Robert Rukaari Mwesigwa MP letter to the Commandant of Police Professional Standards Unit – Re: Complaint against ASP Mkiibi Karim & Another (07.03.2023)

Opinion: The court documents proves torture of Kakwenza Rukira

The writer and activist Kakwenza Rukira who dared to question and call Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerubaga ‘obese’ in December 2021. After prolonged agony, kept in detention in-communicado and not produced to court from mid-December to early January 2022.

The writers document and court documents are really revealing, as it states some fact, which the government cannot deny at this point. While he was in Kitalya Mini Max Prison showed that he was healing from scars from torture on his back, buttocks, thighs and hands. As well, as the St. Francis Hospital Nsambya report the Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS), blood clots under finger nails, multiple lacerations and healing bruises on his back, buttocks, thighs and right forearm, stress fracture left distal tibial shaft and periostitis left fibula.

As you can see the court document says very substantial torture which he went through in government detention and at unknown facilities. The Special Force Command (SFC) the former unit, which Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerubaga lead before he became the Commander of Land Forces (CLF) of Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).

It is really frightening that they can do this to a civilian and a writer. That means that the SFC on command and orders of the “high above” can torture someone just out of spite and revenge. This is the message and meaning of spreading fear.

Torture isn’t new and has been a staple of the National Resistance Movement (NRM). As it has used SIU Kireka and ungazetted safe-houses to torture civilians and activists for decades. Therefore, the state and it’s security agencies has been doing so. While fragments of the horror stories are revealed in courts and sometimes the injustice is vindicated with paid cost and damages.

If they can do this Kakwenza Rukira, which is a public figure and writer. The state can be even more hostile, more avenging and causing fatalities as well. That is well-known… and it has been visible with the “drones” and extra-judicial killings, which was prevalent in the campaign season and up to the polls. We also know that opposition activists, members of parliament and civilians affiliated is still linger behind bars, as we speak.

Therefore, the writer and dissident has been tortured for questioning the first son and third ranked army commander in UPDF, Lt. Gen. Muhoozi. That is evident and clear for everyone to see. Peace.

Opinion: Museveni’s recent address don’t reassure anyone

“I’m not your usual president. I speak with action and let me remind you that I’m not going to show any mercy to anyone who is Found guilty of killing my people. We are not here to joke, Uganda is able to protect itself from people who think that they’re better than us. We have already Gunned down several ISIS leaders and now they know that I’m not a man who you should play with. The sheikh who ordered his men to kill my people should run because I’m also ordering my men to go after them, it’s fire for fire don’t confuse power and authority” – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (20.11.2021).

Everything that General Museveni touches has to be violent. There is no peace and no sort of resolve. That’s how General solves things and not in a manner of which is with protocol. Yesterday he defended extra judicial-killings. He has no issues with it and seems to order it. This is not a warning, but a stern realization that the President believes he has the right of people’s life and death.

This national address on COVID-19 and National Security isn’t anything new. Very little was said that was striking or game changing. We have heard these things before and the state just shows intelligence in speeches, but without further proof. The President just speaks of intent and violent force. Because, that is how you strike fear and not how you generate peace. However, this is all that Museveni have after over 30 years in power. He cannot have love or care, neither concern or ability to read the room. No, he just have to blaze the guns and thinking that this is the manner of which terrorists will fear him.

As he continues…

“If ADF had remained quiet and not attacked Gen Katumba we wouldn’t have known them.They are overestimating themselves. They wanted to kill Gen Katumba because he is a big government person to show they are there. Although Jamilu Mukulu was arrested, they wanted to show they are still there (in existence). They also thought that Katumba being the Minister of Works and was to work on road in DRC which is their territory, how dear he” (Museveni, 20.11.2021).

“I have heard some arguments about Kirevu and how he was a good person. The attempt to kill Gen Katumba landed them in trap. All these incidents are linked. Our security was lax but when you provoke them, they wake up. We were able to use technology to identify some of them. It is a matter of time we got them” (Museveni, 20.11.2021).

It is strange how these things goes and how these things are connected. As the state claims it is ADF behind it all. While, there is no court trial or any evidence gathered for a court case. No, it is just empty statements in speeches. The Minister and General Katumba should be insulted of being used this way after surviving an assassination attempt and his daughter lost her life there together with his driver. They have not gotten justice or peace. Just like all the people in Kampala who lost their lives in the bombs.

The President is just showing his fierceness, but it is just a flex. This isn’t strength or ability to show control or have systems to ensure people’s safety. Instead it is boosting his own ego and his troops. They are just trigger-happy soldiers and officers who kills. Just like the terrorists does and without proof of alleged crimes or terrorist activity.

