FDC Youth Forum reacts to the TDA approval of Amama Mbabazi and want Dr. Kizza Besigye out of the coalition

AmamaNTV

The saga continues. The race between the Amama Mbabazi new position in the TDA has set things on fire. The same is with the FDC and FDC Youth Forum whom has rights to question the position of their flag-bearer which they wish to have as the leader of the opposition and not the fallen out of grace from the NRM which the other guy has.

Pretext:

“The group of FDC youth have raided storm Royal Suites Bugolobi, the venue for the TDA summit meeting demanding for their party’s withdraw from the opposition alliance” (Odongo, 2015). “The youth who were armed with placards demanded that Besigye leaves the summit and announces that FDC has quit the Alliance. Despite hesitating, Besigye came out of the meeting to address the rowdy youths. He advised them to go to the party headquarters in Najjanakumbi where he would address” (…)”The Youth were lead by MPs Odongo Otto, Geoffrey Ekanya and Jack Sabiiti who some days ago petitioned that FDC withdraws from the Alliance” (Waiswa, 2015). “The National Candidates Selection Committee of the Opposition coalition, The Democratic Alliance, recommended Mbabazi as the most favorable to joint presidential candidate. Not long ago Mbabazi as prime minister was being faulted by the opposition for stifling democracy in the country” (Waiswa, 2015).

Dr. Kizza Besigye 170915

This is what really went down:

“Dr Kizza Besigye, the FDC flag-bearer in the 2016 presidential elections has called for restraint and calmness after a group of radical party youth dragged him from a meeting of The Democratic Alliance on Thursday” (…)”The youth warned that FDC would not accept TDA’s endorsement of Amama Mbabazi as the alliance’s flag-bearer in the 2016 election, as alleged in the media” (…)”The youth claimed that while they did not have anything personal with Mbabazi, his alleged “involvement in the suppression of our struggle are still fresh in our minds, he is responsible for our continued suffering” (Aine, 2015).

Dr Kizza Besigye said this: “Our people are concerned by this alleged unfairness” (…)”They are saying the process is unfair. The people are right, it must be questioned. The process must fair” (…)”NEC must sit and discuss concerns of unfairness. People are confused that how can a coalition of opposition support Hon Mbabazi who is an NRM member” (Aine, 2015).

Afterthought:

Well, with the recent actions from the FDC Youth Forum proves that the issue of whom is running for the flag-bearer post in the TDA. That will also create issues between the parties in the alliance and coalition. The frictions that it takes when a independent man that was the former menace to society is now the front-runner of the opposition. Now he is the man to run for office after being split from the mothership or the party he was a poster-child in.

Dr. Kizza Besigye was the same for the NRM, but went out earlier and was involved also from the Bush to the rewrite of the constitution so that President Museveni could sit until indefinite and not leave the office. So after that Dr. Kizza Besigye has lost elections in 2006, 2011. Who even made the issues with the government over the famous ‘Walk to Work’ riots!

That’s why the FDC Youth Forum reacts when the opposition candidate to fight the NRM sole candidate who has been there since 1986, which everybody already knows. The issue that is concerning is the reaction, not from the Youth Forum since they already has addressed their plea. It’s the reaction from FDC flag-bearer Dr. Kizza Besigye who is the people’s president. That has addressed the matter and how it changes the power struggle in the coalition of the TDA. But it’s frightening if this is the way that Dr. Besigye is now addressing the procedures of NEC in the TDA. If this is now really weakening the coalition then it will hard to go back, that the issue becomes a struggle between Amama Mbabazi and Dr. Kizza Besigye, instead of a unity going to show strength towards NRM regime. They need to stay strong against it, if not the fractions and frictions will always be in a coalition, but the way it’s turning isn’t making a solid effort to achieve the changes in electoral reform and also making sure of giving an honest fight against the NRM party. If they go back to scratch then the time was a wasting in a unity that didn’t leave a trace in the 2016 race other than failure. That Dr. Besigye or any of the other opposition party leader want to see happening. Peace.

