Statement to the press and public on brutalisation of ‪#‎GoForward‬ team (07.01.2016)

AmamaNRMElection2016

Good Afternoon,

This is to inform Ugandans, both at home and abroad, that an offensive is presently being waged against my supporters, as well as those who volunteer their time to work as coordinators and/or mobilisers for my campaign. In the last month alone, dozens who identify with the Go Forward campaign in one way or another, have been assaulted, arrested, “disappeared” and even killed.

The killings and the imprisonments (which are both illegal and absurd) are not new, having begun the day I announced my intentions to run for president. But as the pressure of the campaigns is mounting, so are the continual attempts to intimidate and subdue my support base.

In late November 2015, Daniel Ayugi of Abim was picked up by security operatives at Uganda House. He was blindfolded, driven to an unknown location and tortured for a number of days. He was later on dumped back at Uganda House and made his way to Central Police Station for help. He required surgery to recover from his injuries.

In Lira district, one of our supporters Mr. Okello, whose story was covered by the media, was harassed and similarly assaulted. He suffered serious body injuries.

In Bukedea district, there are the two cases of Mr. James Aogon and Mr. Okwii Isaac. Mr. Aogon was severely beaten up and then dragged along the tarmac road, resulting in the loss of skin on his face. Mr. Okwii’s house was burned down whilst his four-year-old son slept. The toddler died in that fire.
Ms Tumwebaze, our supporter, was murdered in Mbarara and her body dumped in the river.

In mid-December, the police rounded up and arrested a number of my supporters whom, they purport, had engaged in an overwhelming assault of innocent NRM supporters in Ntungamo. This is, of course, entirely false. Any of my supporters who were part of the Ntungamo incident engaged solely in acts of self-defence.

They are now facing trumped up charges in court. Shortly after this incident, the head of my security detail Christopher Aine disappeared. He is yet to be found. Yesterday, our lawyers successfully lodged a habeas corpus order with the High Court of Uganda for Aine. We will find him.

This past Monday, on the eve of my visit to Kotido, four Kadodi drummers who were mobilising for me, were arrested and imprisoned by police together with the drums they were using to mobilise for my planned public rally. By the time I finished my rally they were still in this illegal detention. The pickup truck
with the public address system I was to use at the rally was, together with the PA, impounded. They were still in police custody by the time I left Kotido.

These incidents are but a few examples of the violence this government is daily meting out on those who believe the time has come for Uganda to experience peaceful transition and a change of government. This belief has been portrayed by the state as a desire to create chaos and instability within Uganda.

Let me be clear: TDA(U)/Go Forward has neither plans of using violence as a means of attaining electoral victory nor of getting into power in order to dispense violence against Ugandan citizens. Those who might suggest otherwise are merely those who have reached the end of their rope.

Let me also state that these cruel acts tantamount to gross human rights abuse. We have documented them and will pursue redress through courts of law up to the highest level. Those perpetuating these crimes need to remember that these are your brothers and sisters. After the elections, you all have to face and live with each other.

As we approach the last 40 days of this campaign, the tempo is growing and the people are becoming more decisive. The tensions may rise, but I appeal to those in authority to exercise fairness, restraint and better judgement for the sake of our children, our neighbours and our country, Uganda. This is what we deserve as a nation- peaceful transition of power. It starts now.

For God and My Country,
Amama Mbabazi
Presidential Candidate,
TDA(U) Go Forward

I did not wield executive power as Prime Minister, Mbabazi tells Kotido (Youtube-Clip)

“With the election just  a month and  a dozen days away, former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi is, through his message,  steering his image out of the 30 year regime that he helped build, prop and sustain till he broke ranks to run as an independent candidate. Mbabazi, centred his rallies in Kotido and Abim on explaining that he did not wield executive power to make the decisions that would effect the change he wants.Raymond Mujuni brings us this report from Kotido” (NTV Uganda, 2016)

The Calvary sieged the Bukwo District; because the fear of the FDC Campaign convoy

Bukwo FDC Campaign Trail 060116 P1

The Calvary continued to stifle for the FDC convoy in Bukwo district. There we’re violence around the Teriet IDP camp earlier today, but the RPC of Sipi Gerald Twishime has been busy today! Where many of the FDC convoy got hurt in the battalion with the Police and two police officers also got injured by the tear-gas, live bullet and road blocks around the camp.

