Uganda – Statement of Principles of Ugandans Committed to Democratic Change (29.10.2015)

Statement of Principles 291015 P1Statement of Principles 291015 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/

The saga goes on and its called the NRM Primaries

Postpone NRM

Yet another day and the NRM Primary are postponed again. That is not really news when it happens with so often. There have been issues in the areas that already have had local council elections. Now it’s more elections for the candidates for MPs and Presidential. Before the continuation there been reports of military police going to areas of the NRM Primaries before starting of casting the votes, even mini-buses being shipped in between the areas to secure that certain individuals are winning the elections. In Kasese the losers of the local elections deflected from NRM towards the Go-Forward Ticket, and mean they no longer stand by the Mzee, but instead for Amama Mbabazi.

Norbert Mao of the DP is saying this on social media: “Have you heard? I hear the NRM primaries postponed…again! There is something rotten in Sevoland”.

NRM PRimaries Pre Ticket

IGP Kale Kayihura even had to say this before the primaries:
Due to several violent incidents that have characterized the party primaries in the recently concluded elections, we felt it’s important to alert the country that the State is in control and will not allow any violence” (…)”Primaries must take place without violence; people must know that elections are not warfare” (Segawa, 2015).

The Chairman of NRM Electoral Commission Dr. Tanga Odoi said this:
“She is trying to destroy the party by trying to rig elections. We have credible evidence that she was trying to rig the eledctions” (…)”Nantaba was involved in a scam, she has to report to the NRM vice chairman, Hajji Moses Kigongo and apologize before I can act” (Kamugisha, 2015).

Dr. Tanga Odoi has been claiming that a candidate has been trying to rig the primaries election. This one is Aidah Nantaba. The claim is that she with a gang of folks went into Luzira and took ballot papers. Even with doing so, she still lost her mandate to Moses Karangwa in Kayunga district (Kamugisha, 2015).

The Secretary of the NRM Justine Lumumba said this recently:
“Those party members were rejected by voters in the party. They should not be talking about standing as independents now. They should be rallying behind candidates elected by voters in the party primaries. If they go ahead and stand as independents, the party constitution will be used to expel them” (…)”As a person responsible for supervising the NRM electoral commission, I have never received any complaints regarding the NRM primaries shortcomings. If I did, I would have resolved them. As far as I am concerned there are no complaints from the two party leaders for me to resolve” (Lukoma, 2015).

This weekends actions in Kashenyi in Ngoma Sub County:
“The minister of state for Justice also Deputy Attorney General Mr. Mwesigwa Rukutana and city businessman Bob Kabonero, the proprietor of Kampala Kasino were on Friday evening arrested and held hostage by voters over bribing electorates” (…)”This comes after the scuffle began when one of Mr. Justus Karuhanga’s Supporters Mr. Jamada Mawanda arrested by Mr. Rukutana at his rally, was tied up and beaten by his supporters, and put into a vehicle belonging to the minister on handcuffs” (…)”The Ntungamo district police commander Baker Kawonawo confirmed the scuffle at Kashenyi trading centre in Ngoma Sub County on the Uganda Rwanda border but dismissed the assault of Rukutana. Mr. Rukutana also denies being beaten up arguing that the scuffle only involved supporters (…)”Mr. Rukutana, Mr Herbert Nyongozi and Mr. Amon Kamugyene) at her home Irenga Ntungamo sub county on Saturday evening with the three candidates accusing Mr. Rukutana of using his position to threaten them out of the race. They also accused him of bribing votes and intimidating them” (MK News Link, 2015).

There have been reports of even more postponing of the primaries in Kiruhura District. It has been postponed after the main candidate suffered a fatal death in a car accident on the Masaka – Mbarara road on Saturday even. The sudden death of Michael Nyamuguri Kananura was the comping MP aspirant of Kiruhura. This postponement came as a request from major stakeholders in the area (Twesigye, 2015).

Mawogola NRM

Like earlies report is that their fires as Sembabule in the town of Mawogola today! That is where the police have been shootings into the crowds. To top it all of the police have actually has shot directly at people’s houses in the area. A lot of people have ended up being hurt by the shootings.

Sembabula NRM NBS

In Kinkiizi East earlier today, there has been exposed trying to elaborately vote rigging. Where Mr. Chris Baryomunsi had pre-ticked NRM ballot tickets in his car and this got found out by a crashing that set vehicle before reaching Kanugu.

At the Kasese Police Station there are impounded cars owned by MP Mbahimba over trying to bribe voters. Therefore the car is set in the compound of the police right now (Kahungu, 2015).

In Mbale there also been actions and the police has arrest 32 people, allegedly for planning to disrupt the primaries in Bungokho South. The suspects are now under detentions in the Mbale Central Police Station (Omagor, 2015).

