Opinion: When you got nothing, you can always point at Kigali

Ugandan intelligence has discovered that Kakwenza Rukirabashaija who has been running a smear campaign against Ugandan government officials is a Rwandan agent. Kakwenza was recently arrested following a number of social media posts in which he was insulting President Museveni and the Commander Land Forces Lt Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba. CID Spokesperson, Charles Twiine, said that for his recent arrest, Kankweza is charged with “insulting President Museveni and Commander of the Land Forces of UPDF Muhoozi Kainerugaba via his Twitter handle.” (The Kampala Post – ‘Ugandan Intelligence Confirm Kakwenza Rukirabashaija is Rwandan Agent’ 04.01.2022).

We have been here before, as critics and people falling out of favours are suddenly arrested or getting into legal jeopardy. In September 2021 Dr. Lawrence Muganga, the Vice Chancellor of Victoria University faced also espionage case concerning Kigali and Rwanda. Alas, there was never any proof of these allegations. Neither has there been produced any evidence or proof of the allegations towards the VC.

Now in January 2022 we are seeing Kakwenza Rukira getting the same treatment by the authorities. As he has been kept incommunicado and haven’t even produced to the courts within the 48 hours. While the law enforcement and authorities are creating more charges on the individual. That is all happening, because Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerubaga is to lazy to go to the gym. The CLF of UPDF cannot stomach criticism… and there is now alleged torture of the writer and critic of the First Family.

However, what is clear is that the state is using all of its resources on this. They are trying to prove a point. While Muhoozi and his buddies are trying to sell him as the second coming of Jesus on social media. That’s why it’s hurting his pride that someone dislodged the majestic persona and image online. This is why Kakwenza Rukira is taken into custody and proving a point off.

The same the state did also with Dr. Stella Nyanzi who wrote about Museveni mother and the saga of “buttocks”. Now, it is about fatigue and health concerns in a colour expressed ways on Twitter. Clearly, the ones in power and a high ranking officials cannot handle their role as public officials. If you cannot handle the heat, you shouldn’t be in the kitchen. The same is to these gentlemen and the whole first family. As no one there has shown to have character to stomach their role. Since, they arrest and detains the ones that humiliate them online.

The President and the First Family should be able to handle words and articles made about them. This is the same family that has a head who calls people for bean-weevil, insects and pigs. There is no short-change of bad words and utterings about others. Therefore, these people should look onto themselves, before they judge and use the state against others. Peace.

Opinion: The dangers of breasts’ and buttocks’

Well, these are the troubling times we are living in. In the past, Dr. Stella Nyanzi was arrested for offending the President calling him  a “pair of buttocks” which landed her time behind bars. Now in the end of 2021 is no different as activist and writer Kakwenza Rukira wrote about Muhoozi Kainerubaga supposed “breasts”. It is now clear that he is feeling legal pressure and is arrested for calling the Commander for the Land Forces out and the son of the President. 

This is not shocking, but says it all. We knew this would happen to someone inevitably. As the state arrests comedians and people for offences all the time. That is what has happened to the law enforcement and going after high ranking officials is a dangerous sport. 

That is why Dr. Nyanzi was in trouble and this is why Kakwenza is feeling the blunt force too. They both did not only offend, but they aimed at the character of the first family. We know that Janet Museveni is thin-skinned and that the handlers of Kaguta go hard in the paint for him. That is well known… but now the state is defending Muhoozi and handling his affairs too. 

All three of these characters in the first family should be able to handle criticism and redicule, as they are public figures and on government salaries. These are government officials and their role is public servants with fancy titles. Their work, their speeches and everything they do should be natural to question.  

However, we know that these folks don’t have the character or the heart to stomach that. If it is their buttocks or breasts, which are malfunctioning. I cannot assess or say, but they are clearly not having the day or the ability to grasp their roles. Since, they are arresting vocal critics who would never hurt their life or be violent towards them. These are writers and academics who wouldn’t hurt anyone, except write insults and post outrageous texts. Therefore, the President and the son would have been wister to address this in writing. 

