Tag: National Resistance Movement
IGP. Gen. Kale Kayihura discribes and argues for the UPF involvement in the tear-gas and violence at Soroti and Jinja recently
We all have followed the recent events that UPF went bat-crazy on the consultant meetings that Amama Mbabazi had in Jinja and Soroti. Some places even had the pictures for a fighter airplane flying over the place that had the meeting in the Soroti. And all the tear-gas that they shuffled into the people who showed up the events should be not forgiven. What seems strange to people is the issues with campaigning, though Museveni did the same thing two weeks before in the same area as Mbabazi! The IGP Gen. Kale Kayihura didn’t talk about that… though… but the one feed you sure get shield by the UPF. So that Amama Mbabazi has fallen from the grace and throne and now the cronies of the government is showing its true color.
Gen. Kale Kayihura said earlier today to the press:
“When he asked to hold the first phase of the consultation meetings in Eastern Uganda, I was relaxed and allowed him to do so. However, Mr Mbabazi deviated from what the law provides for. He went ahead and organized and held public rallies yet he is not a presidential candidate there by provoking police to fire tear gas. He (Mbabazi) is still an aspirant” (…)”Don’t blame the police (for firing tear gas and live bullets at Mr Mbabazi’s supporters). Blame Mbabazi who organized and held illegal rallies in a market and near the schools. Don’t blame the consequences, blame the cause” (…)”an aspirant may consult in preparation for his or her nomination as a presidential candidate within twelve months before the nomination date” (…)”while consulting under subsection one, a presidential aspirant may carry out nationwide consultations, prepare his or her manifesto and other campaign materials, raise funds for his or her campaign through lawful means and convene meetings of national delegates” (…)”while consulting, the aspirant shall introduce himself or herself to the Electoral Commission and notify the relevant local council and the police of the area he or she goes to” (Daily Monitor, 2015).
He also said:
“An aspiring leader must be responsible” (…)”Police comes in when rights and freedoms of society is violated” (…)”Why not? We facilitated Mbabazi meeting at that place” (…)”Consultation mean exchange of views quietly. Why hurrying the campaigns?” (…)”Mbabazi must hold consultative meetings in confined place so that they don’t degenerate into rallies and campaigns” (…)”He [Mbabazi] should not defy the police” (…)”Mbabazi wanted to have two rallies including one in a market in Jinja. He wanted to build up mass of supporters from Iganga” (…)”I should have asked for specifics” (…)”They must be lawful. Why put rally in a market? Crime prevention is provided by law” (…)”Mbabazi should stop creating situations and blame us for the consequence (on teargas in Jinja)” (…)”Why aren’t aspiring leaders responsibility? Why did Mbabazi organize in a rally in a market and near school in Jinja?” (…)”Mbabazi is a clever lawyer, trying to use the public meetings for campaigns which are not authorized at this stage” (…)”Mbabazi is the one introduced the idea of town hall meetings. He is turning consultations into open campaigns” (TheInsider.co.ug, 2015).
Another report says that IGP said this:
“Accordingly, while you can go ahead and hold town hall meetings, we cannot clear you to hold your planned public meetings in the mayor’s gardens in Lira, in Pece Stadium, Gulu, and at the Boma grounds in Arua because that would be in violation of the Presidential Elections Act” (Mulondo, 2015).
If this wasn’t amazing quotes and telling how they are augmenting their ways. It should be put a light on especially with the knowledge of how the people who showed up to the meetings and the way the police acted towards its own citizens. So with the following post and updates from the events that you should look upon if you don’t know. Since then the words of the IGP will be utter nonsense from a police chief. Secondly you should also look into the history of Amama Mbabazi an seen the way he has gone through a wildfire from being one of the poster boys of the NRM to the independent candidate who now recently gone together with The Democratic Alliance. But that happen after the famous meetings that Gen. Kale Kayihura talked about! He is surely hold under surveillance since he can hold certain ways of meetings, but not the way the “clever laywer” wish to hold. Peace.
Update on the Death of Hon. Gen. Aronda Nyakairima, Minister of Internal Affairs
Amama Mbabazi went out of the desert and went into the lions den
Today isn’t a normal day. Today is a day where it’s reviled after hazardous consulting meetings in Soroti and Jinja that a certain high caliber politician has switched sides. Amama Mbabazi is not any longer a Presidential Candidate in the NRM, but is becoming a part of the of opposition coalition The Democratic Alliance (TDA).