In Jinja there have been reported coming more police and security agents ahead of the Primaries in town yesterday (Walukamba, 2015). At the same day Annet Musika commented this: “the NRM primaries in Jinja are likely not to be free and fair because of bribery” (Gulumire, 2015).

What you think? Seem like there will be issues. Especially with reports of rigging and trying to rig it! There are so many issues that it seems like Dr. Tanga Odoi has not total control of the movement on the ground. Tamale Mirundi must have a field day and will call him out again. How the candidates and the police even arrest people. Shows that there are deeper issues and with the reports from earlier NRM Primaries proves the quality and how it is mended to fix certain candidates instead of honoring the members with their will. That is not a good luck before the main General-Election coming 2016. Especially with evidence of pre-ticket ballots and violence from the Police at every turn. The NRM party is showing frictions and also that their struggles with the different wings of the party. Especially when one part loses or is rigged lose, they shifts to Amama Mbabazi or goes independent. Then the Electoral Commission of the Party will expel the individual who does so. That proves that there is some arrangements that is hurting the Party and that the NRM Electoral Commission is not honoring the members like we saw earlier this year. Peace.

Reference:
Gulumire, Andrew – ‘Jinja Woman Parliamentary Aspirant Quits NRM Primaries’ (25.10.2015) link: http://ugandaradionetwork.com/story/jinja-woman-parliamentary-aspirant-quits-nrm-primarie

Kamugisha, Samuel – ‘Tanga Odoi To Minister Nantaba: Apologise Within Four Hours Or Be Arrested’ (26.10.2015) link: http://www.hotspot.ug/2015/10/26/tanga-odoi-to-minister-nantaba-apologise-within-four-hours-or-be-arrested/

Kahungu, Thembo – ‘Police Impound MP Mbahimba’s Vehicle Over Voter Bribery’ (26.10.2015)
Link: http://ugandaradionetwork.com/story/mp-mbahimbas-vehicle-impounded-over-voter-bribery

Lukoma, David – ‘Minister Nantaba, Nankabira Face Expulsion From NRM’ (26.10.2015) link: http://news.ugo.co.ug/minister-nantaba-nankabira-face-expulsion-from-nrm/

MK News Link – ‘NRM Election Violence: Minister Rukutana, Bob Kabonero Assaulted by opponent’s supporters’ (25.10.2015) link: http://mknewslink.com/nrm-election-violence-minister-rukutana-bob-kabonero-assaulted-by-opponents-supporters/

Omagor, Javier Silas – ‘Mbale Police Arrest 32 Ahead of NRM Primaries’ (26.10.2015)
Link: http://ugandaradionetwork.com/story/mbale-police-arrest-32-ahead-of-nrm-primaries#ixzz3pg5tAbN2

Segawa, Nixon – ‘Kayihura Warns Against Violence in NRM Primaries’ (25.10.2015) link: http://chimpreports.com/kayihura-warns-against-violence-in-nrm-primaries/

Twesigye, Faluku – ‘Kiruhura NRM Primaries Postponed’ (25.10.2015) link: http://www.redpepper.co.ug/kiruhura-nrm-primaries-postponed/

Walukamba, Aldon G. – ‘Security Beefed up ahead of Jinja NRM Primary Elections’ (25.10.2015 Link: http://ugandaradionetwork.com/story/security-beefed-up-ahead-of-jinja-nrm-primary-elections

NRM – Special Announcement – Postponement of Party Primary Elections (26.10.2015)

NRM Press Release 261015 P2

Press Statement: Dear Ugandan voter and citizen you have the right to know what the Government in Power does with your hard earned Tax Money (22.10.2015)

Malcom Matsiko

Ugandans should be bold to ask tough questions. The committee in parliament on public accounts committe should come more often to account or expose the flaws in spending public money.

I would like President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the presidency department to account to the tax payers of this country the money he has spent in on foreign trips or travel since he become a head of state in 1986.

I recently approached protocal office at the Ugandan parliament with the intention to meet the president in person and put point blank the reasons I will never support him in this country. Among the issues our team wanted him to respond on was how much does he spend on frequent trips outside the country?

I was told I can’t meet him because the head of state is booked from now to next year May for NRM party activities and trips around the globe.

I was frustrated and am still with the burning issues we had prepared to deliberate on.

Atleast in the last 30 days , the president was in Khartoum Sudan, was in Kenya Nairobi, was in Rome Italy, He was in New York ,Algeria and I think other countries.

The president’s handlers should avail all the details on these trips sponsored by the Ugandan citizen and tax payers.

I guess the figures are exceedingly huge whereas civil servants and pensioners are not paid their little money, salaries/wages since July todate.

