Statement from Hon. Betty Ocan – on the events leading to campaign violence in Lalogi, Gulu (Released: 24.12.2015)

FDC Convoy Attack 22.12.2015 P1

Tuesday December 22nd, was the day for Uganda’s Presidential Candidate Dr Kizza Besigye to have a campaign rally in Gulu district. To build up to the this, the FDC national campaign team arranged to hold mini rallies in Bobi, Lakwana (Opit), Odek (Acet), Lalogi sub counties and Gulu municipality at the Carribean/ Kauda grounds.

After his successful rallies in Opit and Acet trading centers, Dr Besigye was due to travel to Lalogi. I, Hon Betty Aol Ocan being the area Woman MP and host of my Party President was in the advance team responsible for preparation of his rallies. As such I was always ahead and in Lalogi I arrived before the Besigye Team only to find that the Deputy Speaker Hon Oulanya Jacob was having a rally at our booked venue. He had mobilized his supporters and was physically present talking to a crowd. His parked convoy had one lead Police Vehicle and about 12 armed escorts and a number of “crime preventers” who seem stationed for a purpose at the venue Aketket Primary school ground.

When I arrived, as you may have seen on the NTV news footage on that day, I reached out to engage Hon Oulanya and his team on what was going on in our booked campaign venue. We chatted amicably as we always do in the corridors of parliament and he argued that his rally was prearranged before Besigye. He stated that there was no need for Besigye to interfere and in that case we should leave. I reminded him of our arrangement with the community leaders who agreed with me and we chatted on….

For a reason I am yet to know, many of his supporters started waving sticks and hoes, axes, stones at my team as time passed by. The situation quickly became tense and in the confusion his “security” manhandled me in a failed attempt to get me away. I am sad to note that my hair was pulled and I was physically assaulted which led the gallant youth on my campaign team to protect me from the rowdy melee. All this while, the fracas was being filmed by NTV and NBS news crew who were also present at the venue.

Atiak 23.12.15

Now, as the disturbance escalated, the attention of the rowdy NRM supporters was drawn to the TV crew and their news van which had been well documenting the situation all this while. Their anger was perhaps due to fear of exposure of their conduct. They attacked the crew and journalists were pelted with stones and great damage was caused to their equipment. Villagers started gathering from all over in large numbers despite the security deployment and over powered Hon Oulanya and his supporters. The deputy speaker quietly escaped from the site and his guards fizzled out one by one. This brawl lasted about 35 minutes!

Dr Besigye then later joined us at the venue and we had a clam campaign as scheduled later having a big rally in Gulu town that evening. We have reported the matter at Lalogi Police Station and a case of threatening violence, causing injury and damage has been opened against Hon Oulanya and his campaign team involved. Assault case SD REF:08/22/12/2015.

I later heard the Aswa Region police Spokesperson Jimmy Patrick Okema comment on Mega FM that “the action of the Deputy Speaker at Lalogi was provoked by Hon Betty Aol.” Of course they are trying to cover up the misuse of power and state security by Hon Jacob Olanya and we dismiss such a baseless statement due to lack of substance. We do have the footage of the entire fracas and our people are on the ground in the villages.

Also, you may be aware that the Electoral Commission had suspended ALL parliamentary campaigns and Hon Jacob Oulanya campaigning on that day was in violation of this Electoral Commission directive. His team was shamelessly and unlawfully breaching that directive. Only presidential campaigns were scheduled to go ahead at the time.

Friends, this campaign should not be a matter of Do or Die. People should not take the law into their hands and should respect the election schedule. The youth being used to break the law in the name of “crime preventers and security” will account individually and collectively. If may be they thought fear and intimidation would cow us in to giving up our rights, they are miscalculating big time. We have been in those trenches for a while now. Our team will continue to obey the law and we request other political players and the police to do the same. And intimidation will not get you votes we promise!

Our sincere apologies to the people of Lalogi who were affected by this unfortunate event and unnecessary attention. I have known people in Lalogi as some of the most calm people I have met in my decades of community work in Gulu district. Our biggest regrets to the NTV and NBS crew whose independent work was unduly interfered with and suffered physical attack and property damage. That is not how we do things in Gulu; We will all get justice.

We want to wish every body a happy festive season, let us celebrate in peace, let us refrain from violence in this campaign. Let us spare resources for the next year. Education of our young people should be our focus in the New year. Let us also remember to vote and maintain leaders who will keep our interests on the contentious issue of land and education, livelihood empowerment, social services and culture among others. I love you all very much.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and Happy New year. May God Bless you richly next year.

–Betty Aol Ocan, Gulu Woman MP 2016.

Police tried to arrest an FDC supporter in Elegu Border Post…

Elagu Border Post Arrests FDC Supporter 24.12.15 P1

Today is the day where the Police again show their true color. In the border town of Elegu, the motorcycle driver was supposedly driving reckless and vile or as they claimed: “for dangerously riding a motorcycle”. But in all intentions was arrested for being a FDC-supporter and taken across town.

