Opinion: The UPDF spokesperson wants to silence the torture debate

I call on Ugandans to go slow on the torture debate. I am personally going slow about it. I’m studying the circumstances to make an informed opinion on the torture. But personally I do not condone torture, we have some elements in the opposition who simply want to score political mileage by discrediting our president Museveni. They want to show him as a bad leader to the outside world” – Uganda People’s Defence Forces Spokesperson Lt. Felix Kulayigye

This shows how insincere the army and the National Resistance Movement (NRM) is as the state doesn’t want to be transparent and be held accountable for their actions. The UPDF spokesperson wants to silence and not talk about the torture cases. They want it gone away and in the dark like the ungazetted safe-houses.

The UPDF and NRM just wants to dismiss and downplay the severity of the torturing which is happening in the Republic. We know the Human Rights Reports on Torture has shown an extent of it and what the government don’t want out in public. As the UPDF Spokesperson feels this is destroying the image of Museveni.

Well, Museveni don’t need the help of the opposition to destroy his image. That his doing perfectly well… on his own and doesn’t need any help. The President and his Modus Operandi is destroying it on the regular. If people have to flee into exile, activists lingering in jail without charges or due process, safe-houses and various of security agencies delivering injustice towards the citizens. This is the destructive manner of which Museveni name is tarnished.

He cannot help himself and the UPDF spokesperson is in the wrong. Yes, the opposition will use this for political mileage. That is true, but they are doing it for the reasons of injustice and impunity of the authorities. The Security Agencies shouldn’t torture in the first place … and it has been done from the on-set of the NRA takeover in 1986. Therefore, the spokesperson should know better and we know the state haven’t changed it’s stripes.

Museveni is a bad leader and uses torture as a means to strike fear and intimidate. The President uses all the security agencies to kidnap, keeping people incommunicado and torture civilians without any due process by the courts of law. There is no equal before the law, because the civilians and dissidents are without charges or sentenced treated as criminals in these instances. Therefore, the Museveni will be remembered for this.

UPDF spokesperson cannot deny it and the reality is that the NRM haven’t fundamentally changed things, as it using the same means as its predecessors. That’s why they don’t want people to talk about it. The acts of vile force on innocent civilians should never be accepted and the outcries are righteous.

The security agencies shouldn’t do these things and the laws blocking it mute or silent ones, which isn’t in effect or used. Since, there is no real consequences to the ones ordering it and the ones actually doing it is a secret as well. The victim cannot know who they are and often these are plain clothed men who beats and uses torture techniques, which secures their faces from not being shown to the victim. Therefore, the state and the ones doing it’s bidding can get away with it.

These sorts of stories shall not be forgotten. There is unknown amount of people who has been tortured, kept in the dungeons or safe-houses, as the agencies are able to get away with these practice and it has no real consequence for the ones on top. That is the brutal truth and President Museveni name will forever be associated with this. Just like the NRA has tarnished the name of Obote and Amin for their crimes in their time. It is his turn now. Peace.

Opinion: Tayebwa’s own fault-line

Chief Whip Thomas Tayebwa’s letter dated 10th February 2022 on the censure of Security Minister Jim Muhwezi is a failure and an epic blow of a defence of it’s own. We know that Tayebwa is using all means to defend the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and the majority party in Parliament.

First reason of the Chief Whip is that it’s politically motivated. Well, if things aren’t politically motivated in Parliament. I don’t know where else the Leader of Opposition Mathias Mpuuga should act politically. Secondly, the Chief Whip knows the reason and that’s because of how the state operates in concerns with the usage of torture. The LoP does this as answer towards the inaction and continues usage of it towards citizens, opposition and dissidents in general. When calling it politically motivated, it is degrading the urgency of the censure in the first place.

When he continues that the Government doesn’t have torture as a policy. We still doesn’t see any stoppage of the usage of it. Neither is there any actions towards the safe-houses and the security agencies, which is involved in the torturing of people. The government haven’t gone after the ones ordering or ensuring the act to happen. It is just downplaying and disregarding it, which he does in his letter to NRM MPs of the 11th Parliament.

In the last paragraph of the first page, he calls the censure a planned way to keep Muhwezi relevant in the media and a “blackmailing our government”. Which is very striking… The LoP is doing his job and what his supposed to do. His supposed to test, prove and challenge the government on what it does. His not a puppeteer only dancing to the songs of the NRM. However, that is the only thing Tayebwa knows and that’s evident.

On the beginning on the second page, Tayebwa says something very revealing and shows his sentiments: “As the NRM family in the House, an attack on one of us is an attack on all of us”. He is speaking with similar way as the President. This just shows the NRA Way and it’s evident. As the NRM should as a governing party be held accountable for their actions, but the Chief Whip cannot manage or muster the courage to do that.

Yes, I never believed in the censure of Muhwezi from Mpuuga, but not because the intention isn’t good, but because it is. However, Mpuuga will not win this and I don’t think that’s the way it will go out anyway. As Tayebwa and the NRM has no plans to listen or understand the grievances of the opposition. That’s because Tayebwa and his party takes this way to personal. When they are the ones who are torturing and doing injustice on the regular to civilians without any proper court judgment or even charging they are violating their rights. Therefore, Tayebwa is forgetting this piece of information and reality of which too many people have lived through.

