Chameleone is lost on his Leone Island; 2 days ago had good discipline as a tax-payer; today victim of not paying tax; time to take the boat from the Leone Island to reality

J.Chameleone NRM Suit

Something doesn’t seem to connect right with this big-man of a musician. It’s not often I comment on the matter of musicians anymore, since they don’t act as foolish as the politicians now a-days, but today Jose Chameleone has decided to act strange and fictional in days apart. Let me explain in his owns words.

What you should also know that for 90 days he has been paid UGX 5m. Quick fix will make 40×5 is UGX 200m. And if he was on a 100 campaigns for NRM he was paid UGX 500m. That tells whey he should have extra pocket money right now, plus the monies he earned for studio-time recording “Tubonga Naawe” as a gig-song for the NRM party.  First it is from a entertainment outlet with the initial start of the campaigns for the musicians, after that his words.

On the 17th October of 2015:

“Gives Shs 400 M to Musicians @ #‘TubongaNaawe’Launch A number of Ugandan musicians last evening stormed Speke Resort Hotel Munyonyo where they had been invited to dine with President Museveni at the launch of the “Tumbonge Naawe” project. The artistes who attended the launch include Pallaso, Bebe Cool, Dr. Jose Chameleone, Kinga Saha, Mun-G, Gravity Omutujju, Comedian Ann Kansiime and Fashionista Brian Ahumuza commonly known as Abryans among others who were all clad in yellow, the color for the National Resistance Movement” (…)”The President also offered the artistes UGX 400M as a token of appreciation for their support” (Entertainment World, 17.10.2015).

Here it is his own words recently!

On the 3rd February of 2016:

“Don’t stay home waiting for Heavens to find you in your sitting room discussing other people achievements because Miracles came like that in Jesus’s time!!!! We are a generation where nothing like stones turns to bread.Young people should wise up and work so hard so their sweat bears fruits now!!!

Forget the ‪#‎NIKEAIRMAGS

Thanks to the Almighty God.

In this picture another construction

“CHAMELEONE INVESTMENTS”

Good Financial Discipline from a dedicated Ugandan Tax Payer 😊

LEONE ISLAND TUGENDE TUKOLE”

J.Chameleone House 3.02.2016

On the 5th February of 2016:

I have tried to air my concern about how short our peoples memory is and many have looked at it as a point worthless. The same people who wrote the story when I was inconvenienced by Uganda Revenue Authority Upon Tax are back again to use their words to disrupt peace within fellow comrades!!!! I simply stated that I am a dedicated Tax Payer and didn’t call no ones name. We need to preserve respect for one another. Don’t create Gaps between Artistes in Favour of your own interests.

However,We have all been Victims of Tax Payment!

LEONE ISLAND MUSIC EMPIRE”

J.Chameleone Tax issues 05.02.2016

This here tell the different between the ordinary and musicians, musicians can earn quick money, but not think about the tax man, while spending millions on sneakers and house. Why didn’t you check about the money and tax for your car Dr. Jose Chameleone?

How are you the victim when you earn so much more monies then the average Ugandan, easily a 500m shilling in 90 days, and President Museveni has hold over 200 campaign rallies, so his sum could be even double, nearly tripled in that sense. But with the average one, he has earned a fortune on the campaign trail. That is why I can afford lots of new fancy house and shoes. While not notifying or securing the payment through his accountant, would that be to hard for you? That I am saying since you can afford so much other stuff without thinking. Peace.

Rwandan gov. trained militia to topple Burundian gov,; UN confidential note to the UN Security Council on the matter; Rwandan gov. denies, while Burundian gov. verifies

Burundi-Museveni-Nkurunziza

Here today I am going through some worrying reports, the leaked note I have read, have been discussed in other media, therefore my article is thicker and deeper. As I want to show the results and responses of the governmental officials from Burundi and Rwanda on the matter. Some of it should be expected, as Rwandan response would never say that actually tried to topple President Pierre Nkurunziza, which President Kagame could have that in him, would not be new considering how he together with Uganda President Museveni went and toppled Mobutu Seko Seko.

The recent news has also been questioned by some sources; I will add that tape in the end where that journalist asks if it is manufactured. You can have your take on it. The matter of violence that President Kagame has in the past and near present time in DRC, he could have had the capacity to pull it off. He has it in his veins just like President Museveni. Therefore we should not be shocked if this is facts and that the Burundian authorities is aggravated, the way the Burundian government has gone against their own opposition is not a just, but the cause of stopping a neighboring country trained militia or guerilla force should be reasonable. That proves the fragile situation in Burundi and that behind the scenes the powers around try to earn coins on it. Here take a look!

