
An Update from ULS on the Arua, Mityana and Kampala Issues (22.08.2018)



The Parliament created an Ad Hoc Report by the 10th Parliament, as Members of Parliament (MPs) was arrested and tortured after the Arua By-Election. This is the aftermath of the Elections and the state of affairs. As of the documentation of the whole ordeal, this is biggest detail, though it is not countering the words of the lawyers of Robert Kyagulanyi or really showing loyalty to the texts of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. As this one is not defending the way the government have taken these men and woman in custody. Neither has this report vindicated the state, as the revelation that the MPs was arrested in detention facilities that isn’t gazetted or registered. Shows how the militarism is and how they are not following protocol as they have given a get-out-of-jail free-card to the Special Force Command (SFC).
This is a sad report to read, as this is human beings like me and you. What is special of the PDF that the Parliament has dropped, of the members of the Ad Hoc Committee, the Chairman Doreen Amule didn’t sign it, and I wonder why? Why didn’t she sign the report? Because all the other 5 members of the Committee signed it. That is really a weird moment and you should comment on it.
I will now that the quotes or the paragraphs from the report that I feel is worth mentioning. This is showing what the state has done and what the Special Force Command has brought to the table and served the MPs.
“Later when the Committee met with thc UPDF 4th Division Commander Brigadier Kanyesigze Emmanuel, he initially denied holding Hon. Kyagulanyi Robert Sentamu at his barracks, but later implicitly contradictcd himself. He informed the Committee that Hon. Kyagulanyi had been brought to the barracks, specifically to the military hospital for treatment of injuries sustained in a fight with unknown people, Tasked to reveal the identities of whoever had brought Hon. Kyagulanyi Robert to the military facility, he referred the Committee to the Special Forces Command (SFC) and the Police” (Ad Hoc Report, P: 6, 2018).
“An interface with and observation of the detained MPs and other suspects revealed that they had been severely battered with Hon. Karuhanga Gerald, Hon. Mwiru Paul and Hon. Michael Mabikke complaining of chest and back pain. Hon. Karuhanga Gerald was limping as a result of an injury to his knee. They stated that they had been viciously brutalized during and after arrest while in Police custody in Arua and during transportation between the place of arrest and detention at Arua CPS and later Bondo Military barracks. They further informed the Committee that the brutality and beating was administered by men dressed in uniforms of the Special Forces Command (SFC)” (Ad Hoc Report, P: 7, 2018).
“Some of the suspects in detention, whom the Committee was able to interact with were in dire need of urgent medical attention, notably the two women and one gentleman who could neither sit nor walk and were visibiy in deep pain, Hon. Mwiru Pau1, Hon. Karuhanga Gerald and Hon. Mabikke Michael. However, they had not been accorded access to requisite medical he1p, save for diagnosis by the Police Surgeon more over without medication” (…) “Hon. Lubega Medard Sseggona and Hon. Basalirwa Asuman who volunteered pro bono legal services were allowed by the Military to witness the proceedings of the General Court Martial before whom Hon. Kyagulanyi Robert Ssentamu, in his disquieting physical state was arraigned pleaded with the Military for an opportunity to have private medical personnel urgently access Hon. Kyagulanyi. They were reportedly assured that this would not happen immediately but rather in the future while the suspect was at the Makindye Military detention facility” (Ad Hoc Report P: 10, 2018).
“The Committee observes that Hon. Kyagulanyi Robert Ssentamu was detained in 2 military barracks- Gulu Fourth Division and Bondo. Hon. Francis Zaake’s place of detention was never brought to the attention of the Committee. The rest of the Members of Parliament were detained in Bondo Military barracks and Arua and Gulu Police Stations. Gulu and Bondo Military barracks are not gazetted detention facilities; therefore the detention of suspects in those places violated Article 23 (2) of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, 1995” (Ad Hoc Report, P: 11, 2018).
“Hon. Kyagulanyi Robert Ssentamu informed the Committee that he feels pain all over his body and was only surviving on pain killing injections. The left side of his abdomen is visibly painful and the wounds on his head are sti1l visible. He complains of chest pain and says his teeth were loosened by the beating he suffered at the hands of the men clad in uniforms of the Special Forccs Command (SFC)” (Ad Hoc Report, P: 14, 2018).
This report really shows the intent of the state assault and hurt Robert Kyagulanyi, as the body of his is beaten and his pains are severe. Even as the President and others have tried to downplay the torture of the MP. As you see in the quotes, the other MPs and citizens has also been badly treated by the state. When Mwiru, Karuhanga and Mabikke have been complained with pains in their chest and back-pain, as well as Karuhanga are limping as a result of it. Therefore, the proof and affidavits here of witnessing the pains of fellow MPs. Shows the intent to hurt as they we’re becoming a group of opposition members who was standing in the way of the President. That is why the state had to send the Presidential Guards to attack them, arrest them, torture them and even detain them at locations that isn’t officially registered as prisons for civilians.
