Only dictators order for the close of a radio station

September 30, 2009 at 5:19 pm (Federalism, KINGDOMS)
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Sseruganda Kituuka;

That was a well thought out response to Guma. It’s people like these who have bought our country to its knees. People like these are bad for the entire nation because, they believe in dictatorships. There is no constitutional order as far as Uganda is concerned. Power lies in one individual and everybody looks up to him for influence. If the president doesn’t have your ear, you’re of no use. Guma is looking for influence from the dictator and whatever he says, is what the president is thinking.

We have so many solvable problems but, because power lies under one individual, nothing is done. If someone tries to do something without the state house blessing, then it won’t be done. There’s no way, President Obama, Bush, Clinton, Bush, Reagan or for that matter, in Europe, could order for the closure of a radio station. The amount of money in compensation for the economic loss, would compel anybody to think twice before making that move. That’s why it’s a dictatorship 100%. Abaganda Bagamba nti Ekivumo Tekimenya Ggumba. With exception of Obama, the rest are no longer there and still one president is ruling!!!! What a pity!

There is no way we could have so many unnecessary cabinet members if we had a Federal system of Government. Imagine having 70 ministers!! For what reason?????? The amount of money spent on each cabinet member, would be enough to maintain a Medical Dispensary in a rural area. For those of you who live in the west, the sticker price for a Fully Loaded Toyota Land cruiser is over $75,000 dollars. Imagine a poor country like Uganda purchasing 200 of them, how much would it be? In Uganda, gasoline for that truck for a full tank would be close to $100 dollars per day. Just try to figure out with a calculator how much it would cost to maintain that vehicle per month, that’s if it doesn’t brake down due to the poor road conditions. The vehicle has to be driven every day, 7 days a week, 365 days. It takes the children to school, takes the wife to Owino, Nakasero, markets, takes matooke to grandmother’s house, goes back to pick up the children from school and then picks up the boss. Then it will stop by little London for a beer and that’s the whole day. Imagine that kind of driving the entire week, month, year!

This is why you see these protests but the people in power don’t see it that way. Government is the only source of employment in Uganda and that’s why you have to create more, and more, districts. This is insanity and now the Janat Mukwayas’ and Bukenyas’, talk about abolishing kabakas’ as a solution. We always thought that, people who’re somehow, educated, could be helpful to the presidency but, Not when the government is the only source of employment.

Whoever helps to table that bill in parliament for rubber stamping, because, our parliament is meant for that, will have put the last nail in the coffin of NRM’o. Please STOP playing with peoples’ lives.

Byebyange.

Ssabasajja Kabaka Awangaale

Muzzukulu wa Nduga e Katende

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A former classmate writes to Captain Guma on Federo in Uganda

September 30, 2009 at 5:09 pm (2009 -2011 elections, Federalism)

Willy Kituuka

P. O. Box 2678,

Kampala.

30th September 2009


Captain Guma Gumisiriza David

MP Ibanda County North

Dear Guma,

RE: A statement made by yourself on Federo in Uganda

I wish to take this opportunity to write to you on a serious matter regarding the future of our country.  I am not new to you having been classmates through at Makerere University and not only sharing the same Hall of residence Mitchell; but also meeting for Economic classes.  It is true if I remember very well, after academics at Makerere; you joined those who were in the bush to help in the effort to get sanity to this country.  While you are fortunate that among the many graduates who left for the bush many are dead and some did not even reap the fruits of the war; the reasons you went there should still be ringing in your mind.  It is absurd to hear you among others spearheading the NO FEDERO talk!  Why should you?  Are there no models of success where federo arrangements are plactised?

I am one of the pioneer staff of Nile bank, and you are aware that I met my problems in my banking career not because of my own making.  It was then when Hon. Richard Kaijuka was Minister of Energy in the NRM Government that a Uganda Electricity Account was opened there.  You can be sure that because of corruption in Uganda since 1991 justice has never been done. I was sacrificed by among others a cabinet Minister in the NRM Government.  And you ought to be aware what it means losing a job in the bank, it is hard to get another job against that background.  You are well aware of the hard ships we went through at Makerere just to get qualifications.  In this role, I cannot excuse the NRM Government.  If some players in the NRM Government were responsible for my problems, why do you want to suffocate the possible alternatives?

You ought to be aware that Buganda Government is taking on a number of educative programmes; meanwhile off loading some of the responsibilities the central government would.  What is bad with that?  All these efforts are to help the people of Uganda out of poverty, but then you come and say no President can grant us FEDERO.  Sincerely, Guma, you should not be corrupted.  As an academic you should have the right view of things.   Assuming you were part of the Buganda establishment and you found that the Government is intentionally sitting on rents due to you, would you be happy?  Guma, I wish to tell you that some of us are not happy with Government.  I have communicated to people in Government about my innovation of Good Governance School Clubs (GOGOC), which I believe was hi-jacked and ‘sold’ to Government and is now Patriotism School Clubs, but my pleas that Government pays for my role has not received any response yet no body has come up to say that the originality of the idea was x, y and z.

So, my Brother Guma, power corrupts, but be objective.  Uganda has highly learned people and many are aware of the possibility of a peaceful co-existence of federo states with the central government.  The truth is that no body can eat all the monies made say in Uganda.  As a leader, one needs to have his share and also leave others to have their share.  To throw some little light on the recent riots taken as a Baganda issue this is just erroneous.  The people are concerned with the sharing of the national cake; and as NRM Government fails to listen to the wishes of the people, the more we are in trouble as wrong diagnosis of problems is thought.

You may be aware that Kabaka Mutebi is soon going to visit his county  – that is Buwekula; but when you learn from Hon. Bwerere Kasole and how he has prepared for the visit, it is the right approach for a Uganda where we can all co-exist.  For the visit; all tribes have something to offer and if a similar strategy had been used in Kayunga there would have been no riots at all.  So, my brother, my advice is that you should not be party to the forces that may be ready to get our country miles back.  As a Member of Parliament the issue is that the suggestion being made for federo and not by only Baganda is workable and can lead to a more peaceful country.

