Final Election Observation Statement in Kakumiro, Kibaale, Kagadi, Rubanda and Omoro Districts (30.08.2016)

Kagadi 29.08.2016

The Citizens’ Coalition for Electoral Democracy in Uganda (CCEDU) was launched on 19th August 2009. CCEDU is a broad coalition that brings together over 850 like-minded civil society organizations and over 25,000 individuals to advocate for electoral democracy in Uganda. The CCEDU secretariat is hosted by the Foundation for Human Rights Initiative (FHRI). CCEDU’s vision is to realize a Uganda where the principles and practices of electoral democracy are upheld. Its mission is to advance integrity and citizen participation in Uganda’s electoral process. CCEDU carries out its work in all districts and regions of Uganda. Since its establishment, CCEDU has been a leading player in advocacy for electoral reforms, observation of general and by-elections and civic/voter education campaigns.

CCEDU has a special mandate to observe Elections in conformity with the relevant international instruments governing election observation and the Constitution and National Laws of the Republic of Uganda.[1]

This statement presents the overall observations of the conduct of Election Day process of the CCEDU Election Observation Mission in the five districts.

 Summary

CCEDU finds that the Election Day processes were relatively peaceful and better organized from an administration perspective. Polling officials knew polling day procedures and generally followed the legal provisions on opening of the polling station, set up, voting, closing and counting. However, there were some challenges during the polling process notably some voters who were not permitted to vote. Additionally, although the election procedures allow for assisted voting, CCEDU noted cases of voters who were assisted to vote in many of the polling stations observed.

Set Up and opening

 Although many polling stations opened after 7am, the polling officials generally followed the laid out procedures for opening and set up. Additionally, the few incidents of missing materials mainly indelible ink were also resolved.

Voting

During the voting process, polling officials at most polling stations followed procedures and the Biometric Voter Verification System (BVVS) relatively functioned well.
In 84 of 100 polling stations observed, voters were checked for ink before receiving a ballot.

  • All polling stations observed had the BVVS. In 84 of 100 polling stations observed the BVVS functioned properly. Among the 16 that malfunctioned, 10 were fixed and 3 were replaced.
  • Polling officials instructed voters on voting procedures in 89 of the 100 polling stations observed
  • In 86 of the 100 polling stations observed, voters were able to vote in secret.
  • In 66 of the 100 polling stations observed, there were no unauthorized personnel present inside the polling station. However, police and crime preventers were present in 19 of polling stations.
  • High numbers of voters were assisted to vote. In 78 of the 100 polling stations observed some (1 – 14) voters were assisted to vote. In 6 of the polling stations observed more than 15 voters were assisted to vote. Unidentified people assisted voters in 67 of the 100 polling stations observed, while election officials and party agents assisted voters in 16 and 14 of the polling stations respectively contrary to the law.

Chart 1 representing number of voters assisted to vote based on data from 100 polling stations observed by CCEDU

District Polling Stations with CCEDU Observers Polling stations with between 1-14 voters assisted to Vote
Kagadi 33 28
Kakumiro 22 16
Kibaale 12 9
Omoro 14 11
Rubanda 19 14

NRM party agents were present in all the 5 districts (in 99 of the 100 polling stations observed), Independent candidates agents present in Kagadi, Kakumiro, Omoro and Rubanda (in 85 of the 100 polling stations observed) and FDC party agents present in Kagadi, Kibaale, Omoro and Rubanda (in 78 polling stations observed.) However UPC, DP and PP party agents presence is limited to Omoro district.

  • In 84 of the 100 polling stations observed, all voters in queue by 4pm were able to vote.

