Opinion: Karamoja is burning over mineral explorations…

A total of 17,083 square kilometers of land in Karamoja is licensed for mineral exploration and extraction activities, according to official data. Twenty-six companies currently have exploratory or mining rights in the region. In 2018, Chinese mining company Sunbelt was given 3.3 square kilometers of land to set up a $13 million dollar marble mining factory in Rupa sub-county. A year later, the company expanded its operations to cover an additional 4.1 square kilometers, ostensibly after a deal with local leaders. Hundreds of families have since been pushed out of their ancestral homes, local officials say. Locals accuse Rupa Community development trust, a community trustee group created three years ago, of conniving with investors to steal their land” (Diana Taremwa Karakire – ‘Mining Rush Threatens Indigenous Peoples in Karamoja, Uganda’ 01.09.2021).

What I feared the most seems to be reason for the joint operation of the Uganda Police Force (UPF) and Uganda People’s Defence Force (UDPF) in the Karamoja sub-region. Which is an continues operation and it is persisting. The state is even furthering it’s investments into it by deploying 6,000 Local Defence Units or LDUs in Karamjoa. Therefore, the burning and bleeding will persist for a long time.

The lack of accountability and transparency is very clear. The obvious reasons for that is the licensed land and territories given to mineral extraction corporation over the indigenous people. The people and the citizens are neglected. They are perpetrators and the unlawful one in the mind of the state, but not by their rights as people.

The Government and the Authorities are coming in as a colonial government. They are occupying and violently removing people. The state is blaming the cattle rustling, but it is obviously more too it. Because, it is not like the government would create so much and damage over some livestock. However, it would do so over the mineral extraction and possible gold-rush in Karamoja.

We know they have given this state operation the name of “Usalama Kwa Wote” to disarm and take away illegal guns, but I wouldn’t be shocked if it was an alternate motive. A cash enterprise and a possible profit objective of the state. As they know the values of the land and what it possesses. When knowing that… they might find it easier to scare people away and not take ownership of land. Make them displaced and ensure their fear to return. As the mineral exploration and exploitation can start. In such a manner, that the government and the companies can start their trading.

The unfortunate families, villages and the Karimojong is just dying. While they are defending their land and we don’t have any idea about the amount of fatalities. As the GoU, the State House and UPDF doesn’t release any sort of update on their Joint Operation there. Only in the beginning and stopped when the public outcry ceased to exist.

The Karamoja sub-region continues to burn, be looted and is destroyed by government entities. While they are blaming old cultural factors and blaming the herders. That just shows their sinister motives. Because, we are not supposed to know about the vast licensing agreements and the planned mineral exploitation, which has been sanctioned without the concern of the locals or the Karimojong in general. They just have to accept the loss of land, livelihood and where they have lived for generations.

Because, that is the “steady progress” and “securing your future” means for Karamoja these days. The state don’t mind violating or destroying, as long as it has a prosperous future ahead of it. Peace.

Opinion: Karamoja is bleeding and nothing is being done…

The Karamoja Sub-Region has been burning and bleeding of late. This has been as a result of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Force and Uganda Police Force, which are doing a joint-operation to stop cattle-rustlers, but clearly acting out of their means. As the 7 Karamoja districts are hurt as a result.

These districts are Kaabong, Kotido, Abim, Moroto, Napak, Nakapiripirit, and Amudat. All of them are touched by the state sponsored violence and savage killings. People are becoming internally displaced. Houses are being burnt and people are forced to flee. The amount of fatalities are unknown, as the UPDF have only dropped one update and the numbers from there is certainly an understatement.

The Joint Mission Update was what the authorities had done between 19th and 29th March and we are now on the 3rd April and the violence is still occurring at an uncertain rate. The verified 309 people must have add-ons as people are seeking shelters in mosques and elsewhere. Karimojong are really under fire here.

There are even a viral video clip of some soldiers in Abim district who killed an alleged cattle-rustler and burned the remains. While showing the skull in one of the hands of the soldiers as the burning fire of the remains was continuing in the back. That sort of video clip is haunting and show what sort of sinister acts that is going on.

