Kenya: Kongamano La Mapinduzi (KLM) – Press Statement on the Police Crackdown in Isiolo Town (10.02.2025)

Opinion: Muhoozi cannot spot the difference…

“Last week, we were shocked to receive a judgment from the Supreme Court that, in effect, halts all trials conducted by military courts. The UPDF, without doubt, remains the foundation upon which democracy and socio-economic transformation can be realized in our country. The historical mission of the UPDF, which predates the laws being debated today, could not have been achieved without a highly disciplined force. This development (Supreme Court judgment) is very unfortunate and quite unacceptable” – Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba (06.02.2025).

Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the brightest of them all?

Well, it surely isn’t the brute or the General. No, he needs some enlightenment and civic understanding. Because his delusion is too strong. He isn’t capable of grasping reality and what is concerning. What is striking is knowing that this man aspires to the highest office, but he doesn’t have the mental capacity to understand the difference between a civilian court and a military one. That’s what I am getting here, and someone needs to throw the book at him.

Gen. Muhoozi isn’t known for being the brightest or the wisest of them all. No, though his supporters and “yes-men” will tell that he has the foresight and the visionary embodiment of all the dead poets, revolutionaries and whoever are revered from the past. That who this man supposed to be, but we know the gist.

It is just proven again when he speak of the Supreme Court judgement, which directly spells out the placement of the General Court Martial (GCM) and the other civilian courts. It specifically says and states things as mere fact. Meanwhile, this brute wants to condemn it and say it’s an unfortunate affair. It’s unfortunate that he throws around death treats like drunk people throws empty bottles. Alas, this is a systemic issue and has to be addressed accordingly.

The victims, the civilians taken to the GCM should either be released or be properly moved as quickly as possible to civilian courts. That’s if the cases have merit or even have any sort leg to stand on. We know that is questionable at best, because the state arrests someone and finds evidence or witnesses later. Especially in regard to its dissidents and opposition leaders. That’s why we know the state needs the GCM to prolong the agony and torment the ones who dares to challenge it.

Gen. Muhoozi doesn’t grasp that or have any idea of that, because it doesn’t concern him. He don’t pay them no mind and they are only pawns to him. The civilians who are captured and having pending cases in the GCM are there for a reason. The reason is to spread fear and intimidate people. It is to show the strength of the army and what it is capable of doing. That’s why people are taken there and not for the betterment of the Republic. No, this is a show and a play of guards. That’s it… and you cannot make up enough mumbo jumbo to make it legit.

General Muhoozi needs some civic lessons and understanding of the different branches of government. Because at the moment he thinks his guns and his title is bigger than anyone else. That he isn’t accountable to anyone and the military is above the law. This is how I interpret it and it’s not a good look. Regardless, we couldn’t expect anything else from him.

That’s just who he is and what has become of him. The General who strikes with no mercy but expect blind praise for standing up straight and breathing. Peace.

Besigye behind bars for 76 days [on the 3rd of February 2025] without proper trial as a civilian…

“There is a heavy presence of the military and police at the Makindye-based General Court Martial, where four-time presidential candidate Dr Kizza Besigye is expected to appear, as indicated during the last sitting of the court. However, sources confirm that the Court Martial will not sit today following the Supreme Court’s ruling last Friday, which ordered that all cases involving civilians before the Court Martial should cease immediately and be transferred to civil courts with competent jurisdiction” (Daily Monitor, 03.02.2025).

Well, the more things change, the more they stay the same. The General Court Martial of Makindye Barracks is upon us. The case pending for Dr. Kizza and his associates are still on schedule. Meanwhile, the verdict on the 31st of January 2025 have certainly had no barring or powers to stop the continuation of the GCM.

The ones that is shocked or in awe. They haven’t seen how the state acts and doesn’t comply with orders. The President’s words are law, and his orders are the ones that matters. The Executive or Commander-in-Chief can decide, and he has the final word.

We all should know that the Supreme Court could do the citizens and civilians a favour, but that is worthless when the High Above has another idea. That idea is to use the GCM and target his dissidents there. As he can order and have a direct involvement in their decisions. The manner of keeping people detained and defer the case. Therefore, keeping the suspect behind bars, but without a proper trial or even prove any evidence on the charges pinned on the civilian. That’s what the President wants, and he is supportive of this practice.

