Besigye beats security to attend Kategaya’s burial

SOURCE: THE DAILY MONITOR, 9 MARCH 2013

http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/Besigye-beats-security-to-attend-Kategaya-s-burial/-/688334/1714418/-/7lnma6/-/index.html

Dr Kizza Besigye, Minister Ruhakana Rugunda, and FDC party president Maj Gen Mugisha Muntu at Eriya Kategaya’s burial in Itojo, Ntungamo District, yesterday.

IN SUMMARY

Catching mourners by surprise, Dr Besigye’s arrival was announced by the master of ceremonies, State Minister for Labour Mwesigwa Rukutana, prompting a rapturous welcome from the crowd.

Presidential security appeared anxious in Itojo, Ntungamo District, yesterday when Dr Kizza Besigye made a surprise appearance, joining thousands of mourners at the burial of First Deputy Prime Minister Eriya Kategaya.

Amidst a heavy downpour, the arrival of the former leader of the Forum for Democratic Change coincided with the landing of a military helicopter carrying President Museveni.

Dignitaries from government institutions like, judiciary, military and parliament attended the somber occasion that saw Mr Museveni describe his former bosom buddy as a “well-formed gentleman who kept no grudges.

“We disagreed twice but reconciled. In 1973, we disagreed on the setbacks we encountered when we attacked Mbarara. We parted ways; he went to Lusaka (Zambia) and I to Arusha. We later reconciled and worked together,” Mr Museveni said.

Making mention of the 2001-2003 events that split the once bosom-buddies, Mr Museveni said;“If you go left and I go right, that does not stop us from working together in the future,” giving the example of the third deputy premier Moses Ali.

“I salute him for being a fully reformed person in terms of character and ideology. There should be no need for us as men to endlessly be at loggerheads,” he added.

Kategaya fell out with the President and joined the opposition when he opposed the lifting of presidential term limits from the Constitution by the Seventh Parliament at the reported instigation of the country’s leader. He was sacked from Cabinet and Mr Museveni, who had then come to his second and last constitutionally-accepted a five-year term and went on to run for office again in 2006.

Ms Joan Kategaya, first wife to the deceased, asked government to construct a fully-equipped hospital in Kategays’s memory.

“We were only looking for a hydro-therapy machine to save his life. That is why we had to go to Nairobi,” Ms Kategaya said.

Mr Museveni proposed the construction of a technical school in Ntungamo to be named after Kategaya.

Besigye arrives
At approximately 1.30pm, Dr Besigye walked into the main square at the Itojo home just as Mr Museveni’s chopper appeared over the Kategaya homestead.

Catching mourners by surprise, Dr Besigye’s arrival was announced by the master of ceremonies, State Minister for Labour Mwesigwa Rukutana, prompting a rapturous welcome from the crowd.
Current FDC president, Maj. Gen. Mugisha Muntu left his chair to welcome Dr Besigye who sat next to him.

Since Tuesday, Dr Besigye has repeatedly been arrested almost the moment he steps out of his Kasangati residence. Police has accused him of attempting to restart the walk-to-work activities that nearly paralysed operations in Kampala city for close to a year.

FDC western youth leader Francis Mwijukye said it was imperative for Besigye to bury his former comrade-in-arms, who was one of the founders of the FDC.

In Kampala, security around Dr Besigye’s residence appeared unaware that he had slipped past them.

Police accuse Bishop Niringiye of inciting violence

NRM Rebel MPs face disciplinary Committee

Court to rule on Summoning Aronda Nyakairima

Bishop Niringiye Arrested, Released On Police Bond

SOURCE: THE RED PEPPER, 5 FEBRUARY 2013

 

http://www.redpepper.co.ug/?p=5517

 

Bishop Niringiye retired recently in order to fight graft

Zac Niringiye, the former Assistant Anglican Bishop of Kampala was on Monday afternoon released on Police bond from Wandegeya Police post  after being arrested together with eight other activists for allegedly inciting violence. They are members of the anti-corruption group ‘Black Monday’.

The other activists  are Nuwagaba Vincent, Kanyonyi Isa, Angyagasha John, Brian Atuhaire and Asan Kyegula among others.  The suspects were picked up Monday morning from Lumumba hall in Makerere University where they were found distributing the black Monday newsletter. They were taken to Wandegeya police post for questioning.

Stephen Omala, the special operations commander Kampala Metropolitan police says that the activists were arrested on charges of inciting violence. Omala who termed the group as ‘subversive’ said the newsletter being delivered by the activists has ‘elements’ of violence which should not be delivered in an academic institution as it may disrupt peace.

The newsletter outlines the amount of money lost in the recent corruption scandal in the Office of the prime minister.

The estimate of 22 billion shillings according to the newsletter is equivalent to 60 million shillings being eaten by one person every day for one year. The newsletter also points out what the country would have achieved if the money had been put to proper use.