The campaign trail where scheduled to continue in the district. He also making ready to campaign in Seibei region, but they has been silent after the campaign rally around the Teriet IDP Camp.

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When you see the photos of other places that we’re expected to have a visit of Dr. Kizza Besigye and the FDC Campaign Convoy it seems like the Police is ready for warfare and not campaigning. Is that the legacy of Museveni and the NRM-Regime? Not proper democratic values, instead they show violence and unjustified actions that is later claimed to be right by central police spokesman CP Fred Enanaga. We knew that we’re coming, they can’t help themselves. The police are a tool of the regime and the RPC or DPC is just a mouthpiece and the G.I. WOW of IGP Kale Kayihura who follows blindly his master and issues the laws when he can justify unjust behavior of his men, but that is not something we don’t have to worry about right?

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Because we know Gen. Kayihura does just what his ordered to do. Just as the Electoral Commission uses the regulations as it fits Mzee, and makes it harder for the opposition, just as they have done today. The lawmen have gone more army fitted then UPDF and with machineguns bigger than Rambo. Stallone must grin where he is sitting and looking at the photos of his lookalikes in Seibei sub-county and Bukwo district! Instead NRM and NRM-Regime need a reality check for their election-violence that they sponsor, and this is what they will be remembered for. Be proud!

The NRM Chairman for Bukwo after seeing the violence in the area has deflected to FDC today after seeing how the Police treated the locals and the eruptions that it created.

Later in the day after the IDP Camp this happen:

In Napada Trading Centre when the FDC convoy came there the Police started yet again shot live bullets against crowds and cheering public to see the People’s President.

#Wesige Besigye! Peace.  

Press Release: UPF tries to reason for their violent actions around the Teriet IDP Camp today (06.01.2016)

Besigye IDP 06.01.16 P1

Today, Wednesday, 6th January, 2016, the Police at Bukwo, restored law and order, after it dispersed violent crowds at Teriet IDP camp using means within its dispersal powers that included the use of rubber bullets.

The public order concern arose after the FDC Presidential candidate, Dr. Kiiza Besigye, who had successfully held two campaign rallies at Bukwo Trading centre and Suam Border Town council, diverted from his harmonized schedule to Amananga primary school playgrounds, and unjustifiably chose to proceed to Teriet IDP camp at Kapkoros. As a result, acts of public disorder emerged due to the indiscipline from the FDC camp.

During the course of engagement, two men were taken to Bukwo Health Centre with injuries sustained while policing the protests, that are however, not life threatening. These included Kokop Walter who was allegedly injured to the right hand by a stray rubber bullet and Kewei Augustino who was injured by a stick hurled from the violent crowd. One officer, PC Ngabo also sustained minor injuries.

The FDC presidential candidate cancelled his unscheduled visit and reverted to his campaign schedule. He proceeded to the two remaining venues at Amananga Primary school play grounds and Sosowel sub-county headquarters that ended successfully.

The police that is in charge of providing security during the electoral process, will continue protecting all law abiding people and political actors who play by the guidelines of the electoral commission.

We want to thank all candidates who have conducted themselves in a peaceful manner and caution those who fail to adhere to the guidelines issued by the Electoral Commission, that the police will not tolerate any acts of political violence, because it is criminal and punishable by law.

CP Fred Enanga

Press and Public Relations Officer, Uganda Police, 6.01.2016.

