FDC Boycott continues and the NRM Officials attacks it!

Old Campaign Posters Uganda

There is something ironic about it all, the way the NRM should not care if the FDC calls a boycott. As they are supposed to be a minority, to be minor group of people, as the NRM is supposed to be the people’s party with 10 million members and be the giant liberations party.

Even President Museveni claimed this a little while ago:

“Without this organizational weakness, our vote should be around 65% for the President in this week’s vote.  Even then, that should not have been the vote we should have got given the work NRM has done, especially in the area of infrastructure (roads, electricity, schools, health centres, piped water, etc.) and also in the area of peace and security.  We should have got 80% in my opinion” (Museveni, 2016).

ofwono

Spokesperson Opondo said:

“Wearing black, ‘Black Thursday’, as a system of mourning, prayers for election loss and staying home,” Opondo cynically tweeted” (…)”The Uganda Media Centre boss said there is no harm if they (opposition) are peaceful and stay in their homes” (…)“Question is for how long will they stand?” (…)“Yet these businesses employ Ugandans and pay taxes to Ugandans,” he argued” (…)”According to Opondo, the boycott is exposing their (FDC’s) true colour of “a party that would strangulate businesses of people who don’t agree with it”(…)“Yet these businesses employ Ugandans and pay taxes to Ugandans,” he argued” (The Insider, 2016).

NRM Secretary General Said this:

“the NRM Secretary General Justine Kasule Lumumba says opposition leaders should not be taken seriously labeling them selfish and interested in keeping Ugandans in poverty” (Ssali, 2016).

Mabira Forest Cartoon

Today’s retaliation:

“Kayunga District NRM chairperson Moses Karangwa has warned district and sub-county leaders who subscribe to the ruling NRM party against awarding government contracts to Opposition supporters” (…)”We should strengthen our party. Many of our supporters are unemployed so all the tenders and contracts should be given to them because they have the capacity to run them,” Mr Karangwa said, adding: “I don’t want to hear that an FDC or DP supporter has been given a tender.” Mr Karangwa made the remarks at the weekend while addressing NRM leaders who contested on the party’s ticket” (Muzaale, 2016).

If the NRM and their President are supposed to be over 60% of the people, any kind of boycott should not be issue for the government or the authorities, especially when your leader and the countries leader thought he should have had 80% in the polls. So why are all of your NRM leaders and officials crying foul towards the FDC if you have this support, Mr President?

UDF Historical Poster

As Ofwono Opondo tries to cry a river for the business-men and the tax-money, well, I don’t know how you think Mr. Opondo, but a boycott is usually stopping using money on certain companies and things as a reaction to either their ethics or their codes of conduct. Like in history where people boycotted South African production during apartheid, not because the people boycotting the production wanted to hurt the innocent farmers, but not give tax money and using their funds to in-directly funding the machinery fueling the government who was behind the draconian laws.

So if you look at that, Mr. Opondo, the FDC does the same as they believe the tax-money going to the Ugandan Government goes into funding the anti-riot police, police or army who detain, arrest and shoots at them; while they trying to keep their operation and support their members of their opposition party. So your reasoning does not make clear sense, as if they wanted to use these businesses and shop there, the FDC supporters and FDC officials would make sure that the tax-money would not come to you or your advisories, as that give them cash money to hunt down FDC supporters, Officials and pay meals to the Police who keeps the FDC members detained. That is the reason for the boycott, and the tax-money is a reason, not to direct hurt the people working there, they are third-party who get issues because of the cause that the parties who boycotts are working for.

Example: As it not the clothes producers of H&M in Bangladesh who is the issue why people boycott H&M. The issue why people boycott H&M is because of their ways of producing their clothes and buys jeans from another chain or store. Mr. Opondo that gravity has never hit your head before has it?

FDC Youth 14.03.2016

Let me address NRM Secretary General Justine Kasule Lumumba who says that boycott continues to leave people to live in poverty and continuation of it. That makes it seem that it is majority who boycotts, and that the boycott cuts grand charges of the economy instead of being a tiny minority as the announced result claims. My second counter is that the NRM has had 30 years to create wealth, even before the Operation Wealth Creations, 10 Point Program and so on. So that a reaction from the opposition and their supporters shouldn’t do more damage to the economy than already level that the NRM and the NRM-Elite has created since 1986. So sorry, feel no sympathy with you reasoning for speaking about the boycott Mrs. Lumumba. You and Your NRM can actually work for the people and not feed yourself, than you get my sympathy.