Nevertheless, breasts and buttocks are sensitive parts of the body. That a man doesn’t like to hear about his breasts, just shows that he lacks self-esteem and needs another way to boost his ego. Unless, he has man-boobs, which comes with lack of exercise and too much six-packs of beer. Secondly, if the buttocks are a problem. You either have diarrhea or you unconfortable where you are sitting. The gentlemen need to revise their issues and heartaches. There are so many bigger questions to throw a hissy fit and cry havoc. 

What is striking is that both men are army commanders and high ranking officials. People who are supposed to be Generals and leaders of the pack. Still, they are soft and metro-sexual to critics. I am sure David Beckham has been joking about his looks or Hugh Grant for that matter. Heck, other officials have been mocked for things too. I would think Otafiire and Tumwine could easily be mocked at a gathering or two. 

So, the buttocks and breasts shouldn’t be an issue. However, here we are and we are not talking chicken or what we are seeing in a magazine of pin-up ladies. No, we are discussing two army commanders who are getting people arrested over the smallest thing. That is how fragile their egos are and it is evident for the whole world to see. Peace. 

Uganda: Vice President lauds Gen. Saleh, rallies leaders to fight poverty (21.12.2021)

Federation for Uganda Medical Interns (FUMI): Suspension of Medical Interns’ Sit-Down Strike (22.12.2021)

Uganda: Press Release by Uganda Nurses and Midwives’ Union – Medical Interns Allowances for Nurses and Midwives (21.12.2021)

DRC: Joint Press Release from UPDF & FARDC on the Operation Shujaa (20.12.2021)

The Medical Interns strike is a self-made crisis… and the state has the the tools to resolve it…

This is what empty promises and sending love letters between the bureaucratic institutions. The state and the government have promised a relief and added salary for the medical interns. This is going back to the first strike this year in June 2021 and the promises of the President and his letter to the Ministry of Finance and Planning, Economic Development (MoFPED) in July 2021.

Now, we are in mid-December 2021 and nothing has happened. The Federation for Uganda Medical Interns (FUMI) have rights to fight for their members and for the ones who is on the front-line. For a President who defends and wants to pay scientists. It is really weak that he cannot find the funds or allocate funds to fix this. Alas, this isn’t an priority.

That’s why on the 10th December 2021 the Ministry of Health has sent out an letter and said the medical interns can be evicted and vacate the Hospitals within a week to pave way for new ones in January 2022. This shows that the state was never interested in paying a fair salary and the covering their basic needs. As these are the future of the Ministry of Health and the ones who can become the Health Care professionals the MoH needs.

This government clearly doesn’t care about the Ministry of Health or the ones working there. They don’t prioritize it or have any concerns, because there is always an Non-Governmental Organization or United Nations Organizations covering the shortfalls. If not, the high ranking officials is taking trips abroad to get healing. The medical tourism of the big-men and the patronage is the reason for not valuing the hospitals and health centres.

When the President knows perfectly well the problems. He has even written a letter directing the MoFPED in July 2021. There is all the reasons to listen to the grievances and needs of the medical interns. This is if the government or the National Resistance Movement (NRM) even values the scientists or the ones who combat a pandemic. The NRM thinks they can assault and silence the ones who cannot even feed themselves.

On the 10th December 2021, the same day as the MoH went after the Medical Interns. “The Uganda Dental Association (UDA) hereby informs the general public that we will be joining the ongoing industrial action organized by the Uganda Medical Association. We sincerely apologize for any and all inconveniences caused” (UDA, 10.12.2021). They are joining the Uganda Medical Association, which is on their 5th week of industrial action and that’s all because the state cannot live up to their own promises. This is neglecting their mission and good governance, which is proving how bad the state is at governing at this current time.

