Opinion: The only good news from Kololo, today; and also surprised that the Western diplomates didn’t know President Museveni sentiments on the ICC (or tried to forget)

M7 Guards Inaguration 2016

Well, the good news is not that there was a Swearing-In of President Museveni for his Seventh Term, bite me, it is not fifth, it’s Seventh! Got to teach the National Resistance Movement to count, after that the international media some recent history to not shave off the first decade in Power for Mr. Yoweri in Uganda.

The good news was:

“Department spokeswoman Elizabeth Trudeau said U.S. Ambassador to Uganda Deborah Malac and a visiting Washington-based official, along with several European and Canadian diplomats, abruptly left the inauguration after Museveni made negative remarks about the International Criminal Court in his inaugural address. She added that the U.S. also objected to Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir’s participation in the inauguration. Al-Bashir has been charged by the court for atrocities in Sudan’s western Darfur region” (Lee, 2016).

ReaganMuseveni

Because this set the perimeter of next inaugurations as Uganda is not the only country where the Opposition is under fire and where the human rights are squabbled for the Ruling Regime to control. But the reaction from the European Union representative and the United States is a bit late now. United States Government have supported them the Ugandan Government for three decades as the Ugandans have fought wars you wouldn’t touch with a your little finger. The European Union have done so in good faith and with the hopes that this will be one of their success stories as the beginning of Museveni terms he was actually sounding like a democratic ruler and had swagger like no-one else and even swallowed the Structural Adjustment Program; more than many other leaders did for long-term loans and direct-budget aid to the Ugandan government.

But that is not why the diplomates left the Inauguration of President Museveni at the Kololo Independence ground. They left the event in midst of the speech and everything because of mentioning of International Criminal Court, the discontent that exist in certain parts of Africa, as the ICC have target many African leaders and Warlords, while nearly none of the allies of European or American Government have been taken. Which make it seem like Post-Colonial tool and certain totalitarian, and Police State leaders feels that especially since they might be the next in line to be charged by the ICC.

Museven Debate16

Even on the second Live Presidential Candidate or the second #UGDebate President: “A founding signatory of the Rome Statute, on ICC: Yes we should be out of the ICC. ICC is not serious. It is partisan. There are so many people who should have been tried if they were serious. The way to go is to have our own African Criminal Court. Trying to work with ICC was a mistake”.

So if the American or European diplomats were surprised by the words uttered by the President, they should check his track-record, and are you naïve? He is the same brother who toyed with the worlds in the Nairobi talks in 1980s, muffled the involvement in Rwandan Patriotic Front, the direct involvement in wars in Democratic Republic Congo that got rid of both President Mobutu Sese Seko and President Laurent Kabila. His involvement in South Sudan and also the claimed help of President Nkurunziza after the coup d’état in 2015; there are too many instances where he has went to the gun for himself and others. So that he dislikes the ICC should be seen as natural for his Western Allies, that have given military experts and equipment over decades.

He used ties to Libya to get arms to bring down Obote, Obote whom he had a agreement with to get rid of Idi Amin. This man has done whatever to get power and get powers other places. He is ruthless and does not care how far he has to go to have it. He builds people up and burry them if they get ambition. So many men have fallen and so many fallen without the reason or the authorities have cleared the cases of the killings. Many men who have had honorable positions and been high up in the military have been silenced by the NRA/NRM. And this isn’t just rumors, this is known, but not something that is talked about.

Face to Face Cote D'ivorie

So European diplomates and American ones, you have to consider your obligation and role in Uganda, the walkout and the assessment of that, is only a small embarrassment, but to cut donor-aid and military equipment would mean something. To endorse directly Dr. Kizza Besigye would be another force of change. That would be like Alassane Ouattara won over Laurent Gbabgo in Cote d’Ivoire in 2010. Who made his own army and took over power when the International Community recognized Ouattara in 2011 and later detained Ggabo. So there are possible ways of creating the changes, but hopefully without guns though that is the only thing President Museveni believes in.

I know he told at one point he wanted to be a Pastor, but over the time he became a gun-loving, bush-war and embezzlement patriarch who oppose the idea of any other human being having a vision of leadership in the country he is running.