We know that Commander of Land Forces Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerubaga has promised them “hell” and his serving that on a plate. They don’t need to wait for the after-life to be in danger or meet the devil. The forces of Muhoozi is the agents of the Hell is already there and to get away from them would be like heaven.

As before in the month. There been speculations of mineral resources, findings of petrol and wider implications of foreign investors possible getting viable land. If not there is also reports of possible heists of livestock and thieving cows from the sub-region. As well, there is also reports of poisoning of goats there.

Whatever the reasons why it’s happening now. The citizens and the ones that dies… it happens without due process and without the courts of justice. The civilians are guilty before proven innocent in Karamoja right now. This is injustice and extra judicial killings. With the murder of over 300 people. Some might easily say massacres is going on and we don’t know to what extent. Since there is little to none reporting on the actual actions going on. The fatalities is therefore totally hidden and the bloodshed is happening in darkness.

The justification for the amount of death and it’s scale should be really crucial. As these amounts of deaths would be close to war or skirmishes between enemies of a civil-war. Alas, the state is behind a huge operation, which is causing harm that will linger on in the sub-region for decades. The fatalities and the insecurity isn’t becoming better, but worse. The devastating results will linger on and the damage cannot be mended. The souls taken and the land scorned will not be viable quickly. The needs for dialogue and peace. There isn’t a need for war or more guns. It is only causing more fatalities and more death.

That seems to be the devil in Muhoozi. He comes with death and thrives on the burning region of Karamoja. That’s the devil in the details… and how it can be perceived. Peace.

The Parliament of Uganda: Press Statement on the deteriorating security situation in Karamoja (31.03.2022)

Karamoja: The Karamoja sub-region is burning and bleeding in silence…

The 1966 District Annual Report concluded on a note of surrender to circumstances; “All of us would like to see Karamoja developed as fast as possible so as to catch up with the rest of Uganda but the major problem is how to do it” (Wozei 1977; 218)

The Police Anti Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) command in Karamoja has urged its officers to express discipline and observe human rights in the course of carrying out their duties” (97.8 Kazo FM Omushomesa, 31.03.2022).

There are unverified reports that over 309 Karimojong have been killed and we are still counting. That is only the first estimates after the reported Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) operation in the region.

The Karamjoa sub-region is now hit with state-sanctioned violence. The sub-region has 17 MPs and one State Minster for Region Agnes Nandutu who are clearly not stopping the massacre and killings of the state. Which is killing people without trial or due process. They are just turning up and killing them. Just like it is reports of poisoning of goats and such too. We have also seen pictures of burning houses too. So, everything is done to target and hurt the Karimojong.

We know that Commander of Land Forces Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerubaga has been proud of the operation and what has been happening. He has been the voice of the government that has delivered this terror to the Sub-Region. It is not like this is his first doing this or such. He participated with the Special Forces Command (SFC) in Kasese in 2016. So, this man knows blood and bloodshed.

Some are claiming this operation is happening because of either gold or petroleum, which is found in the region. The government wants to disarm the cattle-keepers and take their lands. In a manner of which they are disarmed and cannot defend their land. Therefore, this could be a ploy to take valuable land with mineral resources, which is to be given to foreign investors. This is why the authorities and army is attacking the region with such brazen means.

So, if things are so, it shouldn’t shock anyone that the state and the leaders are willing to do this. They have used vicious means in Amuru and with Apaa land to other investors there. Therefore, the UPDF could serve a favour to some oil companies or other sort of mineral extraction company, which has gotten a go from the State House. However, that is yet to be proven.

Nevertheless, this wouldn’t shock anyone and we have seen the state act out before to prove a point and get their way. This is killings without justifications and done without legal precedence. It is only done to silence and extra judicial kill the ones who defy the state. Therefore, this is showing a dangerous means to an end. We don’t even know the possible amount of fatalities, as we have only the UPDF numbers from 29th March 2022.

