Rwenzururu kingdom accuses government of smear campaign; Kasese Killings Narrative (Youtube-Clips)

“Obusinga bwa Rwenzururu , the cultural institution thrust into the limelight after clashes on the 10th and 11th of March in Kasese district has distanced itself from the violence. The Kingdom’s Prime Minister Thembo  Kitsumbire instead claimed a smear campaign against the cultural institution. Kitsumbire’s comments come a day after the Inspector General of Police Kale Kayihura said four attackers were members of the a militia group linked to the cultural institution” (NTV Uganda, 2016).

Rwenzori Fraternity clip:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_afE_mUBXo

“The Rwenzururu kingdom has admitted that the youths who engaged the UPDF in a cross fire in which four were killed were part of their unofficial guards. The kingdom however denies any association with the “kirumamutima” youths saying the Inspector General of police should explain circumstances under which a pre deployment assessment mission was carried out in kasenyi and yet there was no violence at the time” (NBS TV Uganda, 2016)

Another Clip:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yonpi4wIw4c

“A tale of the kasese killings, from an eye witness’s account, was a story of friends trying to save a colleague from arrests only to end up losing their lives The family of the late James Wayekwa one of the men who were shot dead in the Friday clashes with police in Kasenyi village in Kasese district narrates how the 34 year old met his death.
They have denied Gen Kale kayihura’s claims that the late belonged to a militia Kirumiramutima which is linked to the Obusinga bwa Rwenzururu” (NBS TV Uganda, 2016).

Statement by Members of Rwenzori Fraternity in Respect of Recent Acts of Violence Reported in Kasese District (14.03.2016)

Kasese Railway Station

As members of the Rwenzori Fraternity, a non-partisan grouping of people hailing from the region, working in different parts of Uganda but mainly in Kampala & Kasese, wish to state as here under.

We learnt of the unfortunate events that happened in Kasese on the 10th day of March 2016 after the just concluded local council 111 elections wherein violence broke up in Buhuhira and Kikongo villages in Hima Town Council that led to the unfortunate loss of lives and destruction of property. We condemn in the strongest terms the perpetuators of violence and send our deep felt sympathies to the families that lost their dear ones both civilians and in security forces. We also pray for quick recovery for those we have learnt are still in hospitals.

While many versions of these events have been out in the media and from government officials namely post election violence, allegations of a Yiira state, tribal or ethnic conflicts, etc, And Whereas we appreciate the concerns of the different stakeholders and the findings so far we wish to state the following. The violence that erupted was purely post election violence that came out of a poorly managed electoral process.

The so called Yiira state is a concoction that has no basis and founding among the Population in the region and we are equally perturbed by this malicious propaganda that has no basis but intended to taint and alienate us the people of the Rwenzori region from the Uganda that we have always belonged to and we treasure.

Ethnic violence.

Where as we recognize that for some time there has been some underlying political issues in the region that are funned by selfish politicians, We do not believe that this was the root cause of the violence that erupted in the past week.

We have lived as different ethnic groups in the region. We have been accommodative to each other socially, politically and economically and we would not wish anybody to appear to destroy the co existence that has been existent in the region for generations.

In the premises we ask our people back home in Kasese and the entire Rwenzori region to refrain from such acts that may cause violence and instead embrace peaceful and legitimate processes of resolving outstanding challenges at both individual, community and institutional levels.

We also implore government and all security agencies to take more interest in thorough intelligence gathering in the region. We call for more proactive rather than reactive approach to policing in the region. Government should endeavor to work closely with local, religious and community leaders during their operations. In the same vein, government spokespersons should desist from making alarming statements that may seem to seek to escalate the already porous situation but rather more calm statements.

We ask the government, the Civil Society Fraternity and all friends of the Rwenzori region to quickly focus on having a multi – stakeholder dialogue on the Rwenzori question and encourage local communities to actively engage in these peaceful efforts.

As a FRATERNITY, we think now is the time to start the journey to a long term and sustainable peacemaking processes. We have also resolved as a Fraternity to engage the different stake holders in the region in order to find a permanent solution to the Rwenzori question.

We also implore religious leaders, all newly elected political and local leaders to work together in an endeavor to foster peace and harmony in the region.