Kivu Provines

Training of militia to topple Nkurunziza:

The Group spoke with 18 Burundian combatants, not associated with the Front National de Liberation (FNL) in Uvira Territory of South Kivu Province. They told the Group that they had been recruited in the Mahama Refugee Camp in eastern Rwanda in May and June 2015 and were given two months of military training by instructors, who included Rwandan military personnel, in a forest camp in Rwanda. Their training included military tactics and the maintenance and use of assault rifles and machine guns, as well as ideological and morale-building sessions. Some told the Group that they were also trained in the use of grenades, anti-personnel and anti-tank mines, mortars and rocket-propelled grenades. They were transported around Rwanda in the back of military trucks, often with Rwandan military escort. The Burundian combatants told the Group that there were least four companies of 100 recruits each being trained at the camp while they were there. Six of the trained combatants that the group spoke with were minors. They told the Group that the military training instructors at the camp knew that they were minors. The Burundian combatants showed the Group fake DRC identification cards that had been produced for them in Rwanda, so they could avoid suspicion while in the DRC. They crossed the Rusizi River in small groups at night from Rwanda into the DRC just south of the Kamanyola border post, with the assistance of a network based within the DRC. Like the FNL, they reported that their ultimate goal was to remove Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza” (UN, 2016).

BurundiNTVNews

Arms to the trained militia:  

“Several individuals were arrested in October to November 2015 in Goma, North Kivu Province, on suspicion of involvement in arms smuggling from the DRC to other countries. The perpetrators are Rwandan or Congolese nationals and were caught at the Congolese-Rwandan border post with the weapons. Some of the weapons were hidden in bags of green beans or manioc, and other were hidden in the chassis of a car. The Group interviews the perpetrators some of whom confirmed the weapons were to be used in support of armed groups in Burundi” (UN, 2016).

Burundian embassy to Hauge stated this:

“Burundi welcomes the fact that the international community is beginning to discover that the source of the insecurity afflicting Burundi is Rwanda. Information available to the government of Burundi and credible information from some media (France 24) and investigative reports by some International Experts, including UN Experts have confirmed that Rwanda which is a neighboring country to Burundi recruits, trains and arms Burundian citizens including minors in the MAHAMA Refugees Camp in Rwanda and sends them into to the territory of Burundi to commit armed attacks against civilians, security and military targets” (…)”   We know that some countries and some components of the international community have suspended or even stopped economic cooperation in order to force the democratically elected institutions by the sovereign people of Burundi and validated by the national and sub-regional judicial powers to submit and hand over power to anti-democratic Burundian forces. On the basis of credible information pointing to unprovoked acts of hostility and destabilization sponsored by Rwanda and executed by the violent opposition as the direct causes of the violence in Burundi, the Burundi Embassy in The Hague urges the countries which suspended economic cooperation with Burundi to review their positions” (Diplomat Magazine, 2016).

Kagame Nkurunziza 2011

Burundi response to the news:

“The CNDD-FDD Party condemns Rwanda over its neocolonial purposes for having implemented the plan of Burundi occupation so as to lead the country through an ethnical vision which Paul Kagame would have used as he had done it during the period of FPR Inkotanyi . The Burundian democrats remind him that if there had been no complicity and the politico –military support of the MINUAR, the FPR -Inkotanyi would have never taken the power in Rwanda and Paul Kagame has made use of genocide, sacrificing his own brothers to take the power. It is what he wanted to do in Burundi, while outrageously overusing the word genocide as experienced in his country” (…)”It is also unbelievable that the aggressor KAGAME has never been blamed by organizations such as the African Union, the United Nations , the European Union and other international organizations and that on the contrary, most of those organizations and States have not done nothing but connived, imposing him an international force. Burundian People cannot be mistaken taking into consideration what MINUAR has done to help Kagame take the power. KAGAME wanted and want to apply the same experience he has lived in his country. He has created a rebellion under the blessing of some politico- mafia settings among others Louis Michel, and his friends to bring back the G7 and the G10 of Buyoya to the power by the cheating of a putsch and a government of transition. Therefore, the dangerous use of the word genocide and ethnic are nothing but shields for those pseudo nostalgic politicians with bad ideas” (Nyabenda, 2016).

StampBurundi

Burundian Opposition claims:

”The opposition Burundi Democratic Rally (Radebu) chairman Jean de Dieu Mutabazi echoed the remarks, saying Rwanda was behind the war in a sister EAC member state and was worsening the unrest that has so far claimed hundreds of lives. “There’s this neighbour of ours, Rwanda, under the warmonger President Paul Kagame, who has been fighting in DR Congo and recently wanted to fight Tanzania,” Mr Mutabazi charged. “He is the one providing arms and logistical support to the rebels attacking Burundi.” Jacques Bigirimana, president of the FNL party, said although the belligerents were keen on national dialogue in a bid to end the political crisis, the country was under siege from what he termed as “destabilisation forces sponsored by Rwanda” (Ihucha, 2016).

Rwandan reaction:

“Last December, Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame dismissed as “childish” allegations that Rwanda had stoked instability in Burundi and said Rwandan troops would play no part in any intervention in the neighbouring country” (Ihucha, 2016).

Rwandan Foreign Minister counters the report:

“Speaking to reporters on Friday, Louis Mushikiwabo, Rwanda foreign minister said that allegations were baseless and lies. “Rwanda hosting a big number of Burundian refugees in various refugee camps in the country does not mean training them to overthrow Burundian government? We cannot chase them back to their home country if they are not sure of their safety. Burundian government is in better position to look for a possible lasting solution to bring peace in Burundi,” she said” (China.org.cn, 2016).

