
Zimbabwe: #ThisFlag we are living in a Police State (19.11.2016)


“At least six Zimbabwe activists were “abducted” and some of them beaten up as a heavy police presence in Harare prevented planned protests on Friday against President Robert Mugabe’s government. Sylvanos Mudzvova, one of the protest movement leaders, told AFP that fellow activist Patson Dzamara and two others were admitted to hospital after being abducted by unidentified men who dragged them out of their cars” (CCTV Africa, 2016)

Harare, 17 November 2016 – El Niño-induced drought has led to a serious surge in food insecurity and hunger affecting 40 million people across the southern Africa region. Zimbabwe, one of the countries most affected, is in the midst of the worst drought in 25 years that is projected to affect 5.2 million people including 1.1 million urban dwellers during the first quarter of 2017.
Addressing some 150 participants at the 4 th national multi-stakeholders consultative meeting jointly convened by the Office of the President and Cabinet and the UN System in Zimbabwe today in Harare, the UN Resident Coordinator Bishow Parajuli said, “As we approach the peak hunger period of the lean season, inadequate funding to the humanitarian response plan will not only curtail the ongoing relief efforts to increase assistance to the most vulnerable in the rural settlements and scale-up assistance in urban areas but also risks reversing the gains made in the development and humanitarian areas thus far.”
Of the $352 million being sought under the Humanitarian Response Plan (April 2016-March 2017), nearly $212 million has been committed, with the current funding gap at $140 million. The committed financial and in kind relief support has allowed the UN and NGOs to reach approximately 1.7 million vulnerable people in over 42 districts with food, cash, agricultural inputs and other lifesaving relief assistance.
The committed resource includes the recently announced additional £40 million by DFID.
Announcing the additional boost which brings the total contribution by the Government of the UK to £55.6 million, Annabel Gerry Head of DFID Zimbabwe said, “The additional support from DFID will provide mobile cash payments to 360,000 vulnerable people up until end of March 2017; cover the cost of screening of 160,000 children for malnutrition; and the cost of treatment for over 12,000 children.”
The ongoing relief response has also been made possible by the generous contributions from USAID, EU-ECHO, the Netherlands, Japan, Australia, Sweden, Canada, Switzerland, Germany, Ireland and Denmark. The BRICS nations and others have also supported the relief efforts, including bilateral contributions from China, India and Brazil.
Expressing deep gratitude and appreciation for the generous support from donors, the UN Resident Coordinator said, “sectors such as water, hygiene, and sanitation; education; and protection remain severely underfunded, threatening the country’s hard-won development gains made in these areas over the years.”
The fourth national multi-stakeholder consultative meeting underlined the importance of the drought response to be consistently guided by the universal humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence.
Senior Principal Director, Office of the President and Cabinet, Mr. O. E. M. Hove said, “Government has made all efforts to import and set a buffer stock of maize to ensure that no citizen starves irrespective of one’s political or other affiliations.” Mr. Hove appreciated the generous support from humanitarian and development partners that are complementing Government’s efforts in response to the prevailing humanitarian challenges and called on all partners to stay the course.
Noting the need to continue and increase joint response to the pressing effects of the worst drought, stakeholders agreed to recalibrate their efforts towards resilience-building, provision of quality social services and protection programmes to ensure strong linkages and eventual transition of those affected by drought to recovery, medium and long-term sustainable development.
Reiterating on the call to planning for the future with focus on building resilience, Mr. Hove said, “to this end the Government of Zimbabwe is implementing a special programme to ensure food security targeting to produce at least two million metric tonnes of maize grain on 400,000ha of which 200,000ha will be irrigated.”
Today’s national multi-stakeholders consultative meeting follows two successful Provincial Drought Response Consultative meetings held in Bulawayo and Harare at the end of September and beginning of November, respectively. The provincial meetings allowed partners to adopt harmonized relief response approach across the Government, UN and NGOs managed assistance for improved targeting, registration, distribution, monitoring and accountability.