Tayebwa should be better, but I think that’s to much to ask. His one of them and it’s very evident. He wants to die on a hill of impunity and injustice, instead of trying to be sincere. Because, he knows if these things was tested or investigated properly. It would be earth shattering and the extent of the usage of it would tarnish the whole party and government. They cannot muster the courage to be upright about themselves. This is why this is a personal attack on the party and the whole family.

They can claim and alleged torture is happening, but it’s been part of the Modus Operandi since they took power in January 1986. It has been a tool and a way of spreading fear in the population to be loyal to the cause and it’s President. Peace.

Opinion: The Movement apologists has an unforgiving job…

Lest we forget.

We shall never forget their sacrifice and their eternal wisdom, which reflects so abundantly when they speak, write or profess their intelligence to the masses. It is unique and we all should aspire to their craft. As these gentlemen and ladies has a job, which we all should be grateful not to have.

The defenders of the National Resistance Movement and the Government of Uganda has a tireless operation to uphold. It has to make corruption into minor mistakes and make torture into a common occurrence. That’s what they do and they cannot faith in humanity, as they cannot dwell on the consequences of their actions. As the wounded, harmed and extra judicial killings has to explained by someone and the apologists are plenty.

The NRM has government spokespersons, media houses and representatives who is all singing the same songs. They are downplaying the severity and mocking the reality. It doesn’t matter, because they are eating and the plights of others doesn’t matter. The NRM has the power by the grips of the guns and by ruling the whole system with an iron-fist.

We know that the State House and inner-circle decrees, orders ensure the daily operations, which doesn’t follow constitutional order or protocol. That’s why we know that the Presidential Directives often supersedes laws and regulations, which just happen to be ascended into law by the same man. That makes it hectic to follow and also ensure the rights of the people.

As the President and his loyal men are all working to keep the system intact. It doesn’t matter at what cost and which sacrifice. As long as the sacrifice isn’t theirs and the ones in close association. Since, the citizens and dissidents has to pay the price. If it is kidnappings, kept incommunicado, tortured and later charged with bogus claims of criminal intent.

That’s why it must be a hectic mess to defend it. Not only stand your ground, but be flexible with the truth. As we know they have to dismiss and disregard the claims, the alleged and even the inevitable truth. Which flexes on their eyes and the facts remains the impunity and violations of human rights happens on the daily.

Yes, the NRM has instated courts and laws, but they are subjectively used, in a manner, which seems to help the elite, but be a bondage to everyone who dissent to the first family. That’s why it’s must be a brilliant attempt to spread the messages on all sorts of platforms. This is why the GCIC, Uganda Media Centre and all other avenues to ensure the people get memo. However, they cannot blindfold them all and neither will everyone trust their messages either.

That’s because in this day and age. They cannot control social media, the way things goes viral and the way to escape the planned news-cycles. As people can release, publish and even film on videos on their own. In such a way, that the state cannot contain or even get a full grasp of all things online. That is why they have to silence loudmouth critics and use computer misuse act and offensive communications as a tool to silence the ones who dares to speak with contempt.

In this manner, we know the double jeopardy, as the President himself is vulgar and has a vicious rhetoric. He isn’t a soft spoken angel of God, neither is his avenging son. However, the ones going after them is violated. While they are eating lavish lunches in the State House and elsewhere on the public’s dime. Therefore, it is unjustified to use these means against others. When you yourself does practically the same.

That’s why you know the Movement apologists has a terrible job. They have defend the use of bullets, massacres and extra judicial killings. They have to defend the rigged elections and the ballooned state, expensive government expenditure without growing domestic revenue. That’s what they have to do and on a daily basis. These folks has defend medical tourism, while blocking dissidents from getting fit-to-fly papers. That’s what they are up to and that’s the brave world of the NRM’s current Kampala.

It’s disgraceful and distasteful, but the mere reality of what they are willing to do. Noting is untouchable and all things can be corrupted. That’s what they believe in and they hope to catch others in their trap. This is the way they move and inevitably someone will fall for their tricks. However, the brutal reality will catch up on these men and ladies. The moment they fall-out with the unceremonious monarchy of Rwakitura farm.

At that time… the apologists will met the same fate, as the people asked to follow laws and regulations, as they are spared no after thought and goes through the painful adventure of the security agencies. They will taste the blood, the harm and be wounded like all the other people before them. Because, they knew this, but looked the other way. However, if they fall-out and becomes critical. They will meet the makers of their careers and it will not be much of habeas corpus for the courts or concern for the 48 hours before taken to court. As they are assessed in the same manner of which the former dissidents where.

These people could have known better, but they think they are supreme. Because, at this very moment … it might be wealth and fancy titles. Tomorrow might be devastation and utter impunity served their way. Peace.

Opinion: Muhwezi will not fall but if he falls [it will be as soft as a feather]

The Leader of Opposition Mathias Mpuuga is now planing to censor the Minister of Security Jim Muhwezi. The idea itself is good and the intent is honest, but the reality is faulty from the on-set.

