Kampala Twin Bombs: Insecurity is a real problem in the Republic

Today’s twin bombs in the Central Business District of Kampala continues after two incidents in October. On the 23rd October a pig-joint or restaurant was bombed. Days later a suicide bomber hit a Swift Bus. Therefore, what is happening today is a continuation of the insecurity in the Republic.

Today in the CBD, the was first a bomb at the Kooki Tower across from the Central Police Station on Buganda Road not far from the City Square or Constitutional Square. This is really hitting the central and just being of from the Kampala Road. To hit a place like this says it all. This is a deliberate attack. Not a random pork-joint like the one in Komamboga in Kawempe Division in late October.

The second target today was Jubilee House or Jubilee Insurance Building off Parliament Avenue. It is nearer Kimanthi Avenue. A small stroll up “the hill” to get to into the Parliament. So, this is in the middle of it too.

The Police Spokesperson CP. Fred Enanga has in a press conference already claimed that the Allied Defence Force (ADF) is behind the twin bombs. The CCTV cameras has caught one suicide bomber at the CPS and two other who drove boda-boda’s on Parliament Avenue to detonate themselves there. That’s the knowledge we have for now, but just what we know.

Fatwe Solutions reports in addition to this:

Confirmed bomb threat in Katooke B, Nansana municipality. The suspected bomb was abandoned in a house by a man currently known as Mowzey. Eye witnesses say the man was shot ‘abandoned plan’ assailants sped off and he rushed to hospital abandoning bomb in a house” (Fatwe Solutions, 16.11.2021).

So, there might easily be more. When the state goes this early claiming it’s ADF. It is worrying and spreading fear. While the authorities claimed it was ADF in October 2021 too. However, only arresting people, but later releasing them. As they had no evidence or case against these possible people. That’s what usually tend to happen…

This insecurity should worry anyone. The people should be worried how quickly the Uganda Police Force went out with knowledge and stating who is behind it. Yes, the public wants to know and needs to know. Nevertheless, shouldn’t there be a longer investigation and find out who is behind it. See the evidence, the bomb technicians and detectives, if not the intelligence community and Joint Security Taskforce should be on this. However, why do they need to be? When the UPF already know right after the incident.

That is why I would be concerned here. Yes, the ADF or ADF-NALU isn’t an organization or militia that is innocent. No, they are guerrillas who has killed within the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). They are Islamists and claims to be connected to ISIS. Therefore, they are a viable target and connected to a international terror organization.

Still, with that in mind, it is not like Enanga or the UPF is trustworthy source. Recent statements from the same source was intelligence of planned riots and demonstrations by the opposition. That follows the same patterns of the opposition burning down petrol-stations. So, just days after those stern warnings…

The ADF attacks and it just a couple of weeks apart from the Komamboga or Swift Bus bombs. Now, three more suicide bombers have attacked Kampala. This time in the CBD and within the spectrum of power. That’s why the CBD become closed off and people dispersed from the area. The buildings hit is just 15 minutes walk apart of 6 minutes by a vehicle.

This is worrying and we should be. These levels of insecurity isn’t a sign of peace or strength. The Joint Security Taskforce should be vigilant and not only ask the citizens to be the same. The authorities should use the same amount of energy to secure the liberty and freedom of the people. As they are using their manpower to apprehend opposition activists and leaders.

We can only pray now and hope the truth will come out. Innocent lives was taken today. Plenty more was hurt and damaged by the bombs. Lives ruined and some people who will forever be touched by what happened. This is tragic and no one should ever live through this. No matter who is behind it. It needs to be addressed and justice being served to people targeted by them.

There is a need for a investigation, trials and charges on the people behind the suicide bombers. That is what the state needs to do. They need to prove the allegations of ADF and also catch the ones who did the operation and organized the missions. This is what the citizens needs and then the authorities actually does their work and not only monitor the movements of Bobi Wine. Peace.

