Museveni acts more and more like Obote II: A Bush-War Wasted! Part II

As the time is going and the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni are just acting like the predecessors. This is making the supposed Bush-War in the 1980s pointless. As the President promised changes from the ones ruling before him. The NRM was supposed to be the golden age and greatness of the Republic. He come with pledges of respecting the peasants and create a democracy, instead it is the same type of tyranny of the past. There is now no difference between Museveni and Obote II. These regimes are acting the same and similar towards the opposition and media. Even American Journalists got two nights detained in the 1980s. Now the same is happening to local journalists in and around the Arua By-Election.

What I will now show, two stories or reports from the Obote II regime. Which shows similar resembles with today. All of the actions of the current day towards the Members of Parliament, are like of the previous President, these being Mubarak Munyagwa, Robert Kyagulanyi, Francis Zaake, Kassiano Wadri, Gerald Karuhanga and Paul Mwiru. All of these are now in the dire straits, they are in the midst of oppression, torture and detention, either with at Military Barracks or unknown locations. Therefore, there are two many similarities with Obote.

AI Report 1983:

“According to Amnesty International’s information, most people arrested in 1981 on grounds of national security, were arrested by the army. Same arrests appear to have been arbitrary or indiscriminate, but the majority were apparently directed at particular individuals. Most people arrested by the army were taken to army barracks and detained there, contrary to the law. Many were held for weeks or months. In very few cases were people known to have been transferred without delay to police custody. Detentions in military barracks were not recorded for police or legal purposes, and were not officially acknowledged. Such detainees had no legal protection in practice and the courts had no effective jurisdiction over them. In time, many of the detainees who survived were released or transferred to police custody, but it appears that torture was systematic, and many of those in military custody “disappeared” or were known to have died, particularly at Makindye and Kireka barrack” (Amnesty – ‘Memorandum to the Government of Uganda on Anmnesty International mission to Uganda in January 1982 and further exchanges between the government and Amnesty International’ April 1983)

One Story:

“Those suspected of supporting the guerrillas were viciously hounded. Mr Mukasa’s wife was beheaded by government soldiers in 1981 and his brother was shot dead. After two years in exile near London, Mr Mukasa returned to Uganda only to be arrested by Obote’s security service which mistook him – Mr Mukasa says – for Godfrey Binaisa who had been president for a short period between Amin and Obote. Mr Mukasa still bears scars from the torture sessions in the Nile Hotel. His interrogators dripped burning plastic down his right leg to make him talk. Not surprisingly, he has not been back to the hotel since. “The Nile Hotel was a slaughterhouse”, I was later told by Brigadier Jim Muhwezi who, as head of internal security, now has an office in the adjacent conference centre. “A number of my friends were interned and died there. It’s hard to believe the beautiful gardens were once littered with bodies.”” (David Orr – ‘KAMPALA DAYS; Ghosts that lurk in shadows of hotel’s gory past’ 20.05.1996 link: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/kampala-days-ghosts-that-lurk-in-shadows-of-hotels-gory-past-1348320.html).

As we see the similarities between the past and present. We see that the Bush-War is wasted, the freedom fighter is taking away people’s freedom. The liberation, wasn’t really liberating. The Orwellian nightmare is in the Republic. Museveni does whatever it takes stay in power. No torturing, harassing and charging fellow MPs with treason. All deliberately to send a message and intimidate the public. This is what Museveni has done since 1986. Now it is just appearing before our eyes.

President Museveni are now acting like Obote II towards the public, sending mambas, soldiers and police to intimidate the public. They are killing civilians and detaining civilians on military barracks. No matter who you are in the republic, Museveni can take you down and make sure your begging for mercy. If your killed by his Soldiers or his Presidential Guards, it will not have any consequences, they can do whoever and get rid of whoever. It doesn’t cost anything, for the President it is just collateral damage for the cause. The cause, which is just staying in power.

That is the reality. Nothing else. There is no difference between Obote II and Museveni. Peace.

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Museveni acts more and more like Obote II: A Bush-War Wasted!

