Opinion: EU Envoy Schmidt are an speaking like an NRM apologist similar to Ofwono Opondo over Besigye’s 2016 Election defiance!

I feel sorry for European Union Envoy Kristian Schmidt who are now sounding like a National Resistance Movement (NRM) apologist, instead of an independent spirit and understanding of the short-falls of the NRM Regime. He seems to been misunderstanding what happen during the General Election 2016. Surely, he wants the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) and Dr. Kizza Besigye, to say it just water under bridge and let it go. Since the Supreme Court followed the orders of the 31 Years and counting President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. First introduce some of the beautiful words of Ofwono Opondo, before the Kristian Schmidt’s foolish interview with Daily Monitor, before enlightening fellow European of his ignorance or forgetting the blatant impunity towards Besigye and FDC in and around the General Election 2016. Since he has forgotten while drinking Nile Brew in the Embassy and going on Safaries with his dignitaries. Surely, Schmidt must feel good about himself!

““In this election, Besigye gained 1.5 million votes compared to two million votes he got in 2011 while Museveni’s gain was a paltry 500,000. To the NRM strategists, this is the most shocking, indeed worrying trend, and having located the cause as being our messaging, strategy, campaign style, internal laxity, occasioned fraud and widespread bickering. We shall not blame anybody else except ourselves. Actually, to be frank, we were almost swept away by our collective failure to robustly respond to the Opposition demagoguery on issues of youth unemployment, despair among the urban population, poor and yet expensive public service delivery and bad public relations, especially to distribution of soft campaign cash that often got stolen along the way among other issues. This, to the Besigye camp, should give hope that with better strategic organisation, not only falsehoods, they can in the future topple NRM through the ballot instead of being bad losers” (…) ““The claims of rigging, especially at the last minute through alleged intimidation of candidates’ agents, ballot stuffing, falsification or alteration of results on tally and declaration sheets and at announcements are perturbing and incredibly unbelievable. These could pass as truth if the peddlers could at least adduce some verifiable evidence from eyewitnesses and documents in their possession that differ from those of the EC, which ought to be available from the multiple sources, including the media that observed these elections” (Opondo, 2016).

So when a NRM spokesperson and Uganda Media Centre director had to come in defense of his master. In the aftermath and with the current illegitimate government. Who has no problems in misusing the government funds and had no problem rigging the election in their favor. As the FDC had massive scores of leaders behind bars, had people with Declarations Forms from Polling Stations at Gun-Point, had their Headquarter barricaded and sealed off, Besigye was under house-arrest and the story goes on. Not an adventure, but a true theft a nation. Still Schmidt says this to the FDC and former Presidential Candidate:

“He added: “That is of course an issue that is dividing but I think it would have been good to come together and discuss. It has not happened and election reforms seem to be not going forward.” (…) “The law of Uganda is what it is: the conditions of petitions are what they are, and for a petition to be successful you have to do a lot of homework. Under your Constitution I believe you have little time, 10 days. I know one of the recommendations of the Supreme Court is to extend that time which I believe makes sense.” (…) “ He said “I think if Dr Besigye was convinced before elections that he would not be happy with the outcomes and the process, he should have been the one to petition. He should have prepared for that but he decided before that he was not going to and under the rule of law.” (Musisi, 2017).

EU Envoy to Uganda Kristian Schmidt, I know you visited him while on undetermined house-arrest. Since the Police Force had been stationed in Kasangati, Wakiso for so long days before the election and until May 2016. When he was able to escape and have his own swearing-in ceremony, before air-lifted to Moroto, where the state charged him with Treason charges. Which he still carries today, he is an arch-criminal and seen as an enemy of the state. Than after all of this, you talk about rule of law, justice and courts. Like Dr. Kizza Besigye haven’t had his time in court, haven’t been detained on more occasions than ordinary thief, even more than average murderers in the Republic.

So, the FDC was unable to counter with a petition, Amama Mbabazi was the only one able to fill in a form or petition. Because FDC has done so after General Election 2011. So it is like the EU Envoy for Uganda Schmidt is not in concern anymore of all the breaches that happen to Besigye. Like the whole House-Arrest period, the whole part of the general assault on the rule of law considering the elections and polls. The self sufficient pre-ticket ballots and Badru Kiggundu’s own special math-class. The statistics and the vicious attempt of forging the whole election in favor of President Museveni.

It like he wants the one on Treason Charges since May 2016, since the coup d’etat in February 20^th 2016, when the Electoral Commission announced the result. That as the whole NRM and state organization was behind the whole ordeal. Even the European Election Observation Mission and the Commonwealth Election Observation Mission was explaining the massive flaws of the General Election. Still, the EU Envoy want Besigye just to let it go.

