4GC group to hold rallies in west today

SOURCE: THE DAILY MONITOR, 11 JULY 2012

IN SUMMARY

The group is scheduled to camp and hold rallies in areas in western region for a full week.

Outlawed For God and my Country (4GC) pressure group begins its new phase of activities today in various parts of the western region.
The group is scheduled to camp and hold rallies in areas in western region for a full week. Only three districts have so far confirmed their readiness for the rallies, leaders of the group said yesterday.

“The failure of this regime is their thinking that we are bent on Kampala, yet we want to reach out to other areas and tell them how this government has failed in its duties. We have to sensitise the whole country. We have not earmarked Kampala as a critical area since the people are a little bit informed,” Mr Mpuuga told Daily Monitor yesterday.According to the 4GC coordinator, Mr Mathias Mpuuga, the rallies begin from Kabale, Rukungiri and Bushenyi and will move to other districts that are yet to be confirmed.

The group is to move its rallies to the eastern regions of Teso next week, where a number of rallies will be held before moving to the north.

However, police yesterday warned that the rallies will not be allowed since the group was outlawed in April by the Attorney General and their appeal case is yet to result into a stay of execution of the orders.

“We shall not allow the rally since they are illegal. 4GC was banned by the Attorney General and as such no activities should be carried out by the group,” Mr Asuman Mugenyi, the police spokesperson said.

Unlike the earlier attempts by 4GC to inform police of its intended activities, this time around, information from the police headquarters confirm that there has been no communication to that effect and thus no activities shall be allowed.

“There has been no official communication made by 4GC and thus we shall treat them as such,” Mr Mugenyi added.

Despite the Attorney General’s declaration that rendered A4C and 4GC as unlawful societies, 4GC resumed its operation last week and despite police warnings, it has continued operations.

According to the Penal Code, the operation of an unlawful society is a criminal offence punishable by at most seven years imprisonment.
A4C/4GC has filed an appeal against the Attorney General’s orders and awaits its scheduling.

Besigye, Lukwago move to block Ariong murder trial

http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/Besigye++Lukwago+move+to+block+Ariong+murder+trial/-/688334/1464676/-/3gbc5m/-/index.html

SOURCE; THE DAILY MONITOR, 28 JULY 2012

Dr Besigye (C) at the Buganda Road Court in Kampala, with his co-accused in April. 

IN SUMMARY

They argue that the criminal matter against them should be halted until the Constitutional Court determines an application challenging the constitutionality of the charge of unlawful society.

Opposition leaders including Dr Kizza Besigye (Forum for Democratic president) and Erias Lukwago (Kampala City Lord Mayor), on Thursday asked Buganda Road Court to halt the case in which they are accused of managing unlawful assembly that led to the death of police officer John Michael Ariong, in March this year.

Through their lawyer, Ernest Kalibala, the 15 suspects argue that the criminal matter against them should first be halted until the Constitutional Court determines an application No. 32 of 2012, filed by Mathias Mpuuga (MP Masaka Municipality) and Muwanga Kivumbi.

Mr Kalibala explained to court presided over by Chief Magistrate Mary Eleanor Khainza that Mr Mpuuga and Mr Kivumbi are challenging the constitutionality of the charge of unlawful society, which charge he said is similar to what his clients are facing.

He submitted that with such an application before the Constitution Court, it would be prudent and a normal practice to first stop this trial until such a time when a decision is taken either for or against their application.

The sections of the Penal Code Act that are being challenged by Mr Mpuuga and Mr Kivumbi before the Constitutional Court include; 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61,62 and 63.

These sections among others explain the charge of unlawful society, managing unlawful society and offences in relation to an unlawful society.

In particular, Section 57 provides that any person who manages unlawful society commits a felony and is liable to imprisonment for seven years.
Mr Kalibala further submitted that the petitioners (Mr Mpuuga and Mr Kivumbi) argue that these sections of the Penal Code are inconsistent with the Constitution, and that they want the charge of unlawful assembly quashed from the law books.

