Tag: Kampala
Opinion: This Ebola spread is getting ugly…
“The ministry of health has revealed that six school-going children in three schools in Rubaga division in Kampala have tested positive for Ebola” (NTV Uganda, 26.10.2022).
“The Ministry of Health has cautioned parents and schools in Kampala to increase vigilance and adherence to the standard operating procedures following confirmed cases of Ebola among some students in Rubaga division of Kampala” (NBS Television, 26.10.2022).
“President Museveni has imposed a 21-day lockdown on the central districts of Mubende and Kassanda to contain an Ebola outbreak that has already claimed 19 lives in Uganda. “Movements into and out of Mubende and Kassanda is prohibited,” President Museveni directed in his third quick-succession night televised address on Ebola” (David Vosh Ajuna – ‘Ebola: Museveni puts Mubende, Kassanda under 21-day lockdown’ 15.10.2022, 93.3 KFM Radio).
The lockdown of Mubende and Kassanda districts has clearly not stopped the transmission of the Ebola virus in the Republic. There is now more spread of it in Kampala. Things are getting worse and rapidly a problem, which seems to soon out of control.
This can also be said after not only the news from the Ministry of Health today with further cases in Kampala. However, also the boda-boda driver at Kololo. This shows that the virus is spreading and at a rate, which seems to be spiralling.
With the knowledge we have of Ebola, this is serious. Just read a part of the fact-sheet from the World Health Organization (WHO), which is specific on how Ebola virus is spreading…
“Ebola virus disease (EVD), formerly known as Ebola haemorrhagic fever, is a severe, often fatal illness affecting humans and other primates. The virus is transmitted to people from wild animals (such as fruit bats, porcupines and non-human primates) and then spreads in the human population through direct contact with the blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids of infected people, and with surfaces and materials (e.g. bedding, clothing) contaminated with these fluids. The average EVD case fatality rate is around 50%. Case fatality rates have varied from 25% to 90% in past outbreaks” (WHO – ‘Fact Sheets: Ebola virus disease’ 23.02.2021).
Now that the Ebola is outside of the lockdown districts and within the Greater Kampala area. Soon we can see or here about cases in Mukono or Wakiso districts too. This is just the beginning of it, as I see it.
When we saw the last address of Museveni. With the newest information and such, more and extensive lockdowns are on the horizon. When the President could announce it for two districts. The news of transmissions in Kampala. We expect a lockdown and new stoppage of ordinary life. Especially, if we see the numbers rise and the amount of people reported with it. Because, this is spreading and evidently it’s not stopped.
When we see the numbers of other outbreaks of Ebola, the fatality rate is huge. So, this is worrying and should be a significant factor in acting swiftly. Peace.
Opinion: Mugumya arrested as a ADF in 2014, but released in 2022 as a M23…
“What happened in Beni?
I found officers from Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence who interrogated me about the Allied Democratic Forces. One of the most painful things I witnessed is someone die out of suffocation and unfortunately I leaned against his dead body for the entire night.
How did you know they were CMI operatives? Were they clad in uniform?
They had army uniform and they introduced themselves to me as such. On the first day, they were two. They asked if I had links with ADF then shortly after said I was coming to link up with the People’s Redemption Army. I told them I was just running away from your brutal regime. On the second day, another set of three CMI operatives came. I remained in Beni for three weeks before I was called for a joint interrogation between Congolese authorities and CMI. They debated if to bring us back to Uganda or hold us in Congo” (Ivan Okuda – ‘I was arrested while fleeing to exile, says Mugumya, 19.12.2015, Black – Journalist, Cursive – Mugumya, Daily Monitor).
You know when are story is too good to be true, it’s most likely not true. The story of Sam Mugumya will be one for the ages. The sudden way he was kidnapped, taken-away in October in 2014 and later found out to be in custody in Beni, Democratic Republic of Congo in November 2014. He also spent time in a prison in Kisangani as well. Before he was transferred from there to Kinshasa and Ndolo Military Prison, where he spent most of the time behind bars until his released on the 21st October 2022.
