Press Release: KOICA and UNICEF provide ambulances to save lives in Karamoja (09.03.2016)

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NEW YORK, United States of America, March 9, 2016The Korean International Cooperation Agency and UNICEF in Uganda have today handed over three ambulances to the districts of Amudat, Kotido and Napak to enable pregnant women access life-saving services or health facilities quickly.

The support is part of the four-year UNICEF-KOICA partnership launched last year and focuses on strengthening the continuum of care for maternal, new-born and child health services, by addressing the three delays that are responsible for maternal and new-born deaths. The continuum of care includes integrated service delivery for mothers and children from pregnancy to child birth, immediately after childbirth and through childhood.

The handover ceremony took place at the UNICEF Moroto Zonal Offices in Moroto. UNICEF’s Representative to Uganda Ms. Aida Girma handed over the ambulances to the district leadership of Amudat, Kotido and Napak.

Maternal and new-born mortality remain a global challenge and more so, an area of concern for Uganda. Women and new-borns continue to die from preventable causes. In, Uganda, there has been a slow progress in averting maternal and new-born mortality specifically in hard-to-reach areas and among vulnerable populations living in Karamoja.

The Karamoja region still registers poor indicators. While the national maternal mortality ratio is 438 per 100,000 live births, that of Karamoja is estimated at 750 per 100,000 live births.

Uganda has a well elaborated health policy and strategies for the reduction of maternal and child mortality, such as the Reproductive Maternal New-born Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH) strategy which is aligned to the National Health Sector Development Plan and the Global strategy for Women’s, Children’s and Adolescent Health. This strategy also defines high impact interventions for the reduction of maternal and new-born mortality.

However, at district level, there is need to strengthen integration of services across the continuum of care; accountability and monitoring frameworks and to effectively support coordination of high-impact and cost-effective interventions that are defined in the RMNCAH strategy.

“The ambulances provided today are timely and will address the second delay which occurs at the community level before reaching the health facility,” said Mrs. Aida Girma, UNICEF’s Representative to Uganda.

“The delays bar pregnant women from accessing life-saving services in time,” she added.

The four-year partnership, costed at USD 8,552,020 (approximately 28 billion Uganda shillings) will target more than 100,000 pregnant women, over 15,000 pregnant women presenting with labour complications, and 100,000 children under five, including new-borns.

The project is being implemented in seven districts of the Karamoja region – Abim, Amudat, Kaabong, Kotido, Moroto, Napak and Nakapiripirit. 

Press Statement: P10 says: “Defy any provocation to any violence” (05.03.2016)

KB Kasangati 23.02.2016 Night

Uganda Diaspora P10 March 5, 2016

As we focus attention on the coup de tat in Kampala and illegal detention and violation of the rights of President-Elect, Dr. Kiiza Besigye, we are mindful of the well-being of all Ugandans. News making rounds that some gun men raided a Police Post in Kapchorwa and stole guns, killing 2 cops in the process, should be treated with the grain of salt that it comes with. After the regime’s bogus orchestration of youth attack of the American Embassy in Kampala, lets be very vigilant because they are capable of doing anything, including attacking their own Police posts and killing their own Policemen.

These desperate vote thieves are viciously looking for means to justify their primitive use of force to subdue the population. Earlier, we heard that a grenade was left at the home of the sister to Eng. Kiggundu’s. I would like to remind you that any acts of violence and atrocities are a sole trademark of IGP Gen. Kale Kayihura and the Military, thus far. These snippets of news of armed men and grenades, are merely usual diversionary tactics intended to draw away attention from the Military Coup in Kampala and violation of Dr. Besigye’s rights.

The regime has done everything possible to find an excuse to kill Ugandans and to provoke violence. But Ugandans have decided to be silent and composed as they grieve the forceful usurpation of their collective wills. It is the silence that is making the trigger-happy NRM Police and the Special Force Brigade very nervous – such that they have killed Ugandans in Soroti already. We members of the Uganda Diaspora P10 have recommended that this regime is very incompetent in handling peaceful means to resolve political issues.