Reference:

Aine, Kim – ‘Besigye Calls Crisis FDC NEC Meeting as Youth Denounce Mbabazi’ (17.09.2015) link: http://chimpreports.com/besigye-calls-crisis-fdc-nec-meeting-as-youth-denounce-mbabazi/

Odongo, Otto – ‘Otto, FDC youth stir chaos at TDA meet’ (17.09.2015) link: http://www.theinsider.ug/otto-fdc-youth-stir-chaos-at-tda-meet/

Waiswa, Baz – ‘Youth Storm TDA Summit, Force Besigye To Withdrawal From Alliance’ (17.09.2015) link: http://news.ugo.co.ug/youth-storm-tda-summit-force-besigye-to-withdrawal-from-alliance/

Letter – Re: Verification of Mr. Kafeero Sekitoleko Robert Academic Documents (14.09.2015)

UNEB - Kafeero Sekitoleko Edit

Parliament to Pay Tribute to Gen. Aronda Nyakairima on the 17th September 2015 (with PM Hon. Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda statement)

Uganda Parliament Museveni

The Parliament of Uganda will, on Thursday, 17th September 2015 hold a special sitting to pay tribute to the late Hon. Gen. Aronda Nyakairima who passed away over the weekend. Hon. Gen. Nyakairima, UPDF MP and Minister of Internal Affairs died in transit to Dubai, while he was returning from an official trip to South Korea on Saturday 12th September, 2015. The Clerk to Parliament has communicated that the body of the Late Hon. Gen. Nyakairima will be brought to Parliament and lay in State for viewing by Members of Parliament and public after which a special sitting will be held at 2.00 p.m. in his honour. An overnight vigil will be held at his residence in Buziga. On Friday 18th September, the body of the Late Hon. Gen. Nyakairima will be taken to Kololo Independence Grounds for a Church Service before being flown to his ancestral home in Rukungiri for burial on Saturday 19th September, 2015. The Late Hon. Nyakairima was in the House between Sept 1 – 3, 2015, when it met to consider the creation of new districts, Supplementary Schedules 1, 2, 3 and the NGO Bill, 2013, which directly fell under his docket and some of which were passed.

CABINET PAYS TRIBUTE TO HON GEN. ARONDA NYAKAIRIMA, MINISTER OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS

Cabinet held a special meeting today, Tuesday 15 September 2015, to pay tribute to Hon Gen Aronda Nyakairima, who passed away suddenly on 12 September 2015, and to receive a brief from the Task Force led by Defence Minister, Hon Dr Crispus Kiyonga, on the arrangements so far made for burial.The Cabinet meeting was chaired by The Prime Minister, Rt Hon Dr Ruhakana Rugunda.

Dr Kiyonga informed Cabinet that Government had on Saturday 12 September 2015 dispatched a team of doctors led by the Chief of Medical Services in the UPDF, Dr James Makumbi, together with two family members, namely, Mr Henry Ngabirano and Mrs Jolly Ngabirano, to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to work with the authorities there to conduct investigations and to repatriate the body.

Cabinet acknowledged and saluted the significant contribution the late Gen Aronda made to the country’s stability and the unity of the people of Uganda.

Cabinet, however, noted that some elements of society, including some senior leaders in the country were using the tragic passing on of Gen Aronda, to spread falsehoods, negative and sectarian sentiments aimed at inciting and dividing the people of Uganda. Cabinet strongly condemned such acts.

Cabinet approved the burial arrangement plans as follows:
Wednesday, 16th September 2015: Arrival of the body.
Thursday, 17th September 2015: Body lies in State in Parliament for Members to pay tribute to the late Hon Gen Aronda.
Friday, 18th September 2015: Funeral service at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds.
Sunday 20th September 2015: Burial in Rukungiri.

Ruhakana Rugunda (Dr)

Prime Minister
15 September 2015

IGP. Gen. Kale Kayihura discribes and argues for the UPF involvement in the tear-gas and violence at Soroti and Jinja recently

PM

We all have followed the recent events that UPF went bat-crazy on the consultant meetings that Amama Mbabazi had in Jinja and Soroti. Some places even had the pictures for a fighter airplane flying over the place that had the meeting in the Soroti. And all the tear-gas that they shuffled into the people who showed up the events should be not forgiven. What seems strange to people is the issues with campaigning, though Museveni did the same thing two weeks before in the same area as Mbabazi! The IGP Gen. Kale Kayihura didn’t talk about that… though… but the one feed you sure get shield by the UPF. So that Amama Mbabazi has fallen from the grace and throne and now the cronies of the government is showing its true color.

