Makerere University: Parliament Report strikes hard at the authorities

The Parliament made a report into last year’s violence and demonstrations at the Makerere University. The Report was made in December 2019, but only released in public now in February 2020. Therefore, I got it in hand today and will dwell on some aspects of it. As it shows what sort of fashion that went down and what the MPs see as vital information for the public to know after the deeds was done at the campus.

As the report states: “the demonstration led by the 85t1, Female Caucus was legitimate in nature [Article 29 of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda] and did not merit the brutal conduct of the University administration and the security operatives in managing the protests” (..) “there was lack of evidence to suggest that the University Students’ Disciplinary Committee headed by Justice Precious Ngabirano had convened meetings to hear and determine allegations levelled against the affected students. The Committee notes that it is now coming to two months without any report from the University Disciplinary Committee” (Parliament Report, 2019).

Just by these simple paragraphs shows the extent of force used to a demonstrations that had merit, which the University combined with the authorities escalated. As we known by following the events to a violent path.

As it further states: “The Committee observes that the deployment of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces [UPDF] to participate in the management of the protests at the University were not justifiable” (Parliament Report, 2019). With these words in mind, it is not strange that the UPDF and the authorities, which was not justified, misused their means on civilians and students alike. The acts of ill towards citizens and students demonstrating at unfair raise of student fees. Which is a natural reaction to sudden change of livelihood.

While the minority report stated this for instance: “the senior Minister of Education and Sports makes a public apology in light of the statement she made depicting Makerere University as a drug infested institution. We presume the statement is an indictment to the students and the university at large, and her apology would restore confidence and trust on Makerere University” (Parliament report, 2019).

Also, states a reason why there was no evidence in the majority report of sexual harassment: “The Committee on Education and Sports did not spare time to specifically inquire and interface with alleged victims of sexual harassment at the Campus of Makerere University” (…) “One female student [names uithheld] testified that she was subjected to verbal sexual insults inside the hostel and at Wandegeya Police Station after her arrest. Among the insults, a uniformed security officer threatened called her a prostitute and threatened to put his genitalia in her mouth” (Parliament Report, 2019). Therefore, the concerns of these actions made by security personnel, neither police nor soldiers on the ground. Show, that there was no actions being done to ensure their hurt nor their stories to collaborate with the alleged sexual harassment. This could have further shown the ills that were done and the amount of pain the students went through those weeks of last year.

Let me end with a final statement from the Minority report: “The recent students’ demonstration at Makerere was indicative of the fact that some interests were ignored by the University authorities” (Parliament Report, 2019). That is enough. Peace.

Opinion: Bobi Wine needs his own way

There are some wrangles inside the Democratic Party, where both Members of Parliament loyal to Norbert Mao and others whose siding with Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine are fighting. They are battling over the Presidency of DP and also whose the man being the Presidential Candidate on the DP Party Ticket.

However, as the People Power Movement (PPM) is a pressure group. It is not an formal political party, neither is registered as that. The membership there are from various of parties and from all walks of life. Therefore, Bobi Wine can spread the message of change and “People Power, Our Power” as he deems fit.

That is why the recent week is special, as Mathias Mpuuga MP has claimed the People Power being a baby of the DP. While the PPM haven’t addressed this nor said anything. Just like it didn’t address the bastard child allegation of defiance and Dr. Kizza Besigye from Andrew Mwenda. I’m sure that if Bobi Wine would address this, he would say its his own and his nobodies baby. But inspired by several of people, who has fought dictatorship and defied it.

That is why there are more into this, as the DP and the DP Block trying to find relevance. As there are internal squabble, as some people have lost faith in Mao and others want to try other ways. That is not strange, as Mao went all behind Amama Mbabazi in the previous race and that went horrible. Now Amama is cosying up to Mzee and left all his allies in Opposition behind.

That Bwanika and Mabikke doesn’t have the structures nor the following, they were on-man parties and could be deemed as brief-case parties by some. That they joined Mao doesn’t make it a power move, but more a consolidation of former DP’s. In this way, combined with the work of Alliance for National Transition (ANT)’s Mugisha Muntu, the move of also getting Bobi Wine would be to have another IPC or TDA into the 2021 elections.

