A brief look into Maj. Gen. Abel Kandiho

I don’t think the US can risk engaging us in an offensive. The most they can do is just to impose sanctions and that is all” Maj. Gen. Abel Kandiho (Emmanuel Busingye – ‘CMI boss Kandiho brags about detaining US citizen’ 02.05.2021, Ekyooto.co.uk).

The Chief Commander of Chieftain of Military Intelligence (CMI) Abel Kandiho is now under fire, as his one man who is sanctioned by the United States Treasury. Maj. Gen. Kandiho was appointed to this position on January 2017. He has been ruthless as the leader of CMI and been unforgiving to anyone in his path.

Kandiho have followed orders, kidnapped and arrested people without any hesitation. While taking in Rwandese refugees and others too. He has even bragged about detaining a U.S. citizen during this calendar year. That’s the sort of fella he is.

As a leader of CMI his said to be uneducated and haven’t even finished P-7. The CMI is known for kidnappings, arrests, torture and murder of Ugandan citizens as well. The CMI isn’t a friendly security organization or a fair enterprise.

We also know that Kandiho have coordinated and worked with the RNC in Rwanda. He has supported and aided the guerrilla outfit, which works to overthrow the leadership of Kigali. The CMI have also supporter FDLR during his tenure. So, this man has no issues supporting militias and rebels who intends to overthrow a foreign power. That is all done on behalf of the State House and their intended missions.

Lt Isaac Rutagatina Sankara have written this about him: “Our P.7 graduate can’t even measure up to any responsibility. This has been clearly manifested in his methods of work and management style, that’s why he has even shied away from facing any committee in Parliament because he can’t even understand budgets and policies and this is an area where CMI should be having a big impact. On May 25th 2011 when US president Barrack Obama gave a keynote address to both houses of British Parliament gathered at Westminster Hall in his opening remarks he said that and I quote “Am told the last three speakers have been the Pope, Her Majesty the Queen and Nelson Mandela which is either a very bar or the beginning of the joke” Your Excellency the appointment of Maj. General Kandiho as the chief of military intelligence was a big blander and one of the biggest jokes in the intelligence circles” (Lt. Isaac Tutagatina Sankara – ‘#CMI_Files: The appointment of Maj Gen Abel Kandiho as the Chief of CMI and the implications of the appointment on both regional and nationa#cmi_files’ 19.09.2020, CMIFILES.Wordpress.com).

While on the other hand, there been reports, which was never verified that Rwandan government after the appointed of Kandiho as the CMI chief. They intended to send commandos to Kampala and assassinate him. He has worked in the early 2000s in Kigali, but he wasn’t a favoured character and maybe he earned his resentment for the Rwandese, because of his time there. However, that is mere speculations.

There also unverified information that the Maj. Gen. have been imprisoned twice. Some calling him a uneducated crook and a henchmen, who worked for gangsters in Kampala and pimps who sold prostitutes. However, that cannot be verified either. Nevertheless, if even a little of this is true. Than it says a lot about his character and how unfit he is for office. Neither educated and a thug who is just a brute without any concern for anyone else. Who just follows orders and directs his merciless attacks on civilians and dissidents of the state.

““According to analysts, this is another reason Rwandans are never tried in court. The charges against them will be bogus, and there will be no evidence to charge them in court. They will just torture them in CMI dungeons. Rwamucyo and Rutayisire would be transferred to CMI headquarters after some weeks in Mbarara, and by then the accusation had changed from “involvement in a robbery plot” to “illegal possession of weapons”. The same happened to Moses Ishimwe Rutare, a Rwandan businessman in Kampala who in December 2018 happened to step out of a church service to answer his phone. Unknowingly, he ambled next to the residence of Abel Kandiho where CMI men asked him to show his identity. When it was discovered he was a Rwandan they whisked him off to their torture chambers in Mbuya, accusing him of “espionage”” (Grace Kamugisha – ‘The strange case of arrests of ADEPR members in Uganda ‘ 05.08.2019, The New Times Rwanda).

