President Museveni continues his rants: Now condemning and strangely lacking executive powers!

Now that President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is starting to write articles daily and posting them on Facebook. Today, he was at least a bit more subtle than of late. He was writing with more respect and not being such a brat in Office. President Museveni wasn’t telling people that they are pseudo-intellectual or hooligans directly, if they are supporters of Robert Kyagulanyi or anyone else, which isn’t him.

As the aftermath of the Arua By-Election are continuing, because of the how the state has acted, used the Special Force Command and other Security Organizations to silence the Members of Parliament, but also the public. The state sponsored violence and random arrests, as well as the ones planned and the charges made by the state by the authorities. I will write side notes to each piece of the ones I have taken, because I will not care for commenting the economic parts of his writing, because at this point. The oppression and silencing of them is the ones that matters. Not the financial aspect, because no one really deem that important right now. We want them MPs and Arua33 released. Take a look!

I condemn in the strongest terms, the killing of somebody, in the Katwe area, whose name I have not yet been told by elements of the Security forces. When I asked the Police, I was told of a stray bullet being responsible for the death. A stray bullet (a bullet that goes away from the target) originally aimed at what and why? I was told that the Kampala demonstrating groups of Monday were more of a nuisance than a menace- which the Arua groups were. The Monday groups were operating in small groups, burning tyres and, then, sending them to social media, working for those who pay them, to show that Uganda is unstable. The enemies of Uganda are now worried at the emerging strength of the economy of Uganda” (Museveni, 22.08.2018).

The magic bullet of Houston has arrived in Katwe, Kampala. There been bullets hitting random victims and not where the Security Officers aimed. As they are killing at random. They are shooting in the air and suddenly hitting random places. Just like during the protests, tear-gas has been even thrown into the class-rooms and destroyed a class for the kids. These bullets, are because the security forces are ordered to quell by all means. They come with live-bullets, mambas and tear-gas to silence the public. Than, the President has trouble that the leaked pictures and messages of the violence happens online. Because he wants state sponsored violence done in darkness, without people knowing or reporting what is happening directly for the world to know. The OTT Tax is used to address and tell the world what is happening, as the Police, masked Special Force Command and others are quelling the peaceful protest by any means. He should beg forgiveness for all the lives, all the families and all the innocent people that is hurt by his authorities. Something, he never does, he condemns like the African Union and moves on.

I condemn, again, in the strongest terms the beating of journalists by elements of the Security forces. It is true that the journalists working for foreign interests or for our own local parasites tell lies, they do not do balanced reporting. On account of that you can block them because sometimes they interfere with the scene of crime. If they refuse, you arrest them and charge them with disobeying lawful command. Beating, however, is wrong because the Security forces do not have that power. People should not be beaten even as a punishment. They can be imprisoned, fined, hanged, etc according to the law and logic but they cannot, be beaten (flogged) except if the Police is dispersing a menacing mob threatening to kill people or damage property. In some countries, they use batons. On the issue of releasing Bobi Wine and the others, the President of Uganda does not have such powers. Once somebody is arrested, charged and remanded, it is only two authorities who can release such people in any way: the Courts or the DPP withdrawing charges if the evidence is not enough. Let us therefore, wait for the Courts and see what they decide” (Museveni, 22.08.2018).

President Museveni can lie, but this one is a major one, as per Security Organizations Act of 1987, which he enacted 13th November 1987, that says the President of Uganda can: “4. Restrictions on exercise of duties. (1) No officer or employee of either organisation shall take action directed against or affecting any person following intelligence gathered pursuant to section 3 unless that action has first been sanctioned by the President or such other authority as the President may direct; except that either of the Directors General may direct the police to arrest and detain, in relation to intelligence gathered, any person for not more than forty-eight hours pending a report by the Director General under section 3(b) and a decision by the President”. Therefore, he can direct the Director General, the DPP and the other agencies, if he has intelligence gathered to direct them. That is a clear lie. Easy lie, as he cannot even remember the laws he himself has enacted.

Finally, the anti-riot SOPs(Standard Operational Procedures) give the whole spectrum of options: warning rioters using loud- speakers, using shields and batons, using tear gas, using rubber bullets, using water – cannons, using rifles but firing in the air and, finally, shooting directly at the rioter in self- defence( for the Security personnel), to stop him harming a mwanainchi or damaging property if they do not pay heed. Therefore, Bazukulu, do not be misled by those who are misusing you that the Security cannot use deadly force. It all depends on the circumstances” (Museveni, 22.08.2018).