That is giving way to President Museveni and his camp. Instead of selling more visions and showing more expression of will of change. The Opposition would trade it all and only look hungry for power. Which it shouldn’t be. They should look a viable difference and someone who has an idea for what is up next post-Museveni.

In this regard, Bobi Wine doesn’t need the DP ticket. He shouldn’t vie for the DP ticket, that would trade his difference and make him a stooge of Mao. Bobi Wine doesn’t want to be knock-off Mao. He needs his own way and continue to walk alone in alliance as the PPM. The PPM can work with the DP, but shouldn’t be indirectly inside it. Neither, should the PPM be a part of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) or anyone else. The PPM should work with them and find a common ground, but not be solidify their ticket with them. Then the Opposition is trading away their viable candidates and their messages to send to the NRM.

Bobi Wine can be in association, but he should trade away his significant platform for the DP. The DP should send Mao or whoever the delegates deems fit for the Presidential Elections in 2021. Unless, they are going behind someone else like they did in 2016.

Time will tell, but Bobi Wine shouldn’t involve himself to much with the DP and work with his own thing. There is where hope lays. Not playing second fiddle, something he shouldn’t do at this point. Unless, he doesn’t believe in his own cause. Then he can just be another pawn in the game of chess. Peace.

Opinion: Is Bobi Wine banned from the public?

Well, why do I ask? Well, yesterday at a thanksgiving ceremony in Kasanda North. Robert Kyagulanyi MP aka Bobi Wine was not allowed to participate or to hold a speech. As he was invited by the son-of-the deceased Patrick Nsamba MP. The DPC pleaded the People Power MP and his associates to leave. Before he teargassed the venue and ordered anyone to leave. Even grabbed the microphone from the public and promised to shoot if people didn’t leave.

That is the state of affairs within the Republic. As a Presidential Candidate whose not allowed to consult, speak nor hold concerts. Bobi Wine is practically blocked from his profession, his possible outlet of political activism and as a person, which freedom of speech is silenced.

The People Power Movement is stifled at any given day. The Police Force is there, ready, set and armed to harm and to violate people. They are doing it for “security”, but more as a brutal force to stop him from speaking and engaging the crowds.

Now, he wasn’t allowed to participate and be a part of a thanksgiving ceremony, which he was invited too. That is how petty, how belittling the state is. There is no boundaries to these sort of efforts. Where the man got to be silenced.

That’s why there needs soon to be a amended law, which states: “Thus from this date … … the ones associated with People Power Movement, Robert Kyagulanyi and et all; Are though not allowed to participate, be in public nor able to function as viable citizens. As they are a threat, a terrorist organization and hoodlums, which from now on. Shall only be allowed to certain limited freedom, which entails eating in own homes, be in office and within smallest margins of the population. Thus not generate crowds, processions and other public functions, which gathers more than three people at any given time”.

Because, if the state did that. It would be sincere. Not that it would be any good. Not that it would be justified, but by its actions towards the man and his associates. It would make sense. As the President can be gallivanting where-ever he may please, do whatever sort of public stunt and rally without any consideration in the world. While Bobi Wine cannot even look at a public venue, before seeing the Police and their orders from “high above”.

I would wish this was joke, but this is serious. This is how severe things are. That there is no escape from the madness and the toils of the police. They go these steps to silence someone. They have done this to others in the past and continues to harm them as well. But the big-man of the hour is Bobi Wine. Peace.

Uganda Police Force: Teenager Killed by Stray Bullet during Police Response to an Aggressive Dog (29.01.2020)

Opinion: Does the POMA only apply to the Opposition?

Why do I ask this question to myself? Why does ask it all?

Well, the circumstance of the Public Order Management Act of 2013 was designated to control and monitor the actions of Dr. Kizza Beisgye. That’s why it came to existence in the first place. We all should know that by now, but for the ones who didn’t, I was glad to inform you.

With this in regard, as the Police Force issued a statement of monitoring consultation meetings and claiming threats of public safety. While at the same time, the President held campaign meetings and long walks. Either there was no issues where he was, but everywhere else where the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) did party works or where Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine did their thing.