In 2020, the Gahigi Safari wrote this story: “The movie was set in motion after Nyamwasa (who was scared that Rutabana was about to challenge him for RNC leadership) told his friend Kandiho in CMI to abduct Rutabana the next time he came to Uganda. Kandiho did. “Kandiho and Nyamwasa thought it would be just very easy to ‘disappear’ Rutabana – the way they normally kill people and no one asks,” a knowledgeable source said. “But with Rutabana they have run into a big problem. The wife and relatives have not stopped asking. The Western embassies (Rutabana has French nationality and Belgian residence), have not stopped asking. An American organisation has been investigating, and has released a damning report on both CMI and RNC’s Nyamwasa!”  So now, CMI is deploying their tools of misinformation, to try to fool people. It will not work!” (Gahigi Safari – ‘Seruga lies. Kandiho, Nyamwasa better produce Rutabana’ 04.07.2020).

So, it is easy to find stories and tales of grievances against Maj. Gen. Kandiho. It is too easy actually and proves the reasons for the sanctions against him. I am sure there plenty of stories, which I could gloss over in a hot minute.

Just as this is just two court case shows the pattern of the CMI:

1st: The grounds of this application are well laid out in the affidavit of Kenneth Munungu an Advocate but briefly they are that the applicant was arrested from Kampala in the morning on the 8th September, 2019 by plain clothed men who identified themselves as security operatives from CMI and ISO. Upon arrest, the applicant was taken to Mbuya Chieftaincy of Military Intelligent (CMI) headquarters and then transferred to the Internal Security Organization and back to CMI and thereafter his whereabouts became unknown. The applicant’s family members wrote letters to the French Embassy and to the Ministry of foreign Affairs in Uganda on the 28th October 2019, but to no avail. The applicant has spent 5 months in illegal detention, which unconscionably exceeds the constitutional limit of 48 hours and contravenes Article 23(4) of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda. The applicant has not been tried in any court of law and that it is in the interest of justice and fairness that the applicant be unconditionally released from detention since the government has failed to charge him before the courts of law” (Rutabana v Director General, Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence & 5 Ors (Miscellaneous Cause 18 of 2020) [2020] UGHCCD 132 (05 March 2020), 05.03.2020).

2nd: “That on September 15 2018, the Applicant was arrested from his work place by intelligence officers (CMI) and detained at a safe house in Mbuya for more than a month, where he was kept and denied access to his family. That he was later informed that he would only be released once they got the information which they wanted from him. Instead the applicant was produced before Nakawa Chief Magistrates Court where he was charged with the offences of belonging to a terrorist organization c/s 11 (1) (a) and 11 (3) of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 2002; and Aiding and abetting or financing or harbouring acts of terrorism c/s 8 of the Anti-Terrorism Act 2002. That he was committed for trial on the 31st May 2019. That the Applicant has patiently waited for the trial of his case to start since then in vain, and owing to the busy schedule of the court, he is not certain when his trial will commence. That all the offences charged against the applicant are bailable by this honorable court. That the applicant is presumed innocent until proved guilty and his continued detention is a violation of the same right. That the applicant has a fixed place of abode within the jurisdiction of this honorable court and shall not abscond when granted bail” (Ahamad Ssebuwufu v Uganda (HCT-OO-ICD-CM 21 of 2019) [2020] UGHICD 1 (08 January 2020); 08.01.2020).

So, the CMI Chief doesn’t have a clean record, but a big one. If the CMI had the systemic reports of all the hidden reports about the arrests, kidnappings and how they detain people. Alas, also how the torture and killing of civilians as well. This would show what sort of horrific character the CMI chief is. His record will be bloodstained for life. He does this as a service to the Republic and the ones who has given his this career.

Maj. Gen. Kahindo follows orders and command. He is vicious and bloodthirsty. We will know more about him with time. This is just what I could access today. However, there should be reports written about his mischief. The U.S. sanctions on him only proves what he has done and what his willing to do. Peace.

Opinion: Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerubaga states what we all foresaw [in concern to Operation Shujaa]

We shall not leave Congo until we have swept them down. They invited us by the mockery attacks, we are here. They will know what we are capable of” – Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerubaga

The first son and the third ranking army commander of land forces in the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerubaga states what we could foresee. The Ugandan army is aiming to stay within the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Which we could easily assess and by how it acts.