Opinion: The ADF have returned and Museveni dared them to do so in 2013…

ADF terrorists are still in Congo. However, if they dare cross the border, they know what happened to them last time in 2006. Over 100 of them entered Semliki valley, only 13 went back to Congo” – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on NRM Day 2013 (New Vision, 31.01.2013).

When you have been in office for decades certain promises gets lost in time. Mr. Yoweri have promised everything possible to man and as a head of state he pledged more than most. The old man with the hat, Mzee and his security agencies aren’t as profound or as great as he claims. Because, they usually tends to assault, torture and harass unarmed civilians. They are not used to stop terrorists or trained armed personnel.

Now, what is striking is that ADF have continued to exist in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Where they have held bases and trained militia members. They have killed civilians and served atrocities. It is not like they we’re totally out or destroyed. Yes, some of the leaders have been arrested and others too. There been reports of FARDC ambushes of camps and getting rid of parts of the ADF-NALU militia. However, they have still been able to recruit and gain enough support to be kept alive. Therefore, the statement of Museveni was dead at a still-birth.

So… in 2021 the ADF-NALU followed the old challenge of His Excellency and they have returned with a vengeance.

In 2021:

Last Saturday, a home-made bomb exploded in a northerly Kampala suburb, Kawempe, killing a 20-year-old waitress and injuring scores. Police described the attack as an “act of domestic terrorism” which, under Uganda’s Anti-Terrorism Act, enacted in 2012 and revised in 2017, means any of 10 crimes committed to influence government or intimidate the public” (Tabu Butagira – ‘Inside ADF terror threat over Uganda, neighbours’ 26.10.2021, Daily Monitor).

KAMPALA, Oct. 26 (Xinhua) — Uganda on Tuesday said the recent bombing in the central part of the country was planted by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a rebel group holed up in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni in a statement issued by the State House said the bomb that went off on a bus traveling to western Uganda was planted by the ADF” (Xinhua – ‘Ugandan president says bus bombing plotted by ADF’ 26.10.2021).

At a press conference on Tuesday, Uganda police spokesman Fred Enanga said that the commander of the Alliance of Democratic Forces (ADF) Mohammad Nkalubo coordinated the bombings. Enanga also said that the police caught three men who were involved in organizing the attacks. “So far, we have managed to arrest three collaborators who received money from ADF sources and distributed it among the recipients, their operatives and agents in the country.” (…) “Great Lakes security analyst Dismas Nkunda said it shouldn’t be surprising if the ADF reports are correct, given that the group is based in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. The group has been operating in the DRC for the past 20 years after being ousted from Uganda. Authorities say the group is expanding to other countries in the region. Nkunda says the explosions could show new aggression from the ADF. “This will be a new chapter in understanding what the conflict in Uganda will be like if it is a terrorist organization seeking to inflict maximum harm.”” (Nation World – ‘Uganda Police Blame ADF Rebel Group for Capital Explosions’ 26.10.2021).

We are seeing here two incidents where the ADF are claimed to be involved in terrorist attacks. One in Kawempe, Kampala and the other on a bus travelling to Western Uganda. This is worrying, as the state has several of outfits who deals with intelligence gathering. These are the ones that is monitoring people and following leads. Giving it to the authorities and saving lives. Alas, the authorities clearly haven’t followed ADF-NALU to the fullest.

Since they have been able to pass through the cracks and explode on civilians. These acts of terrorism is showing a need for a reform and a need to structure the authorities differently. They are reactionary and not passing the baton, in a manner, in which they could apprehend suspects or even intelligence of their actions at a early stage. That can be said, as the state isn’t alert or have the capacity to follow or monitor the ones who are deemed as “sleeper cells” or “terrorists”. This is why they can succeed in their missions. Which is tragic and innocent lives are taken because of it.

The ADF-NALU have dared to return and they done with massive harm. They are taking lives and causing horror. Families are ripped apart and others are endangered. The ADF-NALU is showing their might and force to the general public. As their sole mission in the past was to overthrow Museveni. However, we doubt that is the means to this end right now.

