Sunday, 22 April 2012
I witnessed sexual terrorism, says Turinawe
SOURCE: THE DAILY MONITOR, 23 APRIL 2012
“I witnessed sexual terrorism on Friday afternoon,” says FDC Womens League leader Ingrid Turinawe. I was driving to Nansana, Wakiso District for a rally, with a one Paddy and another youth.
We parked to buy some water with other officials, including Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, Mubarak Munyagwa (Kawempe mayor), MP Ssemujju Nganda and others.We branched off to a supermarket as we approached Nansana Town Council.
We wanted to proceed but the police stopped us. They said we could proceed because Mr Lukwago had spoken to commander Andrew Kaweesi.
To my surprise, as I followed the mayors, police again blocked me and demanded that I come out of the car. They began pulling me out of the car while pressing my breasts.
I demanded for the reference directing my arrest but in vain. The policemen were rude and only targeted to torture me.
They overpowered me and dragged me into their tinted van. What was shown or captured on camera was minimal because there were men in that van, they pulled my hands from the back and pressed my breasts and pierced me in the feet while taking me to Kawempe Police Station. I even lost a nail.
At Kawempe, they brought me papers to make a statement which I refused because I was tired of making statements.
They released me on bond after writing one statement in the presence of Mr Lukwago.
They charged me with committing unspecified traffic offences.
I got friends to drive me back to Nansana to pick my car. Again, they held me at Nansana Police and declined to release my car, saying it did not have glasses.
Police at Nansana released me late in the night with the help of Kawempe and Nansana leaders.
I am now suffering because I have no means of transport to the hospital.
I have chest pain and my breast is swollen oozing blood. I was tortured at the hands of those goons in that van but there is no turning back.
Opposition Toys With Idea Of Banning AG From ULC
SOURCE: THE RED PEPPER, 22 APRIL 2012
Asuman Basalirwa (C) and Lukyamuzi (R) with Besigye (L) at a press briefing
Opposition members under their new pressure group For God and My Country (4GC) are toying with the idea of seeking a ban of the Attorney General from the Uganda Law Council for failing to perform his duties.
This was revealed by Justice Forum president Asuman Basalirwa and also one of the lead councils of Activists For Change (A4C) which was banned by government.
This comes in the wake of governement maintaining that any activities that will be organized by individuals under 4GC will be considered illegal.
Attorney General Peter Nyombi says government is backed by section 56 of the Penal code which he says is the basis for the ban stressing that it will now be the duty of police to enforce the ban.
He also said it is unlikely that government can find it legal to use the national motto, For God and my Country for political purposes by a pressure group.
However 4GC members Kampla Lord Mayor Eriasi Lukwago and Mathias Mpuga called the ban an absurdity saying government cannot ban use of a national motto for political purposes.
Basalirwa argues that the AG is invoking a law that was formed under the colonial era yet it is his duty to advise government about the same.
Pro-term limit legislators now at 103
SOURCE: THE DAILY MONITOR, 22 APRIL 2012
IN SUMMARY
A number of MPs remain undecided as the Private Member’s Bill makes its initial steps towards cutting short Museveni’s rule.
Kampala
Those in favour of the restoration of term limits have argued that the move would entrench democracy in a country that has never witnessed a peaceful transfer of power.As the term limits debate heats up, the number of pro-constitution amendment MPs has reached 103, from Friday’s 93.
However, a section of members who are supporting the motion suggest that upon restoration of term limits, the number of years should be increased to seven instead of five for a president.
“With term limits, its better to have seven years other than five and it should not work on presidents only but also other leaders like Members of Parliament and councillors,” said Mr Jacobs Wangolo (NRM, Butaleja West).
In the region, Rwanda is the only country with a seven-year two-term limit.
Although the number stands at 103, the rules of procedure require two thirds of the entire membership for the motion and the Bill to go through. With a Parliament of 378 members, it requires 250 MPs for the Bill to pass.
Although the number stands at 103, the rules of procedure require two thirds of the entire membership for the motion and the Bill to go through. With a Parliament of 378 members, it requires 250 MPs for the Bill to pass.