Association of Graduate Nurses and Midwives of Uganda wrote yesterday a press release. Where the AGNMU states the importance of the medical interns. They are not only condemning, but stating that it’s a dangerous decision by the MoH, which will affect the 2022 cohort. Secondly, which was interesting was this line from the

AGNMU: “Ministry of health should pay medical interns as per the presidential directive. Why should a mother starve her children? Medical interns deserve to be paid for their great work they contribute to health care in Uganda” (AGNMU – ‘Press Release on Medical Interns Strike’ 11.12.2021).

It is clear, that the President, MoFPED and MoH have no plans of honouring their promises. This has been going on for too long and they have no plans of changing it. The state shows that with initially firing the interns and wanting to hire others. Which is not respecting or honouring the ideals of a strike. They are making the workers and the medical professionals into a commodity they can easily transfer or change. So, if these sorts of actions causes a brain-drain. The state created this by themselves and gave no incentives for the ones trying to be come a nurse, midwife or doctor to stay in the Republic. Since, the state doesn’t value your eduction or your profession anyway. That’s the message here and they been saying that with the inaction for months. Peace.

DRC: Joint Press release from FARDC and UPDF on the Operation Shujaa (11.12.2021)

Opinion: Museveni believes in corruption [surprise, surprise]

Be careful on lifestyle audits. We are lucky the thieves are still keeping the money here. They build Five Star Hotels. They will begin to take the money out, and we fail to trace” Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (09.12.2021).

This here statement from His Excellency and the Fountain of Honour at the official launch of the National Lifestyle Audit Campaign on the Anti-Corruption Day. I wish it was made up, but it shows his intention and what he wants out of it. It is clearly a hallow mission and a launch. When the guy ordering and directing everyone around, says this to general public.

Yes, everyone with a working mind knows there is a need for funds and investment to start a business. It costs to trade before selling. Both in inventory, furbishing a location, taxes and registration to various government entities. As well, as the basic needs of salaries and other components to make the business legit. However, the President is setting a bad precedence here. He is initially saying that they are lucky having corrupt thieves to invest in building businesses….

It is a curse to get wealth through corruption. I don’t want to give examples. God is up there watching. I can tell you he doesn’t bless people who do evil. Even the people who took slaves got problems” (Museveni, 09.11.2021).

What is funny about this… he gave an example with the 5 Star Hotel. I am sure there are several of companies built with these sorts of funds in the Republic. The President and his cronies knows this and they don’t want the IGG to look into them. I wouldn’t be shocked, if the President have directed the IGG or Auditor General to look away from certain people. Because, the State House wouldn’t accept the closest associates or family members touched by this. The President will for certain not accept all investigations or audit. That will hurt the patronage and his whole regime. Therefore, his worried that some of the big-men might be implicated or having corporations touched by it. That is just inevitable.

You are fighting for money because I have generated money for you. The NRM has generated money for you. The UPDF has created peace. That is why you have the money to steal. There is no reason we should not do things correctly. The economy would grow faster” (Museveni, 09.12.2021).

This here is really typical. The President cannot come out without the army or the guns. The ammunition and the arms are the saving grace. It shows the lack of progress and status of governing. When you have to cling on the guns and the army to be the salvation from desperation. The UPDF shouldn’t be the safeguard of the economy, but keep the Republic’s territorial integrity. This is the misuse of it and how he operates the army to fix everything in the state. We know the UPDF is participating in the economy and using it as a means to his end. Plus, the directing of decrees from the State House also is compelling in this disregard.

When the President can utter words like this. It isn’t promising for the IGG. Nevertheless, we shouldn’t expect much either. The men who was done this grand corruption before has gotten of the hook, while the small-fish has been fried in public. That’s what we have seen. The big-men with connections gets away from the law, but the civil servant thieving a coin gets years to shave behind bars.

Nobody should be above the law and everyone should be equal before it, but expecting that in the Republic in 2021. Is asking a bit but too much sadly. Peace.