The money would have allegedly built 1,222 schools at 18 million shillings each, bought 314 million shillings doses of malaria medicine at 7000 shillings each and 206 tractors at 107 million each among others.

Arthur Larok, country director Action Aid, one of the organisers of the black Monday campaign says that, they will not be deterred by the arrests.

He says that they will continue with their campaigns until the whole country joins the black Monday movement.

Nicholas Opiyo who is representing the suspects told journalists Monday afternoon that they  recorded statements. The last black Monday protest saw Arthur Larok and three others detained for questioning at Jinja Road police but they were released without charge.

Bishop Zac grilled for nine hours

SOURCE: THE DAILY MONITOR, 5 FEBRUARY 2012

http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/Bishop-Zac-grilled-for-nine-hours/-/688334/1684748/-/5k7ru9z/-/index.html


Kampala

Retired Bishop Zac Niringiye was held for more than nine hours yesterday at Wandegeya Police Station after he was allegedly found distributing flyers condemning corruption.

Bishop Niringiye was arrested with nine other activists of the Black Monday anti-corruption campaign at Wandegeya. “This message is not new. Look at yourselves! We are saying corruption is bad! Look at the police barracks where you are living!” Bishop Niringiye told the police officer, who had arrested him.

Mr Deo Nkurungoma, Bishop Niringiye’s lawyer, said his client was subjected to a lengthy interrogation on allegations that on Sunday he distributed money to youth to mobilise them to participate in the anti-corruption campaign.

Police said the suspects were held on charges of inciting violence against suspected corrupt officials, adding that they would be taken to court if the Director of Public Prosecutions sanctions their files.

The civil society has organised a campaign every Monday where people are required to wear black and condemn corruption. The arrest of the bishop and other activists has been condemned by the civil society as the violations of human rights.

Mr Richard Ssewakiryanga, the executive director of NG0 Forum, said the police should stop arresting people who are peacefully exercising their rights. The deputy police spokesman, Mr Vicent Ssekate, said the flyers Bishop Niringiye and the nine others were distributing were similar to those of Activists for Change, which was banned by the government.

Walk to work: Anywar acquitted

SOURCE: THE DAILY MONITOR, 5 FEBRUARY 2013

http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/Walk-to-work--Anywar-acquitted/-/688334/1684754/-/io8226z/-/index.html

MP Beatrice Anywar leaves court in Entebbe after being acquitted yesterday. 

In Summary

Court says the State failed to adduce sufficient evidence to prove that the MP obstructed traffic.

Entebbe

Court in Entebbe yesterday acquitted Kitgum Woman MP Beatrice Anywar on two counts of obstructing traffic and assaulting a police woman during the 2011 walk-to-work protests.

Entebbe Grade 1 Magistrate Hellen Ajio cleared the MP because the state failed to adduce enough evidence and had conflicting testimonies. According to the charge sheet, Ms Awyar failed to comply with lawful orders on April 14, 2011 at Zana roundabout when two police stopped her from walking. She was accused of obstructing traffic and assaulting a police woman while executing her duty, which contravenes sections 238 of the Penal Code Act.

“In the first case of obstructing traffic, the state failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the accused committed the offence. In the charge sheet, they said Ms Anywar failed to comply with orders of Ms Asimwe, a police officer, to stop walking to work, yet witnesses said the orders were given by Ms Christine Namale,” Ms Ajio said while reading her ruling yesterday.

“In the second case, they added that Ms Anywar was walking with a group of about 60-70 people who have neither been produced in court, nor brought video evidence to prove their case.” She said because of the contradicting testimonies and failure to bring Ms Asimwe, who was key in this case, she found the case doubtful.

In assaulting Ms Namale, Ms Ajio said the three witnesses contradicted themselves as some said the offence was committed on April 14 2011, while Ms Namale testified that she was assaulted on February 14.

Ms Ajio added that Ms Namale went for a medical test two months after the incident happened, and that the state failed to bring the doctor who treated her to testify. Ms Ajio cleared Ms Anywar of the charges, but urged her to abide by the law. “I acquit you on both counts and you are her by set free. But be a good and obedient citizen,” Ms Ajio said.

Struggle continues
Ms Anywar could not hide her excitement, and said the struggle would continue. “The state uses the judiciary and other arms to prosecute opposition politicians, but it will not derail us from talking about things that affect Ugandans,” she said, adding that they will soon launch a campaign protesting the theft of funds from the Office of the Prime Minister.

In April 2011, tear gas and gunshots rocked Kampala and other towns as opposition leaders took to the streets to protest against the increasing fuel prices. Many opposition leaders were arrested, including FDC’s Kizza Begigye, but many have since been acquitted.

Ssekikubo to stand for the presidency

SOURCE: THE DAILY MONITOR, 2 FEBRUARY 2013

http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/Ssekikubo-to-stand-for-the-presidency/-/688334/1681872/-/7pusn9z/-/index.html

Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs Kahinda Otafiire speaks at the graduation ceremony of Lwemiyaga MP Theodore Ssekikuubo (Left) recently. Looking on is Kampala Central legislator Mohammed Nsereko. F

IN SUMMARY

Declaration. The Lwemiyaga MP says he wants to fight corruption by assuming the highest office in the country.

