Campaign preview’s and updates on the ground in Uganda – The day before the day

Uganda-Electoral-Commission

There been the nominations days and harmonization of the campaigns with the Electoral Commission. So tomorrow is the official start to the long journey to 18th February. They have already talked and commented about each other. Now the train has left the station and we will see how far the train goes of it ends well at the destination.

Yellow Buses Luweero 081115 NRM

First- NRM in Luweero:

There have been pictures of the Yellow Buses arriving in Luweero without any joy of the locals. Also been reports of the Crime Preventers that was left behind in Kololo has been taken buses towards Luweero as we speak. So that they might get paid this time and also get a free t-shirt. So that the President has an eager crowd at the place! There are also reports that the NRM will treat the ones that show up a free lunch and transport to those who comes by the rally in town.

YKM Luweero and Nakaseke

One Campaign plan by the NRM:

“The NRM is now on the move to Neutralize ‪#‎Goforward Msge saying they are the ones going forward and in effect it resonates with the No Change Slogan”.

FDC Rukungiri 081115

Second – FDC in Rukungiri:

There have been reports that Dr. Kizza Besigye travelled through Ntungamo via Kahengye Bridge and continued through Nyakibare to Rukungiri Town. There been reports of supports walking from as long as 100 kilometers to stay over to take part of the election rally tomorrow! In the area the rally has called off work and become a Public Holiday in the area. The Kasiki has begun at the Fdc offices in Rukungiri in preparation for rally tomorrow today.

FDC Campaign 2015 P1

Later in the week some notices:

“All is set to welcome Col.(rtd)Dr. Kizza Waren Besigye Kifeefe to Kanungu on Thursday 12th.Nov.2015 – He is expected to arrive in the District on Wednesday evening and thereafter address his people via a Kanungu popular radio station KBS at 8:00pm. He will in the morning head to Mpungu to greet his people there and later pass Butogota where he will have a stop-over and greet his people. He will thereafter address a mega rally in Kihihi before heading to Kanungu Main Stadium for a final Mega rally in the evening” (Reports is saying so)

Amama Supporter 081115

Third – Go Forward:

Muhamad Kikomeko who is a support of the Amama Mbabazi escapes death in Sembabule, a group attacked his car and burned his car.

Masaka Go-Forward

The Amama Mbabazi rally will happen in Maska District.

Fourth and Fifth – Independent Candidates:

Tomorrow November 9, 2015 TIC Presidential Candidate Mr. Mabirizi Joseph and Mrs. Maureen Faith Kyala Waluube will hold various meetings in Iganga and Kaliro districts.

We have decided that the two cut costs and share resources – they will be campaigning on the same platform everywhere. Their time table is the same.

Tomorrow 9th Nov they are in Iganga and Kaliro. On Tuesday 10th – in Bugiri and Namayingo. On Wednesday,11th they will be in Jinja and Mayuge.

A Sidenote:

“Kagame on Nkurunziza: ‘What kind of president locks himself up, talks to no one — no one can find him — while bodies litter the streets?’”

Can’t wait for tomorrow! There will be movement on the ground and reports ticking in tomorrow. Can’t wait, not worth stressing about it before it ticks in and the campaigning will happen. An wonder how the people in the towns and villages around the areas where the Presidential Candidates are running their campaigns, not only also how the Tear-gas skirmishing police will deal with Leaders of Opposition, don’t expect any violence around the NRM campaign, but there rest there could be issues! Because the UPF has an history of going against the other ones. Peace.

Press Statement: New Battle Group of Uganda Soldiers arrive in Somalia to take part in Peacekeeping Mission in Somalia (08.11.2015)

ALJAZEERA Somali AMISOM

The first group of Ugandan soldiers expected to  replace their colleagues who have completed a year’s tour of duty at the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) have arrived in Somalia.

The soldiers, resplendent in their new army uniforms, jetted into Mogadishu Airport at 8:45am today, on board a Boeing 737 and were received by the Acting Uganda Contingent Commander, Col. Silvio Aguma, who also doubles as the commander of battle group 15, based in Arbiska. The new group  is headed by Col. Bob Ogik.

