“Security has been beefed up in kabarole district as a joint operation of the police and UPDF continues a search for dissidents believed to be in the hideouts in the hills a day after eight were killed in a shoot out
Bodies of those killed have been retrieved and guns and machetes recovered” (NTV Uganda, 2016)
Tag: Ntoroko
Press Release: MRG calls on Uganda government to investigate cause of escalating violence in Rwenzori region (04.04.2016)
Minority Rights Group International (MRG) expresses grave concern about recent clashes between the Bamba-Babwisi and Bakonzo communities in the Rwenzori region, and calls on the Ugandan government to investigate the root causes of the conflict. The violence has left at least 33 dead, 10,000 displaced and 366 houses burnt.
The first attacks broke out following the declaration of local council election results on 27 February, although many brushed them off as simply post-election violence. However, despite heavy police and military deployment, the killings have continued, with victims including a 13 year-old in Kanyansiri village in Bundibugyo district.
Addressing a press conference, President Yoweri Museveni told media that although his government had never deployed the army to quell a tribal conflict, he was going to now do so.
‘While we understand the President’s urgency to solve this problem, a military solution treats the symptoms not root causes. There is need for genuine dialogue among communities in conflict, mediated by a team of experts,’ says MRG Africa Office Manager, Agnes Kabajuni.
The events playing out in Rwenzori replicate a scenario in 2014, when violence between communities claimed 72 lives.
According to MRG, the causes of the current conflict in Rwenzori date back many decades.
For instance, to solve the Rwenzururu war, a guerilla campaign waged by both the Bakonzo and Bamba to gain recognition and secede from Toro Kingdom, then President Idi Amin negotiated a settlement to create Rwenzori District for the Bakonzo, Semliki District for the Bamba and Kabarole District for the Batoro.
The Rwenzururu Kingdom, now comprising Bundibugyo, Kasese and Ntoroko districts has since the 1980s established itself as a movement which has continued to pose a serious threat to central government control. In order to calm the ethnic tensions in the region, the government in March 2008, after a ministerial committee recommendation, endorsed the Kingdom of Rwenzururu as a cultural institution headed by King Mumbere.
However, the decision to endorse Rwenzururu Kingdom was done with no prior and adequate consultation of both tribes in Kasese and Bundibugyo, pre-empting demands for recognition of other tribes like Basongora, Banyabindi and Bamba.
‘It is telling to see two groups, which have long co-existed and intermarried, now fighting with each other. At a political level, the government has to facilitate a genuine mediation process involving the Bakonzo under the Rwenzururu Kingdom and the Bamba cultural institution in order that they may peacefully co-exist once more,’ says Kabajuni.
‘As a long term strategy,’ argues Kabajuni, ‘the government has to address the economic marginalization of the communities in the Kasese, Bundibugyo and Ntoroko Districts, caused by historical injustices relating to land, equality, decision-making and economic opportunities for all tribes.’
Notes to editors
- Find out more about MRG’s work in Uganda
- Minority Rights Group International is the leading international human rights organization working to secure the rights of ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities and indigenous peoples. We work with more than 150 partners in over 50 countries.
- For further information or to arrange interviews with our partners in Rwenzori region contact:
Mohamed Matovu, Media Officer, MRG Africa (Kampala, Uganda)
M: +256 782 748 189
T: +256 393266832
@MinorityRights
Skype: mohamed.matovu
Facebook: www.facebook.com/minorityrights
W: www.minorityrights.org / www.minorityvoices.org
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Press Statement on the Post Election Environment in the in Rwenzori Region (29.02.2016)
Rwenzori Consortium for Civic Competence (RWECO) & the members: Kali, Good Hope Foundation for Rural Development, Ride Africa and RICNET ere accredited as election observers during the Presidential and Parliamentary on 18th Feb, 2016 & local council elections on 24th Feb. 2016. RWECO and her members deployed a team of 150 as short term observers and long term observers in Bundibugyo, Ntoroko, Kabarole, Kyenjojo, Kyegegwa, Kamwenge and Kasese districts of Western Uganda. RWECO also deployed online platform where comments from observers were remitted through SMS and plotted on http://hrcp.or.ug/main. From 17th Feb, to 28th Feb, 2016, 164 messages were verified and viewed on the online platform. We commend the Electoral commission that accredited RWECO and her members during the elections.