Monuc

MONUSCO statement recently:

The Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has sovereign and primary responsibility for the protection of its citizens.  MONUSCO stands ready to support the Government in these efforts, in line with its mandate to protect civilians. In this regard, MONUSCO welcomes the Government’s acceptance of the Mission’s proposal to resume coordinated offensive operations, which resulted in an agreed arrangement for military cooperation on 28 January 2016. With regard to cooperation with the FARDC, MONUSCO is confident that the measures put in place with the Government to mitigate risk and provide appropriate monitoring where necessary will ensure that MONUSCO-supported operations against ADF, FDLR and other armed groups are undertaken in line with the United Nations Human Rights Due Diligence Policy” (MONUSCO, 2016).

EALA statement on Burundi:

“Leontine Nzeyimana, Minister for EAC Affairs in Burundi however included a mix of representatives from government, political parties, and civil society. On her part, the minister noted: “As it has been happening in Burundi since the early 1960’s, the electioneering period was marked by negative propaganda intended to create in Burundi a political and institutional instability” (…)”The importance of this crisis to the EAC, the Report added, was brought home by accusations leveled against a Partner state by the Government-led delegation. Except for one Report, the delegation was unable to provide adequate evidence to the Committee to validate the claim that the Republic of Rwanda is hosting and militarily training Burundi refugees” (EALA, 2016).

The promised youtube-clip:

There is lots of statement that is hard to verify or grasp. Certainly all of the actors have a place in the motions and want to achieve something to prove their worth. The Government of Burundi is the one that is under fire, and for the moment they will be as long as the attacks on the opposition and way to civil war is continuing, while the refugees goes into DRC, Tanzania and Rwanda, even in Uganda.

The conflict and crisis has made the inter-dialogue stifled and the African Union hasn’t made any progress on the issues in the country. While Rwandan government might have seen it as it golden hour; as they saw it in the DRC back in day. So here we are in this day where Burundi is a pawn while the Government and Burundian National Forces, does not only fight their own public to stay in power, but might also fight against foreign trained forces; which it might happen and wouldn’t surprise me as the history of President Kagame lingers on. As he centers more and more power in Rwanda around himself in neo-Museveni way, he looks more and more like President Museveni, just a Rwandan counter-part. So President Nkurunziza is under fire and has a lot of work to generate peace, but this seems like a way to get there.

The results of this are that we can question if the Rwandan government wanted to bring down the Government of Burundian one. If not so the United Nations wanted this to slip out so their wish for peacekeepers could gain foothold in the UN Headquarters in New York, as they have seen the African Union have given-up the direct African answer to the conflict. Peace.

Reference:

China.org.cn – ‘Rwanda dismisses UN report on training Burundi rebels’ (05.02.2016) link: http://www.china.org.cn/world/Off_the_Wire/2016-02/06/content_37747742.htm

Diplomat Magazine – ‘Burundi’ statement on current situation’ (05.02.2016) link: http://www.diplomatmagazine.nl/2016/02/05/25834/

East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) – ‘EALA concerned about Republic of Burundi’ (05.02.2016) link: http://www.eac.int/news-and-media/press-releases/20160205/eala-concerned-about-republic-burundi

MONUSCO – ‘Press Statement of MONUSCO Regarding Operations Against Armed Groups in Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo’ (02.02.2016) link: http://monusco.unmissions.org/Default.aspx?tabid=10662&ctl=Details&mid=15045&ItemID=21686&language=en-US

Nyabenda, Pascal – ‘The 26th summit of the African Union Heads of State has proven that they have understood, Burundian People is deeply indebted to them’ (02.02.2016) Chairman of CNDD-FDD

Ihucha, Adam – ‘EALA declines to summon Rwanda over rebel claims’ (30.01.2016) link: http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/news/EALA-declines-to-summon-Rwanda-over-rebel-claims/-/2558/3055230/-/76bvilz/-/index.html

United Nations – ‘Security Council Committee Established Persuant to Resolution 1533 (2004) Concerning the Democratic Republic of Congo – !5th January 2016 (S/AC.43/2016/GE/OC.2) – Gaston Gramjo

Deliverance of new Pick-Up trucks to the LCV right before the General Election; Apparently!

Cars to RDCs Nambole 05.02.2016

We can see through the budget that they was promised the cars, the Local Government Chairmen, was expected by the paper-trail, still the timing and measurement of deliverance of the pick-up trucks is questionable. Especially wen Dr. Ruhakana Ruganda the Prime Minister needs an official ceremony to give them away as the magnificent progress it is to give away cars to their local big-man in the districts as a token of steady progress. Take a look!

“The Prime Minister of Uganda, Dr Ruhakana Rugunda, has handed over cars to district chairpersons to help them ease their work. The handover ceremony was at the Mandela National Stadium at Namboole this morning” (New Vision, 2016).