FOR GOD AND MY COUNTRY.

___________________________________________________

FOR AND ON BEHALF OF THE RWENZORI FRATENITY.

NRM MPs wants to secure an extended term from 5 to 7 years for President Museveni; fits the Modus Operandi of Museveni; As Mzee seeks to stay in power forever!

the-1995-constitution-was-very-clear-on-two-terms-but-museveni-used-parliament-to-remove-term-limits

There are stories that are breaking, stories that are strange, stories that are surprising, what I write you today are the new normal and the Modus Operandi of the NRM-Regime and the NRM party. As there been a pattern when it comes to President Museveni, as his grips of power and continues to be the Executive. This he has done deliberately since 1986. Or since after the rigged election of 1980; a history most that has followed the Uganda President should know by now, and should be part of their knowledge.

In the beginning he stated that the Movement System would continuation of the African democratic model as the constituencies would pick their men, than through Multi-Party System, he hold on to it as long as he could. And he kept it until second voting on a referendum that leads into the 2006 elections with the Multi-Party system, and not only NRM party as it had been since 1986. Before 1986 there been other parties that long had been in shadow or worked under the system and being imbedded in the Movement System to sustain positions, but not free-parties to hold their own consultations and own meetings. As the referendum opened up for; just with this proves how little he works for the dissidents or other views in the country, as it is the NRM who matters as that is his Party!

What I will discuss today is how he has used laws both inner-party of the NRM and the deepest in the general law to keep the laws that fits him. Such it was in beginning of the Constitution, who also gained him credit abroad and made him a donor-friendly destination. I will take the amendment, sole-candidacy of 2014 and now the longer terms for him. Take a look!

In 1995 the new constitution gave the President or the Executive power under the Article 105 a basis of two terms, which each term would last 5 years. That was the basis of the new constitution that NRM and President Museveni made during the first period of his presidency.

The Original constitution states this:

“105.  Tenure of office of a President.

(1)       A person elected President under this Constitution shall, subject to clause (3) of this article, hold office for a term of five years.

(2)       A person shall not be elected under this Constitution to hold office as President for more than two terms as prescribed by this article”

But in 2005 he had changed his mind as he wanted to keep power in the country even if he had been elected twice in presidential elections in 1996 and in 2001. So when 2006 elections were coming, he had together with his party change the law to fit him.

As the Constitution Amendment Act 2005 which states:

“28. Amendment of article 105 of the Constitution Article 105 is amended by repealing clause (2) and substituting for it the following—“(2)A person may be elected under this Constitution to hold office as President for one or more terms as prescribed by this article.”

That got voted in Parliament and lead to the general election in 2006, where President Museveni also won the election and took a landslide of MPs in Parliament, as he has always done. This has continued into a single spiral of his strengthen power of the NRM, while cutting ties with men inside the party wishing to take his place in the party, as with Gilbert Bukenya and Amama Mbabazi at times.

Museveni-with-a-dummy-map-of-uganda

So to solidify his position he made this happen on a Party Retreat or Conference at Kyankawanzi and the words express the readiness for yet another term and rule under President Museveni and not have a new leader controlling the ruling party. As it says here:

The Kyankwanzi Resolution of 2014 – President Museveni’s right for Sole Candidacy in the NRM:

“RESOLUTION ON PARTY COHESION AND GOVERNANCE

We, the undersigned members of the NRM Caucus attending a retreat at the National Leadership Institute(NALI) Kyankwanzi (6,February 2014); Fully aware of our Country’s historical  past and the need to consolidate and sustain the Milestones registered over the years since 1986; Cognizant of the fact that there is still a lot more to be done in order to realize our ideological vision of uniting Uganda(Nationalism), Pan-africanism, transforming our country from a poor peasantry society to a modern economy and upholding democracy; Conscious of the fact that what has been so far achieved over the last 28 years needs to be guarded jealously and improved upon to realize our vision; Aware  that when individuals engage in personal scheming, party cohesion is undermined, development efforts aredistracted and the population is diverted from work to early politicking;

DO here by resolve;

To support H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to continue leading and facilitating our country on its take off journey to transformation”.