They are now signing to the “high above” that they are still there and should be recognized. The ADF-NALU is proving their existence and that they are coming to terrorize as well. They followed his dare and has returned. The outcome is horrible and people lives are taken in the midst of it. It is tragic, but shows what mismanagement and hubris does to man. Museveni could have fixed this, but he let other people suffer the blow in the DRC. Now, the same ghosts of the past has returned to haunt him still. Peace.

Uganda Police Force: Second Incident of Deadly Bomb Explosion was a Sucide Attack (26.10.2021)

Opinion: Fears for People Power and the NUP [after the Komamboga blast]

Police spokesperson Fred Enanga told a press conference on Sunday afternoon that the number of those injured was three, down from the seven reported earlier. ‘Our joint task teams of experts from Counter Terrorism, Intelligence and Investigations have confirmed the incident was an intentional act of domestic terror,’ he said. Three suspects are on the run, added Enanga, as investigations continue, with their motivation not yet established. No group has come out to claim responsibility for the deadly attack” (New Vision – ‘Komamboga blast was ‘intentional act of domestic terror’ – Police’ 23.10.2021).

The bomb in Komamboga in Kawempe division at a pork joint should worry everyone. The state is easily using these sort of domestic terror acts for political gains. That’s why I am worried for the ones who is quickly to target these days. The state easily charge, detain and brutally attacks, which is the People Power Movement and the National Unity Platform (NUP). This is happening, because they are force to reckon with.

The public should not fear, we shall defeat this criminality like we have defeated all the other criminality committed by the pigs who don’t respect life” (Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, 24.10.2021).

The state has used incidents like these before and two NUP MPs are already charged for serious crimes and awaiting trials. They are detained first implicated in the murders in the Greater Masaka region. Alas, that is a politically charged persons and not because they are criminal. This is very clear and we can expect more of this.

The state has done the same to Reform Agenda and Forum for Democratic Change (FDC). The state targeted the central leadership and their family members in a made up ‘terrorist organization’ . This could easily happen again. We shouldn’t be shocked if the “domestic terrorist” act would be used as a means to an end. A way to make the NUP and People Power Movement illegal. We shouldn’t be shocked. The state is willing to do this…

The Police at KMP, have responded to a serious blast which occurred on the 23.10.2021, at around 9 pm, at Digida eating point, in Kawempe Division, Kampala. One person has been fatally wounded and 7 others rushed to Mulago National Referral hospital, with serious injuries. We ask the public to remain calm, as we establish the true circumstances surrounding the incident. Any new developments will be communicated in due course” (Uganda Police Force, 24.10.2021).

I know I shouldn’t think this way. However, the cynic in me knows that the state uses these crimes for personal gains. The ones behind the crime or even culprits can easily go away. There been spies and other people able to make bombs who the Internal Security Organization (ISO) let go earlier this year. The United Kingdom authorities and MI-6 warned about possible terror attacks in Uganda. That was just a week ahead of this one. Therefore, we should worry about this.

At this very moment, everything is just speculation. The state will continue it’s investigation. However, cases have gone could quickly. The authorities will strike hard and expect some political targets. This will not show some unknown terrorist organization or group, which was similar to the announcement of Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerubaga who announced a terrorist was captured a few weeks ago.

This is why I wonder what is happening and why the UK knew about this, but the authorities let it all happen. They we’re warned and still let it happened. I just have a feeling it will be used against Bobi Wine and his comrades. This is because, the state does this and they use the justice system to apprehend political opponents. Therefore, I am worried that this case could be used for this. Because, why not?

They used the Greater Masaka murders… so… this one could easily become another one of these. Peace.

Besigye was charged for treason for about 1977 days!

Just as I’ve been out on bail since 2019 on the treason case, I wake up to a newspaper article claiming my case has been dropped,” Besigye stated. “I have not been served, neither has any of my lawyers. It appears that the regime wants to propagate their narrative that I work with them,” he added. He has since vowed to seek legal action with his lawyers for malicious prosecution since the state has now retreated from the case” (Emmanuel Businye – ‘Besigye says treason charge is dropped to show him as ‘M7 Agent’ 11.10.2021).

