Opinion: Mugumya arrested as a ADF in 2014, but released in 2022 as a M23…

“What happened in Beni?

I found officers from Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence who interrogated me about the Allied Democratic Forces. One of the most painful things I witnessed is someone die out of suffocation and unfortunately I leaned against his dead body for the entire night.

How did you know they were CMI operatives? Were they clad in uniform?

They had army uniform and they introduced themselves to me as such. On the first day, they were two. They asked if I had links with ADF then shortly after said I was coming to link up with the People’s Redemption Army. I told them I was just running away from your brutal regime. On the second day, another set of three CMI operatives came. I remained in Beni for three weeks before I was called for a joint interrogation between Congolese authorities and CMI. They debated if to bring us back to Uganda or hold us in Congo” (Ivan Okuda – ‘I was arrested while fleeing to exile, says Mugumya, 19.12.2015, Black – Journalist, Cursive – Mugumya, Daily Monitor).

You know when are story is too good to be true, it’s most likely not true. The story of Sam Mugumya will be one for the ages. The sudden way he was kidnapped, taken-away in October in 2014 and later found out to be in custody in Beni, Democratic Republic of Congo in November 2014. He also spent time in a prison in Kisangani as well. Before he was transferred from there to Kinshasa and Ndolo Military Prison, where he spent most of the time behind bars until his released on the 21^st October 2022.

Mugumya spent 8 years in custody. As he was arrested for involvement in the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF-NALU). As he was supposed rebel with a fictitious name: “Katembo Mukiga William”. There was also additional factors put into play like he was having either “cargo” or “bags of monies”. Which have never been proven or evidence for the public to see. Therefore, a lot of hearsay and never any real given fact.

Now 8 years later in the documents released as his free. They are now claiming he was involved or participated in the Mouvement du Mars 23 (M23). That is in contrast to the reported connection to the ADF-NALU, which was rumoured for years.

Mugumya himself said he was arrested, as he was fleeing to exile himself. The Dr. Kizza Besigye aide was trying to get to freedom, but instead was sent to the slammer abroad. The Observer reported this back in 2014: “The army spokesman, Lt Col Ankunda, said then that Mugumya had been found in possession of dollars and was suspected to be involved in subversive activities” (Edris Kiggundu – ‘Where is FDC’s Sam Mugumya?’ 11.11.2014, The Observer).

There are so many words, but nothing definite. What is likely is that the authorities apprehended him within Uganda and kidnapped him. Because, no one knew where he was and he suddenly disappeared. Later to be find in custody in Beni (DRC) which means the authorities of Uganda did help him cross and get detained there. It happened in such a manner, that he never returned and was a suspected rebel or a militia member.

That’s why you know these stories don’t add up. It is total fabrication and an injustice served Sam Mugumya’s way. He has been a victim of his activism and association with Besigye. If he hadn’t been a part of Reform Agenda and Forum for Democratic Change (FDC). He wouldn’t be here. The authorities targeted him, because the likes of him was the future. We are seeing that happening today with associates of the National Unity Platform (NUP) who are kidnapped and disappearing for the public sphere. Therefore, Mugumya is just a representation of the oppression the government of Uganda is doing. While they where able to use the Courts and Prisons to silence Mugumya for years.

It is a long time to be paying the price for doing the right thing. Mugumya has paid a huge price and it has cost. Back in the day he was ADF and now his M23. You just know the whole thing is made up. That’s the gist of it.

What is tragic is that Mugumya spent 8 years behind bars and only because of political affiliation. He was a target and a means to an end. That’s why he was kidnapped and never returned to Uganda. Mugumya lingered in jail because of who he was affiliated with. That was all the authorities needed and Military Court could find excuses to keep him behind bars too. It took years before he went to trail and now that his released. The story has changed again.

I wonder where the “cargo” and where the “dollars” went. If they even existed. Secondly, the UPDF spokesman Paddy Ankunda better have his story straight now. Especially, if his asked about this. It’s all a unique situation and this sort of thing has to be tested.

This is injustice and Sam Mugumya has been scarred, he has been tested and worse, he paid a price of losing eight valuable years. He lost so much time in detention, instead of being free and a voice of reason. His now free, but his story needs to be told. As it is a story on how the authorities targets dissidents. Peace.