Everyone with a marble working could see this coming. We know that Lt. Gen. Muhoozi would boost his ego and his pride. That is what he does… he has no issues with violating other territories, but no one is supposed to violate his. There isn’t much or none oversight over the “Operation Shujaa”. The Parliament have been left in the dark and only gotten what has been told in the press. Therefore, the UPDF is ordered on it’s own and not deployed by law.

Lt. Gen. just proves what analysts have predicated. This mission which started on the 30th November 2021 and it will be a long one. They will not leave quickly and they will find ways to stay there. The Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) is a fitting target and they are behind the bombs in Kampala earlier this year. Therefore, the UPDF can say this is self-defence at this point.

Though, they are there on the mercy of FARDC and the DRC government. Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerubaga doesn’t decide this, as his tehre on the merits and acceptance of the government of Kinshasa. This decision isn’t made in Entebbe or in Kampala. Nevertheless, he will boost his ego and sound braggadocios.

The agreement between the DRC and Uganda haven’t been leaked. Neither the stipulations or the articles of which keeps them there for now. Since, these hasn’t been released and doesn’t count on the Ministers or the ones in power to release it either. They rather keep the agreement close to their chest. As the joint operation with FARDC-UPDF continues.

Yes, the terrorists and guerrillas should be hunted for the safety of all civilians. That is without a doubt, but the merits of it and the proposed agreement for it. Should be released to the general public. So, that the UPDF can be deployed on the wordings according to law and not to whatever mood a Lt. Gen has or his father for that matter. Because, that isn’t how you hold the integrity of the territory of the Republic. When people can start to question the reasons and the real incentive for the mission or operation itself.

Lt. Gen. Muhoozi can stay in Beni and the Kivu provinces as long as he wants too, but he has no rights to overstay his welcome anywhere. Except for the places his appointed to by blood and not by his work-ethic. Peace.

Opinion: Operation Shujaa is the gateway for the UPDF to stay within the DRC

The newly minted joint-operation between Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) and FARDC in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Is a beginning of a long time stay of the UPDF in the provinces close to the border of Uganda. Expect the UPDF to have missions and participate in armed combat in Ituri, North and South Kivu. That is just meant to be at this point.

The joint operation is now named “Operation Shujaa” if Shujaa is Swahili it can be interpret to be either hero, brave or a warrior. This enterprise was started on the 30th November 2021. As the Congolese lawmakers knew about it, but the Ugandan ones got a memo or a press release with a sentence from New Vision or Spokesperson speaking on NBS Television.

The UPDF Commander who is the head of the Operation, Maj. Gen. Kayanja Muhanga has said they will use air-force and artillery to conquer the Allied Democratic Force (ADF) on the Congolese territory. We know the UPDF has said they are willing to be there as long as it takes. This means they are not leaving quickly and this will not be brief operation.

Operation Shujaa” can be the gateway for them to enter and stay. Yes, we don’t know the stipulations or the agreement with the FARDC or the RDC government. Nevertheless, we know their joint mission is to end the ADF. The UPDF have claimed they will do what they did to LRA during the “Operation Lightning Thunder”, which means the ADF would be able to flee into other territories like the LRA did. However, never entering Uganda since then…

To be frank here… I am anticipating more civilians becoming internally displaced. That the UPDF will be busy guarding the road-development projects of the Dott Service company. While having brigades and air-force bombing ADF camps and scouting together with the FARDC for additional hangouts and hot-spots for the guerrilla. However, don’t expect this to be short and brief. This will last long and at some point. The UPDF and FARDC will tell about their losses.

Expect supplementary budgets to cover this enterprise. Expect the President and all of the anointed Ministers to ask for funds to cover it all. They will all dance to the same song. It will be horrific and be no oversight. It wasn’t any from the outset. So, don’t expect it in the future either. The UPDF and the Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerubaga will use “patriotic” means and hope that shield him from any criticism. If not the Ministry of Security or the head of UPDF will speak out. Therefore, this is a Operation that the heads of government is main beneficiaries of.

