Lest We Forget: The Mukura Massacre in Teso Region on the 11th July 1989

Mukura is in Kumi District which is in Teso and Teso is in the North-East which Museveni told the diplomats as having been pacified. Why was it that some three hundred young men were imprisoned and locked by the NRA in Railway wagons at Mukura, a pacified area, and then MASSACRED by setting fire under the wagons! The answer can only be that the destruction of the foodstuff of millions of people, the destruction of their homes, the MASSACRES of some three million people and at Mukura were all a deliberate policy to depopulate Uganda so as to provide land for foreigners to farm” (Dr. Milton Obote – ‘THE MUKURA MASSACRE’ 07.07.1999).

This here is a sad story of something that happen early in the National Resistance Movement regime, this was just three years into the NRM regime and after the coup of 1986. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and his rebels was “new” in office. Still, this crimes shall not be forgotten, as the innocent lives taken. Should always be a stain on the legacy of the regime. Which never really have taken account or responsibility. The President shows up with military fatigue after the NRA have killed the locals. It is just wrong and doesn’t show any redeeming factor, but showing force instead of humility and willingness to lead.

Even at this point, he had to spring out fear, instead of building the republic. The same he does to this day, as he can have a budget speech in the military fatigue. It is not to long ago since the killings and massacres of Kasese, this here is just an older tale of the murders that is rightfully pinned on Museveni. As he and his Bush-War Generals haven’t taken accountability for.

The Preparation for the Massacre:

After setting up their detach at Okungulo Railway Station, soldiers of the Pili-Pili battalion embarked on an operation to round up suspected rebels and rebel collaborators. The operation was planned to cover villages and parishes in the sub counties of Kapir, Mukura and Ngora (all located in Ngora county) in which rebels were believed to be hiding. The date chosen for the main operation was July 8, 1989. According to survivors and other eyewitnesses, the operation by the Pili-Pili battalion of the NRA started a few days prior to the massacre with the arrival of many soldiers to back up those already stationed at Okungulo Railway Station in Mukura trading centre. The soldiers were then divided up into several units and sent to different locations to begin rounding up suspected rebel collaborators” (JRP Field Note XII, March 2011 – ‘The Mukura Massacre of 1989’ P: 7-8).

The Massacre itself:

This paradox of double standard was captured by a reader in a recent letter to the New Vision comparing the action taken against the Inspector General of the Police and his deputy on account of a shooting incident at the Makerere University campus and the notorious “Mukura Massacre” where over 60 innocent and defenseless people were suffocated to death in a train cabin by officers and men of the NRA. We quote from the letter in extenso:” Even more seriously, 69 youths were suffocated to death in train wagons by some NRA solders in Kumi in 1989. More recently some civilians were reportedly burnt to death in a hut in Serere, while others were clubbed to death near Soroti, allegedly by some NRA soldiers. These naked atrocities have practically been swept under the carpet by the authorities. But the Army Chief of Staff did not lose his job because of what his soldiers, who were miles away from him at the time, did. Are these not double standards?” (New Vision, January 3, 1991 :5). It is also useful to remember that none of the soldiers involved in the Mukura incident were arrested, as were those at Makerere. This then is the concrete reality of Uganda today” (OLOKA-ONYANGO, Joe – ‘Governance, Democracy and Development in Uganda Today: A Socio-Legal Examination’ 1992, P: 102-103, Kyoto University).

President Museveni false apologies:

President Yoweri Museveni visited Mukura a few months after the massacre. Eyewitnesses testified that he addressed the crowd in full military fatigues. He apologized for what had happened and promised a decent burial for the dead plus compensation for the families of the people who had died. He also promised to construct a secondary school in memory of the victims and promised accountability for the soldiers who perpetrated the massacre. According to respondents: He addressed the people at a rally. He was dressed in his military attire. He apologised and said the Government was prepared and ready to give the dead a decent burial. … then he said action would be taken against those who [committed the massacre] and that decent burials for the dead would be organized. He promised compensation for the families [of the dead] and asked our MP [for Kumi], Fiona Egunyu, to follow up the issue” (…) “It appears, however, that the President’s apologies, on both occasions, were not well received by the people. As one of the survivors remarked: The President’s apology was just to appease us, but it was not from the bottom of his heart. This is a man who came with armoured vehicles, a full uniform [of army fatigues] and started talking to us civilians. What could a civilian say in return? We kept quiet throughout. He came in that military attire with his [bodyguards]. So psychologically the civilians kept quiet, and then he started talking and said that “I am sorry for this.” But people just kept quiet. And when he promised compensation for the victims some people faintly clapped, but nobody knew what was going on in the civilians’ hearts and whether they had really accepted that apology. And then he drove off. That was when people began to murmur among each other and that meant there was already a discontent” (JRP Field Note XII, March 2011 – ‘The Mukura Massacre of 1989’, P: 13, 17).

All of these words is signs that this massacre should not be forgotten, as the people who was killed innocently deserves justice. They don’t deserve to be pawns used by Museveni in Campaign Rallies. They deserve that the relatives and the people of Teso/Kumi get what is righteous.

This actions will not be forgotten, the people will remember what Museveni’s troops did in 1989. How they rounded up civilians, claiming to be rebels and killing them in rail-wagons. This shall not be forgotten, also that the President visiting the area came as General and not as a man of Peace. He came for battle and not to damage the hurt. Just came because he had to, but not because he wanted to. Museveni knew what his soldiers did on his command. They did act with impunity and killed the innocent. The President should answer for the battalion attack in 1989 in Kumi District of Teso Region.

These actions done by the NRA deserves to be remembered. Not because it is an event of grandeur or betterment of the Republic. But because it shows the ill-intent of the NRM. This here show the ills of this government and how it will not be accountable for its crimes against humanity.

The ones ordering it, the ones who has been apart of it should answer for it and the leadership today. Should also answer for it, as they are repeating it. They did it recently in Kasese, who knows if they will do it again. Just to answer the public, because they can and the people will not have the power or will to answer back. Peace.

President Museveni letter to Finance Minister Kasaija: Additional Personal Security for Members of Parliament (26.06.2018)

Finance Minister Matia Kasaija letter to UIA ED Jolly Kaguhangire to “Hand-Over Office” (09.07.2018)

South Sudan: Agreement on Outstanding Issues of Responsibility Sharing – The Post-Entebbe Draft (10.07.2018)

Local Councilor 1 Elections: The Art of Peer Pressure!

a feeling that one must do the same things as other people of one’s age and social group in order to be liked or respected by them. ‘She started drinking in high school because of peer pressure’” (Merriam-Webster – Definition: Peer Pressure)

It is special, that an election that haven’t been held in 17 years. That hasn’t been held since 2001. This election is held in such contempt of the voters. Where there are ghost districts, where the opposition and independent parties are not involved or even able to field candidates. The Citizens’ Coalition for Electoral Democracy in Uganda (CCEDU) are now allowed to participate or monitor the events. You just know the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and the Electoral Commission are not that professional considering these local elections.

Why I say that? Well, the candidates are placed on the polling stations in the villages. Where the candidates are staying one by one. Where people are lining themselves up and where the voter are going behind the candidate they prefer. However, with this sort of election, there are no secret what you vote for and who you pass as a better local councilor or a LC1.

No matter who they vote for, the whole village or neighborhood would know. If you voted NRM, Independent or the looney-bin who should never run in the first place. These elections haven’t been much about the candidates, more the lack of resources, the postponement that has lasted for close to two decades.

The Electoral Commission should have especially after the last postponement, been able to find the ghost-villages and the ghost-voters, made sure the local polling agents could verify the voters and the voter-rolls. Even as the voters even wasn’t there or they just counted heads. In some districts even talks of ferrying voters to the polling stations.