Process
According to the Parliamentary Rules of Procedure a Private Members’ Bill is introduced first by way of motion to which shall be attached the proposed draft of the Bill; a motion has already been presented to the Speaker.
According to the Parliamentary Rules of Procedure a Private Members’ Bill is introduced first by way of motion to which shall be attached the proposed draft of the Bill; a motion has already been presented to the Speaker.
If the motion is carried, the printing and publication of the Bill in the Gazette shall be the responsibility of the Clerk.
If granted leave, Mr Gerald Karuhanga will go to the Parliament’s Legal Department to help him draft the Bill using legal language. Then the Attorney General’s Chambers will give its opinion on the legal implications of the Bill.
Mr Karuhanga has to get a Certificate of Financial Implication from the ministry of Finance to accompany the Bill. Once the certificate of financial implication has been secured; the draft is taken to the Government Printery in Entebbe to print more copies.
The the Speaker then directs that it be included on the Order Paper for the First Reading in the House. Then Speaker commits the Bill to a relevant committee of Parliament, in this case the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee.
The committee meets separately to weigh the pros and cons of the Bill. It also usually conducts a public hearing to get their input. The committee then prepares a report, which it gives to the Speaker and is brought to the whole House for second reading. The House debates the Bill clause by clause.
After the discussion, the Speaker asks the House whether it supports the Bill or not, and if the House supports it, it then goes to the ‘Committee of the House’ stage. If the MPs support this, Mr Karuhanga will ask the House to adopt and pass the draft into law. If they support it, it will be taken to the President for assent.
Friday, 20 April 2012
A4C Forms New Pressure Group 4GC; Ingrid Arrested
SOURCE: THE RED PEPPER, 20 APRIL 2012
Mathias Mpuuga unveils the new pressure group
The opposition led by Dr. Kiiza Besigye, Mathias Mpuuga, Lord Mayor Lukwago, Ingrid Turinawe among others have formed another anti-Government pressure group.
During the launching of the new pressure group, Mathias Mpuuga said that 4GC (For God and My Country)intends to restore spirit of nationalism among aggrieved Ugandans whose rights have been abrogated by President Museveni’s regime.
“For God and My Country is our slogan and whenever we shall hold our rallies, we shall be putting on T-shirts bearing the national flag to symbolise love for our country, need for peace, unity, which are no longer in existence”, Mpuuga said.
He said that 4GC will co-exist alongside the A4C so people should not take it as a direct rebrand of our pressure group because we have already selected the Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago as our lead counsel in our case which we are about to file challenging the Attorney General Peter Nyombi’s ban on our A4C group.
Meanwhile, Lukwago said that all arrangements are through for them to sue government in the Constitutional Court to seek clarification on the interpretation of both section 56 and 57, of the Penal Code Act (PCA) which the Attorney General based on to ban them.
‘What I know President Museveni is in panic but he should know that these are colonial rules he is using to oppress us cannot work in Uganda because we are now an independent state,” Lukwago said.
He further explained that at every rally they will hold they will be carrying the Uganda flag, singing the national anthem.
DRAMA AS INGRID IS ARRESTED
Meanwhile there was drama in Nansana as FDC iron lady Ingrid Turinawe was arrested at ‘Ki Block’ where the new 4GC was slated to hold a rally. After announcing the new pressure group, the opposition members headed towards Nansana to hold a rally.
Police however tactfully blocked Besigye before he could even head there. Ingrid was accompanied by Lukwago, Semujju Nganda, Muwanga Kivumbi and comedian Paddy Bitama. However as Ingrid was arrested the rest managed to flee like locusts.
Ingrid was whisked to Nansana police from where she was transferred to Kawempe when her colleagues stormed the station. She was given bond at Kawempe and went back to Nansana to pick her vehicle, which was towed to the police station while seated inside.
Ingrid told this reporter that cops squeezed her breasts like oranges while they were arresting her.
Thursday, 19 April 2012
Term limits: MPs in favour rise to 56
SOURCE: THE DAILY MONITOR, 19 APRIL 2012
IN SUMMARY
Supporters of the move argue it will ensure a smooth power transition but critics say those tired of the President can do so using the ballot.