Mugumya spent 8 years in custody. As he was arrested for involvement in the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF-NALU). As he was supposed rebel with a fictitious name: “Katembo Mukiga William”. There was also additional factors put into play like he was having either “cargo” or “bags of monies”. Which have never been proven or evidence for the public to see. Therefore, a lot of hearsay and never any real given fact.
Now 8 years later in the documents released as his free. They are now claiming he was involved or participated in the Mouvement du Mars 23 (M23). That is in contrast to the reported connection to the ADF-NALU, which was rumoured for years.
Mugumya himself said he was arrested, as he was fleeing to exile himself. The Dr. Kizza Besigye aide was trying to get to freedom, but instead was sent to the slammer abroad. The Observer reported this back in 2014: “The army spokesman, Lt Col Ankunda, said then that Mugumya had been found in possession of dollars and was suspected to be involved in subversive activities” (Edris Kiggundu – ‘Where is FDC’s Sam Mugumya?’ 11.11.2014, The Observer).
There are so many words, but nothing definite. What is likely is that the authorities apprehended him within Uganda and kidnapped him. Because, no one knew where he was and he suddenly disappeared. Later to be find in custody in Beni (DRC) which means the authorities of Uganda did help him cross and get detained there. It happened in such a manner, that he never returned and was a suspected rebel or a militia member.
That’s why you know these stories don’t add up. It is total fabrication and an injustice served Sam Mugumya’s way. He has been a victim of his activism and association with Besigye. If he hadn’t been a part of Reform Agenda and Forum for Democratic Change (FDC). He wouldn’t be here. The authorities targeted him, because the likes of him was the future. We are seeing that happening today with associates of the National Unity Platform (NUP) who are kidnapped and disappearing for the public sphere. Therefore, Mugumya is just a representation of the oppression the government of Uganda is doing. While they where able to use the Courts and Prisons to silence Mugumya for years.
It is a long time to be paying the price for doing the right thing. Mugumya has paid a huge price and it has cost. Back in the day he was ADF and now his M23. You just know the whole thing is made up. That’s the gist of it.
What is tragic is that Mugumya spent 8 years behind bars and only because of political affiliation. He was a target and a means to an end. That’s why he was kidnapped and never returned to Uganda. Mugumya lingered in jail because of who he was affiliated with. That was all the authorities needed and Military Court could find excuses to keep him behind bars too. It took years before he went to trail and now that his released. The story has changed again.
I wonder where the “cargo” and where the “dollars” went. If they even existed. Secondly, the UPDF spokesman Paddy Ankunda better have his story straight now. Especially, if his asked about this. It’s all a unique situation and this sort of thing has to be tested.
This is injustice and Sam Mugumya has been scarred, he has been tested and worse, he paid a price of losing eight valuable years. He lost so much time in detention, instead of being free and a voice of reason. His now free, but his story needs to be told. As it is a story on how the authorities targets dissidents. Peace.
Sam Mugumya is finally released after 8 years in Ndolo Military Prison…
“The Commander of the FARDC (Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo) North Kivu Region, Brig Gen Muhindo Akili Mundos has confirmed that forces under his Command arrested Former FDC Leader, Dr Kiiza Besigye’s Political Assistant Mr Sam Mugumya on 21st October 2014. This was during a Joint News conference with his Ugandan Counterpart, UPDF 2nd Division Commander Brig Peter Elwelu following a Security meeting in Kasindi Town of DRC on Tuesday 12th November 2014. Brig Mundos said Mugumya was arrested alongside 02 other Ugandans and 02 Congolese after the entered the country through an illegal entry point near Ishasha boarder. He added that Mugumya was using false names “Katembo Mukiga William” but on interrogation he was proved be Sam Mugumya. He said they suspect he could be involved in dangerous activities likely to hurt the current cordial relationship between Uganda and DRC and as a result he was transferred from his headquarters in Beni, to the capital Kinshasa for further investigations” (UPDF – FARDC confirms Sam Mugumya’s Arrest, 14.11.2014).