Let’s take his first reasoning, since it is shows his true passion, the Danish dignitary: “Now if this was in any other democracy, like in some European countries, it would be unacceptable that the Opposition party does not then recognise the winner of the elections” (Musisi, 2017). If this was an election in Europe, all of these ploys of the NRM wouldn’t have happen. Not normally, that the army is used to intimidate, that local leaders are paid-off with new cars, that ballot are pre-ticket ballots and all powers to be to silence the FDC. Together with the obvious rigging and mismatch of acts in favor of Museveni. If this would not have happen in a European elections and EU Envoy to Uganda knows this. That why it is remarkable that he says about Besigye.

Besigye knows better and the Ugandan people knows so. They are not fools, even if Schmidt is sounding like Ofwono Opondo and has taken lectures from Andrew Mwenda. He surely has hanged in the same bars in Kampala as these two. To sound so blatant ignorant and so forgetful. Peace.

Reference:

Opondo, Ofwono – ‘The media shouldn’t parrot Opposition false claims’ (28.03.2016) link: http://www.monitor.co.ug/OpEd/Commentary/Media-parrot-Opposition-false-claims/-/689364/3135890/-/2m2g7v/-/index.html

Musisi, Fredric – ‘Besigye refusal to recognise government not helpful – EU envoy’ (09.07.2017) link: http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/Besigye-refusal-recognise-government-not-helpful-EU-envoy/688334-4006606-er8gyr/index.html

Darius Tweyambe released after 11 days at Kireka and after the release he visited Kizza Besigye!

Finally released, though 11 days without “charge” for carrying Candidates Declaration Results forms that says the Polls and votes from Poll Stations in the area. That Darius Tweyambe, the FDC Official in Rukungiri was detained for collection DR Forms, not inciting crime! That is what the Police Force in Uganda are doing and getting away with! Nobody is saying anything or addressing the matter.

Dr. Kizza Besigye still under house-arrest; The FDC have been oppressed by the Police in the recent days; Arrests of FDC Agents or Officials while trying to deliver Declartion Results Forms; Journalists arrested in Kasangati! (27.02.2016)

Recent days reports of how the oppression and harrasment of the FDC continues. Something that has been going before the Pre-Election period. As the Police continues to work against the opposition members, their methods are getting clear; there was reported that around 15 FDC supporters was taken from Kasangati while trying to visit Dr. Kizza Besigye.

Dr Kizza Besigye says about the situation today: “Situation at my home is getting worse. All traffic is now diverted from the road passing by our home and no one is allowed to come near home” (…)”David Mpanga & Ernest Kalibbala have been stopped at a roadblock in Lutete (3km before Kasangati) and told they can’t come to my home!

David Mpanga has commented on the matter: “Myself and other lawyers were invited to to attend. My colleague and I were stopped at a road block from attending the meeting”.

There been reported that four NTV Journalist and two Daily Monitor Journalists, while they we’re trying to enter the Kasangati home. They have been detained by the Police. As their equipment and also the driver for the NTV crew has been taken. And escorted in a dark van to Kasangati Police Post. There been reported that 11 more journalist gotten the same treatment by the Police as well. All of this arrests has happen without a direct reason from the DPC of Kasangati.

The more reports from the FDC, is that UPDF under orders of Andrew Felix Kaweesi has directed all people from entering the Kasangati area. As also Wassaw Birigwa, Gen. Mugisha Muntu and the legal teams of Amama Mbabazi and the FDC also have not been allowed to enter the home of Dr. Kizza Besigye! All the Traffic is general now blocked from the home. The UPDF and UPF is now evacuating all of the area and surroundings there.

At Wampewo where Amama Mbabazi was on the way to Kasangati to see how the situation of Dr. Kizza Besigye, he was there blocked from coming to him, but not allowed! The Police is claiming his life would be in danger if he enter the Kasangati area, apparently. What they was supposed to do (Kizza Besigye and Amama Mbabazi) was to compare their notes, the feasibility and what strategy of the petition. That is the danger that Police see as the Opposition are dangerous now-a-days!

Police to Amama Mbabazi: “We have info about what you are going to discuss with Besigye and we don’t want that meeting to happen”.

Today the reports are getting clearer as the FDC agents and officials who have the declarations forms from the election. They have tried to get to FDC Headquarter in Najjankumbi, they are not getting access to it. Those who have gone to the home of Dr. Kizza Besigye with the papers, has been beaten, tortured and arrested by the Police. Today at Najjankumbi:”Ibrahim Ngnda Semuju On Capital Gang: “When we went to visit our FDC headquarters , which are under police siege , Gen. Muntu opened the gate and he was immediately arrested and ordered to squat down by armed crime preventers “.

In the last 48 hours there been reported from the FDC that 40 agents and officials from the party has been taken to custody or threaten in a manner which isn’t gentle, they are either detained at the Kireka Police Station or Kasangati Police Post. And the one in charge here is DPC Kasangati James Kawalya who does what he can to stifle the business and life of Dr. Kizza Besigye.