Best of Luck

Willy Kituuka

(Former classmate at Makerere University 1980 – 1983)

Mitchell Hall

CC All Members of Parliament.

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How to find out who owns EBB airport

September 29, 2009 at 4:15 pm (2009 -2011 elections, Transport)
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Ugandans at heart,
Change of ownership or management of an international airport, like Entebbe, must be reported to the International Civil Aviation Organization, ICAO, a UN body, within 2 weeks after the change takes effect.
Uganda, as a signatory to ICAO, is mandated to do just that. So, you can check with ICAO to find out who owns or manages EBB. If Sam Kuteesa or any individual owns or is running the airport through a proxy, that third company must be listed, and its major shareholders identified in an accompanying filing with the ICAO.
The ICAO won’t divulge the directors’ names, but will tell you the controlling company. So, it’s not that hard to find out who owns or runs EBB.
Pojim

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Buganda can only get ‘ebyafe’ when Uganda is a federal state

September 29, 2009 at 3:34 pm (2009 -2011 elections, CULTURE, Federalism)
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1/2 I made a very specific claim, namely that, the shallow/narrow/hollow-mindedness of the Mengo establishment is a cancer that will take Uganda to her grave; and that in the event of Uganda going to the grave, it will not be fun for Buganda.  That is a very specific claim.  Just to take you back to the context from which I quoted myself, we were debating the question of the wonderful ”Akenda”, or 9,000 Sq Miles that Mengo claims is the property of Buganda.
2/2 It was being stated in that message that:
a.  Nine thousand square miles has never existed and infact there is a very serious problem with any individual or group that lays claim to 9,000 sq miles and I outlined all the facts to support my claim.
b.  What actually exists as public land in Buganda is 4,227 and not 9,000 Sq Miles, as many of you continue to argue, and to excite the public in Uganda.  I indicated that, to lie to the public about the existence of 9,000 sq miles when such land has never existed makes the Mengo clique a burden for the Buganda public, including Baganda.
c.  That public land is Buganda land only to the extent that it is in Buganda; but it actually belongs to the authority that is charged with the political management of Uganda and Buganda, and in the present circumstances, the owner is the Government of Uganda.
d.  The land was at one time called “Crown land” because Buganda and Uganda were territories of Britain and the head of government in Britain was the Queen.  It was “Kabaka’s land” from 1962-1966 because the Kabaka was the embodiment of political authority in Buganda under the 1962 pseudo-federal constitution.  Once unitarism became the system of government, that land reverted to the central government.
e.  That land belongs to the Central government, and that can only cease to be the case if Buganda secedes or if Uganda is becomes a federal state.  We have argued here on the forum that, instead of Mengo wasting time whipping up the emotions of mobs, it should launch a sobber and well thought campaign either to secede or to have Uganda run as federal state.  It is then and only then that “Ebyaffe” talk can cease to be the nonsense that it is now.

But Federalism is hovyo because:

  • It creates a deficient authority over component states and individual citizens especially in new states of the 3rd world where the process of nation building and state making is in its early stages.
  • It creates liability to dissolution by the seccession or rebellion of states especially when the core of the federation is an entity that enjoyed independent and hegemonic existence prior to the federation.
  • It creates liability to division into groups and factions by the formation of separate combinations of component states
  • It causes absence of the power of legislation on certain subjects where uniform legislation for the whole state is needed
  • It makes want of uniformity among the states in legislation and administration
  • It leads to trouble, expenses, and delay due to complexity of a double system of legislation and administration.
  • It weakens foreign policy
    • Otto Patrick
    UAH forumist

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    Can NRM MPs table plan to abolish kingdoms

    September 29, 2009 at 12:03 pm (2009 -2011 elections, CULTURE, Federalism, KINGDOMS)
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    Summary: Some politicians, when lacking in “gymnastics of the Mind”, forget what took them to parliament and start thinking that, with sufficient gun/power, they can out do the English King Canute, who once ordered the sea-tide to ’stop’. Some, like the so called workers’ MP. Pajobo, instead of trying to save the NSSF and the Workers house, is busy calling for the abolition of Kingdoms, as though they were created by Acts of Parliament, in the first place. Did the “sugar cane cutters” of Kakira send “Comrade” Pajobo to Parliament to abolish Kingdoms or to fight for a minimum living wage, a feat he has failed to accomplish!!??

    The following post tries to show that, while it is true that kingdoms may be “raped”, denied resources, freedom space and time, they cannot be abolished from the peoples’ minds and daily life. Such a fuile affront would only be a waste of the taxpayers’ money.                    Nice reading

    1/4. On abolition of Kingdoms as advocated by the NRM MP’s: How can you abolish something you never created? Can a Kingdom 500 years  or so old, be abolished by the stroke of a pen? I think “No” for the following reasons:

    1. One would need to rub all the history of that kingdom from historical record and from people’s minds, an impossible task.

    2. One would need to kill all the Royalty [Royal families and clans, etc] and then the whole population [All Banyoro or Baganda, for example]. [Tamale Mirundi thinks the 1917 Russian revolution destroyed ALL the Romanovs – a lie since even today there are many scions of the Romanov dynasty in Germany, England, etc. For example, during the re-burial of Emperor Nicholas recently, the Royal family of Russia turned up in numbers.  {Comment: It is not clear as to why Mirundi likes exaggerations and lies, even on subjects beyond his grasp}], etc, etc.

    2/4. So, if it is impossible, what do the politicians mean then, when they say they want to abolish Kingdoms? The answer is mainly based on ignorance but the following are among the reasons:

    a) Many think that, by robbing Kings of their physical resources, they will have abolished them.

    b) Others think that, since they are not armed, when you surround their palaces at night and illegally put hem under ”house arrest”, you are capable of “abolishing them”. Just by enacting a law that the “Kingdoms do not exist from to-day”, they will indeed disappear.

    c) Others think that, by demeaning them and imagining that they do not exist, and by reducing their prestige, they will disappear from the minds of the followers.

    d) Still, others think that by DENYING THEM SPACE AND TIME, and by denying them their fundamental freedoms, they will have “managed” them.

    e) Many still think that, by denying them mention at public gatherings [in protocol] and by occupying their palaces, by denying them income, they will have “abolished the Kingdoms”.

