RDC: FARDC – Etat Major General – Coordination Operation Conjointes FARDC-UPDF – Communique de Presse (06.04.2023)

Uganda Peoples’ Defence Force (UPDF): Indiscipline will always be punished (06.01.2023)

Uganda Peoples’ Defence Force (UPDF): An Onslot on Gun Hungry Criminals has Began (27.11.2022)

Uganda Peoples’ Defence Force (UPDF): Attack on UPDF Soldiers on Guard Duties (18.11.2022)

Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF): A Desertion has Consequences (19.07.2022)

Opinion: The NRM always got money for bullets…

It doesn’t matter if people cannot afford basic commodities, if people are starving or eating insects up-country. No, for the National Resistance Movement (NRM). A government shows their priorities by where they are spending. The vast spending is either on cronies, political representatives, the State House, Office of the President or the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF). The ones mentioned always has funds or possibilities for supplementary budgets.

That’s why the recent salary enhancement of armed personnel and high ranking officials in the army. Is a sign that this matter to the throne and the ones in-charge. Because, the “high above” himself ordered striking or industrial action of unified teachers to go back to work without anything. They we’re not getting anything and they struggle as is… but soldiers, colonels, majors and generals are all getting a huge pay-off.

The army and armed personnel is a priority. That’s why it’s getting a huge percentage of the yearly budgets. They are already one of the big “ministries” and is one key component of the government at large. That’s why the President and the NRM party calls the UPDF to solve crisis or be a tool to fix utilities. This is why the army isn’t only coming to defend the border from invaders. No, it is building roads and constructions. It is a part of Operation Wealth Creation and going after illegal fishing in Lake Victoria. There is so many parts of government, which involves the UPDF.

The UPDF is also used for oppression. The Court Martial is used as a means to end of silencing critics, activists and even political opponents of the state. Even when the ones charged and taken to court isn’t serving members of the army. Neither do they have any connection with the army. So, they are suddenly just including civilians in military affairs. That’s just what the state does.

Just like the UPDF and their divisions can suddenly interfere in elections and with security around polls. In a by-election or a General Election doesn’t happen without soldiers on the streets. Neither are they far from the tally centres or places of vital importance of the proceedings. That’s just what they do and it’s common practice by now.

We know that the state cannot do with Crime Preventers, Local Defence Units (LDU) or any other sort of trained military personnel for basis of oppression and intimidation. The state needs a vast amount of soldiers and armed personnel at the beacon-call. Because, it isn’t like the NRM is popular or have the people behind it. No, they state needs the guns and the trained soldiers to fight for their causes.

The moment the army is under mutiny and turning on the regime. That’s when you know it’s near it’s end. The moment the generals and the divisions turns on the State House and the ones who is living large there. That moment will strike fear and worse cause a friction, which haven’t been seen in decades. Because, the centre most hold and the commander-in-chief cannot miss the loyalty of his soldiers. They are his base and reason for existing in office. Not the polls or the elections. No, at this point… they are just a vital piece, which makes the NRM alive.

So, no matter if there are inflations, people are struggling and things are getting out of control. As long as the army is supplied, paid and following orders. The President and his men will not fear anything. They are sure they will stay in office for another day and can easily silence anyone who opposes it. That’s why the state is doing this and giving the UPDF a huge pay-off.

We all know the centre most hold and if that falls… the President would worry and wouldn’t be as arrogant, as his known to be. He wouldn’t speak of crushing and the NRA-Way. Since, if the army backs away and stops being a loyal subject to him. The downfall will be eminent and the years of reign would end.

That’s why as the people are feeling the pinch of inflation and lacking funds for basics. The generals and their staff can buy luxurious items. The army can live without any concern and feel secure. The prices can go up, but they have a money-pit of funds to cover that. Which the ordinary citizen, any random civil servant or anyone in the public service can only dream off. That’s because they are not important. They don’t matter in the same regard.

The President needs the army more than he needs the rest of the Republic. As long as he has the army. He knows he can force himself upon anyone and nobody would dare to say otherwise. That’s why the UPDF is getting cash, while the citizens is getting cassava. Peace.

Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF): Salary Enhancement for UPDF Personnel (12.07.2022)

Uganda Peoples’ Defence Force (UPDF): Operation Shujaa Update (05.07.2022)

DR Congo: UN envoy calls for strategy to address root causes of conflict (30.03.2022)

Civilian losses and displacement of populations have increased because of bloody reprisals by Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) militants.

GENEVA, Switzerland, March 30, 2022 – Amid deteriorating security in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the top UN envoy in the country has called for a comprehensive political strategy that includes measures to address the structural causes of the conflicts.

Bintou Keita, who heads the UN Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), was briefing the Security Council on Tuesday, on recent developments there.

She said that only three months into this year, nearly 2,300 civilian deaths had been recorded in the country’s eastern provinces. “This is proof of the inherent limits of only having security operations to resolve conflicts,” she said.

Armed groups

Ms. Keita said the security situation in the country’s east has deteriorated despite the joint military operations against armed groups by the national security forces, known as the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC), which was joined by the Ugandan People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).