With the recent by-elections in Rukungiri, Bugiri and now in Arua. There been so much election violence and even killings in all three. There been enough of the army and mambas in the street, to intimidate the public. While the army and police are busy arresting opposition leaders and also activists. Therefore, the levels of arrests are over dozens, scores and in such levels that it has to hit about 20 and above to be right. This is what happens under President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. He is acting like President Milton Obote did in the 1980s. The second term of Obote was filled with arbitrary arrests, violence, torture and killings by the authorities. Now in the 2018, the Museveni regime is acting like them.

In 1982:

“The President allows a legal opposition party (the Democratic Party), and Obote seems to be trying to make parliamentary government work. However, opposition MPs for a time were arrested and detained. In a new-year amnesty, Obote allowed four MP detainees to be released; some 1,000 other detainees were released recently as well. The MPs, who had been accused of ‘‘connection with acts of violence,” were received personally by Obote” (John Worrall – ‘Uganda registers modest gains under Obote’ 04.01.1982 link: https://www.csmonitor.com/1982/0104/010442.html).

In 1983:

“Obote, moreover, has denied that any civilian detainees are being kept in military barracks. Yet he has not allowed officials of the International Committee of the Red Cross to inspect the suspected military barracks. “There are no detainees in military barracks,” Obote said in an interview. “There are no detainees who are tortured or murdered or killed in any way in government custody.” A 1982 report by the human rights group Amnesty International and a U.S. State Deparment report released earlier this year support allegations of civilian detentions, widespread abuses of human rights and killings carried out by soldiers in the military barracks. Well-informed western diplomats, one Ugandan government official who declined to be identified and political opposition leader Ssemogerere said abuses directed at civilian detainees is continuing in the Army’s barracks” (Leon Dash – ‘Brutality Marks Army’s Conduct in Uganda’ 29.11.1983, link: https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1983/11/29/brutality-marks-armys-conduct-in-uganda/342af52f-fbdc-4491-a399-208124c677db/?utm_term=.a95022d4262a).

Later 1983:

“Soon after Obote’s inauguration speech, civil war erupted when two groups of his political competitors, both of whom charged Obote with fraudulently winning the December 1980 election, retired to the countryside surrounding this capital of Kampala and began waging a guerrilla war. The Army has recently managed to put the insurgents on the run, but political assassinations and the detention without trial of nonviolent politicial critics of the government have escalated as the war has died down. On Oct. 25 unknown gunmen abducted Mary Luswata, the chairman of Obote’s Uganda People’s Congress party in a district 80 miles from here, plus three members of the party’s youth wing and three party supporters. They were found shot to death two days later nearby” (Leon Dash – ‘Violence Poisons Political Process Within Uganda’ 01.12.1983, link: https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1983/12/01/violence-poisons-political-process-within-uganda/1d4a504d-d186-4100-ba19-971dbaa4c577/?utm_term=.321bf5362f86).

Militarism under both rulers:

“Although a small incident, (and indeed much larger incidents might have been cited), it has all the ingredients of militarism. “We fought for you” singles oult the “military” contribution to liberation to the denigration of all other kinds of contribution (including political) which people made towards the downfall of Obote’s dictatorship. It also becomes a “license” in the hands of the men in uniform to treat “you civilians” with derision and contempt. Although NRA’s record, compared to the that of Obote’s UNLA, has been generally impressive, this was so as long as they were in the bush, and did not enjoy “state power”. Now that they enjoy state power, their “militarism” is coming to the surface. Earlier in the same week that the above incident happened at Walukuba, soldiers burst into the house of the editor of the Weekly Topic (a paper that is critically sympathetic to Museveni), and searched his house, as also the office of his brother, a former Member of Parliament. Later they arrested a few people in the area who previously had UPC connections. All this was done without informing the Resistance Councils of the area, thus undermining their authority and relevance in matters of “high security”. When criticized, the NRA is consistently defended by Museveni on the same grounds that “they fought for you”. It is clear that Museveni derives his legitimacy and authority more from his army than from the political efforts of “the civilians”. The RCs with all their weaknesses analysed earlier, are nonetheless never likely, under Museveni, to acquire political control over the army, and hence militarism is likely to remain, as under Obote, the hallmark of Museveni’s regime” (Yash Tandon – ‘Elements of Continuity and Change Between Obote and Museveni: Some Lessons from Obote’s Rule for Musevents Government’ 01.01.1987, link: https://escholarship.org/content/qt667686n5/qt667686n5.pdf).