    3/4. However, all such actions, taken singly or severally, do not remove the kingdoms since these kingdoms are in the peoples’ “blood and mind”. It constitutes fun when even people that have no Kingdoms in their cultures start talking about the need or no need for Kingdoms. Funny indeed.

    4/4. Request: let the MP’s devote their time and other resources to serving their electors, and not question god-ordained order in society.

    Christopher Muwanga,

    Nakasero,

    Kampala.

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    1964 replicated

    September 29, 2009 at 12:30 am (2009 -2011 elections, Federalism, KINGDOMS)

    It is 45 years on.

    The year  is 1964:

    The issues then were:

    1. Un-armed civilians were shot at Nakulabye suburb, at the beginning of Hoima road. All future politicians, including M7, talked about this “Crime against humanity” for decades.

    2. The other two issues were:

      • One, which portrait should hang above the which: That of the Executive Prime minister [Obote] or that of the C-i-C and head of Sate {Sir Edward}?
      • Two and now replaying itself in Uganda today: Why does Mutesa, with his Nabagereka [His Queen] draw bigger crowds in Buganda [and sometimes outside Uganda] than the “elected leader” of Uganda {Obote}?

    3. What followed soon after, in ’66, is not history yet. Today, we hear complaints: “he has refused to take my calls [of all accusations] for TWO years!!!! Brrrrrrrr. He must come and meet me at my house.  So, people who sweep the streets and prostrate before H.H the Kabaka, Chairman Mao [not Tse Tung] style you are pocking the “Lion” in the eye.

    4. 24 have been executed without trial by military and Kiboko [whip squads]. About 1, 000 in are lnguishing in concentration camps but, unlike back in ‘66, the state of emergency , now in force for three weeks, has not been declared. This is not a country but someone’s own farm, where the populace are animals to be treated by the owner, as he may wish.

    Who said history does not repeat itself???

    Christopher Muwanga,

    Nakasero,

    Kampala.

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    Disrict, Regional tier, State-tier.

    September 27, 2009 at 8:40 pm (2009 -2011 elections, Federalism)

    Summary: The way things are, the current, hot ‘district-mania’ will last only as long as it is a ‘vote catcher’.  Soon, more sychophts will still need more jobs and the disrict, even if it comes to each family/clan becomeing one, will not longer be sufficient. Later, a “Regional Tier” will become handy but after twenty or so regions, this will become un-fashionable and we shall see, those who will be still alive, see the “State -tier”, so longer as those on top of the states will promise to vote wisely. the first “State-let” will be “Bunyoro-Kirata-II” that will use Oil to black-mail the rump-Ugandan state into recognition, so song as Buaganda has been “handled”,  ”Bunyala State”, after her oil is exploited, will become the next, etc, etc.. Nice reading.
    1/3. After district-mania withers away, there shall be Regional-tier-mania. From four-five regions, there will be ten, then twenty…till the regional-tier, as  Vote-winning gimmick is exhauseted too and entities like Buganda are no moe.
    2/3. What next: there will be : State-tier for “Bamoori“, for example, ten for “Banyala”, an d for a “trimmed Mmengo with a “Bukenya” or a “Mirundi” in charge as elected Katikiro,  etc and by then of course, Project Uganda ( and therefore Buganda) will be no more, so long as there is an “East African Federation“, starting from Eastern Congo/Burundi to Southern Sudan, with one Emperor or, His Emperial Majesty Kaguta ” in charge.
    3/3. A “Field Marshal Keine” will be in charge of ensuring “secure borders” of the Federal States of the Great Lakes region or whatever it will be called then, not more than 10 years from today.
    Hoping this remains a bad dream,
    I remain,
    C.Muwanga,
    Nakasero,
    Kampala.

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    M7 should stop torturing Ugandans when arresting them

    September 25, 2009 at 4:45 pm (2009 -2011 elections, JUDICIARY, PRESIDENCY, Police, military)
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    Regardless of crimes, unless we reach the Robert Mugabe stage, we should not demean the people we oppose to a level that literally undresses them. President Museveni included. However, if anybody has abused him, it is because they learnt the bad behaviour from him and his ministers. Otafire for example. President Museveni has calmed down a little, but he is the architect of abusive language, and this is in public domain. We all know the back ground of many of our leaders as Kalundi said, they come from very humble backgrounds. I think “humble background” is just a fancy way of saying, they came from a poor background, but as you rightly said, we have all at some point in time taken tea with out sugar.

    Many of us have got sketchy information of what exactly transpired in that
    debate that led to the arrest of Kalundi, but if there is a genuine case to answer, then let the law take it’s course.

    What we detest is the culture of arresting people, because they have
    revealed something government doesn’t want others to know about, infringing
    on their right to free speech. If Kalundi says many Baganda were deliberately eliminated during the final phase of the liberation war, then you challenge him with facts, but also, give him the opportunity to prove his utterances. What we detest is to arrest an Innocent person until proven guilty, and then pounce on them like hungry lions beating them to unconsciousness. This is the culture that has been inculcated into our security services, and that is exactly how the wanainchi pay them back when they get angry. They also kill, destroy, harm, violate etc, because the authorities have taught them, and that the way they know how. This is barbaric, backward, and a violation of both our constitution and international law on the side of the authorities.

    I’m sure you have seen many people, especially men who get arrested, and
    then ordered to take off their shoes, shirt, watch, etc..and finally some one holds them by the belt…eeeeh! Don’t you remember how an officer tried
    to undress the FDC MP Nabila in public as she was being arrested?

    But as this person did this, some onlookers used their mobile phones to
    record footages which clearly showed a person peeping and admiring some
    Gombolola, south of Bermuda. But we all know there is some hajji the chairman of that Gombolola, what was this person’s problem? This must be
    condemned again, and again, especially if you start treating women like this. This kind of behaviour belongs to the Obote and Amin governments, and
    president Museveni must intervene to stop this since the Kayihuras have
    failed to stop it. What is so disturbing, many of our people who get arrested this way, end up with a not guilty verdict.