We should with certainty… but we cannot be happy with this. The President isn’t showing any sort of character or ability to govern here. Only that he can order people deaths and destroy lives. It is not like can secure or ensure anyone. That is missing here.. and he cannot regain that trust. Since he believes his guns and army can fix everything. That is evident here and parts of it is true. Because, we know he is only ruling because of it. If it wasn’t for the army and the soldiers, he wouldn’t have an office to go to. The President needs the UPDF and Intelligence Agencies to secure his political life. While, that will not give peace to the general public or secure their lives. As the President cannot find ways to make things peaceful and justifiable. If he did, he wouldn’t be speaking like this and be such an inactive person at the same time. Peace.

Opinion: Extra Judicial-Killings will not solve crimes or stop terror

Yesterday it was revealed from the Uganda Police Force that they killed Sheik Muhammed Kirevu. A man who was in their custody and handcuffed. The authorities had him in their midst and still they decided to shoot-and-kill him. That is extra judicial killing. They killed him right in-front of his family and his kids as witnesses.

The authorities are not only the ones who apprehend alleged criminals, but they are the court and the hangman. They are all in-one and they do this on their duty. This isn’t the first time or the last of which the Police Force or any of the state Security Organizations are inclined to use lethal force to stop an alleged criminal or suspect. They are not tried or charged, they are just taken out.

This isn’t the manner of which shows a difference between the state and a terrorist organizations. Since, the ones dropping the bombs is issuing terror and the state is issuing terror with their guns. There is no very to no difference between the parties. They are both sanctioning death upon both innocent and suspects. The state can after the fact claim links and evidence for the suspect. However, that was never proven in the courts or their supposed illegal activity was never tested. Therefore, it is flawed and what if the person was just another citizens catching a stray-bullet? Will the Police or Authorities take this to account and be responsible for the unfortunate death?

I doubt that… and Sheik Kirevu might have been connected to the ADF and might not have. All we know now is that he was in their custody and he ended up dead. Instead of doing due diligence and doing the process. Proving the alleged criminal conspiracy and his involvement in the terrorist organization. He was taken out and we can never know now. The Police Force is coming with hearsay and allegations, which will never be proven. They can say he was monster and a vicious individual, but the man can never defend his innocence either. Since the man is no longer breathing.

This is why the whole ordeal is wrong. The state isn’t doing this right. They are ambushing and hostile. They are not trying to show why they are righteous and have the laws to uphold. Since, there is no indication of difference between them or the bombers. Both are just killing senselessly and doing it for their respective end-game. That is the tragic things here and in the manner of the Sheik. Its his kids that is scarred for life. While the victims and the families of Kampala will forever be touched by the bombs earlier this week. In this way, nobody is getting peace and resolving the hurt. The state isn’t fixing things the right way, but only causing more harm.

The Uganda Police Force and all the other agencies shouldn’t be proud for doing this. There is little to no difference between them and a average murderer. They both kills, but one has a license like James Bond and the other is a nameless killer. The officers and state agents should be better, than random stranger with a gun. However, in 2021 in the Republic that’s too much to ask. We can beg to differ, but the reality is that this is how they operate.

This is how they deal with criminals, by being their own gang of operatives ready to shoot and kill. The Courts are useless and laws are too. When lives can be taken so easily and without mercy. The idea of an extra judicial killing should be a rare occasion, but in concern to the UPF. It is just to common and so ordinary. That is why this is a cultural way of acting and modus operandi. This is the tragic thing and lives which can never return is taken in the quest for “justice”. However, justice was denied and never served. The ones they are trying to rectify or act for isn’t getting the truth. They are just hearing about more families scorn by the authorities who acts like outlaws themselves. Peace.

Uganda Police Force (UPF): Further Update Surrounding the Bomb Blast Investigation (17.11.2021)

Opinion: Where are the Ministers of Security? [Muhwezi, Otafiire and Muhoozi]

“We cannot say that there is a lapse in security. Security has managed to keep this country secure for many years, and Uganda has been one of the safest places to stay” – Jim Muhwezi (on NBS Television, 27.10.2021).

Today as the twin-bombs hit Kampala. There are many questions remaining. The Uganda Police Force held their Press Conference and released their Press Release. The authorities sealed of the areas and dispersed the general public from the Central Business District. That was all natural after the incident.

What is striking is the deafening silence of the ministers who are in-charge. These are Minister of Security Maj. Gen. Jim Muhwezi, Minister of Internal Affairs Maj. Gen. Kahinda Otafiire and State Minister for Internal Affairs Gen. David Muhoozi. The mandate of Internal Affairs is: “To ensure and maintain internal security,peace and stability”. Clearly that mission was breached today.