He defending the Police and the Army, as the quelling of the voice of the people. They are not allowed to protest. The Public Order Management Act, would have been used to stop the processions or any protests against the cause of the state. That is why the public isn’t informing the state of this. As they know the tear-gas, the live-bullets and the state sponsored violence will arrive. The videos of how the Security Organizations have acted towards the citizens, isn’t with respect. Neither, the way they have put them in the wagons and also the Nasser Road incident. Shows the lack of tolerance, where the intimidation and misuse of power, because the state has the biggest guns. They are killing people and arresting them. So, this defense is lying straight out, as the protocol isn’t followed and the key is to intimidate and silence the people, because the power of the President is the key.

When he lies, he should lie better, he has had training of doing so since starting to rule in 1986. I feel it bad, when I can use laws he is supposed to know and knowledge of powers he has given himself. Therefore, step your game of Mr. President and free them MPs, the Arua33 and everyone that has detained since the By-Election. Act like your responsible and not like a kingpin. Like you are doing at the moment. While thinking the public is stupid and not taking responsibility. Peace.

An Update from ULS on the Arua, Mityana and Kampala Issues (22.08.2018)

Heartbreaking Ad-Hoc Report on the Aftermath of the Arua By-Election!

The Parliament created an Ad Hoc Report by the 10th Parliament, as Members of Parliament (MPs) was arrested and tortured after the Arua By-Election. This is the aftermath of the Elections and the state of affairs. As of the documentation of the whole ordeal, this is biggest detail, though it is not countering the words of the lawyers of Robert Kyagulanyi or really showing loyalty to the texts of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. As this one is not defending the way the government have taken these men and woman in custody. Neither has this report vindicated the state, as the revelation that the MPs was arrested in detention facilities that isn’t gazetted or registered. Shows how the militarism is and how they are not following protocol as they have given a get-out-of-jail free-card to the Special Force Command (SFC).

This is a sad report to read, as this is human beings like me and you. What is special of the PDF that the Parliament has dropped, of the members of the Ad Hoc Committee, the Chairman Doreen Amule didn’t sign it, and I wonder why? Why didn’t she sign the report? Because all the other 5 members of the Committee signed it. That is really a weird moment and you should comment on it.

I will now that the quotes or the paragraphs from the report that I feel is worth mentioning. This is showing what the state has done and what the Special Force Command has brought to the table and served the MPs.

Later when the Committee met with thc UPDF 4th Division Commander Brigadier Kanyesigze Emmanuel, he initially denied holding Hon. Kyagulanyi Robert Sentamu at his barracks, but later implicitly contradictcd himself. He informed the Committee that Hon. Kyagulanyi had been brought to the barracks, specifically to the military hospital for treatment of injuries sustained in a fight with unknown people, Tasked to reveal the identities of whoever had brought Hon. Kyagulanyi Robert to the military facility, he referred the Committee to the Special Forces Command (SFC) and the Police” (Ad Hoc Report, P: 6, 2018).

An interface with and observation of the detained MPs and other suspects revealed that they had been severely battered with Hon. Karuhanga Gerald, Hon. Mwiru Paul and Hon. Michael Mabikke complaining of chest and back pain. Hon. Karuhanga Gerald was limping as a result of an injury to his knee. They stated that they had been viciously brutalized during and after arrest while in Police custody in Arua and during transportation between the place of arrest and detention at Arua CPS and later Bondo Military barracks. They further informed the Committee that the brutality and beating was administered by men dressed in uniforms of the Special Forces Command (SFC)” (Ad Hoc Report, P: 7, 2018).

Some of the suspects in detention, whom the Committee was able to interact with were in dire need of urgent medical attention, notably the two women and one gentleman who could neither sit nor walk and were visibiy in deep pain, Hon. Mwiru Pau1, Hon. Karuhanga Gerald and Hon. Mabikke Michael. However, they had not been accorded access to requisite medical he1p, save for diagnosis by the Police Surgeon more over without medication” (…) “Hon. Lubega Medard Sseggona and Hon. Basalirwa Asuman who volunteered pro bono legal services were allowed by the Military to witness the proceedings of the General Court Martial before whom Hon. Kyagulanyi Robert Ssentamu, in his disquieting physical state was arraigned pleaded with the Military for an opportunity to have private medical personnel urgently access Hon. Kyagulanyi. They were reportedly assured that this would not happen immediately but rather in the future while the suspect was at the Makindye Military detention facility” (Ad Hoc Report P: 10, 2018).