Mr Mpuuga and Mr Kivumbi were prompted to file the constitutional application following the recent banning of opposition pressure groups Activists for Change (A4C) and For God and My Country (4GC) by Attorney General Peter Nyombi, saying their activities were criminal.
However, the duo argues that the Constitution, which is the supreme law of the land, provides for freedom of assembly and to demonstrate together with others peacefully and unarmed.

The state prosecutor in this case, Mr Martin Rukundo, could not reply to this application made by Mr Kalibala, saying he needed time to peruse through the application before he can reply.

Subsequently, Magistrate Khainza adjourned the matter to Tuesday next week when the State will make its reply.

On a lighter note

Walk To Work Protests Resume. Meanwhile At The 4GC Offices…

http://urbanlegendkampala.com/2012/07/05/walk-to-work-protests-resume-meanwhile-at-the-4gc-offices/

SOURCE: URBAN LEGEND KAMPALA, 10 JULY 2012

You’ve heard about the resuming of the Walk to Work protests? Some Ugandans are happy, some are angry and some are too bored that they just want to see some action.

Renewed legs, teargas, canes, whips and bullets, proudly sponsored by 4GC. We got opposition members preparing for the project and recorded the conversation.

4GC guy: Hello?

Other 4GC guy: Dude, we’ve got plot.

4GC guy: Where?

Other 4GC guy: Rouge.

4GC guy: Is that a new district?

Other 4GC guy: No, it’s a club!

4GC guy: How many acres.

Other 4GC guy: I don’t mean a plot of land, you fool! I mean something fun to do.

4GC guy: Like buying plots?? Call Jennifer and tell her to work on it for me.

Other 4GC guy: Who?

4GC guy: Jennifer Musisi.

Other 4GC guy: The KCCA chick? What does she have to do with this?

4GC guy: She’ll set up the land buying arrangements for me.

Other 4GC guy: Jesus Christ, man! I’m talking about the walking plot! Rouge is our starting point. Come on, Bizzy! BMC!

4GC guy: What did you say?

Other 4GC guy: BMC. Beera Mu Class. Be in class. Try to catch up.

4GC guy: No, what did you call me?

Other 4GC guy: Bizzy. Isn’t this Besigye Johnnie Walker Kizza?

4GC guy: NO!!!

Other 4GC guy: Who is this??

4GC guy: Museveni. Owner of Uganda. Who is this? Hello? Hello?

*** *** ***

4GC guy: Dude, you gave me the wrong number!

Other 4GC guy: Which number?

4GC guy: It’s for Ragga Seven.

Other 4GC guy: Who?

4GC guy: Kagzy.

Other 4GC guy: Who??

4GC guy: Museveni. BMC, man! We’re resuming the next season of Walk to Work starting from Rouge-Nandos area. Are you coming?

Other 4GC guy: Who is this?

4GC guy: What do you mean who is this? Who is this?

Other 4GC guy: Kayihura. Hello?

*** *** ***

4GC guy: Hello? Is this Kizza Besigye?

Besigye: Oh, now you’re acting like you don’t know me, huh?

4GC guy: Man, I’m sorry. I just…

Besigye: SORRY?? SORRY??!! You put me through all this shit and you can say is sorry?

4GC guy: Dude, chill! I didn’t mean to…

Besigye: You didn’t mean to what? Rat me out like a little piece of chicken dudu?

4GC guy: WHAT?!

Besigye: This is the part where he pretends he doesn’t have a clue what I’m talking about.

4GC guy: Seriously, what the hell are you talking about?

Besigye: How did the police know about our plans, huh? How did they? You know what? I don’t want to ever see you again!

4GC guy: Hello? Hello?

Data Entry Jobs

Data Entry Jobs...