President Museveni needs the GCM, and it is a vital tool or mechanism of his oppressive regime. It gives a lifeline and ability to try civilians without any sort of proper function. Meanwhile, skim the top of the activists, leaders and whatnot, which him and his allies deems unfit to be in public. These citizens can be pawns and be the poster-boys of the opposition. That’s why they are there, and he keeps them there.

Dr. Kizza Besigye isn’t new to all of this. He has been touched by the authorities or faced the law more than anyone else in the Republic. Besigye should be released, because a civilian tried in the GCM. However, we know the words of Museveni is law. So, with the knowledge of that. We can just expect that Besigye, and his associates will linger in jail.

Today in this case alone, Besigye have been behind bars for 76 days. That is what has happened to him. Neither is there any real hope of release nor be on bail. No, the state is making an example of Besigye. Even if Besigye if the person who has all knowledge of how the state operates and how they use the law against the innocent. He knew this long before they kidnapped him in Nairobi, Kenya.

The GCM is a tribunal made for disciplining soldiers or commanders in the army. Nevertheless, Museveni wants it to be used as a tool of oppression. That’s why his defending the usage of the GCM and will not stop the practice.

I wouldn’t be shocked if this case continues and is pending. There is nothing… that is shocking about it. If he is released… we should expect him to be re-arrested and if lucky… his again house-arrested or something similar. Because Besigye will be followed, monitored and be in legal jeopardy. That is just the nature of thing. I wish it could be different, but that is mere reality of everything. Peace.

A look into Mzee’s Statement on the General Court Martial Judgement of Yesterday

However, on getting back to Kampala, I was sorry to hear of the wrong decision by the Supreme Court in the matter of the fire-arms armed civilians being tried by the Military Court Martial. This is a method which we the freedom fighters support because it reinforces the Civilian Judicial System to defend the lives of our People against Criminals armed with guns. If you are not a soldier, why do you arm yourself with guns and, moreover, for criminal purposes and illegally, that are a monopoly of the Armed Forces? If you voluntarily acquire these guns, why should you complain when you are tried in a forum that deals with those matters when soldiers are involved?” – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (01.02.2025).

The old man with the hat had to way in and in his military spirit. The Head of State has profited of the usage of the General Military Courts (GMC). The GMC is serving the interests of the President and his inner-circle.

The ones believing or hoping the Supreme Court judgement would change things. I hate to be bearer of bad news. The Executive and the Commander-in-Chief has no mercy. The President has plans to sufficiently make it legal and ensure the usage of the GMC this way. Therefore, the ones believing the civilians will be freed or released. They are wrong. Expect the NRM MPs start singing and come with Private Motions to sing the psalms of the President. That will happen after a NRM Caucus and a NRM CEC meeting guiding them all. Why do I say that…

Well… the old man said it himself, but in other words: “Anyway, the country is not governed by the Judges. It is governed by the People –all of us Ugandans, that are old enough to vote. In the matter of the Constitution and other legislations, we govern ourselves by having Referenda or Constitutional amendments or amendments of the laws by Parliament” (Museveni, 01.02.2025).

We are just seeing how he moves and what he will do. The President has the final say and whatever he thinks goes. This is the way he operates and everyone is at his whim. That’s why his words is the law. The Constitution can be pigeon-holed and become a wrecked document. Just so it serve any interest or ideal that the President has. Not for the betterment of the Republic, but to serve his needs and whatever he deems fit.

He really thinks his own army courts can deal with everything: “Back to some of our Judges, the rape, corruption, etc., cases are tried in Military Courts to protect the institution of the Army. The guns armed illegal operators should be tried, initially, in Military Courts to protect the Society” (Museveni, 01.02.2025).

It just shows his mindset and pattern of behaviour. The ones who is in shock or awe. They haven’t followed the militarism and the junta government acts of Museveni. This is just who he is and what he has become. The army is the nation and the nation is at the mercy of the army. The President don’t need the people or the civilians, but he does need the army. That’s why he entrust the army to deal with any civilian manner anyway. Therefore, he just wants the absolute power and control any decision made.

