A statement from the U.S. Embassy in Kampala regarding the Ugandan elections of February 18 and the detention of Dr. Kizza Besigye (26.02.2016)

US Mission to UG

The U.S. Embassy calls again on Ugandan authorities to release Dr. Kizza Besigye from house arrest and to permit him to travel freely. We note that Dr. Besigye has been under near continuous police detention since the February 18 election, has not been charged with any crime, and was denied his constitutional right to participate in the February 24 elections.

We further call upon Uganda authorities to cease and desist from any further harassment or intimidation of members of the opposition, such as the reported arrests of FDC party agents. Officials of all parties, including the opposition, must be allowed to provide their leadership with polling data collected during the vote, free from intimidation or threat of detention, in accordance with international norms and the principles of a democratic society.

We are also deeply concerned by the Electoral Commission’s delay in releasing polling data. This, along with Dr. Besigye’s detention and arrest of party agents, has inhibited citizens’ ability to verify vote tallies and potentially challenge the election results in court within the constitutionally mandated ten-day period.

We expect the Ugandan authorities to uphold the rights of all of their citizens, regardless of political affiliation, and allow the opposition to play a legitimate role in the country’s politics. We further expect all parties to refrain from actions or rhetoric that may lead to violence and to resolve their disputes peacefully.

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

KB 25.02.2015

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!!

Dr. Kizza Besigye detained today at Kira Police Station and back to house-arrest this evening; President Museveni shows with recent actions and use of Police Force towards the FDC; That he really never believed in the Multi-Party Democracy; I start to believe that President Museveni want to go back to the Movement-System! (25.02.2015)

KB Naggalama Police 25.02.2016

This is reported from Harlod Kajja from FDC that Dr. Kizza Besigye has been returned back to Naggalama Police Station. After hours been at unknown locations after been taken from his home and been away under forces we don’t know; Especially what has happen to Dr. Kizza Besigye while being detained by unknown men in a unknown place, as the FDC Staff or FDC Officials have had no idea today where he has been located.

Ingrid Turinawe reports:

“Dr. Kizza Besigye is being re arrested now just out side his gate. They just drove him back home after kidnapping and arresting him today (morning). He wants to go to clinic- visit his Doctor for treatment. He is not feeling well after full three months of campaign and the subsequent arrests. Police can’t allow him visit clinic“.

“Besigye narrates what happens when he is arrested:“I am arrested roughly even when I cooperate; they grab, shove and push me into the van. They drive the van like they are possessed by demons. The other day, they were driving 140km/hr on a murram road. Inside, we were jumping in the air.” (…)“Once in Naggalama, inmates cheer. Inside, I remove the shoes, belt and enter the cell. There is one toilet which is shared by all inmates.” (…)”Besigye says he is never tortured but says: “Once, they beat me.”(…)”It’s drama. Like what you see in films. When I was in Kira PS, I ate their food once and it was good” (NBS TV, 25.02.2016).

KB 25.02.2015

His own words: “Routine: just been dropped by police after a day’s detention at Kira Police Stn. Home barricaded & not allowed out!!” (Dr. Kizza Besigye, 25.02.2015).

Just why this has been edited, when it comes to Dr. Kizza Besigye facts: 

(This blog has been edited as information has come through the hours, as the was so much uncertainty, therefore the Naggalama Police Station is gone away as Kizza Besigye reports himself that he as at Kira Police Station today; there was the place he was detained. That is the reason alone to edit the matter and get the right information out about his situation; the other is the reports from FDC Officials as the uncertainty of his situation today; that proves the game that Uganda Police is doing under supervision of Gen. Kale Kayihura and President Museveni).

This here is worrying with all those missing ours and what kind of Security Outfit who has taken custody of him; as it most likely have been since he suddenly appears from nowhere and end at the place he has been detain in the recent days. Seems like a well planned operation from the Police Force under Gen. Kale Kayihura! This is their Modus Operandi, and I am right now waiting for CP Enaga who claims foreign powers offered “Gold” to FDC, while Polly Namaye saying “Securing the welfare of Besigye” or some other white-lie from her and the Police Force, who continues to tornment this Presidential Candidate and the man who is questioning the affairs and governance of the NRM-Regime; as he is going from Prison to house-arrest.