However, as Ruwenzori region based observers, we note with concern the post -election violence that ensured during and after the elections on 18th and 24th Feb. 2016. RWECO condemns the post- election violence that were reported between 18th -19th Feb, 2016 at Kasese district Electoral Commission tally center at Kasese district Multi-purpose Hall, located in Nyakasanga, Kasese-Fort Portal Road. RWECO also condemns the post- election violence that was observed and reported in Bundibugyo District between 24th -27th Feb, 2016 after the election of district chairpersons and district councilors. These acts are either driven by personal egos and not accepting the outcome of the elections. Uganda is a democratic country for which we embrace both national and international standards of election observations and democratic processes for which citizens should welcome the out- come of the electoral process.
We wish therefore to state that:
- All acts of post- election violence be condemned by all actors and Uganda Police take the necessary steps to ensure that peace prevails in the region and country at large;
- RWECO and her members also appeals to the candidates who lost the elections to use peaceful and lawful means to address their demands not by inciting violence in the community;
- We also appeal to all stakeholders including, Police, state organs, Religious leaders, Cultural leaders and the media to join hands and give the citizens a message of hope that beyond elections, there is a life to live;
- Police bring the perpetrators of post- election violence to face the law of the land.
Thank you
Jimmy Baluku Odyek
Coordinator
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NRM Primary continues in its usual Pace
There are some more initial and special reports even from the trenches and it is in an usual pace. In the one where we speak about vote-rigging and pre-ticket ballots, demonstrations against it or candidates now going independent claiming the election was filled with irregularities. Take a quick look!
NRM Secretary Justine Kalule Lumumba has been vocal today and with all the big birds shot down she was clear about one certain thing:
“Whoever lost in the NRM Primaries and is planning to run as an independent, will cease to be the member of the party”. So the Ministers and big men who have lost their slot will surely lose their crony status if they go against the NRM-Regime in the General Election.
Deflectors after the elections:
Dr. Fred Ruhakana has today officially announced his defection from the NRM party due to irregularities that was practiced during the elections in Kabale district where he lost the seat for kabale district chairperson.
Deborah Mwesigwa has rejected the result and outcome of the Kabuli County. She has claimed that the election in the county was filled with voter intimidation, that they used government resources to gain the upper hand. So Deborah has said after this that she will goes an independent candidate in the general election.
Some reports from the country:
Alebtong County:
“Isaac Apenyo has been declared NRM flag bearer for Ajuri. He thrashed the spokesman NRM parliamentary caucus, Hamson Obua” (…)”Christine Jibu Mambo has taken over the elections for Woman MP, beating Dorcus Acen, Emily Akullu…” (…) ”Meanwhile, asides the reported violence & vote rigging in Moroto county, Minister Rebecca Otengo was declared the winner. The supporters of her rival Sam Okwir, are very bitter about the results, they claim the security agents were so brutal on them. And so they’ve not come to terms with the results, saying the numbers were changed from Abia & Apala sub counties” (94.3 QFM Lira).
Bufumbira East:
The Flag-bearer for the county is Paul Geoffrey Bavuga.
Burashya District – Kabarole MP:
The Police had to intervene in Kabarole, where the one involved into the matter was John Busingye and Maragreth Muhanga, not the candidates themselves, but the supporters of the two was battling each other. The protest became so violent that they actually broke a bridge and that one was the bridge of Katanda!
Busiiro South:
Peter Ssematimba won the MP seat there.
Kanungu:
Where the press release was coming earlier today was because of Police and Special Force Unit (SFU) has been involved in the balloting and changing of the result in this district. At certain stage at some polling stations there was more police officers then voters.
Kassanda South:
The flag-bearer of the county is now Nsubuga!