Lwemiyaga County MP Theodore Ssekikubo has said he will stand for the presidency to continue with his fight against corruption and promote peace in the country.

Speaking at Lwemiyaga Secondary School Playground on Thursday at the NRM 27th anniversary, Mr Ssekikubo said he is an eligible candidate for the country’s top job with better prospects having participated in politics and governance of the country.

He said the people of Lwemiyaga are looking forward to seeing a corruption-free and a peaceful Uganda.

“I am not under any body’s instructions or guidance. I will serve my country in whatever capacity and serve my people,’’ Mr Ssekikubo said.
Mr Ssekikubo accused some NRM officials of labelling some MPs ‘rebels’ for discussing weakness in government and exposing officials who mismanage public resources.

“I am in NRM by conviction not by conscription and I am a law abiding person who loves NRM,’’ he said.

“Those who think they can use personal interests to dismiss me are just wasting their time,” the MP said in reference to threats by the ruling NRM party that members who go against party positions could face disciplinary action .
He accused a group of his party officials of reporting him to President Museveni and labelling him a ‘rebel’ in the NRM.

Constituents approve
“Lwemiyaga County is known in Parliament as a breeding ground for outspoken people. It is known oversees and even US president Obama knows it,’’ he said, adding that his constituency will be in control of State House.

Lwemiyaga County residents have welcomed Mr Ssekikubo’s declaration, saying if he stands for the presidency, come 2016 general elections, they will support.

“President Museveni is getting old but Mr Ssekikubo is an energetic young man who can fight for the needs of impoverished people who are denied access to developmental government projects,’’ said the NRM chairman for Lwemiyaga County, Mr Ibrahim Batuma.

Coup threat tantamount to Treason

Citizens Weigh in on coup Threats

Besigye Lauds President Museveni On Peace And Security

SOURCE: THE RED PEPPER, 31 JANUARY 2013

http://www.redpepper.co.ug/?p=5347

Former FDC President Kiiza Besigye

Former Forum for Democratic Change president Col .Kizza Besigye has in a surprise turn heaped praise on his political nemesis, Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni for restoring peace to the country.

Besigye who is not known to acknowledge the positives of the ruling National resistance Movement headed by President Museveni revealed this on Wednesday in an interview. He however faulted the President for diverting off the mission that inspired the 1981-86 guerrilla war that catapulted the NRA to power.

“I supported the intentions of the bush war which brought the NRM to power, but I am ashamed of what is going on in this leadership.” Besigye said

Besigye’s comments come as the ruling NRM celebrates its 27^th anniversary.

Besigye also said corruption in the country has reached unbelievable heights, with numerous scandals coming up every day, criticizing the use of public resources by the top leaders at the expense of the poor masses.

He cited the poor people mostly in the Eastern region who have suffered to an extent of being eaten up by jiggers as the leader lives in extravagance.

Kiiza Besigye contested for the presidency three times in 2001, 2006 and 2011 but lost all to Yoweri Museveni.

The retired Colonel served as Museveni’s personal physician in the National Resistance Army (NRA), when the group waged a guerilla war in the early 1980s and held ministerial positions after the former captured power in 1986.

In 1999, he applied to leave the army after authoring a damning dossier against the government and parted ways with his former commander forming opposition pressure group Reform Agenda before the advent of FDC.

Last year he relinquished power to Mugisha Muntu after retiring from his position as FDC president.

Aronda sued over coup comments

SOURCE: THE DAILY MONITOR, 30 JANUARY 2013 

http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/Aronda-sued-over-coup-comments/-/688334/1679130/-/flfhv4/-/index.html

IN SUMMARY

Treason. Luweero Woman MP Brenda Nabukenya claims army commander’s remarks amount to treason.

The Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Aronda Nyakairima, has been dragged to court over a statement he made, warning that the army could be forced to take over power if politicians do not change course.

The petition filed at Nakawa Magistrates Court is based on an affidavit sworn by Luweero Woman MP Brenda Nabukenya, who wants Aronda charged with three counts of treason.

He faces charges of treason related to contriving a plot, by force of arms to overthrow the Government of Uganda as by law established contrary to Section 23(1)c of the Penal Code Act. The CDF is also accused of treason through intimidating and inciting the military against the institution of Parliament, contrary to Section 23(2)a.

He is further accused of inciting officers and men of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces to commit an act or acts of mutiny and treachery. 
Gen. Nyakairima stands accused of having committed the said offences during a press conference at the Army Headquarters, Mbuya, on January 23.

Ms Nabukenya avers that she has been advised by her lawyers that the CDF’s comments amount to criminal offences, including inciting the army to commit a crime, treason, offences against the State, concealment of treason and terrorism.