Omoro Election 2016

Counting and Declaration of Results

  •     In 99 of the 100 polling stations, polling officials opened the ballot box and sorted ballots in full view of the candidates’ agents.
  • 62 of polling stations did not have unauthorized personnel present during counting. However, 23 of polling stations observed had police present and 22 of polling stations had crime preventers present.
  • Party agents are useful in an election because they can deter fraud especially if they are vigilant and loyal to their candidate/party. During counting NRM party agents were present in all the 5 districts (in 98 of the 100 polling stations observed), Independent candidates agents present in Kagadi, Kakumiro, Omoro and Rubanda (in 82 of the 100 polling stations observed) and FDC party agents present in Kagadi, Kibaale, Omoro and Rubanda (in 74 polling stations observed.) However UPC and DP presence is limited to Omoro district. PPP party agents were not present during counting in any district.
  • Where party agents of NRM were present, their agents signed the Declaration of Results form in 94 of 100 polling stations. They refused to sign in 5 of the 100 polling stations observed.
  • Where agents of FDC were present, their agents signed the Declaration of Results form in 72 of 100 polling stations. Where FDC agents were present, they refused to sign in 4 of the 100 polling stations observed.
  • Where party agents of UPC were present, their agents signed the Declaration of Results form in 15 of 100 polling stations. They refused to sign in 0 of the 100 polling stations observed.
  • Where party agents of DP were present, their agents signed the Declaration of Results form in 15 of 100 polling stations. They refused to sign in 2 of the 100 polling stations observed.
  • Where party agents of PPP were present, their agents signed the Declaration of Results form in 6 of 100 polling stations. They refused to sign in 0 of the 100 polling stations observed.
  • Where party agents of independent candidates were present, their agents signed the Declaration of Results form in 79 of 100 polling stations. They refused to sign in 8 of the 100 polling stations observed.
  • Election results were posted publicly at 86 of the 100 polling stations observed and in all the polling station observed the presiding officer sealed a copy of the DR form in the tamper evident envelope for transmission to the Returning officer.

Critical Incident Reports

CCEDU received 22 critical incidents and verified 17. The highest number of incidents reported from Rubanda (7) and Kakumiro (6) Kagadi (2) and Omoro (1) had the least number of incidents reported.

  • Vote buying/voter bribery was the most reported incidents in Rubanda, Omoro and Kakumiro
  • Incidents of violence including disruption of voting were the second most reported in Kakumiro, Omoro and Kagadi
  • Incidents of unauthorized persons assisting others to vote were the third most reported critical incidents reported in Kakumiro.
  • In Rubanda there was also a case of impersonation of voters reported.
  • In Omoro voting ended at 5:00pm but voting materials from the polling stations arrived at the tally centre at 10:40pm.

Conclusion

Despite the fact that there were a few incidents of violence reported, CCEDU applauds voters in Kagadi, Kakumiro, Kibaale, Omoro and Rubanda for maintaining peace and calm during the elections. However, CCEDU is concerned that voters are increasingly demanding for bribes from candidates which is a point of concern in our electoral processes. CCEDU urges voters to desist from demanding for bribes and urges candidates to desist from buying voters.

CCEDU remains committed to improving the integrity of electoral processes in Uganda.

For God and my country.

Preliminary Election Observation Statement in Kakumiro, Kibaale, Kagadi, Rubanda and Omoro Districts (29.08.2016)

Kagadi 29.08.2016

The Citizens’ Coalition for Electoral Democracy in Uganda (CCEDU) was launched on 19th August 2009. CCEDU is a broad coalition that brings together over 850 like-minded civil society organizations and over 25,000 individuals to advocate for electoral democracy in Uganda. The CCEDU secretariat is hosted by the Foundation for Human Rights Initiative (FHRI). CCEDU’s vision is to realize a Uganda where the principles and practices of electoral democracy are upheld. Its mission is to advance integrity and citizen participation in Uganda’s electoral process. CCEDU carries out its work in all districts and regions of Uganda. Since its establishment, CCEDU has been a leading player in advocacy for electoral reforms, observation of general and by-elections and civic/voter education campaigns.
CCEDU has a special mandate to observe Elections in conformity with the relevant international instruments governing election observation and the Constitution and National Laws of the Republic of Uganda
This statement presents the preliminary observations on the opening and setup process of the CCEDU Election Observation Mission in the five districts. CCEDU share a more detailed report with once more information has been received from our observers.

SUMMARY

In August 2015, government approved the creation of new districts. Subsequently, the EC, on 30 June 2016, announced the programme for Parliamentary and Local Government Councils election in five of the newly created districts namely Kakumiro and Kagadi curved out of Kibaale district; Rubanda curved out of present day Kabale district and Omoro curved out of present day Gulu district. The offices for election are: District Woman Member of Parliament, Local Council V chairpersons and Youth representative.
In line with its mission to enhance integrity, transparency and active citizen participation in Uganda’s electoral processes, CCEDU commissioned an election observation mission in the five (5) districts, to observe the pre-election, Election Day and post-election periods.
CCEDU has deployed 100 polling station observers distributed proportionally in all the 49 sub counties that make up the five districts. These have been stationed across all the 49 sub counties to observe and report on the Election Day processes at the polling stations. (See Annex of CCEDU Observer Distribution in the 5 districts). These 100 observers are supported by 5 district supervisors, one in each district. Additionally CCEDU members and staff of CCEDU secretariat are on ground supplementing reports from the stationary observers.

