Gaalkacyo, 13 November 2016 – President Abdiweli Mohamed Ali “Gaas” of Puntland and President Abdikarim Hussein Guled of Galmudug state met in Gaalkacyo yesterday to re-commit to a ceasefire in the disputed city under the leadership of Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke of the Federal Government of Somalia.
The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General (SRSG) in Somalia, Michael Keating, led a delegation of international partners that included the European Union Ambassador to Somalia Veronique Lorenzo, General Gebre of the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development, and the Deputy Special Representative of the African Union Commission Chairperson, Lydia Wanyoto.
Fighting in and around Gaalkacyo has resulted in at least 45 deaths in the last six weeks. An estimated 90,000 people have been displaced by fighting. The agreement signed on 2 December 2015 which included a ceasefire and measures to deescalate the conflict was not implemented. The renewed commitment made in Abu Dhabi on 1 November to a ceasefire, to support the return of displaced people and establish a committee to find a solution to the conflict has not been honoured.
The purpose of yesterday’s meeting was to reaffirm the regional leaders’ commitment to a ceasefire, discuss immediate arrangements as to how it can be implemented including the immediate establishment of a ceasefire monitoring committee, and agree on a process for resolving the issues that are propelling the conflict. Participants agreed to meet soon in Kismaayo to review progress on the ceasefire and make practical arrangements for moving forward on a lasting solution to the conflict. All parties recognize the critical role that traditional elders, business leaders and civil society representatives must play in Galkaackyo, and the need to support their role to address problems and achieve peace.
“This was a very significant meeting,” said SRSG Keating. “The UN and international partners will support an agreement and practical arrangements to stop the fighting immediately, ensure sustained dialogue and help local communities as well as Puntland and Galmudug to resolve their differences, and further its swift implementation. Extremists and other rejectionists have an interest in undermining peace. This must not be allowed to happen. The personal commitment of the two state presidents is encouraging, but must be accompanied by full realization of the agreements. Violations of the agreement are unacceptable, and indeed those responsible will be held accountable.”
There aren’t only murders and mysteries on the telly, its real life and not fiction as the Syrian civil war continues rapidly without whomever force and whomever ally around Aleppo or other check-points where the Presidents force, rebels or ISIS are shooting. The bullets don’t have names, but the men and woman on the side-line and at the battle who dies does; the men and woman who loses their life for themselves or a Nobel-cause.
As much as there are forces battling inside the Iraq nation as Government Forces are attacking together with American soldiers ISIS stronghold around Mosul. There are continued fighting inside of Afghanistan. Still battles between civilians and the Indian Army inside the Kashmir state that has issues there and on the Pakistan side of Kashmir. The long battle for freedom or justice, as the Kurds are battling for in Syria, Turkey and in Iraq; being the minority in the middle of the civil war in Syria and Iraq.
That is just some places, as the deteriorating state of affairs are attacking all sort of freedoms inside Ethiopia, as the army and Aghazi squad are killing and harassing the people’s in Amhara and Oromia states. Together with the arrests of bloggers, silencing media outlets, and detaining demonstrators, burning the homes of people and inflicting violence on the citizens. This state of emergency is used as a useful tool to oppress, silence and make sure the violence and killings doesn’t get out; while the Central Government works to find reasons and solutions to ways of total control of minds and bodies in the states of demonstrations against the Addis Ababa regime.
In Burundi the central government are using the Police and army, together with the Imbonerakure that are detaining, harassing, killing and torturing civilians, silencing the opposition and the ones not loyal to the President Pierre Nkurunziza narrative of keeping power by any means. The Burundian Government has claimed that the Rwandan Government has created armies and guerrillas that wished for a coup d’état against the Nkurunziza regime. Therefore the fleeing civilians are in the wind as the Rwandan government has been wonder for a spell, if they would banish the Burundian refugees a place in the country.
