Uganda Police Force: Joint Task Force refutes claims of torture by Hon. MP (08.05.2020)

Opinion: UPF blames Zaake for the torture, how convenient right?

Today, Police Spokesperson went in-front of the Press blaming Member of Parliament Francis Zaake is indirectly to blame for the torture he had while he was arrested. They are blaming him for previous things too. Just piling on blame on the man that couldn’t at one point open up his eyes and who had blunt-forced trauma. That was stated by one doctor during last month.

Therefore, rich of the Uganda Police Force to pin everything on Zaake. Like its his fault he cannot open up his eyes or chemical conjunctivitis and got blunt-forced trauma. It is really rare that a person get both of these illnesses on his own.

Especially, when the Police Force states this:

We would like to strongly dismiss these allegations as false and misleading. And the reason we are responding is to counter the sophisticated propaganda aimed at negatively portraying security forces as brutal and further tarnish the image of Uganda as a country. Investigations into his allegations have shown the following” (UPF, 08.05.2020).

In this regard, the image of the security forces is already breached abroad, by also knowing the European man lingering in Luzira and dying in Court yesterday, while fighting skin-cancer. This is the sort of action the security forces of Uganda does. Zaake is just your own and you trying to dismiss your actions towards people.

Allegations are true, the Hospital would make up what sort of illness he had and that they wanted to transfer him to another hospital. You instead moved him from Courts to Courts and dropped him off in SIU Kireka. Instead of giving him treatment for the illness he got by being with the Police Officers. He didn’t catch this at home giving food to boda-boda’s, but by the actions made by the Police Force.

The statement from the UPF ends with this:

Although the specific allegations of torture in his affidavit are not consistent with the physical evidence gathered thus far, the Leadership of the Joint Security agencies remain committed to protecting the fundamental rights and freedoms of all Ugandans as guaranteed in the Constitution. We remain confident that once the facts gathered are presented before the Civil Court, our officers will be considered to have carried out their duties in accordance with the law.” (UPF, 08.05.2020).

Well, about evidence, do you have anything on Ziggy Wine or MP Ibrahim Abiriga? Is there anything in the works on the other weird deaths in the recent years, whose not solved or resolved? Just a bunch of cold-cases in the freezer and nothing happening, because when they are dead. The people will not cry and the families will not speak out either, because they don’t want to die as well.

So, in this regard, what about Bobi Wine’s fake arms in Arua? Is this the same sort of collected evidence, since your disregarding the findings of the doctor in your statement and politicising the arrest itself.

It is funny talking about the Constitution and the Courts, when the Police Force keeps people arrested without producing them in Courts with time. Neither warrants nor Court Orders to arrest them. They can just be pick people up and make-up charges later. Then, the family members or trusted people can pay bonds a few days later. This has happen so many times, that I cannot even count. So, don’t use the 1995 Constitution, when you use the Penal Code like a man-whore dipping into every ocean you can and hope you don’t catch an STDs.

So, in this regard, the UPF cannot play this one out. The documents from Iran-Uganda Hospital is clear. It’s not like hospital would make up illnesses and ask for him to be transferred elsewhere for treatment. Not for more days in custody of the coppers. Let’s be clear about that.

This was just so convenient …. so easy access and you could blame Zaake. His the bastard, the arrogant ass-hole and a man who should know his place. He shouldn’t even do anything, but a be silent as a grave. However, that is not the man Zaake is. What he has done again is to show the real side of UPF. He has shown your actions towards your own citizens and that has made headlines abroad. Because it is special, that you does this to representative of the Parliament. That is rich. Really Richie Rich. Peace.

Opposition Leaders of Uganda letter to UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres about the ongoing human rights violations in our country (04.05.2020)

Zaake MP is the Patient Zero of Injustice

Member of Parliament, People Power Youth Leader Francis Zaake who was arrested on the 19th April and since then not released from custody. Having pains in arms and legs, generalized blunt forced trauma and chemical conjunctivitis. It is so severe hurt that he was to be referred from Iran Uganda Patients Referral Hospital to St. Francis Nsambya Hosptial for futher treatment. However, that didn’t happen, instead he had a hogwash of a day as the authorities wants to continue to punish him. 

The Police Force have worked continuously to downplay the aftermath of the efforts made to Zaake. As his hospitalized after their arrest on the 19th April 2020. We are now over a week and he has to change hospitals to get the care he needs.

The investigations upon his arrest were expeditiously conducted, and the charges were accordingly sanctioned by the Director of the Public Prosecutions. Unfortunately at the time he was to be produced to Court, Hon. Zaake through his lawyers complained of ill health, which prompted the Police to have him examined. Indeed an examination was conducted by the Uganda Police Medical team in the presence of his Lawyers, personal Doctors as well as his dear wife, where by the team unanimously agreed of some treatment to be extended to him. Hon. Zaake is currently undergoing treatment at Iran –Uganda Hospital Naguru and he is very conscious and in stable conditions” (Uganda Police Force, 24.04.2020).