Today on the 21st October 2022, it is confirmed that Sam Mugumya is released from Ndolo Military Prison in Kinshasa. Mugumya has now spent 8 years behind bars or a total of 96 months in prison in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Mugumya has gone through a lot. The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) pushed for his release and also being moved to Uganda. However, the authorities in Uganda didn’t want him to return. That why we know his been a political prisoner in the DRC.
He was arrested because of his political affiliation and that he was associated with Dr. Kizza Besigye. That was the reason for his imprisonment. It wasn’t because of his supposed connections to militias or anything. This was the excuses and arguments, which the authorities used to keep him in prison. He was a political prisoner and have paid a huge price for doing so.
Mugumya has suffered in prison. No one can say it has been easy. The man has been torn and could have gotten a broken spirit. Instead he has soldiered on and awaited freedom. He has stood tall in the midst of adversity and shown his strength.
Okello-Oryem did state in fact in 2016 that there was no chance of a fair trail or extradition. That was how this score was settled and Mugumya just had to pay the price. He was a victim of the association and the allies he had chosen. That’s why he was taken into custody and moved to a prison in Kinshasa. All because he was affiliated with Besigye. This was all the authorities needed and they let him suffer for 8 years.
It is good to see the picture of Sam Mugumya holding a note “Free At Last”. Also another picture on the outside of prison. He shouldn’t have been a felon in the first place. He has suffered, paid the cost and should be paid by the state for the injustice. However, we know there will be no consequences to the ones who detained him or held him captive. Mugumya was a victim of circumstance and political activism. That’s all it took.
The price for standing tall and being brave cost him 8 years. 8 years in a miliary prison in Kinshasa. Mugumya deserve not only a heroes welcome, but to be honoured for his bravery. He could have given in and been gone by now. However, he soldiered on and knew deep down it would end. Nevertheless, it shouldn’t have been this hard.
The authorities of DRC failed him and so did the authorities in Kampala. If he had been one of “them“… they would have sent a military attaché and picked him up somehow. However, he was a target and the NRM was happy, that he was out of sight and out of mind. Peace.
Opinion: Sipapa allegedly stole from the wrong South Sudanese gentlemen…
“We wish to inform the public that the Directorate of Crime Intelligence has arrested, a one Olimu Charles Sipapa, who was on the Police wanted list, for an alleged Aggravated Robbery, which occurred at the home of Jacob Arok, in Kawuku-Bunga, on the night of 28.08.2022. Arrangements are in place to hand him over to the CID task team at Kampala Metropolitan Police, for further interview and court action. The police leadership has commended the tireless efforts of the CID and CI task teams in arresting and helping to bring the suspect to justice. This now brings the number of suspects arrested to five. Any new developments shall be communicated accordingly.
SCP Fred Enanga
Police Spokesman
6.09.2022” (Uganda Police Force, 06.09.2022).
“UPDATE: Charles Olim alias Sipapa and the co-accused have been produced at Makindye Chief Magistrate Court and charged with 6 counts of aggravated robbery. They have been remanded to Luzira till 18/9/2022 when the case will come up for mention” (Criminal Investigations Directorate-UPF, 09.09.2022).
“The alleged South Sudanese man whose $429,000 USD was stolen in Kampala has been identified in as Jacob Nul Mayen Arok, the current Managing Director of the South Sudan National Pension Fund. He was appointed last year in July 2021 as the Managing Director of SSNPF” (Agany Malleher, 09.09.2022).
This week the world has turned on Charles Olim aka Sipapa. He went from being untouchable and a man of wealth. His was able to get away with flaunting his fortunes, vehicles and whatnot earlier in this year alone.
This here case is really special in two regards, the robbery of the South Sudanese gentlemen is wrong. However, it is also striking how quickly the South Sudanese gentleman gained his wealth. The South Sudan National Pension Fund (SSNPF) Managing Director Jacob Arok has amassed a massive fortune too in a little over year. Which he was able to have in cash in his Kampala home.