This report is really showing the injustice of the days in and after the By-Election in Arua. We are seeing MPs worried about how the lack of medical attention to the MPs and also the result of the violence done on these men. Where they were detained and how the SFC has become a vital instrument to attack these people. The SFC have really shown what they are there for, not for justice or liberty, but for intimidation and harassment of people. They are not there to secure the President, but instead used as a tool to oppress these people. Peace.
Reference:
REPORT OF THE ADHOC COMMITTEE ON THE PLIGHT OF MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT AND OTHER SUSPECTS WHO WERE BRUTALLY ARRESTED AND DETAINED BY SECURITY FORCES IN THE RUN UP TO THE ARUA MUNICIPALITY BY-ELECTIONS OF 15TH AUGUST 2018, 22,08.2018


When your in the hands of the tyrant, you anticipate anyone else to be as well. Because he has been a loyal cadre and defended the President on several of times. Bebe Cool was even not happy with Bobi Wine when he turned down Tubonga Naawe, which was the campaign song for the Museveni before the General Elections. That was an All-Star songs with many of the Republics stars praising the National Resistance Movement, like Radio & Weasel, Jose Chameleone and Bebe Cool.
However, the ones following their relationship with Museveni directly has been Chameleone and Bebe Cool. Bebe Cool who even invited and used Museveni in the promotion to his recent Golden Hearts Concert in Kampala. Therefore, he is now really not understanding how people about the 32 years of oppression and intimidation. Just because he has the good graces of the President. The random civilians in the recent week haven’t felt it, neither has Bobi Wine or any of the other detained MPs. Who are awaiting their fate and the current injustice towards them. As the saga of forged charges to silence opposition continues.
Bebe Cool should consider that, when he starts to hash-tag himself as #FreeBebeCool! That is just insulting to all the ones arrested in the recent days, all the ones that has died as a result of state violence and the ones in the hospital because of their participation in these demonstrations. While the government are claiming all citizens are hooligans and indisciplined.
Bebe Cool is really fooling himself, as he should understand the sympathy and the troubling ways the authorities has acted towards the opposition. Instead, he wants his views and perspective to be free. He shouldn’t be afraid anyway. He is one of the love-childs of the grandfather aka Old Man with the Hat. They have an admiration of each other and Bebe Cool has served a purpose during the campaigns before the General Elections 2016. When people showed up for the concerts sometimes, but left when the President came to the stage. Bebe Cool might have forgotten that part, but he is blind by the President and his love for him. They are both boosting each others egos.
Bebe Cool better back off politics and actually stay silent. As we know his admiration of the President. That is why many people don’t want to listen to or associate themselves with his music. It is tainted by his relationship with the President. Instead of thinking of the ones who is actually in legal jeopardy at this time. He wants to promote himself and act a fool. To be honest, that is not cool.
Bebe Cool, you are a tool for this, your not an honest person. We know your position with the President. That has been known for a long while and you been in the spotlight because of that. You have earned a fortune campaigning for the President. Therefore, we know who you are.
That is why it is insulting, that your asking for people “Freeing You”, while actual political prisoners are detained. You don’t need freedom Mr. Cool, you need to be educated and adjust your ways. Your disrespectful to the ones actually behind bars because of their political affiliation. You are free and Bobi Wine is not. The Arua33 isn’t either.
So how dare you Bebe Cool asking for freedom, when actual people are behind bars?
Free Bobi Wine and the MPs, the activists and the rest who are political prisoners. Not Free BEBE COOL. He is already free and is a disgrace to humanity. Peace.

It is good to see the clip of 8 seconds released by Deputy Speaker of Parliament Jacob Oulanyah where Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine is in detention there. Even the speaker was revealing that Bobi Wine was in severe pain. But good to see that the Member of Parliament being alive and able to communicate. Because everything before this, has been done in the shadows and in darkness. Not like the authorities has been keeping it all secret. As the little knowledge we have had of his condition, has been eye-witness and from the few doctors who has established his well-being. He has been in detention and arrested since 14th August 2018. Therefore, it is 8 days since it started.
Why did it take so many days, before we saw Bobi Wine? Why didn’t we see him in the first Court Martial? Why such a limited scope of him? Are they afraid of the reality, as they needed over 8 days to release an 8 seconds long clip of him smiling. It is hard to believe that he is all well, as we cannot see his skin and real damage. If it is the kidneys, they wouldn’t be visible to the naked eye anyways. The other damage is covered by the clothes and poor quality of how his face is. As we cannot see the face clearly in the poor quality short clip from the authorities.