The most strategic approach for us, in our noble pursuit of the Peoples’ mandate from the grip of the armed coup leaders, is by civil defiance – purely peaceful means. Ugandans have suffered a lot of aimless or rather useless wars in the name of democracy. We all agree that the events of 2016 have dwarfed whatever vote rigging that took place in 1980 and it warrants similar or even more adverse response from conscious Ugandans. However, we believe that enough is enough. Mr. Museveni must hand over power peacefully to the elected leader – President – Elect Dr. Kiiza Besigye. We are in full support of our leader and we shall stand by him in the name of democracy and good governance. Peace be thy name.

Press Release: “We, Save Uganda Now” (SUN) claimed responsibility of the March 5, 2016 attack on a police station in Kapchorwa district. (Released: 08.03.2016)

Kapchorwa March 2016

We, Save Uganda Now (SUN) attacked the police station at Kapchorowa just after 12:15 am and would like to state that our operation was successful beyond our expectation, and would like to thanks population for their support but our gratitude goes to the men that participated in this mission and we give thanks to the Lord our God who ensured that all our brave combatants returned safely.

Citizens we have began efforts to free our Uganda from tyranny, we all know that constitutionalism died a long time ago and was finally laid to rest on the 19th /feb/2016.may its soul not rest until constitutionalism is restored.
Here follows details of the Kapchorowa attack.

-Last Saturday two platoons of commandos, arrived at the vicinity of the station at around 10:15 pm for an attack that was supposed to be effected at 3.30 am, after positioning themselves the waited fro zero hour, their objective was to acquire arms and ammunition.

However the Lord God of Israel being on our side an opportunity availed itself just after midnight and our commander “maji moto” gave us the strike command.

Soldiers guarding the post began leaving their post at around 11:30 pm by 12;15 only 9 soldiers were left on guard we wiped them out and proceeded to our objective point we completely overwhelmed the few officers in the station, they were so confused that one officer run head on towards our strike force asking for help he thought we were UPDF we later released him (his name was LABU) we just took his gun and uniform.

Our strike force had divided themselves into three groups force A was to lead strike force, strike force 2 was for carrying the Arms/ ammunition from the armory and strike force 3 was secure the roads to and from the station and our withdrawal routes- we had 3 routes out 2 were diversionary.

We would like to categorically state that Commander Maji Moto did not lose any men in these operation, the only man reported killed at the station we found at the station being booked by the police sergeant and was got in the cross fire as we advanced to armory.

We would like to thank the Uganda army who has help us immensely by arresting and beating the local with impunity and inducing more support for our cause from the population.

Country men we acquired 35 guns and over 320 round of munitions in this single operation we also like to clarify that the police officer under arrest for allegedly assisting us is a scape goat he was picked simply because he is an FDC supporter and the spin by state media that the attack was by criminals led by one Chelimo is a lie, there is no chelimo in our force neither where they involved in this operation.

In conclusion, we released some political prisoners who had been held without charges since and before the elections most have chosen to join the struggle to save our country. Beloved men and women of Uganda the battle has began, give thanks a praise to the Lord our God.

Chairman
Save Uganda Now-SUN
supported by C4DC- Citizens for the defense of the constitution.

Press Release: African Commission Calls on Uganda to Ensure The Right to Legal Abortion and Access to Reproductive Health Services (07.03.2016)

Kabare Hospital 11.12.15

The government of Uganda should stop impeding access to medical abortion and reproductive health services, according to the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights—a regional body charged with ensuring African states comply with their human rights obligations under regional and international human rights treaties.

The African Commission’s recommendations call for Uganda to implement the Maputo Protocol—the only treaty, at both the international and regional levels, that explicitly guarantees the right to legal abortion in cases of sexual assault, rape, incest, and where the continued pregnancy endangers the mental and physical health or life of the woman or in cases of fatal fetal impairments.

Abortion in Uganda is legal in limited circumstances, yet approximately 85,000 women each year receive treatment for complications from unsafe abortion and an additional 65,000 women experience complications but do not seek medical treatment.

“Too many women and girls in Uganda put their health and lives at risk because the government has failed to ensure they have access to safe abortion services when they need it,” said Evelyne Opondo, regional director for Africa at the Center for Reproductive Rights. “We commend the African Commission for putting the reproductive rights of these women and girls first, and urge Uganda to expedite implementation of the Maputo Protocol and expand access safe and legal abortion.”