That’s why this story is important. Not only because a legendary and mysterious wealthy man like Sipapa stole the cash and valuable belongings from this home. No, it shows how someone who gets appointed into office in Juba is able to “eat”. I doubt that the Managing Director has such a vast salary and perks, which makes it possible to earn such amounts of money that fast.
For Arok it was his turn to eat and he ate. Nevertheless, it has been uncovered by another legendary man stole his loot. A thief took the cash and now people can question also how the Managing Director acquired all of it. Because, this money comes from somewhere and didn’t come out of nowhere.
Yes, the robbery and theft is wrong. Both in the house in Kampala and whatever blue-collar way it came from Juba. Since, there is a connection there and certainly the cash has been transferred, in one manner or another.
Sipapa has to answer for his sins and what he did. Nevertheless, the Arok has to answer for his too. Since, how did he get all this money and so fast? That’s a miracle and a fountain of cash. There must be more to the story.
We don’t know how Sipapa became wealthy and a socialite of some sense. He was able to be a mystery and expensive vehicles. If that was made out of thieving or not, we don’t know, but he was caught now. That’s done because the signal of one of the stolen phones showed where the stolen goods was at. This is was a futile enterprise and backfired on Sipapa. Since he has gotten away and been able to live large for so long.
Now, I wonder if the South Sudanese authorities will look into the questionable amount of cash and fortunes of Arok. Because, the robbery actually unravelled that. It shows how it is possible to get wealthy super quick.
That’s why this story is important for all the implications and the many sort of issues it creates. First, why has Sipapa been so shielded and how did he get wealthy? Secondly, why did it take so long to arrest him? Third, how did Arok have this money in his home and all the fancy gadgets too? Fourth, will Juba or the Authorities there look into the acquired wealth of Arok?
That’s what I wonder about today. There are so many loose ends and we need more details to get to the core. Both about Sipapa and Arok. They were to strangers who are now connected by different cons. They both are sought of caught and we can wonder what is happening next. Peace.
Opinion: The Legend of Sipapa [and 10 years of unknown wealth]
“Police say they are hunting for city socialite Charles Olim commonly known as Sipapa. Sipapa has been trending on social media, with many accusing him and his entourage of flouting traffic rules and hitting other motorists’ cars while others claim he is untouchable” (NBS Television, 14.03.2022).
“There are several people working in the NRM, why is it only me being given money? And there is no problem even if I am funded. My mother was a rich lady, Wherever she might have passed, you never know I might be the president’s son and you just don’t know. Why are people so concerned to know our private matters? – Sipapa” (Josh Ruby – ‘What if I’m the president’s son? – Sipapa’ 14.03.2022).
Nobody knows where his from or how he got here. Some calls the man a tycoon, other a music promoter and others a socialite. His birth name is Charles Olim alias Sipapa. Who has a dozens of fancy cars and motorcycles. Said to flash money and visible for the elites of Kampala.
When Canary Mugume, the NBS Television journalist calls him “untouchable” you know something is up. This is just the newly minted edition of Brian White. The money, the cars and the privilege.
““They say my money is for Tax Payers, but which tax payer can pay 800 Million, this car is 800 Mllion but i hear people shouting at me, I even never went to school…”– Sipapa brags” (Khina Murah – ‘Sipapa mocks People Power Supporters with Brand New Mercedes Benz Worth 800M’ 09.12.2020, CelebPatrol.com).
Sipapa is nothing special. His tales will not go down in history or become a folk tale. His just another of the typical men who burns the candle at both ends. That’s why his ending up in car crashes, driving vehicles without license plate and proving himself as a big man in front of the People Power supporters and on the premises of Fred Nyanzi in Kamwokya in Kampala in 2020. So, it is not like these days are the first of controversy.
His the sort of fella who has often gotten into trouble, because of how reckless he drives and his mountain of arrogance. That’s why he can call himself a “son” of the President and a son of a rich “blesser”. We don’t know if his just a boy-toy or a flamboyant business-man. He just suddenly had wealth and was in the public eye.