The children in Northern Uganda dieing because they can’t have a plate of food to eat in 24 hours if not at the border with Tanzania in Rakai district there are tens and hundreds reported dead because of lack of food and water. Many of these dieing are mostly refugees that were expelled by the government of Tanzania a few years ago and were allowed into Ugandan territory hurriedly without any prior consultations with primary stakeholders.

The prime minister’s office cut off supplying the refugee camp with food and water putting the lives of human beings in that camp at stake.

It was reported that men throw themselves in the nearby river to die instead of helplessly watching their loved ones starve to death.

The other day a couple of people called us saying we are not patritic because we referred to Mr. Yoweri Museveni the President of Uganda , his dim lieutenants and pals in government like Anite Evelyn, Kenneth Omona, Omondo Omondo, Namara , Kibuule , Hon.Ogwang and many others young or old government advisors as highly decorated opportunists Uganda has ever produced since time immomerial.

What justification can the whole band of “Tubonge Naawe” give to call for the commedians in luganda the”dikulas” of this country like Bebe Cool, Jose Chameleon , Juliana Kanyomozi and the entire crew of artistes that feasted with Mr. Museveni in Munyonyo luxury hotel last week wheras hundred of population starving in country supposed to be a basket of Africa???deaths of people within our borders due to lack of a mere plate of food and a mere glass of water to drink? Yet they gladly met to con Mr. Museveni under the auspice of NRM lady Anite Evelyn a minister in the current insensitive , elitest , lukewarm regime.

Uganda needs a third liberation, this time around by us Ugandans not foreigners like in the case of 1978/79 and 1981-1986 bush war that saw Rwandan commanders like Late Fred Rwigyema , Beingana, Bunyenyenzi, Katureebe , Kalegyeya and Gen. Kagame fighting and handing over power to rebel leader Yoweri Museveni. In 1979, unsung Tanzanian heroes liberated this country and handedover power to Ugandan renegades Yoweri Museveni inclusive.

So for one to really overstate that Yoweri Museveni is the father of this country, the liberator, the saviour and etc, like Anite Evelyn misleads the un informed Ugandans that is to be a pathetic and celebrated liar in modern times. The man was in sweden eating sauges when kampala fell and late Dr.Obote was overthrown by his very own solidiers , the Okellos and Milton ran to exile in to Zambia. The solidiers were later fooled by late Rwigyema led group and Salim Saleh to lose kampala to the NRA where Museveni outsmarted the NRM political wing and was sworn in as the junta leader of 1986. By now you can perfectly and orrectly understand why we said that Museveni is a highly decorated opportunist in Uganda.

We need the figures to see how much he spends on foreign presidential visits begging other countries to grant expensive loans to this nation since he become president and compare huge with the thorny challenges this country is bedevilled with .

Written by Presidential aspirant Dan (Malcom) Matsiko for the NFT (New Form for Thinking) and Independent Candidate in the coming Presidential Election and General Election in 2016 in Uganda.

Amuru Land Grab: What is ours, is OURS; What is their’s, is OURS; and Whatever is your’s, is still OURS

YKM Amuru Land Deal

There has been a lot of news and articles on this matter because of the sensitive issue of owning land. Land can secure families and secure the heritage of the local people in the area. The issue is how to deal with wish of growing society and also keeping traditions. Also settling people in after years of war with the LRA and settle especially the ones that are seen as Internal Displaced Persons (IDPs). Another issue is if the government tries to deal with big monies and doesn’t include local patrons or community. That disfranchises the people and also grows a bigger distrust from the community about the government institution. That also shows the true color of especially some of that is, also the matter in the Amuru Land grabbing. I will not look into the local squats between families and also IDPs and local farmers stealing land from each other. That is equally important. But don’t have the space to write and find a good way to put it into this one. NRM-Regime has from day one been laisses faire economics and not governmental business orientated even if the President of 29 years was into communist thinking in the 70s. Also into business that gains the government, but not actually the public and citizens always. Therefore we have the heavy prices and expenditure of roads. The deals and arrangements hasn’t been made in sincerity of the public, therefore has also the MPs from the area in now bot the 8th Parliament and the 9th Parliament has reacted to deals that been set in fruition. The Madhvani deal is the big one and the one with the most flesh and grants. Also the Apaa village dispute over the land becoming a hunting ground instead of being a village for the people who actually live there. Then I will show other deals that have been questioned. This was the gist!

Professor Ogenga Latigo spoke his mind:
“While referring to the process of land acquisition for the project, Professor Ogenga Latigo, the former Member of Parliament for Agago county and Leader of Opposition in the 8th Parliament indicated that ―Government mishandled the Amuru case, while others informants argued: ―”The idea is not bad but the approach of establishing the sugarcane factory [was wrong, and besides the project] is imposed on the people, the project should be started when the people have returned to their land. The priority should be to give chance to the locals to resettle before establishment of the sugarcane factory” (Serwajja, 2012).