On the V4.2: Key Changes Vote for Vote Resource Allocation:
The budget has allocated UGX 3.110bn for vehicles and other transport equipment (P: 127, MPS, 2015). In this paper voting in procurement for the Public Sector Management Sector: “111 Vehicles procured for the District chairpersons procured” (P: 582, NBFP, 2015). Later in the document it even says this: “To sufficiently fulfill its mandate, the ministry needs to have motor vehicles which are in sound mechanical conditions. However, the current fleet of motor vehicles in the ministry has grown old with a majority of them having been procured over the last 7 to 9 years ago. Presently, out of a total fleet of 43 vehicles 27 (63%) are either more than 5 years old or have covered distance of more than 250,000 KM” (P: 590, NBFP, 2015). Here is the funding requirements for the Ministry of Public Service: “Funding Requirement: UGX 310,700bn” (P: 590, NBFP, 2015).

Justification:
“In line with the office objective of strengthening operational independence, the office plans to expand Soroti and Arua regional offices and to provide a conducive working environment for staff. This requires an addition funding of Shs 4.0bn” (…)”Majority of the vehicles that are currently deployed at the regional offices are all above 5 years old resulting into high expenditure on maintenance and repair. In this regard, there is need to replace the aging fleet at the regional offices to improve operational efficiency. This requires a total budget of Ushs 4.183bn to procure 27 vehicles and deploy three vehicles at each regional office” (P: 631, NBFP, 2015).

That this happens just days before the General Elections proves that government is giving it, to pay them for loyalty with new equipment just in time for the elections. As a sign of what they can get if they continue to be loyal to the NRM-Regime. This is the tax-money and donor funding goes to. Buy loyalty from their Local Government Chairman, the time of deliverance is suspect and not subtle. That the Prime Minister gives them away is like showing off their service deliverance, but couldn’t the government use some of these funds on schools or hospitals that are depleted? That is the modus operandi, wonder if Frank Tumwebaze feels little as gave away like 11 cars last time late 2015, now the Prime Minister gave away 111. Just a look you know. The Prime Minister shows loyalty to his Excellency by doing this, but it does not look like a sweet fairytale, more like paying civil servants with a fancy new pick-up truck and saying “Webale nnyo” remember who gave you the car. Peace.
Reference:
Government of Uganda – Ministerial Policy Statement (MPS) for the Office of the Prime Minister Financial Year 2015/16 – Prof. Tarsis Bazana Kabwegyere.

National Budget Framework Paper: 2015/16

Press Release: AfDB Group approves US $91-million investment in water supply and sanitation for Uganda (04.02.2016)

Nakasongala FDC Convoy 3.1.2015 P4 Water Well

In the African Development Bank Group’s bid to work for a continent free of poverty and water-borne diseases, the Board of Directors approved on Wednesday, February 3 in Abidjan a US $91-million loan to Uganda, for the provision of clean water and improved sanitation in the country.

The Water Supply and Sanitation Program II (WSSP II) targets 1.43 million people and will contribute to the country’s 2040 vision of having “a transformed society from a peasant to a modern and prosperous country within 30 years.” Direct impacts of the project include reduction in the average walking distance to the nearest water point and reduction in time spent fetching water at congested water points.

Presenting the WSSP II to the Board, AfDB Water and Sanitation Department Director, Mohamed El-Azizi, outlined that the Bank’s intervention is in line with its High 5s with particular emphasis on improving the quality of life for African people. “Implementation of this project will help improve health and productivity of Ugandan populations and have positive social and gender payoffs, as well as more conducive work environment in the towns and rural growth centres,” El-Azizi said, explaining that the country’s national objective was to reach water and sanitation coverage for all.

Board members underscored the relevance of the project, which they said is good news for every Ugandan as the government prioritizes water security and good sanitation as a driver of change.

The Bank Group’s experience in Uganda’s water sector dates back to 1968. AfDB is a partner of choice in the water sector in the country, with steady investments and implementation in the sector throughout all this period.

The AfDB is eager to remain the country’s partner of choice in the water sector and will work towards investing more in the country when it implements its sector strategies, according to the Bank’s Water Department team.

The Calvary get’s Anti-Riot gear and vehicles right in time for the General Election; as promised in the Post-Election budget; the Calvary is getting ready to oppress the people; this as the Kenyan media addressed the arrival of APC’s at the Port of Mombasa

M7 121115 P2

There been reports of the new equipment arrived just before the General Election, the Police was expected this. I will come with quotes that tell what is expected if the Uganda Police Force follows it and get the equipment that was budgeted for, Take a look!!

First Allocation to the General Election: 

“30% Payment for 113 operational vehicles and 40 specialized vehicles for policing the 2016 general elections under a 4year credit financing facility with effect from FY 2014/15 made” (…)”35% payment towards the supplied 2 twin engine helicopters made” (…)”Additional 112 Operational vehicles, 46 specialized vehicles and 1,900 motor cycles to support the management and provision of security for 2016 National General Elections procured” (Budget Framework Paper, P: 19).

The budget for vehicles is 62,539,322 UGX. For the helicopter engines are 9,641,658 UGX.  But the money is in the allocation in that part of the budget framework. We know that this part is not the main part that matters, but it still is money for it. There is more important what comes here!