Yes, the opposition does the right thing to go after the Minister of Security in the concerns of the torture of civilians, activists and political dissidents in the republic. That is a righteous affair, but it will not change the fact or the system of which has since it’s inception done this.

To take down Muhwezi would be a victory, but it would be as short-sighted as taking down Henry Tumukunde or Kale Kayihura. Yes, you get rid of some leaders who has used their office for their benefit and straight up being loyal soldiers of the State House. Alas, it seems all good, but the next man will be as vicious as the last.

As long as the National Resistance Movement (NRM) are in power and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni reigns supreme. There will no difference in concern towards torture. Torturing his enemies and dissidents has been Modus Operandi. That’s why going for Muhwezi isn’t solving the issue. It is making one man take some responsibility. However, Tumukunde and Kayihura had to fall over the BodaBoda 2010, but they had no real costs of doing so.

Kayihura is walking around like a free man and Tumukunde hasn’t paid a price as well. Yes, Kayihura was charged but later dropped. Tumukunde did spend some time behind bars, but was later allowed back at the round table. Therefore, there ones who do fall… only does so temporarily and later be back in the good graces.

So, if Muhwezi was to take one for the team. It will only be symbolic and the costs will not be anything substantial.

What is also very profound and real about all of this… is that Muhwezi didn’t invent the system or the modus operandi. No, his just carrying on tradition and doing the bidding, which all his predecessors did. He is just continuing the same methods and security agencies are acting accordingly.

Muhwezi has inherited this one and just following protocol. His not an inventor, entrepreneur or a leader of men. No, his a token soldier of the NRM and a part of the kitchen cabinet. Yes, his useful as a figurehead and a proof that loyalty pays off. However, you don’t have him there out of brilliance or skills of governing. No, then you would have hired an able body who actually could do his job.

Mpuuga is doing the right thing, but it is useless, which is tragic. Not because the 11th Parliament and the Majority MPs will accept the censoring of Muhwezi. Well, its useless, because it doesn’t matter who is the Ministry of Security. That’s because of Lt. Muhoozi Kainerubaga and his father. They are really the heads and the ones running it… and they can do whatever they want. Especially, if someone offend anyone with a working brain-cell within the State House. Then the whole hell will break loose and the tricks of old will return on new flesh.

This shouldn’t shock anyone, but that is the case… Mpuuga could censor anyone with a pulse with the NRM and most likely Museveni would find a knob-head to takeover and the results would be the same. That’s why he has hand-picked fishermen and not people who are in their field or capable of running things.

It is for a reason, so that he can control it and they can catch a check. In the matter of security and the security agencies. If it is UPF, UPDF, ISO, CMI or SFC… you can change the leadership, but the results are most likely becoming the same. As the torturing will not stop and will only cease to buy peace. Just like the newest IGP Okoth Ochola suspended the institution of Nalufenya for a moment, but it returned to relevance later when the blow-back went away. Therefore, the ones believing a change…

Well… Museveni promised you “No Change” and that’s what his giving you on a daily basis. That is the sinister truth in this matter. The blood and suffering will continue. The handlers and big-men is calling it a “mistake” and downplaying the severity of it. That’s what they do and it’s deliberate …

Getting Muhwezi sacked will only give leverage to another NRA historical or trickster of Tumwine fashion. Who knows if Tumukunde could be revived to prominence again… but God knows that the pain and suffering isn’t over.

The torturing will continue as long as the big-men, as the men who decree and orders this isn’t touched. The ones who is in-charge has no price to pay. The only thing happening is musical chairs and the ones tortured is listening to the boring song yet again. They know the hook and the drum-solo. However, the pain and the plight is far from over…

Mpuuga is showing trust in the system and the institution of the Parliament. However, his not battling a system of laws or rule of law. He is fighting a warlord and a tyrant who plays different sort of game. If his trick would work… he would have to weaken the tyrant and he isn’t… only weakening one of his pawns and that one can easily be traded.

Muhwezi will just return. He can go into scandals after scandals. Jim can do whatever he likes and he will return to office. That is just how the things are moving and going after him is futile. Not because it isn’t the right thing, but because this is the system that Museveni has created around him.

That’s why we know Muhwezi will not make a difference and just be a tool of the system. He is inter-changeable, but also useful. Because, he will be loyalty unto death and that’s all Museveni seeks of his comrades. The others haven’t understood that and if you do… he will reward you and even if fail the government. He will offer you another part after it’s all water under the bridge.

The same would happen here and if he was to fall. Then some of the other NRA Historicals could return and with a vengeance… Peace.

Opinion: Minister Mukasa is talking about torture like it is an alleged activity of the state

Torture is not a policy of government nor is it even a method of interrogation. The law on this is very clear. The President has in his own words stated the position and policy of government” – Minister Mukasa (08.02.2022).

Wilsom Muruli Mukasa, the Minister of Justice amd Constitutional Affairs dropped a statement on torture in the Republic. The Minister is just proving how ridiculous and tedious it is to challenge this in the 11th Parliament. As the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and the Security Agencies will not looking into the Modus Operandi of the ISO, CMI, SFC, LDUs, UPF or UPDF. Therefore, we know the statement delivered and spoken about by the minister is initially pointless.