Gen. Kale Kayihura said earlier today to the press:

“When he asked to hold the first phase of the consultation meetings in Eastern Uganda, I was relaxed and allowed him to do so. However, Mr Mbabazi deviated from what the law provides for. He went ahead and organized and held public rallies yet he is not a presidential candidate there by provoking police to fire tear gas. He (Mbabazi) is still an aspirant” (…)”Don’t blame the police (for firing tear gas and live bullets at Mr Mbabazi’s supporters). Blame Mbabazi who organized and held illegal rallies in a market and near the schools. Don’t blame the consequences, blame the cause” (…)”an aspirant may consult in preparation for his or her nomination as a presidential candidate within twelve months before the nomination date” (…)”while consulting under subsection one, a presidential aspirant may carry out nationwide consultations, prepare his or her manifesto and other campaign materials, raise funds for his or her campaign through lawful means and convene meetings of national delegates” (…)”while consulting, the aspirant shall introduce himself or herself to the Electoral Commission and notify the relevant local council and the police of the area he or she goes to” (Daily Monitor, 2015).

He also said:

“An aspiring leader must be responsible” (…)”Police comes in when rights and freedoms of society is violated” (…)”Why not? We facilitated Mbabazi meeting at that place” (…)”Consultation mean exchange of views quietly. Why hurrying the campaigns?” (…)”Mbabazi must hold consultative meetings in confined place so that they don’t degenerate into rallies and campaigns” (…)”He [Mbabazi] should not defy the police” (…)”Mbabazi wanted to have two rallies including one in a market in Jinja. He wanted to build up mass of supporters from Iganga” (…)”I should have asked for specifics” (…)”They must be lawful. Why put rally in a market? Crime prevention is provided by law” (…)”Mbabazi should stop creating situations and blame us for the consequence (on teargas in Jinja)” (…)”Why aren’t aspiring leaders responsibility? Why did Mbabazi organize in a rally in a market and near school in Jinja?” (…)”Mbabazi is a clever lawyer, trying to use the public meetings for campaigns which are not authorized at this stage” (…)”Mbabazi is the one introduced the idea of town hall meetings. He is turning consultations into open campaigns” (TheInsider.co.ug, 2015).

Another report says that IGP said this:

“Accordingly, while you can go ahead and hold town hall meetings, we cannot clear you to hold your planned public meetings in the mayor’s gardens in Lira, in Pece Stadium, Gulu, and at the Boma grounds in Arua because that would be in violation of the Presidential Elections Act” (Mulondo, 2015).

If this wasn’t amazing quotes and telling how they are augmenting their ways. It should be put a light on especially with the knowledge of how the people who showed up to the meetings and the way the police acted towards its own citizens. So with the following post and updates from the events that you should look upon if you don’t know. Since then the words of the IGP will be utter nonsense from a police chief. Secondly you should also look into the history of Amama Mbabazi an seen the way he has gone through a wildfire from being one of the poster boys of the NRM to the independent candidate who now recently gone together with The Democratic Alliance. But that happen after the famous meetings that Gen. Kale Kayihura talked about! He is surely hold under surveillance since he can hold certain ways of meetings, but not the way the “clever laywer” wish to hold. Peace.

Update on the Death of Hon. Gen. Aronda Nyakairima, Minister of Internal Affairs

Update Aronda 140915

Amama Mbabazi went out of the desert and went into the lions den

MbabaziTDA110915P1

Today isn’t a normal day. Today is a day where it’s reviled after hazardous consulting meetings in Soroti and Jinja that a certain high caliber politician has switched sides. Amama Mbabazi is not any longer a Presidential Candidate in the NRM, but is becoming a part of the of opposition coalition The Democratic Alliance (TDA).