PRELIMINARY ELECTION DAY FINDINGS

The conduct of the elections was guided by the 1995 Constitution of Uganda, the Parliamentary Elections Act 2005, the Local Government Act 1997 as amended and the Electoral Commission Act 1997.

This statement is based on observer reports and incidents filed by all the 100 observers deployed in the 5 districts as at 11:40 am focusing on the opening and setup process.

Kibaale District 29.08.2016

Findings on Set-up and Opening Process:

On the opening and set up process, CCEDU has observed the following:

• Polling officials had arrived only in 28 polling stations of the 100 polling stations by 6:30am. Although Omoro had a higher presence of polling officials, on the contrary, polling officials in Kakumiro, Kagadi, Kibaale and Rubanda districts were not present at polling stations by 6:30 which affected the opening of most polling stations.

• The Presidential and Parliamentary Elections Acts as amended provide for polling to begin at 7:00am and end at 4:00pm. By 7:00am, only 10 polling stations out of the 100 polling stations observed in the five districts had opened. Although most of the polling stations (72 of 100 polling stations) observed had opened by 8:00am. 27 polling stations opened after 8:30am.

• Although 91 of 100 polling stations observed had all strategic materials, 5 polling stations in Kagadi, Kakumiro and Rubanda were missing indelible ink and 1 polling station in Rubanda was missing the voter register.

• In line with Objective VI of the national objectives and directive principles of state policy, which provides for gender balance in all government institutions, out of the 4 polling officials in the 100 polling stations observed, at least 2 of polling officials were women.

• In most of the polling stations observed, polling officials followed procedure by observing the presence of at least 5 registered voters in 95 of the 100 polling stations observed. Additionally, polling officials in 95 of the 100 polling stations observed displayed ballot boxes to be empty before voting commenced observed and in 93 of 100 polling stations observed polling officials followed the set procedure of sealing ballot boxes before voting commenced.

• CCEDU observers have also noted the presence of party agents across all districts. NRM party agents were present in all the 5 districts (in 96 of the 100 polling stations observed), Independent candidates agents present in Kagadi, Kakumiro, Omoro and Rubanda (in 75 of the 100 polling stations observed) and FDC party agents present in Kagadi, Kibaale, Omoro and Rubanda (in 58 polling stations observed.) However UPC, DP and PP party agents presence is limited to Omoro district.
Critical Incidents:

The following critical incidents have been reported and confirmed by CCEDU observers between 7:00am and 11:40am:

• Biometric Voter verification systems malfunctioned in Kibaale District, Buyanja County, and Matale A Sub-county and at Nkooko B polling station, Bugangaizi East County, Kakumiro District.
Voter bribery has been reported in Bubare C polling station, Rubanda county East in Rubanda District.
• A fight between agents of an NRM candidate and an agent of an Independent candidate were reported and confirmed at Birembo A Sub-county, Bugangaizi West County in Kakumiro District.
• In Kyanyi Polling station, polling station code 01 in Nyamarinda Sub-county, Kibaale district, it was observed that 4 people known to be deceased had their names ticked in the voter’s register as though the deceased had voted.
Kakumiro community radio was reported to have been campaigning for an NRM candidate in Kakumiro town council, Kakumiro district.
• Agents of independent candidates were said to have manhandled an agent for the NRM candidate at Kakindo sub-county, Bugangaizi West county, Kakumiro district.

Omoro Election 2016
Conclusion

CCEDU remains committed to objectively observing and reporting on the elections as they unfold in the five districts. We shall provide a comprehensive statement on the polling and closing, counting and tabulation processes tomorrow August 30 at 10:00am.

We urge voters to remain peaceful and come out in large numbers to exercise their right to vote.

For God and my country.

Reports from the Elections in the newly formed districts Kagadi, Kakumiro, Rubanda, Omoro and Kibaale!

Boda Boda Elections

“Elections in the new districts have so far been peaceful.” Dr Livingstone Sewanyana

To get the rest of left seats in Parliament and Local Government are for grabs in the newly formed districts of Rubanda, Kagadi, Kakumiro and Omoro. So the stakes are high, even the Electoral Commission have again delivered Electoral Material late at the dozen polling stations in the districts. The famous ways of Boda-Boda’s are the common delivery method in the early morning as the stations are set up and made ready. But as the rest of the General Election this year, there been issues of bribery, pre-ticked ballots and some occurring incidents of even burning down a radio station. Take a look!

Good News:

“Police says they have not registered any clashes in the ongoing elections in the five newly created districts” (933 KFM, 2015). This counter’s the reports and worries that Dr. Badru Kiggundu of Electoral Commission claimed before the elections that they we’re worried about violence during the election. Seem, like the EC Engineer we’re wrong on that point.