That isn’t a beautiful picture, but there certain questions remain why the American and European were mad about this:

“After introducing ICC indictee Bashir, Museveni said: “We lost interest in the ICC. We thought they were serious.” Museveni said he had supported ICC at the beginning but realised that “ICC is a bunch of useless people” (Trending.co.ug, 2016).

This words uttered from the mouth apparently was too much from the Western Diplomates today. Together with them we’re also the invited and warranted President Bashir; for me some strange reason no problem with the other hectic and problematic despots, dictators, lingering Presidents and so on; that also showed-up for the event. Why no problem with Cameroonian Biya? Why no problem with President Obiang? Why not mad about President Mugabe? And list goes on of people who disrespect democratic values and freedoms in their countries… though not sanctioned by the ICC.

For being diplomates, they should have known at least about the words said by the man on the Presidential Debate in February 2016. The ICC has already issues within the African Nations and the African Union have had talks on removing itself from the International Criminal Courts because of Post-Colonial affairs and targeting African leaders. So with that in mind, this doesn’t help the cause for the Europeans or Americans unless they do something serious, a ruthless man like President Museveni. Needs the guns and equipment, if not he trade with Russians and trains together with North Koreans, he has done it before and will do it again. Even order second level army equipment from China instead of getting training and army deals with Americans. The Western diplomats should not be surprised and should know his history and how reckless he can behave.

Why do you think Hon. Paolo Muwanga even feared and was disgusted with the man? He even understood to what extend the President would go when he got into power. Since he spoke beautiful words as it was needed in the Bush, the people and international community supported him.

Now there a long run since 1986, lots of European and United States Presidents have been in Power and changed leadership, while the Ugandan leader have lingered on and not caught flack before now, really? Late to the Party or is it the later redeemer now?

The issue is that they have known he has these sentiments, as the escalated violence, detaining and use of army against his own citizens. We can see it with the recent Post-Election killings in Kasese, the pro-longed Northern Uganda Conflict that lasted since 1980s into peace agreement in 2006; and the Ugandan-Fueled guerrillas in the DR Congo.

So that he is a little rash and rough with the introduction of President Bashir is the issue all of sudden, is sorry to say a little weak tea as you have given way for him to do all the other activities and not really condemn that. This because President Museveni have been a needed ally in the region after the fall of Mobutu, that American Government had for so long; that is why President Clinton even praised Museveni together with other leaders.

Obama Merkel Hollande_0

Today should not be surprising, the European and American Diplomates should have known his sentiments on the ICC, and he want to be a great leader, so he would invite anyone who wanted to show-up. This here is just the proof of it, nobody expected President Obama or Chancellor Merkel or even President Hollande to attend: They would rather have a cup of tea then showing-up. The strangest was that the former loyal ally President Kagame was in the wind… but that just so the strained relationship.

Well, this was my two cents. Not beautiful… just the way it is; when you have trusted a man to fight for you and expecting him to be peace loving democratic values full of integrity and standing by for liberty and justice in his Nation, while they have for decades let him get away with murders, destabilizing neighbor countries and done other adventures without giving him much of even a slap on his face. Then you expect him to be the grandest man… you have lost the plot fellow Western Diplomates. Peace.

Reference:

Lee, Matthew – ‘US diplomats walk out of Uganda president’s inauguration’ (12.05.2016) links: https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/whitehouse/us-diplomats-walk-out-of-uganda-presidents-inauguration/2016/05/12/e461854c-1874-11e6-971a-dadf9ab18869_story.html?postshare=5891463086874273&tid=ss_tw

Trending.co.ug – ‘ICC is useless, says Museveni’ (12.05.2016) link: http://trending.co.ug/politics/icc-useless-says-museveni

#FreeMyPresident – Besigye is still detained at Moroto Police Station/Barracks

Besigye Kampala 11.05.2016 P4

As he was Sworn-In yesterday and went into the Central Kampala without knowledge of the Authorities. Henceforth the arrest after this to silence him and the Forum for Democratic Change in Uganda.

Here is the latest statement from FDC. As he lingers after the air-lift yesterday from Kampala to Moroto as they did not have time from mid-day to the evening to drive one of their vans to Moroto Barracks/Moroto Police Stations. That is where he is and is staying for the moment, until he is free or moved by the Uganda People’s Defense Force (UPDF) or Uganda Police Force (UPF).