So, they are really seriously not taking it serious. They are not taking charge, no one in their rational mind get blunt force trauma out of nowhere. That happens when someone get stabbed, kicked or in a car accident. It is a severe hit to the body, which creates bodily harm and can be fatal if its done to certain areas of the body. The Iran-Uganda Hospital didn’t mention where on the body Zaake have the blunt forced trauma. Certainly, it will be hurting and need treatment.

chemical conjunctivitis is the “pink eye” or means that he either got smoke, liquids, fumes or chemicals in the eyes. This means someone administered and put it in his eyes. That is the reason why Zaake is struggling to open his eyes. So, the man who didn’t have this issue before this address. Means the Police Force did something and it causing concern now, as it is not a mild one, which would have been caused by chlorine in a swimming-pool. Not like he was swimming in the pen.

What’s even more special today, as he was moved from one hospital to another. While the Police Force is downplaying it and saying its nothing. Wonder if this happen to one of their own and even Fred Enaga got this treatment. Would someone lie and say it was nothing too?

Well, what was more special than the common lies of the Police Force. Was the at Nakawa Court order Zaake on Bail. However, the same Police Force took him to Mityana Court and ordered him to be in the Hospital. While the second court ordered that, the Police Force took him back to SIU Kireka. So, the more treatment is suspended then?

The moving from Iran-Uganda Hospital to St. Francis Nsambya Hospital was just a facade from the authorities. Instead, they are sending him back to the wolfs who already beaten him and put some sort of chemical in his eyes? Because that is the treatment he needs, apparently. So, the referred order from Iran-Uganda Hospital was pointless, as he went from between two courts and ended up where he started. Back to the ones who harm him. Such a noble move of the authorities.

Right now, Zaake is the Patient Zero. The man whose the sole benefactor of the pain and suffering of the Republic. Because, he had the audacity to feed the hungry of Mityana district. Peace.

Opinion: Zaake MP is in a perfect storm…

The People Power Movement Members of Parliament Francis Zaake has been arrested because he sent food with boda-boda to his constituents. Zaake MP didn’t act vile or in discontent with any law. He used his wealth of office to give food to the ones who needs it in the midst of the second lockdown period. Not like he went house-to-house or used broke the law in other ways.

Zaake only got into trouble, because his a vocal opposition leader and MP. If he was an NRM associate or one of them. He would have gotten away with it. Like the Pastor who did the same thing the other day. However, the President directive and all controlled through the COVID-19 Fund. That is why Zaake gets into trouble. Because, Zaake MP needs to be named in one of the National Addresses, since he would have spent more than 3,000 shillings on it.

Zaake is in a perfect storm. If he doesn’t spend funds on his constituents, they are not getting fed. If he does do it, he gets into trouble. He got the latter after trying to do the merciful thing. He had chosen to defy the directive and not use the COVID-19 Fund and OPM Food Delivery Unit. He decided to do it on his own in his constituency.

This is the same government that sent the public to the Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago to get food. Where they pushed the community to his doors during the weekend. So, its ironic that they are arresting Zaake for doing what they pushed on Lukwago. Lukwago who didn’t actually do this service was pushed and held captive by the public from Rubaga Division in Kampala. He had crowds around his compound on the 19th April. Yes, Zaake did it on his own merry, but Lukwago had more people around him. Zaake was in home as his home was raided and arrested for his operation.

The State House and Office of Prime Minister (OPM) is in-charge of an operation, where the state is asking for donations and the President specifically asks for cars. While, a man who defies Presidential Directives are charged with murder. Even if he didn’t make crowds, didn’t defy social distancing and such. Sent small tokens of foods in Mityana district. That is clearly the message.

Zaake should have just sent the food to the stockpile of the COVID-19 Fund. Not, that the food and packages would have been received to his constituents. Because, then its up to the ones who runs it. The COVID-19 Fund who has been busy giving out in Wakiso and Kampala, not in Mityana. That is why the President and his team is ignorant of the plight elsewhere. Maybe they are looking the other way and hoping this will pass.

Zaake could either let his constituents starve or feed them as he saw it possible. Now, his paying the price for doing this. However, this is also a signal of the failure of the state and the COVID-19 response of the central government. If the government was working, than Zaake wouldn’t need to do it at all. That is how you can see its a perfect storm.

He can either play with fire, add more wood or get burned. He got burned by playing. However, if he didn’t play, the fire would burn out and there would be no heat. That is why he acted. That says it all. Peace.

Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine: Statement on 20 Million UGX to be Advanced to Every Member of Parliament amidst the Coronavirus Crisis (16.04.2020)

Many Ugandans are surprised and very angry that the Parliament of Uganda allocated 10 Billion Shillings to itself amidst an unprecedented Coronavirus crisis. The allocation of this money is not only shameful. It is insensitive to the plight of millions of Ugandans who are facing untold challenges ranging from hunger, sickness and even death.

Ugandans are bearing the brunt of this predicament. There have been reports of numerous people failing to access health centers due to limited transport means, and as a result some have succumbed to various ailments. A huge number of people across the country are in dire need of food, healthcare and other essential amenities. The Government has not done much to help them.