Elegu Border Post Arrests FDC Supporter 24.12.15 P2

Because they didn’t have any evidence or could charge the man they let him go! But this proves that the IGP Kale Kayihura and his police force are imbedded with the NRM. Peace.   

Elagu Border Post Arrests FDC Supporter 24.12.15 P3

The People’s President campaign rally in Atiak today!

Atiak Amuru 24.12.15 FDC

Yesterday the Police of Amuru went on frontal attack the FDC campaign team and their venue in Atiak. Today the FDC team went back to the venue and they held a peaceful presidential campaign rally. On the same spot as the Police scattered the people and used tear-gas and bullet into the crowds. Dr. Kizza Besigye returns and shows that he will not give for the cause of change, yet again the NRM-Regime and their police has used violence instead of democratic means to defy their opposition. Peace.

Atiak Amuru 24.12.15 FDC P2

Press Release: EU Statement on growing tension ahead of the Uganda February 2016 Elections (23.12.2015)

Ntungamo 13.12.15

The European Union notes with concern the increased tension in campaigning ahead of the February 2016 elections.

The European Union calls for all parties to exercise restraint, ensuring a climate conducive to peaceful, transparent and credible elections. In view of the recent cases of violence and counter violence, the EU invites in particular the Electoral Commission and the Ugandan Police Force to treat all occuring incidents with impartiality and neutrality, and to ensure a level playing field for all candidates allowing them to campaign without interference.

On the invitation of the Government of Uganda, an EU Electoral Observation Mission (EOM) will delpoy to Uganda on 28th December. The EU EOM will closely observe the election campaign and the role of law enforcement bodies.

Convoy of the People’s President and journalist’s harassed by Oulanyah’s men

FDC Campaign 22.12.15 Gulu

Today the FDC Presidential Flag-Bearer we’re on his way to rallies in Northern Uganda. We’re they didn’t get peace because of the Deputy Speaker Jacob Oulanyah.

The other issue for the clashes between the candidates was that Oulanyah we’re having a rally when Dr. Kizza Besigye wer’e supposed to have a campaign rally in Alalogi Sub-County. Will elaborate more on that…

FDC Convoy Attack 22.12.2015 P1

While this was happening the NBS TV crew was attacked by the men of Oulanyah. Also the NTV men were busy and the one running was NTV Camera-man Galiwango. This attack on journalists following the FDC Convoy was in Agago. The reports say that some of the attacks on the journalist was not only controlled by the Mr. Oulanyah and goup of locals at Aketket primary school Alalogi sub-county, Amoro-county Gulu district. Journalsts attached are Ronald Galiwango NTV, Anthony Palapande NBS and Francis Tumwekwasize freelance journalist. All camera men the incident happened when journalists were covering the scuffle between FDC supporters Deputy speaker Jacob Olanya. It’s alleged by FDC mobilisers that Jacob Olanya had occupied the same venue FDC had organized to hold the rally. When the woman MP Guru district Betty Acan to find out why they occupied the venue. Olanya ordered his body guard to block her. Acan also claimed Olanyah’s rally was illegal because of the Electoral Commission have suspended the rallies for Members of Parliament. Because she said so, that is why the havoc and madness happened in the area.

FDC Convoy Attack 22.12.2015 P2 NTV Cameramen

At the same time there we’re already before the convoy was coming to Gulu, the Gulu Hospital we’re shut and closed down so they would not a visit from the opposition presidential candidate. 

FDC Convoy Attack 22.12.2015 P3

They did also attack the FDC-Supporters. This can’t be justified. Another day in Uganda with election violence; wish it didn’t happen especially not into the Christmas season, but for the political candidates and their henchmen that doesn’t matter.

Peace!

UFP 22.12.15

Go-Forward Campaign Staffers and Volunteers that have been arrested since Ntungamo Rally

List of Go-Forward Members Arrested Late-2015

We can now see how stupid and foolish the Police of Uganda is or they just follow blindly the orders of their president in arresting Go-Forward people like they are common criminals. This is no doubt unjustified. Since the reports was that the Police together with NRM-Supporters was behind the Election Violence happening in Ntungamo recently. The one that has led into a vile state. The NRM-Regime looking like fools and the world knows the truth of the matter. The pictures and videos shows the tale. the NRM machine can lie to it’s supporters as much as they like, but that still doesn’t change the fact of what happen and how the Crime Preventers, NRM-Supporters and Police attacked and tried to destroy the mood and venue where Amama Mbabazi and their Go-Forward Camp/Campaign Team where holding their rally. Peace.