The Committee observes that Hon. Kyagulanyi Robert Ssentamu was detained in 2 military barracks- Gulu Fourth Division and Bondo. Hon. Francis Zaake’s place of detention was never brought to the attention of the Committee. The rest of the Members of Parliament were detained in Bondo Military barracks and Arua and Gulu Police Stations. Gulu and Bondo Military barracks are not gazetted detention facilities; therefore the detention of suspects in those places violated Article 23 (2) of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, 1995” (Ad Hoc Report, P: 11, 2018).

Hon. Kyagulanyi Robert Ssentamu informed the Committee that he feels pain all over his body and was only surviving on pain killing injections. The left side of his abdomen is visibly painful and the wounds on his head are sti1l visible. He complains of chest pain and says his teeth were loosened by the beating he suffered at the hands of the men clad in uniforms of the Special Forccs Command (SFC)” (Ad Hoc Report, P: 14, 2018).

This report really shows the intent of the state assault and hurt Robert Kyagulanyi, as the body of his is beaten and his pains are severe. Even as the President and others have tried to downplay the torture of the MP. As you see in the quotes, the other MPs and citizens has also been badly treated by the state. When Mwiru, Karuhanga and Mabikke have been complained with pains in their chest and back-pain, as well as Karuhanga are limping as a result of it. Therefore, the proof and affidavits here of witnessing the pains of fellow MPs. Shows the intent to hurt as they we’re becoming a group of opposition members who was standing in the way of the President. That is why the state had to send the Presidential Guards to attack them, arrest them, torture them and even detain them at locations that isn’t officially registered as prisons for civilians.

This report is really showing the injustice of the days in and after the By-Election in Arua. We are seeing MPs worried about how the lack of medical attention to the MPs and also the result of the violence done on these men. Where they were detained and how the SFC has become a vital instrument to attack these people. The SFC have really shown what they are there for, not for justice or liberty, but for intimidation and harassment of people. They are not there to secure the President, but instead used as a tool to oppress these people. Peace.

Reference:

REPORT OF THE ADHOC COMMITTEE ON THE PLIGHT OF MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT AND OTHER SUSPECTS WHO WERE BRUTALLY ARRESTED AND DETAINED BY SECURITY FORCES IN THE RUN UP TO THE ARUA MUNICIPALITY BY-ELECTIONS OF 15TH AUGUST 2018, 22,08.2018

ULS Statement on Torture of Journalists and Citizens by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (22.08.2018)

Opinion: Bebe Cool doesn’t understand the sentiment of the times!

When your in the hands of the tyrant, you anticipate anyone else to be as well. Because he has been a loyal cadre and defended the President on several of times. Bebe Cool was even not happy with Bobi Wine when he turned down Tubonga Naawe, which was the campaign song for the Museveni before the General Elections. That was an All-Star songs with many of the Republics stars praising the National Resistance Movement, like Radio & Weasel, Jose Chameleone and Bebe Cool.

However, the ones following their relationship with Museveni directly has been Chameleone and Bebe Cool. Bebe Cool who even invited and used Museveni in the promotion to his recent Golden Hearts Concert in Kampala. Therefore, he is now really not understanding how people about the 32 years of oppression and intimidation. Just because he has the good graces of the President. The random civilians in the recent week haven’t felt it, neither has Bobi Wine or any of the other detained MPs. Who are awaiting their fate and the current injustice towards them. As the saga of forged charges to silence opposition continues.

Bebe Cool should consider that, when he starts to hash-tag himself as #FreeBebeCool! That is just insulting to all the ones arrested in the recent days, all the ones that has died as a result of state violence and the ones in the hospital because of their participation in these demonstrations. While the government are claiming all citizens are hooligans and indisciplined.

Bebe Cool is really fooling himself, as he should understand the sympathy and the troubling ways the authorities has acted towards the opposition. Instead, he wants his views and perspective to be free. He shouldn’t be afraid anyway. He is one of the love-childs of the grandfather aka Old Man with the Hat. They have an admiration of each other and Bebe Cool has served a purpose during the campaigns before the General Elections 2016. When people showed up for the concerts sometimes, but left when the President came to the stage. Bebe Cool might have forgotten that part, but he is blind by the President and his love for him. They are both boosting each others egos.

Bebe Cool better back off politics and actually stay silent. As we know his admiration of the President. That is why many people don’t want to listen to or associate themselves with his music. It is tainted by his relationship with the President. Instead of thinking of the ones who is actually in legal jeopardy at this time. He wants to promote himself and act a fool. To be honest, that is not cool.

