Uganda: UN experts extremely concerned at serious rights violations linked to general elections (13.04.2021)

GENEVA (13 April 2021) — UN human rights experts* today called on the Government of Uganda to immediately stop the brutal crackdown on its political opponents which began in the lead-up to January’s disputed general elections and continues to suppress opposition supporters.

“We are particularly alarmed by the reports of widespread and continued repression against opposition leaders and their supporters,” the experts said. “More than 50 people have been killed as a result of the brutal policing methods, including the use of live ammunition fired without warning, and at least 20 others have lost their lives in incidents linked to the electoral context.”

They urged the authorities to immediately and thoroughly investigate and prosecute all human rights violations, including allegations of extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrest and detention, enforced disappearance, torture and ill treatment, deprivation of due process of law and assault on freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.

Several thousand people have been arrested and while some have been released, others have allegedly been tortured before appearing in military courts, the experts said. Relatives of others often do not know their fate or whereabouts. “It is outrageous that those who are requesting information about their forcibly disappeared relatives are further subjected to reprisals and arrest,” the independent experts said.

“We are urging the Government of Uganda to take all necessary measures to immediately stop the concealing of information concerning individuals arrested in the context of the general elections, a practice amounting to enforced disappearance, and reveal their fate and whereabouts.

“The arbitrary house arrest between 14 and 25 January 2021 of the prominent opposition leader known as Bobi Wine (Mr. Kyagulanyi), which a High Court ruled to be unconstitutional, is symptomatic of the flagrant suppression tactics of the opposition and the absence of due process of law,” the experts said.

Opposition leaders and their supporters have protested against alleged electoral irregularities and the prohibition of gatherings under the guise of preventing the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The massive deployment of armed forces in cities, as well as the intimidation and attacks of opposition observers at polling stations, reportedly affected voter turnout; while the interruption of internet services slowed the voting process and affected counting.

“The curtailing of freedom of press and media, the intimidation, ill-treatment and assaults of journalists covering the elections and especially the opposition is simply unacceptable. The Government must provide immediate remedies and reparation to all the victims,” the experts said.

ENDS

****The experts:* Mr. Tae-Ung Baik (Chair), Mr. Henrikas Mickevičius, (Vice Chair), Ms. Aua Balde, Mr. Bernard Duhaime and Mr. Luciano Hazan, Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances; Mr. Nils Melzer****, Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment;Mr. Morris Tidball-Binz****, Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions*; ***Irene Khan, Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Opinion and Expression*; **Clément Nyaletsossi Voule*** Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association

Special Rapporteurs are part of what is known as the *Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. Special Procedures, the largest body of independent experts in the UN Human Rights system, is the general name of the Council’s independent fact-finding and monitoring mechanisms that address either specific country situations or thematic issues in all parts of the world. Special Procedures’ experts work on a voluntary basis; they are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work. They are independent from any government or organization and serve in their individual capacity.*

For more information and media requests , please contact Ms. Yayé Ba (yba@ohchr.org/+41 22 917 99 32)

For media enquiries regarding other UN independent experts, please contact Renato de Souza ( +41 22 928 9855 / *rrosariodesouza@ohchr.org), Jeremy Laurence (+ 41 22 917 7578 /* jlaurence@ohchr.org) and Kitty McKinsey (kmckinsey@ohchr.org)

Follow news related to the UN’s independent human rights experts on Twitter@UN_SPExperts.

National Youth Council: Displeasure about the Cabinet Decision to Scrap the National Youth Council through Merging (13.04.2021)

The NRM MPs at the Kyankwanzi retreat bonded over Bobi Wine

One of the biggest benefits out of this retreat has been to enable members to bond with one another. We expect that this bonding will help members to relate well with one another in the 11th Parliament” (National Resistance Movement, 12.04.2021).

We know that the President and the ruling regime have been focused on Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine. It is now clear that its their message. They are really fearing the “upstart” and his political party. If they didn’t feel it like that. They wouldn’t use the start of the retreat with the newly elected Members of Parliament (MPs) to be aimed at him.

If the NRM retreat was about their plans and the manifesto was the vital for the 11th Parliament. The MPs telling this in secrecy wouldn’t leak this information. Because, the NRM is clearly looking at Bobi Wine and continuing to go after him.