Sam Mugumya is finally released after 8 years in Ndolo Military Prison…

“The Commander of the FARDC (Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo) North Kivu Region, Brig Gen Muhindo Akili Mundos has confirmed that forces under his Command arrested Former FDC Leader, Dr Kiiza Besigye’s Political Assistant Mr Sam Mugumya on 21st October 2014. This was during a Joint News conference with his Ugandan Counterpart, UPDF 2nd Division Commander Brig Peter Elwelu following a Security meeting in Kasindi Town of DRC on Tuesday 12th November 2014. Brig Mundos said Mugumya was arrested alongside 02 other Ugandans and 02 Congolese after the entered the country through an illegal entry point near Ishasha boarder. He added that Mugumya was using false names “Katembo Mukiga William” but on interrogation he was proved be Sam Mugumya. He said they suspect he could be involved in dangerous activities likely to hurt the current cordial relationship between Uganda and DRC and as a result he was transferred from his headquarters in Beni, to the capital Kinshasa for further investigations” (UPDF – FARDC confirms Sam Mugumya’s Arrest, 14.11.2014).

Today on the 21^st October 2022, it is confirmed that Sam Mugumya is released from Ndolo Military Prison in Kinshasa. Mugumya has now spent 8 years behind bars or a total of 96 months in prison in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Mugumya has gone through a lot. The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) pushed for his release and also being moved to Uganda. However, the authorities in Uganda didn’t want him to return. That why we know his been a political prisoner in the DRC.

He was arrested because of his political affiliation and that he was associated with Dr. Kizza Besigye. That was the reason for his imprisonment. It wasn’t because of his supposed connections to militias or anything. This was the excuses and arguments, which the authorities used to keep him in prison. He was a political prisoner and have paid a huge price for doing so.

Mugumya has suffered in prison. No one can say it has been easy. The man has been torn and could have gotten a broken spirit. Instead he has soldiered on and awaited freedom. He has stood tall in the midst of adversity and shown his strength.

Okello-Oryem did state in fact in 2016 that there was no chance of a fair trail or extradition. That was how this score was settled and Mugumya just had to pay the price. He was a victim of the association and the allies he had chosen. That’s why he was taken into custody and moved to a prison in Kinshasa. All because he was affiliated with Besigye. This was all the authorities needed and they let him suffer for 8 years.

It is good to see the picture of Sam Mugumya holding a note “Free At Last”. Also another picture on the outside of prison. He shouldn’t have been a felon in the first place. He has suffered, paid the cost and should be paid by the state for the injustice. However, we know there will be no consequences to the ones who detained him or held him captive. Mugumya was a victim of circumstance and political activism. That’s all it took.

The price for standing tall and being brave cost him 8 years. 8 years in a miliary prison in Kinshasa. Mugumya deserve not only a heroes welcome, but to be honoured for his bravery. He could have given in and been gone by now. However, he soldiered on and knew deep down it would end. Nevertheless, it shouldn’t have been this hard.

The authorities of DRC failed him and so did the authorities in Kampala. If he had been one of “them“… they would have sent a military attaché and picked him up somehow. However, he was a target and the NRM was happy, that he was out of sight and out of mind. Peace.

Opinion: Okello Oryem is mocking the wrong partners with MONUSCO

“In an Interview with NTV this morning, the minister for foreign affairs in charge of international relations Okello Oryem said Uganda “does not need the help of the UN” which he says they consider as a “useless group” that has allegedly preserved terrorism in Congolese soil. “We have no good words for them, they have been there for long but what have they done? As far as we are concerned, we do not want their military assistance, even if they offer us a cup of tea, we do not need it,” said Mr Oryem” (Ritah Kemigisa – ‘Uganda doesn’t need UN’s help for DRC mission- Oryem’ 02.12.2021, KFM.co.ug).

The hubris and the arrogance is clear as the Minister Henry Okello Oryem who is is now downplaying the role of United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the DR Congo (MONUSCO), which is starting their gradual exit strategy from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). MONUSCO is based in the provinces of Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu, which the UN based mission is to stop the militias with disarmament and demobilization of them. In such a way, that the MONUSCO is there to be the civilians’ protection.