So in regards to that, it seems like the POMA is targeting only the opposition like Besigye and Bobi Wine. Muntu is walking free and also Moses Byamugisha, but they are not a threat to anyone. Mugisha Muntu wouldn’t even touch a grasshopper if it was in his way. He would try to reason with it to let him pass. While seemingly Besigye and Bobi Wine are dangerous, like they are carrying diseases and nuclear weapons, as they are passing the republic trying to gather people around them.

Because, no matter what they do, they get into legal trouble. Neither missing the mark on the venue, not enough toilets, not enough sniffer-dogs, not enough paperwork and not enough windows to escape from the locations. There is always misgivings and reasons to shut it down. Take up the tear-gas, send the mambas, drag the cars, abduct the leadership to unknown locations. Like no matter what these men does, they will get into trouble.

I am sure they could have smallest gathering in the vaults of a bank and it would still be deemed unsafe. Even if that vault was built for a nuclear holocaust and the biblical apocalypse. It wouldn’t have enough doors, enough air or space for the Police Officers to secure the venue. They would block it and take the leaders to nearest prison anyhow.

It doesn’t matter if the People Power or FDC complies with the EC Guidelines and the POMA. The Police and the Army going to go all in. They will show no mercy and make excuses afterwards. Surely, the was something in the air, on the ground or intel that told that a grand macho narcissist of a terrorist would attend. That is why they had to block the venue, even if there is no proof of the existence of the terrorist. Still, the UPF and other agencies will claim so, until Jesus returns.

And as always, we can be rest assured that the National Resistance Movement (NRM) can hold rallies, processions and whatnot without any issues. There is never any issues with the NRM. They can just spontaneously put a tent in any town at any given time and call it rally without anyone bothering them. They can auction goats, cows and their souls without any consideration of POMA. Because, why bother right? They are the rulers, they reign supreme, the others should beg them.

That is how it seems, because the NRM can hold any kind of function without any police interference. Without the army bamboozling the crowds and tear-gas hurting toddlers. Well, that is because they rule the Republic, the others are dissidents.

As long as they are dissidents, the monitoring and the demands will follow. Because they are not following the paradigm of the NRM. That’s why it is like it is. We could laugh about it, but to many have been hurt by this policy. To many whose just by-standers and happen to be in town when the political actors are having their gatherings. So, many have been caught in this web and the ones to blame is the state authorities and their weapons. Since, the opposition didn’t come with guns, but came in SUVs to planned venues, no with intent of violence, but the violence that came was from the state. Peace.

Uganda Police Force: Police Closely Monitoring Consultative Preparations (27.01.2020)

Opinion: [Let us not kid ourselves] Elections under Museveni will never be free nor fair…

Let us not kid ourselves. Let’s get real for minute. Breathe out. Take a deep breathe, before reading some utter nonsense. Than, after that. Digest some facts and call it a Thursday. Does that sound about right? I hope so, because first a snippet, than my 2 cents. Before I call “Peace”. Feel me?

Outgoing Deputy Attorney General, Mwesigwa Rukutana explained that it’s not only the forthcoming general elections that government will ensure free and fair elections but this has been upholding them even in the previous elections. “It’s not only this coming general elections of 2021 but Uganda held free and regular elections and also observed human rights. You can’t compare this regime to the past regimes. We have always observed those principles,” Mr Rukutana said by telephone at the weekend” (Anthony Wesaka – ‘Uganda will comply with African charter rules in holding free, fair elections, says govt’ 23.01.2020, Daily Monitor).

Well, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and their men got some nerve. To call the rigged elections, their hands of puppets in the Electoral Commission, in the Judiciary and the Police Force. To call it free and fair. When the state are using their funds for their campaigns, when the State House is misusing funds to the outrageous during campaigns and elections. As well as the misuse of the army and police for their benefit.

The knowledge of voter tourism, ghost voters, pre-ticked ballots, fake voter registers, frauds on tally sheets and declaration forms combined with another level of Math from the Electoral Commission. You know where this is headed. Not to a place of free and fair elections, but pre-determined results in favour of one man and his brigade.

The 2021 will be no difference. There will be ghosts, there will be soldiers and there will be ballots counted twice, make believe numbers and shattered tears over another fake election. All done in the service of man and his people.