Kagadi 29.08.2016

From Kagadi there are already reported that the National Resistance Movement have delivered pre-ticked ballots. “In police cells at Kagadi is Arinaitwe Ismail over Arson attempt. OC Kagadi police station says Arinaitwe tried to burn a radio station” (Capital FM Uganda, 2016). So there is a special situation in the district for the NRM Flagbearer Steven Kasingbwe, Forum for Democratic Change candidate Peter Byahangire and Independent Candidate Yosiya Ndibwami.

In one polling station in Kakumiro district there been reported low turnout as well at Kabworo polling station in Kakumiro town council. In the district where you have to choose between Apuli Ssemanda of NRM and Independent Candidate Lawrence Bazala, so it will be interesting to see who becomes the elected in the newly created district. A problem at some of the Polling Stations is that people are missing from the Electoral Register. So Voters sent away even if they we’re supposed to vote in Kakumiro. Also reported this: “Fight between agents of an NRM candidate and an agent of an Independent candidate were reported and confirmed at Birembo Sub-county, Kakumiro” (…) “Kakumiro community radio was reported to have been campaigning for an NRM candidate” (CCEDU, 2016).

In Rubanda district this we’re reported: “Distribution of polling materials to the 32 polling stations within Bubaare subcounty Rubanda districts begins at 6:35am!” and this happen on Boda-Boda’s in the district. So at some at the polling stations the Election material came late. “At Kacerere 5 Polling Station, Rubanda, Voters are outside waiting for a candidate(s) who will pay them money for their vote” (…) “Many of those we have talked to are unwilling to go and vote before they are paid. A vote is going for, between UGX 500 and 2,000” (NTV Uganda, 2016). “The arrest was executed by Dannie Elly Ecwatu the Officer in charge of Muko Police Station” (…) “This followed a tip-off by residents of Muko. Arigye recorded a statement at Muko Police Station with case reference number 07/29/208/16 The suspect is said to be a campaign agent of the independent District Woman MP candidate,  Hilda Kabarungi” (New Vision, 29.08.2016). Also in Rubanda we’re FDC MP Hon. Francis Mwijuke: “Just to be sure. Tight marking. No taking chances. Here in the new district of Rubanda- Kabale monitoring the polling for LC5 chairman and the district woman MP” (Mwijuke, 2016). The CCEDU said this about the election in Rubanda: “5 polling stations in Kagadi, Kakumiro and Rubanda were missing indelible ink and 1 polling station in Rubanda was missing voter register” (CCEDU, 2016).

Omoro Election 2016

In Omoro the highly contested by-election as the Democratic Party, Uganda People’s Congress, National Resistance Movement and Forum for Democratic Change candidates who contest for the single positions in this elections. Today’s bigshot we’re when DPs Norbert Mao went out to stamp out his vote today at Labongologo Polling Station, where he voted for Omoro Woman MP and District Chairperson.

Kibaale District 29.08.2016

From Kibaale district:

The FDC candidate in Kibaale District Woman MP race, Counsel Proscovia Kunihira has Just Cast her vote . There Is largely a Poor turn up of voters in Kibaale and other 4 Districts where the élection Is taking place. But, we have total confidence Our candidate Will win This race and paint Kibaale and Bunyoro” (Mulindwa Walid Lubega, 2016). Also some technical difficulties as the “BVS malfunctioned in Kibaale District, Buyanja County, and Matale A Sub-county and at Nkooko B p-station” (…) “In Kibaale district, 4 people known to be deceased had their names ticked in voter’s register as though the deceased had voted” (CCEDU, 2016).

CCEDU statement in general:

“NRM prescence the most prevalent, FDC had in Kigadi, Kabale, Omoro, and Rubanda, UPC, DP only noted in Omoro. This concerns us” (…) “By 7:00am, only 10 polling stations out of the 100 polling stations observed in the five districts had opened” (CCEDU, 2016).

“MP’s want 150m for cars, but shouldn’t Government prioritise LC1 Elections above all?” Dr Livingstone Sewanyana

What Might happen:

So now it just to see how the Election will be tallied and the results will come. If there will be incidents like the NRM Primaries or even Presidential Election earlies this year where Pre-Ticked Ballots are coming from the sheds, Police Stations and from Candidates all over the place. Wouldn’t be surprised if the Tally Centre’s get raided by a disgruntled candidate or even comes with security forces to clear the result in the name of the candidate.