While in the Democratic Republic of Congo, several guerrillas are still running wild, burning and killing villagers in the States of North and South Kivu, Katanga and so on. Where the foreign based groups that have been started in Rwanda and Uganda, continues to battle the locals for the valuable minerals; as even today a former M23 Commander Sultani Makenga who been in Uganda has crossed with a militarized group, surely from Kisoro as before to cause more havoc in the Kivu’s. The ADF-NALU, Mayi-Mayi and others doesn’t create enough death and crimes against humanity already, as the MONUSCO and FARDC haven’t the ability or will to silence them.
In South Sudan, the internal battle that started in July 2016, the resurgence of skirmishes between the SPLA/M and the SPLM/A-IO who are the TGNU and the Opposition party, which is the armies for President Salva Kiir and his former First Vice-President Riek Machar. That has since July battled each other with forces, in Western Bahr El Ghazal State, Equatoria State and Upper Nile State. There been fighting between the two in other states, but just show how big and powerful the forces are. The South Sudanese civilians are the losers who flees to Ethiopia, Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo, even in Congo because the Opposition we’re there has been asked to leave to other destinations. Therefore the internal power-struggle those fear of genocide, as still creating implications inside other nations.
In Somalia the Al-Shabab, the different state continues to have infighting together with the AMISOM mission. The running battles for land between Galdumug Interim Administration and the Puntland Government inside the Federal Republic of Somalia. Doesn’t really help for a peaceful session and making dialogue in the war-torn nation where Piracy and Khat been the ways of securing funds for ammunition and AKs, not for building a state and security.
Eritrea is closed and the continuation of the flow of refugees, as the internal controlling central government that forces the freedoms and liberties, as the men and woman does what they can to even enter Ethiopia, where they are badly treated. Eritrean reports are staggering as they are even supporting internal guerrillas in Ethiopia and Djibouti to unsettle their neighbours.
There are wars and running battles between government forces and rebels in Central African Republic, Mali, Mozambique and so on. This is happening in silence and without little flash, even as the ones are guerrillas like Boko Haram that are going in between Nigeria and Cameroon, to stop the Government from functioning and spreading fear of locals.
What is worrying how these actions continues, and how there are other I could mention, the issues in Libya, the Algerian complex and the Western Sahara colony of the Kingdom of Morocco.
The death that dies in silence, in the midst of homes, villages where their families have been living for decades, while big-men fight like two elephants; the grass get hurt, but the big-men be fine. The same is with all of these civil wars, the civilians are dying, the societies are deteriorating, the central government are controlled by little amount of people instead of procedure and rule of law.
The worry is how it becomes pro-longed, how the innocent dies and the power-hungry survive and the lucky get refugee somewhere else in uncertainty, like for how long can they stay, as been seen with the Kenyan Government work to get rid of Somali refugees in Dadaab Refugee camp during this calendar year, while the Somalian Federation if far from peaceful. Even as the Ethiopian troops has went home again surely to use their knowledge to chop heads in Amhara and Oromia. That is what they do now, they just doesn’t want people to know about it.
We shouldn’t allow this actions to happen, this killings, this violence and the silence of freedom, liberty and justice to our fellow peers, we should act upon it, question our power-to-be and the men who rules over these armies, the ones creating the havoc and the ones who are behind the crimes against humanity. Those are the ones that earning money on the wars and the ones that doesn’t want the words on the acts; those are the worst ones in it all as they are accomplices to destruction of lives and societies as we speak. Peace.
“The Burundian government has served notice that it could withdraw its troops from the African Union force fighting militants in Somalia. The country says the main reason for a withdrawal is due to their troops not being paid. According to Emmanuel Ntahomvukiye- the Defence minister, The European Union has not paid the salaries of the Burundian troops for ten months. The decision of the EU to cut off its funding for the troops is tied to the ongoing political crisis in the country .Burundi is the second largest contributor to the African Union mission in Somalia. They have over 5 thousand troops in the country” (CCTV Africa, 2016)
You thought we through with the fun or madness called NRM Primaries? The Circus it has become if you follow Gen. Otafiire and his been played. Well, you played your cards wrong and didn’t due diligence where you have been representing ever since arriving in the Parliament in the 80s. So now change has come. There has come a lot of changes! I will just bring some reports from today. There will be more directly and also more vivid result on Daily Monitor, Chimpsreport, New Vision and other outlets, even NTV and NBS… I have a few from different sources. The greatest news today isn’t some victors, but the reports from Lira. I am proud of the people of Lira! You didn’t buy in the greed, but stand proud! You got integrity something that is more valued than some giving you shillings for a vote. That is great report. Take a look!