Col. Aguma saluted the outgoing troops for a job well done and expressed optimism that the incoming group will also excel in their duties.

“They (outgoing soldiers) did a very commendable job. They were centered around Baraawe, that is where their area of operation was and the new battle group that is coming in, battle group 17, will exactly move to Baraawe and take over the responsibility of conducting security operations, maintaining and making sure that the main supply routes remain open,” said Col. Aguma.

The officer said it was very critical that the main supply routes remain open for both AMISOM personnel and people of Somalia to enable them continue with their day-to-day duties uninterrupted.

“I do hope that the incoming battle group 17, since they are still fresh from training, are going to perform even better than the battle group rotating out,” the Acting Uganda Contingent Commander said.

In an earlier briefing to the outgoing soldiers, moments before they boarded the same plane that brought in their counterparts from Entebbe, Uganda Col. Aguma urged caution and discipline.

“It was almost a year ago when you left Singo for this very important mission. You started with step one and you have covered a thousand kilometers and today you are marking the last step. When you reach back home please maintain the discipline that has seen all of you finish this mission successfully,” Col.  Aguma said, while issuing the outgoing soldiers certificates.

Moments later, the visibly ecstatic soldiers, some waving and others flashing the thumbs up sign, in a single file marched and boarded the plane ready for a two- hour journey back home to rejoin their families.

Every battle group taking part in the peacekeeping mission serves for one year and has to rotate out once the tour of duty ends. Uganda is one of the troop contributing countries (TCCs) to the mission which seeks to rout the militant group, Al-Shabaab, in a bid to pacify and stabilize the hitherto war-torn horn of Africa country.

Other troop contributing countries are Kenya, Djibouti, Ethiopia and Burundi, all reinforcing the Somali National Army (SNA) in offensives against the Al-Shabaab.

 

Picture of the Day: President Museveni gets ready elections in Uganda

Museveni Butiaba 07112015

“Uganda’s President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has warned Ugandans to prepare for a war if they don’t vote him as president comes 18th February 2016″  (Afroreports, 2015).

Museveni Idi Amin

He had to pull the AK; just a few days after to prove his ways? Or is he trying the Vladimir-Putin-way to be the macho-leader and head of state at the same time. YKM or M7 must really fear the Opposition when he goes this way. And even warns the citizens of war if he doesn’t get the ability to cling to POWER! What do you think? The Campaign rallies starts tomorrow. Let’s see how this will unfold. Peace! 

Reference:

AfroReports – ‘Prepare for a war-Museveni Warns’ (06.11.2015) link:http://www.afroreports.com/index.php/latest-news/263-prepare-for-a-war-museveni-warns.html

Joint NGO Statement: Trips Council Decision on Extension of the Transition Period Concerning Pharaceutical Products (06.11.2015)

NGO Trips 061115

No fresh NRM primaries to be held for youths, says Tanga Odoi (Youtube-Clip)

“The chairperson of the ruling party electoral body Dr Tanga Odoi has denied that his office plans to conduct fresh polls for Youths.This comes after aggrieved youths threatened to storm Nelson Mandela stadium tomorrow where the elections will purportedly take place. Odoi says he will cause the arrest of those circulating a false document that the Youth polls were nullified” (NTV-Uganda)

International reactions to the assassaination plot and killings in Burundi

Burundi Cartoon

If this is not interesting and see how the government and multi-national organizations reacts to the continuations of violence from the Government towards its opponents. The staggering fleeing of people to neighbor countries and the escalations of killings should be put on the map and be addressed.

Nyamitwe 061115

THE AFRICAN UNION REITERATES ITS CONCERN ABOUT

THE SITUATION IN BURUNDI

Addis Ababa, 4 November 2015: The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU), Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, reiterates the AU’s deep concern about the situation obtaining in Burundi. She notes the continuation of acts of violence and the increase of statements that are likely to further aggravate the current situation and create conditions for more instability, with devastating consequences for Burundi and the whole region. She expresses the AU’s strong condemnation of all acts of violence and violations of human rights, as well as of all statements that can inflame the situation.