The plan to restore term limits in the Constitution yesterday gained momentum as more MPs across the political divide vowed to vote for a Private Members Bill that seeks to enforce the reinstatement.
Information minister Mary Karooro said government has not seen the draft Bill so it was hard to comment. “We shall wait for the bill and when it comes up the party will look at it. MPs will also consult their constituencies but remember the term limit was removed by two thirds of the Seventh Parliament,” she said.Of the 70 MPs who talked to Daily Monitor last night, only six were against the proposal
while seven were undecided. Those in favour of the term limits have argued that the move would entrench democracy in a country that has never witnessed a peaceful transfer of power.
while seven were undecided. Those in favour of the term limits have argued that the move would entrench democracy in a country that has never witnessed a peaceful transfer of power.
However, MPs against the proposal argue that if Ugandans are tired of an incumbent, they can still express their displeasure through the ballot. MP James Kakooza (NRM, Kabula County) said any attempts to restore term limits would deprive the country of visionary leaders.
MP Sam Lyomoki, who tabled a minority report during the removal of the term limits, questioned MP Gerald Karuhanga’s motive in drafting the Bill. Mr Lyomoki said he had proposed that the term limits be reviewed every after 10 years but his views were rejected by the same people who are now pushing for a review.
While majority backed the Bill, focusing on presidential term limits, MP Patrick Nsanja demanded that the Constitution be amended to provide the term limits for MPs too.
“We must lead by example,” Mr Nsanja said. “This Bill is a step in the right direction and I urge my colleagues to stand up and be counted. Let’s give Ugandans a gift for the 50th Independence anniversary.”
“We must lead by example,” Mr Nsanja said. “This Bill is a step in the right direction and I urge my colleagues to stand up and be counted. Let’s give Ugandans a gift for the 50th Independence anniversary.”
Mr Karuhanga on Tuesday announced plans to table a motion seeking Parliament to allow him present a private member’s Bill for the proposed constitutional amendment. He said his Bill was intended to correct an error committed in 2005 when term limits were scrapped by President Museveni’s supporters.
MPs Emmanuel Dombo, Chris Baryomunsi and Felix Okot-Ogong have reminded those against the restoration of the term limits that Uganda is the only country in East Africa without term limits.
The term limits were abolished in 2005 after a constitutional amendment. The article provided a maximum of two five-year terms for a president. “I was the Chairperson of the Parliamentary Advocacy Forum in the 7th Parliament and I spearheaded the campaign against the removal of the term limits,” Mr Dombo said. “We are ready to amend the Constitution and given the opportunity to restore the term limits.”
Mr Baryomunsi said the removal of the term limits was premised on the belief that Museveni needed to nurture the transition to a multi-party political dispensation.
Leader of Oposition Nandala Mafabi on the other hand, said term limits will foster development in the country.
Leader of Oposition Nandala Mafabi on the other hand, said term limits will foster development in the country.
“When President Museveni came to power 26 years ago, he told Ugandans that the problem of African leaders is over-staying in power. He has since changed his position because of an open-ended Constitution,” he said.
The President has since hinted he will step down in 2016 if his party asks him to.
He made the declaration during a recent interview with the American television network, CNN. and has repeatedly passed the question of his retirement to his party, which he controls closely.
He made the declaration during a recent interview with the American television network, CNN. and has repeatedly passed the question of his retirement to his party, which he controls closely.
However, the President’s stand comes amid growing calls within the NRM and clerics who are demanding that he comes clean on his position and not claim hostage to his party’s decision.