As we seen that the President Museveni together with Parliament in 1994 before introduction of the Constitution of 1995. Where it stated certain limits for the president, meaning two periods for the actual president and that was that. After and near the end of the official two periods as presidents the constitutional amendment abolished that in 2005. Later he continued to rewrite the NRM Party guidelines and got the resolution of 2014, where they rewrote it so that he is the Sole Candidacy of him as a presidential candidate for the party and be the president of NRM at the same time, as he has been for decades.

So now the news of a new resolution from yet another conference or retreat at Kankwanzi, that will give the Presidency more Power and for longer time!

Today the 14th March 2016 at another NRM MPs retreat at Kyankwanzi:

“Live in Kyankwanzi where the NRM orientation and retreat is on going! Resolution has been passed to extend the term limit from 5 years to 7 years!” (The Inspector, 2016).

This is an amendment that supposed to the same that the MP James Kakooza the MP for Kabula County in Lyantonde District initiated in 2010. The Kyankwanzi resolution for the longer term length is on the precedence of the Rwandan Presidents who have 7 year terms already and the idea of MP Hon. Kakooza want to emulate that. What the NRM MPs does not is copying and also doing this to show support to the President for their ability to be MPs in the 10th Parliament. They should initially give thanks to once they represent (the people) and not the President, they serve him, but they in theory represent the people first. This kind of law and resolution does not give more power to the people or represent them better. On the other hand it gives longer staying power for President Museveni and nothing else. As his next term would be extended with two more years not the 2016-2021, but now would be 2016-2023. That is massive difference and giving him more time to make more laws fitting him.

e8807-votemuseveni

As I am sure we will see more of this and make sure the laws that fit the NRM-Regime and the longevity of President Museveni and his presidency. That is the only certainty as the opposition gets worse treatment and the laws made to suit the Executive and not the people. As it come more and more to forefront and becomes the reality. Last time at Kyankwanzi resolution gave carte blanche for a sole candidacy, now in a similar fashion they want to give him two more years as head of state, as he already embarks on the 30th year in power. And with the new term system the nedt tenure would total 37 years! That is like fish out of the water, and surely is not just an idea from a MP, I am sure this seems like a tactic from the Presidency to do it now after the polls; to justify his extended time in Power.

I don’t believe that this all of sudden happen out of the nowhere. As the other extensions have happen deliberately and through steady choices of the executive, he has made choices and decisions how to manipulate the electorate, the parliament and the laws to fit his way. That has been strength of him and as long as that gave positivity in the county, the people didn’t mind. Now it is not positivity as at the beginning of the presidency, instead the totalitarian power who keeps the power to himself and using all methods to keep it.

This here today is yet another method and another way of securing the power for the presidency, the extension of the term is just the next step for him and his rule. Peace.    

Press Release: Uganda’s Routine Immunization ranked among the lowest in the East Africa (14.03.2016)

NMS Amuria

KAMPALA, March 14: “In God we trust, all others bring data,” a quote attributed to American professor and statistician William Edwards Deming, is widely used to underscore the role accurate data play in building credibility.

As a result of the lack of verified, up-to-date data, a report released ahead of the ministerial conference on immunisation in Africa last month ranked Uganda’s routine immunisation coverage as among the lowest in the East African sub-region.

The report which tracks immunisation progress and challenges across the continent since the Global Vaccine Action Plan (GVAP) was launched and entitled, “Fulfilling a promise: Ensuring immunisation for all in Africa”, rates Uganda’s 2014 diptheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP3) coverage at 78 per cent compared with 80 per cent for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), 81 per cent Kenya, 97 per cent for Tanzania and 99 per cent for Rwanda.

Coverage with the third dose of DTP is used to measure the strength and reach of a country’s routine immunisation programme.

The DTP3 target for countries was 90 per cent for national coverage by 2015 or at least 80 per cent coverage in every district. Experts recommend that children receive DTP three times at appropriate intervals.

Press Statement: The Blue Friday Campaign (14.03.2016)

FDC Youth 14.03.2016

Nakasero, Kampala, 14th March 2016 – The blue Friday team greets you ladies and gentlemen.We appreciate your efforts and resolve to withstand the challenges and difficult times we are facing as a nation.