Koboko:
There been said that Anite Evelyn was contesting unopposed in the county. Though some says she was contested against a Baba Diri and even the rumors of her losing badly to this person. So did she go as sole candidate in the county or did she not?
Kumi Muncipality:
Charles Olaboro won the election in Kumi and because of that the one who lost the election in the area Silas Aogon cires foul and has sent an petition to the NRM Electoral Commission on the matter.
Luweero:
The Police has banned unapproved and the unregulated victory parties in the county especially the parties for the NRM candidates.
Lwengo:
Where there been madness in the recent days a Police Officer has been taken with pre-ticket ballot-papers and he is being charged with the offence of rigging the vote.
Mbrarara:
“Although voting begun late,the exercise in Mbarara was peaceful with a heavy security presence to avert any violence.MP results at various polling stations in Kakoba are still being counted” (…)”At Kakoba Police: Agip and Manji for mayorship and Kakyebezi is in the lead.Tumwiine is leading at Nsikye1 and Kiyindi polling stations” (…)”Booma didnt go to polls. Voters rejected the process since only ballots for MPs were delivered” (…)”Two people have been arrested over vote rigging.The duo identified as Frank Mugisha and Mwebesa were arrested from Nyakayozo with ticked ballot papers of two of the Mbarara mayoral candidates” (91.2 Crooze FM).
Ndorwa County East:
Grace Ankunda Bwesigye won the district and because of this the sour loser Osbert Byamukama quit the party this.
Ngoya:
The winner here is Terence Achia Naco.
Ntoroko District:
MP: Gerand Ibanda Rwemulikya
Woman MP: Jennifer K. Mujungu
Ruhinda County:
Captain Mugabe Domonzio Kahonda who won over Gen. Otafiire in the Primaries in the district has finally been released, but, there is a big but! He has to meet before Jinja High Court tomorrow! This starts be more interesting by the minute.
Rubirizi:
The winner and flag-bearer of the county is now Abas Agabe.
Last thoughts:
What do you think? This here never get boring, who and where is the next place for the police arresting and candidate together with security personnel going into the tally centers and secure voting results going their way. There will be more! But not more from me today I think, depending on what information I get… Peace!
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CLF: Statement on the horrors in Bundibugyo
STATEMENT ON THE HORRORS IN BUNDIBUGYO
WHO KILLED OUR PEOPLE IN BUNDIBGYO,KASESE AND NTOROKO?
This is to inform Ugandans that the Coalition of Liberation Forces (CLF) have written to all concerned demanding the truth about the recent killings in Bundibugyo, Kasese and Ntoroko Districts. From all the information available and the evidence which will be shown, it is Mr Museveni and Gen Kayihura who are responsible for these murders of innocent Ugandans and their subsequent secret burials.
CONTRADICTIONS
The first point to note is that villagers are themselves surprised as to how these people were killed and buried so quickly and secretly.
If it was a clash by villagers and burials by them as government is trying to spin, it would not have come as a surprise to the villagers.
The second point is the mode of burial and the speed at which it was done. A tractor was used to dig the trenches for mass graves. Which villagers have a caterpillar to dig trenches?
What was the hurry to bury the dead? Even those government claims that these were the attackers, if they were, why did government not wait form them to be identified? Why were the burials done under the cover of darkness?
This was most likely in order to destroy incriminating evidence, like torture marks, etc. Already recorded evidence has emerged in Uganda showing Brigadier Muhoozi Kaneirugaba’s special forces operatives and General Kale Kayihura’s murder squads brutally beating up and torturing hundreds of innocent civilians in front of cameras.
An international organsation that has some knowledge about the government hand in these killings is compiling a report. We shall wait for that report before we can publish the facts as are known.
It is important for all Ugandans to know that those killed and buried in mass graves were not the anti-regime attackers, who launched operations on military and police infrastructures in a targeted manner. The dead were totally innocent people.