Basic information from 2005:
“Gulu district in her endeavor to alleviate poverty and promote development is committed to mainstream environmental concerns in its implementation strategies. The district continues to rely on the natural resources as important sources of income. It is been noted that over 82% of the population depend on agriculture and this can call for immediate up-date on status of the natural resources in the district” (Langoya & Ochora Odoch, 2005).

Land Law information about in Uganda:
“Tenure arrangement:
Until 1995, customary tenants did not legally own land they occupied. The land belonged to the State, and the tenants were merely permitted to live on it (Tenants at Sufferance). According to its preamble, the Decree was intended to provide for the vesting of title to all land in Uganda IN TRUST for the people of Uganda. The Constitution of 1995 vested land in the citizens of Uganda as opposed to land vested in the State, as was the case with the Crown Land and consequently Public Land.
Therefore:
• Customary tenants on Public Land were empowered to own land occupied.
• Three quarters of land in Gulu falls under customary tenancy hence Communal Land Management.
• The Land Act 1998 favoured the Acholi customary land holding e g. communal cultivation, communal grazing, and settlements” (Langoya & Ochora Odoch, 2005).

Important land law:
“Section 92 of Uganda’s Land Act (1998, Cap. 227) states that “a person who…makes a false declaration in any manner relating to land” or “willfully and without the consent of the owner occupies land belonging to another person”… “commits an offence.” Notably, however, the Penal Code Act does not mention land-related crime or theft, robbery, or grabbing of immovable property” (Northern Uganda Land Platform, P: 6, 2014).

Alternative dispute resolution (ADR), or ‘mediation’ as it is known, is not as technical, costly, or time-consuming as formal court processes, and aims to promote harmony among community members rather than naming a winner and a loser” (Northern Uganda Land Platform, P: 18, 2014).

“Migration characteristics:
Virtually, there are no refugee settlements in the district. However, large number of people in rural areas has moved to the forty six Internally Displaced Persons’ Camps and urban areas (RUM). It is noted that the Population in camps have risen from 291,000 people in 2001 to 438,765 people in 2004 and those in the urban centres from 38,297 people in 1991 to 113,144 people in 2002. Due to the same insurgency, there is also movement of people from Gulu district to the neighboring districts of Nebbi, Adjumani, Apac, Lira, Masindi and other Districts, not mentioned here” (Langoya & Ochora Odoch, 2005).

“Three criteria are found to be reliable indicators of bad faith. These reveal themselves as the ADR process unfolds, and include:” (…)”RIGHTS: Land rights of each party. These are determined by family ties, marital status, and transactions (gifts and sales)” (…)”INTENT: Parties’ demonstrated willingness to (not) respect these land rights. Usually evidenced by the presence of any “warning signs” and/or similar actions, body language, and statements” (…)”POWER: Parties’ perceived ability/opportunity to deprive opponent of land rights. This is context-specific, and may be assessed through probing” (Northern Uganda Land Platform, P: 7, 2014).

amuru-disctrict-shannon-tito

Some information on the Area Land Committee(ALC):
“A major point of breakdown apparently concerns the integrity of the Lands Administration itself. Although Area Land Committees are the “eyes and ears” of the District Land Board—thus vital to the process of land surveying and registration at the grassroots—these bodies remain under-facilitated, unsupervised, and unsurprisingly corrupt” (Northern Uganda Land Platform, P: 75, 2014).

Witnesses from the ALC:
”There’s no supervision of ALCs. So they go and do the work the way they want… because they’re human, sometimes they’re stubborn. On the basis of relationship… they can favor somebody. There may be a boundary dispute that was really not resolved – but in their report they say the dispute was ‘decided” (…)”“…a nightmare. The Kakira Sugar Works Limited overdemands money! Your file can be lost if you don’t pay them. I have to be very bold with these people, and tell applicants what really goes on. The corruption is highly coordinated, you can’t penetrate it. They look at you as if you are stupid if you don’t hand them extra money. I think the reason why no official fee structure exists has to do with the people behind private survey firms. If survey rates become fixed, then they lose business.” (…)”If I want to do something, you have the knowledge, I have the money. Money is very evil. However principled I am in my work, there’s some degree to which I will bend. All government offices are strained. No department says they have enough facilitation to do their work… We need to agitate, put it to the government that resources be looked at. Facilitating the ALCs alone will not solve the problem. Instead of centralizing the court, where people cannot afford travel costs (80-100km away), can we facilitate departments to do their work?” (Northern Uganda Land Platform, P: 75, 2014).