““If you want me to apologize for calling you a broke thug. I will do it. But you have to prove your wealth to me by gifting KAYZ with a brand new VITZ. Hand it over to him with all its logbooks and everything in his names.” pastor Mondo asked” (Joyce Mollan – ‘Pastor Mondo Dares Sipapa to Buy Lord Kayz a Vitz to Prove his Wealth’ 04.10.2020, TimesUg.com).
We don’t know if this man is a knock-off Balaam or is a fraudster. He can be whatever he claims to be or just another short-term expenditure for some hot-shot in the NRM party. Since he has violated people with his car in the past, but never been punished for it. Therefore, the investigations into it by the Kampala Metropolitan Police has gone nowhere and it’s not shocking at all.
He surely had drama like in 2018, when he was caught in between his own artist and lover Zani Brown. As Sipapa was also sharing relations Brown Shuga, as this was reported by entertainment media at the time. So, this man is a mess no matter where he goes.
Sipapa has flaunted his wealth online since at least 2018. This is four years of controversy, but he has made a name of himself since 2012, which Kampala Sun reports like this:
“Upon arrival in Kampala, Sipapa established his base in Makindye and for a while worked as a music promoter. He at one time hired top musicians, including Bobi Wine. In 2012, Sipapa engaged some ‘noisy’ media personalities, who thrust him in the faces of the unsuspecting public. Whether money exchanged hands in this engagement will not be debated here, but the lithe-bodied man got the fame he craved for. Media personalities were often with him in hangouts, were part of his money throwing parties, and word was that he gave some cars and expensive gadgets. To the public, he still remained a mystery” (Paul Waiswa – ‘Sipapa: Young, rich and dangerous?’ 11.11.2021, The Kampala Sun).
So, yes, he is busy with music and opting in friendly relations with his female artists. That is recorded and published. The rest of the story of the socialite and his supposed wealth is a myth. Just like his story and whatever he did. Yes, he came to Kampala from Tororo and made a name for himself.
However, if this will last or not … that is something we cannot know. His useful for someone right now. If hadn’t or had a use… he would linger in jail and wouldn’t be that confident. We all saw how hard Brian White fell and Sipapa can easily be the next. Especially, when his that flamboyant and when his no longer useful …. he will dropped quickly.
Right now for some reason he might have some suction or sort of connection with high ranking officials. Since he feels untouchable. Nevertheless, Sipapa will follow Balaam, Brian White, Abdullah Kitatta or Ashburg Katto.
One minute, your a hot commodity and the next second a used condom. Peace.
The Former Kawempe South MP Munyagwa was kidnapped by an unknown security agency today
“Former Kawempe South MP Mubarak Munyagwa has been kidnapped & whisked off in a drone. His aide says the kidnappers waylaid him around Masanafu as he drove to NBS Television for NBS Eagle” (Simon Kaggwa Njala, 20.02.2022).
“A source familiar with the matter reveals that Joseph Sabiiti on Saturday morning rang ex Kawempe South MP Munyagwa Mubarak and gave him an offer of UGX 15m to stop defending Zaake on TV shows but the FDC strongman declined to trade his integrity for peanuts” (Emmanuel Busingye – ‘Among flees country, deploys UGX 100m for bloggers, NBS journalists’ 20.02.2022, Ekyooto.co.uk).
First and foremost we don’t know why Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Stalwart Mubarak Munyagwa was kidnapped earlier today. He has been kidnapped and arrested before, he has fought cases and been in legal jeopardy before. This is nothing new to the former MP. He has been under fire and in trouble during his career. However, that doesn’t justify the recent kidnap and keeping hum incommunicado without any knowledge for why.
