Uganda Law Society: The Uganda Law Society Statement following the Unrests and Riots that took place on 18/11/2020, as a result of the arrest of Hon. Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu and Mr. Patrick Oboi Amuriat (19.11.2020)

Opinion: Museveni shows no remorse towards the rioting citizens

For the ones that could expect sympathy or care for the citizens. You should just scratch that and forget those natural instincts, because for a President for Life. These sort of natural feelings and emotions are pointless. This man is ruthless and tactless. A man who rather answer with more force and quell any rebellion. Finding any excuse and reason to prolong the agony. As long as his ruling supreme.

President Museveni continues his campaigns and rallies like nothing happen. The NRM can hold processions and gatherings like COVID-19 doesn’t exists. While the Opposition, the ones arrested and anyone else associated with the opposition. Is in the wrong. Because, the state and him is never wrong. Even though at this point, his dead wrong and doesn’t care.

Just read this from Kotido district today:

They have entered an area of fighting we know very well. Whoever started it will regret it. Some of these groups are being used by outsiders who don’t like the stability and independence of Uganda but will discover what they are looking for” (…) “Those who have been attacking NRM people in Kampala will soon lose that appetite. You will see the uniform of NRM and won’t touch it. Even if they abandon it, you won’t touch it. They want to create violence so that elections are not held, however, elections will continue and those fighting will lose. They will answer for the crimes they have committed” (…) “We are here in this campaigning indirectly where we dont hold rallies for the sake of avoiding infecting more people. We have lost quite a number of people already including two Members of Parliament and some scientists. It is therefore criminal for anybody to ignore this. We are not going to tolerate that and whoever does it(violates guidelines) will regret what they did” – Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in Kotido District Campaign rally on the 19th November 2020 (Source: Kenneth Kazibwe – ‘“Whoever started it will regret”- Museveni on Bobi Wine protests’, 19.11.2020, Nilepost.ug).

This is not a man who wants to solve or resolve an issue. Not the act of the one who cares about the will of the people. The grievances and the suffering of them. No, this is of a man who is high on power and wants to keep it to himself by any means.

The President is in fighting spirit and in fight mode. Instead of being a man of class and show some humility as people are dying in the hands of law enforcement, soldiers and police officers. He instead challenges them and says these people will loose eventually. That it will literally will die down or cease to operate. Because, he can order the army, special force command and whatever other unit he has to silence the critics. The ones battling the mighty NRM.

He doesn’t even speculate and call the general public, the ones protesting and rioting criminals and needs to be investigated. However, doesn’t take a second and feel the pain of these people. Neither does he think of the ones who has lost someone. Just that these folks will regret doing it and they will be fought. Since there is never any better way to handle this…

President Museveni shows his tyranny and there is no hope with this old. His steadily on the warpath and doesn’t care how many lives he scorns. As long as he clings on to power. In the end that is all that matters. That this man has power. While the public is indefinitely suffering on the hands of this man.

There is no glory, no justice and no remorse. Only more suffering and pain. Since, the President has no plan to go easy. Only to go head on and he wants to be remembered for the blood that is shed in his name. Peace.

Opinion: Citizens are dying and the state deems them as “hooligans”

What else can we do? If you have got a government which has closed off all other channels of peaceful change…what else could we do, except to surrender and resign ourselves to slavery. We couldn’t do that!”Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in an interview in the bush in 1985

Laws. Rules. Justice. Rule of Law. Law enforcement and protecting the nation. Is all fine words. However, today. It is just blood on the streets. Yesterday it was blood on the streets. In Kampala, Masaka and elsewhere. As protests, riots and demonstrations was appearing because of the arrest and detaining Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine. Who is detained and sealed off the public at Nalufenya Police Station in Jinja District.

The state and their spokespersons are calling the public who are crying out their grievances “hoodlums” and “hooligans”. Yes, some of them are acting out in spite and endangering their lives as we speak. They are using force and even been undressing people for wearing yellow shirts, which is associated with the ruling regime and party. This is done in anger and in frustration. It isn’t the right thing to do. It is unjustified. However, so is also killing civilians with bullets. Who dares to oppose the government who carries the colour of yellow.