Mr Caleb Alaka of M/S Alaka & Company Advocates is representing Ms Nabukenya, according to court documents seen by this newspaper. 
“We think there was an act of treason committed by the Chief of Defence Forces,” said Mr Alaka last evening shortly after filing the case. “This is an elected government, you cannot as army commander talk of a taking-over even if the President has spoken. The President cannot overthrow himself but the army can.”

Ms Nabukenya said she was compelled to petition the court following an outcry from her constituents in Luweero.

Submission
“It is a fact that I have filed a case. You know I represent the people of Luweero, the area that suffered most under the war that brought this government to power, and my people have been complaining to me, saying they fear a return to conflict. Beside the feelings of the people, it is against the Constitution to talk of overtaking the government,” Ms Nabukenya said. “There was a need for someone to come out and account.”
The petition is the latest twist in a growing dispute over the doctrine of separation of powers and the independence of Parliament, which goes back to arguments about corruption during passionate debate on the oil sector. 
This dispute escalated following the death of Butaleja MP Cerinah Nebanda on December 14, 2012.

In an affidavit accompanying the petition, Ms Nabukenya tries to establish a link between the death of Nebanda, the subsequent fall-out between the Executive and Parliament after a section of MPs questioned government handling of the investigation and its own role in her suspicious demise.
Ms Nabukenya’s lawyers said they plan to serve Gen. Nyakairima through the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Defence but it was not clear whether the petition had been delivered by press time. 
Treason is a capital offence and attracts a maximum sentence of death upon conviction.

Dr Besigye picked up like a "grasshopper"

Lord Mayor Lukwago, Police in Showdown

Lord Mayor Lukwago, Police in Showdown

Besigye Arrested, Released Without Charge

SOURCE: THE RED PEPPER, 27 JANUARY 2013

http://www.redpepper.co.ug/?p=5211

Kiiza Besigye Being arrested during the 2011 protests. He was on Saturday arrested again for disobeying Police orders

Former Forum for Democratic Change leader Rtd Col Dr Kiiza Besigye who was on Saturday arrested by the Police for disobeying lawful orders after he attempted to participate in the planned cleaning exercise that the Police had outlawed was released later on Saturday night without any charges, according to one of his aides Francis Mwijukye.

Mwijukye who is a member of FDC’s National Publicity committee said the Rtd Col refused to sign a Police bond and be released without charge, however he was forced to change his mind at around 10 pm in the night when Police officers at Kiira Road Police station ‘deserted’ it leaving his team with no option but to take him home.

“Police was yesterday thrown into confusion after Dr. Besigye refused to make a statement at police and refused to sign a police release bond. He said he cant leave the police unless he is charged. He also said he cant sign a police bond because he did not request for it and at around 10pm security started abandoning the station one by one until only juniors remained and we took the Dr. home. They had been used to… take him to the police cells and in the evening they make him sign a statement and give him a police bond. now the game has changed, no more talking at police” read Mwijukye’s statement posted on his Facebook wall Sunday morning.

Police authorities said Saturday they arrested Kizza Besigye over plans to restart anti-government demonstrations in Kampala with the excuse of a cleaning exercise.

“Following attempts to unlawfully assemble and carry out riotous demonstrations … Kizza Besigye has been arrested this morning,” a Police statement said on Saturday.

The police said Besigye was charged with “refusal to obey lawful orders” and was being held at a Kampala police station along with Kampala mayor Elias Lukwago. However, this is contrary to Mwijukye’s statement that didnt indicate whether the Rtd colonel was charged

Opposition pressure group For God and My Country (4GC) announced plans last week to launch fresh protest events, despite the fact the group was last year outlawed by government.

The government banned the group claiming it had ulterior motives other than demonstrating against the harsh economic times during that period.

The group held Protests dubbed ‘walk-to-work’ over rising living costs in 2011 in the aftermath of the general elections and this led to a fierce clampdown by security forces that left at least 10 people dead across the country.

Kiiza Besigye, a former presidential challenger and leader of main opposition party Forum for Democratic Change, has been detained repeatedly as he has endeavored to restart opposition demonstrations.

CIID ordered to summon 4GC leaders

SOURCE: THE DAILY MONITOR, 27 JANUARY 2013

http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/CIID-ordered-to-summon-4GC-leaders/-/688334/1675026/-/15imptd/-/index.html

IN SUMMARY

Mr Kaweesi alleged that the politicians, including former Forum for Democratic Change President Kizza Besigye and Mr Mathias Mpuuga engaged in unlawful society.

The Kampala Metropolitan Police Commander, Mr Andrew Felix Kaweesi, has ordered the Criminal Investigations and Intelligence Department to summon all opposition politicians who attended the For God and My Country (4GC) press conference at Katonga Road in Kampala on Wednesday.

Mr Kaweesi alleged that the politicians, including former Forum for Democratic Change President Kizza Besigye and Mr Mathias Mpuuga engaged in unlawful society.