A man who had a special thing and now has gone from being the guy who has a vital part of the chambers in parliament, also and secretary of the party of the NRM party for years has gone into the lion’s den together with the opposition yesterday.
It proves the powerful idea behind FDC, JEEMA, DP, and UPC, so they are now accepting the brother into the camp when the internal parties has already picked their flag-bearers for the presidential election in 2016. He went from being a vital part of the NRM, a man Museveni trusted. Even if Mbabazi is famous for eating big slices of governmental deals and have even chartered high on corruption indexes, they are still letting him in the fold and umbrella of the TDA. This must be joyful reunion for Hon. Gilbert Bukenya who has trades silver coins from the CHOGM scandal in the past. Olara Otunnu knows the man well and has discussed matters concerning Mbabazi in length in the past. The same has Norbert Mao they all know him and how he has acted. As the public knows as well!
Well, so when the tides are turning and the opposition can prove greatness, while the NRM is losing ground. They still have the powerful army and police on their hand. We will sure see more teargas and venues in towns being under siege before the election in 2016. Since we’re still in the run-up! While we waiting we know that the ones that went independent earlier from NRM, might run back to fold to get feed and be underline of the main stem leadership protocol of the party. Though it seems that the fallout rate and big-men that has been around for ages is on the level of agony that Louis Van Gaal in Manchester United doing. Where certain former loved players has all left the club. Now the same is happening with the NRM. Though it is happens in other fashions and ways, but initially the same outcome. There consistency of harsh brutalities and the way people are getting out of the NRM, it doesn’t seem healthy.
You’re either forced out with the skin on your teeth or you’re getting flogged in the main streets of Any-Town in Uganda. Amama Mbabazi I wrote earlier this year that he was starting a walk through the desert. He finally has found shade in the midst of darkness. The campaign he will run now will not be affiliated with the party he has been involved in for so long. This has been the end of it. He lost when he questioned the power of the man on the top, that man would not accept somebody questioning the fact and realities of one sole candidate before preliminary voting inside the party. H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni would not have JPAM or Amama Mbabazi questioning his powers and reach, nor anybody else for that matter. That is why when other people are campaigning in the lands. The government bodies for securing peace will make fuzz and be violent against the crowds. We have seen all year from the campaigning of Dr. Kizza Besigye and recent attacks in eastern Uganda in Soroti and Jinja.
It shows that there are no nobility amongst the cadres of NRM especially when you look at the way they leave their people behind. There so many reasons for the end game of certain long serving politicians seems like their left to rot after being loyal subjects and done all in favor of the mighty president.
So yesterday’s signing of TDA protocol proves a vital point and strength of this unity. Also of the fallout of Amama Mbabazi was inevitable after the clippings of his wings in not so distant past. Which lead to his childhood friend Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda taking over his position as the PM. That was for the big-man on top fearing the issue of aspirations that Amama might have of one day wishing to succeed the fellow leader on the throne. Something that we all know isn’t acceptable by the sole candidate in 1996, 2001, 2006, 2011 and to come in 2016.
We will see what outcome and reach this symbolic turn of events will have. Though this signing of Protocol from Amama Mbabazi should by just the signature on the paper, strengthen the movements of the opposition since they have yet another former weapon-brother of the mighty Museveni.
This also leaves Mbabazi after months into wilderness and without shade, finally getting a gracefully sit-down with fellow peers. Who has for years and decades been under the scrutiny of regime that Mbabazi has partly put into effect especially with Public Order Management Act, which will always hunt him! Like a now evil ghost that was built to suppress anybody who wasn’t directly coordinating their movement with the government of Uganda, this is initially the cronies of the NRM.
So there we have it! TDA with Dr. Kizza Besigye, Olara Otunnu, Norbert Mao, Asuman Basalirwa and so on has now Amama Mbabazi in their ranks. They can soon be sitting together in the lion’s den and plotting their next move.
We can all wonder what this will say about the issues and coming elections while the parties themselves has picked flagbearers, who will be the main candidate of the alliance and the TDA. Will be race to follow and also see how the come-up to the 2016 in the end will be looking because if it follows the start, it will be violent and dangerous to be at other rallies then ones run by Museveni and his cronies. The rest will have to wear gas-masks and heavy gear to not taste rubber bullets of the police force and the rulings from the local DPC. Peace.