FDC Statements on Besigye today: 

“We have visited H.E Kizza Besigye at Moroto Police. He is well. It is upto us to make sure that he is free. ‪#‎FreeMyPresident‬” (Forum for Democratic Change, 12.05.2016).

“Some cabinet ministers in president Kizza Besigye’s government have got access to him in Morotto military barracks were he is currently detained. Only us can free the president. ‪#‎KBisPresident” (Doreen Nyanjura, 12.05.2016)‬.

This is happening while the grand-dictator lavish feast happening at Kololo. Be proud and honour yourself the galant NRM who has truely sold everything so that the President, the Executive Museveni can do as he pleases and not accountable anymore… Peace. 

Bobi Wine’s Rehearsal Studio in Kamwokya raided by armed soldiers and Police officers during the Swearing-In going on at Kololo!

Bobi Wine Studio Raid 12.05.2016

Here you see to what extent the Police Force and Army crack-down on the Opposition even in the midst of the lavish party on the other side of town. A reason alone why I don’t care. Because the Army and Police is harrassing the Opposition and even a Musician and his fellow Musicians. They are arrested and taken in without warrents or charges.

This here is level of impunity, the level of discontent between the rule of law and the justified attack on civil society that the Security Organizations are doing in Uganda right now. That Bobi Wine and his studio is raided is just madness. They we’re even watching what happen with at Kololo. So they we’re not up-to criminal activity, if so is it illegal to watch Museveni on TV now?

Bobi Wine Studio Raid 12.05.2016 P2

This here shows level of Police State, the army are allowed without any question or any law just to breach private space and arrest fellow citizens without charges. These artist been taken in as common criminals who was reharsing or watching the actions on Kololo. Is this the level of foolery the State of Uganda will be proud of? Is this the legacy of Musveni wants to leave behind? That the Police Force in honour of the Head of State even arrest fellow artist connected to Bobi Wine.

Here is his statement on the matter, I am just sad that they goes this far. The Police State now is high intimidation level that even musicians are an issue who needs to be silenced for National Security. Then the state have gone to far and needs a shake-up.

Again, here is the words of H.E. Bobi Wine! 

Statement from Bobi Wine: 

Meanwhile, as the swearing in is going on, our rehearsal studio in Kamwokya was invaded by armed soldiers and police as young Firebase artists were rehearsing,and others were watching the swearing in on T.V. They were beaten and arrested (no charge yet). Even when I tried to explain that these youth were no harm to society and actually productive members of our community, nobody listened. They were bundled up to into a car, humiliated, and are now detained at Kira Road Police station. The arrested artists include: Red Aya, Dex, Wagi, and the CEO of Bigs promotion who had come to book these artists for a small gig. I was actually there doing an interview with New York Times when this happened. Many times I have worked with the Uganda police to calm down riots and to create peace and stability in the ghetto, as well as to build a good relationship between the police and the common people… To the Uganda Police: next time you call me to calm down riots in the ghetto, please remember how you have treated our people… I MEAN, WHAT KIND OF RELATIONSHIP IS THIS?
‪#‎ImpunityUG‬
‪#‎NdiMunaUganda‬” (Bobi Wine, 12.05.2016). 

 

Press Release: Visit of Omar Al Bashir to Uganda (11.05.2016)

Omar Al Bashir Uganda P1Omar Al Bashir Uganda P2

The NRM Bus Company Limited resurface for the lavish event at Kololo today!

NRM Bus Company Limited

As the Swearing-In at Kololo today as I expected the National Resistance Movement Bus Company Limited would surface again. They have been a steady for Voter Tourism during the Campaign and where the Tourist has gotten a T-Shirt and usually a stiff fee plus the travel at least to the venue of the Campaign Rally. Sometimes the Company forgot to get them and they we’re stranded. This even happen on Kololo on the Nomination Day in November 2015, for those of you who remember how the crowds of Crime Preventers; these Crime Preventers we’re left in their own mercy in Kampala while coming from far away villages.