These are the leaders who are in-charge except for the Commander-in-Chief and His Excellency Museveni. Therefore, you have natural expectation that these are in coordination and works to ensure these things to not happen. There are so many security organizations and intelligence gathering units. That the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Ministry of Security should both have a decent overview of the possible threats and who could do these kinds of things.

The United Kingdom warned in the mid-October 2021 of terrorism threats. This warning has clearly not been adhered too or been listened too. They have avoided to act and we have no four possible terrorism acts within a few weeks apart. In the end of October 2021 there was two incidents and today another two, which is well reported on.

We should wonder, if Muhwezi, Otafiire or Muhoozi will do anything about this? Do they have a plan? Will there be a open report and a re-group to foil possible domestic terror in the Republic? Since the authorities seems preoccupied with apprehending opposition activists and leaders. They are not busy finding culprits or gathering intelligence.

These three ministers has a lot to answer for. There is a lot to be desired and the way the security apparatus is organized. In the manner of which, all of the organizations can run and operate. As well, as the various of conflicts of interests in combination with the pressure from the outside. You just know there is to many chefs in kitchen. It will be a mess and a non-edible treat for your eyes to see, which only the unlucky bastards has to eat.

The three gentlemen should go out together and make not only joint statements. These three should make joint investigation and reports, as they can prove their worth. Unless, all three is just paper-tigers and someone else is really running the show from behind them. Because, these folks should have some pride and dignity to prove their mandates and roles. Alas, maybe that’s to much to ask in the Republic.

I am awaiting their returns to the NBS Television and NTV Uganda. However, I am also waiting for a statement to the Plenary Sessions in Parliament. Nevertheless, that isn’t an proper inquiry or such. There is a need or a joint exercise and where there is look at the whole structure. It is a need to see, who does what and where. This will ruffle some feathers … and some will be butt-hurt.

However, when these things are happening and innocent lives are taken. There needs to be consequences for the heads. The heads of government and ministers need to address it. Not only come with flattery and empty words of nothingness. That we have seen so much of. So, where are you? What do you do? The Red Cross can’t always save your asses. There is real implications to this. Peace.

Uganda Police Force (UPF): 3 Ugandans Dead, 3 Suicide Attackers Killed, 33 Victims Injured, 5 Critical, from Two Deadly Suicide Attacks (16.11.2021)

Kampala Twin Bombs: Insecurity is a real problem in the Republic

Today’s twin bombs in the Central Business District of Kampala continues after two incidents in October. On the 23^rd October a pig-joint or restaurant was bombed. Days later a suicide bomber hit a Swift Bus. Therefore, what is happening today is a continuation of the insecurity in the Republic.

Today in the CBD, the was first a bomb at the Kooki Tower across from the Central Police Station on Buganda Road not far from the City Square or Constitutional Square. This is really hitting the central and just being of from the Kampala Road. To hit a place like this says it all. This is a deliberate attack. Not a random pork-joint like the one in Komamboga in Kawempe Division in late October.

The second target today was Jubilee House or Jubilee Insurance Building off Parliament Avenue. It is nearer Kimanthi Avenue. A small stroll up “the hill” to get to into the Parliament. So, this is in the middle of it too.

The Police Spokesperson CP. Fred Enanga has in a press conference already claimed that the Allied Defence Force (ADF) is behind the twin bombs. The CCTV cameras has caught one suicide bomber at the CPS and two other who drove boda-boda’s on Parliament Avenue to detonate themselves there. That’s the knowledge we have for now, but just what we know.

Fatwe Solutions reports in addition to this:

“Confirmed bomb threat in Katooke B, Nansana municipality. The suspected bomb was abandoned in a house by a man currently known as Mowzey. Eye witnesses say the man was shot ‘abandoned plan’ assailants sped off and he rushed to hospital abandoning bomb in a house” (Fatwe Solutions, 16.11.2021).

So, there might easily be more. When the state goes this early claiming it’s ADF. It is worrying and spreading fear. While the authorities claimed it was ADF in October 2021 too. However, only arresting people, but later releasing them. As they had no evidence or case against these possible people. That’s what usually tend to happen…

This insecurity should worry anyone. The people should be worried how quickly the Uganda Police Force went out with knowledge and stating who is behind it. Yes, the public wants to know and needs to know. Nevertheless, shouldn’t there be a longer investigation and find out who is behind it. See the evidence, the bomb technicians and detectives, if not the intelligence community and Joint Security Taskforce should be on this. However, why do they need to be? When the UPF already know right after the incident.