What is released in the government statement is nonsense. It is like the pictures, the witness stories and even the court cases are alleged affairs. We are just to believe the high ranking officials and call it a day. That is just over the top stupid and the hardliners of the state should look into themselves. Because, this is getting really dumb and the dumber it becomes… the more foolish is the defences of the state.

All the persons in the custody of the government agencies can and will be accounted for in accordance with the law” (Mukasa, 08.02.2022).

Sometimes I wonder, if these high ranking officials and defenders of the state lives in the same country as the rest of them. If they are just living in such lavish mansions and away from the grim reality for the common folk. That they cannot see, touch or even comprehend what is happening around them.

This is not the first time a high ranking official does this and it is not like the state has a clean slate. The state has a long record of human rights violations and torture is just one of them. Yes, the state has laws, which makes it illegal, but that doesn’t stop it from doing it. Neither does it stop it from having “safe-houses” or the usage of torture as technique to intimidate or strike fear into the population. Because, that is what it has done and its deliberate.

A statement like today… is just making it sound like there is a rule of law. When we know there is one law for the anointed ones and another means to an end towards the dissidents. The state can retaliate and use all force to silence or even mute the ones who are in its way. That’s why extra judicial killings been happening and torturing civilians continuously as well. Therefore, the pointlessness … is just staggering.

The ones believing this are naive. What Mukasa should have said was to open up real investigations and allowing the committee to check all alleged “safe-houses” and detention centres of state. As they should be allowed to see and look into it. That is the reality of this here, because he says the rights things, but that doesn’t make it true…

We know better and seen the victims. We have read the court documents and seen the settlement cases of the state. Which shows the amount of people tortured. In some cases a few thousands who has complained about it to the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC), but that is just the top of the ice-berg and who knows how many the state has actually tortured over years.

We only know about the few who has been witnessed and the ones catching the headlines. However, we know there is more and that there are people who are silent after the acts of violence towards them. Peace.

Opinion: Sorry wange, but it’s not happening…

“The leadership of Parliament is asking the opposition in Parliament to rescind their decision of boycotting the parliamentary sittings saying their issues can be well addressed on the floor of Parliament. Solomon Silwanyi, one of the commissioners of Parliament, says the continued absence of opposition in the House will not only affect the people they represent but also there will be no platform for addressing their concerns” (NBS Television, 07.02.2022).

This is naïve. It is utterly disrespectful and distasteful. It is like Solomon Silwanyi (National Resistance Movement), the Member of Parliament representing Bukooli Central haven’t seen what his government does and how it stifles the opposition in the chambers of the Parliament.

Yes, the Opposition gets to speak and participate in Committee’s, but the results are dead on arrival. Just in the previous 10th Parliament, the MPs was barred from entering ungazetted safe houses. They we’re not allowed to investigate or look into the practices of state security agencies. Therefore, Silwanyi MP must things people are stupid or obviously having short memory span.

As we know the Ministry of Defence and Minister of Internal Affairs will not indulge or budge on the matter. These are confidential and will not unleash the harsh realities. There is only drip-drop of information leaked through witnesses and little-to-a-few court cases diving into the matter. Alas, Silwanyi MP should be a bit sincere.

We know Mathias Mpuuga MP could have spoken his peace and so could other opposition MPs. However, it wouldn’t materialize or create anything substantial. That’s why Nalufenya is still active and several other entities, which does similar practices across the Republic. Therefore, the NRM MP isn’t talking the truth and we know it.

It is not like the Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerubaga going to listen to a petition or a motion to cease with these sorts of activists. No, his avenging his father on the regular and so is other men too. They are using the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI), Internal Security Organization (ISO), SIU Kireka and the Special Forces Command (SFC) to silence critics and dissidents all over the Republic.

Therefore, MP Silwanyi. If the previous MPs and Parliamentarians couldn’t investigate or enter buildings, which was alleged “safe-houses” … why do you think speaking in the same chambers now will help the cause? Seriously? Do you think the culprits, the ones ordering or the decreeing these matters will stop?

No, they will continue the human rights violations, the burden of proof will never be delivered, as that is the plan from the on-set. To do the deeds in darkness and not allow anyone to shed lights on the matter. Talks, motions or petitions in Parliament will only get you so far.

It is not like the state has stopped arresting, kidnapping, keeping opposition activists and leaders incommunicado, torturing and even extra judicially killing to silence them. Therefore, why does the MP believe their words matters now? When everything ill is happening, and nobody is stopping it. It isn’t like these practices has ceased to exist and not been active. They have been there all along since the inception of the NRM.

He can get high on his own supply, but it doesn’t make it more real. When we know what they can do and without any warning or charges towards the individual. They can just take you or kidnap you without any sort of justification. While the MP wants the Opposition MPs to talk even more. Like that will settle the score and make any ramifications, as long as the practices continues in darkness.

That’s why his whole premise is wrong, and the nativity should be challenged. Because, it is not like the army commanders, the first son or anyone involved wants the record in public. They only want some revealed to spread and show their force. However, they don’t want people to really look into it or stop because then their methods of brutality has to stop.

Something we know isn’t part of the plan… and the Opposition will not be able to stop with some talks or committee meetings in Parliament. Peace.