Also reports of the Police are “Heavy deployed” and have surrounded the Rukungiri FDC offices in the town. So the Police is really working against the party at all levels and what Hon. Mafabi has said during the week that FDC officials, agents and supporters been at gun-point to either rewrite or give up declarations forms from the 18th February elections. Hon. Nathan Nandala Mafabi wrote on the 25th February: “Security agents and NRM functionaries are looking for our agents and FDC leaders across the rural areas of Western, Eastern and Northern Uganda to sign falsified Candidates’ Declaration Result Forms. They are being put on gun point to sign them with either an exchange for money or get arrested for those who refuse”.

So this here is proof that his word had sense behind them. The struggle of Dr. Kizza Besigye and the whole party continues as the NRM-Regime is in high-gear as they try and do whatever to get rid of evidence of the electoral fraud and the vote-rigging as the paper-trail left behind and given to FDC Officials and agents, because they have kept this evidence that gives the Electoral Commission, the partisan police and the NRM who try to cover-up their misfortune and acts of actual coup d’état as the actions is not for free and fair elections. The peaceful actions are not there, as the FDC continues to get under fire as a visible unit of opposition; this here is not exemption. The Police oppression, harassment and tactical use for the NRM are so visible. We know IGP Kale Kayihura will write more nonsense to clean his hands from the actions of his police. Just as his boss President Museveni blames everything on everybody else, even if it is his fault. That is the way that he are and can’t help to do something else. Well, the people should know about the issues in general happening with the FDC, that Dr. Kizza Besigye continues to be under house-arrest is an issue, but there is also more oppression that needs to be addressed and put light on! Peace.

Dr. Kizza Besigye statement on the Police-Force, how he was detained and the house-arrest during the 25th of February (26.02.2016)

Tonight, I feel like becoming a real “terrorist”! This is the effect of endless acts of impunity on the part of the Uganda Police. When the people assigned the responsibility of maintaining law and order become deliberate and arrogant law breakers, where does one turn to? The day (Thursday 25th Feb 2016) started on a bright side, with a visit by my colleague Maj Gen (rtd) Benon Biraro, who shared a number of ideas on how our country could be put back on rails.

I was also expecting a visit from some Human Rights defenders, including Ms Maria Burnett of the Human Rights Watch. These visitors had come to see me the previous day but were blocked by the police at the barricade they erected on the driveway to our home. In spite of sending my aide to plead with the police (since I couldn’t be allowed to get there myself), they were turned away after waiting for more than 2hrs. They were, instead, asked to come back today at 9am. The Human Rights defenders, who arrived at the police blockade at 8.45am, eventually left about 10am without seeing me. After the usual lengthy “consultations”, that involve talking to the top police commanders, my visitors were told that they won’t be allowed to see me! Shortly after 10am, some visitors, who hadn’t informed me of their visit (a normal occurrence), arrived at the police blockade in a minibus from Kakiri, in our District of Wakiso.

As they inquired from the police whether they could be allowed in to see me, the goons that man the notorious police van UP 4860 sprung into action. They opened the minibus, pulled out two of the occupants and threw them into their van. The driver of the minibus quickly reversed and sped off with the other visitors. At 11am, I made my attempt at leaving home for Najjanankumbi, our party headquarters. As before, I was told that I wasn’t allowed to move out. When I insisted, I was arrested and pushed into the notorious van.

Here, I found two terrified men that were in immense pain. The van had a strong smell of pepper spray that immediately made my sore throat worse and affected my eyes. The two men informed me that they had been badly beaten and pepper-sprayed while in the van. One of the men held in the van, named Jamilu Budde (whom I know) was crying with pain and holding his left arm in a manner that suggested he could have had a broken collar bone.
I pleaded with the “Commander” of the van, one Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Kidandi to let me help Budde with First Aid and get him taken to the clinic, but this was denied. Instead, the two men were roughly thrown off the van and I was carried away alone. After driving through Matugga, Kawempe, Mpererwe, Kisaasi, Northern Bypass, and Naalya, I was deposited in Kira Division police Hqs. This is where I stayed until I was given a bond and “released” at about 9pm.

I made it clear, like before, that if the reason they arrested still existed, then they should keep me in detention. Otherwise, once freed, I should be truly free and not expect the police to detain me at my home. As before, I was told that I’d no choice but to be taken back home. I am now back home and, as before, detained there! I tried as much as I could, unsuccessfully, to demand that they take me to a proper (gazatted) detention place or let me free. My sore throat was worsened by the pepper spray I found in the van. I informed my captors about this and that I would do well to consult my physician. All this fell on deaf ears. I have since found out that Mr Budde and his colleague, who were tortured and left on our home’s driveway earlier, were later briefly held at Kasangati Police Station and later transferred to Kireka Police. Mr Budde hasn’t had any medical attention that I am sure he badly needs.
This is the dilemma of leaving in a country governed by a rogue regime. This is the very reason I wake up early everyday to do something about it. I am confident that, by the Grace of God, we shall overcome.
One Uganda, One People!!