High Court of Uganda on the 5. January 2016 in the matter of Christopher Aine (Court Documents)

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Mzee blames everybody and everything for failing campaign pledges; it’s never his fault!

MuseveniNRM2016Election

This is hard to not write with a witty tone. Even though what I will write about is at about serious matters. Mzee did the other complain and blame the Constitution for stifling his work.Mzee is the man who made constitution or rewrote it in 1995; Later made amendment to it so he could continue to run as a president in Uganda.

So there we are the man who made the Constitution of Uganda of 1995 is his in a way and blaming it for stifling his work; that is so honorable. Honorable that the man who made the new one and rewritten it and made it one of his accomplishments, that accomplishment actually is a problem in 2015. Mzee have also claimed the laws are making it hard to achieve his goals and make a difference. The President is supposed to be in charge and change the systems and fix them is they are in the way. As he have been able to do before as long as it have fitted his NRM-Regime. Mzee made first the Public Finance Management Act of 2015, months later he got it amendment so that Mzee’s government could easily take out short-time loans without consent of the Parliament. That should make it easier.

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Mzee have also claimed that the Opposition Members of Parliament is stopping the progress of his work. The Opposition is the Opposition for a reason Mzee, they are not there to serve you and work for you. Mzee the opposition works for their parties or if independent for their beliefs and even codes they have, even the program that they we’re elected for and not your program. That means Mzee that the opposition can do as they please and your anger and frustration shows lack of mentality to democratic functions, but hey your police wind-up opposition daily now! So it is not strange you have issues when it comes opposition you have struggles to understand the values of democracy.

Mzee also complains that Member of Parliament for the areas where he is suddenly campaigning for not informing him well or doing their job. That is why there haven’t been accomplished more in the district his currently campaigning in. I know if feels a bit repetitive, but this is the men that your party have handpicked and your together with the party decide what is important to do. Mzee you can get them to focus and do what need to be done and you have had the time to insert that into the programs of the districts and MPs could have done so. But we know that they have voted for programs that have given them cars and extra pocket money. So that the monies for programs have to their votes to stipulate them to follow your programs and other projects the government you’re happening to run.

the-1995-constitution-was-very-clear-on-two-terms-but-museveni-used-parliament-to-remove-term-limits

Mzee, the irony in this is since 1986, you have had power your NRM have had majority and could initially do what you saw fit. So you’re complaining and whining shows that you’re trying to clean your hands instead of taking responsibility for not following through. Like you’re hands are not involved in the element or clean from the element that you’re touching. Well, the citizens and public should be able to see through this. The anomaly of it all is that it happens just 44 or 45 days before the general election. So Mzee must be woundable or feeling weak. Since he can’t claim control over his own MPs or his own men. Not to mention the Constitution of 1995 that he himself crafted and also made into effect.

Mzee, you’re loose cannon at this point; shooting wildly to lose your grief of supposable programs and projects that have been stifled by your own men. That said it’s your handpicked men and loyal cronies who haven’t done their duty if your whining is correct. Still seems a bit foolish. Mzee, you can if you wanted to do even pay them to change laws in the direction your needed as you have done so often. Mzee, really you could have made institutions strong enough to fulfil the pledges and programs you had in the districts your campaigning in. Mzee, you have made more districts and sub-counties for more control of the areas, right? Or we’re it just to pay more people and create loyalty. Mzee, you are unjustly not followed your own promises and pledges since you taking power. Well, you should maybe even think of new promises in the districts, it isn’t only me seeing through your repeat of promises. Mzee even claiming the same wrong doing from your men and therefore I could write this so easily. Peace.

The Calvary went violent around a IDP Camp; when the People’s President we’re about to address them

Besigye IDP 06.01.16 P1

Yet another day of campaign rallies for the People’s President, who we’re campaigning in Bukewo district. He had already today had campaigning in villages before setting up for a rally near the Teriet Internally Displaced Camp in Kapkaros sub-county.