    And you wounder!

    John Nsubuga


    UAH forumist

    Listen members, good ideas are not adopted automatically, but driven into
    practice with courageous patience and determination. Now, get moving!!

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    Regional Tier should come with a Regional EC & suggestions on media

    September 23, 2009 at 11:50 am (Federalism, KINGDOMS)
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    The President has once again brought back to the fore the matter of the regional tier government. Am a firm believer in federalism for Buganda and all Uganda. There are various NRM functionaries who keep presenting that Baganda professing federalism are actually professing feudalism. This offcourse is not true. The push for federo is not a push for Buganda to return to the pre-1983 set feudal up!.  Federalism is about creating a shock-absorber to shield the common man from direct impact of internationally sponsored neo-colonial  political-economic programs; its about furthering democracy without removing our true indigenous identities; its about cutting down the cycle of military rule; its about allowing people based accountable institutions to thrive; Re-distributing Uganda’s wealth away from the incurable corrupt center, and creating provincial units that would later be governed by a government of the Federal Republic of East Africa.

    There has been elected leaders and democracy in Buganda even before the NRM. The NRM many times has to be propped up by the army and other coercive groups. Mengo and the Buganda Kingdom has always been kept alive by the people. Even when the NRM chooses to close down all media propagating the Buganda kingdom, the kingdom peoples are always available to support and keep their kingdom going. The NRM military will have to keep deploying against kingdom peoples showing support for their king. They will deploy against his kingdom tours, against electing any politician supporting the kingdom views, against business empires supporting the kingdom and yet the NRM always struggles to posture as the kingdom’s best friend.

    Any media and individual who question this “friendship” are viewed anti NRM and solely for this reason- the economics and social-cultural freedoms and rights of radio stations must be shut down! The NRM should tell the world that media houses and businesses can only operate in this country if they coalesce the population in support of the NRM or spend all the airtime creating musical super stars local and international.

    It is true that the Government of Uganda is the boss of the Buganda Kingdom government but the assumption in HE. M7’s tone of speech is that NRM –the political organisation/movement is a boss of the Buganda Kingdom. This is part of the problem. The kingdom structures must be re-aligned to reflect modern connectivity with the Uganda government and in time with the government of East Africa. Attempts to arm-twist and forcefully create and define the relationship can not produce anything long lasting.

    About the regional tier, some of us are ready to welcome it as a middle ground only if the NRM stops presenting it as a tool to undermine the original rulers of the communities for which it is intended. This regional tier government must take further step to protect the authority of the original rulers of the Ugandan communities. The authority of these original rulers of the Ugandan communities is not forced upon their communities. Their authority is people based and propagated and government is for the people, by the people and of the people. Any thing that wishes to undermine the wishes of the people is tantamount to dictatorship and this world will today, tomorrow and forever struggle against any and all forms of dictatorship.

    As HE. Museveni and his NRM prepare to bring back the regional tier arrangement, please make it more acceptable for the intended consumers and present it so as to achieve a meeting ground between the two opposing minds. In this regard, the government should include a provision for regionalization of the electoral commission.

    The law should provide that the original ruling structures of the communities to form a regional government should have the power to appoint the Regional Electoral Commissions.  These original ruling structures are what the NRM has chosen to refer to as Cultural leadership institutions. They are not just “cultural” and the struggle to keep them merely cultural is likely to keep fuelling tensions in this country. In Buganda, the kabakaship with Bataka should be the appointing authority for managers of democratic elections and voting processes. This would not stop NRM to compete with DP, PPP, UPC or FDC for the various elective positions including representatives to the national assembly, regional tier assembly, district/county assembly, sub-county, etc. ; National presidency, regional semi-presidency, district/county semi –presidency, etc . This would be the key to the true realization of democracy in Uganda, a major step towards resolving the long standing question of fully without force integrating Buganda and other indigenous communities into Uganda.

    Such regional electoral commission would dilute the fear of electing regional mini-presidents- a Katikiro in Buganda’s case. In the case of Buganda kingdom, a Katikiro elected through an election system supervised by a Kabaka appointed regional EC would maintain the idea of Kabaka appointing the chiefs while at the same time moving the Kingdom towards full democracy. The regional tier government would slowly be allowed semi-autonomy over the region thus allowing federalists some peace in the country. The government should for instance consider removing the office of RDC and instead depend on Professional Non-Partisan National Intelligence Gathering Bodies.

    Government should at the same time move away from the thinking that whenever a media house does things that those in government do not like or things which are considered to endanger the public peace, etc- the offending media house should be shut down. This hurts the economy, the politics and society in general. Am of the view that government should view the various items regularly published or broadcast just like the many vehicles regularly using our road network. Whenever a vehicle breaks acceptable road contact, it is put off the road temporarily to pay a pre-determined penalty charges or for the proprietor and driver to face the full course of the law.

    Similarly, offending programs or articles may be temporarily discontinued for the offending presenter or proprietor to remit a pre-determined penalty charge/fine or for them to be taken to court and go through the full legal process. The Broadcasting Council is almost like a police force which goes on the road to confiscate the property of wrong doers. I do not think it is right for the Broadcasting council to issue an operating license covering the period of just one year. The economic life of the business is too long. The license supplier is not in any event the owner of the business. The job of the Broadcasting Council should be establishing the availability of a TV or radio frequency and then issuing a license renewable atleast after five years so as to reflect recoverability of investment and profits.

    Also, why having two bodies sometimes competing with each other as they do almost the same job. The Uganda Communications Commission has got true electronic experts and regarding word and voice sms based companies- both the UCC and UCC do monitoring and require huge fees to be remitted. Probably they compete similarly regarding internet and telecom companies. As Ugandans chat out a way forward in the aftermath of Mengo Vs NRM riots, it should be considered that the Uganda Broadcasting Council should completely be dissolved into Uganda Communication Commission who has more expertise, have a whole building in town, more experience, are politically non-partisan and have lots more facilities.