And the last person addressing the boycott from the FDC is the Chairman of Kayunga district Moses Karangwa who now wants to boycott back. That is a valid argument, as the NRM has the right to boycott, but as a ruling party. This is a retaliation that actually has arms to hit back the FDC who has valid reasons for their boycott, while the NRM is the ruling party of 30 years and have machinery through the state and decides all the major agreements already. As seen with the non-transparent licenses of drilling oil in country. So that he wants to leave the opposition in vivid poverty and keep the cadre-policy instead of trying to open deals, is what we are seeing with this. While the FDC is an open boycott with a clear message, the message of Mr. Karangwa is more a reaction that supposed to leave all the money to the ruling party and ruling party officials. That makes the state even more inclusive and take more control, as he want to secure that if you’re not an NRM member or part of the NRM Local Councilor grant them contracts and their importers, not from opposition as that is weakening the NRM he claims.

Well, I would not say claiming that it would weakening the party, as they already run the country through the executive and get the money, the tax-payers money and the laws make the possibility for the NRM campaign team to run their campaigning during the pre-election period. So the contracts and the monies already targeted through local-government and state contracts are already going to companies that leave money for NRM officials. So the quotes and wishes from Mr. Karangwa are futile. Why does the party who already has the funding and have the money need to boycott anybody else? Or is Mr. Karangwa saying that NRM is poor and need funding? Peace.

Reference:

Muzaale, Fred – ‘Don’t give Opposition government business deals – NRM boss’ (15.03.2016) link: http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/Dont-give-Opposition-government-business-deals-/-/688334/3116820/-/15r1d0bz/-/index.html

Museveni, Yoweri Kaguta – ‘President Museveni’s statement on the elections’ (27.02.2016) link: http://www.statehouse.go.ug/media/news/2016/02/27/president-musevenis-statement-elections

Ssali, Godfrey – ‘Shun FDC’s ‘free my vote campaign’ – Lumumba‘ (08.03.2016) link: http://radioonefm90.com/shun-fdcs-free-my-vote-campaign-lumumba/#more-6451

The Insider – ‘NEWS Ofwono to FDC: Wear black & mourn election loss’ (07.03.2016) link: http://www.theinsider.ug/ofwono-to-fdc-wear-black-mourn-election-loss/

A look into the Kasese Attacks; Government reasoning does not fit the Rwenzururu Kingdom or Rwenzori CSOs explaination; Gov. Forces seems acting maliciously to me

NBS Rwenzururu

The actions of these Kasese Attacks seems suspicious to me. As it saddens me to know that so many people have lost their lives and that so many people have left their houses. The reports of the reactions from the attacks is that banana-fields have been cleared and houses been burnt down in Kasenyi Trading Centre in Buhobera Sub-County, therefore people have fled the area. With the continuation of the Police and the Army stay heavy deployed in the area.

Certainly the IGP Kayihura commented and claimed that “kirumamutima” youth was behind the attacks in the area. Another claim was that people wanting a Yiira Republic were behind the attacks and therefore the Police and Army went so fierce and aggressive to the citizens.

While a day before the clashes President Museveni happen to speak to fellow locals where President Museveni: “assured the delegation that if a Yiira Republic were ever to be created, it would never ever involve a single inch of Uganda” (Uganda Media Centre, 10.03.2016).

Kasese attack

Yesterday the Rwenzori Fraternity said this was the reason: “The violence that erupted was purely post election violence that came out of a poorly managed electoral process” (…)”The so called Yiira state is a concoction that has no basis and founding among the Population in the region and we are equally perturbed by this malicious propaganda that has no basis but intended to taint and alienate us the people of the Rwenzori region from the Uganda that we have always belonged to and we treasure” (Rwenzori Fraternity, 14.03.2016) .

The first reports on the 11th March from 91.2 Crooze FM:

“Kakurungu says another attack this afternoon targeted Poilce patrol van in Bwesumbu sub county. He says investigations are ongoing, to establish the intention of the group.