Post-Election Police Budget:

“Policing the post 2016 general elections (Shs 51.1bn)” (…)”The experience is that after elections there is always a spate of violence which normally takes a big chunk of police budget to contain. During that time, every police officer gets out of the barracks to the field to ensure law and order. The operational budget covers feeding, consumables, fuel, maintenance of vehicles & equipment, training and intelligence gathering. This requires additional budget of Shs 51.1bn” (Budget Framework Paper, P: 22).

So I am sure the cars seen on the docks in Mombasa in Kenya that are procured for the Ugandan Police Force, was used under the budget are for the Post-Election, because the 60M UGX is not getting the Police Force far. So it must be additional budget that they got; which is substantial allocation for buying equipment, vehicles and training. So I am sure a hunch of that went to the new expensive mambas and Armored Personnel Carrier (APC).

The Star Paper Article 04.02.2016

Kenyan media see the imported cars at Mombasa docks today:

“Uganda has imported armoured police cars, similar to those Kenya acquired at the end of January, ahead of its general election set for February 18. The vehicles have features including water cannons, riot controls and wedged front plows. The Star spotted them at G-section in the Port of Mombasa but Kenya Ports Authority officials declined to comment on the “sensitive” matter” (Elkana, 2016).

This here was to be expected, IGP Kale Kayihura wants to make the bloody mess of “Walk to Work” again, and has put money where his mouth is. Or the expensive big-man security vehicles that has the capacity to shut down demonstrations. They will continue to oppress the public in the name of the National Resistance Movement, and his boss Mzee! As he speaks of violence and expected that he needs big guns to shut down opposition as he has done in the past. This here is just a manifestation of it.

I think you catch my drift and assessment of the actions of the police. As they are following blindly the orders of Mzee, something else IGP Kayihura recently said, he speaks peace right now as long the election observation monitoring (EOM) are in the country. So that when they leave: he will go full-front against the opposition as he and his crew in the Police has done so much in the past.  So I have hard time believe the peace rhetoric of Kayihura, it’s kind of hard to believe from him and his loyal cronies. Before I go to deep, I stop here. Peace.

Reference:

Budget Framework Paper – Justice, Law and Order, – Vote 144: Uganda Police Force – Paper overview for voting in allocation for Budget 2015/16.

Elkana, Jacob – ‘Uganda imports armoured police cars ahead of February 18 general election’ (04.02.2016) link: http://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2016/02/04/uganda-imports-armoured-police-cars-ahead-of-february-18-general_c1288972

Letter from NRM Youth in Kabale to Mzee/ State House Entebbe: “Re: Petition of the Conduct of the RDC and Deputy RDC Kabale (25.01.2016)

Petitetion to Statehouse 25.01.2016 P1Petitetion to Statehouse 25.01.2016 P2Petitetion to Statehouse 25.01.2016 P3

Press Release: President Museveni has promoted 496 Police Officers (04.02.2016)

UPF Promote Officers 04.01.2016

The President’s black book chapter 2: The close tie between the GoU and M23; giving instantly amnesty to the guerilla; which make it seem more likely that it was a proxy war for the government

M23 Cartoon

There isn’t often I have gone through so many United Nations documents to pile up information about one single militias or guerilla force in the DRC. This is because I have had a suspicious feeling about the connection to the government of Uganda, as they have been busy before in the Democratic Republic of Congo, as they have done with their partners in Kigali, President Kagame and Government of Rwanda. As we will see here, this is the facts that the UN have claimed by their eye-witnesses, Amama Mbabazi is the man who has defended the Government of Uganda, he had to come with a threat towards the United Nations to silent this. Therefore you haven’t heard much about it…

As this will go first by year it is published, first you can read the defense of the Government of Uganda, then the evidence brought by the United Nations different committees and institutions from the “the Expert Group” and so on. This is interesting reading and should give you insights to a world the Rwandan and Ugandan government does not want the world to question, as much as they don’t want the questions come about the killing of Laurent Kabila… as that question the manner of how they brought a new regime in the Democratic Republic of Congo, this here is newer and fresher, close to today, as it then is more evidence that the UN has collected, and has pictured in their archives. Therefore take a look and hope it opens your mind.

Museveni Mbabazi

Part of Uganda Government defense against the allegation made by Amama Mbabazi:
“About the same time, H.E. Joseph Kabila, President of DRC, contacted President Museveni and explicitly requested him to intervene and facilitate dialogue between M23 and DRC Government. In accordance with article 23(2) of the Pact on Security, Stability and Development in the Great Lakes Region, President Museveni convened four Extra-Ordinary Summits of the International Conference of the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) on the security situation in Eastern DRC, three of which were hosted in Kampala using Uganda’s own resources” (…)”The UN must sort out the malignancy against Uganda by bringing out the truth about Uganda’s role in the current Regional efforts” (…)”In light of the above, withdrawing from Somalia, CAR, etc., becomes inevitable so that we keep watch on the DRC territory donated to the terrorists by the DRC Government and the United Nations” (Mbabazi, 2012).