“The Attorney General declared 4GC and its activities illegal. So these people met at Katonga Road and participated in unlawful society,” Mr Kaweesi said yesterday.

It is, however, not clear how the police came to a conclusion that the group was holding an illegal meeting.

Mr Kaweesi said they got information through intelligence that the meeting was attended by the members of a banned society.
Other officials targeted are Jeema party president Asuman Basalirwa and Mr Muwanga Kivumbi for Butambala County.

The summonses come at a time when the KCCA Lord Mayor, Mr Erias Lukwago, announced a cleanup exercise in the city centre on Saturday which the opposition leaders are expected to participate in.
Mr Kaweesi said since the cleanup exercise has been hijacked by the 4GC, they would not allow it to take place.

“The function has been taken over by the 4GC therefore we can’t allow an illegal society to take place,” he said.

Mr Mpuuga, when contacted yesterday, said they cannot be intimidated by the police summonses because that is one of the methods used by dictatorial regimes to suppress human rights.

“These summonses they want to use don’t move us an inch. We are waiting to be arrested and detained. This has become part of our life in the fight against dictatorship,” Mr Mpuuga said.

He said they are challenging the Attorney General declaration of 4GC in court, adding that they would participate in the clean-up exercise despite the police warning them against it.

Police detain Besigye and Kampala Mayor Lukwago

SOURCE: THE DAILY MONITOR, 27 JANUARY 2013

http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/Police-detains-Besigye-and-Kampala-Mayor-Lukwago/-/688334/1675834/-/r8appg/-/index.html

The Kampala north director of operations, Mr Sam Omala, grabs a garden fork from Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago before he was arrested and taken to Kiira Road Police Station. Police had earlier camped at Mr Lukwago’s residence from as early as midnight to bar him from participating in the opposition-led city cleaning exercise. 

Former Forum for Democratic Change President, Dr Kizza Besigye and Kampala Lord Mayor, Mr Erias Lukwago were Saturday morning arrested and detained at Kiira police station and Kira Road Police station respectively.

Police say the politicians will be interrogated for participating in an event organised by an outlawed group.

Mid-last week, Dr Besigye and several other members of the pressure group known as For God and My Country (4GC) held a press conference in Kampala which the police declared illegal saying attending the group’s activities tantamounts to unlawful society.

This prompted Kampala Metropolitan Police Commander, Mr Andrew Felix Kaweesi, to order the Criminal Investigations and Intelligence Department to summon all opposition politicians who attended the press conference at Katonga Road in Kampala on Wednesday, culminating to the arrest of Dr Besigye and Mr Lukwago.

Others being hunted by police over the same charges are Jeema party president Asuman Basalirwa and Butambala County MP, Mr Muwanga Kivumbi.

Dr  Besigye was picked from his Kasangati home early this morning and taken to Kiira police station.  Mr Lukwago is being held at Kiira Road police station.  It is not clear when the two will be charged.

The arrests come just a day after the two were issued with police summons to appear at the Kireka- based Special Investigation Unit (SIU).

Police Summons Besigye, 4GC Leaders Over Cleaning Exercise

SOURCE: THE RED PEPPER, 26 JANUARY 2013

http://www.redpepper.co.ug/?p=5176

 

Former FDC President Kiiza Besigye

Former Forum for Democratic Change leader Rtd Col Dr Kizza Besigye and other leading opposition figures of the outlawed For God and my Country pressure group (4GC) have been summoned by the Police to explain their involvement in the planned cleaning exercise slated for Saturday.

MPs Muwanga Kivumbi and Mathias Mpuuga, FDC Women League boss Ingrid Turinawe and JEEMA leader Asuman Basalirwa were informed of the summons on Friday according to Deputy Police spokesperson Vincent Ssekate.

The activists who are expected to appear at Special Investigations Unit in Kireka will be grilled by detectives for what police has termed as “managing an unlawful assembly.”

The 4GC activists including Besigye, mid-week announced the resumption of political undertakings in Kampala including a cleaning exercise of the city expected for Saturday.

According to Mathias Mpuuga, the 4GC Coordinator, while addressing the press on Wednesday at the group would be joining Kampala City Mayor Erias Lukwago this weekend to participate in the Clean Kampala exercise.

He called on all Kampala citizens to turn up in big numbers armed with all cleaning gear to carry out the exercise.

Leading opposition figures are expected to address would address city residents at what he termed a “consultative rally”. The venue for this rally Nakivubo Blue Primary School.

According to Police, the said cleaning exercise is an excuse by the activists to gather and cause chaos which he said security will not tolerate instead vowing to arrest those who participate.

Deputy Police Spokesperson Vincent Ssekate said while the onus is on Police to respect and uphold the constitutional rights of individuals and groups to assemble and express their opinions, it will not tolerate actions intended to put others’ lives and property in danger.

4GC replaced Activists For Change, an advocacy group created by mainly opposition figures in the aftermath of the last Presidential elections.