Abim Hospital 2014 P2

The Center for Reproductive Rights and Center for Health, Human Rights and Development (CEHURD) submitted a letter to the African Commission in October 2014 that highlighted a range of reproductive health and human rights issues including the lack of access to comprehensive contraceptive services and information, lack of access to safe abortion services and post-abortion care, high incidence of maternal deaths and injuries, discrimination against women living with HIV and AIDS, and expulsion of pregnant girls from school.

In its recommendations, the Africa Commission urges Uganda to expedite all draft bills in Parliament which have bearing on protection of women’s rights, including the Marriage and Divorce Bill which has been pending for more than 15 years. The commission also calls for the strengthening of protections for Ugandans livings with HIV and AIDS, including making amendments to the “HIV Prevention and AIDS Control Bill.” The law, which was passed in August 2014, criminalizes the transmission of HIV, a measure that allows doctors to violate patients’ confidentiality and disclose their HIV status without consent, and calls for mandatory testing for pregnant women and their partners in violation of their human rights.

“The provisions in the HIV Prevention and AIDS Control Bill are discriminatory and only deter people from accessing health services, including HIV testing,” said Moses Mulumba, Executive Director of CEHURD. “We call on the state to reconsider these provisions and promote the realization of the right to health in Uganda.” 

The Center has worked extensively in Uganda on the human rights implications of lack of access to legal abortion and modern contraceptives. In November 2013, the Center, the International Women’s Human Rights Clinic and the O’Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law at Georgetown Law released a joint report entitled The Stakes Are High: The Tragic Impact of Unsafe Abortion and Inadequate Access to Contraception in Uganda. The report documents personal stories of women impacted by the widespread and false impression that abortion is illegal in all circumstances in Uganda— when in fact it is permitted for women with life-threatening conditions and victims of sexual assault.

In 2012, the Center launched its first research report on Uganda’s laws and policies on termination of pregnancy. The report found that the laws and policies are more expansive than most believe, and Uganda has ample opportunity to increase access to safe abortion services.

Civil Society Statement on the 2016 Presidential and Parliamentary Elections: “Uganda’s Rise – Our Responsibility!” (07.03.2016)

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Police Maintains Dr Besigye Siege (Youtube-Clip)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-svhDQsroQM

“A cloud of uncertainty hangs over the busy Kasangati suburb, an area now synonymous with opposition Forum for Democratic Change’s demands for change.  The Police have been deployed at every turn along the Kasangati – Nangabo road; with two road blocks mounted before one reaches Dr Kiiza Besigye’s home. Bird songs can be heard in the silence. It has been mostly like this for the last 15 days, as police bids to ensure Dr Kiiza Besigye’s attempts to leave home are nipped in the bud. It is a hustle for Politicians and journalists to go beyond this particular road block.. In Kampala, Forum for Democratic Change strategists are spending sleepless nights trying to find ways of ending the blockade.  In an exclusive interview, the Party’s Secretary General Nathan Nandala Mafabi told NBS that the Police have only two days to leave Dr Besigye’s home.  The party plans to mobilize its supporters nationwide to march to the offices of the Electoral Commission in Kampala to force it announce Dr Besigye duly elected president” (NBS TV Uganda, 2016).

Mzee claims he never have used derogatory and reckless language against the Opposition; his fading memory must be reason why the President claims this!

Election Petition No. 1. of 2016 : “1st Respondent’s answer to the Petition” (06.03.2016):

Paragraph 9:

“1st respondents denies using derogatory and reckless language as threating to arrest the Petitioner and Kizza Besigye as alleged. What he stated using a Runyankore saying was that anybody who causes violence would face the full force of the law. His reference to touching “the anus of the leopard” was figurative to illustrate the recklessness of anybody breaking the law”.

Clip 2: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-iOhUbkoCr4

Clip 3:

Well, what he says above after the Ntungamo clashes was not an illustration, but what he initially did with the help of the Police Force and he continues to detain and arrest opposition since they undress the violence of the NRM.

If this is not using reckless language then I don’t know! How can it not be reckless of saying that you want to smash the opposition? Peace.