    HAKIMU. N. SEMUWEMBA

    –
    EA Samurai

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    Kingdom of Buganda has been advocating for peace and unity in diversity

    September 22, 2009 at 11:14 am (Federalism, KINGDOMS)
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    It is the Kingdom of  Buganda that has been advocating for peace and unity in diversity in our nation of Uganda, especially since 1955 when the then kabaka Sir Edward Mutesa became a constitutional monarch..
    Most politicans have acted with dishonour. It is not a question of “the central government surrendering power to the regions” as G. Bukenya puts it.
    Power comes from the people and belongs to the people; vested in their soverign kingdoms and “tribes”. And since it is inevitable that we need a central government, let the people DECIDE the amount of power to give that central government. It is a question of the kingdoms and the “tribes” surrendering some of their powers to the central government and not the other way around.
    As an Acholi, I thank and support the Kingdom of Buganda and Ssabassajja Kabaka Mutebi in their quest of trying to negotiate what powers should be surrendered to the central government of Uganda. The problem is that politicians of the day are too greedy and power hungry and they want more power than they deserve or can handle.
    I agree with the sentiments expressed by John Lema. People who want to run Uganda like the North Korea of Kim IL Sung should forget it. We need more common sense now.
    Regards
    Pilipo Oruni Oloya

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    Uganda issue by VP,Bukenya Gilbert

    September 21, 2009 at 8:37 pm (Diaspora, KINGDOMS, POLITICS)
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    The Uganda Issue

    My brothers and sisters, Uganda must move forward.

    We should not delay its development any longer.

    I am a very strong supporter of King Ronald Muwenda Mutebi and the Kingdom but I am also a very strong supporter of the Democratic Republic of Uganda in which the Kingdom is.

    This means that we have to leave political power to the elected leaders of Uganda and cultural power to the Kingdoms and other cultural leaders within Uganda. These leaders know details of everything and if we give them time and a suitable environment they will surely come to a consensus. Distorting this will mean violence because we will react before knowing the bottom line of the situation.

    We, the Baganda must know that we live in Uganda with other people of the same rights. When we demand, they also have a right to demand. When we destroy their properties, they may also have a right to do so.

    Why can’t we live in harmony, love each other, respect each other and stop abusive language and the feeling that you are the only one!!!

    My friends in the Diaspora just imagine you being segregated and even forced to leave where you are now because the natives don’t want you in their countries anymore? Would you welcome that?

    Let us stop inciting hatred and confrontation. When one draws the gun what happens?? The innocent suffer and even die.

    The question of a regional government is the answer to devolution of power. If the central government surrenders power to regions to manage education, health, road networks, culture, agriculture etc. this is a good beginning and regions can ask for more in the future after proof of efficiency and effective management.

    Whatever we aspire to achieve, must be supported by other Ugandans.

    We cannot work in Isolation.

    Friends, alone we can do so little but together we can do so much.

    Make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit and intent on one purpose of developing our motherland.
    Gilbert Bukenya
    Vice presdient, Uganda
    UAH forumist

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    Wake up ugandans and unite

    September 21, 2009 at 8:23 pm (2009 -2011 elections, POLITICS, PRESIDENCY)
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    Fellow Ugandans,
    For so long we have come to observe our ability to listen to each other erode. You can almost see it on the various public fora that we all contribute to as a people from the various tribes of Uganda. We are a bit impatient with each other, and we cannot wait to unleash the harshest remarks to cause unnecessary pain upon each other. I’m not sure whether that comes directly from poverty of spirituality, or a resultant of an oppressed people with a haunting violent past.  Given that we come from a society that takes little pride in psychological trends the onus is upon us to recognize and desist rather unhealthy and disturbing trends that have come to define our own individual fragility.

    I have also observed a more disturbing trend, emerge from our perspectives, one that has taken the peace and loving interiority of Baganda for a weakness rather than a quality attribute worthy of note for nation building.
    Looking at their other counterparts the Hutu, a big difference demarcates their  gathered response, but lets not be fooled even a gentleman pushed too far can show signs of fatigue.

    Now it is up to the rest of the country to take note, that the walking mat status is being lifted and like a magic carpet be prepared for a rocky ride and a “DO NOT TRAMPLE UPON US” signs that preserves Buganda’s sensibility in all areas where folks once walked freely to unload their insensitivity.
    I pity those who have not seen the light of quite disturbing trends and signs to become the last Baganda, to befriend a regime that has violated every spirit and aspiration of the Baganda people and many others who are currently taking inventory of loss.
    Waking the sensitivity nerves of a sleeping giant, might have not been a bad thing for the country after all. I think there has been an observed absence of active participation of unfettered Baganda in management of the affairs of the nation.

    Which is premise to the many gaffs on all attempted projects in the recent years. To run a nation for 24years, and still have no private industry to speak off, which can employ the few graduates put out each year is indeed an index of bad governance.
    The killing of markets of Vanilla and other products that once fueled the engines of Buganda ain’t such a hot thing either.
    I wonder what men of Buganda, who hid the president like Lutamaguzi of luweero, or Captain John Muleke who paid the ultimate price while protecting a man who used to parade their King as a friend at every opportune moment simply to peak their interest and loyalty in his cause, would say today.
    Those who fed and shielded him during his utmost hour of need, have to be turning in their graves at the turning of guns on their remaining tribesmen. Like in the Rwanda Kisingani incident,somethings a forgotten but not fully forgiven until a genuine apology is rendered by the perpetrator.

    I’m told that DR. Kiseka, a man of integrity sold an entire building to help the president’s cause when dawns were young; but money to care for him and his wife was painfully slow in coming, once the president was asked to return the same favour in peace time.
    Leaving such folks that saved his life hung to dry, ought to have been tell-tell signs to the Baganda, indicative of the insensitivity of the president, vices that have helped drive many who liked him away.
    How could he hope to continue rallying men behind his causes, having shown all qualities of an iron claded heart with those who shielded, and supported him. We know that nations have no friends, but little did we know that even our president like a nation has no friends just his own interests period.