A brief look into Maj. Gen. Abel Kandiho

I don’t think the US can risk engaging us in an offensive. The most they can do is just to impose sanctions and that is all” Maj. Gen. Abel Kandiho (Emmanuel Busingye – ‘CMI boss Kandiho brags about detaining US citizen’ 02.05.2021, Ekyooto.co.uk).

The Chief Commander of Chieftain of Military Intelligence (CMI) Abel Kandiho is now under fire, as his one man who is sanctioned by the United States Treasury. Maj. Gen. Kandiho was appointed to this position on January 2017. He has been ruthless as the leader of CMI and been unforgiving to anyone in his path.

Kandiho have followed orders, kidnapped and arrested people without any hesitation. While taking in Rwandese refugees and others too. He has even bragged about detaining a U.S. citizen during this calendar year. That’s the sort of fella he is.

As a leader of CMI his said to be uneducated and haven’t even finished P-7. The CMI is known for kidnappings, arrests, torture and murder of Ugandan citizens as well. The CMI isn’t a friendly security organization or a fair enterprise.

We also know that Kandiho have coordinated and worked with the RNC in Rwanda. He has supported and aided the guerrilla outfit, which works to overthrow the leadership of Kigali. The CMI have also supporter FDLR during his tenure. So, this man has no issues supporting militias and rebels who intends to overthrow a foreign power. That is all done on behalf of the State House and their intended missions.

Lt Isaac Rutagatina Sankara have written this about him: “Our P.7 graduate can’t even measure up to any responsibility. This has been clearly manifested in his methods of work and management style, that’s why he has even shied away from facing any committee in Parliament because he can’t even understand budgets and policies and this is an area where CMI should be having a big impact. On May 25th 2011 when US president Barrack Obama gave a keynote address to both houses of British Parliament gathered at Westminster Hall in his opening remarks he said that and I quote “Am told the last three speakers have been the Pope, Her Majesty the Queen and Nelson Mandela which is either a very bar or the beginning of the joke” Your Excellency the appointment of Maj. General Kandiho as the chief of military intelligence was a big blander and one of the biggest jokes in the intelligence circles” (Lt. Isaac Tutagatina Sankara – ‘#CMI_Files: The appointment of Maj Gen Abel Kandiho as the Chief of CMI and the implications of the appointment on both regional and nationa#cmi_files’ 19.09.2020, CMIFILES.Wordpress.com).

While on the other hand, there been reports, which was never verified that Rwandan government after the appointed of Kandiho as the CMI chief. They intended to send commandos to Kampala and assassinate him. He has worked in the early 2000s in Kigali, but he wasn’t a favoured character and maybe he earned his resentment for the Rwandese, because of his time there. However, that is mere speculations.

There also unverified information that the Maj. Gen. have been imprisoned twice. Some calling him a uneducated crook and a henchmen, who worked for gangsters in Kampala and pimps who sold prostitutes. However, that cannot be verified either. Nevertheless, if even a little of this is true. Than it says a lot about his character and how unfit he is for office. Neither educated and a thug who is just a brute without any concern for anyone else. Who just follows orders and directs his merciless attacks on civilians and dissidents of the state.

““According to analysts, this is another reason Rwandans are never tried in court. The charges against them will be bogus, and there will be no evidence to charge them in court. They will just torture them in CMI dungeons. Rwamucyo and Rutayisire would be transferred to CMI headquarters after some weeks in Mbarara, and by then the accusation had changed from “involvement in a robbery plot” to “illegal possession of weapons”. The same happened to Moses Ishimwe Rutare, a Rwandan businessman in Kampala who in December 2018 happened to step out of a church service to answer his phone. Unknowingly, he ambled next to the residence of Abel Kandiho where CMI men asked him to show his identity. When it was discovered he was a Rwandan they whisked him off to their torture chambers in Mbuya, accusing him of “espionage”” (Grace Kamugisha – ‘The strange case of arrests of ADEPR members in Uganda ‘ 05.08.2019, The New Times Rwanda).