Their actions saw a spate of violent engagements between the activists and Police as the latter tried to block the former from organizing riots in the city which the activists claim were to protest the harsh economic times.
The government has treated this group with suspicion claiming their aim is to overthrow the establishment. Last year, the government outlawed the group.

What waits to be seen however is whether the opposition leaders summoned will honor their summons as they have a history of going against them.

Generals clash on coup talk

SOURCE: THE DAILY MONITOR, 26 JANUARY 2012

http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/Generals-clash-on-coup-talk/-/688334/1675382/-/liq73/-/index.html

Several veteran soldiers have weighed in on the raging debate about the possibility of a coup, with some describing talk of a military takeover as “barbaric”.

Maj. (rtd) John Kazoora, who fought in the five-year Bush War have that brought President Museveni to power in 1986, said the possibility of a coup amounts to treason.

“The coup plotters should be questioned by police. It’s treasonable to insinuate that the army can take over power when we have a Constitution,” Maj. Kazoora, now a member of the opposition FDC, said. “If those treasonable comments were made by other people, I am sure they would be compelled to record statements with police. I want to make it clear; I will use my last atom/effort and energy to resist such barbaric acts.”

Maj. Kazoora, who described the comments made by Mr Museveni, Defence Minister Crispus Kiyonga and the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Aronda Nyakairima, on the possibility of a military takeover as unfortunate, did not explain how he intends to resist the action in case it happens.

However, Brig. Fred Mwesigye, who fought in the Bush War and currently represents Nyabushozi County in Parliament, defended the army, saying it is “trying to reclaim democratic rights it fought for”.

Brig. Mwesigye, without stating names, said some leaders were abusing parliamentary privilege to preach “hate” against the government.

But his views were contested by Maj. Gen. Jim Muhwezi, a former spy chief, minister and now backbencher in Parliament. Gen. Muhwezi, who vowed to oppose any attempts of a military takeover, said nothing warrants a coup currently.

He said such action could only be justified if the country slipped back into chaos and that the army is “non-partisan but a politicised”, adding that “it’s not apolitical, our army is political but it’s non-partisan” and it is conscious of the will of people.

Speaking on the matter yesterday, the Army Spokesperson, Col. Felix Kulayigye, said: “The UPDF cannot overthrow the Constitution of Uganda. The peoples’ army cannot overthrow democracy. But the people’s army cannot tolerate mobocracy.”

The army spokesperson said the military leaders are only cautioning politicians who are plotting to “overthrow the Constitution”.

Backing up the accusations, Col. Kulayigye cited incidents where MPs attempted to grab the Speaker’s mace during the controversial debate of the oil Bill and when they investigated the death of Butaleja MP Cerinah Nebanda alongside the police.

“We have witnessed so many deaths in the country, why did they get involved in this one and not others? No one has ever stopped police investigations and so they should never,” he said.

On separation of powers, Col. Kulayigye said: “You don’t expect the President to respect Parliament when they don’t respect the Presidency. The ultimate responsibility of security and stability of the country lies with the President. We call upon our leaders to respect the pillars of government.”

Asked to comment, Justice Minister and Bush War combatant Maj. Gen. Kahinda Otafiire, declined. “Why don’t you ask the people who made the comments? Leave me alone,” he told the Saturday Monitor.

A military coup cannot be justified

SOURCE: THE DAILY MONITOR, 26 JANUARY 2013

http://www.monitor.co.ug/OpEd/Commentary/A-military-coup-cannot-be-justified/-/689364/1675040/-/p55kp1/-/index.html

In Summary

Nobody ever dreams of using snakes to manage a rat problem because much as snakes can effectively control a rat population, snakes are also very dangerous to human beings and domestic animals. It is so obvious but sometimes absurd examples make the best illustration.

Imagine for a moment that your house had been invaded by rats, eating your food and destroying your property. If the rats were resistant to poison and wise to traps what would you do? Would you buy a cat? What if the cat was no good at hunting or was simply overwhelmed by the number of rats, what would you do? Would you buy some snakes? Snakes eat rats and can slither into the tiny nooks and crannies that a cat can’t reach. So surely it would make sense to use snakes to eradicate the rodent problem once and for all, wouldn’t it? Would it make a difference to your answer if the infestation was outdoors on a farm?

Nobody ever dreams of using snakes to manage a rat problem because much as snakes can effectively control a rat population, snakes are also very dangerous to human beings and domestic animals. It is so obvious but sometimes absurd examples make the best illustration.

Over the last year or so, there has been tension between the 9th Parliament and the Executive. Although Parliament overwhelmingly comprises of members of the National Resistance Movement, on a number of occasions it has defied the express wishes of the President, Cabinet and the NRM Caucus. Led by a group of “Young Turks”, Parliament started exhibiting an “independent” streak with its fight against corruption, which led to the resignation of a number of Ministers and culminated in a pitched battle, as it were, in the famous Oil Debate. The tensions increased following the mysterious death of Cerinah Nebanda. A move to petition the Speaker to recall Parliament to debate Nebanda’s death was opposed by the Executive. It was halted when the Speaker declined to act on the petition.