LIST of MPS for and against the term limits
Legislator Party/constituency
FOR
9. Michael Mawanda (NRM, Igara East)
10. Ssebuliba Mutumba (DP, Kawempe)
11. Theodore Ssekikubo (NRM, Lwemiyaga)
12. Gerald Karuhanga (Youth Western)
13. Cerinah Nebanda (NRM, Butaleja)
14. Sam Otada (Ind, Kibanda)
15. Cecilia Ogwal (FDC, Dokolo)
16. Betty Aol Ochan (FDC, Gulu)
17. Henry Musasizi (NRM Rubanda West)
18. Obua Hamson (NRM, Ajuri)
19. Brenda Nabukenya (DP, Luweero)
20. Joseph Balikuddembe (DP, Busiro)
21. Patrick Ogwang (NRM, Northern)
22. Christopher Achille (FDC, Gulu)
23. Medard Bitekyerezo (NRM, Mbarara)
24. Emma Boona (NRM, Woman Mbarara)
25. Isaac Ssejjoba (NRM, Bukoto Mid-West)
26. Latif Ssebaggala (DP, Kawempe North)
27. Betty Nambooze (DP, Mukono Municipality)
28. Florence Ekwau Ibbi (FDC, Kaberamaido)
29. Faisal S Kikulukuunyu (NRM, Butambala)
30. Alex Ruhunda (NRM, Fort Portal Mun)
31. Barnabus Tinkasimire (NRM, Buyaga West)
32. Jennifer Mujungu (NRM, Ntoroko Woman)
33. Mable Bakeine (Bugangaizi East)
34. Jalia Bintu Lukumu (NRM, Masindi Woman)
35. James K Rwebembera(NRM, Bugahya County)
36. Beatrice Mpairwe (NRM, Buliisa Woman)
37. Ernest Kiiza (NRM, Masindi Mun)
38. Alice Alaso (FDC, Serere)
39. Oboth M Jacobs (Indep, West Budama)
40. Mathias Kasamba (NRM, Kakuuto)
41. Andrew Allen (NRM, Bugabula North)
42. Ssemujju I Nganda (FDC Kyadondo East)
43. John Ken Lukyamuzi (CP, Rubaga South)
44. Monica Amoding (NRM, Youth)
45. Fred Badda (NRM Bujumba County)
46. Veronica B Kadogo (NRM Buyende Woman)
47. Fred Ebil (UPC Kole County)
48. Stephen Ochola (FDC, Serere County)
49. Bernard Atiku (FDC Ayivu)
50. Achile Manoah (Indep. Aringa)
51. Stanley Omwonya (Okoro-Zombo
52. Anne Auru (Woman Moyo)
53. Martin Muzaale (NRM -Buzaaya )
54. Vincent Kyamadidi (NRM Rwamparara)
55. Medard Ssegona (DP,Busiro East)
56. Alero Tom Aza (NRM, West Moyo)
FOR
9. Michael Mawanda (NRM, Igara East)
10. Ssebuliba Mutumba (DP, Kawempe)
11. Theodore Ssekikubo (NRM, Lwemiyaga)
12. Gerald Karuhanga (Youth Western)
13. Cerinah Nebanda (NRM, Butaleja)
14. Sam Otada (Ind, Kibanda)
15. Cecilia Ogwal (FDC, Dokolo)
16. Betty Aol Ochan (FDC, Gulu)
17. Henry Musasizi (NRM Rubanda West)
18. Obua Hamson (NRM, Ajuri)
19. Brenda Nabukenya (DP, Luweero)
20. Joseph Balikuddembe (DP, Busiro)
21. Patrick Ogwang (NRM, Northern)
22. Christopher Achille (FDC, Gulu)
23. Medard Bitekyerezo (NRM, Mbarara)
24. Emma Boona (NRM, Woman Mbarara)
25. Isaac Ssejjoba (NRM, Bukoto Mid-West)
26. Latif Ssebaggala (DP, Kawempe North)
27. Betty Nambooze (DP, Mukono Municipality)
28. Florence Ekwau Ibbi (FDC, Kaberamaido)
29. Faisal S Kikulukuunyu (NRM, Butambala)
30. Alex Ruhunda (NRM, Fort Portal Mun)
31. Barnabus Tinkasimire (NRM, Buyaga West)
32. Jennifer Mujungu (NRM, Ntoroko Woman)
33. Mable Bakeine (Bugangaizi East)
34. Jalia Bintu Lukumu (NRM, Masindi Woman)
35. James K Rwebembera(NRM, Bugahya County)
36. Beatrice Mpairwe (NRM, Buliisa Woman)
37. Ernest Kiiza (NRM, Masindi Mun)
38. Alice Alaso (FDC, Serere)
39. Oboth M Jacobs (Indep, West Budama)
40. Mathias Kasamba (NRM, Kakuuto)
41. Andrew Allen (NRM, Bugabula North)
42. Ssemujju I Nganda (FDC Kyadondo East)
43. John Ken Lukyamuzi (CP, Rubaga South)
44. Monica Amoding (NRM, Youth)
45. Fred Badda (NRM Bujumba County)
46. Veronica B Kadogo (NRM Buyende Woman)
47. Fred Ebil (UPC Kole County)
48. Stephen Ochola (FDC, Serere County)
49. Bernard Atiku (FDC Ayivu)
50. Achile Manoah (Indep. Aringa)
51. Stanley Omwonya (Okoro-Zombo
52. Anne Auru (Woman Moyo)
53. Martin Muzaale (NRM -Buzaaya )
54. Vincent Kyamadidi (NRM Rwamparara)
55. Medard Ssegona (DP,Busiro East)
56. Alero Tom Aza (NRM, West Moyo)
Ugandans in state of apathy, survey reveals