We don’t know why the former MP was taken away and kept in an undisclosed location. We don’t know the charges or the reason. If it was a bribe or he “offended the Don”. We don’t know if he has uttered some “offensive communication” or anything,
The former MP is taken without any clear reason or indication for doing so. This is lightening striking in broad daylight and for no apparent reason. That’s what’s going on. The former MP was kidnapped back in 2010 and this is a re-issue of that. Nevertheless, we don’t know the reason or why it happened. Which is showing how “rule of law” is only in the words, but not in the action of the current time. Peace.
Sam Mugumya have been behind bars for over 7 years in Ndolo Military Prision without any trial…
This story is a tragic one and it’s never ending. One man is behind bars without charges, indictment or court trial. This being Sam Mugumya, Dr. Kizza Besigye aide and opposition activist who was travelling to Rukungiri on the 16th October 2014 to take care of his family affairs, as his brother had died and he needed to take care of his frail mother. He was also planning to get connected with the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party members in the district.
We don’t know what happened since then, but we do know he resurfaced suddenly in the Democratic Republic of Congo and been arrested there with other civilians too.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to inform the general public that the Uganda Ambassador to the DRC met the Administrator General of the National Intelligence Agency of the DRC who confirmed that 5 individuals of Ugandan origin were arrested in Eastern DRC on October 21st 2014. The arrested individuals have since then been transferred to Ndolo Military Prison in the outskirts of Kinshasa. On 4th December 2014 Amb. Kinobe was allowed to visit the Prisoners and confirmed the following individuals:
1. Sam Mugumya, aged 35 years, son of Tukahirwa stanley, who called himself “Mukiga William” at the time of arrest.
2. Mugisha Steven 35 years, son of Tibanyeba John of Buyanja, Rukungiri
3. KamukamaAggrey, 30 years, son of Kagurusi Eliab of Buyanja, Rukungiri
4. Kamugisha Joseph 28 years, son of Mugisha Justus of Buyanja, Rukungiri and
5. Bright Nathan 20 years, son of Kwesiga John of Buyanja, Rukungiri” (Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Press Release, 10.12.2014).
Besigye in the beginning of it all, believed the state would use these kidnapping and arrests in the DRC as a shield and means to claim the opposition was starting ‘rebel’ activity. In a manner of which could be used to hurt Besigye’s future political campaign ahead of the General Elections in 2016. Besigye have had such charges against him and his brother too. So, it wasn’t without any reasoning that Besigye spoke about this in November 2014. A month after the arrest.
The party his been affiliated with has with time paid for and serviced a Congolese Lawyer for the case of Mugumya without any luck. That was done in 2016. We know that the Government of Uganda will not repatriate or secure his home-coming either. While his stuck in prison all these years.
Oryem-Okello said this back in 2016: “Government says Mugumya was engaged in subversive activities and was arrested with dollars and sensitive documents State Minister for Foreign Affairs Henry Oryem Okello told parliament this afternoon that due to lack of an extradition treaty between Uganda and DR Congo, the Congo government has declined to send him back” (Uganda Radio Network – ‘Sam Mugumya Will Not Be Extradited- Govt’ 01.12.2016).
In May 2021 he was able release a poem called ‘We refuse to be victims’ which goes like this:
To bear defeat’s humiliating standard.
Pitiable, helpless, crushed and confused.
That is victimhood’s pathetic face
It soots our effulgent souls
Comrades, pity not us prisoners.
Treat us not as victims
We are proud resolute recusants.
Soldiering on with a smile.
Never pious before the devil.
Pity and contemn the despot.
Our chains condemn his conscience.
Injustice jails the jailer’s humanity.
Drench him in your tears.
Hearken marley’s revolutionary voice bellowing.
Of the despot he said
Pity those with thinning chances.
They have nowhere to hide
The despot is the victim .
The slave of his power.
Branded by debauchery’s hot iron.
Before we become his victims ,
Freedom’s matyrs we shall be.
Shed not sorrowful tears comrades.
Please shed tears of joy.
On victory’s tide we sail .
To a future of freedom.
I just got to say. This man deserves justice. His been served injustice for years and punished by association. Because, he dared to associate and be part of Besigye’s campaigns. He was one of the trusted individuals within the FDC. That’s why he have been serving time and somehow the Ugandan government made an agreement with the Congolese government to keep him in prison.