    Tendo Kaluma

    Uganda in Boston

    1 Comment

    Statement from the Kalundi Serumaga family

    September 19, 2009 at 7:27 am (2009 -2011 elections, POLITICS, Police)
    Tags:

    From The Sserumaga Family:

    RE: THE UNLAWFUL ARREST, TORTURE AND DETENTION OF KALUNDI ROBERT SERUMAGA ON FRIDAY 11TH SEPTEMBER 2009 UNTIL TUESDAY 15TH SEPTEMBER 2009

    ABDUCTON

    1. KALUNDI ROBERT SERUMAGA WAS ABDUCTED BY 5 armed men outside the studios of WBS television, Spear House at about 11pm on Friday 11th September 2009. Robert had just left the studios where he had appeared on Kibazo on Friday, a discussion programme.

    2. He was in the company of Kibazo, Bernard Tabaire, Charles Rwomushana and Mary Ikazi. The men approached him as their group broke up.

    3. As they departed, Mr Sserumaga was approached by the men, two of whom took hold of him by the belt, and told him they were arresting him. He asked them who they were to which one responded police. He held up a piece of paper which may or may not have been an identity card, as he looked away. They then immediately began to assault him.

    4. Mr Sserumaga put up a fight until they threw him to the ground. After that he threw his telephones towards his colleagues.

    5. He then fell unconscious and was dragged from the scene to De Winton Road and was bundled in to the back seat of a waiting Toyota Mark II. He regained consciousness in the car as the men tried to undress him and remove things from his pockets. When he started demanding to taken to a police station, one of the men tried to cover his mouth, and another fight ensued. As he fought to resist them they punched him and gouged at his eyes with their fingers, and also bent his head backwards and choked him.

    JATT/KIREKA 11TH SEPTEMBER 2009

    1. He was driven to Kireka and logged in to a book and put in a cell with 25 other men, mainly youth.

    2. In the morning, a procession of guards came to the cell door and made all manner of threats to his life, and make sectarian insults to him, as well as the other prisoners. Finally the doors flew open and a tall well-built and well-dressed man in his mid-forties stood in the doorway and began to slap and punch him in the face while demanding answers.

    3. This statement is supported by the medical examination carried out by Dr M. Galukande at International Medical Centre, KPC building on 13th and International Hospital, Kisugu between 13th and 15th September 2009.

    4. Kizito Sserumaga searched all Police Stations in Kampala from that time to 3 am to no avail.

    CENTRAL POLICE STATION 12TH SEPTEMBER 2009

    1. Kizito contacted the Irish Embassy as Robert is a citizen of Ireland by birth. We went to Central Police Station (CPS) where we were told he was not there and his whereabouts were unknown. We made a public appeal via NTV outside CPS and we were surrounded by 5 armed soldiers in red berets and two plainclothes men. We immediately made another appeal at a Press Conference organized by UJA. During that conference, the Irish Embassy informed us Robert was being transported to CPS after which we went back to CPS. We found Kalundi Robert Sserumaga in the custody of Jonah Kule, O/C CID, at CPS. He was being held handcuffed with two other gentlemen, both Local Councillors from Makindye Division area. They had been tricked out of their houses at night on the pretext that there was a disturbance in the area, and then bundled in to a van at gunpoint and taken to Kireka.

    2. We immediately asked that Robert be allowed medical attention. Kule insisted on waiting from instructions but that we would be able to do so. Later we were informed Robert was going to be released after i). WBS deposited a film of the Kibazo on Friday broadcast with CPS, ii) that Robert make 2 supplementary statements and iii). that he provide 3 sureties. These conditions were met. After the process of providing the sureties, Kule suddenly ordered us all out of the room, including Ernest Kalibbala the lawyer and then informed Robert that he had orders from above to return him to the cells.

    3. We escorted Robert to the ground floor. After that the police physically pushed us out of the station entrance and down the stairs while brandishing sticks. Those of us already outside were threatened by the armed soldiers seated along the wall, numbering over ten and the man in plain clothes from earlier who was carrying a stick.

    4. 13th SEPTEMBER 2009 We returned to CPS where Robert was now without shoes and had still not received medical attention. He had tried to inform a woman officer –one Commissioner Ayisu- in CID that he had been assaulted at which she laughed and said it was impossible. Mr Simon Kuteesa, Head of Media crimes informed us that he does not put people in car boots. He received a telephone call in our presence and said in our hearing that the prisoner ‘did not look too bad’. The entire time, there were two mambas, outside the station, countless men in plainclothes carrying sticks and whips, people in police uniform carrying sticks.

    5. In the afternoon, we telephoned John Nagenda, Media Adviser to the President. We informed him that the story had broken in the international media and that we were going to continue to campaign for Robert’s release. Mr Nagenda was at that point was aware of the abduction but not of the torture. He arranged for us to meet Major General Kale Kayihura, Inspector General of Police. Mr Kayihura informed us the Irish ambassador had spoken to him and asked us what we wanted. We said our first priority was medical attention for Robert. Secondly we were formally complaining about being physically assaulted and ejected from CPS. Mr Kayihura telephoned Mr Ochom, Director CID, CPS and instructed him to have Robert examined at a hospital of our choice and admitted at a hospital of our choice if necessary. IGP Kayihura also telephoned Mr Sorowen the officer in charge of CPS and instructed him to ensure there was no humiliation of suspects and their relatives and the public generally. IGP summoned Mr Ochom and instructed him to implement everything agreed in that meeting and to ensure Robert was taken to a hospital of his choice immediately. He called in on Johnson Karugaba of the Professional Standards Unit to investigate our complaints. We then returned to CPS.

    MEDICAL ATTENTION

    1. After the Police Surgeon, Dr Moses Byaruhanga arrived, we traveled to International Medical Centre at KPC, under guard. There was an attempt to make Robert travel without shoes in order to humiliate him which we resisted. The armed and uniformed policemen sitting on the back of the pick-up truck and the plainclothes policemen became angry and said they would teach M. Serumaga a lesson (‘Tujja kukulaga enkola’.)