Uganda People Defense Forces were backing Police to secure the area, after the declaration of results from LCIII elections.  Announcing some of the successful candidates, Kasese District Returning Officer, Lawrence Mbonigaba announced NRM’s John Musana Katura as Hima town council’s L.C III chairperson elect after winning his closet rival Tom Maate Wabukombi of FDC” (91.2 Crooze FM, 11.03.2016)

What happen on the Kasenyi on the 11th March?

““4 people shot dead following fresh clashes today afternoon between UPDF, police and residents of Kisenyi Town Council in Buhohera Sub-County, Kasese district. The dead are civilians. 2 UPDF soldiers were seriously injured while the area commissioner of police in charge of operations Opolot Jacob was shot and injured“ (NBS TV Uganda, 2016).

Who was shot on Friday the 11th March?

“Friday, security again shot dead four people in Kasenyi trading centre in Buhuhira sub-county after they allegedly attempted to disarm police officers. All the four killed were members of Rwenzururu kingdom royal guards, a non-combat force that guards the kingdom sites in Kasese” (The Observer, 11.03.2016).

What is weird for me is that President Museveni – Mr. Anti-Sectarianism and Anti-Tribalism comes days before and speaks about tribe to locals. Than days after local elections for councilors the Inspector of General Police says the reason for the violence is tribal. While the local CSO Rwenzori Fraternity and the Rwenzururu Kingdom spokesperson is clear that it is not tribal and want answers to why it is guards of the Kingdom who get pointed out and terminated.

While the Police and President Museveni even speaks about a Yira Republic, and the locals does not talk about it. It would be like President Museveni and IGP Kayihura would go to Lira and claim locals there after a brawl after vote rigging was local militias wanting to create at Nile Republic. Just like Joseph Kony of LRA wished to do in 1998, but people tend to forget that kind of thing, right?

So the claim from the IGP Kayihura is very strange and so is President Museveni come in hours before, when all reports looks like tension after the LCIII Councilors elections in Kasenyi Trading Centre and Hima Town. They came in heavy with the Army and Police, while the result seemed planned as it was the NRM who won in an area. Where the FDC has had an stronghold and the only area where all the MPs came from that party, even if had to violent after the tally on the 19th February.

So that this is continuation and surely the NRM and the Government would accept to lose face in the local elections as well. They had to be there and revenge the matter. That what it seems like as the UPDF and UPF knew exactly who they were going against and who they shot. As the men they shot were guards of the Rwenzururu King or Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu. That is suspect actions from the Governmental security organization who blames youth who evens wants to create a new Republic called Yira. The thing about this it is just mentioned by Government Officials in 2014, 2015 and now 2016. Not from the local youths in Rwenzori or by the Rwenzururu Kingdom officials or anybody else, most likely from Government Officials, and not real intelligence on the claims. Just like the claims have been countered quickly by the CSO and the Kingdom yesterday, after the IGP Kayihura explanation of the violence in Kasenyi Trading Centre in Buhobera Sub-County.

This here is not the whole explanation and there is more to the story, but as long as there is targeting certain individuals who belong to a certain level of authority, even a cultural institution as the Rwenzururu Kingdom. That is entity for the people of Rwenzori and the Rwenzori sub-region. That even President Museveni has blessed and was there on the coronation of the king or Obusinga. So that the government security forces targeted a separate group of people and not killing on random or just stopping demonstrations; as demonstrations would mean all kind of people would be hurt and died by the shots fired from the army and police. That was not case it seems after the Kasese attacks.  There were two more people killed that day, as the Kingdom verified four people, while the total killed by the authorities was six. So there was two more and we don’t know their affiliation, but seems like the government had reason for four of them. Especially considering the mediation the day before and with the reactions the announcement of victory in local government elections, as the recent reactions to similar outcome in Bundibugyo, the army and police was more in action and ready to retaliate and address the public with force, as seen on the sad clips where they go in and not to settle or calming the public. Instead going in with intention to intimidate and take people down as they come with machine-guns, AK-47s and in it creating violence, not the story the IGP Kayihura has, that doesn’t fit the other stories. That is worth thinking about. This is not the answer and the whole story, but there is more behind the attack than the IGP want to tell, and there is more than the Kingdom is also saying, while the obvious that the announcement of the elections results that triggered it. Peace.  