Besigye IDP 06.01.16 P2

This was not something that the Police of the area accepted. Gerald Twishime the  RPC Sipi and the police went totally gung-ho on the FDC campaign convoy. First they threw their natural instinct in and with that tear-gas into the crowd to disperse the people. Also shooting live bullets into the crowd; two people we’re seriously hurt and shot in their legs. The FDC men we’re manhandled. People who we’re hurt by the police we’re Nandala Mafabi, Sadik Amin and Ingrid Turinawe got one her leg broken by the police.

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Reason for this:  “The Police said Dr. Besigye has no right to address a gathering near an IDP”. Which law and why all of sudden is that not allowed?

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Hours earlier FDC had a successful campaign in Bukowo Town. So it’s sad that the whole day couldn’t be filled with that kind of actions and peaceful interaction between the public and one of their Presidential Candidate. But the Police in the area wouldn’t be remembered that way, sincerely yours IGP Gen. Kale Kayihura be proud of your men, your right?

Bukowo Town Besigye 06.01.2016 Campaign

Why couldn’t the rally around the IDP camp look like this, which we’re earlier this morning? Because the Police can’t help themselves, instead we got something as ordinary as election violence from the Uganda Police Force.

FDC continue with your defiance this election violence is nonsense from the forces of the government. Not righteous or justice, just foolish and damaging. Peace.  

Press Release: CCEDU – Preventing Electoral Violence A Civic Responsibility for All (06.01.2015)

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The Citizens’ Coalition for Electoral Democracy in Uganda (CCEDU) applauds the Prime Minister of the Republic of Uganda, Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda for adding his voice on the campaign for a peaceful, free and fair 2016 general election through his Press Statement dated 5th January 2016 (titled, “Maintaining peace, unity and security during and after elections”).
CCEDU has noted with concern that electoral violence remains a serious threat to the February 18th 2016 elections as evidenced by some of the incidents that have so far happened during the on-going political campaigns (recent clashes between candidates’ supporters in Ntungamo and Gulu). These cases of election-related violence continue to create a sense of terror and uncertainly among voters. And should such incidents of violence increase, questions on whether Uganda is capable of holding free, fair, peaceful and representative elections will inevitably emerge.
There is also worry that millions of nervous Ugandan voters could stay away from voting due to fear of violent attacks, threats or politically motivated intimidation.
CCEDU therefore calls upon parties and candidates to desist from acts that could orchestrate unnecessary anxiety and violence during the campaigning and voting period. Election stakeholders including the Uganda Police Force must demonstrate professionalism and impartiality in maintaining electoral security during this period. The Electoral Commission must dispense its mandate in a balanced and professional manner, calling each of the candidates and stakeholders to fully account for their actions/inactions.
CCEDU urges all political parties and candidates to desist from mobilising youth groups and militias to fuel fears or actualities of electoral violence. In the same breath, CCEDU calls upon government to seriously rethink its decision to utilise informal outfits including: ‘crime preventers’, ‘polling detectives’ for the purpose of providing election related security as this could further raise anxiety and possibly invite conflict, violence and chaos in the country. Ugandans have the right to vote in peace and all stakeholders are duty bound to take all necessary measures as provided in our laws to defend and protect that right.
Electoral violence and partisanship of institutions that should otherwise be guarantors of a free electoral environment are an obvious disincentive to participation in elections for both voters and those who wish to offer leadership. Ultimately, this undermines every effort at building a truly democratic country based on the supremacy of the people choosing their leaders. It also weakens state and non-state institutions that scrutinize elections, and hurt the legitimacy of the government of the day.
It is therefore, important that as the Prime Minister rightly points to opposition players in the election, government should equally urge its institutions to ensure utmost impartiality by working strictly within the ambits of the law. Local, regional and international institutions should therefore intensify working towards (timely) prevention of electoral violence ahead of the February 2016 general election in Uganda.