Against this background, the Chairperson of the Commission reminds all concerned Burundian stakeholders that the AU Peace and Security Council (PSC), at its 551st meeting, held on 17 October 2015, decided, in support of the efforts aimed at finding an early and consensual solution to the crisis facing Burundi, to impose targeted sanctions against all Burundian actors whose action and statements contribute to the persistence of violence and impede the search for a solution. The Chairperson of the Commission stresses, once again, that only an inclusive dialogue, bringing together all Burundian stakeholders, will enable Burundi to overcome the serious prevailing challenges and prevent the situation from totally undermining the gains made since the signing of the Arusha Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation. She urges the Burundian authorities and other concerned actors to demonstrate the sense of responsibility that the situation demands and to place the interests of the Burundian people above any other consideration.

The Chairperson of the Commission reiterates the AU’s support to the mediation efforts led by President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, on behalf of the East African Community (EAC), and urges the Government of Burundi and all the other concerned stakeholders to lend him their full cooperation.

Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights statement:

“I unreservedly condemn the killing of the son of one of Burundi’s most prominent human rights defenders, Pierre Claver Mbonimpa, in Bujumbura earlier today. This is second member of Mbonimpa’s family to have been killed in recent weeks. Welly Nzitonda was reportedly arrested by police this morning around 11 a.m. His body was found this afternoon in the neighbourhood of Mutakura. Pierre Claver Mbonimpa himself narrowly escaped an assassination attempt in August 2015 and is still undergoing treatment abroad. One of his sons-in-law was also killed on 9 October” (OHCHR, 2015).

“Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region of Africa Thomas Perriello will travel to Burundi November 8-11 to express urgent concerns over the political and security crisis there. He will communicate the U.S. government’s alarm at violence by government and non-government actors inside of Burundi, and the recent dangerous rhetoric by the Burundian government surrounding the expiration of President Nkurunziza’s five-day ultimatum to turn over all illegal arms. He will also call for all parties to exercise maximum restraint and to follow through on commitments to dialogue” (…)”The Envoy also intends to visit Uganda, Rwanda, and Ethiopia between November 11 and 18, to consult with regional leaders on restoring stability to Burundi and emphasize the United States’ belief that a comprehensive, inclusive dialogue, as laid out in the AU’s October 17 communique, is the best means of doing so” (US GOV, 2015).

Belgium Foreign Affairs Minister Didier Reynards Statement 6th November:

“Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Didier Reynders is shocked by the murder of Welly Fleury Nzitonda, son of Pierre Claver Mbonimpa, the human rights activist who took refuge in Belgium. This murder follows that of his son-in-law, Pascal Nshimirimana. Tens of anonymous victims already died because of the instability in recent months. The Minister expresses his sympathy to the family of Pierre Claver Mbonimpa and to the people of Burundi.  The death of Mr. Nzitonda illustrates once again that incitement to hatred and violence can have tragic consequences. The Minister noted with deep concern the public statements in this regard. These brought to memory the darkest pages in the history of Burundi. The Minister calls on all parties, both from government and opposition, to exercise utmost restraint in declarations and to avoid new violence at all costs”.

Hey! What do you think about it? Peace!

Reference:

OHCHR – ‘Comment by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein on Burundi killing (06.11.2015) link: http://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/Media.aspx#sthash.bqxnw4Hf.dpuf

 

US GOV – ‘Special Envoy Thomas Perriello’s Travel to Burundi and the Great Lakes Region’ (06.11.2015) link: http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2015/11/249291.htm

Besigye’s comments about the unfair electoral landscape over the years (Youtube-Clip)

Press Release: Court dismisses Case against Uganda and SG on the alleged Failure to Investigate Business related to Trafficking of Military Goods (05.11.2015)

cadets10 UPDF

East African Court of Justice Arusha, 5 November 2015: The First Instance Division dismissed a case filed by a Ugandan national, Oscar Okaly Opuli, against the Secretary General of the East African Community (1st Respondent) and the Republic of Uganda (2nd Respondent) alleging that the government of Uganda’s failure to investigate David Greenhugh and business related to trafficking of military goods from Ukrain to Sudan through Uganda, a conduct which is contrary to the United Kingdom’s Export Control Order Act 2008 and the East African Community Laws is an infringement of the Treaty. The Applicant also alleges that the Secretary General’s inaction constitutes an infringement of the Treaty for the Establishment of the EAC.