These were in two categories
The first were civilians who run towards the 39 battalion for protection as Bundibugyo town was all under attack. The police stations, bank, barracks etc. were being attacked so there was confusion. The people run to the unit expecting protection. Instead they were met by fire from frightened soldiers who were caught unprepared and could not see that these were civilians.
So when you hear Mr Museveni saying that the attackers attacked Lakwena style, it is a lie because these were civilians seeking protection.
The second category is of civilians killed by a contingent of Special Forces Command soldiers who were deployed immediately after the attack. These were under the command of a major and two captains. Their names have been given to this international organisation and shall wait for them before CLF can publish other details.
The attackers took the guns, ammunition etc. none has been recovered. Those children in the court martial are being used by regime for public opinion management. They are all innocent civilians.
Soon, other attacks will follow, this time not in Bundibgyo. So which tribes will be fighting? We shall find out.
Therefore, fellow Ugandans, don’t be misled by this government misinformation campaign. You will remember that FREE UGANDA chairman had just warned about government intention to kill innocent people to scare them from supporting the rebellion. Unfortunately for government, it is having the reverse effect. Anger and revulsion.
More details on this tragedy will be published soon.
Dr Kabuleta Ephraim
Director Operations Committee
CLF
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UPF: Police guaranteees safety and security of the tourism industry
PRESS STATEMENT
1. The Police and its sister security agencies have boosted security in the Western districts of Kasese, Bundibugyo and Ntoroko following the tragic events surrounding the ethnic and cultural conflicts in the area.
2. The area that comprises the Mountain Rwenzori National Park has very significant Safari attractions that have drawn an increase in the number of visitors in the area.
3. This is to therefore, inform all domestic and international tourists that the combined forces of the Uganda Peoples Defence Force (UPDF) and the Uganda Police (UPF) successfully countered the attackers who were linked to the Rwenzururu Kingdom and arrested several of whom it arraigned before the courts of Law.
4. Apparently, calm has been fully restored in the area and recreation centers opened by the Government in the districts of Bundibugyo and Kasese that has led to the recovery of several guns and ammunitions as well as accommodating people seeking shelter and protection. The local leaders and elders managing these centers have taken the lead for the immediate restoration of calm by dialoguing and engaging the locals and all other stakeholders in the area to solve the current issues.
5. The deployment of appropriate Police and Military assets and supporting infrastructure has created safety for visitors selecting the Rwenzori region as a holiday destination. The Tourism Police that is tasked with the primary mandate of ensuring the safety and security of both international and domestic tourists, tourist attractions and facilities in Uganda is fully deployed covering all facilities in and around both the Queen Elizabeth and Mountain Rwenzori National Parks.
6. The Police therefore, urges the public and all tour companies to resume their operations in the area and benefit from the security infrastructure in the area.
Fred Enanga
Press and Public Relations Officer
Uganda Police
Kampala.
16.07.2014
– See more at: http://www.mediacentre.go.ug/press-release/police-guarantees-safety-and-security-tourism-industry#sthash.z2eUFVh9.dpuf
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Updates on the skirmishes in Kasese and Bundibugyo – (3 Kingdoms: one recognized by central government in Kasese District)
Well, if you are still interested in different sources on the Rwenzori – Obusinga bwa Rwenzururu and the Kasese and in Bundibugyo attack. Then I got some more for you today from different articles. After the tragic attack which killed 93 people and here is the new quotes and information on the sad event that happen in Kasese and Bundibugyo.
Kasese District Police Commander Michael Musani Sabila commented to media that Rwenzururu PM Nzaghale is now released from prison. Sabila continues: “We are still holding three other Rwenzururu officers” (…)”There is a high security alert to counter any further threats” (…)”Registration centres for the ongoing national ID project have also been provided with extra security to ensure the process is not disrupted “ (…)”A good number are calling us, expressing their willingness to surrender, saying they were deceived into taking up arms against the State” (Thwaite, 2014).
The three that still arrested:
– Kingdom Enviroment Officer: Erisaniya Mberemu.
– Information Minister and Kingdoms Spokesman: Joshua Kalimwithako Baluku.