There is a significant difference between the ills. One is state sanctioned violence against own citizens. Shooting and aiming at civilians, throwing tear-gas and ordering soldiers on the streets. This is all to quell the riots and demonstrations. Just like it has been done before. Using huge force against unarmed civilians. Seeing boda-boda riders with weapons on the streets going after civilians who are demonstrating. The ones who might be associated with the likes of Boda Boda 2010 and the ones who the President was supposed defeat. Just like the President was supposed to close the prison facility and torture den of Nalufenya in 2018. He clearly did neither, but hope the people forget.

People are dying. Police and armed officials are raiding homes in Kampala. God knows what else they are doing. Blocking roads and not shielding the public. But attacking them and besieging the city yet again. In Masaka it has already arrested Mpuuga and Mbidde ahead of the NUP campaign visit there. Which seems unlikely to happen at this point of time.

There is reports of 30 dead and 45 injured. Surely the numbers will rise with time. As there some who is hiding and not come forward yet. There is always a grey-areas and stray-bullets can hit at anything.

The state has the fire-power, the equipment and the regiments to hit the public hard. They got the people in office trying fix the narrative and blame the grand public. While these issues have been created by the mere state and reflects upon their misgivings. If the public was satisfied and felt represented… they wouldn’t run to the streets and wouldn’t speak out like they do. However, the state rather silence them. Then listen to what they got to say. As they are arresting their leaders, killing protestors and injuring scores of others.

God knows… lord have mercy… for the whole tally of this. This here shouldn’t be a thing, but it is. Because, one system and one regime has choked the country for ages.

This is injustice, this is impunity and all for one man. There is already a bloodshed. To many people have died over this. Not only during the last 48 hours, but during all the years in the reign of Museveni. People have died for standing up to him and his guards. They have assisted in getting rid of the opponents and activists. Therefore, what is happening now. Isn’t just for the political active, but the general public. The true methods to stay in power is revealed. It isn’t true support from the general public, but by the use of arms. Which was the same way he came in…. He intends to go out as well. He lived by the gun and the system he has created will die by the gun too.

That is why innocent civilians screaming out and taking out their fury is called hooligans and hoodlums. The ones who are just using their one outlet for their grievances and their hurt. The bitterness, which has been created over all these years.

How many have to die before it is enough? How many lives can one man have on his watch before it is too much? What level of impunity and injustice is liveable? I wonder, why is this acceptable and continued?

Will the President and his men ever take accountability and be responsible for this? It is on their watch and they are letting it play-out. Just like it is nothing, because that is what it is to them. They are just buying time and hoping the people let go. These people are hoping the pain, suffering and lack of outlets will soon its course. So, that everything can go back to normal. While they are sheltering in mansions, the others are in the slums trying to find the next gig to secure food on their plate.

Sill, you wonder… why they cry and why their plights should matter. It should, but these leaders have abandoned them for all these years. Why should they suddenly start to listen now? Unless, they want to make a publicity stunt together with some UN Organizations or Multi-National Organizations to pay for the development to appease the general public.

Expect it to get worse, before it gets better. This rulers doesn’t care. If they did. They wouldn’t send soldiers and police officers to shoot at the public. They would have found ways to talk and act upon their suffering, which they clearly not intending to do at this given time. Peace.

Uganda: Minister Judith Nabakooba – Statement – Keep Calm, Say No to Riots and Civil Disobedience (19.11.2020)

Economic Fighters League: Fighters Condemns Illegal Detention of Ugandan Presidential Candidate Kyagulanyi ‘Bobi Wine’ Ssentamu and Demands his Immediate Release (18.11.2020)

Bobi Wine is now the symbol of liberation

Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine is now detained at Nalufenya Police Station in Jinja district. After being arrested earlier in Luuka district on the road with his Presidential Campaign and with his convoy. However, he was brutally stopped there, arrested and taken away to Nalufenya. Later charged with Penal Code article 171, which is spreading disease and in this regard COVID-19.