Bebe Cool, you are a tool for this, your not an honest person. We know your position with the President. That has been known for a long while and you been in the spotlight because of that. You have earned a fortune campaigning for the President. Therefore, we know who you are.

That is why it is insulting, that your asking for people “Freeing You”, while actual political prisoners are detained. You don’t need freedom Mr. Cool, you need to be educated and adjust your ways. Your disrespectful to the ones actually behind bars because of their political affiliation. You are free and Bobi Wine is not. The Arua33 isn’t either.

So how dare you Bebe Cool asking for freedom, when actual people are behind bars?

Free Bobi Wine and the MPs, the activists and the rest who are political prisoners. Not Free BEBE COOL. He is already free and is a disgrace to humanity. Peace.

Good to see Bobi Wine smiling, but don’t be fooled!

It is good to see the clip of 8 seconds released by Deputy Speaker of Parliament Jacob Oulanyah where Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine is in detention there. Even the speaker was revealing that Bobi Wine was in severe pain. But good to see that the Member of Parliament being alive and able to communicate. Because everything before this, has been done in the shadows and in darkness. Not like the authorities has been keeping it all secret. As the little knowledge we have had of his condition, has been eye-witness and from the few doctors who has established his well-being. He has been in detention and arrested since 14th August 2018. Therefore, it is 8 days since it started.

Why did it take so many days, before we saw Bobi Wine? Why didn’t we see him in the first Court Martial? Why such a limited scope of him? Are they afraid of the reality, as they needed over 8 days to release an 8 seconds long clip of him smiling. It is hard to believe that he is all well, as we cannot see his skin and real damage. If it is the kidneys, they wouldn’t be visible to the naked eye anyways. The other damage is covered by the clothes and poor quality of how his face is. As we cannot see the face clearly in the poor quality short clip from the authorities.

The other MPs are still unsure of is Kassiano Wadri, Mubarak Munyagwa, Paul Mwiru, Gerald Karuhanga and also the hospitalized Francis Zaake, which is at the Rubaga Hospital. There is also 33 more people arrested in Arua, as well as the ones arrested in the riots in Kampala and Jinja. That was up to a 100 people before today. Therefore, there are plenty of people in detention and we cannot be sure how many whose been hurt in Arua, Kampala, Mukono and in Jinja during the last week. As well, as totol people who has been shot and fatally gone as the authorities has quelled demonstrations in various parts of Kampala, Arua and Jinja.

Just seeing Bobi Wine smiling is yet again giving hope. Even if he soon has to taken or airlifted to Gulu Court Martial and still be under detention through Military Law. Just like the rest of the MPs, who is in custody and not feeling freedom. They are not liberated, they still arrested and state property. We know that there was lack of medical care in the beginning and the worry was real, as his kidney and also swollen head and leg. That doesn’t grow over night, therefore, this has been stages as the wounds might have healed, but the pain might still be there.

We have seen similar things with Besigye, where everything been looking well, but suddenly ordered to another facility and new charges for something else. Even as Bobi Wine is charged with illegal firearms and treason for trying to overthrow Museveni. We know that is forged charges, as well as claiming the rest of the group was working towards that in Arua By-Election.

While Museveni and apologists have tried very hard to defend the violence, the military use and the quelling of protests. They have really defended using live bullets and tear-gas, even the Nasser Road incident should be defining moment for the people, as the Special Force Command and the army stopped all protests in Kampala on the 20th August 2018. Therefore, the kneeling on the ground and lifting hands of all citizens passing the street of Nasser Road. Shows how far the oppression can go and anyone who is in association

Therefore, these last days has shown the tyranny, not only for the FDC activists and leadership, who has been a lot of time under cross-fire with the authorities. Now, we are seeing further escalation and that the public is gearing up. More protests and tired of being played by a militarized government. Who uses all methods to silence the voices of the people, because it is only the junta government that is allowed to speak. The rest just got to shut up and try to eat. That is what the President and the NRM does right now.

It is a reason why the people are demanding the release of these MPs and the other ones arrested. Since they are violated by the state. As long as this continues, as long as the President and the NRM continues to spin it. They are lying either way, like the Zaake had the capacity to run away from both a hospital and a police station. While he was reported dropped off by the military at the Hospital. Therefore, the public is tired of this way and knowing that the authorities doesn’t serve them, only bills them. Peace.

Kenya Editors Guild: Kenya Editors Stand with Ugandan Journalists in the Face of Threats and Attacks (21.08.2018)

Militarism and Museveni: I wonder what will happen with that Post-Museveni?