ICC-CPI-20150910-PR1148: Ongwen case: Pre-Trial Chamber II recommends holding the confirmation of charges hearing in Uganda; ICC Presidency’s decision to be made in due course (10.09.2015)
Situation: Uganda
Case: The Prosecutor v. Dominic Ongwen
On 10 September 2015, Pre-Trial Chamber II of the International Criminal Court (ICC) recommended to the ICC Presidency that the hearing on the confirmation of charges against Dominic Ongwen, be held in the Republic of Uganda. The ICC Presidency will now consult with the Ugandan authorities and make a decision on this matter, in consultation with the Pre-Trial Chamber, in due course.
The confirmation of charges hearing in respect of Dominic Ongwen is scheduled to commence on 21 January 2016 and is expected to last three to no more than five working days. The confirmation of charges hearing is not a trial. It is a Pre-Trial hearing held to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to commit the case for trial before a Trial Chamber.
The Chamber considers that it would be desirable and in the interest of justice to hold the confirmation of charges hearing in Uganda, preferably in Gulu as this location is the closest to the location of the alleged crimes, or alternatively in Kampala. Also, the Chamber is of the view that the hearing on the confirmation of charges is well suited to achieve the ultimate purpose of holding proceedings away from the seat of the Court, as it is a short, self-contained, discrete procedural step. In addition, the Chamber considers that the estimated costs of organising the confirmation of charges hearing in Uganda do not appear disproportionate.
Prior to making this recommendation, the Chamber received an assessment of the ICC Registry as to the possibility of holding the confirmation of charges hearing in Uganda, as well as submissions of the Office of the Prosecutor and the Defence both in favour of attempting to bring the Court’s process closer to the communities affected by the alleged crimes.
Pursuant to Rule 100 of the Rules of Procedure and Evidence, where the Court considers that it would be in the interests of justice, it may decide to sit in a State other than the host State, for such period or periods as may be required, to hear the case in whole or in part.
Background: Dominic Ongwen was the alleged Brigade Commander of the Sinia Brigade of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA). On 8 July 2005, ICC Judges issued an arrest warrant against Mr Ongwen for 3 counts of crimes against humanity (murder; enslavement; inhumane acts of inflicting serious bodily injury and suffering) and 4 counts of war crimes (murder; cruel treatment of civilians; intentionally directing an attack against a civilian population; pillaging) allegedly committed on or about 20 May 2004 at the Lukodi IDP Camp in the Gulu District. On 16 January 2015, Dominic Ongwen was surrendered to the ICC’s custody and transferred to the ICC Detention Centre on 21 January 2015. His initial appearance before the Court took place on 26 January 2015.
Amama Mbabazi had a plan to have a consultation meeting in Jinja that got spoiled by the UPF
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3LJzgsejG4U
The Government of Uganda and its security forces goes wild again in the Eastern town of Jinja. When Amama Mbabazi tries to have yet another consulting meeting in another town, we all know that there was issues with meeting in Soroti. Today the UPF went ballistic literally in Jinja. Which isn’t very democratic, and the Electoral Commission is objective the consultation meetings while the Museveni can do the same thing for some strange reason. Who wonder what he does before he went to eat sushi in Tokyo?
One report:
“The Regional Police commander, Edgar Nyabongo, said they will not allow Mbabazi to hold a rally. The former premier is set to hold a consultative meeting at Kakindu and later address a rally at Kazimungu industrial park” (NewVision, 2015).
A well written timeline of the events transpiring today:
“2:14pm Mbabazi is 3km away from Jinja:
Jinja town is awaiting the arrival of former prime minister and presidential aspirant Amama Mbabazi. Mbabazi who left Mbale town in the morning is about to reach Jina. However, the road entering Jinja from Iganga has been blocked by the Police. Traffic is slowly building up as the vehicles are forced to use a narrow area the Police has left for the other road users. There are groups of people at the roundabout, occasionary shouting out at the Police’s decision to block Mbabazi. We are following his convoy, which is under the escort of Police” (Kirya, 2015).
“2:54pm Police clashing with Mbabazi supporters:
Mbabazi has arrived at his meeting venue, Kazimingi Industrial grounds with hundreds of supporters. He has been received by the Police and told he cannot use it. After a heated exchange between supporters and the Police, the Police fires tears gas and is still trying to disperse the crowds. The convoy is now moving towards Zamo Hotel, about a kilometre away. Mbabazi entered the town using a different route despite the fact that the highway had been blocked” (Kirya, 2015).
“4:00pm: Mbabazi bodyguards clash with Police:
Mbabazi convoy is still heading to another venue after he was blocked from using Kazimingi Industrial Park. After a heated exchange between Mbabazi and Kiira regional Police commander Edison Nyabongo, Mbabazi left for Zamo Hotel. However, the RPC had a fist fight with Mbabazi bodyguards and their leader Christopher Aine was briefly held before being released back into Mbabazi’s vehicle as they snake through the heavy jam to the meeting venue (Kirya, 2015).