They have not let him out and neither has Ugandan authorities accepted him back. They will not extradite him back and that is very clear. MPs tried to do this in 2020 and 2021. However, there is no extradite agreement between the DRC and Uganda. Therefore, there is now will to engage or secure this. That is just common knowledge.
It have not mattered that Mugumya have suffered with COVID-19 and other issues as a prisoner. This political prosecution is never ending it seems. The proofs of the allegations haven’t happened and his kept as a civilian in a military prisoner indefinitely it seems.
We know with certainty that the government doesn’t care or concerned. Because Oryem-Okello stated the same facts in 2020 and wouldn’t have him on trial or had a chance of extraditing him. With the same response as before, no agreement so nothing to offer. The diplomats of the Republic in Kinshasa isn’t bothered about it either it seems. Since, his there to this day and they haven’t lifted a finger. This is why his still a jail-bird and no proof of the alleged incriminating behaviour of which he was arrested in 2014.
We are now in November 2021 and his still in Ndolo Military Prison. Mugumya is still behind bars and nothing is done about it.
We need to shed a light on it, because if not… everything goes dark and men like this doesn’t get justice. They don’t get liberty or the freedom they should have. This is injustice and his a political prisoner. His a prisoner of conscience. That is it and it’s pathetic of the Republic to not do anything about it. Try to ensure and secure his passage. Make arrangements with the Congolese and even let him have a fair trial or courtship with his case. Because at this point, his not even proven guilty. His just a commoner behind bars for no apparent reason. A man who went missing in Uganda and suddenly was in custody in another republic. Peace.
Opinion: Museveni’s recent address don’t reassure anyone
“I’m not your usual president. I speak with action and let me remind you that I’m not going to show any mercy to anyone who is Found guilty of killing my people. We are not here to joke, Uganda is able to protect itself from people who think that they’re better than us. We have already Gunned down several ISIS leaders and now they know that I’m not a man who you should play with. The sheikh who ordered his men to kill my people should run because I’m also ordering my men to go after them, it’s fire for fire don’t confuse power and authority” – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (20.11.2021).
Everything that General Museveni touches has to be violent. There is no peace and no sort of resolve. That’s how General solves things and not in a manner of which is with protocol. Yesterday he defended extra judicial-killings. He has no issues with it and seems to order it. This is not a warning, but a stern realization that the President believes he has the right of people’s life and death.
This national address on COVID-19 and National Security isn’t anything new. Very little was said that was striking or game changing. We have heard these things before and the state just shows intelligence in speeches, but without further proof. The President just speaks of intent and violent force. Because, that is how you strike fear and not how you generate peace. However, this is all that Museveni have after over 30 years in power. He cannot have love or care, neither concern or ability to read the room. No, he just have to blaze the guns and thinking that this is the manner of which terrorists will fear him.
As he continues…
“If ADF had remained quiet and not attacked Gen Katumba we wouldn’t have known them.They are overestimating themselves. They wanted to kill Gen Katumba because he is a big government person to show they are there. Although Jamilu Mukulu was arrested, they wanted to show they are still there (in existence). They also thought that Katumba being the Minister of Works and was to work on road in DRC which is their territory, how dear he” (Museveni, 20.11.2021).
“I have heard some arguments about Kirevu and how he was a good person. The attempt to kill Gen Katumba landed them in trap. All these incidents are linked. Our security was lax but when you provoke them, they wake up. We were able to use technology to identify some of them. It is a matter of time we got them” (Museveni, 20.11.2021).
It is strange how these things goes and how these things are connected. As the state claims it is ADF behind it all. While, there is no court trial or any evidence gathered for a court case. No, it is just empty statements in speeches. The Minister and General Katumba should be insulted of being used this way after surviving an assassination attempt and his daughter lost her life there together with his driver. They have not gotten justice or peace. Just like all the people in Kampala who lost their lives in the bombs.