The year 2016 started with excitement,hope and promise but at the same time it has brought misery onto us.The month of February in particular was a turning point in the history of our country.Witnessing the unthinkable imposed onto us by men and women of the electoral commision who conspired with security agencies to deprive us of our constitutional civil rights.

Having known the choice we Ugandans had made to overwhelmingly vote for FDC’s Presidential candidate Dr.Kizza Besigye,the electoral commision decided to alter the results as they wished!
Dr.Sulaiman Kiggundu with assistance of the Uganda Police Force deliberately refused to declare Dr.Kizza Besigye as the winner of the Presidential elections exercise which he won but instead chose to announce the loser as the winner!!! That was not only unconstitutional but also criminal.We can sum it up as an “election coup of Namboole”.

Therefore,we must protest on one hand the election coup of Namboole and on the other hand the deliberate violation of Dr.Kizza Besigye’s individual rights through an illegal detention at his home.

A campaign known as Blue Friday has been agreed upon as one among many other non violent campaigns to reclaim the people’s victory and reinstate Dr.Kizza Besigye as the dully elected president of Uganda.Blue Friday is a movement composed of Ugandans who recognise Dr.Kizza Besigye as the President elect of the republic of Uganda. Any other person who claims to the Presidency by proclamation or declaration is an imposter.

For that matter,we call upon all peace loving Ugandans who recognise Dr.Kizza Besigye as the President elect of this country to wear blue every Friday in solidality with their President.This is constitutionally right.We do so because we believe that we can reclaim our victory without necessarily using violent means like Mr.Yoweri Museveni did in 1981 when he lost elections to DP and UPC.This non violent campaign is simply to denounce Mr.Museveni’s plans of fraudelently imposing him self onto Ugandans yet he is Dr.Kiggundu’s choice rather not a choice of Ugandans.

We also wish to make more fundemental demands as the Presidency of Mr.Yoweri Museveni comes to an end.

1. We urge the International community to recognise Dr.Kizza Besigye as the dully President elect of the republic of Uganda and should denounce Mr.Museveni who was illegally declared by Mr.Kiggundu’s electoral commission.

2.We demand for an independent audit assisted by eminent persons and delegated political party officials to audit the Feb/18th/2016 Presidential elections.

3.We request that the International community puts sanctions on Mr.Yoweri Museveni and some officials of his government,a travel ban should be considered among others.

In conclusion ,we request that Dr.Kizza Besigye establishes a government of the people of Uganda and such a governent must start re~organising this country.

Thank you

Kahemba Babi
for
Blue Friday
Kampala Uganda
0752871050

Free Uganda Statement on Gen. David Sejusa trial at High Court tomorrow (13.03.2016)

David Sejusa Court

On Monday, 14 March 2016, General David Sejusa, the Chairman of Free Uganda, comes to the High Court of Uganda to seek justice in relation to the ilegalities and criminalities sepensed on him by the Museveni regime.

All Ugandans and the world at large are waiting to see whether there still any residues of justice and the despensing of justice in Uganda today, or whether the justice system has been personalised by dictator Yoweri Museveni.

Free Uganda still hopes that there judges in Uganda who are independent-minded and cannot be bribed or coarced by Museveni.

We wait to see.

In the event that Ugandans cannot find justice in the criminal justice system or security and protection by those meant to be the guardians of the nation’s law and order, who will blame the citizens when we take the law in our hands and fight for the justice we deserve as per the provisions opf the Ugandan constitution.

The Struggle continues.

IGP Kale Kayihura on the unrest in Kasese and Bundibugyo (13.03.2016)

IGP Kale Kayihura 16.12.15 P1

This statement is to give information in connection with recent incidents of violence in Kasese and Bundibugyo districts given the distorted, and manipulated messages being sent out, especially on social media.

Let me begin by congratulating the people of Uganda for generally peaceful and successful election, namely presidential and parliamentary elections on 18th February 2016, The LCV Elections on 24th February 2016, the mayoral elections on 2nd March 2016 and the LC III chairperson on 9th March 2016. In particular, I wish on behalf of the police and the sister security agencies to thank you for the support you gave us to ensure that the country is safe and secure. The valuable contribution of the crime preventers in effectively implementing “Neighborhood Watch”, where neighborhoods and villages where security forces could effectively deploy is greatly appreciated.