One set of background for Acholi land grab:
“To a number of locals in Northern Uganda, the issue of Customary Land Titles/ Certificates continues to evolve, and the rush to pilot this project has raised a number of questions and concerns about state involvement in land-related issues” (…)”In 1995, the Constitution of Uganda gave the right to own land to Ugandan citizens and any Ugandan could settle anywhere following due procedure. Following the passage of the 1995 Constitution the customary land tenure system was uplifted to the level of freehold tenure” (…)”As such, a clear definition and understanding of public land becomes imperative to securing access to land rights. One such example is the act of Amuru District Land Board allocating 40,000 hectares of land to Madhvani Group of Companies for sugar cane plantations. This allocation was made in the understanding that the land was public land. To community members this was a clear mismanagement by the land boards and manipulation of customary land rights by state institutions” (Otim, Ina & Cody, 2012)

“Lending credence to the perception of threat was highly public pressure from central government (including the President personally) for the opening up of Acholi land to investors, large-scale commercial farming, and other forms of ‘development’. From early 2007 this pressure was focused on giving land – originally 40,000 hectares, later reduced to 20,000 – in western most Amuru District to the Madhvani-owned Kakira Sugar Works Limited for a sugar cane plantation” (United Nation, 2013).

Main issues in Acholiland on land:
“Many Acholis oppose the project not only because Acholi cultural land is not to be sold, but also because many of the owners of that land are still in camps and, because of displacement due to war and the consequences, have not yet been able to return to their ancestral birthplace” (Kligerman, P:28, 2009). A World Bank report in July 2008 recommended a moratorium on land titles to investors in Acholiland until residents had residents had returned home from camps and people had been “sensitized” to land issues (Atkinson, R, 2008). The report also recommended that the government demonstrate its commitment to protecting natural resource rights (Atkinson, R, 2008); this is remarkable support for the Acholi people, particularly considering that the World Bank is one of major promoters of land privatization globally” (Kligerman, P: 29, 2009).

Insecurity when it comes to Land in Acholiland:
First one:
“Previous and on-going attempts by private individuals to acquire private interests in land which is perceived to be owned communally. Acholi leaders believe that Government is engaged in designs to help well placed and politically influential people from other parts of the country to access and enclose land in Acholi land. Common Property Resources are particularly targeted by individuals as well as government agencies” (Rugadya, P: 3, 2009).

Second one:
“Investor interest in the region; Pursuit of land access by large-scale commercial interests, speculators and grabbers was also causing tension particularly in the Acholi sub-region. The concern is that commercial agricultural interests will be cavalier in their treatment/understanding of land rights and land use issues. A number of highly publicized multiple attempts to acquire land in the sub-region presumably for investment and potential government development programmes, while some of these proposals may have been legitimate investment programmes to help re-establish peace and spur economic development activities in the region, the absence of a clear national policy and institutional framework for pursuing these initiatives has fueled the suspicion that “government” or investors as trying to usurp their land” (Rugadya, P: 4, 2009).

On Land Policy:
“Hostility towards government land policy is acute. MP Reagan Okumu asserts that there is a kind of ‘scramble’ for Northern Uganda, accompanied by a deliberate effort to deny Northern Uganda any development by scaring away investors. He says that because people in Northern Uganda are poor, whenever one flashes money around, they will sell their land at even low prices” (Otim & Mugisha, P:9, 2014).

Continuation on land and allocation of it:
“In Uganda, land is the single greatest resource for which a large majority of the population derives its livelihoods – because of the importance attached to land in all communities, conflicting interests in are unavoidable” (…)”Okoth-Ogendo describes land as a political resource which defines power relations between and among individuals, families and communities under established systems of governance” (Mabikke, P:6, 2011).

Allocation Part II:
“These land allocations dominate in the western area of Amuru district. These concessions have spurred major discussions on land grabbing in Acholi land. Central to these concerns has been highly public pressure from central government for opening up of Acholi land for “development” since early 2007 to allocate” (…)”land in Amuru district to the Madhvani Group for a large-scale sugar cane plantation. Reports from aggrieved Acholi Parliamentary Group (APG) – a group of Acholi parliamentarians accuse the GoU for assisting investors to grab land in northern Uganda. According to APG, the Central Government’s support for alienating land for commercial sugar cane farming in the north has been accompanied by powerful individuals gaining, or attempting to gain, private title to land that overwhelmingly belongs to communal landholding groups” (Mabikke, P:19-20, 2011).

Amuru

On IDPs and Returnees:
“Some returnees allege that the government grabbed large tracts of their land while they were in the IDP camps and offered these tracts to private investors. For example, in March 2008, the Madhvani Group submitted an application to the Amura District Land Board for 20,000 ha of land near to the Nile River for a sugarcane plantation. The local government approved the application with an initial allocation of 10,000 ha for a period of 49 years. Some of this land is claimed by returnees. In November 2008, several parliamentarians from the Acholi sub-region filed an application in the High Court in Gulu and obtained an ex-parte (temporary) injunction against the Madhvani Group, Amuru District Land Board and other respondents for interfering or encroaching on the disputed land. In ensuing court hearings, the Amuru District Land Board was forbidden from issuing new leases on the disputed land until the hearing and determination of the main suit. As of June 2010, the suit is still pending in the High Court” (Veit, 2010).