– Chairman of the Rwenzururu Esyomango S’Obusinga(Youth Wing): Mitusera Isebayanda
(Thwaite, 2014)
The Inspector of General of Police Kale Kayihura said: “We have different categories such as actors, planners and organisers who will be handled accordingly to their actions against the State. We have reinforced our system, we shall not leave any stone unturned” (…) “We have released on police bond the two kingdom officials as our investigations into the matter continue. We arrested them because they were implicated”. He also said that he was disappointed with the Obsuninga bwa Rwenzururu (Mugume, 2014).
MPs of all political parties are critical of the ethical dived between Bakjona cultivators and Basongora cattle keepers. Defence Minister Dr. Crispus Kiyonga comments: “some people in our society still hold firm beliefs in witchcraft, can easily be duped into criminality and can be very callous in causing death to their brothers and sisters”. Even UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon says: “we must not be left to utter the words ‘never again,’ again and again” (…)”indeed; the world has yet to fully overcome its divisions, its indifference, and its moral blind spots. For if not checked, ethnic conflicts are contagious and can spread quickly like cancer cells and eat all the progress achieved over the years” (Mugerwa, 2014).
In Kasese district it would be three kings alone in the groups of the Bakonzo, Basongora and Bayabinindi. This would be:
– Rwenzururu Kingdom of the Bakonzo with Mr. Charles Wesley Mumbere (Only recognized cultural leader by the government).
– Basongora People has recognized as their cultural leader: Mr Ivan Rukirwa Bwambale (not recognized by the government).
– Bayabindi People has recognized as their cultural leader: Mr Elisha Mugisha(not recognized by the government).
(Katusabe, 2014)
In Bundibugyo there you have the kingdom of the Bwamba which actually recently got recongnized by the government. This was as an opposite too the Rwenzururu Kingdom. Bwanba is made for the ethnic groups of Bamba and Babwasi, the issue in the district is that is also having a great number of Bakonzo (Katusabe, 2014).
Ms Polly Namaye deputy spokesman of the Uganda Police has recently addresses the matter and about the issue of the king in custody: “free and there has not been any attempt by the police to summon or arrest him under any circumstance”. She also said: “to have the king summoned the police will not desist (from executing its duties) but will do so in the interest of protecting the lives and properties of all Ugandans equally” (Katusabe, 2014).
Mr Mugisha the Bayabindi leader says: “These activities were carried out by the Bakonzo” (…)”We had informed the authorities that such attacks would happen but our advice was not taken seriously. It could easily be discerned from what many Bakonzo leaders had been saying that an attack on us was imminent. We live in fear” (…)”commemorating the deaths of our people who were killed during the Rwenzururu uprising between 1964 and 1981” (…)”we are different from Bakonzo” (…)”For us we are Bantu-speaking people and we don’t have much in common with the Bakonzo. They therefore targeted us because they associated us with the enemies (the Batooro)” (…)”The army and the police deployed heavily to protect our function; we even had people from State House” (…)”had threatened that if our function took place they would fight” (…)”When they failed to stop the function they diverted their anger to state institutions” (Katusabe, 2014).
Mr Bwambale the in-charge project desk at the Justice and Peace Commission in Kasese which isn’t agreeing with Mugisha is saying: “During the Rwenzururu war starting in the 1960s, our fathers knew that they needed guns to fight to break off from Tooro” (…)”So how can you convince me that in the year 2014, the kingdom of Rwenzururu would organise an attack on a military barracks executed by stick-wielding thugs? It doesn’t make sense” (…)”like his king has argued, that the attack could have been planned by anti-Rwenzururu people to discredit the kingdom. We were unable to establish whether this is one line of investigation the police is following” (…)”Muhindo and all the others should not have died” (…)”it should look at more strategic interventions to address the problem” (…)”There is a danger in the message which the government seems to send to those people who intend to be recognised as cultural leaders” (…)”they seem to be saying that once you fight and win recognition we put you on payroll” (Katusabe, 2014).