Other reports from what happen at the spot:
“Most of the residents fled towards the maize mills while others scattered towards Jinja Central Market, where they remained watching what was transpiring at a safe distances. Mbabazi closely watched was happening from the roof on his vehicle while raising his ‘go forward’ symbol” (…)”One of Mbabazi’s guards known as Aine was arrested while another was shot in the leg. This morning, David Kyasanku, the Jinja Town Clerk asked Mbabazi to look for alternative venues saying both Kakindu Stadium and Kazimingi were unavailable” (…)”Heavily armed Police officers led by Haruna Isabirye, the police director operations and Edgar Nyabongo, the Kiira Regional Police Commander intercepted Mbabazi at Lubogo road on his way to Travel Hotel” (URN, 2015).
I think the reports and letters was interesting, right?
The world should know more about what is happening in Uganda, right?
Peace!
Reference:
Kirya, Donald – ‘Mbabazi in Jinja’ (10.09.2015) link: http://www.elections.co.ug/new-vision/election/1000571/live-police-assures-mbabazi-security-indoors
NewVision – ‘Police ‘force’ Mbabazi out of Mbale’ (10.09.2015) link: http://www.newvision.co.ug/news/673213-police-force-mbabazi-out-of-mbale.html
URN – ‘Police disperse Mbabazi supporters in Jinja’ (10.09.2015) link: http://www.observer.ug/news-headlines/39791-police-forces-mbabazi-out-jinja-disperses-crowd
Uganda – UPF Press Release on the Amama Mbabazi Illegal consultation meeting in Soroti Town today (09.09.2015)
Uganda – Reports on the Amama Mbabazi’s consultation meeting in Soroti; Where the UPF had an oppressive behavior and they used teargas as well.
Yet another day in the wilderness for Amama Mbabazi, the former weapon brother of Yoweri Kaguta Museveni who wishes to surpass him and become the president of the country from 2016. The reports saying even though Amama Mbabazi has sent in all the forms and letters recommended by the Electoral Commission, still the UPF harass the rally or consultation that was held on the Boma Ground.
Amama’s dream said in Seibei yesterday:
“It gives me great pleasure to be here with you today. I have come here on a consultative tour because I have a dream of becoming a president of this country” (…)”Kaguta Museveni has served us as a country and we as NRM have done well for the last 30 years but you see you still have some serious problems like poor education, poor roads, hospitals and land grabbing” (…)”Some people are saying that I have never visited the Sebei region but this is the first area I visited after we captured power in 1986 and the whole stretch is a food basket. You have the capacity to grow enough wheat to meet the demand of Uganda but because of roads you cannot” (Kay, 2015).
The Electoral Commission says about Mbabazi’s meeting plans:
The Secretary of the Electoral Commission Sam Rwakojo says: “Presidential aspirant can only hold consultative meetings but not public rallies” (…)”so what Amama Mbabazi is doing wrong” (…)”We advice presidential aspirants to carry out nation-wide consultations as provided by law not campaigning at rallies” (Insider, 2015).
Reports from official sources:
“Angry residents did not only pull down President Museveni’s campaign posters off buildings and poles along Soroti streets but also dared security operatives in running battles following Police’s disruption of Amama Mbabazi’s rally today” (…)”Police was able to disperse the residents from the Sports Ground, they started pelting the officers with stones. The residents later regrouped and managed to cut off a team of about 30 Police officers at Soroti Sports Grounds and threatened to lynch them. The officers pleaded for their lives saying they were only following orders from above” (Kisakye, 2015).
The teargas arrived. Even if it is out of date!
Reason given by Gen. Kale Kayihura:
“Huge numbers on the independence grounds (Soroti public gardens) will destroy the grass, which will cost the municipal spent large sums of money to grow”.
Fred Enage the Police Spokesman to the New Vision via Soundcloud reports today:
“The respective territorial commanders edicted and other DPCs to ensure that to police the numbers that are actually involved. If there are a hundred, if there are a thousand. What is important is that the venues are efficient to accommodate the supporters who are going to be consulted. Is it a clear place? Does it have the consent of the owner of the venue? If it is outside a town hall then we have to assure that it have time-limits to 7 am to 7 pm. If it is within the town hall then its continues” (Nsuguba, 2015).
Peace!