The Land Matrix database indicates that four large scale land deals amounting to 76,512 hectares were concluded in Uganda. In 1992, the government of Uganda signed an agreement with the Libyan government to allocate three large chunks of land, i.e. Bukaleba Beef Ranch (4,000 hectares), Aswa Ranch (46,000 hectares) and Maruzi Ranch (16, 376 hectares (Okello, 2006). Meanwhile, Egyptian government planned to establish grain farms on land totalling to 840,000 hectares (Kugelman and Levenstein, 2009) and Agri-SA holds about 170,000 hectares of arable land in Uganda (Mabikke, 2011). Similarly, the Ugandan government tried to allocate 7,100 hectares of land to the Sugar Corporation of Uganda Limited (SCOUL) to produce more sugar although the civil society resisted the allocation through massive demonstrations and appealing to donors to block the proposal (NAPE and Friends of the Earth International, 2012)” (Serwajja, 2012).

First information on Sugar factory in Amuru district:
“Box 1. Madhvani Amuru sugar works proposal:
In 2006 news began to emerge of a planned sugar works to be built by the Madhvani Group on 40,000 hectares of land in Amuru district. The proposal envisaged a joint venture between the Amuru Sugar Works (owned by the Madhvani family) and the government, with a projected cost of US$80 million (Shs 162 billion) and included construction of a factory, a power generation plant, a water treatment plant and reservoir, workshops, stores, fuel stations and administration blocks, staff housing and amenities including hospital and educational facilities, etc.34 Amuru Sugar Works anticipated employing up to 7,200 people (25 foreign and the rest local) directly at the factory and some 5,000 on outgrowers’ farms, providing a livelihood to around 70,000 people in total. Five villages to accommodate 200 farmers each were to be built in the nucleus estate. In these villages, farmers would benefit from education and health services, while extension and credit services, agricultural equipment for land clearing, ploughing and furrowing, and a development fund would be used to support outgrowers. According to the proposal, 200km of road network would be built on both the nucleus estate and surrounding areas.5 Despite the proposed benefits of the project, a political storm over the proposal quickly grew, with the Acholi Parliamentary Group (APG), under the leadership of MP Hon Livingstone Okello-Okello, arguing that the investment should not proceed until all internally displaced persons (IDPs) had safely returned and that the required land of 40,000 hectares was too big to be given out for a single investor, since the population was growing fast and in the process of returning from camps.6 Madhvani Group representatives, accompanied by President Yoweri Museveni, visited the north at the end of 2007 in a bid to gain support for the project. Museveni asked the Acholi paramount chief, His Royal Highness Lawii Rwodi David Onen Acana II, to undertake a consultative process by setting up a committee to assess the land in question, research the sugar industry and gather community views. The proposal has subsequently been reduced to 20,000 hectares for the nucleus estate and 10,000 for outgrowers. In July 2008 newspapers reported that during a meeting organised by the APG, residents resolved unanimously not to give their land to any investors. Most recently, following dissatisfaction regarding the ruling of the Amuru Land Board in favour of the Madhvani Group, a group of residents from Amuru district, led by MP Hon Simon Oyet, secured a court order stopping any transactions on land in the district, with the deputy paramount chief of the Acholi, Rwot Otinga Otto, calling on clan leaders and cultural heads to resist giving land to Madhvani if they are not consulted, saying: ‘Just rise up against whoever gives away land without your consent’” (International Alert, 2009).

The background to deal:
“The first public indication of Madhvani’s interest in a sugar cane plantation in the ‘north’s central part’ of Uganda – that is, Acholi – came in a New Year’s Day New Vision Business article, ‘Madhvani to set up second sugar factory’ (1 January 2007) . By July, this interest had become specifically identified as a 40,000 hectare tract of land in Amuru District – see, for example, two New Vision articles from 30 July 2007, one from the Local North section, ‘Acholi MPs asked to support sugar factory’, the other an Opinion piece by Gulu District
Chairman, Norbert Mao, ‘Sugar is sweet but Acholi cannot afford a raw deal’. It is important to note that the land sought by Madhvani is situated in an area cleared of people by the colonial government almost a hundred years ago and made a game reserve. But evidence of various Acholi group’s historical claims to customary land in the area, and its continued use through most of the 20th century for hunting by groups with recognized customary rights is extensive. It is also worth noting that this is also a part of Amuru where preliminary research indicates possible oil reserves, and where Government has given out licenses for oil exploration – as confirmed in a letter dd. 4 September 2008 from Daudi Migereko, the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, in response to a request for information on the matter by J.J. Okello-Okello, Chairman of the Acholi Parliamentary Group” (United Nation, 2013).