It is really striking that the Ugandan Minister is mocking and not wanting to work with MONUSCO now. This mission was first established in 1999 as MONUC and got a new mandate in 2010. While in 2020 the mandate changed and they are starting already to back-out. Therefore, the UN Mission is dwindling down. As well, as there are new militias and foreign interference in the region of which the Ugandan army entered yet again.

MONUSCO is partly created by the interference of Ugandan troops within the DRC. Not that the Ugandan armies was alone in these wars or always been welcomed to enter the DRC. The UPDF and Rwandan Defence Force (RDF) have both entered it. As well, as both nations have been involved in supporting militias, rebels and armed groups within the DRC. That is well-known and they re-appear at certain stages. Just like the UPDF have been inside the DRC before on specialized operations towards certain targets.

Okello Oryem is just showing how the Ugandans elites and the ones within the regime is thinking about it. It is their rights to attack and be part of military operations within the DRC. Since, they don’t want anything with the UN or MONUSCO. I wonder, if Okello Oryem would accept similar feelings in Somalia between the Somali National Army (SNA) and African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), which the latter UPDF is a pat of. I wonder, if Okello Oryem and all of the Ugandan hierarchy would like to be painted in similar fashion. Because, there is two sides to any coin and this is a foolish take.

Yes, MONUSCO isn’t perfect and neither is it’s mission. There has been continued insurgency and lack of territorial integrity, which the Ugandan and Rwandan counter-parts has supported and participated with. That is well-known and is a reason for the illegal export of resources from the provinces as well. Therefore, Okello Oryem should be a bit more humble, but I know that’s too much to ask for in 2021.

Okello Oryem could suddenly wake up and bite the dust. Since, his just showing a lot of flair. Nevertheless, we know the trouble will return and be a real issue. There isn’t only the ADF in Ituri, North and South Kivu provinces. There is several of other militias and guerrillas in the provinces and they are causing massive concern and is a silent war that never ends. They are invested in, given arms and training. This is deliberate and the joint operation will not stop this… sadly…

MONUSCO will not end this and they being gone will not stop the existence either. As long as the head of state and foreign interference for profits continues. The insecurity and usage of militias will continue.

It is like we are supposed to be naive and forget how this all started. The UPDF and RDF is responsible for a lot of the pain. The two nations have used the provinces and the DRC as a treasury chest for them. While using the same means to re-enter again and for some reason the Kinshasa government allows that to happen. This is even happening, as the State of Emergency in this regions are occurring. That is really tragic…

Okello Oryem should think about what he says. Since this could be easily said about the UPDF within the AMISOM. Which the SNA and Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) only creates more problems within Somalia. Alas, he as a diplomat should be more careful, but I don’t expect it to ever happen. Peace.

Sam Mugumya have been behind bars for over 7 years in Ndolo Military Prision without any trial…

This story is a tragic one and it’s never ending. One man is behind bars without charges, indictment or court trial. This being Sam Mugumya, Dr. Kizza Besigye aide and opposition activist who was travelling to Rukungiri on the 16^th October 2014 to take care of his family affairs, as his brother had died and he needed to take care of his frail mother. He was also planning to get connected with the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party members in the district.

We don’t know what happened since then, but we do know he resurfaced suddenly in the Democratic Republic of Congo and been arrested there with other civilians too.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to inform the general public that the Uganda Ambassador to the DRC met the Administrator General of the National Intelligence Agency of the DRC who confirmed that 5 individuals of Ugandan origin were arrested in Eastern DRC on October 21st 2014. The arrested individuals have since then been transferred to Ndolo Military Prison in the outskirts of Kinshasa. On 4th December 2014 Amb. Kinobe was allowed to visit the Prisoners and confirmed the following individuals:

1. Sam Mugumya, aged 35 years, son of Tukahirwa stanley, who called himself “Mukiga William” at the time of arrest.

2. Mugisha Steven 35 years, son of Tibanyeba John of Buyanja, Rukungiri

3. KamukamaAggrey, 30 years, son of Kagurusi Eliab of Buyanja, Rukungiri

4. Kamugisha Joseph 28 years, son of Mugisha Justus of Buyanja, Rukungiri and

5. Bright Nathan 20 years, son of Kwesiga John of Buyanja, Rukungiri” (Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Press Release, 10.12.2014).

