“The political and military elite of South Sudan have made themselves rich while the country has been impoverished by a civil war of their making, according to a report commissioned by George Clooney. An investigative unit called “The Sentry” co-funded by the actor, and activist John Prendergast, spent two years following the money trail” (BBC News, 2016)
Tag: Government of Uganda
Project 1034 Mukono-Katosi Scandal: The MoU between UNRA and EUTAW Construction Company
OSIEA assessment: on Human Rights and the ‘Rise of Development State’

Another day, another report; today I came over an interesting planning report for the OSIEA, that they made a draft for in March 2016. It shows the OSIEA views on the current affairs and how they preserve their work in the East African Region. With that in mind, I will let their written words speak for themselves.
But before doing so I will show what the OSIEA says about themselves and their organization:
“The Open Society Initiative for Eastern Africa (OSIEA) works through two strategic priority areas critical to addressing open society challenges in the region: 1) participation of citizens and 2) human rights” (…) ”A “constitutional moment” is sweeping Eastern Africa. Ongoing constitutional review and implementation processes in Kenya, Tanzania, Sudan, and South Sudan offer an opportunity to debate and institutionalize the values that underpin an open society. The engagement of citizens as active participants can build national ownership to advocate for and uphold a system to prevent arbitrary government and guarantee rights” (OpenSocietyFoundations.org).
With that in mind this is their consideration about the status of Human Rights, Democratic values and such in the East African Nations, also what they plan to focus on in the coming time in the region.

Important quotes from the Draft Report:
“Civic space is fast closing. New and existing laws and bureaucratic requirements are being enforced to severely restrict civic space. Civil society organizations are increasingly vulnerable to criminal and civil sanctions for a whole range of minor violations. Human rights actors, and activists, are increasingly at risk of being silenced, and there are few that dare to speak out forcefully. Governments and political elites are de-legitimizing human rights work, for example on international justice and grave crimes. Human rights activists and organizations are typified as unpatriotic, pursuing the agenda of their ‘western’ donors, and out of touch. At the same time, civil society, often new and or younger actors, are claiming new spaces for activism, such as the online space, although still facing pushback” (OSIEA, 2016).
“Rise of the ‘developmental state’. Even though they are failing to provide development to the citizens, regimes in the region are popularizing the ‘developmental state’; the proposition is that government’s primary focus should be to deliver developmental goods- education, health, security, infrastructure, etc.- and that democracy can come later. Citizens are being asked to prefer ‘development without liberty’. It is autocratic leaders making this argument, not the people, who see it for what it is- a smokescreen for dictatorship”.
“States are weakening, becoming more authoritarian, and smarter. States are increasingly losing their monopoly on the use of violence also as terrorism becomes a daily realty and insurgent groups become more active in the region. States are heavily increasing spending on security to the detriment of public goods. The response of the weakening states is increased militarization and surveillance of citizens, clampdown on dissenting voices, economic blackmail of critics, and lack of respect for the rights particularly of suspects accused of security related crimes. Government critics are at higher risk of being labeled supporters of terrorism to silence them. The fight against terrorism is becoming a convenient excuse for authoritarian rule. Regimes are becoming smarter by co-opting civil society language, demanding for evidence base of reports and proposals, accepting without conviction and movement, and managing through public relations. There is more militarization of internal political disputes”.