In February 2015, the Court directed the Applicant to file evidence of a witness by way of affidavit and his submissions with the Court by 8th May 2015. To date none of the orders have been complied with and the Court has gone ahead and dismissed the matter.

The Court in its ruling stated that, they agree with the Counsel for the Respondents that no sufficient reasons had been advanced by the Counsel for the Applicant for his failure to take steps ordered by the Court on 23rd Feb 2015 after the Scheduling Conference. The Principal Judge Hon. Lady Justice Monica Mugenyi further said that in absence of sufficient reasons such failure amounts to abuse of Court process. The Court therefore exercised its discretion under Rule 1 (2) and 66 (3) of the Court’s Rules of procedure and dismissed the case.

Before the Court ruled, the Lawyer for the Applicant submitted that the Applicant lost contact with the witness leading the to delay in filing of the Submission as the Court had ordered in February 2015 and was requesting the Court for more time of 30 days to file the same.

Mr. Agaba representing the Secretary General also submitted opposing the prayer for the Applicant and said that Applicant has consistently shown lack of interest in the matter since the time the Court directed him to file his submission up to today. That this was evidenced by his failure to communicate to Court what the challenge was. He further said that if he had failed to submit the requirements in eight months then he might not do the same in the one month being requested for. Mr Agaba asked Court to strike out the case because the Applicants have failed to fulfill their obligations and that is the abuse of the Court’s process.

The 2nd Respondent (Attorney General of Uganda) represented by Ms. Margaret Nabakooza also associated herself with the submissions of Counsel for the Secretary General and asked Court to dismiss the case.

The matters came before a bench of the Judges of the First Instance Division composed of Honourable  Lady Justice Monica Mugenyi (Principal Judge), Justice Dr. Faustin Ntezilyayo, and Justice Fakihi A . Jundu.

Notes for editors
Rule 1 (2) of the East African Court of Justice Rules of Procedure 2013 states that; nothing in these Rules shall be deemed to limit or otherwise affect the inherent power of the Court to make such orders as may be necessary for the ends of justice or to prevent abuse of the process of the Court.

Rule 66 (3) of the East African Court of Justice Rules of Procedure 2013 provides that; Where any party to whom time has been granted fails to produce evidence or to cause the attendance of its witness, or to perform any other act necessary to the further progress of the case, the Court may, notwithstanding such failure, proceed to determine the dispute or reference forthwith.

About the EACJ

The East African Court of Justice (EACJ or ‘the Court’), is one of the organs of the East African Community established under Article 9 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community. Established in November 2001, the Court’s major responsibility is to ensure the adherence to law in the interpretation and application of and compliance with the EAC Treaty.

Arusha is the temporary seat of the Court until the Summit determines its permanent seat. The Court’s sub-registries are located in the respective National Courts in the Partner States.

ENDS-
For more information please contact:

Ms. Geraldine Umugwaneza, Ag. Registrar
Email: umugwaneza@eachq.org

Mr. Owora Richard Othieno, Head of Department;
Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Department;
EAC Secretariat
Tel: +255 784 835021; Email: othieno@eachq.org

East African Court of Justice
Arusha, Tanzania

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Odoi accuses losers in NRM primaries of trying to use influence to overturn results (Youtube-Clip)

“NRM electoral Commission chairperson Dr Tanga Odoi has accused ministers who recently lost in NRM primaries of trying to appeal to senior party leaders to have the results overturned. Odoi said it is only his office which has the capacity to review and order a re-election if the results are found to be flawed. He also declared that on Monday next week the commission will release findings into the anomalies during primaries” (NTV Uganda).