I would have loved seeing the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. Without the soldiers, without the police force, without the Special Force Command and without the ESO/ISO. I wonder how the NRM and Museveni would be without the militarism. That would have been a whole other picture.

It would been a different story, if the President wasn’t that engaged the army and soldier in need. If the President was more tolerant and accepting of different views. The perspective of army and police intervening within the political spectrum. That is why the recent days has been it is. As the Special Force Command and the ISO, whose taken the MPs and Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine. All of these stories would have been differently. However, every time when Museveni has needed results, it hasn’t been with all public support, but by the use of guns. He has needed a rebel force and the army to secure his position.

Because with the army and the security organization, what does Museveni has to offer the Republic?

There aren’t much these days, there are more lies and deception. The NRM doesn’t offer anything, more of the same, cronyism and corruption. The public is tired of the empty promises and pledges.

Therefore, we should wonder, what would the Ugandan government look like if it wasn’t military based and actually represented by people who wasn’t rigged in or the cronies that Museveni trusts or needs. That is a question we should be to ask. As the military are everywhere and taking control.

This is a vital question and also something the People Power Revolution and anyone who wants change. Because what does it mean, if the army will just be used for territorial control of the sovereign nation and also be parts of peacekeeping missions. Not used to control and intimidate the public, even invade the chambers for lawmakers in Parliament. That needs to be asked.

What would the government look like if it wasn’t based on militarism and was based on the will of the people and for the people? What would change and what sort of leadership would be there? How would it play and how will it conduct its affair?

Because right now, the army answers everything from delivering mosquito nets to getting people to beg for their life on Nasser Road, Kampala.

We just have to ask, not that Museveni or any of his apologist will want to answer. Because that is their demise and their meal-ticket. But the public have to ask, what will happen if they are ending the militarism and the militarized politics of present day. That is the future, but what is the future like and how will it change. Who will be there and what sort of reconciliation will be made to ensure the justice after years of tyranny and oppression?

All the acts of injustice, needs to be address, unless their will be left unhealed wounds. To many families and people have been hurt over the years. To many unanswered ills in society, which needs to counter for. Until that time, the saga will continue and someone will pursuit to use the same methods to control others. There need to be ways to secure the future, but also deal with the militaristic past.

This isn’t just for Bobi Wine and the detained MPs, but for all the people who has suffered and deserves a better future without Museveni and the NRM. Peace.

UPDF statement on the Joint Operation in Kampala yesterday (21.08.2018)

Does the US Gov. care how their Security Aid is used on the civilians in Kampala?

Since 2012 the United States have donated Security Aid to the Republic of Uganda in the total amount of $291,096,088, in 2018 alone they have donated $80,665,000. These numbers are taken from the Security Assistance Monitor. So, these are legit numbers. This is giant numbers, as the republic are parts of peacekeeping missions in AMISOM and in Central African Republic. However, some of these funds are used locally and on training of soldiers, which could be part of the Special Force Command as we speak.

What does the United States of America and the US Ambassador Deborah R. Malac feel about that? Are they proud that their military ally and for life President is working to become their modern day Mobutu. Which they also supported for decades, until he became a sore thumb and they had to overthrow him. Like they did with his predecessor together with Belgians in the than Zaire.

Will the United States stop their relationship and their military support of the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) and the Special Force Command, as they are used to attack civilians, as they are in on the streets to torment the public.

I wonder if they have any sort of plan now, as their “aid” is now really hurting people, the training from American Military and the certainly the arms-trade are now used directly at civilians. It is not used to fight the wars the Americans don’t want to participate directly themselves. Now, it is used to actually kill innocent civilians and used to prolong Museveni’s tyranny. Is that what the US ideal in East Africa is about?

Will the United States be responsible for their cultivation of Museveni and for all the weapons, the training and the direct military support of the republic.

We can wonder if they are proud that the helped trained soldiers are used to silence the media, silence the voice of the people and to prolong the dictatorship. That should make the Washington D.C. so proud, that their funds are directly a life-line for the President for life.

The Ugandan republic is sovereign and should be able to determine their own political trouble on their own. But when we know that the US is participating at these levels with security funding. They should take responsibility and man-up. Suspend their security aid and step away. Until someone who is suitable and actually elected by the people is running the Republic. Right now, its one man forcing his rule on the people with the arms traded with the US. That should be a worry the USA, even with their history of interfering and securing their men in power. Peace.