A man who had a special thing and now has gone from being the guy who has a vital part of the chambers in parliament, also and secretary of the party of the NRM party for years has gone into the lion’s den together with the opposition yesterday.

It proves the powerful idea behind FDC, JEEMA, DP, and UPC, so they are now accepting the brother into the camp when the internal parties has already picked their flag-bearers for the presidential election in 2016. He went from being a vital part of the NRM, a man Museveni trusted. Even if Mbabazi is famous for eating big slices of governmental deals and have even chartered high on corruption indexes, they are still letting him in the fold and umbrella of the TDA. This must be joyful reunion for Hon. Gilbert Bukenya who has trades silver coins from the CHOGM scandal in the past. Olara Otunnu knows the man well and has discussed matters concerning Mbabazi in length in the past. The same has Norbert Mao they all know him and how he has acted. As the public knows as well!

Well, so when the tides are turning and the opposition can prove greatness, while the NRM is losing ground. They still have the powerful army and police on their hand. We will sure see more teargas and venues in towns being under siege before the election in 2016. Since we’re still in the run-up! While we waiting we know that the ones that went independent earlier from NRM, might run back to fold to get feed and be underline of the main stem leadership protocol of the party. Though it seems that the fallout rate and big-men that has been around for ages is on the level of agony that Louis Van Gaal in Manchester United doing. Where certain former loved players has all left the club. Now the same is happening with the NRM. Though it is happens in other fashions and ways, but initially the same outcome. There consistency of harsh brutalities and the way people are getting out of the NRM, it doesn’t seem healthy.

MbabaziTDA110915P2

You’re either forced out with the skin on your teeth or you’re getting flogged in the main streets of Any-Town in Uganda. Amama Mbabazi I wrote earlier this year that he was starting a walk through the desert. He finally has found shade in the midst of darkness. The campaign he will run now will not be affiliated with the party he has been involved in for so long. This has been the end of it.  He lost when he questioned the power of the man on the top, that man would not accept somebody questioning the fact and realities of one sole candidate before preliminary voting inside the party. H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni would not have JPAM or Amama Mbabazi questioning his powers and reach, nor anybody else for that matter. That is why when other people are campaigning in the lands. The government bodies for securing peace will make fuzz and be violent against the crowds. We have seen all year from the campaigning of Dr. Kizza Besigye and recent attacks in eastern Uganda in Soroti and Jinja.

It shows that there are no nobility amongst the cadres of NRM especially when you look at the way they leave their people behind. There so many reasons for the end game of certain long serving politicians seems like their left to rot after being loyal subjects and done all in favor of the mighty president.

So yesterday’s signing of TDA protocol proves a vital point and strength of this unity. Also of the fallout of Amama Mbabazi was inevitable after the clippings of his wings in not so distant past. Which lead to his childhood friend Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda taking over his position as the PM. That was for the big-man on top fearing the issue of aspirations that Amama might have of one day wishing to succeed the fellow leader on the throne. Something that we all know isn’t acceptable by the sole candidate in 1996, 2001, 2006, 2011 and to come in 2016.

We will see what outcome and reach this symbolic turn of events will have. Though this signing of Protocol from Amama Mbabazi should by just the signature on the paper, strengthen the movements of the opposition since they have yet another former weapon-brother of the mighty Museveni.

This also leaves Mbabazi after months into wilderness and without shade, finally getting a gracefully sit-down with fellow peers. Who has for years and decades been under the scrutiny of regime that Mbabazi has partly put into effect especially with Public Order Management Act, which will always hunt him! Like a now evil ghost that was built to suppress anybody who wasn’t directly coordinating their movement with the government of Uganda, this is initially the cronies of the NRM.

So there we have it! TDA with Dr. Kizza Besigye, Olara Otunnu, Norbert Mao, Asuman Basalirwa and so on has now Amama Mbabazi in their ranks. They can soon be sitting together in the lion’s den and plotting their next move.

We can all wonder what this will say about the issues and coming elections while the parties themselves has picked flagbearers, who will be the main candidate of the alliance and the TDA. Will be race to follow and also see how the come-up to the 2016 in the end will be looking because if it follows the start, it will be violent and dangerous to be at other rallies then ones run by Museveni and his cronies. The rest will have to wear gas-masks and heavy gear to not taste rubber bullets of the police force and the rulings from the local DPC. Peace.