5th Extraordinary Summit of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region declaration on M23 and violence in DRC:
“Gravely concerned about the advance and capture of the city of Goma and the town of Sake in Kivu Province, of the DRC, by the M23 rebel movement in spite of the directive of the previous Summits of ICGLR to cease hostilities and remain in positions they occupied in July 2012” (…)”HEREBY DECIDE AS FOLLOWS:” (…)”MONUSCO to occupy and provide security in the neutral zone between Goma and the new areas occupied by M23” (…)”This process shall be supervised by Chiefs of Defence of Rwanda, DRC and led by the Chief of Defence Forces of Uganda, with the participation of other Chiefs of Defence Staff from other member states”(ICGLR, 2012).

First piece of evidence:
“The report also accuses Uganda of backing the M23, providing troops and ammunition for specific military operations” (P: 5, Gil, 2012).

m23_in_goma

Government of Uganda Support of M23:
“Senior Government of Uganda (GoU) officals have also provided support to M23 in the form of direct troop reinforcement in DRC territory, weapons deliveries, technical assistance, joint planning, political advice, and facilitation of external relations, Units of Ugandan People’s Defence Force (UPDF) and Rwandan Defence Force (RDF) jointly supported M23 in a series of attacks in July 2012 to take over the major town in Rutshuru territory, and the Forces Armees de la RDC (FARDC) base of Rumanbago” (P: 2, 2012). “Uganda’s more subtle support to M23 allowed the rebel group’s political branch to operate from within Kampala and boost its external relations” (P: 4, 2012). “UPDF Commanders sent troops and weapons to reinforce specific M23 operations and assisted in the M23’s recruitment and weapons procurement efforts in Uganda. Ugandan officials equally endorsed a “laissez-faire” policy authorizing local military and civil authorities to cooperate with M23 out of their personal ties to the RDF or the rebels” (UN, P: 9, 2012).

Weapons delivery to M23 from Uganda:
“Former M23 soldiers stated that UPDF officers based in Kisoro have been supplying M23 with small quantiles of weapons. One former M23 soldier said he hadaccompanied Makenga to Kisoro on three occasions at the beginning of July 2012” (…)”A former M23 soldier stated that UPDF commanders brought heavy weapons including 12,7 mm machine guns to the hill overlook Bunagana, on the Ugandan side of the border, in order to reinforce M23 during the attack, and subsequently left them with the rebels after they took the town” (…)”Two former RDF officers, two FARDC officers, one M23 cadre and one former M23 soldier stated that two trucks transported weapons and ammunition to Bunagana prior to the attacks on Rutshuru and Kiwanja. According to one FARDC officer, the two trucks mainly contained RPG-7 grenade launchers and machines guns” (UN, P: 11-12, 2012).

M23 Picture

More on the connection with GoU:
“Four Ugandan officials, an FARDC officer based in Bunagana, border agents as well as a former CNDP politician told the group that the Jomba Groupment chief based in Bunagana, Vincent Mwambutsa, regularly travels to Kisoro to organize recruitment and financial contributions for M23 with the Resident District Commander (RDC) of Kisoro, Milton Bazanye, his ally Willbaforce Nkundizana and local UPDF officers. One former M23 soldier confirmed that the rebels recruited 28 Ugandan civillians in Kisoro. A Ugandan official in Kisoro personally witnessed the UPDF taking recruits to the border” (UN, P: 12, 2012).

Ugandan known leaders and personalities involved in support of M23:
“A UPDF officer, a Ugandan leader, an M23 cadre, politicians, intelligence sources, a Kampala based diplomat and several businessmen stated that Gen. Salim Selah has been principal responsible for UPDF support of M23” (…)”A Ugandan Civil Society member, two M23 cadres and a Ugandan counter-intelligence report also affirmed that UPDF Western Division commander, General Patrick Kankiriho, has overseen military support to M23, including providing orders to Mukasa” (…)”Three Ugandan officials stated that in May and July 2012, General Kayihura held meetings with the rebels at Kisoro” (UN, P: 13, 2012).

Ugandan trading with illegal DRC gold:
“The Group estimates that 98 percent of the gold produced in DRC is smuggled out of the country, and that nearly all of the gold traded in Uganda – the main transit country for Congolese gold – is illegally exported from DRC. As a result, the governments of DRC and Uganda are losing millions of dollars annually in tax revenue, and tolerating a system that is financing armed groups in DRC” (UN, P: 1, 2013).

M23 Goma

One Connection between M23 and Uganda:
“The Ugandan army spokesperson stated that the former M23 “are not prisoners; they are soldiers running away from a war so we are receiving them and helping them because it is our responsibility.”28 He also compared the reception of M23 to what Uganda had done in 2012 when a Congolese army battalion had fled into Ugandan territory following fighting with the M23. President Museveni later indicated that he would not hand over Makenga to Congolese authorities and compared protecting him to the same support he gave Laurent Kabila against Mobutu in 1996” (…)”After being disarmed and registered at a Ugandan army facility in Kisoro on 13 November 2013, most of the former M23 fighters were transferred to the Bihanga military training center near Kasese” (…)”According to latest reports, Makenga and Kaina remain under Ugandan surveillance, while other former M23 officers and political leaders are reportedly able to move freely in Uganda” (SSPC, P:4-5, 2014).