Reference:
Kay, Julius – ‘I have a dream of becoming president—Mbabazi’ (09.09.2015) link: http://crooze.info/i-have-a-dream-of-becoming-president-mbabazi/
Kisakye, Frank – ‘Anger in Soroti as Police disperses Mbabazi supporters’ (09.09.2015) link:
http://www.observer.ug/news-headlines/39788-anger-in-soroti-as-police-disperses-mbabazi-supporters
Nsubuga, Benon – ‘DPCs to monitor Mbabazi meetings’ (07.09.2015) link: http://www.elections.co.ug/new-vision/election/1000522/dpcs-monitor-mbabazi-meetings
The Insider – ‘EC declares Mbabazi rallies illegal’ (08.09.2015) link: http://www.theinsider.ug/ec-declares-mbabazi-rallies-illegal/
A Cup of tea: The recent Tea-export numbers from Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda
There been in the recent days fresh export numbers. And they are either positive or staggering in the different countries. I have taken the massive cup of tea and how much of the leaf that are being sold abroad. So we can see the difference between Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda. Which has stories; the most significant is Burundian Tea Export especially considering the turmoil and issues after the “election and swear-in” on the third-term of Pierre Nkurunziza. But I believe the numbers will speak for themselves. I will take it country by country.
Numbers from Burundi:
“Burundi’s tea export earnings in the first half of the year were up 61 percent on the same period of 2014” (…)”Burundi’s state-run tea board (OTB) reported first-half earnings of $17.9 million, against $11.1 million in the same period last year, on export volumes that jumped to 6,262,710 kg from 5,229,351 kg” (Nduwimana, 2015).
Numbers from Kenya:
“Kenya’s tea output fell 22 percent in the first-half of 2015 from a year before, according to data from the industry regulator, after the country was hit by drought at the start of the year” (…)”The data also showed Kenya exported 247.57 million kg of tea, down from 249.8 million kg in the first six months of last year” (Clarke, 2015).
Numbers from Rwanda:
“Rwanda’s tea export earnings increased by 27 per cent to over $6 million in July, driven by better prices on the international market, the National Agriculture Exports Board (NAEB) monthly report indicates” (…)”Tea prices were up 55 per cent to $3.49 (about Rwf2, 617.5)/kilo in July, up from 2.25 (about Rwf1, 687.5)/kilo during the same period last year, according to the report” (Tumwebaze, 2015). Auctioned of sale of tea at the Mombasa Market: “Kenya, the leading contributor on the Auction, offered 5.6 million kilogrammes and was able to sale 4.5 million, indicating a 24 per cent sale” (Nakaweesi, 2015).
Numbers from Uganda:
“The data shows value of exported tea fell by 4.6 per cent or Sh5.3 billion ($51 million) in the period to stand at Sh110.4 billion” (Irungu, 2015). More scary numbers of this cup of tea: “Uganda has about 200,000 hectares suitable for tea production, but only 14 per cent (28,000 hectares) is utilised both by small holder and estate owners” (Nakaweesi, 2015).
Afterthought:
That Burundi has gotten such a leap forward and Kenya going down because of drought. Rwanda is earning more per kilo and Uganda export also slowed down. And this is important for the rural agriculture and export business. The rural famers need security of export and prices. Therefore the worldwide change of prices together with the weak local currencies isn’t making things safe for farmers. That is not their business to keep the inflations at bay. They are making sure we’re drinking a superb cup of tea. Therefore when we see these prices the Governments has an issue to make sure the value of export is stabile for the sake of the farmers. This are not just numbers for crunchers to swallow and by “futures” to secure stock in the trade and a quick buck. They don’t see the hard-work on the ground. The farmers should be paid fair for their work and surplus of their produce. As everybody would be given what they deserve for their harvest, right? Peace.