Without a shadow of a doubt, this whole thing will last. Not on the merit of the strength or the capabilities of ADF. No, the share joy of resources and possibilities to loot again. The UPDF will use this end to their benefit. That is what they do and Congo will continue to bleed. The Tshisekedi government seems out of control and weak. When they let UPDF violate it on it’s turf and expect them to do so. We will not know the amount civilian casualties, as the state will only deliver the amount of ADF soldiers and leaders it has killed. If not what they alleged have taken out of action. Since there is no second source to verify the accounts on the frontline.

So, don’t expect a quick escape or a leeway. The UPDF will linger now. If it isn’t ADF. They will find someone else to bother or be the aggressor towards. If not they will be expensive and well-trained soldiers guarding road construction in the provinces. As the Government of Uganda has promised to build there …

Time will only tell… Peace.

Opinion: Okello Oryem is mocking the wrong partners with MONUSCO

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Uganda: Why aren’t article 210(d) respected in concern to the UPDF?

The 1995 Constitution, which is the document and law of which all things are connected. The rule of law comes from the interpretation and how it is used. Therefore, the articles of the Constitution needs to be respected and adhered too. These legal stipulations should be the first that all citizens knows, because it regulates, but also gives each citizen rights.

Nevertheless, we know that in the Republic that there are certain parts that are more important than others. That the Constitution have been amended and changed to fit one person. That is just a mere fact and it is a living document. Which reflects the President and his fellow lawmakers at this point. As the amendments and other changes have indirectly changed it.

However, the 1995 Constitution is still important, as it is sets the standard. In today’s big question, as the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) aka the National Army is now stationed in Beni in a joint operation with the Congolese National Army (FARDC) to target the camps of Allied Defence Forces (ADF). That has been evident since the 30th November 2021 and they are now going on search missions to find the militia and it’s recruits.

Alas, the Constitutional questions comes in, as the 11th Parliament wasn’t informed and neither was the general public. What is striking about it… is that the Commander-in-Chief and his Army Commanders have ordered this without following the mandate of the UPDF. The UPDF have a mandate to secure the territory, help in natural disasters, foster harmony and engage in productive activities for development in the Republic. However, none of these are directly questioned that and this was paraphrasing article 209 of the Constitution.

Article 210 is about the Parliament right to regulate the UPDF, which it didn’t do in the question of entering Democratic Republic of Congo and be a part of a operation in the Beni area. Alas, the Parliament didn’t do this:

Parliament shall make laws regulating the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces and, in particular, providing for— the deployment of troops outside Uganda” (Constitution 1995).

The 11th Parliament should have regulated the UPDF in deployment of troops outside Uganda. To be stationed in the DRC, South Sudan, Kenya, Tanzania or by law something the Parliament are delegated to do. The Parliament is supposed to regulate the movement and have oversight into the activity of the UPDF. That is what the Article 210(d) says.

It doesn’t say the UPDF is to brief in a press release and a statement. Heck, this is not supposed to be launched in a tweet or a moment of clarity by the spokesperson of the UPDF. No, the inner-workings of the Parliament and it’s duty is to make laws regulating the UPDF, in particular for the deployment of troops outside Uganda.

That is a very vital implication and it cannot be understated. Yes, the UPDF has the mission to secure the integrity and security of the territory. However, it is not alone in enforcing it or having a say. No, the final verdict and mission is given to the Parliament. Which in the recent mission or operation within the DRC wasn’t announced and neither was the Parliament in the loop. That is not following the law and neither acting in adherence with the Constitution. If a entity should follow the codes of law, it should be the army and the authorities, which are usually part of law enforcement who supposed to conduct itself correct. Alas, that isn’t the case…

We are seeing the value of the 1995 Constitution is dwindling and it’s worthless. When not even simple Articles like the 210(d) has any value or concern for the parties involved. The state and the State House clearly doesn’t mind or have forgotten this practice. That is clear by how the NRM and the authorities are acting. Peace.

Opinion: General Museveni thrives on death

I cannot claim that the President Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni is vampire who gets longer life by sucking on others people’s blood. However, the General and Commander-in-Chief has all his career gotten strength by murder, deaths and killings. He wouldn’t be in office, if it wasn’t for people dying and sacrificing themselves for the cause.