Kasese Security (Youtube-Clip)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNewpUr7cuI

Until today Kasenyi trading center in Buhohera Sub County which was the center of clashes last week between residents and security agencies remains deserted with no business going on. But families of those suspected to have aided security agencies in giving leads which culminated in shooting four people to death live in fear with some of their property destroyed. Police say they will stay in the area to maintain peace” (NBS TV Uganda, 2016).

Rwenzururu kingdom accuses government of smear campaign; Kasese Killings Narrative (Youtube-Clips)

“Obusinga bwa Rwenzururu , the cultural institution thrust into the limelight after clashes on the 10th and 11th of March in Kasese district has distanced itself from the violence. The Kingdom’s Prime Minister Thembo  Kitsumbire instead claimed a smear campaign against the cultural institution. Kitsumbire’s comments come a day after the Inspector General of Police Kale Kayihura said four attackers were members of the a militia group linked to the cultural institution” (NTV Uganda, 2016).

Rwenzori Fraternity clip:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_afE_mUBXo

“The Rwenzururu kingdom has admitted that the youths who engaged the UPDF in a cross fire in which four were killed were part of their unofficial guards. The kingdom however denies any association with the “kirumamutima” youths saying the Inspector General of police should explain circumstances under which a pre deployment assessment mission was carried out in kasenyi and yet there was no violence at the time” (NBS TV Uganda, 2016)

Another Clip:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yonpi4wIw4c

“A tale of the kasese killings, from an eye witness’s account, was a story of friends trying to save a colleague from arrests only to end up losing their lives The family of the late James Wayekwa one of the men who were shot dead in the Friday clashes with police in Kasenyi village in Kasese district narrates how the 34 year old met his death.
They have denied Gen Kale kayihura’s claims that the late belonged to a militia Kirumiramutima which is linked to the Obusinga bwa Rwenzururu” (NBS TV Uganda, 2016).

IGP Kale Kayihura on the unrest in Kasese and Bundibugyo (13.03.2016)

IGP Kale Kayihura 16.12.15 P1

This statement is to give information in connection with recent incidents of violence in Kasese and Bundibugyo districts given the distorted, and manipulated messages being sent out, especially on social media.

Let me begin by congratulating the people of Uganda for generally peaceful and successful election, namely presidential and parliamentary elections on 18th February 2016, The LCV Elections on 24th February 2016, the mayoral elections on 2nd March 2016 and the LC III chairperson on 9th March 2016. In particular, I wish on behalf of the police and the sister security agencies to thank you for the support you gave us to ensure that the country is safe and secure. The valuable contribution of the crime preventers in effectively implementing “Neighborhood Watch”, where neighborhoods and villages where security forces could effectively deploy is greatly appreciated.

Having said the above, however, there were isolated case incidents of violence here and there in some parts of the country but which we were able to handle and minimize damage to life and property, keep public order and ensure that the country is safe and secure. In this context let me focus on incidents in the Rwenzori sub-region.

Bundibugyo District.

After the February 24th LC5 elections, there were clashes resulting from dissatisfaction by some candidates and their supporters. the violence started in Busengerwa village of Busaru sub county where one person was shot dead by a former UPDF guide, called Museveni Bonifance, alias Bhangi, which led to retaliatory attacks in Busaru, Ngamba and Kirumya sub counties, leaving 15 Civilians dead and 04 others injured, 139 houses were also set ablaze. Following the incidents, eighty suspects were charged with murder in the high court sitting in Fort Portal on 11th March 2016 and subsequently remanded. Bhangi, the killer that started it all was arrested last night in Busaru sub County, Bundibugyo District. Hunt for other suspects, and the investigations continue.

Let me commend the joint security forces for acting swiftly and preventing the violence from spreading and ensuring security in Bundibugyo District.

Kasese District

On the night of 10th March2016, at 8pm, the day after the elections of LC III Chairpersons, a joint motorized patrol of Police and UPDF, while patrolling lower Kendahi cell, Kikongo ward, Hima Town Council, was attacked by over 30 persons armed with machetes, knives and clubs. 04 soldiers were injured, two of them critically, and the attackers tried to grab their guns. In self-defense, the patrol opened fire on the attackers, instantly killing two of them, and forcing the rest of them to flee. The injured soldiers are Cpl Ssentongo Matia, L/Cpl Rwot Owengeyo, L/Cpl Katuramu Hannington, and L/Cpl Otube Moses. They were rushed to Kilembe Hospital for first aid and the following day, they were referred to UPDF 2nd division Hospital in Mbarara. Two are still in critical condition.