Besigye in the beginning of it all, believed the state would use these kidnapping and arrests in the DRC as a shield and means to claim the opposition was starting ‘rebel’ activity. In a manner of which could be used to hurt Besigye’s future political campaign ahead of the General Elections in 2016. Besigye have had such charges against him and his brother too. So, it wasn’t without any reasoning that Besigye spoke about this in November 2014. A month after the arrest.

The party his been affiliated with has with time paid for and serviced a Congolese Lawyer for the case of Mugumya without any luck. That was done in 2016. We know that the Government of Uganda will not repatriate or secure his home-coming either. While his stuck in prison all these years.

Oryem-Okello said this back in 2016: “Government says Mugumya was engaged in subversive activities and was arrested with dollars and sensitive documents State Minister for Foreign Affairs Henry Oryem Okello told parliament this afternoon that due to lack of an extradition treaty between Uganda and DR Congo, the Congo government has declined to send him back” (Uganda Radio Network – ‘Sam Mugumya Will Not Be Extradited- Govt’ 01.12.2016).

In May 2021 he was able release a poem called ‘We refuse to be victims’ which goes like this:

To bear defeat’s humiliating standard.

Pitiable, helpless, crushed and confused.

That is victimhood’s pathetic face

It soots our effulgent souls

Comrades, pity not us prisoners.

Treat us not as victims

We are proud resolute recusants.

Soldiering on with a smile.

Never pious before the devil.

Pity and contemn the despot.

Our chains condemn his conscience.

Injustice jails the jailer’s humanity.

Drench him in your tears.

Hearken marley’s revolutionary voice bellowing.

Of the despot he said

Pity those with thinning chances.

They have nowhere to hide

The despot is the victim .

The slave of his power.

Branded by debauchery’s hot iron.

Before we become his victims ,

Freedom’s matyrs we shall be.

Shed not sorrowful tears comrades.

Please shed tears of joy.

On victory’s tide we sail .

To a future of freedom.

I just got to say. This man deserves justice. His been served injustice for years and punished by association. Because, he dared to associate and be part of Besigye’s campaigns. He was one of the trusted individuals within the FDC. That’s why he have been serving time and somehow the Ugandan government made an agreement with the Congolese government to keep him in prison.

They have not let him out and neither has Ugandan authorities accepted him back. They will not extradite him back and that is very clear. MPs tried to do this in 2020 and 2021. However, there is no extradite agreement between the DRC and Uganda. Therefore, there is now will to engage or secure this. That is just common knowledge.

It have not mattered that Mugumya have suffered with COVID-19 and other issues as a prisoner. This political prosecution is never ending it seems. The proofs of the allegations haven’t happened and his kept as a civilian in a military prisoner indefinitely it seems.

We know with certainty that the government doesn’t care or concerned. Because Oryem-Okello stated the same facts in 2020 and wouldn’t have him on trial or had a chance of extraditing him. With the same response as before, no agreement so nothing to offer. The diplomats of the Republic in Kinshasa isn’t bothered about it either it seems. Since, his there to this day and they haven’t lifted a finger. This is why his still a jail-bird and no proof of the alleged incriminating behaviour of which he was arrested in 2014.

We are now in November 2021 and his still in Ndolo Military Prison. Mugumya is still behind bars and nothing is done about it.

We need to shed a light on it, because if not… everything goes dark and men like this doesn’t get justice. They don’t get liberty or the freedom they should have. This is injustice and his a political prisoner. His a prisoner of conscience. That is it and it’s pathetic of the Republic to not do anything about it. Try to ensure and secure his passage. Make arrangements with the Congolese and even let him have a fair trial or courtship with his case. Because at this point, his not even proven guilty. His just a commoner behind bars for no apparent reason. A man who went missing in Uganda and suddenly was in custody in another republic. Peace.