This is showing what the GoU is willing to do to it’s own citizens and there is no way they can defend this. This is extra judicial killings on a massive scale. People should be warned and the plights of Karamjo can easily come closer to home. The November 2020 killings in Kampala by the UPDF says it all. Everyone can be touched and lose their lives. If the state isn’t getting their way. Peace.

UPC Regional Chairman for Bunyoro Kajura Amooti arrested over an unknown social media post

UPC regional Chairman for Bunyoro, Matias Kajura is under police custody following some post on one social media group kangabaije, it’s alleged he rubbed security the wrong way the CISO and RCC ordered for his arrest. We strongly condemn this act of intimidation and abuse of freedom of expression and association. We demand his unconditional release because Chairman Matias Kajura Amooti is not and can never be a threat to the security of Bunyoro which he serves with passion. Freedom of expression should not be abused and we won’t let it happen under our watch here in Bunyoro. Intimidation and arrogance will be fought to the marrow. Bunyoro is predominantly NRM, but we have freedom of association and we should learn to be tolerant and accommodate divergent opinion” (Enyunyuzi za Bunyoro, 07.03.2022).

This news reached me through Andrew Omara on Twitter. It wasn’t causing headlines or stir elsewhere. It is a need… because it is clear that Matias Kajura Amooti is arrested for his political aspirations and conscience.

That makes him a political prisoner or a prisoner of conscience. There is even reports that he possible is bare-feet and kept in an unknown location. His kept like so many others in the Republic in incommunicado.

Whatever he wrote on the Kangabaije group shouldn’t matter. It would be interesting to read it or see a screenshot of it. Since, it would be interesting to see what got him into trouble. We have in the past seen texts, which is offending the President and his Son. Which has been enough to offend and be called “offensive communication”. This time around there is not in the public or known. Only that the man is arrested and taken into custody.

This is worrying, but follows a pattern of the state. Which is more reckless and easily can detain people without court orders or warrants. There is no proof or reason for charges at this current time. There is only wild speculation, which isn’t any good. However, I doubt he was arrested on solid grounds.

This is just another us of a drone in 2022. Peace.

National Unity Platform (NUP): Statement on Propaganda about IPOD Funding (18.02.2022)

Uganda Law Society (ULS): Statement on Torture of Suspects under Detention by Security Forces (05.02.2022)

Opinion: Todwong’s fool’s errand

The Interparty Organisation for Dialogue (IPOD) is still engaging the National Unity Platform (NUP) so that it joins them. In a document released by the IPOD council chairperson who doubles as the National Resistance Movement (NRM) secretary general, Richard Todwong, he said as leaders of different political parties, they are still engaging NUP as to convince them to join IPOD. “We want them to work together towards finding solutions to the governance and political challenges we may experience as a country,” he said” (Simon Peter Tumwine – ‘We are still engaging NUP to join IPOD, says Todwong’ 04.01.2022, New Vision).

The National Resistance Movement Secretary General Richard Todwong and IPOD council chairman has work ahead of him. In the same article the National Unity Platform Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya says at this point it’s not purposeful to join the IPOD. Where he stated the IPOD has to change and listen to the stipulations the NUP gave, which we know the NRM won’t do.

That is why we know the document and IPOD mission to get the NUP in the fold is a suicide mission. Unless, they are open for a revolution and total changes, as we know the IPOD haven’t dropped anything of sense in ages. The last big conferences or heads of parties has been a big presser and an envelope session.

So, I understand why NUP doesn’t see the relevance to be sitting around with Party Presidents and await for His Excellency to lecture everyone before dipping back to one of the State House’s or ranches. The NRM SG could be honest about it, but don’t expect it.

The IPOD didn’t help the parties in the manner of Public Order Management Act (POMA) and the other means of the state to oppress the opposition. This forum is a wasted forum and an organization who only buys the President time and make him see who he can compromise. The IPOD isn’t all that and I am glad that the NUP see this.

The NUP is just showing it has no intentional works in the future. They just wants everyone on the platform and at the venues when they are gathering. It looks better when all the major parties are at the event and conferences. Just like it looked bad the times Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) boycotted it. Clearly, that wasn’t enough and it wasn’t like that changed things either.