OSIEA Focus in each country:
Tanzania: “OSIEA’s programming in Tanzania will mainly focus on [constitutional and legal reforms, electoral reforms, natural resource governance, anti-corruption, right to information, protection of human rights defenders, disability rights, LGBTI, food security, and heath and rights]”
Kenya: “ In Kenya, OSIEA’s priorities include [protection of civic space, protection of human rights defenders, anti-corruption, international justice and grave crimes, counter terrorism and countering violent extremism, food security, disability rights, LGBTI rights, and health rights.]”.
Uganda: “OSIEA’s priorities are [protection of civic space, protection of human rights defenders, anti-corruption, international justice and grave crimes, natural resource governance, counter terrorism and countering violent extremism, food security, disability rights, LGBTI rights, and health rights.]”.
South Sudan: “OSIEA will focus on [international justice and grave crimes, protection of human rights defenders and journalists, protection of civic space, constitutional and legal reforms, access to justice, food security, and maternal health, etc.]”.
Sudan: “OSIEA will focus on [civic engagement, legal and constitutional reforms, international justice and grave crimes, documentation and advocacy on human rights, protection of civic space, protection of human rights defenders and journalists, disability rights work etc.]”.
Burundi: “OSIEA will focus on [protection of civic space, protection of human rights defenders, legal and constitutional reforms, and international justice and grave crimes]”.
Rwanda: “OSIEA will focus on [support for independent and critical voices, protection of human rights defenders and journalists at risk, documentation and advocacy on human rights, land reform, food security, women rights programming, LGBTI rights, and devolved governance]”.
Somaliland: “We see openings around [promotion of human rights principles, freedom of information and expression, equality and non- discrimination especially for women, media policy, land and oil governance, higher education, protection of human rights defenders, and food security.]”.

With all of this in mind, the picture and snap shot of reality from OSIEA isn’t a pleasant one as the addressing of the current situation show the fall of liberty, civil society and more power to the government for the sake of development. This happens as a shaken decision from the Authorities to secure the power and take away liberties to the citizens and Civil Society Organizations (CSO). The Authoritarian governments are on the rise using smart methods to silence the opposition and the ones that question them.
The draft report proves the importance of organizations like this that has grants and programs to support other CSO and NGOs in the region. As their mission cannot only be carried out by themselves.
What the Governments of East Africa would think about reading these comments on their actions would feel disgraced by their assessment therefore the draft might redrafted and rewritten to have a more hopeful choice of words to fit the program and not show as much disregard for the governments where the OSIEA tries to work and grant other organizations money. Peace.
Reference:
OPEN SOCIETY INITIATIVE FOR EASTERN AFRICA (OSIEA) – ‘2017-2020’ [Draft for Board Discussion, March 2016]
Rais Dkt. Magufuli atuma salamu za rambirambi kufuatia tetemeko la ardhi Mkoani Kagera (10.09.2016)

Press Statement: Earth Quake in Uganda (10.09.2016)

KAMPALA, SEPTEMBER 10, 2016 – On September 10, 2016 at 3:28 PM, an earthquake occurred in the Lake Victoria region.
Seismological Stations of the Directorate of Geological Survey and Mines in Entebbe, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, measured the earthquake at the magnitude of 5.7 on Richter scale.
The earthquake, which has been felt widely in the central parts of Uganda, had its epicenter at Bukoba in Tanzania is only 47 Km to Entebbe on a straight line.
“The magnitude of 5.7 on Richter scale is moderate and is not likely to cause any serious damage to any sound structures such buildings,” Dr F.A Kabagambe-Kaliisa the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, said. Ends…/
Dr. F.A. Kabagambe-Kaliisa
PERMANENT SECRETARY
IG Kakooza uncovers corrupt behaviour at all corners of Uganda in the May 2016 Report!

Because of General Election 2016, this one here got lost for me, but not for too long as the Report from Inspectorate of Government that came in 27th May 2016 has some clear issues within Government.
What it indicates is how many civil servants that use their position to gain extra funds and salaries, but also with the knowledge of troubles gaining enough income or salary on time therefore the acts of cheating, grafting and impersonation seem like a way out of poverty and actually just eat for a brief moment. That doesn’t justify thieving, but proves the systemic defaults on its own.
The Government and this IG has business to handle as there are cases in may districts and areas of the Republic only in the last 6 months. This here is just some fragments of the report from the IG. Still, shows the extent of Corruption in the current 30 years of the National Resistance Movement. How President Museveni can be proud of the system he has lead and built over the years. Take a look!