Go-Forward meet hardships in Kaabong; Plus election violence towards the Go-Forward/TDA in the rest of the country

Amama Kaabong 5th Jan 2015

Today the Go-Forward Group and the TDA Joint Presidential Candidate have been in hot water all day. Yesterday in Northern Uganda there we’re rumors and reports about booing him and making mockery of him while on stage because of his deliverance in NRM government. That is not something I will focus on, because with his history in mind. It is understandable, wish they would do the same to Mzee though! But then they the Police and Crime Preventers would make issues so understand their silence when he entered the town in Karamoja. I wish I was writing something profound and deep, meaningful and giving. Instead I litter of the sadness and tragedy that follows the Go-Forward and the TDA supporters and team.

Amama Kaabong 5th Jan 2015 P2

Today in Kabong Town in Kaabong district the public and citizens we’re expected and told to wear NRM t-shirts. While the town and people knew that Amama Mbabazi we’re expected to hold a campaign rally there. DPC Peter Cherome has made his people busy today and the forcing the public to wear NRM clothes is just the beginning.

Well, Amama Mbabazi tried to visit Kidepo National Park, but the Police blocked it and closed it. So he could not check the conservation and resettlement of the animals in the National Park. That is not allowed I suppose! Yeah, it is not a prayer house? Not a school? Not a, well, house with sick people called Hospital! So why can’t and where is the rules from the Electoral Commission or Police stopping his movement? Please explain?

Museveni Kalibi Kabale 05.01.2016

This morning in Kabale this happen:

“Hon. Stephen Kalibba, the former Prime Minister for Tooro Kingdom, and former Member of Parliament who has been Go Forward Cordinator for Tooro and Rwenzori sub-regions has defected to NRM”.

Yesterday in Bukedea district:

The Amama Mbabazi aid in Bukedea district we’re attacked and flocked by local NRM supporters and badly hurt. The pictures of the man are spreading online; the sadness of how the NRM-Regime goes against their opposition. I will not show the picture, but think the story should be told!

Reports from Amudat yesterday:

“Currently happening in Amudat one of the districts from Karamoja region the mobilizers of Hon. Amama Mbabazi have been identified and bundled in different cars including Police cars forcefully now crossing to Kenya”.

Ntungamo 13.12.15

In Ntungamo and aftermath of the clashes in the town last year:

“Eleven supporters of independent Presidential Candidate Amama Mbabazi who were charged with assault, causing grievous harm and malicious damage to property, have been remanded for seven more days at Ntungamo Central Prison, due to lack of sureties and legal representation” (…)”Seven of them were first remanded five days ago after pleading not guilty, to the charges presented to them before Grade One Magistrate Richard Ndangwa. The magistrate said he needed more time to peruse through documents tendered in court by their sureties before granting them bail”.

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Amama Mbabazi Security Team involved in a car crash:

“Three people were this morning injured in an accident involving members of the Security Team accompanying Presidential Candidate Amama Mbabazi to Karamoja Sub region. The team was on the way to Kaabong and Abim districts where Mbabazi is expected to hold a rally this afternoon when their vehicle, a Toyota Super Custom, registration number UAT 654Z swerved off the road overturning three times”.

“No one showed visible injuries at first but three of them collapsed and were rushed to a nearby hospital back to Moroto,” said the former Director-General of Uganda’s External Security Organisation Mr David Pulko, now working as Mr Mbabazi’s campaign mobiliser.

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If you though this we’re worse. The planned campaign rally in Kabong town we’re blocked by Police and had to be held 70 kilometers away. This was happening today while the IGP Kale Kayihura told about 600 peaceful campaign rallies during the election periods. Not about the dirty dozen actions of his police in opposition Presidential Candidates hardships to actually work during the so called harmonized and Election Road Map worked together with Badru Kiggundu’s The Electoral Commission. Well, Hon. Amama Mbabazi had to move his main campaign rally because the local Police Force decided to do him wrong and he had to have the campaign rally in Karenga.