Kampala 21.12.15 Go-Forward Hq

 

President Museveni on ‪Ntungamo Clashes (Youtube-Clips)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MaLJOzKNGWw

“”Thugs attacked NRM supporters. They are being rounded up, you cannot attack Ugandans. How can you attack NRM supporters in Uganda?. They’ll regret it” (NBS TV Uganda, 2015).

Campaign Poster Paranoia

NRM - Go Forward 13.12.15

These election posters are both creating dismay and irregularities in this election period. The ongoing issues of the ruling-party have with the opposition. It is understandable that the Electoral Commission does do much about it. Since they are in bed with the ruling-party even if they are saying otherwise… Last piece of the puzzle is the Police that often help with the ruin of the opposition posters. So the opposition is alone fighting this, and final point is that the Presidential Posters are untouchable. That means if they have taken a spot on a wall or a dry-wall they have to stay there until end of times. Because the Police and Electoral Commission command the people to let it stays so. Let’s take look at recent movement on the ground concerning campaign posters in Uganda.

Recently there been issued statements by the Minister of Kampala Affairs Frank Tumwebaze that there is set fees for campaign posters in Kampala. This by all means is foolish idea and new way of grabbing money out of the pockets of candidates for Local Council members, Members of Parliament and Presidential Candidates. So there would be a giant pool of monies coming KCCA ways.

There have been all through the campaign and presidential campaigns people shunning, destroying or pinning over each others posters in the towns and villages where the campaigning goes on. Especially from NRM who has done deliberate actions against the Go-Forward Presidential Candidate Amama Mbabazi. Where they have either destroyed the posters like in Mbarara, Ntungamo or other places utterly displaced them. The pictures from the campaign trail shows it; at the same time the NRM posters are hanging like the holy father is hanging on the wall. Well, that is just plain foolish actions from the NRM and their police. Not unexpected. Here is some previous and recent attempts of foolishness from the same people!

Amama NRM 25.11.15

In June 2015 CP Fred Enanga said:

“The president is the fountain of honour and he enjoys absolute immunity for whatever actions and enjoys structural advantages. You cannot just pull down his pictures under whatever circumstances” (…)”But even then, he has not come out to make such pronouncement (that he will run in the 2016 presidential elections),” (Tumwine, 2015).

In Mbale in October 2015 this happen:

““We are following up on the owners. We are going to drag them to court for littering the town and the clock tower,” Mr Wambedde charged” (…)”He said it costs the municipality Shs20m to renovate the clock tower and littering it with campaign posters would cost more money to restore its face” (Namono, 2015).

25th November 2015 statement from Electoral Commission on Election Posters:

“The Commission warns the general public, candidates, their agents and supporters, that a person who malicious defaces or removes or tears any election poster of any nominated candidate commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment”.

The last one was written and published by Eng. Dr. Badru M. Kiggundu, that means that the Police and NRM supporters are to blame and liable for convictions for destroying and pinning over election posters of Amama Mbabazi, if your words actually means something right? Wonder why the Police doesn’t address themselves or they collect the NRM supporters who conduct this affairs. I wonder why, wait, they are loyal cronies of the regime and henceforth is free by law, or am I wrong? I don’t know, but that is what it seems by the minute, because Mr. Kiggundu hasn’t done anything in all the actions of destroying or pinning over posters across the country all of December. That means his words from November doesn’t comply to them apparently (it’s not stated by their words by the nature of their actions).

Honest NRM Poster 2015

A viral NRM Poster taking off:

“A honest political campaign poster of a Ugandan man who is seeking for a public office has gone viral and has got people talking on social media” (…)”An aspirant for Kisementi Municipality identified as Eric Mununuzi’s campaign poster has been making rounds on social media as he reportedly decided to tell the electorate the simple truth” (Nigeria News, 2015).

In Kayungu Hospital 18th December 2015:

“Dr.Kakooza on Wednesday blocked the district NRM publicity secretary Mutwalid Kizza from pinning Museveni’s campaign posters, saying the posters will damage walls during time of removal after campaigns” (…)”I got this job on merit and I am ready to be sacked for doing what I am supposed to do and if that one happens, I will go and work elsewhere in the world because I hold an international degree in human medicine and surgery,”(…) “Kakooza told New Vision when asked whether he does not fear to be sacked from the job” (Election.co.ug, 2015).

Early this morning the 19th December 2015:

“Kayunga Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr.Francis Kakooza Arrested For Blocking The Pinning Of Museveni Campaign Posters on the Hospital Walls”.

Amama 17.11.15 Poster

Afterthought:

There is reasonable ways of seeing this. Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) feels the need to levy laws to regain more money from the Local Candidates, Mayoral candidates, Members of Parliament and Presidential Candidates to pay for the service of having the ability to put up posters in and around Kampala City. I want to wish Frank Tumbewaze a Grinchy moment and wish to serve his greed. Even if it is Jennifer Musisi who thinks that this is the way to be able to gain the money they need to fuel the rail-service that they just opened in town, or maybe I am wrong. I am sure it is to keep the town in order or clean… no then I am talking about somebody else.