Opinion: The Use of Torture has been the Modus Operandi of the Museveni era

Amnesty Report March 1989 Page 29

In our traditional societies, torture was commonly used and it was not only accepted but, actually, encouraged. Hence, the proverbs like: “Akabwa kaiba kaihura omugoongo gwaako” in Runyankore and “Akabwa kabbi, kasasula mugoongo” in Luganda. In both dialects, it means that “a stealing dog pays with its back”, i.e. by being struck with sticks (enkoni, emiggo) on the back” (Yoweri Kaguta Museveni – ‘PRESIDENT’S STATEMENT ON TORTURE’ 16.05.2017).

In these days, the recent torture of Kakwenza Rukira is spinning online and going viral. As he has been through the ringer before and what happened in 2021 isn’t the first time his behind bars or tortured for that matter. The writer and activists has been into legal trouble for his writings and publications. Therefore, he knew what was going on and knew how to tell a story afterwards.

However, most of the ones tortured aren’t high profiled individuals or people in the spotlight. No, they are average citizens who happens to be associated or participate in opposition politics. This being part of any sort of organized political work in association with Dr. Kizza Besigye or Roberet Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine. Heck, there been torture of members of Uganda Peoples Congress (UPC) and other party activists as well. Though the most notable and in the press is the one in association with Besigye and Bobi Wine.

Nevertheless, the practice has been going on since the inception of power. Museveni and National Resistance Movement (NRM) have used the same techniques and violent oppression of its predecessor. Maybe not in the Argentina House, but they have perfected elsewhere. Where they are using means to an end and torturing civilians on the regular. The numbers that is reported is only a fragment or maybe just an assumed amount of people tortured. As many doesn’t dare to file a complain or is worried that they would be tortured again for doing so. Therefore, the amount of victims to this practices is unknown and the scale is larger what is known. Because, the security agencies and the NRM will not enlighten the public about this. That is very obvious and clear by how they deny the activities and speaking up against it. While they are continuing the practice…

Here is just a few out-takes from various of reports and articles, which describes what the state has been doing since 1986 till this day.

Amnesty 1986-89:

The elimination of torture was a publicly declared aim of the new government and an early move was Uganda’s ratification of the United Nations Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, which includes a mechanism for hearing individual complaints at the international level. Although the government has succeeded in greatly reducing the use of torture, there is still abundant evidence that the practice has not been eliminated. As with extrajudicial executions, the problem is greatest in those areas where there is armed conflict, although Amnesty International has also continued to document torture in Kampala, both in NRA barracks and in military intelligence and Internal Security Organization headquarters. The best-known and most widely used method of torture under the NRM government has been “three-piece” tying, or kandooya. This involves tying the victim’s arms together above the elbows, behind the back. It can be used as a method of restraint, but it is described as being extremely painful and so can be used deliberately to cause pain and coerce prisoners into making statements during interrogation. Sometimes prisoners tied kandooya-style are beaten at the same time; sometimes their legs are tied up behind their back as well and they are suspended (this is known as “suitcase” or “briefcase “). Unusually, the government has ·acknowledged the use of kandooya, which for a long time was authorized in the NRA as a method of restraint. The government apparently did not accept that it was used as a deliberate method of torture but was convinced, in early 1987, that it was a form of ill-treatment. An order banning kandooya was issued through the NRA chain of command and it is a measure of army discipline that this ban has been widely obeyed although kandooya is undoubtedly still used, especially in the areas of armed conflict” (Amnesty International – Uganda – The Human Rights Record 1986-1989, P:31, March 1989).

Safe-Houses” and the Kandoya technique of torturing:

The types of torture being now committed in Ugandan ungazetted illegal detention places (“safe houses”) include kandoya (tying hands and feet behind the victim); suspension from the ceiling while tied kandoya; water torture or “Liverpool” (forcing the victim to lie face up, mouth open, while the spigot is turned on into his mouth); severe beatings with hands, fists, pistols, metal rods, and wooden sticks with nails protruding; death threats, including putting the nozzle of a pistol into the victim’s mouth, showing him fresh graves, dead bodies, or snakes; putting the victim in the back of a vehicle where his captors sit or put their boots on him; abusive language and threats; and kicking with boots all parts of the body. The torture includes the gang rape of females; and mutilating the male genitalia of suspects, through kicking, beating with sticks, puncturing with hypodermic needles, and tying the penis with wire or weights. The male genital torture cases that Human Rights Watch found are far from the only ones: the UHRC ordered the government to pay damages to a man who was tortured for ninety-three days and who “is not a man anymore.” In many cases, victims are refused medical treatment. Some have died as a result of these and other acts“ (…) “Weakened protections and guarantees facilitate the commission of torture. These unacknowledged places of detention are not visited by outsiders nor by government officials charged with inspecting conditions inside detention cells. The government is provided “deniability” by holding the detainees in secret, and this creates a feeling of impunity among security and intelligence officers. The 1995 Ugandan constitution explicitly outlaws the holding of detainees in unacknowledged or “ungazetted” places of detention, that is, those not published in the official gazette. Police stations are gazetted facilities. UPDF barracks and CMI offices are not gazetted facilities. The other “safe houses” where the non-police agencies hold, interrogate, and torture suspects are not gazetted and are illegal also” (Human Rights Watch – ‘State of Pain: Torture in Uganda’, March 2004).