Later the same night, at about 9:00pm, a group of arsonists torched a house of one Kamanyire Ali. Kamanyire is a known supporter of one Tom Wabukombi, who was one of the candidates but lost in LC III elections in Hima Town Council, but his tenants are said to have supported his rival candidate John Katuura, who won the elections.
Following this incident the RPC Rwenzori East informed of the situation and requested for reinforcements. I sent a team of Field Force Unit under the command of Commissioner of Police (CP) Opolot Jacob.

On 11th March 2016, at around 1:00pm, a team of Police UPDF officers led by CP Opoloto Jacob, while on a pre-deployment assessment mission in Kasenyi village, Buhurira Sub County, was attacked by a group of about 20 youths, armed with machetes, knives and clubs. They stabbed SPC Mbusa Joel, critically injuring and disarming him of hid firearm. They also stoned CP Opolot Jacob fracturing his right leg. The security team fired shots in the air to scare them but the attackers were nit, and in fact became even more aggressive. In self-defense, the team opened fire killing 4 attackers, and recovering the gun that had been taken from SPC Mbusa Joel. CP Opoloto Jacob and SPC Mbusa Joel were rushed to Kilembe Hospital. We are transferring them to Mulago Hospital for further medical treatment.

The attackers who were killed are Kake Ezekiel, Bwambale Sajin, Wayakwa James and Kirerembwa Jokas. What is common to them is that they were members of a militia group linked to Obusinga bwa Rwenzururu cultural institution, calling themselves “Kirumiramutima” (strong-hearted). It should be noted that the Omusinga wa Rwenzururu has got official Royal guards given to him by, and based on agreement with Government. Three suspects connected with the attack have so far been arrested and are helping the Police with Investigations.

Furthermore, on the morning of yesterday Saturday 13th March 2016, unknown people set ablaze the house of the GISO of Kyabarunga Sub County in Kasenyi village as well as houses of eight other persons, who are his relatives. They also torched a butchery and a drug shop in the same area. We have information that criminal gangs are being incited to target GISOs and Crime Preventers and their properties in Kasese District.

It should be noted that prior to the 2016 LC III Elections on 9th March 2016, there were widespread threats and intimidation not only in Kasese district, but throughout the sub region against voting for certain candidates. We are investigating reports in the case of Hima Town Council that if the elections go in favor of the NRM candidate John Katuura against Independent candidate Tom Wabukombi, there would be bloodshed. In fact, it was because of similar reports that there was increased patrols in Hima Town Council, where one of our patrols was attacked. In fact, on the night of the Election Day 9th march 2016, supporters of Tom Wabukombi, contrary to electoral laws, declared their candidate the winner, and started celebrating in Hima Town. The following day, on 10th March, after the final tally of valid votes cast, the electoral commission declared the NRM candidate John Katuura as the winner. In reaction, Wabukombi’s supporters assembled at his office in Hima Town Council, and subsequently incidents of attacks on our security personnels. Joint UPDF and Police reinforcements have been deployed in all affected areas. The people in those areas should therefore not fear, and should go about your normal business.

In spite of the above mentioned incidents, however, I wish on behalf of the police and sister security agencies to assure the Public that we shall continue to ensure the security and safety of the Rwenzori sub region, and the country, as a whole. We caution those misleading the youth into engaging in reckless, and meaningless attacks on the security forces and other innocent people to desist from this criminality, otherwise the law and justice will catch up with them.

We, also, the Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu Cultural Institution, as well as other cultural institutions in the region to cooperate with security forces to engage, particularly the youth against getting themselves involved in violence, and ensure that business life, and the life of ordinary people in Kasese District, and the sub region as a whole goes on, normally without disturbance from irresponsible, reckless, and even dangerous criminal activities.

Losing candidate in Hima LC 3 polls calls for calm in Kasese (Youtube-Clip)

More to come as the events unfold.

VIDEO: Internal Affairs Minister Rose Akol speaks out on two-day clashes in Kasese that left 6 people dead; Police Chief Gen. Kale Kayihura Camps in Kasese After the Attacks (Footage/Youtube-Clip)

“VIDEO: Internal Affairs Minister Rose Akol speaks out on two-day clashes in Kasese that left 6 people dead” (NBS TV Uganda, 2016).