The other MPs are still unsure of is Kassiano Wadri, Mubarak Munyagwa, Paul Mwiru, Gerald Karuhanga and also the hospitalized Francis Zaake, which is at the Rubaga Hospital. There is also 33 more people arrested in Arua, as well as the ones arrested in the riots in Kampala and Jinja. That was up to a 100 people before today. Therefore, there are plenty of people in detention and we cannot be sure how many whose been hurt in Arua, Kampala, Mukono and in Jinja during the last week. As well, as totol people who has been shot and fatally gone as the authorities has quelled demonstrations in various parts of Kampala, Arua and Jinja.
Just seeing Bobi Wine smiling is yet again giving hope. Even if he soon has to taken or airlifted to Gulu Court Martial and still be under detention through Military Law. Just like the rest of the MPs, who is in custody and not feeling freedom. They are not liberated, they still arrested and state property. We know that there was lack of medical care in the beginning and the worry was real, as his kidney and also swollen head and leg. That doesn’t grow over night, therefore, this has been stages as the wounds might have healed, but the pain might still be there.
We have seen similar things with Besigye, where everything been looking well, but suddenly ordered to another facility and new charges for something else. Even as Bobi Wine is charged with illegal firearms and treason for trying to overthrow Museveni. We know that is forged charges, as well as claiming the rest of the group was working towards that in Arua By-Election.
While Museveni and apologists have tried very hard to defend the violence, the military use and the quelling of protests. They have really defended using live bullets and tear-gas, even the Nasser Road incident should be defining moment for the people, as the Special Force Command and the army stopped all protests in Kampala on the 20th August 2018. Therefore, the kneeling on the ground and lifting hands of all citizens passing the street of Nasser Road. Shows how far the oppression can go and anyone who is in association
Therefore, these last days has shown the tyranny, not only for the FDC activists and leadership, who has been a lot of time under cross-fire with the authorities. Now, we are seeing further escalation and that the public is gearing up. More protests and tired of being played by a militarized government. Who uses all methods to silence the voices of the people, because it is only the junta government that is allowed to speak. The rest just got to shut up and try to eat. That is what the President and the NRM does right now.
It is a reason why the people are demanding the release of these MPs and the other ones arrested. Since they are violated by the state. As long as this continues, as long as the President and the NRM continues to spin it. They are lying either way, like the Zaake had the capacity to run away from both a hospital and a police station. While he was reported dropped off by the military at the Hospital. Therefore, the public is tired of this way and knowing that the authorities doesn’t serve them, only bills them. Peace.


I would have loved seeing the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. Without the soldiers, without the police force, without the Special Force Command and without the ESO/ISO. I wonder how the NRM and Museveni would be without the militarism. That would have been a whole other picture.
It would been a different story, if the President wasn’t that engaged the army and soldier in need. If the President was more tolerant and accepting of different views. The perspective of army and police intervening within the political spectrum. That is why the recent days has been it is. As the Special Force Command and the ISO, whose taken the MPs and Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine. All of these stories would have been differently. However, every time when Museveni has needed results, it hasn’t been with all public support, but by the use of guns. He has needed a rebel force and the army to secure his position.
Because with the army and the security organization, what does Museveni has to offer the Republic?
There aren’t much these days, there are more lies and deception. The NRM doesn’t offer anything, more of the same, cronyism and corruption. The public is tired of the empty promises and pledges.
Therefore, we should wonder, what would the Ugandan government look like if it wasn’t military based and actually represented by people who wasn’t rigged in or the cronies that Museveni trusts or needs. That is a question we should be to ask. As the military are everywhere and taking control.
This is a vital question and also something the People Power Revolution and anyone who wants change. Because what does it mean, if the army will just be used for territorial control of the sovereign nation and also be parts of peacekeeping missions. Not used to control and intimidate the public, even invade the chambers for lawmakers in Parliament. That needs to be asked.
What would the government look like if it wasn’t based on militarism and was based on the will of the people and for the people? What would change and what sort of leadership would be there? How would it play and how will it conduct its affair?
Because right now, the army answers everything from delivering mosquito nets to getting people to beg for their life on Nasser Road, Kampala.
We just have to ask, not that Museveni or any of his apologist will want to answer. Because that is their demise and their meal-ticket. But the public have to ask, what will happen if they are ending the militarism and the militarized politics of present day. That is the future, but what is the future like and how will it change. Who will be there and what sort of reconciliation will be made to ensure the justice after years of tyranny and oppression?
All the acts of injustice, needs to be address, unless their will be left unhealed wounds. To many families and people have been hurt over the years. To many unanswered ills in society, which needs to counter for. Until that time, the saga will continue and someone will pursuit to use the same methods to control others. There need to be ways to secure the future, but also deal with the militaristic past.