Museveni withdraws Ruth Achieng’s ministerial appointment (Youtube-Clip)

“Former Kole Woman MP Joy Ruth Achieng may have had her hopes of becoming a minister dashed after her name was reportedly removed from the list of ministerial nominees at the last minute. Sources told NTV that President Yoweri Museveni changed his mind on Aching after meeting ruling NRM party politicians from Lango sub-region where the opposition UPC politician hails from. The delegation led by outgoing junior housing minister Sam Engola reportedly told the President that Achieng could not be made minister ahead of other more deserving Lango politicians. And as Maurice Ochol reports, two other ministerial nominees were not vetted. Gen. Moses Ali is indisposed while Okello Oryem is currently abroad on state duty. They will be vetted at a later date” (NTV Uganda, 2016).

Audio: Ugandan Minister Oryem vows to defend itself against DR Congo soldiers kill 4 Police Officers at Lake Albert

Ninth day of Presidential Rallies in Uganda + More NRM Primaries and Statements on Yesterday’s UPF actions in Kampala

There been yet another day with rallies and promises and quotes from the presidential candidates. I will not have quotes from everybody. This here will be a quick one. Since this is become normally. There will be more side-notes. There been coming new press-releases and statements worth mentioning some more information on the NRM Primaries that just continues. Also reactions to yesterday’s actions in Kampala; Take a look!

Quote of the Day:

“Lukwago, Ssewanyana are to be held accountable for attack on Delta TV Journalist, Police prefer charges” – CP Fred Enanga of the Ugandan Police Force.

NRM Rally today: 

NRM have rallies today in Arua, Maracha and Koboko.

FDC set to have rallies today in Luuka and Kaiiro.

A proof of humility and endurance towards his fellow comrades:

“The Kamuli district Chairperson and FDC National Vice Chairperson Hon Salam Musumba lost a grandmother yesterday. As a sign of comradeship ,Dr Besigye today first went to pay his last respects to the late before embarking on his mobilization tour for Busoga” (Reported from Moses Byamugisha).

Dr. Kizza Besigye saying in Luuka:

“We will reduce the size of government. To allow us locate money to benefit citizens. We will reduce the number of ministers from the current 80 to 21 ministers” (…)”Busoga has been poor because it has been loyal to Museveni dictatorship”,

“Dr. Kizza Besigye talked about tackling poverty, investing in agriculture, improving our agriculture and invest in our infrastructures. He will be in Kaliro later in the day. #‎PeoplePower. Kigwa Leero” (Reported from Harold Kajja).

Go-Forward crowds getting ready in Fort Portal: 

Go-Forward is set to have rallies in Kabarole – Fort Portal today.

Amama Mbabazi said this today:

“My response to that is always, all executive power is vested in the President, have I ever been President?” (…)”My only plea to you is to give me the mandate to lead you into a peaceful transition next year”.

Jackie Asiimwe-Mwesige said at Go-Forward rally:

“Bukenya and Akena…. Birds of the same feather? Their names even rhyme”.

TIC Candidates:

Maureen Faith Kyala and Joseph Mabirizi is supposed to hold campaign rally in Kampala today.

PDP rally: 

Abed Bwanika the People’s Development Party will hold campaigns in Abletong and Otuke today.

Professor Baryamureeba will be in Abletong and Kole.

Gen. Benon Buta Biraaro locations are unknown.

Kenneth Mwehonge coordinator the Uganda Coalition for Access to Essential Medicines (UCAEM) statement today:

“ARV Shortage, more people need the drugs, but the budget allocation seems to have stayed the same” (…)”At least 8 districts affected. The problem with procurement, but funding”.

Go-Forward Coordinator:

Dick Kizza in Sembabule had it house set on fire last night by some suspected arsonist.

— — —

Side-Note – NRM Primaries:

Chua East: State Ministers of Foreign Affairs Oryem Okello won over the other candidates are now the NRM Flag-Bearer.

Rubanda West Constituency the incumbent Minister Banyezaki lost his candidacy to Eng. Denis Sabiiti. Banyezaki has claimed after: “a total sham and marred by massive rigging. The tally was like this:

“Eng.Sabiiti got 13,798 votes.Hon Banyenzaki got 11,874 & Moses Kamuntu got 5,363 votes” (912CroozeFM).

In Kaiiro where the NRM Primaries we’re held 5 Supporters was taken into custody after inciting violence, they found pangas and spears.

Lwenga NRM voters boycott the NRM Woman MP internal election over this NRM Primaries.