Uganda – Election Petition No. 1. of 2016 : “1st Respondent’s answer to the Petition” (06.03.2016)

1 Respondents Answer to Petiton 6.3.2016 P11 Respondents Answer to Petiton 6.3.2016 P21 Respondents Answer to Petiton 6.3.2016 P31 Respondents Answer to Petiton 6.3.2016 P4

LUMUMBA IN TROUBLE NRM Secretariat staff petition the president over Secretary General (Youtube-clip)

“Staff at the NRM secretariat have called for the intervention of president Museveni over the conduct of their secretary general Justine Kasule Lumumba. In the petition addressed directly to the president, they highlighted twelve issues, detailing the incompetence of honorable kasule lumumba. These included inaccessibility, selective payment of salaries, discrimination of the staff at the nrm electoral commission, and lack of accountability, among others” (WBS TV, 2016)

In remembrance of Dr. Andrew Kayira and the possible plot of the NRA to assassinate him on the 6th of March 1987

Andrew Kayira

Today it has been 29 years since the assassination of Dr. Andrew Kayira, the former rebel and government minister at his time. He even had an alliance with the NRA then military rebel-group of President Museveni and at one point even helped with his rebel-group attacking central barracks and taking weapons from the governmental forces of the then Obote II government. At one point he even had an alliance with Col. Gaddafi of Libiya who sent weapons from Burundi through Rwanda to both NRA and the UFM rebel groups to regain more support in Sub-Saharan Africa. This here is telling a story of why he possibly was killed, by who and some insights into the reports. Also the way the newly NRM tried to shut-up media who covered it after the coup d’état in 1986 when they controlled the media and wouldn’t release the information in 1988 when articles came out for the first time about the assassination of Dr. Kayira. Here take a look!

Report from 1983:

“the Ugandan Freedom Movement (UFM) led by Andrew Kayira, a minster in the short-lived Lule government which succeeded Amin, and member of the opposition Democratic Party’s militant, unconstitutional wing” (…)”Kampala is now relatively quiet and secure, and the UFM leader Andrew Kayira is reported to have left the country” (Crisp, 1983).

Treason Charge on the 8th March 1987:

“Former Energy Minister Andrew Kayira was killed by gunmen, some of whom were wearing army uniforms. He was acquitted two weeks ago of charges of treason. Journalist Henry Gombya said the men, armed with knives and guns, came to his house Friday night. Kayira had been living there since his release. Gombya said he hid in the bush and his wife and three children locked themselves in a bathroom. Kayira tried to hide in a bedroom but was found and shot in the head, arms and thighs, the journal ist said. Kayira, who was named energy minister last year, was arrested five months ago with 25 other prominent people. They allegedly were involved in a conspiracy to overthrow the government of President Yoweri Museveni” (Orlando Sentinel, 1987).

NRA M7

Museveni ordered it:

“It is believed that he ordered the assassination of Kayiira. Kayiira was killed in March 1987, and his movement began to fall apart soon thereafter. As director of military intelligence, Kagame would have supervised  the assassination plan; certainly, say Ugandan, it could not have occurred without his imprimatur also” (De Hoyes, 1997).

What was the Pre-Text for the assassination of Dr. Kayira:

“Despite Kayira’s integration into the NRA and his subsequent appointment as Minister, it seems the NRA Government mistrusted him, resulting in his eventual arrest in October 1986. He was accused of treason for allegedly plotting to overthrow the Government of President Museveni, though he was acquitted and released by court on February 24, 1987. On 9 March 1987, Kayira was assassinated by unknown gunmen. After his death, his followers disintegrated. Some went into exile, others were integrated into NRA, while others deserted” (Refugee Law Project, 2014).

What the Scotland Yard Report says happen:

“On 6th March, 1987, at about llp.m. Dr Kayira and his friend, Mr, Henry Gombya, a B.B.C stringer, were having dinner with Gombya’s wife Victoria Naava ,24 , and three other girls Josephine Babirye, 19, Julian Nabwire, 14, and Annet Namatovu, 23, when about 10 armed men stormed the compound and attacked the persons present” (Scotland Yard).