As it is reported today:

A source who happens to be an MP from Eastern Uganda says since the Kyankwanzi retreat kicked off on Friday, the main discussion has been hinged on the National Unity Platform party leader, Hon. Kyagulanyi Ssentamu Robert aka Bobi Wine. “We expected the heated speakership debate to be settles but up to now, our trainers are preaching only Bobi Wine and NUP since Friday,” the MP told this reporter. “We are being told not to allow Bobi Wine to confuse the youths. I don’t what our trainers mean by that,” he adds” (Emmanuel Busingye – ‘Bobi Wine is Uganda’s enemy, NRM tells MPs in Kyankwanzi retreat’, 12.04.2021, Ekyooto.co.uk).

This is not shocking… and it is anticipated in some matter of fashion. The NRM have targeted and the state has targeted him and his party. That is a simple verdict, as everything he has done has either become illegal, detained or even silenced. The man cannot do anything without getting into trouble.

The NRM and the state is in default setting: “Go after Bobi Wine. All means possible and no method is to much”. That is why they had to discuss Bobi Wine and NUP at the Kyankwanzi retreat. The NRM will have the majority in the 11th Parliament. They are the ones that can set the policies and the legislation ahead of the next term. However, they are busy finding ways to undermine the opposition. Because, they stand for so little that they have to go after him.

This shows how little the ability and power means to the NRM. When they are using their time to plan the 11th Parliament policies. That is such a waste of time and shows their lack of progress. This is the fellows who promise securing people’s future, but they are lost in the whirlwind of politicking.

It is clearly a sign that Bobi Wine will be the enemy of the state and his party will be the aim. That is what is happening and it will continue until the end of time. As long as Bobi Wine dares to challenge Museveni and the NRM. They should have capacity to make a use of their mighty power. Instead, they are showing how they fear the opposition. That is ironic and tragic at the same time. Peace.

Opinion: Museveni should just graze those cows…

The President since January 26th 1986 should resign and retire. The old man with the hat and advanced age should be humble and hang up his boots. Thought we know deep down in our hearts that this man will only retire when he catches his last breath. This sort of man doesn’t retire or let go. No, his a man who will prolong his stay and overstay in office.

President Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni will not retire. Though it would be a friendly surprise to see him constantly be grazing his cows at various of farms or ranches he owns. Where he could drive between them in his SUV and not be continuing his overdue time in office. However, this man who came in with the gun, will die by the gun or if not… by age.

Yoweri will not go out easy. That is why his still there and has outlived most of his enemies. The old man has overcome big hurdles and even gotten away from several of wars. This man has gotten rid of people who could have succeeded him. However, that will not be told stories about now. He has also been implicated in changes of powers in the neighbouring countries as well. That has been done to further his role and also wanting to become a “kingmaker”. Where everyone has to be loyal to him.

President Museveni wants a favourable legacy and known as farmer. Though his CV is filled with bloodshed, conflicts and use of war. This man is a General and a Warlord. Museveni will not be known for peace or negotiations. He will only be able to settle the score across the borders, but never within. In his own neighbourhoods or districts he will get rid of the enemies or silence them with compromising agreements. Where he get the upper-hand and sold out their causes to buy “peace” with him. Museveni doesn’t accept to loose, but he will win by all tricks possible.

That is why the pictures of his grazing the cows is fine and dandy. Nevertheless, the farmer should stay on the farm. He should maybe avoid the State House or politics in general. As it seems his now fitting here more and is more relaxed. Instead of stressing with politics and politicking. He could just chill and be out of sight, and out of mind. That would be healthy for the Republic.

After his been for years now the Personification of the State. The President should try to figure out a way to retire or going into another chapter of life. Surely, the President fears to do so. Since, he has created so many enemies. The old man has used power with ruthless force and the general public isn’t really loving the old man.

The President should consider this, but we know that won’t happened. The old man has promised several times of retiring. Promised to not to change the Constitution or laws to fit his prolonged rule. Nevertheless, betray all of those and hope people forgets.

President Museveni should just stay on the farm and leave the general public a rest. We know that will not happen. The President will only bury all of his enemies and use the state for his own benefits for yet another term. We can expect him to continue this scheme until death. That is just who he is and what his reign is all about.

There is nothing else to speculate on and the pictures on his farms is just to make him more a “commoner”. Though his richer than God and has more money than anyone else in the Republic. Museveni and his family owns the vital businesses and keys to Republic. That is the general rule and how things are going. As Museveni micro-manage everything and has to have his verdict before things get resolved.

The “high above” will stay the “high above”. Nothing will change there and he will not change too. That is a cause you can give up. Even if it would be progress and would be huge achievement to have a peaceful transition without guns involved and have a former president grazing some cows. Peace.