Breaching of the Leadership Code:
“In one (1) investigation it was recommended that a refund of Shs.3,480,000/= by a leader be made for using a company vehicle while he received transport allowance. A policy guideline on transport and fleet management was also recommended for the institution investigated” (IG, P: 17, 2016).
Lacking funds for the IG:
“Although Government has shown commitment to avail more resources to the institution as evidenced by the IG budget growth from Shs.13 million in 1986, Shs.3.1 billion in 1998 to Shs.35.4 billion in 2013 including donor support, the funding provision under the IG ceiling is still insufficient compared to the operational cost of investigations, prosecutions, verification of declarations and public awareness programmes” (IG, P: 33, 2016).
Government Institutions who hasn’t acted on IG recommendations:
“Alleged abuse of office and fraudulent tendering during the FY 2008/09 by MMC: The Senior Finance Officer/MMC was directed to refund. UGX 3,600,000/= being half of the money misappropriated to IG Assets Recovery A/C in BoU and thereafter present evidence for deposit to the IG failure of which she would be prosecuted in Courts of Law” (IG, P: 38, 2016).
“Alleged abuse of office by the Ag. PPO, Sembabule District: Mr. Turyarugayo Monday was directed, within three months, to refund Shs.4,890,804/= to IG A/C in BoU, which he irregularly earned in salaries for no work done” (IG, P: 38, 2016).
“Alleged abuse of office and mismanagement of a contract to extend council block by Lyantonde district officials: Submit Mr. Christopher Okumu to the DSC for appropriate disciplinary action for advancing Shs.150,000,000/= to M/S Bakaruma Contractors Ltd” (IG, P: 39, 2016).
“Alleged embezzlement of Shs.3,092,691/= meant for villages and 5% for Parishes in the FY 2010/2011 by the former Sub-Accountant Rubaya S/C In Mbarara: The Accountant should pay Shs.3,092,691/= within sixty days to the IG Assets Recovery Account with Bank of Uganda failure to do so will lead to tougher action being taken against him” (IG, P: 40, 2016).
“Alleged abuse of office and mismanagement of funds worth Shs.14,000,000/= by Kazo Town Council: The CAO Kiruhura should submit the Physical Planner Kazo to the DSC for disciplinary action for false accounting of Shs.2,000,000/= and failure to account for Shs.4,096,000/=. The Physical Planner ordered to pay Shs.6,096,000/= to IG Assets Recovery Account within 60 days. The Senior Physical Planner, Ministry of Lands directed to refund Shs.2,250,000/= received for facilitation for the work he did not do” (IG, P: 40, 2016).
“Alleged judicial misconduct and bribery by the Chief Magistrate Ibanda Court: The Chief Registrar Courts of Judicature should submit the Chief Magistrate to the disciplinary committee of the Judiciary for disciplinary proceedings and he should refund Shs.13,154,000/= to the Judiciary” (IG, P: 42, 2016).
“Alleged abuse of office and misappropriation of CDD funds by Busiisi Division Officials: Town Clerk to recover Shs.1,800,000/= being funds for Agahikaine Kibingo group that was put to personal use” (IG, P: 42, 2016).
“Alleged mismanagement and abuse of office by the Headteacher of Rukondwa Primary School in Masindi: Letter issued to Head teacher directing him to refund Shs.470,000/= through Assets Recovery Account being money he misappropriated as Headteacher of Rukondwa Primary School between 2004 and 2006” (IG, P: 43, 2016).
“Alleged forgery and impersonation of a teacher at Nyanja P/S in Rakai District: The teacher was directed to refund a total of Shs.19,579,287/= within 90 days with effect from 13/05/2015 which he illegally earned in salaries masquerading as a teacher who had left the teaching service in 2005/2006” (IG, P:43, 2016).
“Alleged embezzlement of Shs.85,000,000/= from Malaba Town Council: The CAO, Tororo was directed to submit the name of the former acting Town Clerk, Malaba Town Council and currently Assistant Chief Administrative Officer, Tororo to the DSC for appropriate disciplinary action for spending revenue earned from property tax, contrary to section 37 (2) and (3) of the Local Government Rating Act, 2005” (IG, P: 44, 2016)
People arrested by the IG:
“Hon. Abraham James Byandala, Minister without Portfolio: Abuse of office, Influence peddling, Disobedience of lawful orders” (…)”Asiku Ben, Accounts Assistant, Yumbe District Local Council: Embezzlement, abuse of office, forgery” (…) “Kiddu Ssali Bonny, former Chairman LC III, Lukaya Town Council & Luyimbazi James, former Town Clerk, Lukaya Town Council: Abuse of Office” (IG, P: 58 & 59).
People Concluded Prosecution cases:
“Wanyaka Samuel, Director Parliamentary Budget Office: Convicted on all the counts and sentenced to ten years in prison. He was further ordered to refund Ug. Shs.822,965,000/= which he stole” (IG, P: 61).
This here is just key aspects of the Report, not the whole one, but show’s how certain levels of corruption are and how it is taken. The smaller ones and the ones that are not important can be questioned and asked for refund. The others are being equitted or using long trial time to hopefully be forgotten.
There in the smaller district centrals and provincial towns where the cases are in North, West and East, but very little in the Central parts of Uganda; which is seem a little bit weird as the Central Government institutions are in Kampala and the teachers and supervisors that are taken to the Inspector General of Government are further in the districts. Not that I can believe the Ministries and Central Government is clean, as this report even at one point claim:
“Kalungi Robert, Principal Inspectorate Officer, Inspectorate of Government: Soliciting and receiving gratification; Convicted and sentenced to two years imprisonment on each count” (IG, P: 62, 2016). When even the Government body working to uncover corruption and graft are soaked in it as one of their own are taken doing the deed. Then the Central Government has to have an issue, not only Principals at Primary Schools in Mbarara, but also at Ministry of Sports and Culture.