    2. Dr Moses Galukande carried out the examination and the results are consistent with Robert’s description of the assault. He diagnosed concussion as Robert could not account for some time between the first onslaught and being bundled in to the car. He recommended observation, neurological tests and rest. Immediately Dr Byaruhanga stated that he had to be referred to Mulago Hospital. He said it was the law and that Mulago was ‘the national referral hospital’. When he insisted, Mary Serumaga tried but failed to telephone IGP, Kale Kayihura. She then telephoned Mr J. Nagenda who spoke to Dr Byaruhanga and told him there was no problem with admitting Robert at International Hospital Kampala as long as he was under guard. He said Government’s only reservation was that we should not expect them to pay the bills, which we accepted. Dr Byaruhanga still insisted that he needed to speak to Mr Ochom, Director CID. We refused to board the vehicles to be taken to Mulago Hospital, a government institution which we felt to be unsafe. Robert stated if they inssted on Mulago, he would prefer to retun to the CPS cells without any treatment. After nearly an hour Mr Ochom relented and allowed us to go to IHK.

    3. 13th September 2009 Robert was admitted at IHK at approximately, nearly 48 hours after he had been very seriously assaulted.

    4. Dr Galukande diagnosed concussion and recommended neurological tests. We returned to CPS to collect Robert’s bags. Again, Kule introduced another condition. He wanted, Robert to sign a charge sheet before going to hospital. He also wanted his passport. We ignored both instructions as 48 hours had elapsed and the police were merely trying to legitimize their abduction of Robert Sserumaga. Eventually Kule gave in and we proceeded to IHK.

    5. Robert was admitted to IHK at about 8.30pm where he underwent tests and had some bed-rest. He was escorted by over 5 armed soldiers to Kampala Hospital for a CT scan.

    FORMAL CHARGES

    1. Tuesday 15th 2009 we were informed that Robert would be collected from the hospital at 10am to go to the Police for finger-printing and formal charging. Robert refused at first to co-operate because he wanted it to be acknowledged that he was being charged after 48 hours of detention had elapsed, i.e. he had been being held illegally.

    2. Robert was produced at Buganda Road Magistrate’s Court and charged with 6 counts of sedition resulting from his remarks on Kibazo. The State opposed bail and was overruled by the Magistrate on the grounds that even if Robert were a flight risk, that could be cured by his depositing his passport with the Court. Also that because the validity of the sedition laws was being challenged in the Constitutional Court and it was not possible to try Robert immediately, he would grant bail.

    3. We reported to IGP’s office that we were surrounded by ‘security operatives’ outside the court building eavesdropping on our conversations and stated we were holding IGP responsible for our continued security, and left the Court.

    LEGAL AND MEDICAL COSTS AND SOLIDARITY

    1. We would like to express our gratitude to the members of our communities and the public for your overwhelming support. The journalism profession has been a pillar of strength and has boosted our morale with their presence and their coverage.

    2. We are grateful to Open Society, Uganda Journalists’ Association, and East African Journalists’ Association all of whom have offered to pay Kalundi Robert Sserumaga’s legal costs. We are grateful for the fact that his medical costs were covered in advance and without our knowledge. P. E. N. International Clifford Derrick Committee to Protect Journalists (S. Africa) have also expressed solidarity.

    INVESTIGATION IN TO THE ABDUCTION AND TORTURE

    1. During the time we were waiting for Dr Galukande’s report at IM Centre, Mary Ikazi spotted a man in a lavender jacket, white cap and dark glasses. He was carrying a long thin stick or car, that were commonly used by kiboko squad members during the rioting. He was short in stature, about 5ft tall. He was peeping through the window of IMC where he had been sitting with O/C CID, J. Kule. M. Ikazi froze and told us that he was one of the men who had abducted and assaulted Robert. Mary Serumaga photographed him with a cell phone. The plainclothes policemen with whom he was standing warned him that he was being photographed at which he covered his face with his lapels, turned his back and then they all scattered. One policeman returned and took photographs of M. Serumaga and M. Ikazi. [The following Tuesday at Kibuli Police Station they filmed M. Serumaga and made close-up films of Robert’s children in our view. This was an act of intimidation.]

    2. 14 September 2009 at about 5.30pm we spoke to IGP Kayihura about the police brutality experienced by Robert Sserumaga. We thanked him for finally permitting the delayed medical treatment even though it required the intervention of the Ambassador of Ireland and other lovers of justice and peace before he acted. We showed him the photograph of the man who had inserted his thumbs and fingers in Robert’s eyes and attempted to gouge them out. We informed him the man had followed us to the International Medical Centre and only ran away after we had photographed him. IGP stated he did not know the man but he would investigate. At first he said he and all those in plain clothes carrying sticks were policemen, if so, he is able to produce this man.

    3. We informed IGP that his instructions about the medical facility Robert should be allowed to access were countermanded by Dr M. Byaruhanga the Police Surgeon and Mr Ochom, Director CID at CPS. They preferred to discuss the matter with persons unknown to us. He seemed to express shock that such clear instructions could be changed.

    4. We requested Interpol be asked to help locate the abductors, to which IGP responded he has no objection although he would prefer we work with Uganda Police in the matter. He assigned Assistant IGP, Mr J.M. Okoth Ochola, in charge of Special Duties to investigate the matter. We agreed with Mr Okoth Ochola that we would contact him after the court appearance.

    5. 15th September 2009, the same woman officer at CID who had refused to record Robert’s complaint of torture, telephoned him as he left court inviting him to make a statement.

    THE WAY FORWARD

    1. In view of the fact that the orders of Major General Kale Kayihura IGP are so easily countermanded by officers junior to him, receiving ‘orders from above’; that one of the offending officers (see paragraph 13 ) is now assigned to the investigating team; two officers Kule and Ayisu, have already dismissed the reports of assault as “impossible”, we decline to participate in the investigation unless Interpol is involved.

    2. In any case we are unwilling for Robert to return to CPS or any other police station while suspected criminal elements are still employed and deployed there.