We can see now, that the ones that President Museveni overthrow for the betterment of the republic, he has become alike. He might not have arrested 1000 opposition leaders at the same time, but over the years he has detained, arrested and charged more than I can count. He has done the same during the recent days and even within this year. The NRM are acting as the previous leadership did. They are torturing opposition MPs, they are arresting them and also showing violence towards the public.

Right now, there are more and more similarities between Obote II and Museveni of now. The 1980s Uganda and current Uganda isn’t that much different. Only, that the public have smart-phones and the reports are spread without the central government control like in the 1980s. That is why we will know quicker and the reports will make sense. This is information sharing the authorities cannot control. That is why we knew of the violence in Rukungiri, Bugiri and in Arua.

Museveni’s ways of control is looking more like Obote… therefore, the bush-war is more and more pointless. As he is acting like the ones he overthrow. Not only overstaying and being an arrogant prick, but also being reckless, relentless and destroying people’s lives to stay in power. Using state sponsored violence to control the public.

The Ugandan people deserves better, all the lives lost are now just pawns in the eyes of the ones who had hope in the 1980s for something better for their kids. They fought and celebrated the fall of Obote II, but instead they got someone who was as brutal as him. Using the same force and same methods to stay in power.

It isn’t beautiful, not planned to be. It is just a cynics way of staying in power. Peace.

Museveni, you cannot order God around!

“I don’t fear God’s calling and even if he wants to call me, I have no problem but I want him(God) to do it an organised manner” – Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (10.08.2018).

The Almighty will not follow your command, I know on planet earth and in the East African sphere, you have gotten your way or bribed your way. You have used all methods to get people to follow you, if they haven’t you have finished them and sent them into eternity. However, if you want God to show mercy, maybe, just maybe repent from your ways Mr. President.

Because someone who speaks so favorable about the Christian faith as you, Mr. President. Your acts are sinister and devious. You cannot deny that yourself, as the enemies of your vision are usually ending up in trouble, while you have prospered. You have vast wealth, but your country is poor. That is your making, not the people, instead of serving them, you have served yourself.

What sort of leader is that? Your are not selfless and open, you bring the guns and ammunition, you bring the tear-gas and the forged charges against the men and woman standing your way. You send the army to topple other leaders, to secure benefits and resources from the neighboring countries.

With all the men and woman whose lost their lives because of your petty politics. You should fear God. You should wonder if he would show remorse or if you will be in damnation. I do not know how that will be for you, Mr. President, but surely you should respect him a bit more. Because of the havoc and pain you have put other through.

Gods ways are mysterious, while your are an open hazardous bazaar. That is why you should repent and act a bit more sincere, because we know who you are and your ways. They are written and the pains in Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and South Sudan. To name a few, also now with mercenaries in Equatorial Guinea and the lives taken in the power-game in Somalia. We know who you are and what you do.

You should really look into yourself and be aware of the consequences. Not because of me, but because of the almighty God, the Divine, the creator of Earth and everlasting, the ones who breath life into all of us and decides our fate. You should be a bit more concerned. We all will answer to him for our deeds and you know perfectly well what you have done.

He knows and he will take care of it, in due time. But not expect it to be your way. You have already razed enough havoc. You should not expect him to clock you in when you feel like it. Peace.

Museveni winning a Peace Price? You got to be kidding me!

“Let’s not wait to use guns. We can use the tongue; so why not get the unity we desire?” Yoweri Kaguta Museveni at a speech at a rally in Mbarara District (Uganda Times, January 7, 1980).