AMISOM 32

Ugandan implications:
“Uganda, it is important to note, has received relatively little reprimand despite its implication in supporting M23. Its contribution of roughly one third of peacekeeping troops to the high-priority AMISOM mission, and threat to withdraw those troops in response to the GoE’s allegations, is likely a major factor in that lack of attention” (Jackson, 2013).

Findings from the M23 declaration:
“Recalling its declaration at Kampala, Uganda, on the 5th November 2013 that it had renounced rebellion and requested its ex-combatants to prepare for the process of disbarment, demobilization and social reintegration” (…)”Declares as follows: End of rebellion. M23 confirms it has renounced its rebellion. Amnesty: The M23 accepts that to benefit from the amnesty, each member of M23 shall be required to make a personal commitment in writing to refrain from the use of weapons or from participating in an insurgency movement to ensure success of any demand. Transitional security arrangements: The M23 commits itself to comply with and implement the transitional security arrangements, the details of which will be defined by the proposed Annex A as adjusted to reflect the changed situation on the ground, including the fact that some members of M23 fled to Uganda where they were received” (…)”M23 members reserve the right to change its name and become a political party accordance with the constitution and laws of DRC” (M23, 2013).

Risky move of amnesty to M23 member and combatants:
“The FIB’s impact was twofold. Most obviously, it had a military role, both in supporting the Congolese military (Forces Armées de la République Démocratique du Congo, or FARDC) and in taking the fight directly to the M23, deploying sophisticated technology such as South African attack helicopters. But perhaps more importantly, it changed the dynamics of regional politics. In raising the political stakes for the M23 and its putative backers, particularly Rwanda, it forced them into a choice between allowing the group to be defeated or – in essence – declaring open war on the SADC. The result is that the east of the DRC, for the first time in many years, is no longer held hostage by rebel groups with significant links to neighbouring governments, though these undoubtedly remain. It was a high-risk move, and one that could have led the region back into inter-state conflict. But M23’s backers instead chose to disengage, allowing the group to fragment, signing a series of agreements known as the Nairobi Declaration in December 2013. Though it has not faded entirely – former M23 combatants, many of whom are currently in Uganda and Rwanda, represent a latent threat of re-mobilization that urgently needs to be addressed – the group is no longer able to directly shape events in eastern DRC” (Shepard, 2014).

M23 Goma P3

The situation of M23 by August 2015:

“At this stage, the amnesty provision and the repatriation process of the reportedly over 1,400 ex-M23 combatants which fled to Uganda and Rwanda in 2013 are amongst the most contentious. To date, only 182 ex-M23 combatants have been repatriated from Uganda to the DRC, while 13 have been repatriated from Rwanda. According to Ugandan sources, as of 4 August, 817 ex-M23 combatants are cantoned at the Bihanga Military Camp. About 327 residents of the camp have deserted, with no clarity on their whereabouts, 14 are admitted in hospital, 25 departed on sick leaveand are yet to return, 4 are deceased. The presence of hundreds of ex-M23 and are yet to return, 4 are deceased. The presence of hundreds of ex-M23 combatants in Rwanda and Uganda remains a serious source of concern for the GoDRC and the host authorities in Uganda and Rwanda. Yet, despite several attempts by the GoDRC to expedite the repatriation of the ex-M23 combatants, in line with the Nairobi Declarations and relevant decisions of the ICGLR Summits, there has been no progress in this process due to lack of even focus in the implementation of the Nairobi Declarations” (UN, 2015).

Afterthought:

As we can see there is a connection and the deflection from Government of Uganda (GoU) is expected, but if I had showed the riches gained by the imported gold from the areas that M23 took, would have showed the value for supporting the army as the common sense for the cooperation and support directly from the GoU.

He might have called President Kabila and told he would work on the matter and have the discussions in Kampala as a way of swaying away from the fact that they are behind and servicing the M23. We can see that and knowing that they gave arms, training, army men from the UPDF and even technical training. The pictures of the arms with Ugandan origin after the retreat and stop of violence from M23 should be proof enough of their involvement into the matter, what is worse is the witnesses claiming that certain big men in the government has supported and set things in order to fix the problems that M23 had at one point. That is something that we all should consider, as Salim Selah has been involved in a lot of shady arrangement in DRC before and has only backed away from the “Wonga Coup” to deliver arms to Thatcher’s son. Rest of the time he has done transport arrangements and fixing the army to keep Uganda in parts of DRC when needed. So the stories of him being involved would not be a shock in any way.

The suspect issue is how easy they could stay in Uganda, cross the borders and even get personnel and recruit in border areas. As this suspect connection together with the history of using military force from Uganda to get wealth out of the DRC. As they did in the late 1990s and in the beginning of 2000s; they haven’t just cooperated with the world to fight together will alliances to force away LRA and ADF-NALU. That is not the whole story, though the Government of Uganda won’t it to seem that way, as a way to clean their hands from the mud they have been swimming in. Takes a lot more than a shower to get the dirt off, you smell me?