The NRM SG can make it believe that the IPOD has a mission and wants to achieve things. However, that is far and beyond at this point. The ones funding this should see it for themselves. Nevertheless, they are just the credit-card and the bank willing to fund this foolish enterprise, which leads to a road leading to nowhere. There is no end in sight and neither any objectives. It is just existing and become a pathetic organization.

Todwong can act like IPOD is relevant and has a place, but that doesn’t make it true. I cannot remember any achievements or any sort of “governance” changes coming out of IPOD. That is just the mere fact. The NRM Caucus and it’s documents has more value than any of these gatherings… and that says a lot. Even forgotten letters from the President has a significant possibility to change things. But… IPOD… who …. are …. we …. kidding?

Right?

Todwong stop this charade and get out of here. This is nonsense and you know it. Peace.

Opinion: Orikunda’s Hero is a Zero

Today in the Nile Post, Sam Evidence Orikunda got a piece published called ‘Why President Museveni is my hero of 2021’. These sort of article and think pieces must be written by people who is seeking a higher office or wants to be loyal token soldiers to the President. Because, these sorts of texts doesn’t have the composure or the arguments to back it all up.

It isn’t strange if Orikunda wants a better job, as his currently a Deputy Residential District Commander and that’s an unforgiving office in a district in the republic. As he needs something more to aim for and more fulfilling. I don’t blame Sam for that. This is maybe the reason for the praising of the President. In the hopes that the State House and some of the cronies in the entourage of the President will recognize him. That’s how it looks…

Just read this: “Though some people had predicted doom to befall against our country but they forgot that we had an experienced leader in state house” (Orikunda, 03.01.2022). Nobody with a sincere heart wants doom to befall on anyone or a Republic. However, what people have wanted is to change the leadership and have a peaceful transfer of power. Yes, that will be doom on the current regime and it’s leaders, but the troubles wouldn’t necessary trickle down on the republic. Only the elite and the current cronies who is eating of the plate of the experienced leader in the State House.

He continues: “After completion of the electoral process, the Electoral Commission in accordance with the law, declared President Yoweri Museveni as the winner of the elections and that was the best gift for us since as the movement we believe in the politics of continuity and ideology. The EC and the judiciary conducted the much anticipated swearing in and we have since then focused on service delivery and keeping the country safe for the citizens to work and develop themselves” (Orikunda, 03.01.2021).

Sometimes I wonder, if Museveni and the yellow leaders are able to cast spells or potions on their inner-circle, because this sort of reasoning boggles my mind. Like did the Deputy RDC even see how the elections was orchestrated? Didn’t he see the misuse of power, authorities and total deprecating results that came out of it?

It is like his living in another universe and didn’t see the open rigging. Didn’t catch the misuse of law-enforcement and the total disregard of the will of the people. Where there was no choice and the majority was prepared yet again for the National Resistance Movement (NRM). It is outrageous how quickly we are supposed to forget the arbitrary arrests, extra-judicial killings and misuse of power to get political gains. That’s what’s really frightening and how easily a crony is glossing over everything.

While also acting like it was a continuity and ideology that was the reason for the victory. When we know damn well that it was the guns and glamour. Not the policies or the pledges, manifesto or anything of that sort. Neither was the courts following due process and the Electoral Commission worked on command from “high above”. Therefore, the Deputy RDC lives in an alternative reality, which I cannot recognize.

He continues: “During the campaigns, the opposition went to people and said that the NRM was taking advantage of the lockdown to campaign for themselves and harass the opposition” (Orikunda, 03.01.2021).

The NRM and the President did. There was several of districts and candidates that could mobilize or travel to districts, as RDCs and others blocked them. Heck, authorities barricaded hotels and made it impossible for Bobi Wine to travel into districts. Which never happened to Museveni. He was allowed everywhere and there was never an issue in concern to COVID-19 when the Yellow brigade came to a town near you. The Coronavirus was only a problem when the opposition like Bobi Wine or Partick Oboi Amuriat was near you.