In Masaka the new flag-bearer for NRM there is 72 year old Ms. Freda Kase Mubanda.

The 30 aspirants of Isigniro District who lost in the NRM Primaries have to decide to stand as independent candidates and support Amama Mbabazi in the General Election.

Side-Note 2 – Dr. Kizza Besigye Statement on KCCA ACT and UPF actions yesterday:

“Dr. KIZZA BESIGYE’S STATEMENT ON KCCA AMENDMENTS.

I was made aware immediately by my aides of the sad events that happened in Kampala yesterday, well that was quite obviously expected”.

“In the course of this electoral process, we are going to have similar incidents because!, first of all, we have in place an incompetent and partisan Electoral Commission. The Electoral Commission has already made blunders and caused confusion by dancing to the tunes of the dictatorship, its evident they are preoccupied with changing the rules of the game in the middle of the game”.

“The changing of the electoral laws in the middle of the election is illegal, hence the Electoral Commission has become a willing partner in commission of these illegalities. Therefore for the electoral commission to issue a statement stopping the nomination and election of the Lord Mayor on mere speculation that the laws are being amended is utterly disgraceful and questionable. The Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago was duly elected but the dictatorship and police have in most cases with violence obstructed him from serving the people who elected him”.

“Therefore in accordance to the philosophy of my campaign of wining by defiance, I not only condemn the actions of the Executive, the Electoral Commission and the Police who continue to commit crimes, but will shall rally the citizens to resist them”.

“The attack on journalists is deplorable and criminal act ,it must stop. The perpetrators must know that they will be answerable individually or collectively. In the demonstration of civil disobedience through the now empowered citizens the Junta was able to rescind their intention to block the nomination of Lord mayor Lukwago. I recognize that the refusal by the Lord Mayor and his supporters to surrender to the dictator is the first victory of our strategy of winning by defiance and not by compliance”.

“Therefore in winning by defiance and not compliance , I urge whole the forces of pro-democracy, pro- change and above all the people of Kampala to turn up and offer massive support to the Lord mayor Erias Lukwago as he goes in for his nomination tomorrow the 18th November”.

“We shall move on with the strategy , sensitize the whole country and we shall ultimately liberate ourselves. For God and my country.

Dr. Kizza Besigye”.

Side-Note 3 – UPF Statement today:

“Good afternoon,

A few pointers here in regards to the officials that we have and what they wear:

We have 5 different uniforms in active use : the olive green, white, blue camouflage, navy blue, and black.

Khaki uniform is used by general police officers

White uniform is used by traffic police officers

Blue camouflage is used by the field force unit

Navy blue is the marine unit

Black is worn by the Counter Terrorism Unit

If you need any of these services – do get in touch with us”.

Side-Note 4 – The Media Council of Kenya on shooting yesterday:  

Press statement on shooting of a journalist by Ugandan Police

Nairobi, November 17, 2015

The Media Council of Kenya strongly condemns the alleged shooting, by police, of a journalist in Uganda.

The journalist, Isaac Kugonza, working with a private station, Delta TV, was on Monday allegedly shot on the head and is fighting for his life in Mulago National Referral…

See more

The Media Council of Kenya strongly condemns the alleged shooting, by police, of a  journalist in Uganda. The journalist, Isaac Kugonza, working with a private station, Delta TV, was on Monday allegedly shot on the head and is fighting for his life in Mulago National Referral hospital. From press reports, Isaac is the third journalist to be shot while covering political events in less than two months. Others who were shot last month are Matovu Enock of NTV and Ivan Vincent Mukisa of Radio One. It’s astonishing and disgraceful for the government of Uganda and President Yoweri Museveni’s regime in particular. It is a sad period for the journalism fraternity in the region. We urge Ugandan authorities to investigate and bring to book those behind this cowardly act. For democracy to prevail, journalists should never be intimidated or harassed in their line of duty. Such acts undermine freedom of the media and democracy in the region.