SOURCE: THE DAILY MONITOR, 19 APRIL 2012
Kampala
Less than half of those interviewed said they belonged to a religious group while only 39 per cent said they were members of some form of voluntary association.Failure by the government to fulfill its responsibilities is forcing more Ugandans to look for individual solutions to problems that should have been solved by government, the Afrobarometer survey has revealed.
In 2005, 83 per cent of respondents said they belonged to some form of religious group while in 2008 44 per cent of those interviewed said they were members of a voluntary association. The survey also noted a 10 per cent drop in those who actively attend meetings in their communities, fostering the view that Ugandans are becoming more individualistic, dropping to 69 per cent since 2005.
The final release of findings from the survey also reveals a steady increase in negativity towards government and a decline in government’s responsiveness to popular issues.
Only 14 per cent of respondents felt government was doing well in bridging the gap between the rich and the poor. In 2005, 27 per cent of respondents felt this gap was narrowing while in 2000, 33 per cent felt the gap was narrowing.
On average seven out of 10 respondents said they strongly agree that sometimes politics and government seem too complicated to understand. Citizens are thus increasingly losing interest in public affairs. Seven years ago, 74 per cent of those questioned said they were very interested in the day-to-day issues. Now, only 63 per cent are interested.
Additionally, less than three out of 10 respondents said they were assured of enough to eat on a day-to-day basis. This represents an 18 per cent drop from 12 years ago, when 39 per cent of respondents said they were assured of enough to eat.
Fresh findings
Initial release of findings of this survey had revealed that 74 per cent of Ugandans felt the country is heading in the wrong direction, indicating a sharp drop in confidence in President Museveni’s government just 12 months after he was declared winner of the general elections.
Initial release of findings of this survey had revealed that 74 per cent of Ugandans felt the country is heading in the wrong direction, indicating a sharp drop in confidence in President Museveni’s government just 12 months after he was declared winner of the general elections.
Twelve months before that a previous survey had found that a more optimistic figure of six out of every 10 people felt the country was headed in the right direction.
Consequently, Ugandans have shown more faith in the current Parliament than in the President.
Consequently, Ugandans have shown more faith in the current Parliament than in the President.
All respondents showed dissatisfaction in service delivery by their local leadership. They expressed concern as to the growing lack of proper public administration now affecting service delivery at all levels.
Poor health care, poverty, taxes, poor infrastructure, lack of clean water and unemployment have been described as the country’s worst nightmares. The lack of medicines in hospitals and the apparent inequality in the dispensation of justice is now alarming.
The Uganda police was also voted the most corrupt state institution in the country. Tax officials, government officials and officers from President’s Office have also been singled out as being heavily engrossed in corruption.
Whereas the public still demonstrates patience with the state, the continued perception that government was inadequately responding to these issues is threatening this patience.
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