Police Chief Gen. Kale Kayihura Camps in Kasese After the Attacks:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZk1GBZlnc8

“At exactly 5:00pm, the inspector General of Police General Kale Kayihura’s Police chopper landed at Hima grounds, in Kasese district, where he was scheduled to meet the various security organs in Rwenzori region” (…)”General Kayihura is concern about the security situation in the region especially after civilians attacked Police officers, living six of them dead and UPDF soldiers injured. Police has heavily deployed in Hima to avert any possible clashes amid growing tension in the area” (…)”By press time, the Police chief was still locked in a closed door meeting with all security coordinators in the region” (…)”The UPDF spokes person Lt. Ronald Kakurungu says the situation is now under control following the heavy deployment of UPDF soldiers in most danger zones. Police and the Army have been deployed in Kikonzo village, Bwesumbu and Hima town respectively” (…)”Two of the six UPDF officers who were injured have been discharged while two others have been referred to Mbarara referral Hospital for more medical attention. Two remain admitted at Kilembe Hospital” (…)”Jacob Apolot is a Police commissioner is one those who survived the deadly incident despite being shot in the leg by his fellow officers. Apoloti narrates his narrow escape” (NBS TV Uganda, 2016).

UN human rights commissioner calls for investigation into alleged police brutality (Youtube-Clip)

“United Nations Human Rights Country Representative in Uganda Dr. Uchenna Emelonye calls for an independent investigation into alleged Police brutality in Uganda” (United Nation Human Rights Uganda, 2016).

Press Statement: On the Ugandan Government’s Post-Election Conduct (11.03..2016)

NBS 01.03.2016 Arrested Journalist Kasangati

The United States reiterates its ongoing concerns with Uganda’s post-election environment, in which the government and its security forces persistently have violated the rights and freedoms of Ugandan citizens and the media.

The continued detention of opposition figures without legal justification, the ongoing harassment of opposition supporters, interference in legal challenges to the election results, and the intimidation of Uganda’s media are unacceptable activities in a free and democratic society. Recently proposed legislation to enhance the powers of the government to restrict media is an attempt to further limit the country’s political space.

The United States and Uganda have a long standing and strong partnership that has contributed to the stability and prosperity of the region. We are concerned that the Ugandan government’s recent actions could endanger the economic and political progress that has enabled our relationship to grow. We urge the government to take prompt action to reverse this troubling trend.

John Kirby
Assistant Secretary and Department Spokesperson, Bureau of Public Affairs
Washington, DC

Fellow brothers and sisters lose their lives because of ballots and rigging; I am in sorrow and in pain; elections feels pointless, but the struggle should continue in peace, as we should not act as the oppressor, because then we are the same

Mandela Quote

It’s saddens me and with sorrow is coming to me. As the knowledge of people dying for politics… people dying for rigging of ballots, dying for pre-ticked ballots, dying for others people’s power.

It is saddens me, as some people are mourning, not only the thieving of their ballot, but their family member suddenly gone from their lives. Which is the biggest loss a fellow human being can have, as the family member can’t return back to them, the person is gone. What we can back is a bottle of coke or waragin, but not the brother who got killed as a candidate got the UPDF or the Uganda Police Force to assert actions in Kasese today as a result of the Local Council III election in a sub-county in Kasese District. It is so sad to see the footage and the unnecessary deaths. The men and woman was unarmed while the Police Officers was having newly polished AK-47 and shooting at them.

It saddens me this as the unsolved murder of Christopher Aine is still in the limbo, as the family and the Amama Mbabazi of Go-Forward has not gotten answers from the authorities or the police, as they are supposed to pick up intelligence to solve the matter.

It is with sorrow that the public has not gotten answers with the fellow persons who came onto the shores of Lake Victoria in December 2015, in the middle of campaigning and right around Christmas. So the silence of the matter is tale of sorrow and pain that has been addressed or talked about as they just died and the society or families deserve to get the justice for the men and woman who lost their lives at the time.

It’s saddens me knowing that a person got bombed on the day before the presidential poll on the 17th February. The bomb and explosion has not led to anything or created anything else than pain for the families who lost their loved ones.