We could joke about it. But the reality is that the same man complaining about the 1980 election. Is doing the same himself and more vigorously too. There is no bound or stoppage of this man. He continues to do this. Apparently until his last breath. That is the sort of man he his.

2021 elections are already in the cards and the one who get to be crowned king. Is already known, the ballad of the election results are already written and Kololo is ready to be painted yellow. Nothing else will happen. That is just the way it is. Peace.

Kizza Besigye arrested for the second time in three days!

Former FDC party president Dr. Kizza Besigye has been arrested & detained at Nalufenya unit.This comes after police blocked Dr. Besigye at Nile bridge on his way to one of the radio stations he had been invited to for a political radio show” (Capital FM Uganda, 22.01.2020).

There is something that is right on schedule, just like taxes there comes the newsflash that Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) leader and former Presidential Candidate Dr. Kizza Besigye is intercepted, towed to another location, stopped from performing his role as political operative and detained somewhere.

Today he was only supposed to participate on a scheduled radio show at the Busoga Radio One. Even the presenter of the radio got arrested too by the Police Force. Therefore, the ones that associate with him is still in trouble. Who knows what charges they will pin on them both, but expect something out of the Public Order Management Act (POMA) and h the Penal Code.

This is just yet another day. Only two days ago he was detained and arrested. Than, also taken to Nalufenya Police Station. To be hidden away in the murky police station, which is known for torture and the like. It is interesting and shows their intent when they take him there, yet again.

Besigye is not allowed to be a active politician. His muffled, arrested and taken to prison at any given day. It is clockwork. You can promise that it will happen. The Police Force is ready to incept the White SUV and impound him. Tear-gas him and detain him. That is what they are doing and continues to do so.

It was when the party was trying to celebrate its 15 Years Anniversary of the FDC on the 20th January 2020, that Besigye was arrested last time. Then also taken away, impounding his car and detaining him at Nalufenya.

If your thinking the General Elections of 2021 will be fair. You should forget about that. Because, there are no shadow of a doubt of the rigging, the intimidation and the usage of force to tame the opposition. The likes of Besigye and Bobi Wine will be in legal jeopardy. They will be behind bars. Will face charges and be “criminals” because they face the “high above” and the one nobody supposed to dare. However, they do and therefore, they have to face the consequences.

If that maybe Nalufenya or Luzira. They will be there at any given time. If not the Police will preventative house-arrest them and make their homes a prison. Peace.

Opinion: Thanks for reminding us that Nalufenya is still active!

The Police Force and the authorities in Jinja could have been wise. Especially, since there been such a silence about the Nalufenya Police Station and the dungeons there. Which has been known for torture, arbitrary arrests and preventative methods used their.

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) with their partisan police force has today reminded the word about Nalufenya. The one that was under scrutiny in 2017 and early 2018. However, that has gone in book of forgotten sins. Since then, the state has apparently continued to operate the place, but without issues in Parliament nor questions from the Police Force itself.

IGP Okoth-Ochola was supposed to close the Nalufenya in April 2018. However, if it had been so. Than, Dr. Kizza Besigye wouldn’t be detained there today on the 20th January 2020. That is close to two years, when it was supposed to be closed.

Now, we cannot expect the Police Force, neither IGP nor any of the authorities will stop using Nalufenya. As it is a prepared torture chamber and prison cells for silencing critics. The state will keep this place alive, because it needs it as a scare-crow and also a useful tool.

Therefore, we are seeing a repetition and the state repeating old sins again. They are using all their tools to stop Besigye. They will keep him there for while, maybe transfer him to Nagalama Police Station or somewhere else fitting. Before even sentencing him to Luzira Prison. Who knows?

But we are now seeing, that the Police Force are keeping one their most infamous places. One who is known for torture and illegal detention. They have kept Nalufenya alive. That is a warning sign.

A sign of trouble ahead for General Elections 2021, as the state are using this to scare the ones who oppose and dare to challenge it. Peace.