Mr. Mumbere says: “Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, the institution of traditional leader or cultural leader may exist in any area of Uganda in accordance with the culture, customs and traditions or wishes and aspirations of the people to whom it applies” (…)”It’s natural resources, especially in the lowlands, which is causing trouble in Kasese especially” (Katusabe, 2014).
Mr Mugisha gives his thoughts on why they should get recognized: “We will stop being marginalized” (…)”we have a very big problem with land; our people have been sidelined. Look at me, I am the king of the Banyabindi but I live on a small plot” (…)”Ibuga Prison farm has a lot of vacant land” (…)”let the government take some of my people there” (Katusabe, 2014).
Rev Can Cornelius Matte the dean of St. Paul Church where he discusses the issues of the Bakonzo. Mr Matte says: “problem of resources is getting worse” (…)”We have had land conflicts in the area for some time but we never predicted that this thing would become this dangerous. We are living in a corridor between national parks, prison and mountains. People are now desperate and something very small causes a very serious reaction. People are now like hungry dogs” (…)”Every year we send people to theological colleges and we have some other opportunities. We ensure that we send a Munyabindi and Musongora. This year the only one we have sent to university is a Musongora” (Katusabe, 2014).
Dr. Kizza Besigye has new comments on Rwenzururu:
“This is not tribal violence as government claims. Why is it only the Police and UPDF being targeted as if they are tribes? It’s because people are fed-up and feel that these are agents of the bigger problem up there” (…)”This situation in western Uganda cannot be detached from the problems in the whole country. The causes are not a local dynamic as it has been reduced but rather a political time bomb government is sitting on”. He describes President Museveni as “king of sectarianism”. Besigye is also addressing Kiyonga actions: ““Kiyonga was there when they carved out Ntoroko for the Batuku from Bundibugyo for the Bamba and have plans to further divide Kasese into four other constituents for the Basongora and other small tribes they want to create” (Musisi, 2014).
Links:
Katusabe, Ruth & Mukiibi Ssrunjogi Misari Thembo Kahungu, Eriasa – ‘Inside the melting pot of Rwenzori region’ (13.07.2014) Link: http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/Inside-the-melting-pot-of-Rwenzori-region/-/688334/2381740/-/wckx5vz/-/index.html
Mugume, Colleb & Ninsuma Enid – ‘Police to screen Kasese, Bundibugyo attackers’ (13.07.2014) Link: http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/Police-to-screen-Kasese–Bundibugyo-attackers/-/688334/2381922/-/fvvkg0/-/index.html
Mugerwa, Yaslin – ‘MPs unite against Rwenzori attacks’ (13.07.2014) Link: http://www.monitor.co.ug/OpEd/OpEdColumnists/YasiinMugerwa/MPs-unite-against-Rwenzori-attacks/-/878670/2381556/-/us815oz/-/index.html
Musisi, Fredric & Tumwine, Albert – ‘Govt to blame for Rwenzori attacks’ – Besigye’ (13.07.2014) Link:http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/Govt-to-blame-for-Rwenzori-attacks—Besigye/-/688334/2381860/-/dvi3k0z/-/index.html
Thwaite, John B. – ‘Kasese attacks: Rwenzururu premier released’ (12.07.2014) Link:http://www.newvision.co.ug/news/657452-kasese-attacks-rwenzururu-premier-released.html
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Updates: Rwenzururu Kingdom on the events in Kasese and Bundibugyo skirmishes
Fred Enaga the Police Spokesman confirmed that 113 people are accused and arrested in connection with Bundibugyo and Kasese (SMSMedia, 2014).
The Top officials from the Rwenzururu Kingdom who is in police custody:
– Premier Minister Noah Nzaghale
– Deputy Premier Yeremiya Mutooro
– Chairperson of Rwenzururu Youth Wing: Erisinana Mberamu
– Minister of Tourism: Yoramu Mulema
– The chairperson of Rwenzururu War Veterans
– Chief of Omusinga(king) on Security
(SMSMedia, 2014)
Fred Enaga commentes: “All the files of the suspects are in their advanced stage and awaiting the advice of the Director for Public Prosecution (DPP). They will be arraigned in court today (Friday) or early next week on charges of treason and concealing treason”(…)”They have all recorded statements indicating that they had a hand in the attacks”(…)”But if our investigations reveal that he (Omusinga Mumbere) was also involved in the attacks, then the law will take its course”(…)”two more people, including the minister of information and another person who allegedly helped the attackers to procure a witchdoctor from Democratic Republic of Congo have been arrested and detained at Kasese Central police station” (SMSMedia, 2014).