However, all along this was to be expected at one point or another. That Bobi Wine would be arrested. This was something the National Unity Platform and the People Power Movement could anticipate. Because, at some stage the state and the authorities would find a reason or excuse to arrest him. That is what they do to their arch-enemies.

Bobi Wine is the symbol and the one carrying the mantle, which implies he is taking a cause of a peaceful transfer, even speaking of a revolution to topple the dictatorship and President Museveni. In such a regard and with a huge popularity. That Bobi Wine has strike a nerve, which is hard for the authorities to contain.

Bobi Wine have with his message, manifesto and his ideals brought the youth and disenfranchised a party and an ideology. Where they believe they can together bring change and also ensure the end of the reign of Museveni.

That is a hard bargain. Near impossible, as Museveni has installed himself and his allies in every part of the government. There isn’t anywhere where the President cannot order or direct. The President has his touch on all things and can get his memo to every corner of the Republic. That sort of control is what keeps him in power.

However, that isn’t without its costs. As the President have kept the public poor, haven’t ensured the benefits for the average citizens and they have not earned on his Presidency. No, they are living in the same peasantry they did before the took power. Yes, they can afford soap and some goods, but there are plenty who struggles to get enough to have one-meal-a-day. Nevertheless, the President and his team isn’t stressed by that fact.

Bobi Wine is there to make a difference, change and liberate from this toils, suffering and oppression, which have been inflicted on the Republic for so long. This is why Museveni have gotten a new type of leader against him. Not the run-of-the-mill former cadre from the NRM or any common intellectual. No, he has gotten a man from the ghetto, a musician and a man who has the wisdom to listen to the one around him.

Bobi Wine is the symbol that Museveni didn’t want to create. The People Power Movement and Bobi Wine is the sort of effort Museveni dreamed off before he needed the Bush-War himself. Inside himself, I am sure he feels the pain. That he never got the love to this extent without a civil-war. The President only got the bash of glory after participating in killings thousands upon thousands of civilians to gain power. The man didn’t achieve it through the ballots and through his messaging.

That is Bobi Wine is turning into a true opponent. A sort of opposition and example, which is in stark contrast to himself. Bobi Wine is the new revolutionary. When he is supposed to be the liberator. However, Bobi Wine works to liberate the Republic from him and his reign. That maybe boggles the President. Because, he forgets why he went to Bush. Since, everything he fought against. He has become himself.

That is why Bobi Wine and his candidacy exists. Bobi Wine wouldn’t be the symbol. The man fighting the cause and working for liberation now. If it wasn’t for Museveni keeping the shackles and the bracelets on the general public.

The arrest of Bobi Wine will not be the end. The road to 2021 is still long. It might seem short, but the days ahead will feel long. Museveni might overcome this too. He has survived so many protests and demonstrations. However, Bobi Wine isn’t the sort of player he is used too.

Bobi Wine is the symbol and the man he never wanted to challenge. Because, Bobi Wine is one of them. Bobi Wine can and has the ability to strike a cord with the electorate and also inspire them. In a way that Museveni never will be able to do.

This is why Museveni fears him. That is why Museveni despise him. Also, the reason why Museveni goes after him. The symbol of everything Museveni isn’t and wished he was himself. Though Museveni came with a promise to liberate the public. He squandered that and became the oppressor himself. Peace.

Opinion: How much bitterness does Museveni want to achieve?

Today, there are riots, demonstrations and measures by civilians all across the Republic as two main Presidential Candidates Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine and Patrick Oboi Amuriat is both arrested and detained. This is happening with the usage of COVID-19 regulations, while not ensuring the safety of the candidates or their convoys, but instead violently and brutally arresting in their respective parts of the Republic.

The results are staggering and shattering. The youths, the unemployed and the ones who seeks hope in these gentlemen are in the streets. They are throwing stones, burning tires and acting out their frustrations. As the state, the ruling regime and the President himself never has given them any sort of way out.

The President has ruled supreme since 1986. He has run the nation with an brutality, arbitrary arrests and extra judicial killings. This is well-known. The man is using safe-houses and various of para-military and intelligence outfits to control the Republic too. So, it’s not he isn’t using all means to stop and silence the opposition. Plus having the army and the police on his side at any given day. Like today and yesterday… he had them when in need.