Peace.

Reference:
Conflict Prevention and Peace Forum – ‘Consolidating the Peace: Closing the M23 Chapter – Prepared on behalf of the DRC Affinity Group December 2014’

Jackson, Henry M. – ‘DEFENSE, DIPLOMACY AND DEVELOPMENT: MAKING A 3D STRATEGY WORK IN THE GREAT LAKES REGION OF AFRICA’ (Winter 2013)

Gil, Manuel Manrique – ‘The M23 and eastern D.R. Congo: An intractable problem or an opportunity to engage?’ (12.11.2012) – ‘European Parliament: Directorate-Generale for External Affairs: Policy Department’

International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) – ‘DECLARATION OF THE HEADS OF STATE AND GOVERNMENT OF THE MEMBER STATES OF THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON THE GREAT LAKES REGION (ICGLR) ON THE SECURITY SITUATION IN EASTERN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO (DRC) 5th EXTRAORDINARY SUMMIT OF THE HEADS OF STATE AND GOVERNMENT’ (24.11.2012).

M23 – ‘Declaration of Commitments by the Movement of March 23 at the Conclusion of the Kampala Dialogue’ (12.12.2013) – Nairobi, Kenya.

Mbabazi, Amama – ‘Uganda’s Stand and Response on the allegations made by the UN Group of Experts and the subsequent endorsement of the allegations by the UN Security Council about Uganda’s purported support of M23 rebels’ (01.11.2012) – Statement in Parliament of Uganda

Shepard, Ben – ‘Beyond Crisis in the DRC The Dilemmas of International Engagement and Sustainable Change’ (December 2014) – Chatham House, The Royal Institute of International Affairs,

United Nation – Letter dated 12 October 2012 from the Group Experts on the Democratic Republic of Congo addressed to the Chairman of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1533 (2004) concerning the Democratic Republic of Congo

United Nation – ‘Letter dated 12 December 2013 from the Group of Experts on the Democratic Republic of the Congo addressed to the Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1533 (2004) concerning the Democratic Republic of the Congo The members of the Group of Experts on the Democratic Republic of the Congo have the honour to transmit the final report of the Group, prepared in pursuance of paragraph 5 of Security Council resolution 2078 (2012)’

United Nations – ‘OFFICE OF THE SPECIAL ENVOY OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL
FOR THE GREAT LAKES REGION -Neutralization of Armed Groups’ (26.08.2015)

NRM – Picture of day: “Money, Cash, and More Cash Money!”

03.02.2016 NRM Uganda

I am sure Nyombi Thembo is somewhere involved in this, as he is famous for giving away millions to LCVs during all of 2015. When the NRM gave money to the local government members of the party, millions after millions. This here pictures surfaces as the report in recent days of the grassroots funding of each village in the country, as they are expected to get 250k by the NRM-O. This here must be real and not photoshopped as the amount of Kampala program and village program comes up in the billions. This here is small-fry. I just wonder which district is this and who are the lucky lottery winners in the NRM donation program? As these people got giant donations from the NRM organization. The picture says enough of in it’s own. Mzee must be so proud! Peace.

Erias Lukwago’s Statement after Gen. Sejusa was escorted to Luzira Prison today

Lukwago-Eria

Today, I was convinced by comrades in the struggle to rescind a decision I had taken ten years ago never to bow before the General Court Martial as an advocate following the horrible treatment I was subjected to by the then chairman of the General court martial, Gen. Elly Tumwine during the perfunctory trial of Dr. Besigye in 2005. On the cool morning of that fateful day, I entered the General Court Martial premises in Makindye duly robbed as one of Besigye’s counsel but emerged out in the afternoon as a convict. It all happened when, in the course of the proceedings, I rose up to make submissions but was bundled into the dock where Besigye was standing, summarily tried on tramped up charges of contempt of court, convicted and sentenced to a fine of Ug. Shs. 1000= or imprisonment for a period of 2 weeks.

David Sejusa TV

Today’s proceedings in respect to the trial of Gen. Ssejusa were reminiscent of the said experience, save that the current chairman of the General court martial, Major Gen. Levy Karuhanga was relatively civil as he did not overtly persecute the defence legal team. But for all intents and purposes the whole process was nothing short of a mockery of justice. Little wonnder that not even a single ruling was made on any of the oral applications made. In short, we just escorted General Ssejusa to Luzira remand prison.

Museveni Idi Amin

It’s even a misnomer to call that kangaroo tribunal a court. I regretted why I cancelled my journey to Mbarara for our defiance campaign. What, however, brought a little smile on my face was the powerful message General Ssejusa sent out to President Museveni as he reminded him that the dungeon in which he was detained for the last two days is directly opposite the infamous Cell of no return where Iddi Amin confined him incommunicado in 1976 but his spirit to fight for good governance was never dampened. I hope The likes of Gen Kaihura, Tumukunde and their ilk will learn one or two things from this message. FOR GOD AND MY COUNTRY.