She said civilian losses and displacement of populations have increased because of bloody reprisals by Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) militants.

In the past three months, there has been an alarming increase in activities by the M23 rebel movement in North Kivu. On Monday, M23 elements carried out horrific attacks, targeting civilians in communities near Rutshuru.

In North Kivu, the situation has worsened because of the use of improvised explosive devices by the ADF. On 11 March, its leadership renewed its allegiance to Da’esh. MONUSCO has also documented a 10 per cent increase in human rights violations and attacks, since last December.

Helicopter crash: Investigation launched

Earlier on Tuesday, the mission reported that a search and rescue operation was underway, after a Puma helicopter lost contact with MONUSCO and crashed in the restive North Kivu region.

Speaking at the regular noon briefing, UN Spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, said there had been eight people on board, including six crew members – all from the Pakistani military – and two military personnel – one from Russia, and another from Serbia.

They had been on a reconnaissance mission in the area of Tshanzu, south-east of Rutshuru – the scene of recent clashes between Congolese forces and M23.

“An investigation is underway. We will update you as soon as more information becomes available”, Mr. Dujarric said.

“Our thoughts are obviously with the families and friends of those onboard the helicopter, and all of our colleagues of the UN Mission of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”

Civilians increasingly vulnerable

Ms. Keita sounded the alarm in the Security Council over the considerable erosion of the protection of sites for displaced persons as well as frequent attacks against medical services and other civilian infrastructure.

In the face of these security changes, MONUSCO has redoubled its efforts to better protect civilians in Ituri, working jointly with FARDC/UPDF, deploying support units for FARDC to increase the deterrent effect against M23 in North Kivu.

The Mission is also pursuing mobile deployments to protect displaced persons in South Kivu, she said.

However, without a combined approach addressing both the causes and the symptoms, the efforts of both the United Nations and Congolese forces will remain insufficient, she emphasized, adding that in Tanganyika province, the Mission is closely monitoring the evolution of the security dynamics ahead of its scheduled withdrawal in June.

Opinion: Project Muhoozi is moving to the next chapter

“After 28 years of service in my glorious military, the greatest military in the world, I am happy to announce my retirement. Me and my soldiers have achieved so much! I have only love and respect for all those great men and women that achieve greatness for Uganda everyday” (Muhoozi Kainerubaga, 08.03.2022).

The first son and Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerubaga is on Women’s Day announcing his retirement from the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF). This means the UPDF Commission and institutions has to be notified and told about the retirement. As the military career is suddenly over and his becoming a civilian. Alas, his still the third ranking Lt. Gen. who happens to be the Commander of Land Forces (CLF) and previous leading the Special Forces Command (SFC). Which is making today very unique.

Because, since 2013 there has been smoke and mirrors. There been slowly growing movements of his rising power. Where he has gotten momentum and more prestigious titles. He has gone up in rank and in responsibility. While only holding the Senior Presidential Advisor title at home. Therefore, we knew things was happening and in the cards.

Gen. David Sejusa aka Tinye aka Tinyefuza warned the general public in letters, which was so grading and so confidential. That the Daily Monitor and Red Pepper was ceased for a week after releasing the first one. Heck, the General had to flee into exile and lived in London for a stint too.

What Muhoozi should consider is that his time in the army and becoming a civilian will come with a cost. He will always be questioned by the actions of the SFC and whatnot. The former Lt. Gen. cannot act like he doesn’t have blood on his hands or have used violent means towards civilians, which can be deemed as terror or torture. Therefore, Muhoozi will now carry on to another office.

Muhoozi will get the next chapter into becoming a civilian and another high ranking official in the government. Where he will have the space and opportunity to evolve. So, the ones paying the gigs and praising brigade of Muhoozi will staunch his every move. They will praise him like a demigod. That’s who he is to them and they are creating an image of greatness, even when he hasn’t created anything substantial. Neither, does he have an impeccable record as an army commander. No, his just been a raunchy and loud individual who happens to have rank.

The ones that believe anything good comes out of this. They are fools. There is nothing good coming out of this. It is the eventualities of a succession plan and a monarchy ticket. That’s all there is and the National Resistance Movement will either be what it is or be rebranded to the new kingpin. Because that is what it all is. Just like there was an UPM and it had to become NRA before it was successful. The same will be with Muhoozi and his fellow cronies. They will dance and sing the songs he wants them too. However, they will not give any service or care to the designated office, which he will happen to take. Some other unlucky permanent secretary or fixed bureaucrat has to lift the burden away from the first son. Because, it is not like his enlightened or have the wits to capture it.

Muhoozi will go to “greener” pastures now, but don’t expect it to graze the fields quietly. No, he will come with all the big-guns and gravitas of his unceremonial presence. This man will not make strides or go through tribulations to go anywhere. No, this man will go without any hurdles or re-runs to get there. The way has already been paved and he can just walk on the tarmac as we speak. While someone else made the road and prospects of getting to that point. Peace.