The provisions of the Constitution, which is the supreme law of Uganda with binding effect on all persons and authorities, are very clear when it comes to setting out the functions and powers of the Executive and the Legislature, respectively. It is clear, that in a number of actions and utterances, some MPs have violated or acted in contravention of the Constitution. Perhaps out of an over enthusiastic interpretation of their oversight role, some Parliamentarians have encroached on areas that are constitutionally the preserve of the Executive or the Judiciary. On occasion, Parliamentary Committees have violated the constitutionally guaranteed rights of persons who have appeared before them. The behaviour of Parliament, as a whole, and individual MPs is subject to the law. The Speaker and the Parliamentary Commission can lawfully punish indiscipline using mechanisms and powers set out in the rules of Parliament. MPs are also politically answerable to their parties and constituencies. Party whips, in the first instance, and executive committees can lawfully bring political consequences to bear on any MPs deemed errant and out of line. Constituents can also democratically discipline an MP by voting him or her out in a general election. Ultimately, if any MPs or Parliament as a whole does anything that is inconsistent with or in contravention of the Constitution, then any person may petition the Constitutional Court for a declaration to that effect and redress where appropriate.

I am sure that the Executive has come to consider the 9th Parliament a little bit like a rat infestation. However, absolutely nothing said or done by any one or all of the MPs can justify the threats of a military takeover that have been attributed to President, Museveni, the Minister of Defence, Dr Crispus Kiyonga or, lately, the Chief of Defence Forces, General Aronda Nyakairima. A military takeover would amount to the overthrow of the established constitutional order and would be tantamount to treason according to Article 3 of the Constitution. The same article enjoins every Ugandan to defend the Constitution and, in particular, to resist any person or group of persons seeking to overthrow the established constitutional order.

Uganda’s experience with military takeovers, starting right from 1966, has not been pleasant. They set off a chain reaction of political and constitutional instability, which engendered tyranny and oppression and which, in turn, led to conflict and massive loss of life. The framers of the 1995 Constitution intended this Constitution to be the foundation of a lasting liberal democratic constitutional dispensation. In this dispensation everybody is equal under the law. All constitutional and other disputes incapable of amicable resolution must be resolved by resort to Courts. Political disputes must be resolved lawfully in the political arena by putting matters to the vote in general elections or referenda.

The Constitution does not condone or countenance any resort to violence to solve constitutional or political problems. A military takeover would also be totally disproportionate to any violation of the Constitution or political annoyance allegedly committed by Parliament; in short, much like using a snake to deal with a rat infestation.

In light of Uganda’s blighted and blood soaked history, whilst Parliament should be mindful of the constitutional constraints upon it, coup threats should be as socially and politically illegitimate as apology for genocide is in Rwanda today.

Muntu warns army on coup talk

SOURCE: THE DAILY MONITOR, 25 JANUARY 2013

 

http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/Muntu-warns-army-on-coup-talk/-/688334/1674556/-/lhrp7g/-/index.html

The FDC president, Maj. Gen. (rtd) Mugisha Muntu, addresses journalists at the party headquarters in Najjanankumbi, Kampala yesterday. Gen. Muntu warned that any attempt by the army to overthrow the government, as suggested by top politicians recently, would be ‘stupid and counter-productive’.

In Summary

Warning bells. FDC boss and ex-army commander says military takeover would be ‘stupid’, as Maj. Gen. Jim Muhwezi says he will oppose any coup attempt.

Former army commander and now leader of the Forum for Democratic Change, Maj. Gen. Mugisha Muntu, yesterday warned that a military takeover of government would not only be stupid, but also counterproductive.

Maj. Gen.(rtd) Muntu, who commanded the UPDF for nearly nine years, becoming the longest serving officer in that position in the country’s history, sent a direct warning to the men and women in uniform at a press conference he called at the headquarters in Kampala.

He, however, refused to be drawn into commenting on whether the President, Defence Minister Crispus Kiyonga and army chief Gen. Aronda Nyakairima’s comments about a possible coup may amount to treason.

“I don’t want to speculate and say much,” he said when asked if the comments were treasonable. “To the UPDF, I have this to say: no officer should be tempted to think of overthrowing the government as insinuated by the Head of State as trying to do so would not only be foolish but also counterproductive,” he said.

Uganda’s Constitution provides that all power belongs to the people who shall express how they will be governed through free and fair elections. Any attempt to take control of government under any other means is prohibited by the same Constitution and is sanctioned as treasonable.

Maj. Gen Muntu said the President, Dr Kiyonga and Gen. Nyakairima were engaging in “psychological warfare” as a tactic to intimidate political actors. He said the government, which marks 27 years in power this week having shot its way to power in 1986, is in free fall.