Mr. I Took the Power by the Gun in 1986 and has been sticking with it since. Are now awarded with a peace price (!!). This the biggest insult to peace, as a man who has supported endless war, prolonged his own civil war to topple countless leaders who stood his in way. Now, he is awarded for peace. On the day, that he started the Third Congo Civil War, which is even a bigger insult, as the civilians there are still lingering from the pain caused by proxy-militias supported by the Ugandan President. It is not as if he has passed on the opportunity to be the kingmaker anywhere and still does when he can.

“The 2018 Global Peace Award will be presented President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in honour of his leading peace efforts and initiatives in the Great Lakes region and beyond, Shukla Mukesh the Chairman Global Peace Foundation Uganda Chapter has announced. Mukesh told a fully parked press conference in Munyonyo that the award ceremony for Museveni would be one of the major highlights of the on-going 3-day Global Peace leadership conference being held at the Common wealth Speke Resort Hotel in Munyonyo that started on August 1, 2018” (New Vision – ‘Museveni’s peace initiatives win him global award’ 02.08.2018, link: https://www.newvision.co.ug/new_vision/news/1482633/museveni-peace-initiatives-win-global-award).

Therefore, because he rewarded. Let us look into the man’s past. Just briefly, to show the madness of giving this man this award. It is insulting to peace, it like making the war-lord into a saint. That will not work in my book, when your crook, your stay a crook, since we know what you took. It is that simple and plain, we know your history and that will not rewritten. We know that recently, you promised to serve President Salva Kiir Mayardit with more arms if needed, even in the midst of negotiations and peace-dealings. That you did, at the time UN put sanctions on arms trade to the Republic. Well, that didn’t matter. That is just in 2018.

Take a look at his past, in DRC, Rwanda and South Sudan. Nothing about peace, more about war!

DRC:

“The Third Congo Civil War became the deadliest conflict since World War II. An estimated 5.4 million war-related deaths occurred and more than twice that number were displaced from their homes and sought asylum in neighborhood countries. The Third Congo Civil War evolved out of Laurent-Desire Kabila’s victory over Mobutu Sese Seko in 1997. Once Kabila became president of the DRC, his relations with previous allies like Rwanda and Uganda quickly deteriorated. In July 1998, Kabila ordered all officials and troops from Rwanda and Uganda to leave the country. Instead on August 2, 1998, those troops began supporting rebels who were intent on overthrowing Kabila. Two days later, Rwandan troops flew directly from their nation to the DRC province of Bas-Congo (now Kongo Central) which the intention of joining other Rwandan and Ugandan soldiers and march on the capital of Kinshasa” (Samuel Momodu – ‘Third Congo Civil War (1998-2003)’ link: http://www.blackpast.org/gah/third-congo-civil-war-1998-2003).

Rwanda:

“Museveni’s political survival strategies; and the prevailing economic, political, and humanitarian climate in the post-Cold War regional and international arena. Fourth, there is considerable evidence that the mobilization for the invasion was public knowledge in Uganda. This in tum suggests that President Museveni’s regime was almost certainly aware of it as well. The existing evidence also indicates that the regime trained, provided sanctuary, arms, logistical support, political, and diplomatic assistance to the RPA throughout the period of military engagement in Rwanda” (Ogenga Otunnu, ‘The Path of a Genocide’, P:48, 1999).

South Sudan:

“In the Sudan, Mr. Museveni for years has aided the Sudan People’s Liberation Army, led by his old comrade and classmate John Garang, against the Islamic fundamentalist Government in Khartoum” (James C. McKinley Jr. – ‘Uganda Leader Stands Tall in New African Order’ 15.07.1997 link: https://www.nytimes.com/1997/06/15/world/uganda-leader-stands-tall-in-new-african-order.html).

This should be more than enough reasons to not give him the reward. The way he has made dozens of wars within the DRC. To take out Mobutu, but also Laurent Kabila, also the support of RPA to overthrow the regime of Rwanda. While supporting the rebel force of South Sudan in their battle too. Therefore, he has supported enough wars and delivered enough conflict. As he continue to do to now. Surely he would help Pierre Nkurunziza in Burundi and so on.