4GC launches new operation

http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/4GC+launches+new+operation/-/688334/1445066/-/d081dn/-/index.html

SOURCE: THE DAILY MONITOR, 5 JULY 2012

Mr Munyagwa (C) with his supporters in Bwaise moments after police stopped him from holding a rally where 4GC was slated to launch their new campaign yesterday. 

IN SUMMARY

The group says they will begin their activities on July 11.

KAMPALA

The pressure group will officially begin its new phase of activities on July 11 in western Uganda despite a standing ban by the Attorney General on the group.The outlawed 4GC/A4C pressure group yesterday launched its six month new phase of activities intended to compel government to be more accountable to the population and fulfill its pledges.

The new phase is intended to reach out to Ugandans in their different categories looking at their specific problems with the current regime. According to the group’s coordinator, Mr Mathius Mpuuga, 4GC has resolved to speak to the population following comprehensive consultations with the country’s stakeholders, who include civil society organisations, politicians, religious leaders, the youth and even traditional healers.

“We are left with no doubt following the three months consultation that we are moving in the right direction. For all the things that A4C was propagating for, nothing has changed but things are now worse. Why should we not meet the youths and tell them what the government is planning or not planning for them? Why not meet the women, elderly and even men?” Mr Mathius Mpuuga, 4GC Coordinator said.

As part of their initial activities, are the Divisional Mayor’s consultative meetings that began yesterday. Kawempe Division had earlier been scheduled to hold the first meeting to discuss protests in the city and how much the people have benefited.

The police, however, foiled attempts by Mubarak Muyangwa, Kawempe mayor to hold a rally in the area, citing terrorism and failure by the mayor to specify the agenda of the meeting and individuals in attendance.
Police deployed at Kawempe Division offices and by press time Mr Munyangwa was stilled holed up in his office and the anti-riot police patrolled the premises.

“I was elected by these people, I need to meet them and explain to them what happening. For example, the youth have been attacking me on the KCCA Youth fund. I don’t need to get permission from police to talk to the people I have a contract with,” Mr Munyagwa said in response to a letter from the Kampala Metropolitan Police Commander, Mr Andrew Kaweesi, advising him to hold the meeting in a hall and not a field for security purposes. However, Mr Mpuuga said: “If police think where we want to hold our meetings from is wrong, they should get for us a place, call the people and we shall speak to them.”

The Kampala activities that are focusing on KCCA affairs are a brainchild of Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago who is also pushing for special audits into the use of Shs205b by KCCA in the last financial year instead of the initially allocated Shs45b. “You have seen people attacking my office at KCCA. Look at the youths who came asking for the youth fund. These people have to be told what is happening. I cannot allow my name to be dragged into those who are swindling the tax payer’s money. Ugandans ought to be told what is going on and we the leaders will tell them,” Mr Lukwago said.

All the activities are ongoing despite the Attorney Generals declaration that A4C and 4GC are unlawful society, he added. The police spokesperson, Mr Asuman Mugenyi, said: “They know what they are doing and know that it is illegal. Unless they want to operate outside Uganda but as long as they are here, we are going to follow them up, investigate and handle them accordingly. That group is an unlawful society.”

Police Declare Besigye Terrorism Agent

http://redpepper.co.ug/welcome/?p=40443

SOURCE: THE RED PEPPER, 4 JULY 2012

There will be nothing to smile about if Besigye is arrested over terrorism related activities 

Police have said FDC boss Kizza Besigye and his For God and My Country (4GC) members would be considered terrorism agents and charged as so, should they proceed with plans to resume the infamous walk-to-work demonstrations amidst terror alerts in place.

Speaking to the press in his office at Central Police Station (CPS) Kampala yesterday, the Kampala Metropolitan Police (KMP) Commandant, Andrew Felix Kaweesi said any public rallies in the city are currently prohibited until further notice. He hence re-declared 4GC activities unconstitutional, illegal, outlawed and the agitators, out of order.