“The project entails acquisition of 40,000 hectares of land in perpetuity and at zero cost, implicitly the people of Lakang are meant to give away the land for development of the sugar industry. Half of the land, 20,000 hectares, will be used to establish a central business district (nucleus estate) of the factory that will entirely be under the management of the Madhvani Group and the remaining land will leased to the communities to grow sugarcane under the out-grower scheme. At the same time, the Madhvani Group will acquire a title deed to the land in question (40,000 hectares) in a quest to secure additional funding of about US$50 million from the African Development Bank” (Serwajja, 2012).

A review of the feasibility study report for proposed sugar project in Amuru district revealed that the area was preferred because of availability of permanent source of water which would provide water for irrigation and proposed factory. The proposed project is located about 6 kms is near the river Nile. Other suitable conditions for sugar cane growing identified included suitable topography with undulating plains, reliable rainfall of 1029 mm annually and fertile soils (sandy clay loam and loam) and availability of spear type of grass which is easy to clear (Madhivani Group March 2007). For the investors acquiring land from the UIA, they had to ensure that the land had no conflicts. For investors who acquired land from the UIA and DLBs, there are guidelines that prescribe all the processes for acquisition” (…)”In Amuru district, an investor had fenced off land cutting off adjustment villages from a health centre and a weekly market. Similarly, in the Kaweeri coffee plantation, the community complained about restrictions of movement through the plantation to access their villages. Since part of the process of land acquisition does not require understanding a gender analysis, its implications on women and men will not be understood and therefore such scales and effects will not inform planned actions“(Kanyesigye, P:13 & 15, 2014).

Amuruland

On the 11th December 2014 Attorney General Peter Nyombi wrote this in a letter:
“In a cabinet meeting presided over by H.E. the President, while briefing cabinet on the progress made so far by regarding the above project you informed cabinet that the survey of the project land would be done after the by-elections in Amuru District” (…)”Could you therefore have the land surveyed and the occupants of the same established and their property on the same recorded and valued so that the project can go ahead” (Nyombi, 2014).

Two other cases:
First case:
“According to the minister’s letter dated 7th January 2008, Major General Julius Oketa had applied to be issued with a certificate of title for approximately 10,000 hectares of land located in Amuru district for a sugar industry. The letter shows that there was no functional
Area Land Committees (ALC) in place which would inspect the land before issuing the title” (Mabikke, P: 20, 2011)

Second Case:
“A similar case of alleged land grabbing is cited in the petition presented to the Speaker of the Parliament, filed by Hon. Okello-Okello John Livingstone – chairman APG. Okello reported several attempts of land grabbing involving senior government officials in northern Uganda.
In 1992 the GoU signed a protocol with the Government of Libya giving away the following large chunks of land namely;
• Bukaleba Beef Ranch 4,000 hectares,
• Aswa Ranch 46,000 hectares
• Maruzi Ranch 16,376 hectares” (Mabikke, P:20, 2011).

A third case:
“The case of land in Apaa Village (Amuru District) illustrates the suspicions of local people concerning the acquisition of large tracts of land. In 2005, when people were still living in the camps, land was given to Bruce Martin from South Africa who was investing in game reserves for sports hunting. When resistance from the community intensified, it is claimed that the government changed tactics and asked the neighbouring district of Adjumani to contest ownership and claim that this land actually lies within Adjumani District. The Adjumani District authorities then passed a council resolution giving the land away to the ‘investor’. Some participants in this research argued that the boundaries between the two districts of Adjumani and Acholi are clear, and that some district politicians are manufacturing the boundary conflict. During an interview with the District Chairperson of Adjumani, he showed a map of the area in dispute claiming the area belongs to Adjumani District” (Otim & Mugisha, P: 8, 2014).

Fourth Case: 

Omoro County Suvey of Land

On the 9th of September of 2015 the police arrested the Amuru MP Hon Gilbert Olanya. Residents has reacted to buy of land and grabbing of Apaa village. The Villages and the MP was forced into the Police car even with the NTV camera crew in the place.

The TDA press release said this: “Three people are now confirmed dead by sources in Apa. Several people suffered grave injuries and are being treated at Amuru health centre. The Member of Parliament Gilbert Olanya was arrested and is believed to be detained in Masindi police station” (Minbane, 2015).