More information from the Police:
Police say they have recovered 10 guns, 9 magazines and tear gas canisters stolen from them during the attack in Bundibugyo district on Saturday (UgandaRadioNetwork, 2014).
Polly Namaye says: “that police has not under any circumstance attempted to summon or arrest the king” (…)” however does not rule out the possibility of summoning the king in connection with the recent attacks on the Rwenzori region that claimed over 90 people” (…)” that the kingdom Prime Minister Noah Nzaghale, and two other kingdom officials are still under police custody” (KFM, 2014).
Some News and reports, which I cannot say the completed source line, but still interesting in the matters of things:
The Group fighting in the Rwenzori region has accused the government of misleading the people on the cause of fighting.
The Group says they are fighting a full scale war against the regime and have released the following numbers from recent fighting:
1 -In the first attack on Mubende police barracks, 9 policemen were killed and 42 guns captured. No causality on the attackers.
2 -The attack on Bundibujo army barracks, 214 guns,17 Machines and ammunition were taken, 192 soldiers were killed, attackers suffered 3 causalities.
3 -At Ntoroko 4 Soldiers were killed, guns taken
4 -At Kaso and weighbridge a total of 24 guns were taken and Three Soldiers killed.
According to the message from this Group, they described Museveni statement on the conflict as a meandering mind of a tired and deranged man.
Will adress it more when I have more information.
Peace!
A Bit more:
“All the files of the suspects are in their advanced stage and awaiting the advice of the Director for Public Prosecution.” – Rwenzori suspected attackers face treason charges.
Links:
KFM.co..ug – ‘Rwenzururu King could be summoned’ (11.07.2014) Link:http://kfm.co.ug/news/rwenzururu-king-could-be-summoned.html
SMSMEDIA – ‘Suspected Rwenzori attackers face treason charges’ (11.07.2014) Link: http://smsmedia.ug/2014/07/suspected-rwenzori-attackers-face-treason-charges/
UgandaRadioNetwork – ‘Security Recovers 10 Guns Stolen In Bundibugyo Attacks’ (11.07.2014) Link: http://ugandaradionetwork.com/a/story.php?s=65267
Photo Link:
https://twitter.com/RonnieKulabako/status/487142020038008832/photo/1
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Latest updates on Kasese-Budibugyo atttack – Rwenzuri militants (not ADF)
It’s been movement on the ground. President Museveni has spoken and the Rwenzuru King has also said his piece. First Defence Minister Crispus Kiyonga and then before I tire you, to you sleep. Please continue to read!
Defence Minister Crispus Kiyonga put the actual number of deaths during the siege are now 92(Okello, 2014).
Here is his statement to this Thursday in Parliament:
“The characteristic of the events that unfolded show that some people in our society still hold firm beliefs in witchcraft, can easily be duped into criminality and can be very callous in causing death to their brothers and sisters. The attacks took place on Saturday 5th July between 2 PM and 4 pm in the districts of Bundibugyo, Kasese and Ntoroko. The main targets were police and army positions, wananchi in the case of Kasese, the palace of the Obundingya wa Bwamba and sSanbic bank in Bundibugyo. The attackers were mainly armed with spears, pangas sticks and some guns with the main objectives of getting guns and money. The places attacked in each of the affected districts are; In Bundibugyo the places attacked included; Kanyamirima barracks – 5 kilometers from the town of Bundibugyo, Bundibugyo town where the stanbic bank and the palace of the Omundigyawa Bwamba were key targets. Kirindi shrine,Ntandi and Katumba. In the district of Ntoroko the attacks were at the trading centre of Kibuuku and the police station in Karugutu town council. While in Kasese, the places affected are; a weighbridge opposite KCCL factory on the highway from Kasese to Bushenyi and the villages of Bigando and Ibuga. An estimated total number of 92 people are reported to have lost their lives which include, four police men, three soldiers, three wananchi and 68 attackers in Bundibugyo district, in Ntoroko, one soldier and one wananchi were killed while in Kasese district, 13 people were killed, one police man, one soldier and 11 wananchi lost their lives” (Okello, 2014).