Media Contact: Sirak Gebrehiwot, UN Communications Specialist, E-mail: sirak.gebrehiwot@one.un.org;
Cell #: +263 772 198 036

This follows Zimbabwe’s full settlement of all of its overdue financial obligations to the PRGT of SDR 78.3 million (about US$107.9 million) on October 20, 2016.
WASHINGTON D.C., United States of America, November 15, 2016 – The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved today, on a lapse of time basis,[1] the removal of the remedial measures applied to Zimbabwe that had been in place because of the member’s overdue financial obligations to the Poverty Reduction and Growth Trust (PRGT), effective November 14, 2016. These measures are: (i) declaration of noncooperation with the IMF (see Press Release No. 02/28); (ii) the suspension of technical assistance (which had already been partially lifted, see Press release No. 09/152 and Press Release No. 12/405); and (iii) the removal of Zimbabwe from the list of PRGT-eligible countries (see Press Release No. 01/40).
This follows Zimbabwe’s full settlement of all of its overdue financial obligations to the PRGT of SDR 78.3 million (about US$107.9 million) on October 20, 2016 (see Statement by IMF on Zimbabwe). Zimbabwe had been in continuous arrears to the PRGT since February 2001 and was the only case of protracted arrears to the PRGT. Zimbabwe is now current on all of its financial obligations to the IMF.
Notwithstanding the settlement of overdue financial obligations to the PRGT and the removal of remedial measures, consideration of any future request for IMF financing would also require Zimbabwe to comply with other applicable IMF policies, including to: (i) resolve its arrears to multilateral creditors (including the African Development Bank (AfDB), the World Bank, and other multilateral institutions), bilateral official creditors, and external private creditors (if any); and (ii) implement strong fiscal adjustment and structural reforms to restore fiscal and debt sustainability and foster private sector development.
Useful link:
[1]The Executive Board takes decisions under its lapse of time procedure when it is agreed by the Board that a proposal can be considered without convening formal discussions.






The proof is there now in the streets of Kampala, that the Police are following the decree of Honourable Beti Kamya from 19th October 2016 and taking down the street vendors around Old Kampala and areas around.
“It was an afternoon of bullets, injuries and arrests as law enforcement officers proceeded to implement orders by Kampala minister Beti Kamya to get the vendors off the streets Amidst the show down, a number of arrests were made and many left in tears as they saw their means of livelihood taken away from them” (NBS TV Uganda, 25.10.2016).
That they are shooting at innocent civilians because of the words of a State Minister who hasn’t confined her actions through proper process in Kampala Capital City Authority or by any other leadership. The rules of law are apparently not important because the Honourable can just write a decree and the whole ballad of Police Brutality comes stepping on the doors, citizens, people and ordinary vendors who have been trading in the districts for years on end.
“Police and KCCA officers in running battles with street vendors as they try to enforce gov’t directive to get vendors off the streets, in Kampala” (NTV Uganda, 25.10.2016).
So a Government Decree or Directive doesn’t need any more procedure or decision making in the Parliament, not in the City Council of anywhere else. So the Carte Blanche for Central Government is now that loyalists of the Regime can do as they please. Which is a dangerous sport; if Hon. Beti Kamya find’s it illegal to catch grasshoppers because she hates the taste. Then the electric fetchers are illegal to put-up and the ones that before traded on that can lose all their livelihoods. Just like the men and woman today who we’re torn-out of their trading area and have to from now-on if it persist get enough cash to facilitate inside some market-hall or shops that takes rent. That means the former vendors has to gain capital to rent or buy plots to set-up shop. Something the state doesn’t facilitate. Not even through the SACCO’s which delivers empty 30 years promises that are viable as many of the UPE schools in the northern districts of Uganda or even just up-country; barely walls and books, just a teacher or two who hasn’t gotten a pay-check in months. That is the lovable system and their respect of their citizens.
The Movement have lost all touch with the grassroots and the citizens… when they are even barring the streets for their own benefits as the major banks fails to pay off debts made by the Presidential Election Campaign. The fall of Crane Bank, who is now under management of Bank of Uganda, the Cairo Bank is also on the steps to become controlled by the Central Bank as well. That shows the fragile monetary policies and the weakness of the fiscal policies in general by the Movement, as the self-centred organization it is.