This poster thing has been an issue through the whole election period. It’s like a constant feature in the actions of especially NRM supporters and DPC who displays their lack of moral standing and ethics towards other parties. They are solely behind most of the destruction and malicious actions towards the others party’s posters in towns, cities and villages. Like the pictures of torn posters of the Go-Forward/TDA U from NRM, either destroyed or pinned over with a poster off Mzee. So there are issues there.

The other issue is that people fear taking down campaign posters of the Mzee or the NRM presidential candidate. Therefore earlier in the election before the Road Map was even started and the opposition rallies was bombarded by the Police, a police officers and military men was open to media telling they feared both the president and taking down campaign material. Therefore I am sure your still seeing campaign posters from 2010 and 2005 still hanging on walls around the country, not only the new for 2015. That’s because for the fear of taking it down for the repercussion as an act against His Excellency President Museveni.

This comes with the actions towards opposition parties posters proves that in this simple and easy step proves by all means that there is not a level playing field in this elections. When one poster has the ground and can be pinned over the opposition, even by police officers, while the same police guarding and supervising the NRM supporters or Crime Preventers to destroy campaign posters of the opposition, proves the malice that are from the governing party and the NRM-Regime.

The Mbale Clock Tower is a landmark, I understand that, that isn’t a political move, but more a placement of wrong material, and there are more fitting walls in Mbale. That is something the local politicians and national politicians should keep to make sure of the state of the town.

Kayunga Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr. Frank Kakooza has said no to all of the opposition candidates to put up campaign posters inside the Hospital. He was afraid of the dry-walls and also of the effect it might have on the patience of the hospital. There might also be the thing of how it will be perceived if there election material in a state institution, even if there is often NRM material in the Police stations, because we all seen their allegiance to the government and regime, there hasn’t been visible touches of that in health institutions. Still, since he has stood up against pinning NRM and Mzee Campaign posters in the Hospital. He said he feared of sacking and today that happen. The Superintendent did it for the best of the Hospital and not to be in the way of the NRM-Regime. That doesn’t seem to matter since he didn’t facilitate to hang up NRM campaign poster in the facility.

The Election Poster saga will continue and will not stop. As long as we have the NRM-Regime because they will keep their nest and power; showing that by keeping up the work and also posters in the towns. So this here will be discussed during this period until February 2016 and should be after. It is just about a certain point of showing your ways towards the ones who is not in your party. NRM can run it like they do and they have to give way for the opposition. Not like they have acted in this election. That is not acceptable. Peace.

Reference:

Election.co.ug – ‘NRM supporters force posters into hospital’ (18.12.2015) link: http://www.elections.co.ug/new-vision/election/1413694/kayunga-hospital-boss-nrm-leaders-clash-museveni-posters

Nigeria News – ‘Controversial Campaign Poster In Uganda Currently Trending Online (Photos)’ (12.11.2015) link: http://news2.onlinenigeria.com/africa/440589-controversial-campaign-poster-in-uganda-currently-trending-online-photos.html

Namono, Caroline – ‘Mbale council pulls down campaign posters’ (24.10.2015) link: http://www.monitor.co.ug/SpecialReports/Elections/Mbale-council-pulls-down-campaign-posters/-/859108/2926806/-/m8vt1g/-/index.html

Tumwine, Albert – ‘We cannot pull down Museveni posters- Police’ (16.07.2015) link: http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/We-cannot-pull-down-Museveni-posters–Police/-/688334/2753854/-/lr6i1x/-/index.html

Quotes of the Day from Ibrahim Nganda Ssemujju

Ibrahim Nganda Ssemujju

Ibrahim Nganda Ssemujju on the radio today:

A “Capital Gang” panelist and MP Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda said of the opinion poll: “I know even Ofwono Opwono [the deputy government spokesman] does not believe” that if we held an election today, President Yoweri Museveni would defeat opposition presidential candidate Dr. Kiiza Besigye in Kampala.

“Someone in the lead doesn’t behave the way the Ofwono Opondo’s group [the NRM campaign team of Museveni] is behaving, the kind of panic that you see. They’ve had meetings in my constituency, quarrelling, beating each other where money has not reached…There is one [candidate, Museveni] who will continue quarrelling, closing hospitals, abusing the media like you saw him in Soroti declaring [the Daily] Monitor and NTV enemy media, one candidate who is consistently quarrelling not only with his team but everybody. Unfortunately, the opinion polls say that candidate is leading.”

MoU between European Union and Government of Uganda concerning observation of the 2016 General Elections

Mou EOM GoU 2015

EU accepts invite to observe Feb 2016 polls, signs MoU with GoU. Electoral Observers arrive 28/12.