The President is just showing his fierceness, but it is just a flex. This isn’t strength or ability to show control or have systems to ensure people’s safety. Instead it is boosting his own ego and his troops. They are just trigger-happy soldiers and officers who kills. Just like the terrorists does and without proof of alleged crimes or terrorist activity.
We should with certainty… but we cannot be happy with this. The President isn’t showing any sort of character or ability to govern here. Only that he can order people deaths and destroy lives. It is not like can secure or ensure anyone. That is missing here.. and he cannot regain that trust. Since he believes his guns and army can fix everything. That is evident here and parts of it is true. Because, we know he is only ruling because of it. If it wasn’t for the army and the soldiers, he wouldn’t have an office to go to. The President needs the UPDF and Intelligence Agencies to secure his political life. While, that will not give peace to the general public or secure their lives. As the President cannot find ways to make things peaceful and justifiable. If he did, he wouldn’t be speaking like this and be such an inactive person at the same time. Peace.
Opinion: Extra Judicial-Killings will not solve crimes or stop terror
Yesterday it was revealed from the Uganda Police Force that they killed Sheik Muhammed Kirevu. A man who was in their custody and handcuffed. The authorities had him in their midst and still they decided to shoot-and-kill him. That is extra judicial killing. They killed him right in-front of his family and his kids as witnesses.
The authorities are not only the ones who apprehend alleged criminals, but they are the court and the hangman. They are all in-one and they do this on their duty. This isn’t the first time or the last of which the Police Force or any of the state Security Organizations are inclined to use lethal force to stop an alleged criminal or suspect. They are not tried or charged, they are just taken out.
This isn’t the manner of which shows a difference between the state and a terrorist organizations. Since, the ones dropping the bombs is issuing terror and the state is issuing terror with their guns. There is no very to no difference between the parties. They are both sanctioning death upon both innocent and suspects. The state can after the fact claim links and evidence for the suspect. However, that was never proven in the courts or their supposed illegal activity was never tested. Therefore, it is flawed and what if the person was just another citizens catching a stray-bullet? Will the Police or Authorities take this to account and be responsible for the unfortunate death?
I doubt that… and Sheik Kirevu might have been connected to the ADF and might not have. All we know now is that he was in their custody and he ended up dead. Instead of doing due diligence and doing the process. Proving the alleged criminal conspiracy and his involvement in the terrorist organization. He was taken out and we can never know now. The Police Force is coming with hearsay and allegations, which will never be proven. They can say he was monster and a vicious individual, but the man can never defend his innocence either. Since the man is no longer breathing.
This is why the whole ordeal is wrong. The state isn’t doing this right. They are ambushing and hostile. They are not trying to show why they are righteous and have the laws to uphold. Since, there is no indication of difference between them or the bombers. Both are just killing senselessly and doing it for their respective end-game. That is the tragic things here and in the manner of the Sheik. Its his kids that is scarred for life. While the victims and the families of Kampala will forever be touched by the bombs earlier this week. In this way, nobody is getting peace and resolving the hurt. The state isn’t fixing things the right way, but only causing more harm.
The Uganda Police Force and all the other agencies shouldn’t be proud for doing this. There is little to no difference between them and a average murderer. They both kills, but one has a license like James Bond and the other is a nameless killer. The officers and state agents should be better, than random stranger with a gun. However, in 2021 in the Republic that’s too much to ask. We can beg to differ, but the reality is that this is how they operate.
This is how they deal with criminals, by being their own gang of operatives ready to shoot and kill. The Courts are useless and laws are too. When lives can be taken so easily and without mercy. The idea of an extra judicial killing should be a rare occasion, but in concern to the UPF. It is just to common and so ordinary. That is why this is a cultural way of acting and modus operandi. This is the tragic thing and lives which can never return is taken in the quest for “justice”. However, justice was denied and never served. The ones they are trying to rectify or act for isn’t getting the truth. They are just hearing about more families scorn by the authorities who acts like outlaws themselves. Peace.