He is more likely to escalate conflicts in his interests, than try to forge peace. Therefore, it is insulting to give him an award for peace. Especially on the day of 20 years ago since he invaded together with Rwanda the Democratic Republic of Congo to topple Laurent Kabila. That should be a no-no, but certain ones just don’t care about all the people who died in the conflict and who was behind it. That was him and Rwandan President Paul Kagame. Something that the world should remember and never forget. Peace.

NRA/M gone full circle: Demoting 27 rebel MPs!

“The power stays in the hands of the people. . . . I don’t see what opponents are so panicky about.” – Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in 2005

There are sometimes some ironies, some reflective notes and historical facts, that is just to big to overshadow. That yesterday for instance many of the rebel Members of Parliament, who happen to National Resistance Movement. Was demoted for their non-vote against the life presidency, the age limit amendment to the 1995 Constitution. Clearly, that hurt the feelings and the honour of his excellency at the State House. Since months after, the NRM are now punishing the NRM Rebels MPs.

What is striking is that it took 27 guns to start the Bush-War of the NRA, the now NRM. There were 27 Rebel MPs in 2017 against the Age Limit bill, which give life President to Museveni. That should be a warning, and that is maybe why Museveni is striking so hard against them. Because he knows how many he needed to topple Obote and Okello back-in-the-day.

In 1984:

“Museveni says he took to the bush and began armed resistance in l980, after Obote’s followers allegedly rigged elections. He suggests that the proposed elections in 1985 will be a sham. My estimate is that there are about 6,000 well-armed and well-disciplined rebels, up from 27 at the NRA’s inception. Other exile sources say there are 7, 000 or 8,000 rebels. In most of its confrontations in this area, the NRA seems to come out on top in battles with the Army” (Pike, 1984).

So, a man of a rebellion, should understand others who rebel, even or especially against himself. However, he is so short sighted and thinking he is overpowerful, that even his allies within his own party. Who just differed on the life-presidency, are now people who deserve to be sanctioned and lose privileges. That is just weird, and what is weirder is the amount of MPs, which co-incidentally the same amount he claims he started his rebellion with.

These days:

“The National Resistance Movement (NRM) has reshuffled its leadership of sectorial committees and dropped all MPs who last year opposed the passing of the controversial Constitutional Amendment Act that removed age limit from the Constitution. On the other hand, NRM lawmakers who supported the removal of age limit have been rewarded with appointments to committee leadership positions. Government Chief Whip Ruth Nankabirwa tabled the new names in Parliament for approval, a formality that was done without much trouble” (Arinaitwe, 2018).

“Among the 27 NRM MPs that opposed last year’s Constitutional Amendment that scrapped presidential age limits and extended the tenure of Parliament and Local governments to seven years, were MPs who held leadership positions as committee chairpersons and vice chairpersons” (Kabuubi, 2018).

The message of the 1980s have clearly died down, the party of born out of rebellion are now supposed to be into submission and nothing else. The Saga Continues. Peace.

Reference:

Arinaitwe, Solomon – ‘NRM fires, rewards MPs over age limit’ 26.07.2018, link: http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/NRM-fires-rewards-MPs-over-age-limit/688334-4679926-lfa46g/index.html

Kabuubi, Gyagenda – ‘NRM cracks the whip, drops ‘rebel’ MPs from leadership positions’ 24.07.2018 link: https://intelpostug.com/2018/07/24/nrm-cracks-the-whip-drops-rebel-mps-from-leadership-positions/

 

Pike, William – ‘Uganda can’t seem to crush guerrilla leader Museveni’ 20.09.1984 link: https://www.csmonitor.com/1984/0920/092044.html

#UGSecurity: Police will now enforce rules that makes them ready to be robbin’ the hoods!

There are sometimes, just sometimes you wonder if the blind is leading the blind, that the naïve or foolish is the leaders and the public just have to follow it blindly. That is how it can be perceived by plenty, because the latest “brilliant” and obvious idea from the head-honcho of 32 years is to ban hoodies from motorcyclists and drivers in general. It is foolish, it is not the hoodies that kill people, but the magnificent guns. When someone pulls the actual trigger. That the person behind the gun have the training and ability to shoot-and-kill anyone on the spot. The headgear and the law will not matter to a killer; the killer will pass through this and be undetected anyway.