Today the FDC tried to follow the car and lost it after awhile. This here is scary, and should be a warning of the Police State and the levels of disregard for rule of law the are in Uganda. Dr. Kizza Besigye is not Uganda, but he is the epitome of what is wrong. When I say that is it not that Dr. Kizza Besigye is wrong. That is surely wrong. What is wrong is method of oppression, disregard for justice and lawful behavior from the Police before the polls and now after the polls to the man. Not only to Dr. Kizza Besigye but the whole party of FDC is under fire because they question the legitimacy  of the Presidential and Parliamentary Elections that Dr. Badru Kiggundu.

That is the mortal sin (Questioning the Legitimacy) in Uganda right now, because the almighty President Museveni has all power and allowed to anything. As he is the law and the justice, and the man who has the vision and understanding of everything. While people like the FDC and the rest of opposition should just scatter. They are rats to him and people who has misunderstood the movement and his leadership. That is why the Police can hunt them down while getting the FDC Officials at gun-point as they have to give over the FDC Agents Declarations Forms from the recent election; so that the NRM Regime can delete and destroy the evidence of the rigging and get them to alter the results to fit to the reality President Museveni lives in; which is the only one that can exesist in Uganda and by the Police State he is in charge of! There is certain that the Police and NRM-Regime is a totalitarian; who does what it can mask it as “Democratic” while using guns and tear-gas at opposition and Public Order Management Act (POMA), but use exceptions for NRM to do same kind of business or operations as the opposition. They don’t need to signal the Police for their actions or follow the POMA; as they are running the country; while the opposition is a nuance that President Museveni only has because he have to. To be able to walk to his donors, smile and laugh; tell about the great progress in the county and get more money he can embezzle while promising giant projects; as the National Development Plan II; for instance is a tool to get foreign donors to loan or gain funds from foreign governments, Multi-National organizations, Bretton-Woods Organizations to supposably direct the money for some sustainable development to the NRM-Regime. While when the project comes and goes, the money will disappear into the hot-air and some Minister will be fired; the same Minister will be brougt back in months time as the money that was embezzled went parts to the Executive and at the same time bought loyalty to President Museveni. Tell me if I am wrong, check the scandals and how many of them where brought back, and how many who has been close to President Museveni? The big question I have, why hasn’t this had major effect on the donor-countries… Who still has continued to give him funds without questioning the behavor or acting up towards him as he issues has come and go during his tenure as the Executive.

I am sure if President Museveni could and still keep getting donor funds; he would abolish Multi-Party Democracy and go back to the Movement System. So that every single person has to automatically be a part of his party and his vision; most important be ruled by him and he controlling them under his will. That is what President Museveni now wishing. He will not say this: because he doesn’t have the arrogance, but if he had the option, the barn-door would be open and the ferried Crime Preventers would be first in line to destroy the Multi-Party Democracy that he never believed in. As it needed to be two elections for the amendment (2000,2005) to get it.

So what we see now is just the notion and motions of President Museveni showing his true color and belief that he has the right to rule without question, because he believes he is the only one who has the right to run the Government of Uganda. That is why Dr. Kizza Besigye get the unjust acts towards him as he questions the powers of the Executive and the grand Chief, Commander-in-Chief and the President of the Republic of Uganda, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni! That is visible reality, not a beautiful picture, but a honest portrait of the signals and actions of his security outfits towards the FDC. I know it is not picturesque and classic view that we wish and hope for. That is because President Museveni will use everybody and anything to keep his posistion; as he has done now from President Nyerere, President Obote and all the other ones he has used to get power and than never leave it. As the most beautiful thing is to have power and be the “Big-Man”. Peace.

Statement concerning UNDP, Business Call to Action and Bidco Africa Ltd. (25.02.2016)

WilmaPalmOil P2

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has received a petition from the Bugala Farmers Association in Uganda. 

NEW YORK, United States of America, February 25, The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has received a petition from the Bugala Farmers Association in Uganda related to UNDP’s association with Bidco Africa Ltd., as a result of the company’s membership with the Business Call to Action (BCtA). The BCtA is an alliance of several donor and other institutions that challenges companies to use their core business to engage poor populations across their value chains, while contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.  Bidco Africa Ltd. became a member of the BCtA in September 2015. UNDP hosts the secretariat and is a member of the Donor Steering Committee of the BCtA.