Dr. Tanga Odoi said this today:
“We do not control the register – it’s the Secretary General. There is a village that had only one registered voter”.
“This has been the best ever elections by NRM. I don’t think there have been several cases. Those who have issues should petition” (…)”On a scale of 1 to 100, I believe we have scored 58%.” (…)”I will not resign. Resign for what? I cannot be pressured. These MPs and Ministers can’t scare me” (Ayiswa, 2015).
Gen. Otafiire calls the NRM Primaries an actually a “Circus”; and feels his: “being played with”.
Vincent Kyamadidi said this yesterday:
“This is a sham. Surely NRM EC knew we were supposed to have an election”
“LIRA: Majority residents and leaders from Lango sub-region who were invited to attend a campaign rally to denounce vote-buying and selling during the forthcoming 2016 general elections did not turn up” (…)”A resident of Lira Town, Ms Margaret Obote, said it is not bad for voters to accept bribes so long as they vote wisely. Opposition candidates accuse the ruling party of encouraging vote-buying, Mr Odur said could well be true. He further said President Yoweri Museveni for years has been known for offering expensive gifts which to him (Mr Odur) look like vote-buying”(Oketch & Alaba, 2015).
In Kampala as the NRM Primaries there been reports of angry crowds on the Buganda Road as the murder suspect Ssebuwufu was taken away in a minibus while they wishing him gone.
A strange rumor that is going is that in certain areas that the NRM Register didn’t need to see member cards in certain district and let even FDC members was allowed to vote in this NRM Primaries. That is a shocker if that is true! Is that true, ladies and gentleman?
Florence Nebanda of the Butalejja District claims the Primaries is a fraud and has filled in a petition to the NRM-EC where she is saying she is cheated!
In Bbale Police Station the incumbent Sulaiman Madada got detained yesterday for attempting to run away with the declaration form.
In Butembe County the pastor Nelson Lufafa is the flag-bearer now of the county.
In Bukiwe County the gospel singer Judith Babirye won the seat in the area.
In Buhuya County the Kabarole district Margaret Muhanga Mugsiha has won and become the flag-bearer with over 14,000 votes.
In Ndorwa County West the former campaign manager Gilbert Agaba lost to David Bhati who now is the flag-bearer for the district now.
In Koboko Municipality Evelyn Anite won her seat, but that was not strange, since she was the sole candidate…
In Kibale County the Pallisa Woman MP Judith Amoit Omagor lost her spot to former CMI spy Richard Oseku. Also in Pallisa County the incumbent Jacob Opolot lost his seat to Rogers Tatambuka.
In Hoima the NRM-Primaries is postponed AGAIN! Yes, the reports are true. Bunyoro elections are a tricky thing…
In Sserere the incumbent Joseph Opit Okojjo won the seat for LC5 NRM Flag-bearer with a massive amount of votes.
In Mbarara:
“The Mbarara District Police Commander Jaffar Magyezi has arrested over 50 people in Mwizi Sub County, who allegedly attacked supporters and agents of opposite candidates in the build up to yesterday’s NRM primaries” (…)”Police says that last Sunday, rogue supporters of Charles Ngabirano attacked and assaulted those of the reelected Rwampara MP Vincent Mujuni Kyamadidi and Mutima Gordon Kappa, accusing them of betrayal” (…)”The DPC says up to 50 suspects were arrested in a swoop, from which the ringleaders will be singled out and charged” (Nahamya, 2015).
In Mawokota North Amalia Kyambadde won the district with 79%.
In Gulu:
“Jimmy Okema, spokesperson for Aswa region said on Wednesday morning that Inspector of Police Morris Latigo, attached to Aywe police post in Gulu municipality has already made a statement on pictures showing him in uniform voting in the NRM primaries at police primary school in Gulu town. The picture began doing the rounds online yesterday. Okema added that a disciplinary committee is already being instituted to listen to a case of misconduct against inspector Latigo” (Acholitimes, 2015).