Ugandans are therefore justified to be very angry at this selfish action by their ‘representatives’. Our view, however, is that Ugandans should be angrier at the manner by which they are governed- the 20 million shillings is a symptom of a bigger crisis which we are fighting to resolve.

Indeed, government presented a supplementary budget of over 300 billion shillings to Parliament to aid in the fight against COVID19. Many aspects of the budget were not only luxurious, some seemed even dubious! Several legislators raised concerns about the allocation of huge sums of money for things like billboards, but they would not be heard! A Minority Report authored by Hon. Gerald Karuhanga was ignored. The budget was passed without much debate.

It will be recalled that on 24th March, we issued a statement in which we demanded that government diverts monies from all non-essential aspects and diverts it to equipping health facilities across the country, and giving incentives to health workers. Unfortunately, the same government which has never prioritised the healthcare of the people of Uganda ignored our call.

Regarding the 20 million shillings therefore, it appears that yet again, the executive thought that for the supplementary budget to pass with ease, MPs needed to get a share of this money so they don’t resist its passing. We all recall that this has been done countless times, including in the passing of immoral Constitutional amendments, such as the term limit and age limit amendments. On several occasions, MPs have been bribed do the bidding of the Executive. This is why elections matter. This is why it should matter to all Ugandans who they elect for office at every level!

We reject the notion that this money was meant to enable Members of Parliament carry out their roles in this period. The cardinal roles of an MP include; legislation, representation, budget allocation and government oversight. None of these roles require an MP to be an extension of the Executive, in the sense that government should in addition to MPs’ salaries provide a separate budget to each MP to extend services to the people. An MP, just like any other able citizen can avail support to vulnerable people from their personal earnings (something which I personally have done and continue to do), but this money should not be drawn from the tax payers’ money.

Let me clarify that I have not received this money. Should it be deposited on my account, I will immediately order my bank to return it to the Consolidated Fund and demand that it is put to its proper purpose. We must learn to empower institutions and not seek to enrich individuals.

As we have repeatedly said, the focus of our nation at this point should be on building a robust healthcare system, and empowering our healthcare practitioners with all they need, including Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

The People Power Movement will continue to use the available resources contributed by ourselves and other well-wishers to reach out and support some of our people who are in extreme need.

We shall also continue to demand that the government reaches out to all citizens and gives them food relief in these tough times.

And yes, we shall continue struggling day and night to put an end to the decadent and corrupt regime.

Kyagulanyi Ssentamu Robert
MP- Kyadondo East Constituency &
Leader of the People Power Movement

Uganda: Ministry of ICT and National Guidance – Clarification on Communication Activities and Budget for COVID-19 (03.04.2020)

Uganda Medicial Association – RE: Press Statement on the Continued Torture of Health Workers (03.04.2020)

People Power Movement – Uganda: Donations of Relief Items by the People Power Movement (02.04.2020)

Opinion: Section 8 of POMA is Null- and Void, what does that mean?

Well, now the Constitutional Court came today with a striking judgment. That the Section 8 of the Public Order Management Act of 2013 is unconstitutional. Section 8 of the POMA is very clear. That gives the powers to officers and give the police the authority to block any meeting. It also gives the powers to the Police to disperse a meeting. Also, finally the sub-section also issues the officers in question the powers to assess if a person is disobeying the law or unlawfully assembles. Which makes that person liable for sentencing according to the Penal Code section 117.

Therefore, today’s judgment is vital, as the Police Force by definition now doesn’t have the authority to block any gathering. Neither disperse it or issue an order to stop the public from participate in any public meeting/gathering. This here is an direct consequence of the judgment today.

We knew this law was draconian. The whole law isn’t null and void, just one part of it, but it takes away the powers to enforce it. The Police Force, the authorities is limited by this. This law has banned concerts, public gatherings, consultation meetings, anniversary rallies, opening of political party offices and so fourth. The state has given all sorts of orders and usage of the law to an extent, where the opposition is futile. They couldn’t conduct either internal party organizations nor actually try to gain new followers, since the state stopped it or never allowed them to publicly to gather in the first place.

This law was deemed the Anti-Besigye Act, ABA, the act against Besigye and his political effort to undermine the regime. This came after the Walk to Work. Now, the opposition has one an important battle in the Courts.

There was on judge who didn’t see it like this, that was Stephen Musota. Remember that man, because he stated this, he was the one voting in favour of Section 8 of POMA. Because, there was 4-1 and therefore, it was null and void. However, Stephen stated this: “The limits are now cast in stone and are no longer at the whims or imagination of the Inspector General of Police or his authorized officers”. That is why the whims of the IGP shouldn’t be the factor to allow people to assemble or not. This is why its unconstitutional, which is stated by the other judges on this matter.

What I am suspecting will happen is that the National Resistance Movement will revise and amend this bill. To ensure they have the powers to stop meetings and such before the General Elections 2021. They have had the good need of this bill for years. This will not go away without a blast. I don’t believe the NRM will concede and give way that easily. Not when the rise of Bobi Wine and Besigye is now allowed and cannot be stopped. That is what the NRM worried about and will find new ways to silence it. Especially, when the Police Force has been preoccupied with this partisan politicking for years. Peace.