It is with sorrow that the killings are getting staggering levels after the Presidential Election Day on the 18th February 2016 and the Announcement on the 20th of February 2016. From the demonstrators who even got killed on the 15th February as they wanted to Kizza Besigye passage through Central Kampala. They all died and we can ask are this what we all wanted?

That people are dying for seeing a politician, even if he is the epitome of everything the regime of the country is not. It is not easy to write this as a man died while waiting in que for the delayed ballots. The person just wanted to do his civic duty, not die for the soil. It seems so pointless, as he would have thrown a vote that most likely the Electoral Commission would not admit in their final result, as the stations would not be deemed valid by Eng. Dr. Badru Kiggundu and his henchmen.

It’s saddens me what happen in Sembabule district on the 25th February 2016, an Election Supervisor got beaten to death. He was beaten to death by unknown men. It saddens to know that an unknown killed him. Feels sorrow for his family and loved ones, as he was just doing a duty for the rigged voting machine.

It’s with sorrow that a giant group of people died in Bundibugyo on the 27th February 2016, and even more people has fled the area in the aftermath. As the area that has seen guerrilla violence, also see skirmishes between government forces because of local elections. It seems so pointless to die for yet another ballot.

It is with sadness that 3 people lost their lives in Soroti on the 5th March. As the UPDF killed them and injured even more people. The sadness of loss their lives and the killings from the government force on yet another day.

It is with sorrow that two police officers we’re shot dead during the raid of Kapchormwa on the 5th March of an unknown guerrilla, UPDF deserters or rebels. It is with sadness that the attack happens on these men as they have family and friends.

On the 11th February today, have many unarmed and ordinary citizens been shot in Kasese District, for no other notion than election result and election rigging. In the power of bullets and ballots have yet more fellow human beings lost their lives.

It is in the this notion I cry havoc, the deep pain of these men and woman who died for a cause, for a country or for just being near the decisions of big men. Many of them was not closely involved in politics, some of them was a part of the government as men who worked for that salary, not necessary that they had a pro-government stance and for the oppressive regime who have taken most of these lives. Even though the ones who takes a life does not always matter, because the most important one is the life that got taken away.

I cry and weep in sorrow. As the people who see and feel the emotions and knowingly the bullets in Kasese could have pointed towards us, pointed towards our brother and pointed towards our sister. We could be the target and the random person who got our life snatched away for the mercy of the men of power.

It’s in sadness and staring into the abyss, as some people might wish to retaliate with the same force as the government, as the police and the army. But if they kill and the opposition kills, who can you tell apart? If they tear-gas us and we try to tear-gas them, what is the difference between them and us? If we answer violence with violence aren’t we are the same as our enemies? Let us not be as the one that brings pain to our homes. We need to defy the state by defiance and in disobedience that weakens the state, not use the violence and killing methods of the state. As we who feels this pain and sorrow does not want to deliver the same pain to our enemies. As we are not the same and does not wish to be the same; we are different. We suffer with the ones who suffer, the ones who has lost their family members and the ones that has been in the midst of the dark tombs of the state. Not because we understand their pain and suffering, but because we care and want to bring the peace, liberty and justice, by defying with peaceful means, and through the dignity and honor  the fallen brother and sisters.

We cannot in this pain and violence, join the ones who kills and destroy, the ones that steals and corrupt. The ones that deliberately tortures, detain and arrest innocent citizens, activist and opposition. We are here today in the midst of our pain, our sorrow and with meager hope. As we have seen the government machine and the military police force go and take lives in Kasese. The pain that eat our hearts and souls as the lives matters as much as ours. We could have been the ones the government had picked. They didn’t pick us now, but we could been; therefore we have to remember them and the others who are detained, arrested, who are missing and the ones who lost their lives today and yesterday. As tomorrow will soon shine over us; the pain, the sorrow and the sadness will still be carried, the memory of the actions of our oppressors, but know that our struggle is not over and the fight for justice still has to come. The road might lead us into even a darker shadow and a stronger pain as the government plan is not easy to predict. What we can is stay strong together, remember the violence, remember the ones that got lost, remember the ones that are detained and carry them with us. As they shall not be forgotten and the men and woman dying shall not be in vein; but not done in return in a way where family members of the ones who oppress get the same sorrow and pain. Then we are not different from the ones that take us for granted and take the one we care about right in front of us. Peace.