That is why I would be concerned here. Yes, the ADF or ADF-NALU isn’t an organization or militia that is innocent. No, they are guerrillas who has killed within the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). They are Islamists and claims to be connected to ISIS. Therefore, they are a viable target and connected to a international terror organization.

Still, with that in mind, it is not like Enanga or the UPF is trustworthy source. Recent statements from the same source was intelligence of planned riots and demonstrations by the opposition. That follows the same patterns of the opposition burning down petrol-stations. So, just days after those stern warnings…

The ADF attacks and it just a couple of weeks apart from the Komamboga or Swift Bus bombs. Now, three more suicide bombers have attacked Kampala. This time in the CBD and within the spectrum of power. That’s why the CBD become closed off and people dispersed from the area. The buildings hit is just 15 minutes walk apart of 6 minutes by a vehicle.

This is worrying and we should be. These levels of insecurity isn’t a sign of peace or strength. The Joint Security Taskforce should be vigilant and not only ask the citizens to be the same. The authorities should use the same amount of energy to secure the liberty and freedom of the people. As they are using their manpower to apprehend opposition activists and leaders.

We can only pray now and hope the truth will come out. Innocent lives was taken today. Plenty more was hurt and damaged by the bombs. Lives ruined and some people who will forever be touched by what happened. This is tragic and no one should ever live through this. No matter who is behind it. It needs to be addressed and justice being served to people targeted by them.

There is a need for a investigation, trials and charges on the people behind the suicide bombers. That is what the state needs to do. They need to prove the allegations of ADF and also catch the ones who did the operation and organized the missions. This is what the citizens needs and then the authorities actually does their work and not only monitor the movements of Bobi Wine. Peace.

Opinion: The ADF have returned and Museveni dared them to do so in 2013…

“ADF terrorists are still in Congo. However, if they dare cross the border, they know what happened to them last time in 2006. Over 100 of them entered Semliki valley, only 13 went back to Congo” – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on NRM Day 2013 (New Vision, 31.01.2013).

When you have been in office for decades certain promises gets lost in time. Mr. Yoweri have promised everything possible to man and as a head of state he pledged more than most. The old man with the hat, Mzee and his security agencies aren’t as profound or as great as he claims. Because, they usually tends to assault, torture and harass unarmed civilians. They are not used to stop terrorists or trained armed personnel.

Now, what is striking is that ADF have continued to exist in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Where they have held bases and trained militia members. They have killed civilians and served atrocities. It is not like they we’re totally out or destroyed. Yes, some of the leaders have been arrested and others too. There been reports of FARDC ambushes of camps and getting rid of parts of the ADF-NALU militia. However, they have still been able to recruit and gain enough support to be kept alive. Therefore, the statement of Museveni was dead at a still-birth.

So… in 2021 the ADF-NALU followed the old challenge of His Excellency and they have returned with a vengeance.

In 2021:

“Last Saturday, a home-made bomb exploded in a northerly Kampala suburb, Kawempe, killing a 20-year-old waitress and injuring scores. Police described the attack as an “act of domestic terrorism” which, under Uganda’s Anti-Terrorism Act, enacted in 2012 and revised in 2017, means any of 10 crimes committed to influence government or intimidate the public” (Tabu Butagira – ‘Inside ADF terror threat over Uganda, neighbours’ 26.10.2021, Daily Monitor).

“KAMPALA, Oct. 26 (Xinhua) — Uganda on Tuesday said the recent bombing in the central part of the country was planted by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a rebel group holed up in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni in a statement issued by the State House said the bomb that went off on a bus traveling to western Uganda was planted by the ADF” (Xinhua – ‘Ugandan president says bus bombing plotted by ADF’ 26.10.2021).

“ At a press conference on Tuesday, Uganda police spokesman Fred Enanga said that the commander of the Alliance of Democratic Forces (ADF) Mohammad Nkalubo coordinated the bombings. Enanga also said that the police caught three men who were involved in organizing the attacks. “So far, we have managed to arrest three collaborators who received money from ADF sources and distributed it among the recipients, their operatives and agents in the country.” (…) “Great Lakes security analyst Dismas Nkunda said it shouldn’t be surprising if the ADF reports are correct, given that the group is based in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. The group has been operating in the DRC for the past 20 years after being ousted from Uganda. Authorities say the group is expanding to other countries in the region. Nkunda says the explosions could show new aggression from the ADF. “This will be a new chapter in understanding what the conflict in Uganda will be like if it is a terrorist organization seeking to inflict maximum harm.”” (Nation World – ‘Uganda Police Blame ADF Rebel Group for Capital Explosions’ 26.10.2021).