Today is just the proof of the bitterness. As the public and a generation is bitter. The Republic haven’t progressed or delivered for them. The Republic isn’t in a better place now. The President haven’t secured their future. It haven’t even helped them to feed their kids tomorrow.

So many has never seen another man in power. They have never had the opportunity to see another style of leadership. The young nation run by a bunch of old bush-war historicals. Who has a story and reason to rule, which to the youth doesn’t appeal to them. The results and the achievements seems futile now. As they haven’t benefited from the “liberation”. A liberation which only liberated a few chosen ones. The rest are still struggling and if they find leaders elsewhere. They will struggle to assemble or be legally associated with them. This is why days like today happens.

The National Resistance Movement and President Museveni came with a promise they never kept. They promised democracy and peasants representation. However, they never truly did. They have “representatives” but that is their selected ones and not the ones who is there as the will of the people. The institution are all appointed and selected men from the President. The judiciary and every other government office is filled with cronies. Therefore, they are all in the game to keep this system alive. Even if it doesn’t benefit or really represent the public at large.

Museveni can speak game. He has spoken so many times. The President have been a public for so long. That at one point or another he spoke or wrote the truth. However, he doesn’t abide by it. Neither does his cabinet or the ones inside his patronage. They are indulged and enjoying the perks. The spoils of fortune and entitlement. That is why the apologists cry foul over some small destruction, properties damaged and car windows, but they don’t cry over the citizens killed or injured. They are not speaking out of the police brutality or the hurt it does.

That why it is a bitterness. There so many who is tired of being taken for granted. Being used as pawns for World Bank and International Monetary Fund grants and loans, but not to get anything out of the funds given to the government. The state was supposed to develop and make opportunities for the public. The state was supposed to shelter and make sure the citizens are safe. Instead they sheltering and harbouring one small elite and the President’s Men.

That’s why people are acting out. They have had it and seen enough. Where there is smoke, there is fire. The village is on fire, but the firemen is not to be seen. The ones who is supposed to make it stop. Is using their time arresting their enemies, than doing their actual job. That is why people are tired.

Museveni have let things burn and hoped no one would smell it. However, at one point the smoke and flames will overshadow anything else. Then, the President and his men got no where to hide. While no matter what forces he sends to stop it. Everything in its way will burn and the next man taking the reigns has to rebuild. All, because one man could never let go and became the same oppressor as the oppressors he was supposed to liberate the public from. Peace.

FDC’s Presidential Candidate Patrick Oboi Amuriat arrested and detained in Gulu

Patrick Oboi Amuriat arrested in Gulu where he was expected to address his supporters this evening at Awere Sports Ground teargas and live bullets continue rocking the city.” (Kungu Al-mahadi Adam, 18.11.2020).

The authorities have decided that today was enough of peaceful campaigns and go rouge towards the opposition candidates. This is the second opposition Presidential arrested today. They arrested him as he was heading to a rally in Gulu.

Patrick Oboi Amuriat, the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Presidential Flag-Bearer and Party President is currently detained in Gulu Central Police Station. We don’t know what charges yet, but expect to billed to the Penal Code 171 or in same fashion as Bobi Wine. As these are both main competitors to the Presidency.

Also, there has been reports of supporters and activists of the party arrested at the same time as the Presidential candidates. This shows to what extent the state goes to silence the opposition. POA is just another one who is supposed ask for the blessing of the anointed one. Clearly, he didn’t get the memo and that he was to be punished.

POA is just a man who honestly tried to carry the campaign and his “barefoot” message to the public. Still, that is so dangerous to the authorities that they had to arrest him. We shouldn’t be shocked, as he was violently taken and lost his shoes on the day of nomination. Therefore, this follows their steady program.

POA has also been blocked and had trouble holding rallies since nomination. So, it is just taking it up a notch. This is the steady impunity of the state towards opposition. POA is just another target, which the state has their aim upon.