In addition to the petition, a complaint was submitted to UNDP’s Stakeholder Response Mechanism (SRM) and Social and Environmental Compliance Unit (SECU) (UNDP.org/secu-srm).  This request is currently being reviewed for eligibility for either or both channels. The outcome of these reviews will be posted on the SRM Case Registry (APO.af/ztoHfg) and  SECU Case Registry (APO.af/a3HHBf).

If you have forgotten:

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FDC Statement on Dr. Kizza Besigye situation and latest arrest (25.02.2015)

Kizza Besigye 23.02.2016

The regime’s determination to kill Dr. Besigye grows every day. The humiliation and torture inflicted on to him is reaching a level that will tempt some of us to respond in defence of our leader. He was arrested again this morning and driven away by regime police. All efforts to have his lawyers and family members access him have failed. All police stations in Kampala and nearby have been visited in trace of him but he is not in any of them. His maids at home have camped at Naggalama police station with hope to give him meals but he is not there.

Nandala Mafabi – “Our leaders and agents in rural Uganda are being hunted to sign falsified Candidates’ declaration forms” (25.02.2016)

FDC 25.02.2016

EU Election Observeration Mission to Uganda 2016: Post-Election Day Statement (25.02.2016)

EU EOM 25.02.2016

Letter to the President / Mr President – Ston-city (Youtube-Music-Video)

“A letter to the Ugandan President specifically and holistically to african leaders with downtrodden citizenries. This message has been approved by God” (Ston-City, 2016).

Post Election Statement by Abed Bwanika, Presidential Candidate 2016 for PDP (24.02.2016)

Bwanika 24.02 P1Bwanika 24.02 P2

Ugandan people shun the Local-Government Elections today; While Dr. Kizza Besigye is arrested while trying to go out and vote!

Poll Station 24.02.2016

Today is the Local Government Elections in most places in the country except for the once that gets suspended because of wrong names on the ballots or the persons who are supposed be on the ballots. This time around the ballot-papers we’re delivered on time, everywhere actually and the polling agents was ready. There was also informed to be a public holiday so that there should be possible to show up, but this here is a silent demonstrations and a free-for-all after the sham of an election the 18th February.

Just as the main elections of the Executive and representatives in the Parliament, this here will be marred with malpractice and even rigged. Therefore the people have shunned the event and polls. As they don’t trust the Electoral Commission; I have lots and lots of issues from around the country, this here is not just an reaction to all those people who never got their say on the 18th February, but also all them who never got counted that day. Here are some reports.

Radio One Polling Station 24.02.2016 P1

From Kampala in the morning:

“Although polling materials were dispatched early enough by 6am, the poor turn up of voters has caused delays in starting of the voting exercise. At some polling stations in Nakawa and in Namirembe at Mengo primary polling station, Makarere and Kabale among others voting started after 7:40am with one or two voters occasionally showing up.  The stipulated time to open the polls is 7am and closing time is 4pm. The Electoral Commission has done its part to deliver the materials on time and ensure their electoral agents are already stationed for duty” (Radiocity 97FM, 24.02.2016).

Radio One Polling Station 24.02.2016 P2

As the Electoral Commission stated on social media:

“Kyankwanzi District that elections for the District Chairperson have been suspended today” (EC, 24.02.2016).

The Observer wrote this:

“Voting material mixup: Wrong ballot papers sent to 6 sub counties in Bundibugyo in  Busaru, Nyahuka, Bubugwanga, Ntoroto, Kasitu & Ntandi” (Observer, 24.02.2016).

Bushenyi 24.02.2016
Comboni Hospital Polling Station, Bushenyi

In Bushenyi:

The NRM continues to rig elections in the area as the NRM get the FDC Monitors of the elections is arrested, while the NRM starts to bribe the voters to vote for them. And stacks of money are taken to the sub-counties in the area as well. The NRM mobilisers are in the markets and buying the voters. This report from one of polling stations in the district: “Empty Polling Stations in Bushenyi, here at Comboni Hospital; people have refused to go to vote. Atleast 100 people have voted out of over 350 people who voted at this polling station last week”.

In Lungujja:

“Signed blank declaration forms have been discovered in Lungujja by Rubaga MP Elect Moses Kasibante. Chaos has ensues” (93.3. KFM, 24.02.2016).