There been too much sadness brought to the table. Amama Mbabazi finally getting the Dr. Kizza Besigye treatment and harassment; nobody wishes to get it or feel the pain of humiliation and following of the police and governmental forces together with NRM-Supporters in the districts. Therefore the violence and extent of viciousness coming forward is dramatic and this just 45 days before the polls and general election proves that the NRM can only win on intimidation and fear, not on certainty of their political craft.

2nd Update of the hardship of the Go-Forward which continued after the publish of this article! 

Amama Voice of Karamoja

Updated after first publish:

Amama Mbabazi we’re supposed to be attending and sharing his opinion on the Radio channel of Karamoja (Voice of Karamoja), but the Police continued their unbiased work and blocked him from entering the Radio’s premisis as the gentlemen of IGP Kale Kayihura usually do. Another proof of yet another type of place that other Presidential Candidates… can’t enter on their campaign trail. Be so very proud of your hardwork Police men in Northern Uganda hope you get your pay on time as teachers have struggled with in recent years in Uganda. Surely hope Mzee pays you well for tornmenting and harassing opposition candidates! Peace.  

Dr. Ruhakana Ruganda Statement on Crime Preventers place during the campaign trail and election period (05.01.2016)

Dr ruhakana ruganda

Friends, this is a statement I have just issued at a Press Conference at the Uganda Media Centre today:

Ladies and gentlemen of the media,

We invited you today, to inform the country through you, about the critical importance of peace, unity, security and stability during this election campaign period and beyond.

As we have said in the past, peace, security, unity and stability of our country are common goods, which we must all guard jealously irrespective of our differences. They are cardinal values that do not know any differences. They are critical for our country’s progress and development.

The presidential campaigns have largely remained peaceful thus far, as the candidates have traversed the country and many citizens have come out to listen to the various messages. This is to be applauded, celebrated and encouraged.

Sadly, though, it has come to our attention that some political actors including some candidates are diverting from this good trend. There is an emerging trend of fanning sectarianism through the use the media and other platforms. This is not only dangerous; it is also criminal.

We appeal to all candidates and their supporters to focus more on the things that unite and build their communities and Uganda rather than dividing them.

If those involved in trying to divide Ugandans along the above mentioned sectarian lines don’t desist, government will invoke the necessary legal machinery to investigate and prosecute them in the courts of law.

For instance, we are following up reports that a small group of the radical opposition are talking and planning violent actions during and after the election with the overall objective to disrupt social and economic activities as well as to paralyze governance.

As part of this dangerous plan, there is also persistent talk of “defiance” mainly at campaign rallies by some candidates. Such candidates have been stating publicly state that they will not respect any of the laws or guidelines as issued from time to time by either the Independent Electoral Commission or other responsible Government agencies. This, again, is unacceptable and illegal. Whatever we do must be guided by, and conform to the laws of Uganda.

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Government has established that some of these groups, under the guise of training agents to protect their votes, are raising semi-militia groups under different code names like Power 10 (P10), Pentagon, Youth Brigade and Ki-face, among others. These groups, we have learnt, are being prepared to incite violence and violent confrontations, starting on polling day until the swearing ceremony in case they lose the elections.

Election campaigns are not a licence to break the law.

The NRM government will not standby when some elements are trying to cause violence, havoc and disrupt the peace and development in Uganda.

We would like to let the public, including those being lured into these mischievous schemes, to know that government is closely following them. I, therefore, appeal our people, particularly the youth, not to be tempted into joining such groups seeking to break the law. Those who dare to join will face the full force of the law.

Finally, I would like to re-assure Ugandans and the international community that the NRM Government has in place sufficient measures to ensure that the forth-coming elections are held under tranquil and peaceful atmosphere.

This will ensure that the outcome is credible and reflects the true will of our voters and, should, therefore, be respected by all.