General Museveni didn’t get directly elected in 1986. He used guerrilla tactics and never forgotten them. He continued to tarnish, assassinated leaders, killed civilians and prolonged the war in the Northern Uganda. The General continued warfare in Rwanda for his allies and did similar efforts at least twice in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). He also supported efforts in South Sudan and has sent brigades to help other friends out as well, like in Equatorial Guinea. This man thrives on war and counts his blessing for participating in peacekeeping operations. Because, that makes a useful man to the West.

General Museveni has no trouble killing, assaulting or silencing his opposition. He can use the whole authority and get rid of the ones in his way. That’ how he got into office. November 2020 massacres in the streets of Kampala is no difference. They were “hoodlums” and “thugs” who deserved to die. That’s how he states it. Just like the terrorists who killed recently are “pigs”. He can always justify death. This is why he had justifications for Luweero Triangle and all the other massacres ever since. He could also pin the enemy and make his men look “disciplined”.

Without people dying and merciless fall from life. He wouldn’t have a office or have power in general. That is how he has succeeded to have a life presidency. The General have used all means from his inception and even before to get ahead. That’s why he used all means to be part of united front to bring Idi Amin done. Later he brought several more down to make it possible for his reign. It was all through the use of guns and not through dialogue or negotiations.

General Museveni have ensured his legacy to be the death of others. Stray-bullets, massacres and warfare on the regular. Using military means for his personal gains and he never stopped. That’s why the army is involved in everything and is vital for his reign. That’s why his willing to kill civilians and get rid of citizens who are in his way.

He has ruled with fear and warmongering. It not like he has silenced the guns. They have always come in handy, when he needed to get his way. That’s why sends the Police Force, the Army or any other security organizations he can. There is no peace and only brutal force, which ends up innocent lives taken. If it is Kasese, Arua or Kampala. If it is Muslim clerics, boxers or activists, heck even royal security guards. The state can always find a reason and cases are never solved. Drivers of politicians, high ranking officials or anyone else can become a target of his regime. Assassinations and murders are clear path of this man…

General Museveni will promote and ensure the ones who keeps him power. He doesn’t care if the Generals or army commanders kills people. As long as they do this on his orders and they follow his commands. At some point, the General will promote them and give them greater office.

The General is no good and his been so his whole career. The only difference is that at one point he was able to trick people, but we can see all through it now. It isn’t only the civilians killed in November 2020. It is the rest of them that has been silenced over the years. Peace.

Opinion: M23 – when the origins come home to roost

The origin of the “Mouvement du 23 Mars – The M23 Movement” or M23 for short isn’t a long one and neither is it a tale of bravery. No, it was joint venture from two parties who was willing to fight a war and cause insurgency in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The M23 was an able body and a well-funded militia from both Kigali and Kampala. They both supported, trained and gave weapons to the fighters battling inside the DRC.

So, that the M23 returns and causes havoc. Then the eyes return to those capitals. Especially, Kampala, as the Ugandan counterpart has had several of soldiers, leaders and contained them for years now. While the M23 claims they never left. However, leaders have been in “exile” in both Uganda and Rwanda since the Nairobi Accords was signed.

Now, that there is meeting between the FARDC and RDF you know they are monitoring and looking over the situation. While the Ugandan counterparts dismisses everything and claims its propaganda. However, both Kampala and Kigali have created M23, and they must take responsibility for it. No matter what happens and when there are reports of helping hands to support the resurgence. There will be even more speculation into who did what and where.

The talks between Kigali and Kinshasa are a smart move of the Rwandese government. Though they can never downplay the origin or the grand support it gave before. The M23 wouldn’t be what it was without them and neither the support from the Ugandan government either. Them both have helped both the leaders and the militia fighters in time of need. They have given military and strategic support, which cannot be questioned now.

The M23 militia and armed insurgency will forever linger back to Kigali and Kampala. Even if the UPDF/CMI has sponsored the for the moment and given way to transport combatants this time around. Therefore, the bloodstains and the general support will forever be part of history of this group.

The M23 can say they were always there and never ceased to exist. That might be true, but they weren’t strong and suddenly an issue before someone gave them more power and ammunition. That is just a mere reality, as well, as suddenly seeing commanders and combatants coming in groups across the borders. The ones who were contained and in a camp within another state’s territory. Therefore, it had to be planned, organized, and funded to do so now. Years after the previous attempts and insurgencies.