We can also question the financial situation in the Republic of Uganda as the World Bank has suspended their agreed loans for infrastructure projects of Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA). So, the same Government who has issues with Multi-National Organization is now targeting street vendors for their trade. That Hon. Kamya has made ordinary citizens criminals for activity that has happen for decades and never been sanctioned.
The Issue I have is that this hawkers, street vendors as they have been there for so long. Not like the government and KCCA has ever done anything for them, but they at least has created to the economy. I am sure by my recon that many sells the Airtime that these big-tax paying cell-phone corporations and the communication industry like MTN, Airtel, Uganda Telecom and all of them needs to keep the citizens occupied with talking and texting each other.
So the needs of public aren’t necessary in the present time and the needy that do what it takes to survive aren’t good enough for the protection of the Police or the KCCA. The Government who has a fragile economy attacks those with the weakest economy and are the entrepreneurs that the Government have been bragging about. The Entrepreneurial Spirit as they we’re entitled to this in February and the Government men we’re all smiles.
This doesn’t matter now, the boda-boda’s, the newspaper sellers and the others who sell used clothes to live even. These people all of sudden doesn’t count by the Hon. Kamya decree they are useless and illegal. Not with an act or a new law, but a directive that set the standard. This behaviour is now the common grounds.
The Hawkers and Street Vendors might create noise and be hassle now and then. They might be distracting and even creating garbage, but nothing that the KCCA has been having issues with before. These sanctions are coming decades after the free market and liberty that came with the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) ushered in by the current President Museveni in the 1980s.
The President has eaten a long while on these sellers and their trade, but now it is not enough. He needs are now for the foreign investors and bigger investments that capitalize more cash-flow from the banks and donor-community that he needs.
So the acts from the KCCA shows the systematic issues that are in Uganda now, together with the wish of splitting Kasese District, because the Ugandan Government has forgotten why they are there. They are not there for the MPs or the Government Officials, but they are there for the people and the citizens. The shooting of the families and street vendors, scaring them of their corners and everything… because a non-voted and non-discussed decree from Hon. Kamya that put this into order.
This is not news in some regards, but the reality is that the Movement has clearly forgotten why they exist and why they are there. Not for the sake of being there and earning monies of the budget or the tax-payers money. They are there for the common-man and to provide for them. Instead they are doing the same like they are doing to the Opposition, using live-bullets and arresting them for being there.
The Decree or Directive is only to show force and strength, the mentality is that sooner the Government has to live by the acts of aggression against civilians something that now will be with them. Not only against political opposition and supporters, but trading civilians who has done legitimate trade in Central Business District and now all of sudden been sanctioned by the regime. They been reasons for the giant companies and importers getting more units sold and the little tax-base that Uganda Revenue Authority has.
So this combined is a strange effort to consolidate the trading of Kampala and make sure the government earns their tax. That the Government and the Movement didn’t’ think about it… or question it boggles me, but the selfish principals of Hon. Kamya is evident as she wants to better than the ones before. An also show the Lord Mayor Lukwago that her words are law while his are worthless, like the acts today show. Peace.

I know you’re a former opposition leader who now so loyal to Museveni that its disgust me. Not like Hon. Nsereko who we’re a rebel NRM and turned back to former allies. That is different. You we’re supposed to question the leadership of the Movement and Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. You called him even at one point heartless and ignorant of other leaders in the land.
Therefore it’s ironic today that you’re now running wild on the Street Vendors of Kampala, abolishing them without procedure, because your words as a honourable and State Minister have the Authority to control the Capital without question. I am sure Dr. Jennifer Musisi going to question you, though she is loyal to the same master as you are. Than there the Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago who is not just a shambolic or a symbolic figure to stand beside the Baganda Caucus and in the Kampala Capital City Authority. Though you wish so, because all of a sudden your words are platinum and are so unique that they can decide the fate of all people of Kampotholo. I am right ma’am?