Andrew Kayira P2

Witness report from Scotland Yard:

“According to Gombya, whilst the attackers were shouting at the occupants and kicking the door/ he in panic split Shs40 million which he had in his bedroom into two halves and threw Shs20 million into the banana plantation from the balcony leading from his room and left the remaining money in the bed for the suspects to steal. He then jumped from the balcony/ a height of 12 feet and ran down the driveway and on the second attempt managed to climb over the gate. He then hid in a banana plantation” (…)“Whilst this was happening the attackers were shouting to Dr Kayiira to open his bedroom door, which he did at the same time asking them what they wanted. Witnesses’ state that when Gombya escaped and was running towards the gates he was seen by one of the gunmen who raised the alarm and was told not to pursue him as the “UFM man” was in the house. This would suggest that the gunmen knew that Dr Kayiira was staying at the house” (…)”Police were eventually notified at Kabalagala Police Post some two miles away and arrived shortly after 7:30am. A photographer and scenes of Crime Officer arrived soon afterwards. Scenes of Crime examination was always going to be difficult as prior to police arrival villagers and other persons from the surrounding areas had descended onto the premises and went inside the house to satisfy their curiosity, and pay their respects” (Scotland Yard).

Aftermath:

“Investigations by the Kampala C.I.D under the direction of Simon Mugamba (Director of C.I.D) and Senior superintendent Fideiis Ongom (Officer in charge) commenced and quickly established that Gombya had requested from Mr Henry Kateregga, a Kampala businessman Shs40 million very urgently” (…)”As a result of their investigations the police were contacted by a man named Emmanuel Sebbunza, 17, who informed police that he had been involved with the people responsible for the killing of Dr Kayiira and although not at scene at the time of the offence, he assisted them in its preparation” (…)”He further stated that he had been paid money for both his assistance and to keep quiet about who took part. He states that the motive was robbery as the persons involved in the offence knew that Dr Kayiira was at the house and further that a large amount of money was in the house. He states however that it was believed that Dr Kayiira had the money. Mr Sebbunza further stated that arrangements for the offence were made at the shop of Muzeyi & Sons, Kampala, belonging to Mr John Katabazi, 28” (Scotland Yard).

NRA marching to Kampala 1986

Museveni action after the takeover of power:

“On Thursday 26th March 1987, at the request of President Museveni-the Ugandan President I (Detective Chief superintendent Thompson) attached to the serious crimes Branch New Scotland Yard, together with Detective Inspector Sanderson, scenes of crime officer attached to the Metropolitan Police Laboratory travelled to Uganda to assist the investigating officers because of the strong suggestions that the murder of Dr Kayiira was a ‘political’ one” (Scotland Yard).

Gomboya Statement:

“The majority of the attackers were dressed in NRA uniforms while others were dressed locally. Suspicion immediately fell on NRA soldiers when on the Saturday morning as hundreds of people were flocking my house to view the body of Kayiira which was still lying in a pool of blood in his bedroom” (…)”I told commander Kazoora that in my view, those who had killed Kayiira were likely to have been government enemies. I further told him, “If these people now return and shoot me dead, the government would find it quite difficult to prove it was not behind my death.” (…)”Mr Ssemogerere expressed surprise that “anyone would suggest that I was involved in the killing of your friend”. As he put it, on that day when Dr Kayiira was killed Mr Ssemogerere was the only Cabinet minister who came to my house and saw Dr Kayiira’s body lying in a pool of blood” (…)”The arguments went on almost the whole night until I finally made up my mind that the safest way for me would be the airport. I reached this decision for mainly one fact, Earlier in the day I had contacted my BBC colleague in Nairobi Mike Wooldridge whom I told about my fears concerning my safety. I told Mike that I had received information from the Uganda CID that I would be arrested as a murder suspect” (…)”He found this difficult to believe until I told him I had been to Mr Ssemogerere’s house to brief him about this new development. It was then that Mike volunteered to call Dr Besigye and find out from him whether I would really be arrested” (…)”The answer he got from Dr Besigye was; I want to assure the BBC and Henry that we have no intention of arresting him nor have we even suggested he be suspected In any way in this killing”. Dr. Besigye further told Mike Wooldridge that I was free to go anywhere but added “He may be needed to give evidence” (…)”Mr Wooldridge replied that since Dr Besigye had assured me I was not wanted he did not see any reason why I should not rest. Mike agreed with me that it would look like as if I was running away if I did not use the airport. Since in my heart I knew I was quite an innocent man who had just lost a great friend I did not see why I should try to leave the country as a criminal. My decision took everybody present by surprise!” (…)”But soon after my first interview the Uganda Foreign Affairs Minister Mr Ibrahim Mukiibi called the British High Commissioner in Kampala Mr Derek March to protest at what he called “the way your deputy helped a Ugandan journalist Henry Gombya to escape from Kampala”.Mr Mukiibi further told the British High Commissioner that I was “wanted” back in Uganda in “connection” with the killing of Dr Kayiira” (…)”The Investigating team also received evidence from some NRA soldiers from the 19th Battalion in Lubiri barracks which points to involvement of top NRA leadership and its lieutenants in the murder. According to these soldiers/ the murder of Dr Kayiira was planned days before his release. When the Directors of public prosecution (DPP) and CID jointly told government that there was no evidence to incriminate Dr Kayiira and several of co-accused in the alleged plot of treason this brief was received with a lot of reservations” (Scotland Yard).