Systematic torture:

The state uses torture to wear people down, both physically and mentally, to extort information, confess to a crime or until they become so instilled with fear that they are no longer considered a threat to the regime. In the last 10 years, the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) has lodged more than 7,500 torture complaints” (…) “Victims are sometimes compensated when their cases are heard at the UHRC tribunal, but the perpetrators are hardly ever brought to justice, and they can rarely be identified anyway, since the torture tends to be executed by plain-clothed security operatives” (…) “Brigadier Henry Tumukunde, who was central in establishing the system of safe houses that is still very much in use today. Tumukunde was at one point head of Uganda´s Military Security Organisation, but fell out with the Museveni regime and was sentenced to a spell of house arrest at the Senior Officers´ Mess in Kololo, Kampala. Tumukunde has since worked his way back on good terms with Ugandan authorities” (Wendy Glauser – Human Rights House – ‘Widespread torture in Uganda, in so-called ‘safe houses’ and elsewhere’ May 15 2008).

Nalufenya:

The practices of torture seemed to have been rationalized. Uganda has since converted the Nalufenya police station into a Guantanamo Bay of sorts. The mere mention by an accused person that he was interviewed from Nalufenya immediately raises a red flag. The mayor for Kamwenge Town Council who had been arrested on allegations of treason was literary butchered as chunks of his flesh were cut off his knees and ankles” (David Baxter Bakibinga – ‘The Role Of Prosecutors In Preventing Torture And Ill-Treatment Of Accused Persons And Proposals For Reform’ 2018).

In May last year, Ugandans were left in shock on seeing the gruesome pictures of Geoffrey Byamukama, the Kamwenge mayor, who had been tortured by the Police over allegations that he had had a hand in the murder of slain former Assistant Inspector General of Police Andrew Felix Kaweesi. In the days that followed, more pictures of tortured inmates at the dreaded Nalufenya detention facility trended on social media. Ironically, many of them were later freed by courts due to inadequate evidence to pin the suspects. The facility was recently closed by the new IGP Ochola Okoth. However, Byamukama and others were not the first and may not be the last, for torture remains the most recorded human rights violation in Uganda, with the Police accounting for a majority of the incidents. According to a Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) report released last year, a total of 1,658 torture cases were registered between 2012 and 2016” (New Vision – ‘Day Against Torture’ 2018).

As we see, the usage of torture is prevalent and clear as day. The NRM promised a fundamental change of guards, but is openly using the same means and practices of which the predecessors did. They are doing it at a large scale and thousands of people have been scorn by the regime. It is clear that this tactic and usage of violence against the population is deliberate. As a means to an end and a way of getting people into submission. Getting them into fearing the authorities and the state. As you can easily get into the “panda gari” or kidnapped incommunicado by a drone. Just because you associate or work for a cause, which is deemed as fit by Museveni.

That is the case here and torturing will not stop. Not as long as the security agencies are allowed to do so. Not as long as there is no consequences to the ones ordering, acting and punishing civilian this way. The laws are written, the constitution states what is right, but the government and its agencies are obviously not caring about the written words. As long as they can torment and torture civilians on the regular. Peace.

Opinion: Is the PM promoting defiance?

“I want to advise Ugandans to go to petrol stations that have not hiked the prices. Two companies have not hiked their prices. Go and buy from those ones. These others will also follow suit because it’s now not necessary for any company to hike the price above Shs5,000” – Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja (Job Bwire – ‘Ugandans should boycott fuel stations that keep prices high- PM Nabbanja’ Daily Monitor, 20.01.2022).

We remember just mere years ago when the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government was going after “defiance”. Everyone was targeted for supporting defiance and planned corporate boycotts of businesses connected to the regime and it’s high ranking officials. There was an outrage and disgust.

The regime apologists defended going against defiance and civil disobedience. Now, the Prime Minister of the 11th Parliament and this term is speaking well of boycott. As the fuel-crisis is deepening and the state isn’t doing anything directly to help it out.

Another minister has challenged the need for arresting the fuel-station operators who is sky-rocketing the prices. As it is not a cause-and-effect scenario, as the needs for petrol is bigger than the imports of it. That’s why the prices is going up and the stations are struggling to serve the nation. Therefore, the crisis is a border issue and a supply issue.

Its not the petrol stations fault… it is the whole supply-chain from importers to the producer. As the landlock nation has made it hectic on the border and the border-post has stifled the imports. Even with the temporary stop of testing for COVID-19 on the Ugandan side of border. The Republic haven’t directly patched the hurt. No, it continues to damage the Republic and everyone in need for petrol.

The PM is showing her character her, instead of acting and finding solutions… the PM is speaking of boycotting and avoiding the petrol stations, which has to high prices. The PM should address the rises prices and the reason for it. It isn’t the companies or the stations itself, which is directly at fault. As they are based on the imports of petrol and the possibility of getting steady supplies as well. Because, if it goes empty and such … just proves the reason for the rising prices, as the needs are bigger than the current supply.