“Personally, I think it is a tactic to intimidate Parliament for it to check itself. President Museveni has realised that he has lost control over the party and he knows that if he loses control over Parliament, he will lose whatever means he has been using to manipulate power,” Maj. Gen. Muntu said.

“The regime is in a state of free-fall and the military must start engaging in scenario building because there is an inevitable change that is coming and the institution should not be taken by surprise.”

President Museveni was quoted as having told ruling party MPs at their recent Kyankwanzi retreat that if the “confusion” in Parliament persists, the military would not allow it.

Dr Kiyonga had earlier said the army was watching and could take over to “refocus the future of the country”. On Wednesday, Gen. Nyakairima said this message “was deliberately sent out.”

Yesterday, Maj. Gen. Muntu pointed out that “when Members of Parliament rise up in a bipartisan effort to demand a stop to the cancer of corruption, it cannot be characterised as confusion.”

A dispute arising out of perceptions that Mr Museveni is interfering with the independence of Parliament and the constitutional principle of separation of powers gained momentum when he moved to stop a bid to have the House recalled.

MPs, who have taken an increasingly independent line in their fight against what they say is widespread corruption in government, wanted Parliament recalled from recess following the sudden death of the Butaleja Woman MP Cerinah Nebanda in December.

Mr Museveni, however, resisted the bid, held meetings with Speaker Rebecca Kadaga, who recently indicated that she would not recall MPs. Ms Kadaga has since been accused of bowing to Mr Museveni and compromising Parliament.

Nagenda responds
Senior Presidential adviser on the Media, Mr John Nagenda, yesterday insisted that President Museveni is still in control of Parliament and the NRM but “is just employing a three-line whip to contain” legislators.

Aronda says army takeover possible

SOURCE: THE DAILY MONITOR, 24 JANUARY 2013 

http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/Aronda-says-army-takeover-possible/-/688334/1673856/-/eg5q6q/-/index.html

Army Commander Gen. Nyakairima addresses journalists yesterday in Kampala. PHOTO BY Rebecca Vassie 

In Summary

Threat? Days after the President and Defence minister warned of possible military takeover in case of a political stalemate, army commander says the warning is not far-fetched. 

The military leadership yesterday weighed in on the debate around the likelihood of the army staging a coup as has been suggested by President Museveni and his Minister of Defence, warning that “the message was deliberately sent out.”

Addressing a press conference to announce plans for this year’s Army Day, which falls on 6th February, the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Aronda Nyakairima, said the military would not allow “bad politics” take Uganda back into turmoil.

“We are going about our normal business. I can’t do more than what they said. The message was well taken for those to who it was intended. Stand warned. Stand advised. Should you not change course, other things will be brought into play. Let no one return to the past. We have seen enough, almost 25 years of turmoil.

Gen. Aronda was responding to a question raised by a journalist and when asked for clarification on the coup talk, he said, “the message was deliberately sent out and we leave it at that.”

More than a week ago, Defence minister, Dr Kiyonga, said that the army was watching and that there was a possibility that it could re-insert itself should the politicians in Parliament continue “not showing seriousness that they can solve the problems” facing the country.

He said that such an intervention would be carried out to “refocus the country’s future”.

Assertive Parliament
The comments came at a time when the regime is faced with an assertive Parliament which refuses to back down in the fight against widespread corruption, among other social ills.

Days later, President Museveni was also quoted as having told ruling party members of parliament in Kyankwanzi that if the “confusion” in Parliament persists, the military would not allow it.

Both comments have drawn swift condemnation from regime critics who say that the ground is being set for Mr Museveni to carry out a ‘palace coup’ and replace the current relative democratic order with an overt military government.

The President and Dr Kiyonga have also been asked by the same critics to remember that Uganda is a democracy with an elected government.
Others have pointed out that the military is already an intimate part of the country’s political landscape with serving army officers deployed in non-traditional roles, and 10 representatives sitting in the House as army MPs.

Professional army
Uganda’s present army evolved from a guerilla force (NRA) but is today applauded by Mr Museveni as a professional law-abiding force unlike past armies that were notorious for committing atrocities and overriding legitimate civilian authority.

The country has suffered a bloody history associated with military rule which the President usually refers to whenever he talks about what he calls the “peace and stability ushered in by the NRA/M”.

Yesterday, Gen. Aronda said the three-week civil military activities before February 6 will see UPDF repair 15 boreholes, renovate six health centres, construct two toilet and bathrooms, four classrooms and two bridges in West Nile region.

The Chief of UPDF medical services, Lt. Col. Dr Stephen Kusasira said starting Monday, the army will carry out public health interventions that include cleaning of general wards, immunisation, deworming, dental and maternal health services in the districts of Koboko, Nebbi, Arua, Yumbe, Zombo and others.

The Chief of Defence Forces said the Uganda Peoples Defence Forces was giving back to society as part of celebrating peace, development and security in the country.

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