Statement by Prime Minister Rt Hon Dr Ruhakana Rugunda on the sudden death of Hon Gen. Aronda Nyakairima, Minister of Internal Affairs

Gen Aronda Nyakairima

12 September 2015:

“We have today learnt, with great sadness, of the sudden death of Hon Gen. Aronda Nyakairima, the Minister of Internal Affairs. General Aronda Nyakairima was returning from South Korea, on official duties, transiting through Dubai. The cause of his death is not yet known. His family has been informed. Government has set up a task force, led by Defence Minister, Hon Dr Crispus Kiyonga, to coordinate all matters relating to this tragedy.

A team of doctors–pathologists—is also being sent to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to assist with the post-mortem and the repatriation of the body. We will keep the country informed of any further details. General Aronda Nyakairima, who also served the country as Chief of Defence Forces, was a dedicated servant of the people of Uganda and his death is a tragic and huge loss to the country. We extend our deep condolences to the family and friends of General Aronda during this most trying period, and pray that the Almighty God comforts them”.

Reference:

http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/Prime-Minister-Rugunda-issues-statement/-/688334/2867470/-/rlf2bcz/-/index.html

ICC-CPI-20150910-PR1148: Ongwen case: Pre-Trial Chamber II recommends holding the confirmation of charges hearing in Uganda; ICC Presidency’s decision to be made in due course (10.09.2015)

Ongwen

Situation: Uganda
Case: The Prosecutor v. Dominic Ongwen

On 10 September 2015, Pre-Trial Chamber II of the International Criminal Court (ICC) recommended to the ICC Presidency that the hearing on the confirmation of charges against Dominic Ongwen, be held in the Republic of Uganda. The ICC Presidency will now consult with the Ugandan authorities and make a decision on this matter, in consultation with the Pre-Trial Chamber, in due course.

The confirmation of charges hearing in respect of Dominic Ongwen is scheduled to commence on 21 January 2016 and is expected to last three to no more than five working days. The confirmation of charges hearing is not a trial. It is a Pre-Trial hearing held to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to commit the case for trial before a Trial Chamber.

The Chamber considers that it would be desirable and in the interest of justice to hold the confirmation of charges hearing in Uganda, preferably in Gulu as this location is the closest to the location of the alleged crimes, or alternatively in Kampala. Also, the Chamber is of the view that the hearing on the confirmation of charges is well suited to achieve the ultimate purpose of holding proceedings away from the seat of the Court, as it is a short, self-contained, discrete procedural step. In addition, the Chamber considers that the estimated costs of organising the confirmation of charges hearing in Uganda do not appear disproportionate.

Prior to making this recommendation, the Chamber received an assessment of the ICC Registry as to the possibility of holding the confirmation of charges hearing in Uganda, as well as submissions of the Office of the Prosecutor and the Defence both in favour of attempting to bring the Court’s process closer to the communities affected by the alleged crimes.

Pursuant to Rule 100 of the Rules of Procedure and Evidence, where the Court considers that it would be in the interests of justice, it may decide to sit in a State other than the host State, for such period or periods as may be required, to hear the case in whole or in part.

dominic_ongwen_and_icc__dr_meddy

Background:  Dominic Ongwen was the alleged Brigade Commander of the Sinia Brigade of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA). On 8 July 2005, ICC Judges issued an arrest warrant against Mr Ongwen for 3 counts of crimes against humanity (murder; enslavement; inhumane acts of inflicting serious bodily injury and suffering) and 4 counts of war crimes (murder; cruel treatment of civilians; intentionally directing an attack against a civilian population; pillaging) allegedly committed on or about 20 May 2004 at the Lukodi IDP Camp in the Gulu District. On 16 January 2015, Dominic Ongwen was surrendered to the ICC’s custody and transferred to the ICC Detention Centre on 21 January 2015. His initial appearance before the Court took place on 26 January 2015.