Let’s hope it gets totally free and fair, but if any indication and trust between the electorate, let’s say the citizens and the Electoral Commission as the sham and rigging we’re evident during last election. So the low-turnout now is a continuation of the low turnout at the Local Councilor Elections during the latest polls. So therefore the end-game will make this interesting as the proof of systematic malfunction might come again. Peace.    

Press Statement: Vote for UPC in Omoro and Rubanda Districts (24.08.2016)

UPC 24.08 P1

UPC 24.08 P2

Opinion: A little rant to the long serving Presidents out there; I had too after the NBS TV Uganda 100 days since M7 stole the Election BS recently…

M7 100 Days

With the NBS TV Uganda who wanted to ask President Museveni how he felt after his first 100 days into his 5th official term… how he felt of his achievements as Executive after a hundred days we’re the journalist questions to the man who have ruled since 1986. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has run the Ugandan Republic for over 10950 days! So the question was blurred out and surely lost sight of the reality of their long serving Executive.

The same can be said with President Robert Mugabe who is heated and demonstrated against in Zimbabwe. In a country with fiscal economic issues and loss of agricultural output together with weaken production as the El Nino has hurt the economy more. Together with rampant corruption and a Zanu-PF Elite who are more concern with their luxurious vehicles in Harare than the empty stomachs of the poor working class. This happens while the Police are brutalizing the demonstrators and the ones speaking against the government are either harassed or detained. Even hurt so they end up at the Hospital. So the dire oblivion for the economic landscape as the tension between the citizens and draconian state will not dissolve overnight.

Hon. Kemi Adeosun said this on the 18th August: “The Economy is challenged and people are extremely frustrated, and we need to rebuild fundamentality. We need to prioritize… We need to realize that with the collapse of commodity prices. We don’t have enough  foreign exchange to buy as many imported goods as we like to, so when there is import substitution, we must embrace it”.

Zim Ministry of Information

When the Financial Minister says this as the Opposition are harassed and the public is silence and more draconian laws like Cyber Crime laws coming in Parliament. Show’s the ability of Zimbabwean regime wishes to push laws to silence social media and other dissidents as the policies and the regulations of Zanu-PF haven’t born fruits. This has to be hurtful for the President who has had years upon years to build, instead has skimmed money for himself and his elite.

Therefore with the knowledge of President Museveni (Sudan), President Deby (Chad), President Dos Santos (Angola) , President Nkurunziza (Burundi) , President Kagame (Rwanda), President Kabila (DRC), President Bashir (Sudan), President Afewerki (Eritrea), President Guelleh (Djibouti) and President Mugabe (Zimbabwe) has all been sitting a long time and has nothing new to show (and surely I could given some honourable mentions that I haven’t said). They can’t and they are not hungry to deliver. If they deliver or does anything profound it would be by rare luck or a new cash-cow for their elites and the political affiliates.

It is a reason why the Members of Parliament are greedy, why the corrupt behavior is happening and why the transparency is so low. The Executives who runs for life and runs for decades upon decades wish to run the game without question. That is their wish and their ways of assembling the needed riches for themselves.

NRM Oyee! 09.04.2016

President Museveni might drop by district and deliver some equipment and check of a few million shillings, but the depleted hospitals and schools isn’t built on wink and nudge from the master. While the inflation and the unstable currency doesn’t make the investors safe to have a haven of business in Uganda. This together with everything is connected to the President and his entourage as the family of Museveni is connected to all kind of business and agreements. Land is being delivered to the Elite or Financial backers, while locals and Internal Displaced Persons are living decades-on in camps. So the Museveni cannot drop a new sense of accountability as the walking budget isn’t promising anything new or creating a solid foundation now as that is not in his interest.

The interest of these long serving leaders isn’t to have strong institutions; they want them weak and keep people loyal around them. The Electorate and Citizens are not really important they are only important when they are pawns useful to trade aid or trade agreements of government loans to secure fiscal funding of the Financial Year and the Budget.  

These long serving leaders have control over foreign exchange, central banks and also the businesses that are vital for export commodities so that they can earn money on the hard work of the citizens as they do what they can to survive and live basic on the mercy of these political leaders. This happens years upon end… without question and with the powers of controlling the heads of the Military and Police so they can silence the population. Therefore the worst crimes aren’t murders or stealing under these dictatorships. The worst crime and worst offence is to offend and counter-claim the legitimacy of the Executive. Parts of that is also to solidify popular support of the public and therefore needs to be detained and charged with amazing amounts affidavits and draconian laws to determine the fate of the opposition by any means.