The PM should address that and the words of defiance is what an opposition leader should do. The opposition should act in defiance and ask for civil disobedience. Ask the public to boycott and stop using certain services. As that is even possible elsewhere… and when your low on fuel, your low on fuel. Then you need to buy and get more to be able to drive…

So, the PM knows this, as she has 4 wheel-drive and an SUV. She drives around and enjoys the perks of her office. Her office and her title covers for everything. There is no worries and it’s all paid for. The fuel-crisis doesn’t hit home and neither does it damage any of the elites in the government either. They are living lavish and don’t have to worry about pricing or inflation for that matter.

That’s why the defiant and defiance against certain fuel-stations is a foolish move, as it is a populist selection or trick. The state should secure the supply-chain and proper reserves to stifle the prices. Instead, the state is asking for civil disobedience, which isn’t a vibe your supposed to get from high ranking officials. Good luck doing that on the road from up-country to anywhere. So, the PM should reconsider, but don’t expect so. She’s high and mighty, which means she will not face any real consequences for this. Except for writings like mine… Peace.

Opinion: Opposing the NRM is apparently going against God…

Leadership comes from God. All those opposing the government are going against God’s will”Rogers Mulindwa (NBS TV, 02.01.2021).

The National Resistance Movement Spokesperson Rogers Mulindwa on the 2nd Day of 2022 has said these words. He has taken a deity and a using the transcending powers to get people to be loyal to the NRM and the Government of Uganda. I am sure God has bigger worries and better things to do.. than ensure people natural loyalty to any government on planet earth. As God almighty has to listen to all the pleas, prayers and acts of faith from all believers across the world. He should be preoccupied with healing hearts and taking care of the souls who wants to be redeemed. Alas, not worry about about opposition to Museveni or any of his party affiliates.

That’s why I have to drop some wise words from the Proverbs, since it seems a sensible way to prove my argument today:

12 Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men,

from men whose words are perverse,

13 who have left the straight paths

to walk in dark ways,

14 who delight in doing wrong

and rejoice in the perverseness of evil,

15 whose paths are crooked

and who are devious in their ways” (New international Version, Proverbs Chapter 2, 12-15).

It is wicked to think opposition to a tyrant and his tyranny is going against God. That is the wicked men and the false prophets, which Jesus spoke against. As Museveni and his kind speaks of peace, but deliver brutality and death. That’s why you know their acts aren’t sincere or within reason. It is just to stay in power.

We are now seeing NRM Spokesperson saying being in opposition to the government is against the will of God. Isn’t that making God a very tiny person and such? Why should we delight in the people who do us wrong and delivers evil? It shouldn’t be this easy, but the spokesperson is defending a government that uses violence, torture and arbitrary arrests of civilians. A government that plans to stop the opportunity for bail or bonds. So, we know law or justice isn’t a main concern for this government, neither is due process, as several of political prisoners are kept behind bars without any sincere action of the authorities.

That’s why, I feel more sorry for the plights and legal jeopardy the weak, the poor and the ones suffering, because of the government. It gives God more reasons to listen to them and help them. Instead of being there for the wicked, perverse and crooked government, which the spokesperson defends by any means. I am sure God prefers to be there and heal the suffering of which the government put on it’s citizens.

12 I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence;

I possess knowledge and discretion.

13 To fear the Lord is to hate evil;

I hate pride and arrogance,

evil behavior and perverse speech.

14 Counsel and sound judgment are mine;

I have insight, I have power.

15 By me kings reign

and rulers issue decrees that are just;

16 by me princes govern,

and nobles—all who rule on earth” (New International Version – Proverbs Chapter 8, 12-16).

This proverbs here prove again what is wrong with the NRM and it’s government. As it’s Ministers, Head of State and everyone in office is arrogant. They are so proud and vicious. Yes, to fear the lord is to hate evil. However, what is righteous is to not be evil and participate in all acts, which God doesn’t prefer. Which we know the NRM and their leadership indulge in. Therefore, the bible itself is speaking up against the rulers and the government. The bible is opposing the NRM and it’s leaders. That should be a warning and their wicked ways should be exposed. That’s what the opposition does and it’s not offending God.

The opposition is actually showing it’s wisdom and is not following wicked men. That should be the reality of it all. However, don’t expect a spokesperson or anyone associated saying this. They will dismiss it and find some excuses to defend their actions. These folks don’t mind the civilians dying or the arbitrary arrests. As long as the evil deeds are not happening to them. Peace.

A look into the tragic-comedy called Museveni’s 2021 New Years Address

The tragic-comedy in the affair had 3 elements. Element no.1, for NUP and their media supporters, including the foreign ones, there was no Uganda but Kayunga. Kayunga, Kayunga, Kayunga!!” (Museveni, 31.12.2021).

Let us all be clear that President Yoweri Tibuhaburwa Kaguta Museveni has addressed the nation yet again. I will not look into the whole speech or the New Years Address of 2021. No, someone who can fact-check and look into his wordings can have a field-day. Because, just browsing through it all. There is enough meat on the bone to keep printing alive for another decade, but alas, I will only focus on the ending of the matter. As I knew he would insult our intelligence and wisdom with his uttering, as he has no issues doing so at a rampant pace.