Wakiso – Kyaddondo County South/Makindye Ssabagbo:
“We also sympathize those that have not yet held those elections including my own Kyaddondo County South Constituency/ Makindye Ssaabagabo Municipality in Wakiso District. On our part, there was an excuse of lack of enough ballot papers, which was later found lame as we had enough of them. The real reason was that my supporters had stormed polling stations as early as 6.00 am and it scared my opponents.l, and Municipality NRM Chairperson Godfrey Kiwanuka insisted that elections should go on yesterday but the Registrar Mr. Charles Settebere and Frank Kyazze, my opponent, insisted that we vote today. NRM Deputy Spokesperson also said that elections in Wakiso would go on today. Later, however, NRM electoral officials in Wakiso decreed that elections would be held tomorrow Thursday October 29th starting at 8.00 am and ending at 4.00 PM: Although some press reports today have said that elections in Wakiso would be held on Friday, 30 minutes ago, Makindye Ssabagabo Registrar has told me that he has got instructions from Wakiso to hold elections tomorrow. So, on behalf of NRM, l apologize for what we are going through in Makindye Ssabagabo and elsewhere, and call upon people to come in large numbers and participate in the elections. Even those without yellow cards but whose names are in yellow books, will vote. Let’s vote for a potential MP but not a mere flag bearer as it has been the case since 2006” (Musaazi, Ahmed, 2015).
Amuria – Message from Jackie Ajego:
“Have been watching the NRM primary elections for Amuria closely with my net on standby for 2016, watch this space btn AJEGO VS AMERO match. Amuria needs leadership balance. this time. Nepepe I pedori oni, my ,6 sisters who couldn’t make it in primaries lets join hands than taking off to independent .. join Ajego task force Amuria 2016 we Share. the dream for our land” (Jackie Ajego, 2015).
Bugabula North -Message from the camp of John Teira:
“It’s almost 24hrs since we lost to a thug. Honestly i want to thank all the people of Bugabula North constituency for the continued support you’ve given us since we began this process in February this year till this just concluded NRM primaries that were marred with irregularities, intimidation of our voters, bribery, beating/harming agents and voters plus all sorts of unusual character by our opponents. To our understanding, we won this election though the thugs used all possibilities to garner support from government police agents who even went to the extent of protecting a lone voter ”Mrs KIZIGE” to tick all the ballots alone at a polling station. It’s unfortunate u were denied chance to vote a leader/ candidate of your choice but trust us, we aren’t contented with this too. However, with great confidence and trust in you our supporters, we are considering your views to stand as an independent coz we shall not accept such rigging where by a candidates garners 650 votes at a polling station of 167 voters. That’s impunity. Let’s work together for the good of our next mission tha shall see us in parliament. United we stand, Divided we fall. God bless u all that” (Raymond Peter Taayle).
Orungo District – Message from Camp of Gen Odongo:
“Hello ladies and gentlemen is here by thanking all the people of Orungo for having made the right choice during the elections of the NRM primaries whereby we have defeated our opponent with a very big margin.I also thank all the well-wishers who have been with us all the way till today thank you, thank you, thank you”
Kanugu District:
“Kaberuka 1892 Dixon 137 Rugaju 431 Kyatuheire 272 Rubasha 169 Mbabazi Julius 169 Bakamungyema 77.Kasya 2425 Bakiiga 701Elizabeth 1088 Ruth 411 charity 181 Adah 735 Patience 205 Juliet 534n Nyakinon The sub-County registrar has been hijacked with one Caleb Karabareme and Hon. Jackline Kyatuheire in company of the RDC Harriet Nakamya 8:49 they have started pre-ticking and forcing refilling of the result forms” (Reported Earlier today!).
Kapelebyong County:
The now former MP Dr. Peter Emmanuel Eriaku lost the election to Johnson Malinga is now the flag-bearer for the district.