Having said the above, however, there were isolated case incidents of violence here and there in some parts of the country but which we were able to handle and minimize damage to life and property, keep public order and ensure that the country is safe and secure. In this context let me focus on incidents in the Rwenzori sub-region.

Bundibugyo District.

After the February 24th LC5 elections, there were clashes resulting from dissatisfaction by some candidates and their supporters. the violence started in Busengerwa village of Busaru sub county where one person was shot dead by a former UPDF guide, called Museveni Bonifance, alias Bhangi, which led to retaliatory attacks in Busaru, Ngamba and Kirumya sub counties, leaving 15 Civilians dead and 04 others injured, 139 houses were also set ablaze. Following the incidents, eighty suspects were charged with murder in the high court sitting in Fort Portal on 11th March 2016 and subsequently remanded. Bhangi, the killer that started it all was arrested last night in Busaru sub County, Bundibugyo District. Hunt for other suspects, and the investigations continue.

Let me commend the joint security forces for acting swiftly and preventing the violence from spreading and ensuring security in Bundibugyo District.

Kasese District

On the night of 10th March2016, at 8pm, the day after the elections of LC III Chairpersons, a joint motorized patrol of Police and UPDF, while patrolling lower Kendahi cell, Kikongo ward, Hima Town Council, was attacked by over 30 persons armed with machetes, knives and clubs. 04 soldiers were injured, two of them critically, and the attackers tried to grab their guns. In self-defense, the patrol opened fire on the attackers, instantly killing two of them, and forcing the rest of them to flee. The injured soldiers are Cpl Ssentongo Matia, L/Cpl Rwot Owengeyo, L/Cpl Katuramu Hannington, and L/Cpl Otube Moses. They were rushed to Kilembe Hospital for first aid and the following day, they were referred to UPDF 2nd division Hospital in Mbarara. Two are still in critical condition.

Later the same night, at about 9:00pm, a group of arsonists torched a house of one Kamanyire Ali. Kamanyire is a known supporter of one Tom Wabukombi, who was one of the candidates but lost in LC III elections in Hima Town Council, but his tenants are said to have supported his rival candidate John Katuura, who won the elections.
Following this incident the RPC Rwenzori East informed of the situation and requested for reinforcements. I sent a team of Field Force Unit under the command of Commissioner of Police (CP) Opolot Jacob.

On 11th March 2016, at around 1:00pm, a team of Police UPDF officers led by CP Opoloto Jacob, while on a pre-deployment assessment mission in Kasenyi village, Buhurira Sub County, was attacked by a group of about 20 youths, armed with machetes, knives and clubs. They stabbed SPC Mbusa Joel, critically injuring and disarming him of hid firearm. They also stoned CP Opolot Jacob fracturing his right leg. The security team fired shots in the air to scare them but the attackers were nit, and in fact became even more aggressive. In self-defense, the team opened fire killing 4 attackers, and recovering the gun that had been taken from SPC Mbusa Joel. CP Opoloto Jacob and SPC Mbusa Joel were rushed to Kilembe Hospital. We are transferring them to Mulago Hospital for further medical treatment.

The attackers who were killed are Kake Ezekiel, Bwambale Sajin, Wayakwa James and Kirerembwa Jokas. What is common to them is that they were members of a militia group linked to Obusinga bwa Rwenzururu cultural institution, calling themselves “Kirumiramutima” (strong-hearted). It should be noted that the Omusinga wa Rwenzururu has got official Royal guards given to him by, and based on agreement with Government. Three suspects connected with the attack have so far been arrested and are helping the Police with Investigations.

Furthermore, on the morning of yesterday Saturday 13th March 2016, unknown people set ablaze the house of the GISO of Kyabarunga Sub County in Kasenyi village as well as houses of eight other persons, who are his relatives. They also torched a butchery and a drug shop in the same area. We have information that criminal gangs are being incited to target GISOs and Crime Preventers and their properties in Kasese District.