President Museveni is just showing his true face here. There is no middle-ground on this. He just says what everyone knows and proves where his mentality is at. The man who lives by the gun. Will die by the gun. A man who took power by the gun. Will leave power by the gun too. That’s who he is and he intends to use it. Nevertheless, the ones defending this impunity and infamy is foolish. They could get caught in the same web the moment they fall out of favour or is useless to the General on top. Peace.

Opinion: Hon. Kabaziguruka deserves his flowers

The former Member of Parliament, Michael Kabaziguruka deserves credit and accolades for what went down at the Supreme Court today. That he stood tall and persevered through the adversity. A man who has faced legal jeopardy and trouble.

The newly elected MP was facing charges of Treason and was supposed to behind a scheme to assassinate the Head of State, General and President Yoweri Kaguta Musevei. That’s why the authorities and the state tried this case at the General Court Martial of Makindye Barracks. Just like others has been since then.

Hon. Kabaziguruka pushed for it and has waited for. A man who could have given up and given way. No one would have judged him after all these years. Yes, his vindicated today, but the hurt must be alive for the man. As he knows the acts of the state at first hand and tasted the brutality of it. Not like he was walking off easily or even without a touch from it.

He got there because he won over a favoured candidate. The man became an MP and conquered one of the anointed men, Fred Ruhindi. That’s why he faced doom and was in dungeons of the SIU Kireka at one point. As the state schemed on how to prolong the pain and suffering. Making up charges and fabricating allegations to make sure he wouldn’t be released. That’s why he ended up it the General Court Martial. Just so the civilian courts couldn’t touch him or have him under their jurisdiction. That way they could keep him detained and make him a poster-child of the unfortunate who was more popular than the state’s own candidate.

Today’s verdict is a vital one and an important one. Nevertheless, this is just one stepping stone. Hon. Kabaziguruka took us here. Now others has to lead on to take it further. He has taken this journey and allowed for this door to open. Now others have to follow suit and challenge the other discrepancies and misuse of power, which is rampant within the authorities and the law enforcement of the Republic.

That’s why we should cheer for the outcome, because of the significance of it. However, I am not hopeful for the civilians tried in the General Military Courts. No, these are still in legal limbo and will face a continued pursuit of justice and freedom in civilian courts. These people won’t be freed on a whim and the state will make cases for continuing the persecution elsewhere. So, don’t think the political prisoners will be freed because of this verdict. No, if it is adhered too… the state only have to move dockets and chambers, but the game plan will be the same. The game is rigged and Hon. Kabaziguruka knows that well too.

This is why today is a good day, but not the end of the matter. It is just one step. One important step, but not the end. There is a lot more to give. Hon. Kabaziguruka did his part and now others got to step up to clear the courts, yet again. That to stop other practices that is unlawful and breaching with the codes or articles of the constitution. It is about time to end these actions and make them obsolete. However, that won’t happen over night and neither will the political prisoners be released without remedy or justification, which gives the state leverage to do so. These will not be free or at liberty tomorrow. No, they will linger in jeopardy and within the realm of the law. As long as they are in custody. They are endangered and the state can just find new allegations or criminal conspiracy to pin on the victims. That’s what it does… and we have seen that movie before. Peace.

Opinion: The General Court Martial is deemed unfit – but I won’t celebrate to early…

There is breadcrumbs and certainly if the authorities and the state was to abide by the Supreme Court, the civilians on remand and awaiting a proper trial at the General Court Martial. These are now celebrated and expected to get justice. The justice being released and getting their freedom again. However, I wouldn’t run that fast and be jolly.

The Supreme Court did the right thing, but it doesn’t let the buck stop. These cases will be moved civilian courts and the authorities will apprehend and re-arrest the ones that is pending judgment or sentence at the GCM. The ones believing in anything is naive.

The regime isn’t imposing these instruments of power and chambers for fun. They are using any aspect of the law and legalities to ensure the demise of its dissidents. That’s why I have little to no faith in the system. This system is rigged against the individuals caught in it. This is why they will not get justice or the freedom they are supposed to have. They have already lost their liberties and possibly the privileges that an ordinary citizen has. Because they have dared to question, act within the space of opposition politics and been public in their dissent. That’s why they are behind bars and awaiting trial and sentencing at the GCM.