This isn’t just for Bobi Wine and the detained MPs, but for all the people who has suffered and deserves a better future without Museveni and the NRM. Peace.


Since 2012 the United States have donated Security Aid to the Republic of Uganda in the total amount of $291,096,088, in 2018 alone they have donated $80,665,000. These numbers are taken from the Security Assistance Monitor. So, these are legit numbers. This is giant numbers, as the republic are parts of peacekeeping missions in AMISOM and in Central African Republic. However, some of these funds are used locally and on training of soldiers, which could be part of the Special Force Command as we speak.
What does the United States of America and the US Ambassador Deborah R. Malac feel about that? Are they proud that their military ally and for life President is working to become their modern day Mobutu. Which they also supported for decades, until he became a sore thumb and they had to overthrow him. Like they did with his predecessor together with Belgians in the than Zaire.
Will the United States stop their relationship and their military support of the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) and the Special Force Command, as they are used to attack civilians, as they are in on the streets to torment the public.
I wonder if they have any sort of plan now, as their “aid” is now really hurting people, the training from American Military and the certainly the arms-trade are now used directly at civilians. It is not used to fight the wars the Americans don’t want to participate directly themselves. Now, it is used to actually kill innocent civilians and used to prolong Museveni’s tyranny. Is that what the US ideal in East Africa is about?
Will the United States be responsible for their cultivation of Museveni and for all the weapons, the training and the direct military support of the republic.
We can wonder if they are proud that the helped trained soldiers are used to silence the media, silence the voice of the people and to prolong the dictatorship. That should make the Washington D.C. so proud, that their funds are directly a life-line for the President for life.
The Ugandan republic is sovereign and should be able to determine their own political trouble on their own. But when we know that the US is participating at these levels with security funding. They should take responsibility and man-up. Suspend their security aid and step away. Until someone who is suitable and actually elected by the people is running the Republic. Right now, its one man forcing his rule on the people with the arms traded with the US. That should be a worry the USA, even with their history of interfering and securing their men in power. Peace.

There been parts of Kampala like in Kamwokya, where there been riots for over three days. While today there been riots across the city for Kisekka Market, Makindye, Kamwokya, Ntinda and the Old Kampala. This is showing, that after some time, the people are have started to demonstrate over bigger areas. As the weekend started in Kamwokya and some parts into Gayaza road in the Kyadondo East district which is Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine was elected from. Therefore, the youth and people is demonstrating for him and the rest of the arrested MPs in the custody of the authorities.
Result of today:
“70 people reportedly arrested in protests against MPs’ arrest. Riots started in Kampala spread to Mukono, Kayunga and Jinja” (NTV Newsroom, 20.08.2018).
There been several of journalists detained and arrested because of the riots, as they were monitoring and reporting on it. Both in NTV journalists Juma Kiirya and Ronald Galiwango was arrested, while being on the streets of Kampala. Also, James Akena of Reuters was beaten by the soldiers. On Nasser Road soldiers forced hundreds of people down on the ground to kneel and have the their arms in the air. To really show who was in command. On Kampala Road people was walking through with their hands in the air.
There was burning tires, tear-gas and soldiers across the city. There was across town reports of soldier going around masked. Meaning they were covering up themselves and shows their lack of understanding of what they are doing. As they are harassing and tormenting people to stay in power. Because they are starting to question the power of the people. They are burning tires and showing their discontent they way they know, while the soldiers and police are tormenting the public.
The President have clearly ordered the Special Force Command to contain the riots of Kampala. There are also some reports of stay-bullets used by these men hitting people. But the amount of shot or killed is uncertain. At this point, each one is too many. Each one of them is done as the President ordered. He accepted their fate and are responsible.
To know the real results to this matter. It is hard to know at this present time. However, what this is a proof of the militarism and the answer to every single move. Is to call in the army and violate people’s right to demonstrate. They are not allowed to have a voice and answer back to the authorities who oppress them. Who take their leaders and only put toils, sweat and tears back to them.
Now, the authorities are answering back with the military, trying to stop people from monitoring or even documenting the riots. The President have forgotten why he supposedly liberated people, to actually free them, not torment them as he does today. That is what is happening.
The people are the losers, as they are still under siege and the riots has to continue, as the soldiers and Presidential Guards had the capacity to contain the riots. But this is a sign, that the people are tired and answering back to the President and his army. They are not afraid and starting. Even as they are still humiliated and arrested by him for doing.
The acts of Nasser Road today, should be moment, where you see how the supposed “freedom fighter” gave way to be the tormentor of every single citizen if he has too. Peace.