Here is the ruling:

“Museveni banned wearing of hoodies following the murder of Arua municipality MP Ibrahim Abiriga. “H.E the President of the Republic of Uganda while addressing parliament of Uganda on state of security in the country on 20th June 2018, directed that inter-alia persons riding motorcycles/bicycles and driving motor vehicles should henceforth not wear hood. This also extends to driving/riding while putting on anything that can conceal/obscure facial disposition,” reads Mugyenyi’s message in part. He adds, “You are therefore directed to enforce H.E directive by arresting/apprehending defaulters thereof.” The officers have also been ordered to conduct community policing meetings to educate the public over the directive. Banning of hoods was one of the 10-point security plans, the president presented to parliament last month” (URN/The Observer – ‘Police to enforce Museveni hoodie ban’ 19.07.2018).

So now a month a later the Uganda Police Force is working high and mighty, they are pushing the envelope and making sure the youth are driving in smart fatigue. Instead of them hoodies. Because there are the root to all evil, not the guns or the thieves themselves. No, the ones that cover their face. They are all turning into criminals by appearance now, it is like magic, and you go from being a citizen into a master thief by putting on the hoodie.

That is how it looks like, a magical show of appearance, where the person goes from being an innocent worker, and turned into a master criminal working out inner demons to figure out how to empty the reserves of Bank of Uganda. Because, that is what the hoodie does to you. You become a fantastic arch nemesis of the state.

To be President Museveni cannot be easy, sharpshooters for his MPs, ban of hoodies and also the obstacle of actual trying to forge peace elsewhere, when everyone else is conspiring against him. When no one understand him or his orders. Everyone will misunderstand this one too. So, when is the burka and the hijab ban coming? Alternatively, is the arch criminals only Christian Urban Youth?

We should be allowed to ask that question to his royal highness, the grandest of them all, the banner of the hoodie and the one who rose from 27 guns unto vast power for decades. What provision of law is this directed under? Is this the penal code or the public order management act? What is it?

Because it seems like something taken out of thin air and blown out of proportions. Just like all the empty promises made by H.E. over 32 years. Peace.

Uganda Law Society notice ‘ Re: Update on Issues Relating to the Notice from the Ministry of Lands, Housing & Urban Development’ (17.07.2018)

Opinion: Museveni will not respect the South Sudanese Arms Embargo!

It is a noble idea to have an Arms Embargo in South Sudan, as the civil war and the never-ending negotiations of peace is continuing, even as the Khartoum Declaration and Outstanding Issues are working in tandem, even as the IGAD High Level Revitalization Forum have sort of failed and only given the republic empty promises. As the partners haven’t agreed totally or even respected the cease-fire starting on the 1^st July 2018. There still been skirmishes and attacks, which wasn’t supposed to appear.

With this in mind the negotiation and peace dialogue in Entebbe haven’t been fruitful or delivered. In this spirit it isn’t weird, as he has been a starch supporter of President Salva Kiir Mayardit and the Transitional Government of National Unity (TGoNU). That has been proven in the past, latest in February, when he promised to serve weapons to Kiir, even if there was imposed an embargo. Therefore, his words yesterday are important. Also show the provisions of the Arms Embargo in the end.

In February 2018:

“I want to you tell this, and whether you believe it or not, the government will never fail to acquire weapons by any means. What the foreign countries, including the United States of America, are doing is a pursuit of regime change which nobody will entertain even in America,” said a presidential aide asked what actually was the message Ugandan envoy had delivered. “Nobody will accept that a democratically elected government be changed through the force or by an imposed agreement,” he further told Sudan Tribune on condition of anonymity” (…) “President Museveni is indeed a friend of the people of South Sudan. He sent the special message for two purposes. One, he assured his excellency, General Salva Kiir Mayardit of the support of the people and the government of the Republic of Uganda to the people and the Republic of South Sudan. His Excellency President Museveni gave the assurance of highest support in this situation. Two, in case of sanctions, the government of Uganda would do its best to ensure all weapons and associated services destined to South Sudan are facilitated,” he said” (Sudan Tribune, 2018).

