Tuesday, 5 February 2013

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
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.

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.

Saturday, 2 February 2013


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
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.