Haron Mwangi,PhD Chief Executive Officer and Secretary to the Council

Side-Note 5 on Cabinet Reshuffle:

“PO/31

13^th November, 2015

Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga

Speaker of Parliament

KAMPALA

RE:   APPOINTMENT OF THIRD PRIME MINISTER AND MINISTERS

I write to request you to, as required by Article 113 and 114 of the 1995 Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, approve the following persons that I have appointed to the respective positions in Government:

1. Mr. Kirunda Kivejinja –        Rt. Hon. 3^rd Deputy Prime

Minister and Minister of East African Affairs;

2. Madame Rose Akol –        Minister of Internal Affairs;

3. Mr. Werikhe Kafabusa –        Minister of State for Industry

I forward their names to you for scrutiny and approval.

Yoweri K. Museveni

P R E S I D E N T

Copy to    Rt. Hon. Prime Minister

AU Communique: 519th Meeting on Rwanda and the arrest of Lieutenant-General Emmanuel Karenzi Karake (26.06.2015)

Uganda and North Korea signed a friendship pact

On the pages of Parliament of Uganda its words are: “Korea-Uganda Parliaments agree to sign friendship pact” (Parliament.go.ug, 31.10.2014) if that isn’t telling the world something. Its sure is a secure sign. The second in command of Foreign affairs in the DPRK says: “The relationship between Uganda and North Korea is more than an ordinary diplomatic relationship. It is a special friendship built over the years by the relationship between the Presidents of the two states” (Parliament.go.ug, 31.10.2014).

Museveni says during a state dinner with North Korean counterparts that their new arrangement is “fighting imperialism” (…)”Not long ago, the world was divided among the colonizers and the colonized. North Korea, China, Sweden among others, were fully involved in the liberation struggle” (O’Carroll, 01.11.2014).

Just recently an agreement was signed by Minister of State for International Affairs Mr. Okello Oryem and the DPRK (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea – North Korea) Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Hon. Kung Suk Ung. This new deal settles for a every two years either in Pyongyang or Kampala. Mr. Okello Oryem states: “based on the ideals of independence, peace and friendship and make positive efforts toward the strengthening of cooperation in foreign affairs” (Ashaba, 01.11.2014).

Okello Oryem has stated other places this on the matter: “Uganda has an outstanding army in Africa, so thank you for your contribution towards building the Uganda People’s Defense Force (UPDF)” (Worldbulletin.net, 01.11.2014).

Okelle Oryem has also stated about North Korea this: ““I will also advise him (Museveni) that we should stand by our friends (North Korea). We have always stood by our friends in the region on ICC. Go back with assurance that we shall stand by you” (Wandera, 01.11.2014).

If the free world isn’t listening to this and wondering what this is. Then you can also ask about the old deal that Zimbabwe had trained a special unit for Mister Robert Mugabe in the 90s. If that is still on the table I don’t know, but this deal sure brings money for military expertise. An the regime of North Korea can sure show how to oppress people and Ugandan government see that as a investment worth buying. Also trade information that is relevant for each other can be worth a lot. Considering the ties that Uganda has is well connected USA and also with Russia. Plays big in the AU’s AMISOM and armies in the South Sudan, but by this they are trying to be a bigger power-broker. President Museveni sure knows by now how to play his cards to his advantage. Let see how this plays out.

Links:

Ashaba, Anita – ‘Uganda, North Korea To Establish Consultative Committee To Tighten Relationship’ (01.11.2014) Link: http://news.ugo.co.ug/uganda-north-korea-establish-consultative-committee-tighten-relationship/

O’Carroll Chad – ‘Ugandan President hosts state dinner for N. Korean delegation’ (01.11.2014) Link: http://www.nknews.org/2014/11/ugandan-president-hosts-state-dinner-for-n-korean-delegation/

Parliament.go.ug – ‘Korea-Uganda Parliaments agree to sign friendship pact’ (31.10.2014) Link: http://www.parliament.go.ug/new/index.php/about-parliament/parliamentary-news/472-korea-uganda-parliaments-agree-to-sign-friendship-pact

Wandera, Steven- ‘N. Korea requests Uganda to oppose International Criminal Court resolution’ (01.11.2014) Link: http://www.nknews.org/2014/11/n-korea-requests-uganda-to-oppose-international-criminal-court-resolution/

World Bulletin – ‘Uganda, N. Korea ink cooperation deal’ (01.11.2014) Link: http://www.worldbulletin.net/economy/147511/uganda-n-korea-ink-cooperation-deal