The state have followed, monitored and always gone after the FDC. Therefore, this isn’t new. They easily find reasons to besiege the FDC headquarters in Kampala. That’s why this is a sign of what is ahead. When POA get arrested and detained like this in Gulu. Peace.

Opinion: Museveni using the COVID-19 as an excuse to arrest Bobi Wine

Today in Luuka District as Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine was about to campaign. Was arrested brutally by the local police. They took him first to an “unknown” location, but that was later reported that he is detained in Nalufenya Police Station in Jinja District.

It is not shocking that it’s happening. Since the day of nomination this was bound to happen eventually. No real candidate challenging the President and his party will go through scuffle-free. Today is just the day this got real.

Not that Bobi Wine haven’t been there before already. The Presidential Candidate have already been scorned, touched and felt the brute force of the authorities. So, when he decided to stand and be the flag-bearer he knew this would be his fate.

The Luuka Police is charging him with the Penal Code article 171, which states:

171. Negligent act likely to spread infection of disease.

Any person who unlawfully or negligently does any act which is and which he or she knows or has reason to believe to be likely to spread the infection of any disease dangerous to life commits an offence and is liable to imprisonment for seven years” (Penal Code, 1950).

So, the state is using a colonial law, which still makes sense during a pandemic. However, they are using it on the opposition, but the same law isn’t used against their own party cadres who are throwing big rallies and processions for the National Resistance Movement (NRM).

The Luuka Police does this to stop and silence the opposition. They wouldn’t have done this, if these crowds was showing up for Museveni and his campaign convoy. That would not happen. Bebe Cool could be running around like crazy and be jolly with people on the streets.

Therefore, we know the deal and this is impunity against the campaign of Bobi Wine. This would never ever happen to Museveni. He would never be touched, scorned or even punished for anything. His ground is anointed and blessed. While the others has to ask for his blessing to be able assemble and be active.

This is why Bobi Wine is in trouble… and is charged like he is. Bobi Wine will get plenty more charges, more arrests and have cases all across the Republic. That will happen as long as President Museveni is ruling supreme. That has happen to others who has aimed at the throne and that is now the journey ahead for Bobi Wine. It isn’t justice, but the selective rule of law, which is the NRM way. Peace.

Bobi Wine brutally arrested in Luuka District

Police has arrested NUP presidential candidate, Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine, and taken him to an unknown place. Bobi Wine has been arrested at his campaign venue in Luuka District following a scuffle between his supporters and security” (97.8 Kazo FM Omushomesa, 18.11.2020).

Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine have been stopped in his tracks. The National Unity Platform (NUP) and People Power Movement Presidential Candidate have now been arrested. After the police and law enforcement have cracked down on the campaign rally of Bobi Wine. They have also arrested journalists and others. While tear-gassing the venue and such.

This is the difference between the “real” opposition and the ones who are running for the ruling regime. That the opposition will be incriminated and they will pin charges on you. While the ruling regime can do similar actions, but not get any crackdown from the authorities.

Today, it’s Bobi Wine. Tomorrow it’s someone else who dares to challenge the throne. They will either use the means of Public Order or COVID-19 as an excuse to arrest him this time around. A systemic way to oppress and silence the opposition.

Bobi Wine have been lucky that this didn’t happen before… he has been blocked and tear-gassed, but not arrested. So, that it lasted this long was luck in a way. That the authorities waited this long. Because, when you do challenge the State House or the “High Above”. Expect to be punished and suffer. There will be consequences…

These consequences we are seeing today. Bobi Wine isn’t the first to be here and will not be the last. Especially, if the state is able to contain the popularity and the campaign of NUP. That is what they want. While they want to look like a winning team, yet again.

We can easily see that Bobi Wine is the main target and the ones who gets the brutal treatment from the state. He is the man who is the competitor and have the message, which the state wants to silence.

This is just the way they operate and have done for years. Expect some ridiculous charges, excuses and a mockery of “trial”.

It is now reported that Bobi Wine is detained at Nalufenya Police Station in Jinja district. However, the case will go nowhere and its just a phony act to stop him from campaigning. Peace.