It should be noted that prior to the 2016 LC III Elections on 9th March 2016, there were widespread threats and intimidation not only in Kasese district, but throughout the sub region against voting for certain candidates. We are investigating reports in the case of Hima Town Council that if the elections go in favor of the NRM candidate John Katuura against Independent candidate Tom Wabukombi, there would be bloodshed. In fact, it was because of similar reports that there was increased patrols in Hima Town Council, where one of our patrols was attacked. In fact, on the night of the Election Day 9th march 2016, supporters of Tom Wabukombi, contrary to electoral laws, declared their candidate the winner, and started celebrating in Hima Town. The following day, on 10th March, after the final tally of valid votes cast, the electoral commission declared the NRM candidate John Katuura as the winner. In reaction, Wabukombi’s supporters assembled at his office in Hima Town Council, and subsequently incidents of attacks on our security personnels. Joint UPDF and Police reinforcements have been deployed in all affected areas. The people in those areas should therefore not fear, and should go about your normal business.

In spite of the above mentioned incidents, however, I wish on behalf of the police and sister security agencies to assure the Public that we shall continue to ensure the security and safety of the Rwenzori sub region, and the country, as a whole. We caution those misleading the youth into engaging in reckless, and meaningless attacks on the security forces and other innocent people to desist from this criminality, otherwise the law and justice will catch up with them.

We, also, the Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu Cultural Institution, as well as other cultural institutions in the region to cooperate with security forces to engage, particularly the youth against getting themselves involved in violence, and ensure that business life, and the life of ordinary people in Kasese District, and the sub region as a whole goes on, normally without disturbance from irresponsible, reckless, and even dangerous criminal activities.

VIDEO: Internal Affairs Minister Rose Akol speaks out on two-day clashes in Kasese that left 6 people dead; Police Chief Gen. Kale Kayihura Camps in Kasese After the Attacks (Footage/Youtube-Clip)

“VIDEO: Internal Affairs Minister Rose Akol speaks out on two-day clashes in Kasese that left 6 people dead” (NBS TV Uganda, 2016).

Police Chief Gen. Kale Kayihura Camps in Kasese After the Attacks:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZk1GBZlnc8

“At exactly 5:00pm, the inspector General of Police General Kale Kayihura’s Police chopper landed at Hima grounds, in Kasese district, where he was scheduled to meet the various security organs in Rwenzori region” (…)”General Kayihura is concern about the security situation in the region especially after civilians attacked Police officers, living six of them dead and UPDF soldiers injured. Police has heavily deployed in Hima to avert any possible clashes amid growing tension in the area” (…)”By press time, the Police chief was still locked in a closed door meeting with all security coordinators in the region” (…)”The UPDF spokes person Lt. Ronald Kakurungu says the situation is now under control following the heavy deployment of UPDF soldiers in most danger zones. Police and the Army have been deployed in Kikonzo village, Bwesumbu and Hima town respectively” (…)”Two of the six UPDF officers who were injured have been discharged while two others have been referred to Mbarara referral Hospital for more medical attention. Two remain admitted at Kilembe Hospital” (…)”Jacob Apolot is a Police commissioner is one those who survived the deadly incident despite being shot in the leg by his fellow officers. Apoloti narrates his narrow escape” (NBS TV Uganda, 2016).

UN human rights commissioner calls for investigation into alleged police brutality (Youtube-Clip)

“United Nations Human Rights Country Representative in Uganda Dr. Uchenna Emelonye calls for an independent investigation into alleged Police brutality in Uganda” (United Nation Human Rights Uganda, 2016).

Press Statement: On the Ugandan Government’s Post-Election Conduct (11.03..2016)

NBS 01.03.2016 Arrested Journalist Kasangati

The United States reiterates its ongoing concerns with Uganda’s post-election environment, in which the government and its security forces persistently have violated the rights and freedoms of Ugandan citizens and the media.

The continued detention of opposition figures without legal justification, the ongoing harassment of opposition supporters, interference in legal challenges to the election results, and the intimidation of Uganda’s media are unacceptable activities in a free and democratic society. Recently proposed legislation to enhance the powers of the government to restrict media is an attempt to further limit the country’s political space.

The United States and Uganda have a long standing and strong partnership that has contributed to the stability and prosperity of the region. We are concerned that the Ugandan government’s recent actions could endanger the economic and political progress that has enabled our relationship to grow. We urge the government to take prompt action to reverse this troubling trend.

John Kirby
Assistant Secretary and Department Spokesperson, Bureau of Public Affairs
Washington, DC