So this is the profile of the fellow Presidents, they are doing it in their own way, but the key of results is this: keep themselves in Power and secure the government funds together with business in the Nation for their loyalist and the people that the President can trust.

swiss leaks africa accounts

Since they cannot win the popular ballots as some of them could have in their first elections and ballots as they might have liberated the Nation or even gotten rid of former dictators or the fantastically corrupt who used the army and economy themselves to build palaces and get more government funds into Swiss Bank Accounts than amounts of sheep on New Zealand. The Presidents and their elites are in recent elections either using fear, armies to disrupt and silence opposition; if that doesn’t work ballot-stuffing, pre-ticked ballots and even stop the counting and fix the result for the Ruling Regime. So that the “legitimate” government is still there and with their “elected” men and woman even if the Electorate meant differently. That has happen again and again. The Presidents uses elections as big-caving events and periods to finally buy loyalty of local communities and give pledges that they have never plans to achieve as they keep the district in dire poverty to secure the aid and donor funds. While having ability to skim the funds and take the taxpayer’s money as the accountability doesn’t matter as much as the personal relationship between the Elite on the top. So when the President passes by the impoverished district he would drop some shillings and pay the community leaders with a new car or big brown envelope.

Why do we accept these men to run these ruthless games and when is this supposed to end?

When will the public and citizens be respected?

What do you think about my opinions, does they fit the bill?

Do you have any answers as I was just ranting again today! Peace.

UPC directs Milton Obote Foundation (MOF) to Vacate Uganda House (17.08.2016)

UPC 17.08.2016 P1UPC 17.08.2016 P2

My letter to retired Gen. Mugisha Muntu on the recent moves made by the FDC

Mugisha Muntu 23.01.2016 Hoima District

Oslo 15. August 2016

Dear Gen. Mugisha Muntu and the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) National Executive Committee (NEC). This is not easy to write to you, so forgive me for my misgivings, but this has to be addressed.

I write to you today because of the worrying disbelief of methods to get rid of the police-state and the totalitarian behaviour of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and the three decades run of affairs under President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. The reason for my writing is the concern of your party and the ways of backing away from going against the NRM.

I know you will not like my words Gen. Mugisha Muntu, even as democratic men we are we have to listen to each other and respect the opinions as they are for the greater good in the end. Like the Executive, President Museveni wouldn’t listen to me at all and wanted to jail me in the first second, I guess becasue he knew of my toxic writing. Because he is always right and the only man in the nation with a vision; I believe you are different and wiser than the current leader of your nation.

The state of affairs is not solid. President Museveni is a walking budget and uses the army and police to monitor and throwing your leaders and supporters behind bars. Using the judiciary as a tool of oppressing the FDC; the party you lead isn’t as strong as you think. If it we’re than you wouldn’t go against the man who gain public endorsement and public admiration anywhere in the republic. Something you are not gaining. I know you want to be more central, but you will always be second in command after Dr. Kizza Besigye. Besigye will lead in frontline, the hardliner and not the compromised parts of the party you run.

The compromised party of the FDC are the FDC NEC that let go of the man while he was lingering in Luzira Maximum Prison on the Treason Charge that he is still battling for questioning the “victory” of the NRM after the casting of the ballot in General Election 2016. This should been known and understandable of those feelings. As him and his loyal ally Erias Lukwago are still battling charges of the election of 2011 and the ‘Walk to Work’ protest. This should give you an indication of the usage of political gains through the courts instead of through the ballots.

Gen. Mugisha Muntu, I will be frank the Shadow Cabinet you have approved should be revoked and discontinued as it is not another thing that validating the Executive and his 10th Parliament. Your decisions after the equilibrium and defeats of the Defiance campaign; you gave up and gave in to a few silver coins and made-up titles to stay so-called relevant in current politics. Instead of giving legitimacy to the NRM Regime you are supposed to stop and work against.

FDC 05.05.2016 Planned March

Honourable Muntu, you seem smart and wise. You seem like a man of reason and grand heart as you have showed through the recent years in the leadership of the FDC. But somewhere the battle and the building of the FDC have tired your mind and you seem more defeated than ready to fix the issues of the Republic. Therefore the reasons for defending the decisions to cease the Defiance Campaign and go into Shadow Cabinet shows so; I know that the party are heavy monitored that the Political landscape are militarized and corrupted.

That is why Hon. Mugisha Muntu that the NAADs are broke, companies being bailed out, SACCO’s needed extra funds and this is just basically government programmes to stimulate growth in the agricultural production. The others are the way the government under the NRM are hiring and firing health-works while not sufficiently fund the hospitals or salaries while the Hospitals are dwindling down like water at the Sipi Fall, all the way in a steady pace. And you believe that the negotiations and questioning of power in Parliament will bring down the NRM, really?