There where 60,800 villages to hold elections in and field candidates, and in that sense, the NRM would conquer most. Precisely, because they have the advantage, the misuse of government funds and the massive spending from the ruling regime. They have spent billions on these elections to make way for these Local Councilors. In over 600 villages there was no elections, in some regions the voters defied the authorities as they had voters slips for the election made in 2017 and not gotten new for 2018. There we’re people sent away, even with National ID Cards. So the EC have a long walk to justice and to secure these sorts of polls.

All of what happen today can be seen as peer pressure, village wise, because nothing was hidden. If they just had a tick or ink on their finger for voting. It would be fine, because no one could talk or discuss what you really voted for. It could be anyone, the looney-bin or the actual good councilor of the village. However, when everyone walks behind a person and says this is the man/woman I want. Than, your telling the whole village and putting yourself on display.

This was a mockery of an election, if this would be picking the school-yard captain or even the captain of the local football team; it would have been fine and dandy, but this was seriously contested elections, where the Electoral Commission decided who could stand in the village.

Therefore, the EC and the NRM should have gotten the buckets out and the ballots, made it a secret vote for the people. Especially when the Councilor will be the local representative for God knows who long. Because it is not like these elections been steady, that is because they really doesn’t matter that much. That is why the EC haven’t spent funds on slips, ballots or voting material in general for these election.

That is why the art of Peer Pressure was used. It isn’t a soft or silky way of electing people. It is schoolyard or even teenage way of doing it. That an election made by 32 year old regime done as pupil, says how far from progress there is. Well, well, the NRM haven’t really cared since they moved from the Movement System to the Multi-Party Democratic Elections. They still want to act as the kings and the One-Party rules all. Therefore, the reality on the ground becomes a lot like that.

This election was mocking the intelligence of the people, but also name of an “election”. When your standing in line behind the one you choose. You just know that it will be talk if you go to the other one next time you meet or greet. The neighbor will wonder: “Why did you go behind Abe and not vote for Ben?”.

You just know that will happen, why did you go independent and not voted NRM? Do you want this village ill?

The Art of Peer Pressure is what this was. Nothing else. Nothing different. Nothing brilliant, nothing genius. Just child-games done the public, hoping it sticks. Peace.

The EU is so forgetful: Forgetting the sentiment of Museveni concerning the ICC!

ICC is a bunch of useless people” – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on the 12th May 2016.

It is like certain leaders doesn’t learn from their behavior and attitude. At the same moment, they are forgetting the sentiment and what that been said in the past. A man or a President like Museveni has said anything between the moon and Lake Albert. However, the European Union doesn’t need to condemn this activity, they need to show force and show character. The statement made by them yesterday concerning the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the non-arrest of Sudanese President Al-Bashir. Instead of being released could have been scrapped. They should have known that he doesn’t care about the ICC.

First show the statement made by EU, before more statement of how Museveni feels about the legal international entity. Look!

Based on the information we received, on 5-7 July President Omar Al-Bashir visited Djibouti and Uganda” (…) “The European Union and its Member States regret that Djibouti and Uganda, both States Parties to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC), did not comply with their obligations under international law and as State Parties to the ICC and did not surrender President Al-Bashir to the Court.” (The European Council – ‘Declaration by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on President Al-Bashir’s visits to Djibouti and Uganda’ 09.07.2018).

Just as you seen the EU is regretting that the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and the President Museveni didn’t deliver President Al-Bashir after his visit in Entebbe for the Peace Summit for South Sudan there. The EU are clearly forgetful, because Museveni isn’t friendly to the ICC anymore.

At the Inauguration of Uhuru Kenyatta, the extract of the speech on the 9th April 2013:

Furthermore, I want to salute the Kenyan voters on one other issue – the rejection of the blackmail by the International Criminal Court (ICC) and those who seek to abuse this institution for their own agenda. I was one of those that supported the ICC because I abhor impunity. However, the usual opinionated and arrogant actors using their careless analysis have distorted the purpose of that institution. They are now using it to install leaders of their choice in Africa and eliminate the ones they do not like” (Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, 09.03.2013).