He continues: “Some couldn’t even allow a meeting of five people to take place, however our less caring opposition leaders wanted to go ahead and do rallies so that Ugandans get infected which is inhuman, the president had earlier said that anybody who mobilises crowds in the days of the pandemic is intentionally committing murder. Those who understood remained home, followed campaigns on television and when the voting day reached they voted candidates of their choice” (Orikunda, 03.01.2021).

Here he shows the point again. There is no proof of this and data suggesting this. Yes, COVID-19 and the coronavirus is spreading in public gatherings. However, there is no proof that the opposition spread it or made dangerous mass gatherings. There is no evidence that can be associated with that. Neither is there any relief, as the NRM held massive rallies and primaries with voting in lines, which is gatherings of sorts. Which is as bad as the spontaneous and planned outdoor stadium rallies, which the state blocked from the opposition due to COVID. So, the writer is coming with baseless allegations. While we know the blocking was intentional, as the NRM Primaries had bigger rallies and gatherings than the opposition was allowed to months after. Just to be real.

Secondly, the murder committed was by the authorities and the law-enforcement, which actually killed, abducted and arbitrary arrested opposition candidates, activists and polling agents for that matter. They are the ones that killed and took life. Heck, the authorities even killed civilians in the November Massacre in Kampala. There was murders on the campaign trail in Masaka. There was so many times people died and countless unsolved murders, which implicates state involvement. Therefore, the writer and Deputy RDC should be concerned about that. Not only implicating the opposition with unsubstantiated claims, which he has done recklessly.

The last piece here is really outrageous, as we know the television and radio was functioning fine for the NRM and the Yellow candidates. However, the opposition or independents barely had airtime. The RDCs and others blocked the opposition from local-radio shows and others during the campaign. So, it is not like the home-sitters could get a broad perspective from linear-based media. No, that was all Museven and all NRM with a dose of opposition, now and then.

He continues: “Even in the scaring days of the pandemic the government under the Stewardship of President has come up with new programs of getting Ugandans out of poverty, the NRM principal of social economic transformation will be realised. The Parish Model program which is coming soon with the pre -activities already done in several districts will see a number of focused Ugandans get out of poverty and create incomes for themselves and their families. The mentality of substance agriculture will soon end so that we can have food and also earn some Income. This among many were the promises of the Movement in the recent campaigns” (Orikunda, 03.01.2022).

This is selling the same schemes as it has done since the early 1990s and hoping for different result. The promise of wealth and middle-income country is something Museveni have done endlessly. However, his cows are drinking cleaner water than many citizens. That’s because the citizens isn’t his priority. The Emyooga, the Parish Model, the Operation Wealth Creation and such are just schemes to enrich the leaders and the ones in near proximity of the President. These things will fizzle out and become redundant. Since, there will be lack of results and Gen. Salim Selah needs a new hustle and new reason to live lavish in semi-luxurious hotel in Northern Uganda.

The NRM has promised the change of the economy and such since forever. Just as long as Museveni has been in office. Therefore, I don’t trust him a second. That he will bring changes to that in 2021. Not when he haven’t achieved it in the early 1990s or 2000s. This man has decade and tried every trick in book. So, he clearly don’t mind not to resolve it. If it had been dear to his heart and his pockets. It would have been in order like his farms or like the State House.

He ends with: “President Museveni has made tremendous achievements in 2021 and I think he is the hero of the year” (Orikunda, 03.01.2021).

I do not see the tremendous achievements, neither any positive results or signals. The debt-recycling, the deficits created by this government, the lack of revenue and the current huge patronage will only create more issues ahead. As the pay-roll, the massive local government budgets and the expenditure, which the state cannot carry. Plus the likes of the Deputy RDC who hasn’t a vital or important role. As there are many conflicting offices in each district competing to be relevant. Therefore, this state isn’t growing, but deteriorating. Make bills it cannot pay and the next generation is billed for it.