Afterthought:
I think I have said enough. If you’re not enlighten and gotten more clear information on the subject and the issue that these people are living through, then I am sure you should read more reports and dwell on the matter at hand. It is a sensitive matter that by my reckoning hasn’t been dealt in the best way. The arrangement and deals has been beneficiary for the government and state institutions, but not in favor of the demand in the districts. Also it has not put into an account what the local area needs or settlement of the IDPs after the long war in the war-torn area of the Northern Uganda. So many people are still in tents in the camps instead of building themselves into a stabile life. That is really growing prosperity and not just short and quick bucks with the sale of big areas located to foreign and not local merchants. Also fertile land is being sold to either facilitate a giant sugar-factory or as another big time deal to become hunting grounds instead of a place where the citizens can live and earn a livelihood. When this kind of actions happen from the government officials in Kampala and not directly with due diligence locally, then there will be frictions and anger towards the men who gave the businessmen the opportunity to occupy the lands. There are already as seen in many of the reports many smaller incidents between neighbors and family members to allocate lands in the Amuru and Adjumani district. Therefore this will be a sensitive issue that will not be over, especially not over until the next sunset. There will be many moons and even more hot air before a certainty is there. Especially when the Government overrules and sells the land without doing proper procedure and allocations, without checking the status of the area as it unfolds. They the government officials are just pocketing money quick and then send police to get rid of those who live there. At the same time having citizens in the camps as IDPs without a possibility to land and harvest, to find work to sustain them and live. That should have been the priority and not the businessmen from a far. Which is also the main reason why the locals reacts that strongly towards this land grabs and how they feel overrun and not listen to by the powers to be. In this case of the Government of Uganda and their LDC and certain ministries that have put the allocations into effect. An in this particular cases might put the quick monies before the additional and usually most important feature of any government institutions the people and the citizens before the contracts of selling the lands. Henceforth it’s understandable why people react and demonstrate when they feel wronged by the ones that supposed to serve you and secure security and care so you earn your livelihood. And that shouldn’t be too much to ask from the NRM-Regime, though it seems more likely that the big sums of monies matter more than the public reactions at this present time. Also that the continuation of disfranchising the northern districts of Uganda continues, especially with the Oil findings in Western/North Western Uganda – Bunyoro while Amuru and Adjumani will lose more to that area than even before. Peace.
Reference:
Kanyesigye, Juliet – ‘Hearing the other Voice: Investor perspectives on Protection of Women’s Land Rights in Large scale Land Acquisition in Uganda’, Submitted to the World Bank Conference 2014 on Land and Poverty 23-27th 2015, Washington D.C.

Kligerman, Nicole – ‘Alienation in Acholiland: War, Privatization and Land Displacement in Northern Uganda (2009)

Langoya & Ochora Odoch, Walter – Gulu District Local Government – ‘District State of Enviroment Report (2005) – Gulu, Uganda

Mabikke, Samuel B – ‘Escalating Land Grabbing In Post-conflict Regions of
Northern Uganda: A Need for Strengthening Good Land Governance in Acholi Region’ (08-11.04.2011) – Paper presented at the International Conference on Global Land Grabbing, University of Sussex

Minbane – ‘Press Release: TDA condems the violent and forceful eviction in Apa Uganda’ (08.09.2015) link: https://minbane.wordpress.com/2015/09/08/press-release-a-condemns-the-violent-and-forceful-eviction-in-apa-uganda-08-09-2015/

Northern Uganda Land Platform – ‘Power & Vulnerability in land Dispute Resolution – Evaluating Responses to Domestic Land Grabbing in Northern Uganda’ (Lira, May, 2014)

Nyombi, Peter – ADM/7/168/01 – ‘Re: Land for the Sugar Project in Amuru District’ to Hon. Daudi Migereko, Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Kampala

International Alert – ‘Contributing to a Peace Economy in Northern Uganda:
A Guide for Investors’ (06.2009)

Rugadya, Margaret A. – ‘UNVEILING GENDER, LAND AND PROPERTY RIGHTS IN
POST-CONFLICT NORTHERN UGANDA’ (November, 2008)

Serwajja, Eric – ‘The Quest for Development Through Dispossession: Examining Amuru Sugar Works in Lakang-Amuru District of Northern Uganda’ (17-19.10 2012) – Land Deal Politics Initiative (LDPI)

Otim, Denis Barnabas, Ina, Jahn & Cody, Emily – Refugee Law Project MUK – ‘Conflict Watch: “Land and Investment” – Balancing Local and Investor Interest’ (August 2012)

Otim, David & Mugisha, Police Charles – Saferworld: ‘Beyond the reach of the hoe: The struggle for land and minerals in Northern Uganda’ (April 2014)

United Nation – ‘LAND CONFLICT MONITORING and MAPPING TOOL for the Acholi Sub-region – Final Report March 2013’

Veit, Peter – ‘Focus on LAND in Africa – Breif: CONFLICT, DISPLACEMENT, AND LAND RIGHTS IN UGANDA: Uganda’ (December, 2010)