“We are not going to joke with public security. Anybody who pretends not to realise the terrorists’ seriousness is considered their (terrorists) agent and we shall handle them as so. We are still on top of the situation but it doesn’t imply we can entertain any diversionary measures,” Kaweesi said, adding that threats to name and shame before closing down all businesses and public installations without required security measures in place.

Saying the terrorists have changed approach by targeting churches and security facilities, Kaweesi cautioned members of the public to triple their vigilance. “We have also upped access control to our stations and we ask our ‘clients’ to bear with the changes,” he said.

Terrorists believed to belong to Al-Shabaab Islamist group over the weekend attacked and killed 17 people in two churches in Garissa, North Eastern province of Kenya . And this came at the backdrop of several other attacks and attempts that have claimed Kenyans’ lives in a space less than a year.

Kaweesi said the goons have on several occasions attempted to penetrate Uganda but with little or no success due to security vigilance.

Turning to 4GC plans, Kaweesi said the group, and other similar ones to come, were banned by government and hence are unconstitutional. 4GC was created soon after the Attorney General Peter Nyombi declared Activists for Change (A4C) illegal.

Kaweesi also said they would not permit Kawempe Mayor Mubarak Munyagwa to hold his planned consultative rally at Growers Grounds in Kawempe due to terror threats.

Information minister Mary Karooro Okurut yesterday implored 4GC coordinator Mathias Mpuuga to convince Besigye to abandon Walk-to-Work protests in Kampala, but he demystified her statement saying they want to sensitise masses how Museveni has failed to deliver, and preach regime change gospel.

Opposition pressure group, 4GC plans to resume protests

http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/Opposition+pressure+group++4GC+plans+to+resume+protests/-/688334/1442528/-/5onsr4z/-/index.html

SOURCE: THE DAILY MONITOR, 3 JULY 2012

4GC group coordinator Mathias Mpuuga says they have already filed a case against the Attorney General’s declaration banning their group and its activities 

IN SUMMARY

The group says they will begin their activities on July 11 and also contest the AG’s ban of their group.

Kampala

“We have chosen to defy the ban since it is illegal. We shall contest the decision in court as we continue with our activities. We are going to launch the programme for the next phase on Wednesday,” Mr Mathias Mpuuga, the group coordinator, said.The banned political pressure group, For God and My Country (4GC), has announced a plan to resume activities on July 11. Following a five-hour meeting held at their offices on Katonga Road yesterday, the group resolved on a programme and agenda for a new phase of action for the next six months.

Police said it is investigating the meeting, which it said was illegal. “They know that what they are doing is illegal. Unless they want to operate outside Uganda but as long as they are here, we are going to follow them up, investigate and handle them accordingly,” Mr Asuman Mugenyi, the police spokesperson, said.

Mr Mpuuga, also Masaka Municipality MP, said they are contesting Attorney General Peter Nyombi’s earlier action banning Activists for Change, the group from which 4GC evolved. “We have already filed our case at the Constitutional Court, contesting the AG’s declaration,” he said.

After the meeting, Constitutional Court lawyer Peter Walubiri said: “The law under which the AG acted can be challenged since it is central to the provisions of the Constitution on freedom of assembly.” “However, this is not a legal matter and any attempts to define it in legal arguments is simplistic. Politically, 4GC and the AG are right,” he added.

Constitutional move
Mr Nyombi while declaring 4GC unlawful, quoted: “Where a society is an unlawful by virtue of a declaration by an order of the minister under subsection 2(C) and another society is formed after such a declaration, having been subject to section 61(5), any of the same office bearers as the unlawful society; having the name similar to that of the unlawful society; or having substantially the same membership as the unlawful society, shall also be deemed an unlawful.”

4GC was also faulted for the use of the National Motto “For God and My Country’, the National Flag and associated paraphernalia during their rallies, allegedly in contravention of Section 3 and 4 of the National Flag and Armorial Ensigns Act.
Seven members of 4GC have so farbeen summoned by police for questioning under the AG’s directive.