In July 2018:

“Museveni told the United Kingdom minister for armed forces Col. Mark Lancaster that an arms embargo will not help in the peace process. “Mr Museveni told his guests that imposing sanctions on South Sudan will not help in finding a solution to that country’s challenges adding that observation of ceasefire by the warring groups, security reform and working to have elections, among others, will help the country move towards peace,” Museveni told Col. Lancaster, according to a statement released by Uganda State House.

United Nations Arms Embargo:

“Arms Embargo “4. Decides that, until 31 May 2019, all Member States shall immediately take the necessary measures to prevent the direct or indirect supply, sale or transfer to the territory of South Sudan from or through their territories or by their nationals, or using their flag vessels or aircraft, of arms and related materiel of all types, including weapons and ammunition, military vehicles and equipment, paramilitary equipment, and spare parts for the aforementioned; and technical assistance, training, financial or other assistance, related to military activities or the provision, maintenance or use of any arms and related materiel, including the provision of armed mercenary personnel whether or not originating in their territories;” (…) “8. Calls upon all Member States, in particular States neighbouring South Sudan, to inspect, in accordance with their national authorities and legislation and consistent with international law, in particular the law of the sea and relevant international civil aviation agreements, all cargo to South Sudan, in their territory, including seaports and airports, if the State concerned has information that provides reasonable grounds to believe the cargo contains items the supply, sale, or transfer of which is prohibited by paragraph 4 of this resolution for the purpose of ensuring strict implementation of these provisions” (…) “9. Decides to authorize all Member States to, and that all Member States shall, upon discovery of items the supply, sale, or transfer of which is prohibited by paragraph 4 of this resolution, seize and dispose (such as through destruction, rendering inoperable, storage or transferring to a State other than the originating or destination States for disposal) of such items, and decides further that all Member States shall cooperate in such efforts” (UNSC, 2018).

As you have seen, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has promised arms, even if there is an embargo and he will secure weapons for the conflict. That is how he is, he doesn’t care about the conflict or the innocent lives taken by it. He is the war-lord earning fortunes on the trade of arms and being a beacon in the midst of the conflict. It is a win-win, he get to sell weapons and be part of the peace-process. Which I find amazing.

That the African Union and East African Community is using Museveni is boggling me, when he has no trouble offering weapons and arms to the TGoNU and Kiir government. So, when he is such a partner to the Juba Administration, while it is negotiations and having dialogue with the rebels and other outfits. It doesn’t make sense.

He will not follow the Arms Embargo, as he has promised to help Kiir. Therefore, the UN shouldn’t just call upon, they should also sanction them for trading arms with South Sudan. That is why the Embargo has little value, as long as the Ugandan government are friendly and will do business with the TGoNU. They will serve the needs and sell to earn big-business in Juba on the arms-trade.

Museveni doesn’t fear the UN or the Member States, they are in his favor with refugees and peacekeepers elsewhere. So, if he breaks Arms Embargo and sanctions, he know he won’t get scrutinized or even pay for violations. That is why he will do it too. Peace.

Reference:

South Sudan News Agency – ‘Ugandan President asks UN to drop South Sudan arms embargo’ 14.07.2018 link: http://southsudannewsagency.org/index.php/2018/07/14/ugandan-president-asks-un-to-drop-south-sudan-arms-embargo/

Sudan Tribune – ‘Museveni tells South Sudan not to worry from U.S. sanctions’ (11.02.2018) link: http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article64703

United Nations Security Council (UNSC) – ‘Adopting Resolution 2428 (2018), Security Council Extends Sanctions on South Sudan’ 13.07.2018 link: https://reliefweb.int/report/south-sudan/adopting-resolution-2428-2018-security-council-extends-sanctions-south-sudan

Opinion: MPs Security Detail is prepared to be modern day Santana Scandal!