Reference:
Clarke, David – ‘Kenya’s tea production falls 22 pct due to drought’ (08.09.2015) link: http://af.reuters.com/article/kenyaNews/idAFL5N11E2P020150908
Irungu, Geoffrey – ‘Shilling under pressure as export-import gap rises by Sh115bn’ (06.09.2015) link: http://www.businessdailyafrica.com/Export-import-gap-up-by-Sh115bn/-/539552/2860600/-/item/1/-/yhbrw0z/-/index.html
Nakaweesi, Dorothy – ‘Regional tea prices go down’ (03.09.2015) link: http://mobile.monitor.co.ug/Business/Business/Regional-tea-prices-go-down/-/2471014/2856212/-/format/xhtml/-/3qljyl/-/index.html
Nduwimana, Patrick; Drazen Jorgic and Goodman, David – ‘Burundi first-half tea earnings jump by 61 pct’ (08.09.2015) link: http://af.reuters.com/article/investingNews/idAFKCN0R80S120150908
Tumwebaze, Peterson – ‘July tea exports rake in Rwf4.7b, earnings from coffee drop 21%’ (04.09.2015) link: http://www.newtimes.co.rw/section/article/2015-09-04/192182/
Press Release: TDA condemns the violent and forceful eviction in Apa, Uganda (08.09.2015)
Kampala, Tuesday, 8 September, 2015:
The Democratic Alliance (TDA) has learnt with shock and consternation of the deployment of heavily armed police and the military in Apa Parish, Pabbo sub county, Amuru district. The aim of the deployment is to subdue the residents violently in order for the government to demarcate boundaries between the districts of Amuru and Adjumani. They also claim that they want to demarcate the boundary of East Madi Hunting Area.
In 2012 the Uganda Wildlife Authority sent armed Rangers with the backing of police and the army to forcefully evict the residents of Apaa. People were beaten up, their livestock raided, their houses burnt and their crops set on fire. Some young men were shot dead in the operation. Twenty five men were arrested, beaten severely, taken to Adjumani where they were charged with offenses ranging from criminal trespass, being idle and disorderly to threatening violence.
Primary schools were closed down, the pupils and teachers sent away and the school desks were being used as firewood by the army and police. In fact the school became the command post of the army complete with a road block along the road leading to the school.
We are aware that this forceful eviction is being driven by a profit motive. We are also aware that at the instigation of Hon. Moses Ali, the area had been offered by Adjumani district to one Bruce Martin, a foreign investor, to be developed as a private game ranch and hunting area. We feel that since the affected area is not under the exclusive jurisdiction of Adjumani district, it requires cross border collaboration and a joint discussion and a shared decision and consent by the neighboring districts of Amuru and Adjumani.
After the incident where mother of Apa exposed themselves naked be fore the government delegation in protest, government made a commitment that a border meeting would be convened to listen to the concerns of the residents and the leaders.
To our surprise, we were told that three days ago a team comprising the army, police and other government officials were already on the ground and had come in via Adjumani district and were carrying out a survey, boundary opening and were also planting mark stones. This was in total contravention of the spirit of dialogue. Leaders tried to access Apa but roadblocks were set up and they were prevented from speaking to the people.
Three people are now confirmed dead by sources in Apa. Several people suffered grave injuries and are being treated at Amuru health centre. The Member of Parliament Gilbert Olanya was arrested and is believed to be detained in Masindi police station.
We condemn the greed behind this illegal and violent eviction of people trying to settle down after twenty years in concentration camps. We demand that this illegal survey and boundary demarcation he halted immediately.
Only open and transparent dialogue with the affected communities can resolve this matter. Force and violence by the army and police will only escalate an already volatile situation. For centuries the people of Madi and Acholi have coexisted and lived peacefully and there has never been any dispute over the administrative boundaries of the two districts. A case in point is Bibia Parish which is located in Attiak Subcounty, Amuru district and has a considerable population of ethnic Madi people. The administrative boundaries of Amuru and Adjumani are well known. That is why we believe that this current dispute is being orchestrated by greedy people who have selfish interests.
We now propose the following way forward:-
1. Any attempt at a unilateral process of survey and boundary opening at the instance of Adjumani district or the central government should be halted.
2. A high level meeting of government representatives, leaders from the districts of Adjumani and Amuru should be convened by to clarify issues of contention and provide an initial platform for dialogue.
3. A meeting of the communities that reside in the affected area should be convened in order that they become part of the efforts to seek a solution rather than being victimized by decisions and actions imposed from above.
4. Trusted mediators should be sought and asked to get involved in facilitating dialogue by the affected communities. The residents of Apa have for instance proposed that Archbishop John Baptist Odama and retired Bishop Macleod Baker Ochola be asked to mediate in this conflict.
TDA stands in solidarity with the people of Apa. We demand that the media blackout and the isolation of Amuru stops. This brings back memories of Operation North when the entire region was cordoned off as soldiers violated human rights with reckless abandon.
Finally, we know that the NRM regime doesn’t adhere to the rule of law but we wish to state that the matter is before the courts of law and the court has issued an injunction against any further survey and boundary opening.
Government should act impartially and without any undue delay in order that an amicable solution to this problem be found.


