Bobi Wine’s Team has now been detained for a 100 days!

Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine and his team was arrested on the 30th December 2020 in Kalangala District. At that point the authorities, the army and Police Force was co-ordinating an operation to detain the Campaign Team for the National Unity Platform (NUP) Presidential Candidate. This was weeks ahead of the polls in January 2021.

We have now seen the Bobi Wine team being behind bars for 100 days. They have been charged and been presented in front of the Court Martial. This meaning civilians captured for no apparent reason is charged in a manner of soldiers or high ranking officials in the military.

They have no been for months been detained in the Kitalya Prison. These are political prisoners who are just there because they are associated with Bobi Wine. There is no other proof or reason for their arrest. This is why there been no evidence or affidavit settling these cases. They are just kept as a retaliation for going against the incumbent and the Self-Styled President for Life.

Over 90 people is kept detained in this facility just for a simple reason: They offended the Don. The junta leader and President for life. They went ahead and campaigned for Bobi Wine. That is the cardinal sin of their actions. However, there is nothing treasonable about that or “illegal”. Unless, the state revises all laws and makes it illegal to campaign against his reign. That is the only thing missing from the ageing president.

A President who is smugly spending time time with musician Akon and dropping propaganda from his farm. They are clearly living like nothing happened and the efforts of the elections is supposed to be forgotten already. The state has just kept over 90 people locked up without any probable cause. There is no “evidence” or “intelligence” proving the reason for their arrests. Other than retaliation and retribution politically. The state is only doing this to prove a point. That no sincere candidacy or party should challenge the High Above.

That is why they are still detained and in detention. That is done in such a fashion, which is foolish at best. The Bobi Wine’s Team was arrested on the 30th December 2020 and this was done for “crimes” committed on the 3rd January 2021. So, these men who was already detained and pre-emptive arrested committed a crime 4 days later. That is really a work of magician and Houdini would want to know how they we’re able to do that trick.

Still, we are supposed to spread the good message that Museveni is gracing his cows. While Bobi Wine’s Team is still kept detained and not accessing their freedom. They have lost their liberty and rights to be politically affiliated. That is the sort of message we get out of this. The old man is telling the world in the Republic there is only officially one party and if your not behind that. You deserve to rot in jail. This is at least the memo I get from this. Peace.

Opinion: They don’t need a ‘bad dream’ when people living in a ‘nightmare’

I assured them that they were very lucky to have woken up from such a ‘bad dream’ because we were so ready for them. I thanked them for realizing the need to come forward so we can work together” Yoweri Kaguta Museveni at Entebbe State House (30.03.2021).

After 35 years in power, the Ugandan President have nothing to offer. He held a meeting with “disgruntled youth” and Inter-Religious Council yesterday. These is unofficial group of youth and religious leaders gathered to “buy peace”. However, that is a false hope at this point.

When citizens are taken by drones, arraigned in military courts and served injustice. It is hard to get a real peace. When citizens are dying, because they got tortured, detention without a trial and kept incommunicado for days. People who are affiliated and representing the opposition is “fair game”. Therefore, it is hard to believe that the President really cares about the liberty, justice and freedom for all.

President Museveni is the nightmare for so many. His not delivering anything else than a despots rule. His the Grand Dictator who reigns supreme and uses all parts of the state machinery to get rid of his enemies. These is his own citizens and their only sin is supporting someone else than him. That is the tragic reality in 2021. This is the fundamental change he offered in 1986. Instead of Idi Amin and Obote, we have Museveni who acts like a forever monarch in office.

He got nothing to bring to the table. He can only pay off fools like Balaam and Jennifer Full Figure, but he cannot bring changes. Except if the World Bank or International Monetary Funds are doling out funds blindly. The President will not work hard or prove anything. He will only go after his nemesis and arch-enemies. If that is Besigye or Bobi Wine. That is what he does and continues to do so.

This isn’t a bad dream, but a real life nightmare. When associates of politicians are lingering in safe-houses, behind bars and charged just because they are affiliated someone else than him. It is really rich that when people turn to the President they are suddenly living in a dream. Certainly, that hasn’t happen to everyone else who has gone from the opposition to the NRM. If that was true, then certain individuals would live better then they actually do.

The President cannot run away from the injustice that his serving the general public. His Excellency cannot just bash in glory … and think he can wash away his sins. The blood is on his hands. The citizens who died for just participating in demonstrations. When the state sent soldiers from Somalia to go after them. That is the sort of finalization of the nightmare the President is serving.