Since the February 2016 General Election in the Republic. Dr. Kizza Besigye, the Presidential Candidate for the main opposition party Forum for Democratic Change (FDC). Besigye sworn himself in as President on the 11th May 2016. After that he was arrested and airlifted to Moroto prison. Within 48 hours after the arrest and being detained in Moroto. He was charged for treason on the 13th May 2016.

It is not shocking that the charges are dropped in 2021. It took 1977 days. That is prolonging the agony for too long. Besigye also proves how “cold” the case was, as he haven’t had a bail hearing for 2 years as well. It took over 5 years, 4 months and 28 days before it got dropped.

Neither, did the state produce any evidence and witness statements to keep the case alive. The state had the time to do this. However, it was just a ploy to keep Besigye busy with trails and bail-hearings. So, that he couldn’t do proper activism or revolt even against the rigged election. He was stuck fighting the case and the pending court trial, which never really happened.

We know that Besigye is not a Museveni agent. He has worked tirelessly to topple or have a peaceful transition. Nobody has a similar record like Besigye. As an politician and activist he has been arrested countless of times, thousands of charges and detained as well. Therefore, with the treatment and the way his been targeted. It is foolish to think he has been used by the state as a pawn. He and his family wouldn’t have been touched in the way they have. Neither how his allies have been taken out over the years. So, to sell that story now is unbelievable.

It is injustice to keep this case alive for so long. Especially, since it was nothing and had no reasons to charge him with it. The state didn’t even produce anything. That’s why we know it is just a technique to harass and target their dissidents. They are not charging someone, because they endangered the state or its highest ranking officials to coup d’etat it. No, they are just using it as a political weapon to silence the ones who challenge the President politically. Peace.

Ssegirinya MP is detained at SIU Kireka [and faces treason charges]

Fred Enanga: “We want to inform the public that Hon Ssegirinya Mohammad has also been rearrested on fresh charges of treason and incitement to violence by the joint security task team of investigators” (…) He has been transferred to the Special Investigations Division, in Kireka for further statement recording and action” (Uganda Police Force, 27.09.2021).

The MP isn’t only facing the charges in the murders of Masaka. Now, the Uganda Police Force is saying his facing treason charges as well. The state is clearly using all means against him. The National Unity Platform (NUP) MP is a target and that is evident. As there is no proof or evidence for it.

The UPF Spokesperson shows that the authorities had it all planned. As he was released on-bail and the first second of “freedom”. They arrested him again and now they are detaining him at the SIU Kireka. This will prolong his agony and lack of freedom.

The state is still not producing any proof, evidence or affidavits in-concern to the MP. Ssegirinya MP will face long time and more trials. The state is really pushing him. They didn’t Court Martial him, but this is evident that the state is making new charges and “treason” is something that keep him behind bars for a long time. In a way, where he is seen as a danger to society and that’s why they keep him without producing anything.

This is tragic, but how they do. A Joint Security Task Team had a plan and this is how they execute it. Instead of finding or investigating real criminals. They are using the authorities as means to politically intervene and make Ssegirinya MP an example of their impunity. Peace.

Ssegirinya MP kidnapped by a “drone” [and kept at a unknown location]

MP Mohammad Ssegirinya rearrested moments after being released from prison after being granted bail by court. Accused of murder, attempted murder and terrorism in relation to mysterious murders in Masaka. President Museveni on Sat said it is not right to release murder suspects” (Radio 4/103.3 FM, 27.09.2021).

Again and again, the authorities and security organization takes their freedom to obvious levels of impunity and injustice in the republic. This tends to happen to a chosen few and Members of Parliament who happens to big-deal opposition members. Therefore, Kawempe North MP Ssegirinya are now not only charged for murders in Masaka. He will be arraigned elsewhere as well.