On the 52nd Independence Day celebration speech at Kololo on the 10th October 2014:

For International Criminal Court to handle them as just legal matters, demonstrates their level of shallowness. My view is that, at the next summit, African countries should review their membership to the ICC treaty” (Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, 10.10.2014).

At Televised Presidential Candidate Debate on the 14th February 2016, the President said this:

A founding signatory of the Rome Statute, on ICC: Yes we should be out of the ICC. ICC is not serious. It is partisan. There are so many people who should have been tried if they were serious. The way to go is to have our own African Criminal Court. Trying to work with ICC was a mistake” (Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, 14.02.2016).

President Museveni have not liked the ICC in recent years. The President really despise the ICC now. He has not shown any concern or care for it. He call it a mistake and also that they are blackmailing the African Nations. That is why, the EU should have figured it out. If anyone is on the ICC list or wanted for arrest. It is not like Museveni will respect it, he hates the ICC and what it does. He has shown that.

The administrators and secretaries in Brussels should know this, they should have records, even remember that the Ambassadors of EU walked out on the inauguration ceremony in 2016. The statements from 2013 unto 2016 are alone telling the story. Certainly, he has the same sentiment in 2018. He is an old man, not a miracle worker.

President Museveni doesn’t give a fig about the ICC and what they say. Neither does he fear the EU, as they need him to keep the refugees from spawning to shores of Europe. So he can say what he like and not fear for retribution. The EU knows this and therefore, will not push Museveni to comply to the provisions of the ICC. He doesn’t have to fear it or respect it even. Al-Bashir is a friend of Museveni at this point. Peace.

United Nations demands justice for civilians deliberately and ruthlessly targeted in attacks in South Sudan (10.07.2018)

Civilians were targeted, with the elderly, people with disabilities and very young children killed in horrific acts of violence.

GENEVA, Switzerland, July 10, 2018 –  UN Human Rights monitors have documented what appear to be deliberate, ruthless and brutally violent attacks on civilians, particularly against women and children, by Government and aligned forces, as well as armed youth in parts of Unity State in South Sudan.

A report issued Tuesday documents acts that constitute gross violations and abuses of international human rights and humanitarian law – that may amount to war crimes. The investigation has also identified three individuals who may bear the greatest responsibility for the violations committed. One of them was reportedly removed from his functions for his alleged implication in these violations.

The violence took place after clashes between the SPLA and associated forces, and SPLA-IO (RM) in Unity State culminated in a significant military operation by Government and associated forces between April and May in multiple areas in southern Unity. The military offensive was part of a broader cycle of violence in which opposition forces also carried out armed attacks resulting in civilian casualties.

The investigation by UN Human Rights monitors found that between 16 April and 24 May, at least 232 civilians were killed and many more injured in attacks by Government and aligned forces and armed youth on villages in opposition-controlled areas in Mayendit and Leer.

Civilians were targeted, with the elderly, people with disabilities and very young children killed in horrific acts of violence – some hung from trees and others burned alive in their homes, the investigation found.

Victims and witnesses described how SPLA and aligned forces would storm into villages in the early morning or around dawn, surround the village and start shooting at fleeing civilians. The attackers would then steal cattle, loot entire households and burn down houses and food stocks.

The report documents the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war, with at least 120 women and girls raped or gang-raped, including children as young as four. One 20-year-old woman was still bleeding from childbirth when she was raped. Some of those who resisted were shot dead. At least 132 other women and girls were abducted.

The brutality and ruthlessness of the attackers, as described by survivors, suggests their intent was to take a “scorched-earth” approach, killing or forcibly displacing people, burning their crops and homes, punishing and terrorizing them to ensure they never return. Many fled under attack by gunfire and shelling.

“Some corpses seen by human rights monitors in villages in Northern Mayendit on 12 May exhibited bullet wounds in their backs,” the report states. “According to information received, the elderly, sick and persons with disabilities who were unable to flee, were often burnt alive, as the attackers set ablaze their tukuls with lighters.”