There is a part of me that is routing for you and also in sorrow of your bowed head. I understand you need food and your need peace. As the Defiance campaign made the fear of nation go into an evil spiral where even loyal youth leaders we’re tortured and citizens without court orders or a charge where lingering in jail just for being affiliated with the party under your leadership. I understand that might have torn you mind and tormented your faith in progressive change for the better. Because the power of the Police Force and Army has not dwindled or went weak, it has been strengthen and used more illegitimate means to silence the FDC. As with the court order to suspend the Defiance Campaign that had to be suspended after the reasonable doubt of interference in the FDC. This reality seems like has crushed your spirit and hope of a positive journey as long as President Museveni seems to be on the throne and run the nation as his own pocket.

This mentality and broken spirit is visible, the heart and passion of your decisions are not there. It’s hard for me to say this. But I have to, as man who stands by Besigye because he is totally opposite of Museveni. Norbert Mao is cool, but doesn’t have the suction or flamboyant means of gaining popular support. Olara Otunnu have stopped as career politician therefore he is not in the game. Hon. James Akena is pawn for Museveni and therefore the UPC is branch on the NRM-O party tree. UFA and the legacy of the opposition party is history with Kamaya speaking as a true NRM person and lost her ways.

While Besigye is the one within reason and with his mental capacity to fight with his own tears, fears and torture still fights on. He is hitting the wall and being incarcerated again and again. Still, he has more heart than you! Hon. Mugisha Muntu you are not even taking in and detained, most likely it is Ingrid Turinawe, Doreen Nyanjura and so many other top-officials have been either house-arrested or being detained at random. While you could walk around proud in Kampala; there we’re only during certain besieging of the FDC Headquarters in Kampala that you got detained during the last election cycle. Therefore you have a guarding angle who leave you be. While the rest are taken away their rights and freedoms of assembly without question! That should be questioned and I do it here, how come that you often get scotch free while other party members and party officials get detained?

I hope to see the spark, see the light, see the vision of the man I once saw. Hon. Mugisha Muntu, you can be the leader that many of us admire and respect, but if you wavier and give in; you will be remembered for stabbing your own journey for safety instead of finishing the job. Certainly if you show your true character and not the sorry face of desperation and arguments for the Shadow Cabinet… the reality is something you can turn and therefore I write in a plea to you. So you can see. If not than you will go down as sorry man of a possible great party with not only liberation, freedom and peace. Instead you are the one that once again gave way to the NRM to run the nation on borrowed time. Is that your legacy Hon. Muntu?

Peace.

Best regards from the writer of this humble blog – minbane.  

Press Statement: UPC calls for a Genuine and Progressive Debate on the Amendments to the Land Act (10.08.2016)

UPC 10.08.2016 P1UPC 10.08.2016 P2UPC 10.08.2016 P3

New MPs told to put the country above their parties (Youtube-Clip)

“As the new legislators of the 10th Parliament settle in, the Parliamentary Commission is ensuring that they have all the tools of trade to effectively do their work. During the ongoing second round of orientation for the legislators, the role of caucuses took centre stage. Experts addressing the MPs warned that caucusing could erode the independence of the Legislature. But as Maurice Ochol reports, Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga gave assurance that the 10th Parliament will not compromise on the sepration of powers in the three arms of government – the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary” (NTV Uganda, 2016).

Agreeing with Besigye and it feels good; though sadden by the wisdom Hon. Kiiza…

Besigye Kampala 11.05.2016 P3

Eh! It feels good to have same opinion as the incarcerated Presidential Candidate of the Forum for Democratic Change Dr. Kizza Besigye, he have lately been able to drop a few words to the public from his jail cell in Luzira Maximum Prison, this happens as the FDC scrambles for etiquette and justify their place in the 10th Parliament.

First he will address the Shadow Cabinet, and say similar words to my own. Though he is the freedom fighter and proves that with his words, as he knows the caliber of oppression the regime have and the legitimacy the Shadow Cabinet does. Take a quick look!  

First Point – Shadow Cabinet!

On the Shadow Cabinet:

“I do not think MPs should be reduced to fighting for small positions in Parliament. What we need to be fighting for is different. We need to struggle to strengthen our position on the ground and form structures like the Power 10 we used in elections to develop capacity to take on the regime that we know has lost credibility. In Parliament, they are just there to make numbers they can’t change anything President Museveni wants whether in Opposition or not,” (…) “We can’t allow positions in Parliament that mean nothing to cause rifts yet we have much to do,” (…)“I have spent much of my youthful age in the struggle, now I am over 60 years, I am not growing younger. What is remaining is that we must fight to the end whoever dies, others will continue. We can’t hold on any more until we get peace, justice, freedom and equality before the law,” – Dr. Kizza Besigye (Rumanzi, Perez – ‘Nothing to fight for in Parliament, says Besigye’ 26.06.2016 – Daily Monitor).