Rwenzuru king Charles Wesley Mumbere statement:
First the Rwenzuru Prime Minister Noah Nzaghale and Minister of Tourism Erisa Mwincubere were taken by the Police at 9 AM at the Office of the Kingdom in Kasese.
The Kings statement: “that the people who attacked on Saturday should be part of his Kingdom’s enemies who did not want him recognized and that they may be looking for means of having the government abolish the institution”(…)”warned government from being biased in handling cultural issues in the Rwenzori region but rather take the task of leading or mediating the reconciliation process”(…)”the decision to arrest the Prime Minister and other officials was hash because no one in the Kingdom including himself is willing to be interviewed at peace as police continue hunting for the wrong elements”(…)”He does not recall agreeing with the president over the matter because his subjects are across the region” (Red Pepper, 2014).
Kings friend Tom Stancy comments: “the United Nations had granted the Bakonzo a state called the Yira Republic. Yira is another name for Bakonzo. On this Mumbere said that document was authored by some of the people who have for a long time opposed the Rwenzururu Kingdom” (Red Pepper, 2014).
Minority Rights Group Africa (MRGA) responds to the attacks:
“Condemns the weekend attacks in Ntoroko, Kasese and Bundibugyo districts in Rwenzori region in Western Uganda which claimed the lives of at least 72 people, including numerous civilians, two soldiers and three police officers”(Matovu, 2014).
Jolly Kemigabo MRGA Office Manager says: “We all know there are historical injustices suffered by some ethnic groups like the Basongora who lost land, but the government has failed to resolve their issues”(…)”The government, with the involvement of all stakeholders, has to push for peaceful co-existence while addressing deep-seated inequality and discrimination leading to the political and social exclusion of minority ethnic groups”(…)” Such steps should include resettlement or compensation for evicted communities, and the economic empowerment of marginalized groups” (Matovu, 2014).
President Yoweri Museveni blames security agencies:
“Fortunately, today Uganda has got a capable State that is able to deal decisively and expeditiously with such schemes although, of course, there was a failure of intelligence. How did these people weave such a scheme without being pre-empted? What were the GISOs doing?” (Kasasira, 2014). Veteran Security Chief David Pukol commented: “What had become of our intelligence agencies? May be everybody is looking at Kyankwanzi resolution, President Museveni’s fifth term and they have forgotten about Al-Shabaab? This intelligence failure has baffled us. It sends a wrong message” (Kasasira, 2014).
I will keep you more updated when I see more news or reports on the matter that fits.
Peace!
Links:
Kasasira, Risdel (10.07.2014) – ‘Rwenzori attacks: Museveni blames intelligence organ’ (the Citizen.co.tz) Link: http://www.thecitizen.co.tz/News/Rwenzori-attacks–Museveni-blames-intelligence-organ/-/1840340/2378786/-/qvgdu8/-/index.html
Matovu, Mohammed (10.07.2014) – ‘To calm ethnic tensions in Rwenzori region, government has to address specific needs of ethnic minorities’ (Minority Rights Group)
Okello, Dickens Honeywell (10.07.2014) – ‘Kiyonga: Why Rwenzori Militants Attacked Defence Installations’ (Chimpreports.com)
Red Pepper (10.07.2014) – ‘Rwenzururu King Speaks Out On Rwenzori Attacks’ (Redpepper.co.ug)
Link: http://www.redpepper.co.ug/rwenzururu-king-speaks-out-on-rwenzori-attacks/
MinBane 