM cards. On the MP ballot papers was pre-ticked for candidate Yonah Musinguzi.

Ntungamo 271015 P2

Busia:

There been pre-ticket ballot papers in the districts for the candidate for Nekesa Barbra Oundo who is the state minister for Karamoja that she is contested for the seat in the sub-country Bugwe North. Also to top it off on the ballot papers delivered they didn’t have Gideon Onyango. Barbra Oundo Nekesa is contesting for re-election as the Woman MP for the Busia District. Because of these irregularities the election is now cancelled and will be postponed.

Kiyandongo:

In the district the police have put the NRM Flag bearer into detention. Mr. Bitera has been charged for vote rigging, in meaning pre-ticketing ballot papers. As he still is in custody the elections continues and the other candidates are Limtho and Tampo Amin. An Tampo Amin is the grandson of Idi Amin.

NRM Electoral Commission:

There been reported of heavy meetings in the main office of the election after how the Primaries are going in the country in Kampala.

First election results:

Ibanda:
At Rwengwe Polling Station In Kashangura -ibanda District,

NRM PRIMARY MP IBANDA NORTH
Hon Kyooma: 99votes
Hon Guma: 65votes
Hon Asimwe: 3votes
Hon Kyakunda: 1vote
Hon Kanyandeko: 0
Invalid: 4votes

IBANDA DISTRICT L5 CHAIRPERSON
Kajwengye: 16votes
Mutabaruka: 55votes
Godians: 96votes
Samson: 1vote

WOMAN MP
Kalisa Hav 154 Votes En Kiboijana 10votes

Yeah, this looks good before the General Election this coming 2016. Nope, the ruling party can’t even run a decent internal election without violence, rigging or the police involved. The amount of postponement should also lead to Dr. Tango Odoi to get a new job or might even go back to lectures in Makerere University. Instead of this rigging nonsense; Where it’s so much chaos and making the NRM is officially short for National Resistance Movement. Instead the NRM should be now short for National Rigging Movement. Dr. Tanga Odoi, do you agree? Peace.

Reference:

Nakatudde, Olive & Labeja, Peter – ‘NRM Spends UGX 5.5bn On Primaries’ (27.10.2015) link: http://ugandaradionetwork.com/story/nrm-spends-ugx-5-5bn-on-primaries?utm_content=buffer20156&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer

Nakatudde, Olive – ‘NRM Extends Voting Time In Primaries’ (27.10.2015) link: http://ugandaradionetwork.com/story/nrm-extends-voting-time-in-primaries#ixzz3pmAk3SaM

Fighters of Justice: UPF and M7 Hails to No One On their duty as the “Crime Preventers” in the General Election of 2016

MuseveniNRM2016Election

You think that the issues between police and Ugandans are inflicted with a huge rise of crime. Since they have hired such numbers of Crime Preventers! If you don’t know its election season and it will continue until the General Elections in February to March 2016. The Inspectorate General of Police Kale Kayihura has spoken out again. Therefore has to show how arrogant and also how his rhetoric is so demanding while pushing the public and opposition figures at every move. While he is using laws to benefit and not policing the actual public or citizens, but controlling them with force. I might be called a foreign influence, still I shouldn’t be feared or putting him against for instances the public. It’s about check and balance. We all should be able to ask for transparency and accountability, something that is hard to see and being held accountable because the police have the right to charge with violence in case of security. It’s hard to see accountability from the Police and Government when they don’t shed the light on their own misbehaving and claiming everybody else is the troublemakers. We should all wonder what the use for all those Crime Preventers and so sudden the amount of people that are affiliated with the police, but not official police force. They will surely create animosity during the election and spread more fear, then the sectarianism and tribalism that supposed to be the issue that usually the President Museveni calls out. That I fear for all the other parties and independents running in this coming election. I hope I am not alone. Because the evidence and numbers of people is crazy! Period, just take a look!  

Kale Kayihura

IGP Kale Kayihura on a press conference today:
“This is now foreign influences. We want to turn the population against the government. It is absolutely rubbish. It is not true. Absolutely not true. Absolutely not true! (Kale Kayihura shakes his head). Yes off course what I cannot deny is that there is something called National Security. Forget it! We target, in fact we should be faulty, we should have, we should have known these groups you talking about. Through protection, protection is constitutional, protection involves off course involving some bad characters like terrorism. Terrorism! We shouldn’t carry out to intelligence work to protect terrorist” (WBS TV, 26.10.2015) .

Uganda Police Force deal with North Korea:
“The panel discovered that the Ugandan government had contracted with North Korea to provide police force training. Ugandan government officials purported that they did not realize that UN sanctions prohibited this type of activity, according to a USUN official” (GAO, 2015).