As a result, more than 5,000 sought sanctuary at UN protected sites in Leer and Bentiu. Another 8,000 are estimated to be hiding in bushes and swamps while 18,000 have sought refuge in Mayendit town. Humanitarian actors were also targeted. Three local aid workers were killed and facilities destroyed, leaving vulnerable people without desperately needed food, water, medicine and shelter.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein called on the Government to halt all attacks against civilians, launch investigations and hold the perpetrators accountable, including those who bear command responsibility.

“The perpetrators of these revolting acts against defenceless civilians, including those bearing command responsibility, must not be allowed to get away with it,” High Commissioner Zeid said.

“There must be consequences for the men who reportedly gang-raped a six-year-old child, who slit the throats of elderly villagers, who hanged women for resisting looting, and shot fleeing civilians in the swamps where they hid. Those who ordered and facilitated these horrific crimes must be brought to account. The Government of South Sudan and the international community have the obligation to ensure justice.”

Zeid called on the Transitional Government of National Unity in South Sudan and the African Union to move quickly towards establishing the Hybrid Court for South Sudan to ensure accountability for gross human rights violations.

The United Nations Mission in South Sudan and humanitarian actors are taking action on a number of fronts, including increasing the peacekeeping presence in the area, providing aid to those in need, continuing to monitor and report on human rights violations and carrying out political engagement with Government officials, commanders of both forces, and civil society.

[Insert Malicious Charge] Put on Besigye: Because why not?

Again, and again, there are charges and possible legal trouble towards the opposition leader and founder of Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), Dr. Kizza Besigye. Yesterday, was yet another day for him to be put on the spot. Not that anyone of the charges that he has gotten in the past has been verified and the regime haven’t followed up on them.

He has more than once been charged of treason, he has been taken into custody without warrant and been detained more times than it is possible to count. Especially in and around General Elections, he is pending jail, while campaigning. Therefore, this is really just he way the National Resistance Movement (NRM) are acting towards him. So yesterday is nothing new, but still needs to be addressed.

Now, they are pinning random murders on him. Besigye get the blame for even more stuff. Even if he was gardening in Wakiso or on a Campaign Trail, they would blame him. The NRM and the Police Force are monitoring him. It is insane and that is why this is suddenly news.

Four suspects arrested by Security gurus from Busia have linked the FDC Party and some of its top leaders including the Party Chief Mobiliser Ingrid Turinawe and four time Presidential Candidate Col. Dr. Kizza Besigye to various crimes in the country” (91.2 Crooze FM, 10.07.2018).

This is just as reading charge sheets and making up crimes. To fill the time of the FDC leadership behind bars, instead of continuing to build the party. Not like the Police are actually solving crimes, but manufacturing charges on him and the FDC. Besigye is used as a pawn by the authorities.

It is really insulting, that he again is under fire. That is because the NRM and the Police Force needs to divert attention. They need him to be martyr, but this time is not to serious. Since he still walks freely, while they are continuing blaming him for everything.

Besigye is being used and abused. He has been played and tortured, been detained and kidnapped before. Therefore, nothing they are doing is new, they have sprayed him and destroyed his SUV just for the hell of it.

That is why I don’t believe this charges or anyone else. It is a political farce and mockery of intelligence. If any of the charges had sticked, if any of the previous arrests or time of detaining behind any bars in- and around Uganda. Than, it would be believable, however, this is just yet another mad cow put into the public.

The mad-cow decease from Rwakitura farm that is killing wisdom and common sense at a rapid rate. That is why the Police Force as political force as it was under previous leadership. The new IGP is doing as a favor to the President. While making no sense charging Besigye again for nothing.

That is why the previous charges pinned on Besigye haven’t gone anywhere. They are just used to stifle is support and his political activism. However, the trick has gone out and fuse has run out. This has grown old, just like the President.

Time revamp and change, because this is just a mockery of rule of law. It is not funny, but just tragic. Besigye is being used and this has happen more times than worth counting. Peace.

CCEDU: Suspension of Accreditation for Election Related Activities (09.07.2018)

South Sudan: SPLM/A-IO – Press Release – On the Entebbe Proposal (09.07.2018)