We are seeing here two incidents where the ADF are claimed to be involved in terrorist attacks. One in Kawempe, Kampala and the other on a bus travelling to Western Uganda. This is worrying, as the state has several of outfits who deals with intelligence gathering. These are the ones that is monitoring people and following leads. Giving it to the authorities and saving lives. Alas, the authorities clearly haven’t followed ADF-NALU to the fullest.

Since they have been able to pass through the cracks and explode on civilians. These acts of terrorism is showing a need for a reform and a need to structure the authorities differently. They are reactionary and not passing the baton, in a manner, in which they could apprehend suspects or even intelligence of their actions at a early stage. That can be said, as the state isn’t alert or have the capacity to follow or monitor the ones who are deemed as “sleeper cells” or “terrorists”. This is why they can succeed in their missions. Which is tragic and innocent lives are taken because of it.

The ADF-NALU have dared to return and they done with massive harm. They are taking lives and causing horror. Families are ripped apart and others are endangered. The ADF-NALU is showing their might and force to the general public. As their sole mission in the past was to overthrow Museveni. However, we doubt that is the means to this end right now.

They are now signing to the “high above” that they are still there and should be recognized. The ADF-NALU is proving their existence and that they are coming to terrorize as well. They followed his dare and has returned. The outcome is horrible and people lives are taken in the midst of it. It is tragic, but shows what mismanagement and hubris does to man. Museveni could have fixed this, but he let other people suffer the blow in the DRC. Now, the same ghosts of the past has returned to haunt him still. Peace.

Opinion: Fears for People Power and the NUP [after the Komamboga blast]

“Police spokesperson Fred Enanga told a press conference on Sunday afternoon that the number of those injured was three, down from the seven reported earlier. ‘Our joint task teams of experts from Counter Terrorism, Intelligence and Investigations have confirmed the incident was an intentional act of domestic terror,’ he said. Three suspects are on the run, added Enanga, as investigations continue, with their motivation not yet established. No group has come out to claim responsibility for the deadly attack” (New Vision – ‘Komamboga blast was ‘intentional act of domestic terror’ – Police’ 23.10.2021).

The bomb in Komamboga in Kawempe division at a pork joint should worry everyone. The state is easily using these sort of domestic terror acts for political gains. That’s why I am worried for the ones who is quickly to target these days. The state easily charge, detain and brutally attacks, which is the People Power Movement and the National Unity Platform (NUP). This is happening, because they are force to reckon with.

“The public should not fear, we shall defeat this criminality like we have defeated all the other criminality committed by the pigs who don’t respect life” (Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, 24.10.2021).

The state has used incidents like these before and two NUP MPs are already charged for serious crimes and awaiting trials. They are detained first implicated in the murders in the Greater Masaka region. Alas, that is a politically charged persons and not because they are criminal. This is very clear and we can expect more of this.

The state has done the same to Reform Agenda and Forum for Democratic Change (FDC). The state targeted the central leadership and their family members in a made up ‘terrorist organization’ . This could easily happen again. We shouldn’t be shocked if the “domestic terrorist” act would be used as a means to an end. A way to make the NUP and People Power Movement illegal. We shouldn’t be shocked. The state is willing to do this…

“The Police at KMP, have responded to a serious blast which occurred on the 23.10.2021, at around 9 pm, at Digida eating point, in Kawempe Division, Kampala. One person has been fatally wounded and 7 others rushed to Mulago National Referral hospital, with serious injuries. We ask the public to remain calm, as we establish the true circumstances surrounding the incident. Any new developments will be communicated in due course” (Uganda Police Force, 24.10.2021).

I know I shouldn’t think this way. However, the cynic in me knows that the state uses these crimes for personal gains. The ones behind the crime or even culprits can easily go away. There been spies and other people able to make bombs who the Internal Security Organization (ISO) let go earlier this year. The United Kingdom authorities and MI-6 warned about possible terror attacks in Uganda. That was just a week ahead of this one. Therefore, we should worry about this.

At this very moment, everything is just speculation. The state will continue it’s investigation. However, cases have gone could quickly. The authorities will strike hard and expect some political targets. This will not show some unknown terrorist organization or group, which was similar to the announcement of Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerubaga who announced a terrorist was captured a few weeks ago.

This is why I wonder what is happening and why the UK knew about this, but the authorities let it all happen. They we’re warned and still let it happened. I just have a feeling it will be used against Bobi Wine and his comrades. This is because, the state does this and they use the justice system to apprehend political opponents. Therefore, I am worried that this case could be used for this. Because, why not?

They used the Greater Masaka murders… so… this one could easily become another one of these. Peace.