In 2020, the Gahigi Safari wrote this story: “The movie was set in motion after Nyamwasa (who was scared that Rutabana was about to challenge him for RNC leadership) told his friend Kandiho in CMI to abduct Rutabana the next time he came to Uganda. Kandiho did. “Kandiho and Nyamwasa thought it would be just very easy to ‘disappear’ Rutabana – the way they normally kill people and no one asks,” a knowledgeable source said. “But with Rutabana they have run into a big problem. The wife and relatives have not stopped asking. The Western embassies (Rutabana has French nationality and Belgian residence), have not stopped asking. An American organisation has been investigating, and has released a damning report on both CMI and RNC’s Nyamwasa!”  So now, CMI is deploying their tools of misinformation, to try to fool people. It will not work!” (Gahigi Safari – ‘Seruga lies. Kandiho, Nyamwasa better produce Rutabana’ 04.07.2020).

So, it is easy to find stories and tales of grievances against Maj. Gen. Kandiho. It is too easy actually and proves the reasons for the sanctions against him. I am sure there plenty of stories, which I could gloss over in a hot minute.

Just as this is just two court case shows the pattern of the CMI:

1st: The grounds of this application are well laid out in the affidavit of Kenneth Munungu an Advocate but briefly they are that the applicant was arrested from Kampala in the morning on the 8th September, 2019 by plain clothed men who identified themselves as security operatives from CMI and ISO. Upon arrest, the applicant was taken to Mbuya Chieftaincy of Military Intelligent (CMI) headquarters and then transferred to the Internal Security Organization and back to CMI and thereafter his whereabouts became unknown. The applicant’s family members wrote letters to the French Embassy and to the Ministry of foreign Affairs in Uganda on the 28th October 2019, but to no avail. The applicant has spent 5 months in illegal detention, which unconscionably exceeds the constitutional limit of 48 hours and contravenes Article 23(4) of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda. The applicant has not been tried in any court of law and that it is in the interest of justice and fairness that the applicant be unconditionally released from detention since the government has failed to charge him before the courts of law” (Rutabana v Director General, Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence & 5 Ors (Miscellaneous Cause 18 of 2020) [2020] UGHCCD 132 (05 March 2020), 05.03.2020).

2nd: “That on September 15 2018, the Applicant was arrested from his work place by intelligence officers (CMI) and detained at a safe house in Mbuya for more than a month, where he was kept and denied access to his family. That he was later informed that he would only be released once they got the information which they wanted from him. Instead the applicant was produced before Nakawa Chief Magistrates Court where he was charged with the offences of belonging to a terrorist organization c/s 11 (1) (a) and 11 (3) of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 2002; and Aiding and abetting or financing or harbouring acts of terrorism c/s 8 of the Anti-Terrorism Act 2002. That he was committed for trial on the 31st May 2019. That the Applicant has patiently waited for the trial of his case to start since then in vain, and owing to the busy schedule of the court, he is not certain when his trial will commence. That all the offences charged against the applicant are bailable by this honorable court. That the applicant is presumed innocent until proved guilty and his continued detention is a violation of the same right. That the applicant has a fixed place of abode within the jurisdiction of this honorable court and shall not abscond when granted bail” (Ahamad Ssebuwufu v Uganda (HCT-OO-ICD-CM 21 of 2019) [2020] UGHICD 1 (08 January 2020); 08.01.2020).

So, the CMI Chief doesn’t have a clean record, but a big one. If the CMI had the systemic reports of all the hidden reports about the arrests, kidnappings and how they detain people. Alas, also how the torture and killing of civilians as well. This would show what sort of horrific character the CMI chief is. His record will be bloodstained for life. He does this as a service to the Republic and the ones who has given his this career.

Maj. Gen. Kahindo follows orders and command. He is vicious and bloodthirsty. We will know more about him with time. This is just what I could access today. However, there should be reports written about his mischief. The U.S. sanctions on him only proves what he has done and what his willing to do. Peace.