NRM Bus for Kololo P1 12.05.2016

Today was not particularly news worthy, but need to mention that the NRM Bus Company rolled out their Yellow Buses and offered Voter Tourism for the last time in a while. The Tourist that could take part of the lavish party at Kololo would get Ush. 10k shillings and promise to bring a smile if they we’re snapped on camera so that Sarah Kagingo can be herself and proudly do the propaganda for the State House! Oh Gee, what a look it is with hired crowds for a Tenner. Must be blatant display of courage knowing this, especially for a President was with so much pomp and fanfare in past is now ghastly disliked. Peace.  

Paolo Muwanga Quote

Lord Mayor Lukwago on a unlawful House-Arrest for the 8 Day; while Museveni have a lavish celebration at Kololo!

Gen. Sejusa 11.05.2016 Arrest Lukwago

The dark shaddow over the day is knowing that so many of Opposition is unlawfully detained and silenced as the giant feast is happening at Kololo. The country is diveded between the men and woman who lavishly have it all and the ones who doesn’t have basic rights even. Therefore the UCC and Government had to even ban Social Media and make the words of mouth silenced, though there ways of countering that.

Still, and still! The Lord Mayor are behind bars in his own home, still without charge or warrent, his words says it all. Take a look!

Lukwago 10.05.2016

Statement by Erias Lukwago today:

“DAY 8 OF HOUSE ARREST. It’s certainly a day that will live in infamy. You cannot drag a young nation into a devastating 5 year guerrilla war and renege on the promise to restore a sustainable constitutional order that would guarantee orderly succession to power; bastardize the entire nation and turn it into a personal estate; organise sham elections and entrench a personal rule for 30 solid years; institutionalise a reign of terror, persecute and humiliate your political opponents, including your contemporaries like Dr. Besigye, Gen. Ssejusa, Gen. Muntu, Mbabazi etc; and then, majestically match to the Kololo independence grounds, stand by the graveyard where the remains of Yusuf Lule and Ignatius Musaazi were interred and proclaim that you derive inspiration from the likes of Mugabe, Nguema, Idris Debby, Santos, Biya etc. With all due respect, Sir, I wouldn’t attend that function even if I had not been incarcerated at home” (Luwkago, 12.05.2016). 

Court Order saying: “Magistrates Court in Rukungiri declares the 6 days detention as illegal and unconstitutional” (11.05.2016)

11st May 2016 Rukungiri

“Magistrates Court in Rukungiri declares the 6days detention as illegal and unconstitutional , issues another oder directing police of Rukungiri to immediately and unconditionaly release the Fdc youth leader mr Dickson Nampumuza” (Moses Byamugyisha, 12.05.2016).

Afterthought: 

I know the law and it is clear, but in the recent days the National Resistance Movement have not had any interest in keeping the society lawful or justice; when it comes to their citizens as the one-man are the key figure in the Nation and nobody else voice doesn’t matter. The almighty man who will be sworn-in at Kololo is more Important than these fellow citizens who are detained unlawful and is not getting their justice! Peace.

Press Statement: The President declares Museveni swearing-in ceremony “illegal and offensive” to Ugandans calls for Public to “Make Noise” in Support of New Government (11.05.2016).

Besigye Kampala 11.05.2016 P3

Ugandan President Kizza Besigye, has in his second act as head of the country’s transitional government, declared “illegal” the planned swearing-in ceremony of former President Yoweri Museveni on 12th May, 2016. The President also requests all heads of state and diplomatic officials to stay away as it was “deeply offensive to Ugandans.”

President Besigye further asked all Ugandans to voice their support for Uganda’s democratic transition by “making noise” by whatever means possible: music, car horns, pots and pans, church bells and most of all, their “courageous voices.”

Museveni Swears In

Supporters are asked to focus on Kampala, Entebbe Road and the Serena Hotel, where Museveni’s few remaining foreign apologists are staying, and on Kololo Airfield, while the illegal swearing-in extravaganza will be attempted tomorrow. “Wherever you are tomorrow, make some noise and send a signal for Uganda. Let’s show the world how Ugandans stand together!” President Besigye stated.

END.

MPs threaten to increase their pay if they are denied tax exemption (Youtube-Clip)

Police arrests Besigye ahead of Museveni swearing-in (Youtube-Clip)