That is why he was arrested by yet another security organization. If it is Chieftain of Military Intelligence (CMI) or Internal Security Organization (ISO). Heck, one of the army units could have done this today. Because, this are just preparing the MP to be arraigned before the Court Martial. As an excuse to keep him detained without any need to produce evidence or affidavits to prove his guilt or that he even committed crime in question.

The civilian courts cannot keep the “alleged” criminal forever without production of evidence or proof. The investigation has prove their crimes and not just keep them detained. This just proves how wrongly this is done.

The Police Force and the authorities are catching “criminals” but have no proof or evidence. Heck, their investigations are non-existent. Because, everyone knows these are just political ploys to hit one of their enemies. This is not the mastermind of the murders or behind the murders of Masaka. He was busy getting medical equipment in the Netherlands and upgrade the ambulances there. Therefore, the authorities and law enforcement is blind obedient bureaucrats with no functioning brains. Because, everyone knows what is going on and if their knobs are put together. They might able to pull a trick or two, but this isn’t it.

We have seen this game being played out before. The injustice and injustice is systematic. This was prepared and planned. As the state couldn’t keep him illegally detained in prison. They needed an excuse and the bail made it possible to re-arrest him. Therefore, this vicious means are how the state works.

This is putting the cart before the horse. They are making someone criminal before they have done the crime. By doing that… they are doing something illegal. Simply arresting and taking away someone’s freedom and liberty. Just because they have the authority and ability to do so. Still, that isn’t rule of law or justice. No, this is injustice and nothing else.

The Police and authorities aren’t catching the killers or assassins of Masaka. Instead they are keeping two MPs implicated for existing. This tragedy doesn’t seem to end. The tale for these two will last for months and there will plenty of trials. If not also lots of charges that the state cannot prove. Because it is taken out of thin-air and is as valuable as any of the President’s recent promises during the campaign. Peace.

Mr. Updates aka Ssegirinya MP still behind bars in Kigo Prison

The absence of Mityana Municipality Member of Parliament Francis Zaake has caused his Kawempe North counterpart Muhammad Ssegirinya to stay in jail. This is because Zaake committed himself to stand surety for Ssegirinya who is facing murder and terrorism charges but today, he was not available to append his signature on the release form such that Ssegirinya can gain temporary freedom. Ssegirinya was jointly arrested together with Makindye West MP Allan Ssewanyana on September 7th 2021 and taken to Masaka Magistrates Court on charges of murder and terrorism arising from the recent killings of people using machetes in Masaka. They were remanded to Kigo Prison” (97.8 Kazo FM Omushomesa, 23.09.2021).

We should worry that Muhammad Ssegirinya MP has been behind bars for over two weeks. The MP has been behind bars for 16 days. The MP was also allowed bail or temporary freedom in the Courts on the 20th September 2021. This means he could have produced and freed three days ago.

Who knows why his mate and MP Francis Zaake haven’t showed up today. We could worry that Ssegirinya would have suffered the same fate as Ssewanyana today. As he was picked up by a “drone” and taken to an unknown location.

For now we know where Mr. Updates resides. Yes, this is impunity and injustice at it’s highest order. The state is keeping him detained with no burden of proof of his guilt. There is no strong or credible evidence pinning the MP in the crimes charged against him. That’s why we know this is a political motivated case and not a “criminal” matter. He is just a victim of his allegiance and what he represents, which is differing from the ruling regime.

In some concern it is better to know that Ssegirinya is in Kigo Prison. That knowing he could be picked up by random authorities to unknown locations. He could be taken to ungazetted safe-houses and be tortured. Which is something the MP has suffered from before. Therefore, it is maybe even a sad relief that he is left behind today.

Both MPs will not get a fair trial and neither any serious case against them. This a political hackwork to keep them behind bars. They are falsely charged and the state will prolong the agony of the dissenting MPs. Peace.

Ssewanyana MP kidnapped by a “drone” [and kept at a unknown location]

Reports coming in indicates that Hon. Allan Ssewanyana has been kidnapped at gun point at the entrance of Kigo Prison by gun totting operatives shortly after his release by Prisons authorities” (Baba TV Uganda, 23.09.2021).