 

Amama Mbabazi had a plan to have a consultation meeting in Jinja that got spoiled by the UPF

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3LJzgsejG4U

Jinja Mbabazi

The Government of Uganda and its security forces goes wild again in the Eastern town of Jinja. When Amama Mbabazi tries to have yet another consulting meeting in another town, we all know that there was issues with meeting in Soroti. Today the UPF went ballistic literally in Jinja. Which isn’t very democratic, and the Electoral Commission is objective the consultation meetings while the Museveni can do the same thing for some strange reason. Who wonder what he does before he went to eat sushi in Tokyo?

Jinja Police 10915 P1

One report:

“The Regional Police commander, Edgar Nyabongo, said they will not allow Mbabazi to hold a rally. The former premier is set to hold a consultative meeting at Kakindu and later address a rally at Kazimungu industrial park” (NewVision, 2015).

Jinja Police 10915

A well written timeline of the events transpiring today:

“2:14pm Mbabazi is 3km away from Jinja:

Jinja town is awaiting the arrival of former prime minister and presidential aspirant Amama Mbabazi. Mbabazi who left Mbale town in the morning is about to reach Jina. However, the road entering Jinja from Iganga has been blocked by the Police. Traffic is slowly building up as the vehicles are forced to use a narrow area the Police has left for the other road users. There are groups of people at the roundabout, occasionary shouting out at the Police’s decision to block Mbabazi. We are following his convoy, which is under the escort of Police” (Kirya, 2015).

“2:54pm Police clashing with Mbabazi supporters:

Mbabazi has arrived at his meeting venue, Kazimingi Industrial grounds with hundreds of supporters. He has been received by the Police and told he cannot use it. After a heated exchange between supporters and the Police, the Police fires tears gas and is still trying to disperse the crowds. The convoy is now moving towards Zamo Hotel, about a kilometre away. Mbabazi entered the town using a different route despite the fact that the highway had been blocked” (Kirya, 2015).

“4:00pm: Mbabazi bodyguards clash with Police:

Mbabazi convoy is still heading to another venue after he was blocked from using Kazimingi Industrial Park. After a heated exchange between Mbabazi and Kiira regional Police commander Edison Nyabongo, Mbabazi left for Zamo Hotel. However, the RPC had a fist fight with Mbabazi bodyguards and their leader Christopher Aine was briefly held before being released back into Mbabazi’s vehicle as they snake through the heavy jam to the meeting venue (Kirya, 2015).

Amama Mbabazi Jinja10915 P1Amama Mbabazi Jinja10915 P2

Other reports from what happen at the spot:

“Most of the residents fled towards the maize mills while others scattered towards Jinja Central Market, where they remained watching what was transpiring at a safe distances. Mbabazi closely watched was happening from the roof on his vehicle while raising his ‘go forward’ symbol” (…)”One of Mbabazi’s guards known as Aine was arrested while another was shot in the leg. This morning, David Kyasanku, the Jinja Town Clerk asked Mbabazi to look for alternative venues saying both Kakindu Stadium and Kazimingi were unavailable” (…)”Heavily armed Police officers led by Haruna Isabirye, the police director operations and Edgar Nyabongo, the Kiira Regional Police Commander intercepted Mbabazi at Lubogo road on his way to Travel Hotel” (URN, 2015).

I think the reports and letters was interesting, right?

The world should know more about what is happening in Uganda, right?

Peace!

Reference:

Kirya, Donald – ‘Mbabazi in Jinja’ (10.09.2015) link: http://www.elections.co.ug/new-vision/election/1000571/live-police-assures-mbabazi-security-indoors

NewVision – ‘Police ‘force’ Mbabazi out of Mbale’ (10.09.2015) link: http://www.newvision.co.ug/news/673213-police-force-mbabazi-out-of-mbale.html

URN – ‘Police disperse Mbabazi supporters in Jinja’ (10.09.2015) link: http://www.observer.ug/news-headlines/39791-police-forces-mbabazi-out-jinja-disperses-crowd

 

Uganda – UPF Press Release on the Amama Mbabazi Illegal consultation meeting in Soroti Town today (09.09.2015)

PR UPF 0909