M7 Makerere 1986

One Conclusion:

“There was also no evidence that Dr Kayiira put up any resistance. In addition, Gombya who was the owner of the money and other property in the house was not the prime target as he was ignored by the attackers when escaping. On the strength of the evidence the motive of the attackers was very clear: they wanted to kill Dr Andrew Kayiira. This gives credence to the 2nd hypothesis” (Scotland Yard).

Analyzed report:

“Despite President Museveni’s friendship with Dr Kayiira there had been recent mistrust of him by the President as a result of which Dr Kayiira was arrested in October 1986 for alleged;y ploting against the government, and subsequently releases by the court on February 24, 1987, due to lack of evidence” (…)”The release of Dr Kayiira surprised somee people and the subsequent murder of Kayiira led to strong rumours that his death was politically motivated and had been caused by the government’s hand” (…)”It was because of the above facts and the political overtones that the subsequent murder of Dr Kayiira was quickly seized on by various factions to suggest that his death was not only politically motivated, but might even have been carried out by President Museveni’s soldiers on the President’s orders. This charge is emphatically denied by the President” (Scotland Yard).

Fall Guy:

“It seems a British police report has been doctored to make it seem like I am a suspect or somehow involved,” said Mr Gombya, who fled Uganda after the killing and now lives in Farnborough, Hampshire. “Who carried out the shooting? I don’t know. Who ordered it? I believe it was President Museveni, and I’m not afraid to say it … I’m the fall guy.” (…)”There was speculation [at the time] about whether it was a politically motivated murder or a criminal attack,” said Peter Penfold yesterday. He was a diplomat at the British high commission in 1987. “I suppose both scenarios were plausible.” (Lewis, 2007).

Arrests after Article 1988 Uganda Front Page of ReportArrests after Article 1988 Uganda

I hope that gave some insights to the matter and that the truth will hopefully come out one day and that the men behind the killing of this man will get their punishment has he died for political reasons. This here is just one of many, still important as there been many killings and many assassinations under the NRM-Regime and their NRA. This one is significant as this was a way of getting rid of opposition forces and solidifies the regime after the civil war. Peace.  

Reference:

Crisp, Jeff – ‘National Security, Human Rights and Population Displacements in Uganda with special reference to events in Luwero District, Jan – Sept. 1983’ (October 1983) – British Refugee Council

De Hoyes, Linda – ‘Why London supports Rwanda’s confessed mass killer Paul Kagame’ (05.12.1997) – EIR News Service

Lewis, Paul – ‘I’m the fall guy for Ugandan murder, says ex-BBC man’ (20.01.2007) link: http://www.theguardian.com/media/2007/jan/20/bbc.uganda

Refugee Law Project – ‘COMPENDIUM OF CONFLICTS IN UGANDA – Findings of the National Reconciliation and Transitional Justice Audit’ (2014) – Makerere University

Orlando Sentinel – ‘Treason Charge: Former Energy Minister Andrew Kayira was…’ (08.03.1987) link: http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/1987-03-08/news/0110340050_1_treason-overthrow-the-government-arms-and-thighs

Scotland Yard – ‘SCOTLAND YARD REPORT THE MURDER OF DR ANDREW LUTAAKOME KAYIIRA: DEMOCRATIC PARTY VERSION’