Museveni can speak sweet, but his actions is bitter. There is no denying in that. He got a new prison filled with opposition members. He doesn’t need Luzira prison as much. The Court Martial is not freeing them, because he wants to prove point.

So, when the President speaks now. The acts of the state is more alarming and nothing is happening about it. The various security organizations are keeping citizens behind bars and without a fair trail. People are returning with scars for life and some even turn up dead. Therefore, there is a real nightmare going on and its happening as we speak.

He can be spotted with a few “disgruntled youths” but that is only for PR. The reality is still dark and grim. There is little hope or anything that shows progress. Only more destruction and devastation. Because, the only things that matters in the end… is that his in office and the Head of State. The rest is just history and present day, which we all live through. We should not accept his means to an end. If we do… then we are accepting the nightmare that his giving to so many people and they are not allowed to wake up. Peace.

Opinion: The battle for speaker is a futile enterprise

This happened in 2016..

Been reading comments by opposition supporters and others who is suddenly addressing the National Unity Platform plan to field a speaker in the race for the 11th Parliament. They are the biggest opposition party and have a loyal following. So, I don’t see a problem with them doing so.

While Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) supporters are calling foul and saying the opposition should support their candidate Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda, the Opposition Whip in the 10th Parliament.

Because the FDC supporters are now calling the NUP meal-ticket and only thinking about their stomachs for not supporting Ssemujju Nganda. Don’t they see their twisted tongues with this?

They are the ones that is always talking about multi-party elections and having more challengers to have a real choice. Why not have it in the Speakership race this time around?

We know the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and their Special Groups MPs will vote in unison for the NRM candidate and the ones decided to be picked by NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC). That wouldn’t be shocking at all and would be mandatory at this point.

There is nothing wrong with Ssemujju Nganda. He has experience and is a bright fella. I would not deny him that. However, the other opposition parties should field their candidates the way they see fit. It is not like the FDC is not running candidates everywhere they can at any given time. The FDC have run in every by-election they can and rarely run joint-candidates with the opposition. Therefore, it is a bit hypocritical to blame the NUP at this point for fielding their if they do.

This race is already won by the NRM. No matter who the opposition is fielding…. It will end nowhere. Just like the “independent” MP Muhammed Nsereko after the previous election tried to become speaker as well. Ssemujju Nganda will end up with the same results. The NRM will not let the Opposition have this privilege and this high office. I doubt that and it would be a shock if that would ever happen.

Therefore, when I read FDC supporters calling the idea of seeking office of other automatically “meal-ticket” and only feeding their own tummy. Maybe they should do some soul searching and look at their own. They are the ones who field candidates at any By-Election possible and rarely seek for joint candidates. The FDC have usually, if possible fielded their own. So, that there are one from them and from others. Which the FDC should, but then they shouldn’t attack the NUP for doing thing.

The FDC have been vital and been the biggest opposition party. They have been on the frontline an fought for a good cause for so long. That is undeniable. They have been a party, that can still inspire and be important in the times ahead. However, they should also show some humility and grace towards the newcomer.

Bobi Wine and NUP should show their strength and use their place in parliament. Not only be friendly cousin and await what the FDC does. The NUP runs on their own agenda, just like the FDC does. They are maybe in some respects working for the same ends, but they trying different approaches to it.

This is why. When I am reading dismissing and arrogant stances towards the NUP possibly fielding someone in this race. I am in sorrow and disbelief. The same party never really gave way to anyone or only did so… when they candidate was the top notch. The Besigye was in the IPC Alliance (2011). FDC was wise enough not to joint the TDA (2016) and neither did they have joint candidates in 2021. So, why should NUP just bow down to the FDC? Who are they kidding here?

Ssemujju Nganda might be the best speaker in the whole wide world. He might be a great narrator and have a beautiful mind. Still, his the FDC candidate and rightfully so. The NUP can decide either their own or not. Just like the FDC could choose another path as well, if they pleases to do so.

There got to be some sense to these proceedings and some justification. I am just disgusted by reading the disregard for NUP’s own way here. They should choose their path, just like the FDC does. That is only fair. Unless, the FDC has now a new plan of more joint work and actually forge alliance for the betterment with others. I am looking forward to be seeing that. Since it’s a decade ago since the IPC was a thing and the United Forces of Change (UFC) ahead of 2021 haven’t done anything useful. Peace.