M23 will be a wrecking-ball and be an issue for a long time. As long as it has backers and has sponsors for their machine. They cannot just linger on and not have someone supporting it. That is just a mere fact… for the FARDC and government of North-Kivu it is the same who supports and funds the operations. If they cause pain and suffering, uses military might and force. It will be the same results and damage done. That will not change and only the calendar year is changing. Peace.

Rwanda Defence Force (RDF): RDF not involved in M23 attack in DRC (09.11.2021)

RDC: Mouvement du 23 Mars – The M23 Movement – Mise au point du M23 (08.11.2021)

Opinion: Is Kampala behind the M23 resurgency?

 

If you ever wonder, there has always been a close connection with the Uganda People’s Defence Forces and other security organizations like the Chieftain of Military Intelligence (CMI) in concern with the armed militia called “Mouvement du 23 Mars – The M23 Movement” or M23.

This militia have now attacked several of villages within the Democratic Republic of Congo and in the North Kivu province. They are supposed to move towards Goma and challenge the government, as the M23 claims it has disobeyed the “Peace Agreement of Nairobi”. Alas, who knows about that or has any clue. It seems like a fixed solution and a way to resolve the matter quickly.

We know from the past that Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) and armed allies in Uganda border region have facilitated and ensured weapons for the M23. Heck, the Government of Uganda let the M23 return to Uganda after the cease-fire and previous deal. Also, back in the day, the Rwandan Defence Forces (RDF) was also supporting the outfit. So, it’s not like wasn’t a sole mission of Kampala, but Kigali had their stakes in it too.

Now, today as the villages are attacked in Kivu again by the M23 and they resurged from the border region of Uganda. Which is where the government allowed them to be and the let the rebels stay. The government let them in and housed them. Just like the Rwandese has done with rebels as well in the past. So, it is not like this is a one-sided arrangement in concern to insurgency in the DRC.

However, the main stay and the leaders of M23 went in peace to Uganda. Back in 2015 there was reports of a total of 1500 combatants who had fled the DRC to Rwanda and Uganda, while only a small fraction returned to the DRC. Therefore, the return today is really a spectacle, but also a tactical manoeuvre.

When we know that the Ugandan government has in the past supported with weaponry, training and a safe haven. It doesn’t take much brainpower to suspect them is behind it again. That the Ugandan government have an excuse and a reason to return to the DRC. Just so they can get rid of insurgency and insurgents. While the MONUSCO and FARDC struggles to contain it.

The Ugandan Press is claiming the Rwandese is behind it and the Rwandan Press is claiming the Ugandans are behind it. What we do know is that in the past both has had their hands in the cookie jar and eaten out of it. However, the implications now and speculations are easier to target Kampala, as the leadership and the ones fighting comes from Uganda. It is not like they could just run loose and not have some sort of military backing. They need weapons, training and ammo. That doesn’t come cheap and someone sponsored this.

M23 doesn’t just show up out of nowhere and sudden ambush inside the DRC. Someone facilitated this and made this happen. If the CMI and UPDF did this. Then they are cunning and vicious. As they plan for more bloodshed to have the ability to further extradite and export valuable resources from the region. That wouldn’t be shocking but would a decent business strategy. While using insurgency as a “mask” for the operatives taking mineral resources and other valuable commodities from the region.

The Government of Uganda (GoU) needs new revenue and bring some profits home to Kampala. So, this here seems plausible. As the state is struggling to finance itself and it needs war to gain substantial amounts of funds. The warfare in the DRC could be a valuable enterprise and the costs would be significant less, compared to the amounts invested in the militia. That’s’ why the M23 could be arranged at this time. Just to ensure supplementary budgets and other needed fixtures of the state.

It is just a way of securing more shillings and running of business. While earning money on the blood other people sacrifice elsewhere. Since, the President and his handlers in Entebbe knows what sort of profits they can gain by doing this. It is an asset and a viable operation to begin with. That’s why they hope it succeed and gives them a decent pay-off. Peace.