The pride of the nation is not at stake, this is the ordinary, the normal and expected. The word of warning come and goes from time to time. Still, the validity of these claims is strong and shows the level of corruption. This is surely the same in 2016, as it was the last 6 months in 2015. Even more during the campaign of the NRM and General Election usually flamboyant spending from the Government; this is towards the folks and extent the boundaries of corrupt behavior to get the citizens to drop ballots in good faith.
So we can look forward to the next report if it is censored by the Central Government, that wouldn’t be surprising. So we can see if the IG get the ability to drop more stories or if the creative NRM will hide the corrupt behavior.
The ones coming here is not a good look as the small and minor, even bigger institutions has corrupted and abused their office for their own gain. This is a giant problem and comes from the top that doesn’t serve the civil servants and also often doesn’t allocate the needed salaries on time. That makes the civil servants creative to get the needed funds. The Government of Uganda got work to do, but as long as the NRM and their Mzee leads the realm I am sure there will be more of the same, because that fits him just fine. Peace.
Reference:
Inspectorate of Government – ‘Report to Parliament July to December 2015’ (27.05.2016) ‘Kakooza, Irene Mulyagonja the Inspector General of Government (IGG)
South Sudan music 2016 – We Are Hungry (Youtube-Clip)
UNMISS: Independent Special Investigation Team arrives in Juba to commence work on the July Incidents (09.09.2016)

FUFA statement on coach Micho’s unpaid salaries and bonuses (08.09.2016)

Mixed reactions to South Sudan government agreeing to regional force (Youtube-Clip)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=46uQ5YlymCs
“The planned deployment of a regional protection force to South Sudan has been met with mixed reactions. While people sheltering in UN compounds support the extra troops, other residents in Juba are against the move. Government accepted the regional deployment at the weekend during a visit by a United Nations Security Council delegation” (South Sudan Review, 2016)