In Kabale, Moroto and Katakwi:

“In Kabale, voter turn up is low, partly because the district chairperson is unopposed, our correspondent reports” (NBS TV, 24.02.2016). “9:53 LIVE: Our report David Ochieng in Tororo says voter turn out is still low. Voters are complaining about the Biometric Voter Verification” (NBS TV, 24.02.2016). Our reporter Mike Onyang says in Moroto, more locals have been seen at drinking joints than at many polling stations. Onyang says many voters he has spoken to in Moroto say they are fatigued and are still mourning the loss of ‘their’ candidates (NBS TV, 24.02.2016). Very low turn up in LC5 and LC5 councilor’s in Katakwi as the case in the rest of Uganda.

In Jinja:

“Voting for the district chairpersons and councillors is underway, but here in Jinja the voter turnout is significantly low as compared to the just concluded presidential and Members of Parliament election. All this, despite today being a public holiday” (89 Smart FM, 24.02.2016).

In Nebbi:

“Local government elections in most parts of the country have been characterized by low voter turn up compared to Presidential and parliamentary elections. For instance in Nebbi district at boma one polling station by 11:00am only 57 out of 500 voters had voted while boma two out of 142 only 37 had cast their vote” (Radio Paidha Ltd, 24.02.2016).

In Iganga:

There police and military are at the Polling Stations and the roads in the district.

In Kumi:

“Electoral Commission has postponed the polls for the Kumi District LC V chairperson, following the death of Charles Otaok, the Go Forward Candidate. Otaok died in a motor accident along the Mbale-Soroti highway, a fortnight ago. The Kumi District Returning Officer, Monicah Ngobi, said this morning that they received communication from the Electoral Commission headquarters in Kampala, to postpone the elections of the LC V chairperson until further notice” (RadioCity 97FM, 24.02.2016).

Mbale 24.02.2016

There been low voter turn-up in Entebbe, Gulu, Makindye, Lyantonde, Lwengo, Masaka, Sembabule, Mukono, and Kampala. In certain areas there are more Polling Officals then voters. Look forward to see how they will fix the results from this locals elections Seem that the country there is low-turn up as people seem to have lost faith in Eng. Dr. Badru M. Kiggundu and his Electoral Commission. Who decide for them and therefore they boycott this election to prove as a demonstrations against the regime! As with the other election on the 18th February there been people captured with pre-ticket ballots. There been silence and not much action since the announcement of the Presidential and Members of Parliament elections has been rigged and taken the public for granted. Therefore the result is low turn-up and showing the Electoral Commission.   

Reports from Presidential Elections in Karamjoa and explains the 95% for President Museveni:

“In Karamoja the Electoral Commission District Registar has been beaten by the Special Forces command on the 17th February before making off with all the ballot boxes. He is currently paralyzed”.

Kizza Besigye 23.02.2016

Just as the low-voter turn-up the Local-Government does not need Dr. Kizza Besigy’s ballots it seems:

“Col dr Kizza Besigye has been blocked from leaving his Kasangati home. He planned to travel this morning to Rukungiri for local government elections. From the start of the week, Dr Besigye has been kept by police, inside his Kasangati home during the night, and in police cells during the day. Last night at around 10:30pm as he was being returned from police detention back to his home, Dr Besigye said he was tired of this routine, and that he would rather remain in police custody, than being enslaved inside his own house. Besigye on the other hand says he needs to prepare to legally challenge the presidential election results in courts of law, and has now less than 6 days to put together all the necessary evidence” (RadioCity 97FM, 24.02.2016). In the New Vision: “Kizza Besigye of FDC was earlier today denied chance to leave his home to go to Rukungiri to cast his vote in the local council polls by the area DPC, James Kawalya” (New Vision, 24.02.2016).

As the voters shun the election, Dr. Kizza Besigye still not allowed moving freely and under arrest on yet another day! The Electoral Commission will struggle to get more voters than the polling stations as the numbers should be small and the percentage of total voters should be very low. Close to 20% or even less many places, if it is more than it is pre-ticked for NRM candidates as that is the Modus Operandi of the NRM-Regime.

I want to say I understand the people and their demonstrations is vital and viable as the world is following Uganda and the people know about the non-sense re-election of President Museveni. As the opposition continues to be under pressure and harassment as seen by Dr. Kizza Besigye; Seen yesterday in Mbarara and Ibanda; now also in Bushenyi where they arrested FDC mobilisers today. Since it is for the ruling party the access and reason for it is not necessary as the fear and intimidation is what the NRM lives on, and not on vote-ability or accountability for their actions. Peace.