We haven’t seen people being released or civilians being issued paperwork to get off from these cases. No, the state and the authorities will find technicalities and measures to continue the prosecution and persecution for the foreseeable future. They are now under the mercy of authorities and they aren’t forgiving. No, they will use all means and find all tricks of the book, which they will use to throw at these fellow peers.

The ones believing the National Unity Platform activists or supporters behind bars will be released. Nah, it won’t happen. The ones believing Dr. Kizza Besigye or fellow associates of him will be released. Nah, it won’t happen. These are there for a reason and to tell a story to the citizens of who is king. That’s why they are there in the first place and their master won’t release them just like that.

Brig. Gen. Robert Freeman Mugabe is now famous for his operation at the General Court Martial of Makindye. He is now infamous and will forever be known for his actions within his chambers. The tribunal that acted like a prestigious court…

If I assess things in order. The civilians which are currently in custody. They might possibly get a release, but quickly will be picked up by drone or “Panda Gari” which later schedules them for another civilian court and will prolong the agony. They will either be there within the 48 hours or will be put into safe houses. Only the high profile cases will be put under jurisdiction of well known courts and be on public display. Meanwhile, they will be kept in prison and be under remand. As these “investigations” and such will prolong the agony of the ones who are state property.

That’s why I am not celebrating today’s verdict in the Supreme Court. There is no time for that. The state will use it and find ways of keeping these political prisoners, regardless of the verdict. That is bound what the Supreme Court even said today. It is just moved from entity to another. This is buying the state time and reasons to keep them detained. That’s why I am subtle and clear.

The ones that wants people freed from this torment. They have to target the tormentors and find ways of weakening it. Because right now they can install fear and use the rules of law as a weapon against the ones who dares to challenge its authority. That’s why they are in the slammer to begin with. Peace.

Uganda Law Society (ULS): Supreme Court Ruling on Civilian Trials in Military Courts: A Victory for Constitutionalism and the Rule of Law (31.01.2025)

Kenya: Inuaka Ni Sisi! – Arrest of Grace Njoki Mulei (24.01.2025)

Opinion: Mudavadi – a future stalwart?

The legacy of Musalia Mudavadi is already questionable, as his erratic and questionable choices hasn’t favoured the man. His years of running suit and trying to forge a way of relevancy. That all came to standstill and sort of into place when he and his party the Amani National Congress (ANC) joined the Kenya Kwanza Alliance.

Now he isn’t leaving the alliance, but merging into the biggest party of it. His becoming another one and a member of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA). Him and his fellow peers in the ANC are structured into the UDA. They are now in the midst of Ruto’s party and what he operated. That’s who they are now and not playing beside in the KKA.

Mudavadi is selling heirloom and his assets on a gamble that it will pay-off in 2027. That is a risk he shouldn’t take. His already lucky to be in Office and have a say right now. This is gambling his stakes and stronghold. ANC won’t be the same under the machinery of UDA. Neither will people trust UDA as they did ANC.

This is just ensuring the possibility of weakening his stronghold for other parties. As it standing right now. The briefcase party of ANC has been the vehicle of Mudavadi, but it has given him leverage. A leverage he has used to get into office and get power. That party has been used to get relevance and position himself better. Meanwhile, merging it will possibly sell him short.

There are speculation that this will hurt Deputy President Kithure Kidinki, but would he betray him this quickly?

Yes, Rigathi Gachagua had to fall on his sword and was removed with ease. The same with the Hustler Nation and the people who had hope in the wheelbarrows. Alas, the voters and the citizens who has been promised laptops and stadiums of the Jubilee era should know that Ruto is just talking porkies to get elected.

With that in mind… Mudavadi is selling himself short. His trading his only valuable asset. Except for his possible loyalty and trust in Ruto. That is bargain for Ruto. Another crony and suit he can use for his broad-based government. However, Ruto will ditch him the moment his not useful. Mudavadi should know this, but maybe he thinks his special.

Musalia Mudavadi isn’t a powerhouse or an exception. His just the epitome of the political elite and been able to carve himself a small niche. Nevertheless, his ANC never became a threat or a big league player. Only an organization to boost the ego of Mudavadi.

Now that is traded and we can wonder if Mudavadi sold himself short. Peace.

Kenya: Statement by Justin Bedan Njoka Muturi (14.01.2025)