Toroma County:
The ones who didn’t win the flag-bearer seat were Clive Solomon Ossiya and Patrick Aeku. The winner now the flag-bearer of the district is the Joseph Andrew Kuluo.
Bunyangabu District:
The winner of the district is Adolf Mwesige wins with 20,314 over the Dr. Vincent Owujuni 12,987.
Bundibugyo District:
The result from the district has made the incumbent MP Hon. Dr. Kamanda Batarigaya. The man who won the district is Richard Gafabusa who is the former speaker of Kusei (Parliament) and Obundigya Bwa Bwamba.
The Woman MP of the District also lost her position and she is Harriet Ntabazi, the new winner of the Woman MP position Josephine Babugi.
Also the Chairman of the LCV Jolly Tibemanya lost her seat to Ronald Mutegeki who was the former administrator of Bundibugyo hospital.
Bughendera District:
Christopher Kibanzanga won with a margin of 5000 votes over Kiiza Acrobat.
Karasi Emmanuel 2953
Byaruhanga Richard 5024 (Winner)
Byaruhanga Pison Dubai 3338 MP Bushenyi-Ishaka Muncipality:
Arinda Gordon Cowboy 5970 (Winner)
Willis Bashaasha 5097
Jannefer Musoke 377 MP Igara East:
Andrew Martial 12049 (Winner)
Mawanda Micheal 11528
Ruhonoka Mugizi Benon 376 MP Igara West:
Muhanguzi Umar 5433
Twazagye Naboth 378
Tumutegyereize Onesmus 190
Asingura Tarsisio 1629
Dr. Abel Mucunguzi 3257
Prof.Bazana Kabwegyere Tarsis 15178
Raphael Magyezi 19992 (Winner). Sembabule Final Results:
Mawogola South:
1. Joseph Ssekabiito 18234
2. Dezy Byuuma 11469
3. Muhanguzi Charles 2221
4. Twesigye Henry 197
5. Ddamulira Faizal 291.
Lwemiyaga County MP:
1. Theodore Sekikubo 11360.
2. Patrick Nkalubo 8791
3. Andrew Nankunda 1306
4. Patrick Sabiti 240
5. Musoke Deo 49.
LC5 Chairman Sembabule:
1. Dr Elly Muhumuza 31209
2. Magyezi Peter 22896
3. Bagyendanwa Swaib 16266
4. Kaweesa Alex 2021.
Mawogola North:
Sam Kuteesa Unopposed!!!!!!!
Woman MP:
Elections stopped because candidate Diana Nuwanyine was not on ballot papers.
Elections declared by Registrar George Katokozi.
Mbale District:
Mujasi Elly Benard 57,350
Magombe Vincent 50,339
Maumbe Mike 9,772
Bungokho South:
Werikhe Michael 32,164
Mauso Andrew 23,439
Bungokho North:
Magomu Mashate 14,136
Wojje 12,012
Woman MP:
Connie Nakayenze Galiwango 71,307
Lydia Wanyoto 48,390
Bukedea District:
Bukedea County MP: John Bosco Ikojo
Woman MP: Rose Okullu Akol
Kachumbala County: Patrick Isiagi Opolot
Ngora District:
Ngora County: David Abala
Woman: Jacqueline Amongin
Sserere County:
Serere County: Patrick Okabe
Kasilo County: Tony Owany
Woman: Hellen Adoa
Katakwi County:
Katakwi County: Peter Ogwang
Toroma: Joseph Koluo
Woman: Viola Akurut
There been a lot and a lot of numbers. More will come and there will be more deep reports from the elections that have been marred with pre-ticket ballots, postponed balloting and lots of violence. There have been areas of peaceful and righteous internal elections; maybe in the village with one voter, Dr. Tanga Odoi? No, I am joking but there is some sense that this internal election has been not smooth or swell at it should be. We all can agree on that after seeing the mess it has been. NRM EC can’t be proud of the result and how it been done. Secondly NRM CEC got to have a meeting in Entebbe and have some check and balances. Because there been enough issues and misgivings that there should be major clean-up and the results of losing members and other circumstances should show how the cookie crumbles! Peace.
MinBane 