Again, the injustice and impunity is shown to the world to see. The National Unity Platform MP Ssewanyana who is already facing serious charges pinned on him by the authorities. Have now been taken away by a “drone” or a “Panda Gari” which means they have him in a ungazetted safe-house or unknown location.

This is a total disregard for justice. As the MP have already been behind bars for two weeks and there been nothing produced to prove his guilt. That’s why you know him and his fellow MP have been politically targeted by the authorities. This isn’t anything new, but is just a mere prospect of what is happening in the Republic.

Ssewanyana MP could easily face torture and horrific pains in the hands of the fellow detail who is on his watch now. That is what has happened to others who has had this fate. Therefore, there is no relief or stop of the burden. The state isn’t even trying to show the burden of proof of the allegations made against him and his peer. No, they are just facing farcical trials and kangaroo courts, which is only symbolic.

Sooner or later this case will die down and the value of the prosecution will cease as well. The Masaka murders are still cold and the authorities have no leads there. If not they are shielding the killers to pin these MPs. That’s how sinister these acts are. You serve injustice to fellow citizens to let the ones behind the crimes free.

Ssewanyana MP will face trouble now and the Uganda Police Force will make some foolish accusations. The authorities will play the blame game and they will make “safety” assessment as a reason for the arrest on the gates of the Kigo Prison.

This only shows how the regime is working… and that they have no regard for “rule of law”. They only have time and ability to misuse the courts and the lives of the deceased. Which is all used as pawns for the greater schemes of things.

I pity the fools who believes this is good judgement. Because it is not. It only shows what sort of liberty and freedom, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) lives and strives for. Peace.

The dead silence: Otafiire cannot help himself

“You forget that when the NRM dominated Masaka, there were no killings. Someone else is in charge of Masaka politically”Kahinda Otafiire (09.09.2021).

The murders and killings in the Greater Masaka region must be used as a ploy and a decoy. Instead of taking responsibility and go after the culprits. The National Resistance Movement (NRM) and its regime is on high alert to implicate the National Unity Platform (NUP). Which is obvious.

This is not a new tactic to implicate opposition and activists who are dissidents of the state in serious matters. No, that has been going as long as I can remember. The opposition and its leaders can easily become targets and become enemies of the state. That’s why they are aimed at and accused of the murders now.

We have been here before, the names and the party has changed, but the objective is the same. Implicate leaders and affiliates, claim the party is ill-advised and vilify it. While never ever going after the killers and assassins in question. No they are roaming free without any hesitation and can move to the next target. The ones with machetes and weapons to kill can buzz of into darkness. That what they do… while the NUP is blamed.

Kahinda Otafiire and the politicians blaming the NUP directly better come clear with evidence and proof. As Ofwono Opondo couldn’t help himself either on NBS Frontline yesterday. They were both implicating the NUP and doing a blatant attempt of criminalizing the opposition party and its members. That says it all really.

Not that I am shocked by this, but it shows what the state actors and high ranking officials are willing to do. They are doing this for the whole nation and republic to see. While there is no proof and it is deliberate to make a narrative to implicate innocent people in murders in Masaka.

What is tragic about yesterday is that we are supposed to forget when the NRM was running Masaka and when the opposition was campaigning that the Police Force or the army killed civilians following the opposition convoy. The NRM have killed and continues to do so. They don’t spare a life, but rather take it. This is at least how it seems to the naked eye. While they always blame the enemy. If it is Amin, Obote or now Bobi Wine, because it is never the Movement. Well, if it continues to happen… then it must be you!

This isn’t funny but injustice in action. Its obscene and outrageous. A clear aim at a political gain on another people’s tragedy. Instead of taking action to stop it or find the killers. You are making a political stand and assaulting a third party, which wasn’t involved in it in the first place.

We can act a fool, but this is just getting stupid. There is no redeeming factor in this. Only a sinister move to make the NUP the villain. That is the mere reality of this. The NRM isn’t any better and this is what they do. We could wish for better, but that is too much to ask. Peace.