Uganda Civil Society Leaders’ Demand Immediate End to Abductions, Torture, Illegal Detention and Extra Judicial Killings of Ugandan Citizens (23.03.2021)

Opinon: CJ Owiny-Dollo needs his own ‘Plan B’

“Supreme Court Justice, Esther Kisakye has accused Chief Justice, Alfonse Owiny-Dollo, of confiscating her file which includes her minority ruling on the withdrawal of the presidential poll petition. The justices are Thursday are giving a detailed judgment on why they allowed former presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi to withdraw his poll petition. Kyagulanyi, who ran to the highest court to challenge the outcomes of the presidential elections later applied to withdraw his case citing several reasons including the kidnap of his witnesses and bias on the side of the court. “I am here today to give my ruling in the recently withdrawn presidential petition. What is of surprise to me is that my file has apparently been confiscated on the orders of the chief justice,” Kisakye said. She said she has asked the court staff to recover her file so that she can give her dissenting ruling” (Betty Amamukirori – ‘Election petition: Justice Kisakye accuses Chief Justice of confiscating her file’ 18.03.2021, New Vision).

Chief Justice Owiny-Dollo is now undressed. The whole Supreme Court and their planned efforts are now proven in the courts of opinion. The total shambolic affairs is now in the public view. Even a dissenting Justice Kisakye wasn’t allowed and her minority was reported to be confiscated. That says it all really.

There was no factor or ability for anyone to overturn or nullify the Presidential Elections. The ideal of equal before the law or even serve documents was to be finessed. This was all just the final stroke of legitimizing the elections and getting everyone to mov-on. As the legal position and verdict would seal it for the future. It would be a final destination and Museveni would ride to infinity.

We knew the courts would be one sided and they would find all reasons to vote in favour of the incumbent. That was well versed reality and there was no other way this could go. Therefore, the recent revelation only proves why it was right for Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine to withdraw. As there was no option or opportunity for a fair verdict. The court was settled even before the evidence was coming to them.

It is now time for CJ Owiny-Dollo to write his thesis on ‘Plan B’ or find his own. Because, his career and life now depend on Museveni. He got nothing else. Unless, he suddenly wants to go rouge, which is very unlikely. It will take a master stroke for him to suddenly turn on his master now. Especially, since he is indebted and holds this role because of him.

With that in mind. The CJ Owiny-Dollo should consider his way forward. As his legacy is now tarnished. All his career and everything he possibly stood for is now into ashes. There are no redeeming qualities there. He risked it all and took the prestigious appointment but has squander his own name.

He is now a loyal puppet of the President. That is all he is. The Judicial puppet and “Yes-Man” who delivers what the “high above” says. That is the route has chosen. Surely, there are so current pay-offs and wealth attributed to it. However, those will not last forever and whatever his getting. Its not enough to damage hurt.

Bobi Wine and the NUP have now shown the world the state of the judicial independence in the Republic. They have proven it by the acts and the way this has played out. Now, the President and his team can only try shield over the fact. But… this final act only prove what some of us has said for a long time. The Supreme Court and others are there to serve man and not serve justice. Peace.

Bobi Wine put on House Arrest Again since 15th March

The National Unity Platform (NUP) did an unannounced demonstration in the Central Business District or around Constitutional Square in Kampala on the 15th March 2021. There the Party President and leader of NUP Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine was arrested together with the other leaders participating in the protest.

Now we are on the 17th March 2021 and since then the politician and opposition leaders is house-arrested. He was arrested and dropped off in his home on the 15th March 2021. There is still no charges or warrants on Bobi Wine. The state haven’t come with a official reason for this.

Bobi Wine haven’t been sentenced or even gotten any official reason for this. Still, the army and police is enforced around his compound in Magere, Wakiso district. This is happening just like it was to Besigye in the past.

This is not shocking and is how the government operates towards its leaders of opposition. The state targets them, use surveillance and monitor their movements. Therefore, this here is not new. Neither is it a new level of oppression. Bobi Wine is just getting the Besigye treatment. Where everything he does is illegal and “inciting violence” by just showing up outside his home.

If things are like the last election in 2016. Then Bobi Wine will struggle and be behind bars, get charged with treason and taken by a chopper to Northern Region to be detained. Later get flown down after being Court Martial and being kept for months in Luzira Maximum Prison.

Bobi Wine will be in trouble and that’s because his the symbol of everything Museveni is not. This is why they will go after him and vilify him. That is what they do… and they will continue to do so. Peace.