Just because you make a decision on the 19th October to:
“As part of our effort to improve Kampala City, all illegal street vending activities will not be allowed to continue because they affect trade and cause a security threat, congestion of streets and walkways. They prevent normal operation of licensed business and also create unfair trade competition. They cause littering in the city and make it impossible to maintain and clean the roads and walkways. The KCCA has identified several vending facilities in markets in and around the city as an alternative to vending on the streets. A number of these markets are not fully occupied. The street vendors are advised to take advantage of these markets and work together with KCCA in case they need their conditions in such markets considered or reviewed for purposes of enhancing their business. The street vendors are advised to register at the available markets with the management of the said markets in order to be allocated space. Government therefore directs all street vendors to vacate the streets, road reserves, open spaces, road carriageways and sidewalks forthwith” (KCCA, 19.10.2016).
As you continued on ploughing your way on the 22nd October:
“Yesterday, I met with some leaders of many vendors’ groups and advised them to form SACCOs through which Government can channel financial support that can help their members settle in other places. The Minister of State for Microfinance has been informed of this need and has promised his readiness to visit and inspect existing SACCOs or to help compliant groups to form SACCOs. As you all know, H.E. the President is very keen to support organised groups. Street vendors and hawkers operating in Kampala Business District are advised to get stalls in markets around Kampala, especially in USAFI & Wandegeya markets where space is currently available. I am aware that H.W. the Lord Mayor has invited the Authority for a meeting on Monday 24th October, 2016 to discuss matters of trade order in the city. I wish to recommend to them that among other measures they will discuss, to consider significantly reducing market rates for vendors in those markets in order to make them affordable to street vendors” (KCCA, Beti Kamya, 22.10.2016).
So I am sure some of Gen. Salim Selah’s ghost money and ghost companies can help out fellow street vendors who struggle to cigarettes, New Vision and napkins. They all can afford to pay to fees to stay into facilities that you now offers and that people will not pop-by other buyers in the meanwhile as you are taking the poors livelihood, because your words matter more than to those who are struggling day-to-day to make enough, but you’re now eating on Mzee’s plate so you have forgot how that was. Certainly the words of you shouldn’t need to be discussed as this is pleasing you and not the people, the street is their boulevard and their place as they cannot afford mansions and big houses in the suburbs like you do. The street and alleys might be their social place and where they naturally congregate because they doesn’t can afford big space, living room or a balcony where they can chill-out like you. That might seem noisy, but the poor-man’s balcony and living-room is the corners. I know your never thought of that did you State Minister Kamya? That didn’t even flinch in your mind?
“I have already made a directive, the council doesn’t discuss the minister’s directive, they simply have to comply” – Beti Kamya on NBS TV on the 24th October 2016.
She proves that she doesn’t care about other than her orders, she is the new Queen of Kampala, she will even order around Dr. Jennifer Musisi as she put the directive and the Lord Mayor, Mayor’s of Kawempe, Nakawa Makindye and so on just has to comply with the will of Kamya; her words is partly law. So the discussion today we’re not needed, the elected leadership of Kampala is totally useless if she can just do as she likes without any consideration of other voices or elected leaders. Is that what she is saying that she is a midlevel-leader who put out decrees on the streets, on the trees and on the markets… when done so the citizens has to comply that her word is the LAW!
If so than the KCCA machinery is a fraud, is a fake and is worthless system of procedure that only complies with the implicated fractions that has no voice and not worth the house they are meeting in. They could just be home and take the pay-check from the KCCA and spend it on Mango’s and Nile brew while waiting for next election in 2021. That is what Hon. Beti Kamya initially saying without saying. Because she doesn’t have the heart to say it, because of her ego and her merciless loyalty to Museveni, now!
We all could see this coming, Hon. Frank Tumbewaze might be spiteful and be conning as can be, but he impeached the Lord Mayor for his sake and for saving grace of the Executive Director Musisi. Now Kamya want to jump that score this time and decree her way away from City Hall, City Authority and all the elected leadership. Since she believes as Minister she is the Queen, the Jean d’Arc of Kampala for showing her diligence to her splendid well-paying Master Museveni. Peace!