With that in mind… Museveni has be like that… and it just his mannerisms at this point. That’s why I only bother with a snippet of his address, because looking into more is a waste of my time. Even as I have hours waiting for the new years eve to even pop-off and see the fireworks. However, here we are and let’s go…

The second element was our young people in the persons of Nakwedde, Zaake, etc., putting it in their heads that they would not allow the old man with a hat, Ssabalwanyi, to peacefully drive from Kampala and address the NRM leaders at Kayonza Church of Uganda Primary School in Bbale and at Busaana Sub-county play-ground. Of course the Police could not allow that. Hence, there were some skirmishes. This is exactly what NUP did in the General Elections in some areas and what they were planning to do in the whole country if we had not deployed a considerable portion of the UPDF to crush that conspiracy. The idea is to create fear so that the massive supporters of the NRM do not come out to vote. You remember Arua where they even stoned my car and Bobi Wine was driving a grader (tinga tinga) into my convoy. This is self-deception. It cannot work in Uganda. I have given, in writing, guidelines to the Armed Forces to firmly and professionally ensure law and order and discipline in our society. I hereby direct our Media Unit to publicize these guidelines so that the Public is also informed and can knowledgeably audit the actions of the security forces and inform us, if there are departures. Moreover, these guidelines are in line with the Standing Orders of the Police Forces, both here and in many countries” (Museveni, 31.12.2021).

Here there are many things to look into, as the President is glazing over and trying to manufacture lies. That is something he has used his whole career doing. So, at this very point of time that is all he does…

First he blames the youth and leaders who stem from youth activism as Nakwedde and Zaake. These are opposition leaders who has roots in youth activism and that’s why they are targeted by the regime. I didn’t know that brutally arresting MPs is part of standing orders in many countries… wonder why he didn’t bother to mention a few? Secondly, he is glossing over the election violence perpetuated by the standing orders of the police, the use of drones and abductions of opposition leaders, activists and civilians in general. These are things that doesn’t matter to the President. That is very clear.

As he again goes back to the stone and the perfectly shattered window after Arua by-election. Where he and his troops tried to use forged evidence to pin Bobi Wine and his team who held rallies in the region ahead of the By-Election. That is very clear, as he knows there been several of arrests in connection with the Arua-Stone, but only one old man was taken into custody in the end. However, he uses this propaganda moment as a tool for suppression of the opposition to this day.

We know that his troops, police and security agencies has killed during the campaigns, in the November 2020 massacre and in safe-houses. As well, as using violence to incite fear into the ones that dissent and goes against his rule. That’s why boxers, musicians and Muslim Clerics has been targeted of late, because that is a reality the President doesn’t mention. Since these lives was only taken to silent people who was in his way and that the government suddenly feared one reason or another.

The third element of tragic-comedy were the protestations by NUP that Muwonge of NRM had won by cheating. I did not know that NRM actors had enough energy to cheat because most of the time they are asleep and allow the opposition to intimidate people, cheat, etc. Why only cheat in Kayunga? Why not in the few other areas where NUP won? Kayunga, Buganda and the whole of Uganda are, politically, NRM territory. Why? It is because the NRM has done more for those areas than anybody else, the internal weaknesses within NRM, notwithstanding. We are handling the internal weaknesses, including corruption. The opportunistic opposition will be wiped out. Those concerned with ballot stuffing, etc., why do they never support my plan for only electronic voting with thumb-prints? It is the opposition and their collaborators, that always avoid voting electronically. We should amend the law to stop all non-electronic voting. That is what democrats should be demanding” (Museveni, 31.12.2021).

We know that Museveni have to play like a victim and the NRM is the victim of things. Even when there is no reason for it. Like when he calls it tragicomedy for the NUP to say Muwonge cheated. That is easily to state when there was reports, declaration forms and evidence of the NUP victory. Not the results announced, but what the paperwork said. So, when the President calls it comedy. It is sad that the President uses so much energy on a rigged election by-election. However, he still has to lie about Arua By-Election in the end of 2021. So, that says enough really…

As I continue… the President will always say the NRM has done so much. At one point he did achieve things and deserved credit for it. However, with time that has dwindled and it isn’t what it was. The President haven’t made the Baganda or the Central Region great. Neither has he invested or ensured relevance there. That can be said about a lot of regions and districts in the Republic. As the Western Uganda and Ankole would feel more blessed, than elsewhere with fancy hospitals and roads. Just like the appointees from the region too over the year.

Museveni also suddenly wants all to be electronic voting. When it’s just a hot-minute ago he wanted all voting to be happening in lines. We are supposed to forget that? The President wants the ability to electronically rig the elections and the thumb-prints will not resolve the ability to trick the algorithms, which he needs to ensure a victory. He claims the opposition is against this and that’s with reason. However, if he wants the electronic voting means the President cannot order a media-blackout or internet blockade, which he has done in the recent elections. Would the President dare to do that and show the sinister actions of his regime during the campaigns and during the polls… So, if he want to unleash everyone to see and be able to leak information, because he wants electronic finger-prints. Do I believe that would stop the rigging? No, because there is magical ways of tricking algorithms and other technical means to get the “right” results of an election.

This is just … Museveni Museveni Museveni … and nobody is shocked in 2021 and neither should anyone be in 2022. Peace.