I don’t see how it did a good job or even achieved anything new. The Nile Bridge was fine, but that’s only one piece of infrastructure and they had to fix the gravel or bitumen on it twice. Nothing is done correctly at once. Just like not keeping Presidential Decrees and paying medical interns on time. Because, that’s how a hero is governing I suppose. While keeping dissidents incommunicado and not producing them in court in time. Since, that is modus operandi in the Republic, as we speak.

I cannot understand how he got to this and how he could write this piece a clear conscience. Is it that easy to lie and deceive when your part of the government? Is that how you get ahead in the NRM these days?

Because, if so… then it makes some sense. Even though that is sad and depressing. Peace.

Opinion: Elections in the Republic under Museveni is run like an Casino

If the Kayunga District By-Election results proves what some of us has been saying. It proves that the state machinery and the electoral commission is working in tandem. The state and the State House has all the advantages in a race. The state agencies and authorities are all coinciding with the memos, decrees and the whims of the “high above”. That’s why elections aren’t open, independent or fair. Free and fair elections is a myth here and it’s all rigged to fit the Presidency.

Let’s be clear, here is unwritten rule that you don’t challenge Museveni and expect to win. He might act like it is a fair fight or an open race. The President allows a few challengers, but they will not have the same spotlight, the access to media or even ability to campaign like him. They will be violated, silenced and stopped from doing their ordinary politicking. While the President can canvass, campaign and be on every single media house any part of the day. Meanwhile, his authorities, regional leaders and whatnot blocks the main opponent from doing the same. They are blocking the venues and making the assembly illegal even during election road-map, which is just made to mask the proposed “election period” for everyone.

This has been occurring for so long. This didn’t only happen in 2016 or in the General Elections in 2021. There been so many By-Elections hit by this and we can surely go back to 1996 and forward to know. Anyone who has had a legit campaign and popularity have suffered by the hands of the state. These folks have been called any name of the book and been blocked for “safety” reasons. The state have blossomed into a war-machine, using the military and police to enforce the will of one man. That’s why they have no real chance of winning or ability to do so. The state has made it impossible, as the parties can only convene in the headquarters in Kampala and they are blocked from operating nationwide. Only the ruling regime can be able to do so and freely. That party will not have issues with primaries or anything. They are allowed and nothing will be illegal. While the opposition cannot even open a party office in up-country without meeting security agencies and have arrests as well.

That’s why the General Elections and Elections in general in Uganda is run like Casino. The state and the NRM is the HOUSE. In concern to a Casino, the house never loose. Yes, it allows some to win and make them hooked. They allow some big prices get taken, as it is a hook to get you tricked into the system. Alas, the House is rigged to win. It might give some the idea that they can win. Nevertheless, the whole race and the crab-table is rigged for the House to profit. You can play blackjack, poker or whatnot. Whatever game you play… the Casino will win and have profits from it all. If it didn’t it wouldn’t operate or roll out the games.

The Casino during Museveni have given away some prices and illusions of victories for the opposition. However, the whole elections are made in a manner of which he wins. Not only does he win, but the NRM will secure the majority across the board. The opposition will not able to field candidates or even hold primaries to have flag-bearers in newly minted districts. Neither does they have the cash to pay to stand as a candidate. While the state has endless funds and the state machinery behind it. This is why the opponents can have great cards on its hands, but it will not matter, because you might win one round… nevertheless the next race will be bloody. There will be no return and the Casino will ensure to get returns on every investment and game. Therefore, the opposition is only being another player, but a sucker who will inevitably loose.

Museveni and his Casino is opening the tables, but the dealer and everyone else knows the NRM will win in the end. The players might believe they have a shot and get some prices. However, they hope the opponent continues to play and will loose all the coins he had. Maybe even ruin their careers and have to borrow from loan-sharks to repay the Casino it’s debt. That’s where Museveni can come in and swoop the opposition candidate from the other parties. In manners of paying off their debts and make them loyal to him. This is what he has done and how he rigs it.

So, never expect Museveni or the Casino to let anyone really win. He only does to make it look like the illusion it is. That is the reality here and it’s tragic. Peace.