There been released and having public rallies with President Museveni like yesterday in Lira. The same has happen in Kasese and Gulu. Therefore there been set into force lots of Community Crime preventers. That’s the once that IGP Kale Kayihura discussing on the Press conference today. The real issue is the manhood and level of upgrade towards this group of Crime Preventers into society.

Crime Preventers

In August President Museveni did this:
“President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has passed out 30,000 crime-preventers from the district of Ngtungamo who has completed a cadership and crime prevention course conducted by the Uganda police force at Kyamate secondary school grounds” (…)”Recently, Museveni presided over the passing out over 8,000 crime preventers at Nyakasharara grounds in Kiruhura districts” (TheInsider.co.ug , 2015).

On the 5th of October 2015 President Museveni presided over and passed out 50,000 Crime preventers in Mbale. The National Youth Crime Preventers:
Mbale residents have pledged full support to the National Crime Preventers Forum (NCPF) on the pass-out of over 50,000 Crime preventers due to take place tomorrow.The Business community who are the biggest beneficiaries of a Crime free society which is a result of Police coordinating or Cooperating with the people (Community Policing) confirmed their attendance and Support to the cause”. That is what they self-claimed about the actions happening on the 5th of October in Mbale”.

Earlier the UPF commented like this:
“His Excellence the president of Uganda Yoweri Kaguta Museveni who was the Guest of honor on Monday 12th October passed out 23,000 crime preventers at Nyakakinda grounds in Kasese district” (UPF, 2015).

Budget wise:
Plans by the Uganda Police Force to recruit up to 7,000 officers ahead of the 2016 general elections may stall following the failure by the Ministry of Finance to provide Shs 8.3b required for the activity” (…)”He also said that in order to professionalise the Uganda Police Force, there is need to improve quality of personnel through continuous training in basic courses which include leadership, command and control, public order management, traffic control, investigation and crime management” (Uganda Parliament).

Why I do this now is to show the numbers of crime preventers that Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has now on his hands and also the how the NRM regime is arguing for the necessity of this kind of security agents “right” before the general election of 2016 in Uganda. What scares me is the unfolding of it and at the same time the old reports of the budgets for the Police. Especially with the way that IGP Kale Kayihura and his rhetoric towards everybody else, like he has attacked the opposition and the media. Together with amount of extra personnel should be looked up and followed up by the donors and international society to address the matter.

Nobody has address the Crime Preventers and their role up to the 2016 General Election. YKM is surely starting to be afraid of his own people when he has to get that amount of people together with the army, police and special police squads to target individuals of fear. The fear should also be with the special training of police from the North Korean Police forces and training of parts of the Ugandan Police Force. Together with the Crime Preventers in this certain levels that is surreal. This is reality and the fear that IGP Kale Kayihura and President Museveni are staggering. Also the rhetoric that been used by them both is also more onto “them” and “us”. The citizens and the National Security issue. It doesn’t seem like the population isn’t what needs National Security, but the NRM-Regime. The Police has been inconsiderate when it comes to people who is not in the Yoweri Kaguta Museveni wing of the NRM, and their loyal cronies. Then the Police even shot and spray tear-spray over them. As they have done to the opposition as well for a long time, ever since they has followed them and policed them since the 2005, Uganda Police Force and Crime Preventers will surely make this election messy.

And without them IGP Kale Kayihura, his DPCs and Special Forces like the Flying Squad can easily do damage to any Election rally that is supposable “illegal” by the Public Order Management Act. That will surely happen, also the coming actions of Police against DP, UPC and FDC rallies will happen in due time. Secondly also the leaders of these parties will be handled in a fashion called Preventive Arrest and house arrests. We will also see that they also without any court judgement taken to custody by law enforcement before them even send their kids to school. This will happen because they are affiliated with the wrong political party. Peace.

Reference:

The Insider – ‘Museveni masks 30, 000 militias as crime preventers’ (12.08.2015) link: http://www.theinsider.ug/museveni-masks-30000-militias-as-crime-preventers/

Parliament of Uganda – ‘Police needs to recruit 7,000 officers for 2016 elections’ link: http://www.parliament.go.ug/new/index.php/about-parliament/parliamentary-news/398-police-needs-to-recruit-7-000-officers-for-2016-elections

United States Government Accountability Office (GAO) GAO:15-485  – ‘NORTH KOREA SANCTONS – United States has increased Flexibility to impose Sanctions, but United Nations is impended by a lack of member state reports’ (May, 2015) link: http://www.gao.gov/assets/680/670170.pdf

UPF – ‘They aren’t militias groups’ (23.10.2015) link: http://www.upf.go.ug/they-arent-militias-groups/