Kiiza Article Daily Monitor

What Winnie Kiiza has said of late on the Shadow Cabinet:

“… Many people look at Opposition as enemies of the state … people don’t want to associate with us in the Opposition … In multiparty dispensation, opposition parties are supposed to guide and check government, Ugandans should know that at the time we are taking on leadership, as opposition we are facing tough times, so let’s join hands for a better Uganda” Hon Winnie Kiiza (Leader of Opposition).

When you the incarcerated Besigye, the leader who have been able to unify the opposition and also being the man who made progress on the frontline and talked about the real change in the country, to create accountability and democratic values, that Hon. Kiiza who are part of his party is first throwing him under the bus and dodging the entangled issue. While she is defending the righteous ways of being a opposition leader in Parliament, also giving up the principals and all the oppression for quick silver and made-believe possibilities, if not the sealing of the Ministry of Education and Sports after the swearing in Janet Museveni, if the NRM regime and ruling party where democratic then the Ministry would be allowed to use phones and not run under the strict control of the First Lady of Uganda. And this is the regime that LoP is serving and not giving way for liberation and freedom from the Police State under the NRM. That is something she cannot run away from, but easy to attack Besigye while he is behind bars and not visible, but he is the epitome of everything the regime is not. That is also what the issue and the reason why Hon. Kiiza have to defend her place in the Parliament…

kavuma

Second Point – Deputy Justice Steven Kavuma:

Points taken from the letter to Stephen Kavuma:

“LETTER FROM LUZIRA PRISON: ‪Dr. Kizza Besigye ‪of the ‎FDC has petitioned the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) to investigate the suitability of Justice Steven Kavuma as a justice of the Court of Appeal/Constitutional Court. In a June 16 letter from Luzira prison, BESIGYE alleges that Justice Kavuma is close to the Executive and that instead of doing judicial work in line with the oath he took, he is allegedly doing the bidding of President Museveni, the appointing authority. In a five-page letter, BESIGYE alleges improper conduct, abuse of office, neglect of duty and maladministration by Justice Kavuma which he says should be investigated and appropriate action taken against him. The core mandate of the JSC is to recruit and discipline errant judicial officers. “The conduct of Mr ‪‎Steven Kavuma, over the years since he joined the ‪#‎UGANDAJUDICIARY was initially frequently suspicious, then later frequently outrageous and currently, predominantly improper to point of going against the oaths and the standards expected of such a judicial officer,” Dr Kizza Besigye” (Forum for Democratic Change, 27.06.2016).

The point is valid as Stephen Kavuma has done more to show loyalty to Museveni and NRM than keeping up with unlawful practice. The Justice been more entangled into the works of conducting the orders from above and prove that he justify the truths of the NRM Regime, and the Police State under control of the above high. Together with the Uganda Police going against the opposition and being a tool to control the dissidents instead of stopping criminal activity, also bribing people to be witness and create fake affidavits to secure the rulings in favor of the ruling regime, instead of justice; and it is in this regard that Besigye also write to the Justice Kavuma, it is not a personal vendetta, more of a justified question, as the judge went directly and at one point made FDC party illegal; something that the justice shouldn’t do as a respectable state, as the Defiance shouldn’t be an issue in the nation of Resistance.

So I say this, and for those that are surprised by the assessment, I agree with both pieces and opinions from Dr. Kizza Besigye. His words on LoP and Shadow Cabinet, is similar to the ones I have addressed, they must surely be hurtful for Hon. Kiiza and Gen. Mugisha Muntu, as the proof in the words are addressing the reality on the ground, the same I have written in the recent months.

Muntu Besigye Delegation Conferance 2015

The same feeling about the Judge and his activity that is more about personal attitude and serves the Mzee instead of being a man of justice, a judge who respect the law and does not serve the Executive, but the laws and regulatory of the state.

There is more to come, as the court-rooms and litigations will continue to be given to Dr. Kizza Besigye and Forum for Democratic Change, while the ruling regime does what it can to take down the opposition and doing that with the main competitor as Besigye are usually silenced by the prison cell and by the alleged crimes put on the politician.

And Mzee must be happy that he can create fuzz between the Muntu-FDC and the Besigye-FDC, as he also did with the UPC-Otunnu and UPC-Akena. Just think about that for a minute, and say I am wrong? Peace.