FDC 15 Year Anniversary Celebrations: The Police causing havoc most places

What is ironic about today, the 20th January 2020 was that Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga was walking for democracy. While the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) would struggle to hold meetings, celebrate 15 years as a party across the Republic. The National Resistance Movement (NRM) could just recently walk in memory lane, but again hypocrisy at its finest. As the opposition parties cannot do the same.

The news all across the Republic today is burning. Tear-gas, arrests and depressing activities from the Police Force. Instead of shielding the citizens and dissidents of the state, they are arresting and trying to silence them. This is the M.O. of the state, but still boring that it continues. What was even more striking. Is the knowledge that Nalufenya is still active, because that was promised closure in early 2018.

FDC has gotten in trouble in Mubende yesterday. While today, they have gotten a real problems in Jinja, Busia, Bukiwe, Mbale and in Soroti. While it was successful in Kumi and Namutumba. Therefore, today has been a hassle, but a few small positive things. But they are overshadowed by the depressing attacks on the party. Not only that Dr. Kizza Besigye is detained in Nalufenya and Patrick Oboi Amuriat at Soroti Police Station. That is bad enough.

Here’s the information.

Mubende:

Police commanded by ASP Ssekalema Shaban, the OC Station has blocked and dispersed an FDC Leaders meeting that was organised at Gwaniika Village, Nabingola Sub County, Kasambya constituency at Home Land Organic Gardens. Deputy President Owek Joyce Nabbosa Ssebugwawo had led a delegation of leaders from Buganda Region including Vice Chairman Kibuka Mukalazi, Mrs. Ssebuwufu Harriet Nakiyemba the Ethics and Culture Secretary, Muzei Kalule Samuel Kiseyeye the Secretary for Elders, Mr. Kizito Livingston of the Security Committee among others to meet the local Party branch in Mubende in abid to reorganize the lower level structures” (FDC, 19.01.2020).

Jinja:

Police in Jinja have arrested Dr Kizza Besigye and whisked him to Nalufenya Police station following running battles between police and FDC supporters” (NBS Television, 20.01.2020).

Busia:

Security forces blocked and dispersed an FDC Anniversary celebrations today in Busia district. The Party had sent Hon. Mwijukye Francis as the Chief Guest” (FDC, 20.01.2020).

Bukiwe:

FDC 15th anniversary cerebration in Lugazi Buikwe district have been disrupted by police and the district chairman Mr. Kanaabi Jimmy has been arrested and taken to Lugazi CPS” (FDC, 20.01.2020)

Mbale:

Mbale district FDC boss Wokuri Madanda arrested as police blocks FDC 15 celebrations. FDC was scheduled to hold its 15th anniversary celebrations in the district on Monday(today) but was blocked by Police on grounds that the party did not seek permission from the district authorities and that aspects of the public order management law were not fulfilled” (Emmah M. Bwayo, 20.01.2020).

Soroti:

Amateur video as Party President Patrick Oboi Amuriat was being towed to Soroti CPS by a fire brigade vehicle. Meanwhile in the second photo, UPDF soldiers now patrolling Soroti streets, all shops, Kafunda Hotels closed” (FDC, 20.01.2020). It is later reported that the Patrick Oboi Amuriat is arrested and detained at the Soroti Police Station.

Kumi Successful:

The Celebrations in Kumi district were uninterrupted and the Cheif guests were Ms. Plan Virginia Mugengyi, the Deputy Secretary for Education, Sports and Arts at the National Executive Committee, and Dr. Okello Ekwaro, our Party Chairman for Apac District. This successful event was coordinated by Kumi district Chairman Ebokorait Abdallah and Ms. Suzan Norma Otai, the Deputy Secretary for Conflict and reconstruction at FDC National Executive Committee” (FDC, 20.01.2020).

Namutumba Successful:

Namutumba district under the full Command of Chairman Wante Jamal held their meeting/ Celebrations successfully” (FDC, 20.01.2020).

I don’t think this can be stated enough. There isn’t a real democracy, when a party cannot organize or even be able to hold meetings and gatherings. The Police Force is singling out and directly stopping what the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) is doing. No one can deny that. Because its so blatant and direct.

This is just proving what the state will do and continue to do until the general election in 2021. To think otherwise is naive. This is just the reality. Impunity in action. Maybe, Kadaga should walk for the FDC too. Peace.