Shiish, there are just some news that doesn’t capture your eyes quick enough. I have read the letter, but didn’t capture all the details, neither the costs. However, there was several of gentleman at the Daily Monitor, that did. Therefore, I am writing here today, because of the possible cost of buying cars for MPs new security detail. This has been ordered by the President and his words is law. No matter how expensive or how insane it is.

Here is the case from today:

“On June 29, President Museveni ordered Finance minister Matia Kasaija to urgently procure bullet-proof cars with “sharp shooters” from the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) to protect lives of the MPs against what he termed “terrorists”. However, he did not give specifics on the cost of the vehicles and other related expenditures. Daily Monitor interviews with car manufacturers revealed that a 2017/18 model bullet-proof Land Cruiser pick-up costs about $520,000 (about Shs1.9b) while a 2017/18 model bullet-proof Hilux pick-up costs about $166,000 (Shs630m). Therefore to procure bullet-proof Land Cruisers for the 456 MPs at Shs1.9b each, the government would pay out Shs866b while to acquire 2017/18 bullet-proof Hilux model at Shs630m, it would cost government Shs287b” (Solomon Arinaitwe & Moses Kyeyune – ‘MPs security cars to cost Shs1 trillion’ 13.07.2018 link: http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/MPs-security-cars-cost-Shs1-trillion/688334-4660322-shcp27z/index.html).

This here deal is made for corruption and for ghost costs appearing out of nowhere. This here is just built for that. It is amazing if the government starts procuring, knowing with its history and misuse of state funds. This is the perfect blend, buying vehicles and add-ons on the spread-sheet, claim later added cost without explaining where the funds went. If not order things that never appear. That is also a beauty.

With this in mind, here is the old story that could be re-produced by buying the security detail:

“However, in mid-1988 when Balaki Kirya, minister of state in office of the President in charge of security went to Spain to sign an agreement, he found 260 Santana ‘Land-rovers’ valued at $6.1 million had already been shipped while the agents/lobbyists were negotiating for the importation of another 260 ‘Land-rovers’ now valued at $8 million. The saga leaked to the press. The Weekly Topic of May 3, 1989 had a lead story: ‘Old schemers at their game again, STOP MISUSING PRESIDENT OFFICE’. When contacted, officials from the National Treasury said the purchase was done without the knowledge of the Bank of Uganda (BoU). However, from the BoU archives, on April 8, 1988, a memorandum on the foreign exchange position, by the governor indicated among other payments to be made in the year was for the 260 Land-rovers from Spain for the President’s office and 600 Land-rovers for the ministry of Defence as well as the army uniform from Spain” (Eriasa Mukiibi Sserunjogi – ‘High-profile corruption scandals registered under NRM’ 24.02.2013 link: http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/High-profile-corruption-scandals-registered-under-NRM/688334-1702448-ndh6w6z/index.html).

I wouldn’t be amazed if the Ministry of Defence, the Minister of Finance and the Prime Minister would make a scheme worth paying off for. They would secure kick-backs and additional funds, this is a too important project and the safety of the MPs is the highest priority. Everyone knows that. Not that this is misusing of funds and making sure the MPs are driving around like hostages in their Republic. Nah, that is not important at all.

That the 456 MPs who already are allocated money for cars and upkeep of them. Still, they need a second one, with specialized produced safety gear, seems more like they are traveling past war-zones, than friendly neighbourhoods, what about the actual people that live there, are they safe?

Well, that was bit of subject. However, the reality is that this is made for corruption. Someone in the regime will eat and use this as package to get loaded. We can just wonder who and who will be put in charge, who will fake needed equipment and who will give away knock-offs instead of the real deal.

This MPs security deal can be a gold-mine to the right individual. However, whoever that might be, he has to remember to give the king his cut. That meaning the President in the State House, if not your see quickly the other side of the barrel. He has no issues getting rid of people. That is proven in history too.

I wish I could be hopeful, but to me, they are cooking another Santana Scandal. This time it might be the Hilux Scandal or the Land Cruiser Scandal of 2018.

I just know we will get there, but how, that is up to the magicians within the Kings court. Peace.

Statement by Uganda Law Society Concerning Continued Illegal Acts by the Security Organization (ISO) – (12.07.2018)