    3. We demand disciplinary action is taken against Mr Edward Ochom, Director of CID at CPS for trying to ensure Robert was sent to Mulago where his safety would have been compromised. We demand to know from where above Kale Kayihura’s head, Mr Ochom was receiving instructions. As Director of CID at CPS where the kiboko squad move about freely and interact with senior officers and have meals in the police canteen, we hold Ochom responsible for the deployment of the kiboko squad to abduct, detain and torture Kalundi Robert Sserumaga.

    4. We demand the same in regard to Dr Moses Byaruhanga who kept us at IM Centre for over 30 minutes while liaising on the telephone about sending Robert to Mulago. Although he was supposed to carry out his own examination, he did not and it appears his role was to ensure Robert was admitted to Mulago Hospital. He failed in that.

    5. We demand the investigation of the plainclothes policeman who filmed Robert’s children at Kibuli Police Station on 15th September 2009 and those who threatened Robert’s family on 12th and 13 September outside CPS.

    6. We demand the investigation of Simon Kuteesa’s role in the abduction and torture of Kalundi Robert Sserumaga. Kuteesa was instrumental in convincing us on 13th September that Robert was going to be released for medical treatment in a few hours as long as he had three sureties and a passport. He then vanished at about 10pm before Kule said he had ‘orders from above’ to detain him further. Kuteesa has consistently acted in an unprofessional manner treating our complaints about torture as a joke. He too receives anonymous ‘orders from above’ and made a ‘phonecall assuring someone that Robert was not too badly injured even though he had no medical evidence. Simon Kuteesa is a callous and dangerous man.

    7. We demand the immediate suspension and investigation of O/C CID, Jonah Kule who was seen in deep conversation with the perpetrator we managed to photograph outside IM Centre during Robert’s medical examination, Kule is in direct command of the kiboko squad and is a danger to all Ugandans.

    0782199589

    The End.

    On Sat, Sep 19, 2009 at 6:09 AM, Kalundi Serumaga <kalundi@yahoo.com> wrote:
    Greetings Charles, and thanks for your concern.

    This is a summary of the situation as it stands to date.

    Regards,

    Kalundi Serumaga

    6 Comments

    M7 needs to address Buganda’s problems

    September 18, 2009 at 11:17 pm (2009 -2011 elections, Federalism, KINGDOMS)
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     President Museveni himself said that the riots were not about His Highness the Kabaka going to Kayunga, but rather it was “whether or not we should have political Kings”. The President went on to accuse the Kabaka of interfering in politics. He said the Kabaka should keep out of politics because he is not an elected official.
     
    So, a lot has been brewing underground which is not obvious to the ordinary person, you and me. But President Museveni knows that he has a conflict or strong disagreement with the Kingdom of Buganda. That, the President himself has said so. Kayunga was just the spark that ignited the crisis, otherwise it could easily have been anything else.
     
    For this conflict to have reached this extent that almost anything could ignite it into a crisis what does that tell you about government? To me I see that the government is confused, desperate and does not really know what to do? I think the government has been using the Ssabanyala as a stalking horse really, to test Mengo’s resolve but also to try and undermine the Kingdom of Buganda generally and His Highness the Kabaka personally.
     
    Instead of addressing Mengo’s legitimate demands the government has resorted to meddling in the Kingdom of Buganda in the hope that the Kingdom generally and His Highness the Kabaka personally will be disgraced and discredited. But the strategy has backfired.
     
     Here is another example of NRM government meddling in the affairs of the Kingdom of Buganda. In his statement to Parliament on the crisis on 15Th September 2009,  President Museveni said, and I quote: “In order to stop the Kabaka and the Kingdom officials from meddling in politics, there should be a meeting of all the political leaders in Buganda, the religious leaders, the clan leaders to give their contributions on the way forward. This meeting could be called “Tabamiluka”.
     
    Now, I am not a Muganda and I don’t know what the word “tabamiluka” means, perhaps a Muganda will explain what this concept really means in due course. However, it seems to me that this is yet another attempt by President Museveni to divide the Baganda. I stand to be corrected, but this “tabamiluka” is an alien thing, invented by President Museveni and it has certainly no role in the formal cultural or political organisation of the Kingdom of Buganda. Once again, Prseident Museveni has come out with a concept from thin air and he is now trying to imply that this is a Ganda cultural process. It is wrong. President Museveni is inventing things that do not exist in the Kingdom of Buganda. THE PRESIDENT IS MAKING A VERY SUBTLE ATTEMPT TO START A NEW NARRATIVE ON  BUGANDA CULTURE AND HISTORY. That is how he pulled the Ssabanyala completely out of thin air. The President  is trying anything except a proper constitutional attempt to address the federal demands of Mengo. And Mengo has almost written him off.

    Regards
     
     
    Pilipo Oruni Oloya

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    What is NOT Wrong with Traditional Tribal Leadership

    September 17, 2009 at 11:14 pm (CULTURE, Federalism, KINGDOMS)
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    Thursday, September 17, 2009

    Imagine that the first foreign contacts with Afrika were gradual, peaceful and respectful. Afrika would now have a bigger population. The social fabric would have evolved rather than disrupted. Foreign religions would have blended with Afrikan’s, providing more meaning. Instead, the contacts were violent and traumatic, stripping her of her dignity, with repercussions that reverberate to this day.

    In Afrika today, there is a small percentage of the filthy rich, few of whom have achieved wealth by dint of skills in industry and commerce. Many have looted the coffers of the state, leaving poor infrastructures and poor service deliveries for the rest of the taxpaying population.

    What kind of people are these looters? They are the people who went to missionary or other related schools. Many of them profess to be Christians. Some who are serious about Christianity have but a perfunctory knowledge beyond claiming to be “saved.” Generally then Christianity is not a way of living but a social occasion on Sunday. A few of the “educated” class have read western classics, and may be aware of the genesis of how and why they think the way they do. Many, however, excelled in the utilitarian school subjects in order to earn a living in the new Afrika. This latter lot may not be cognizant of from whence their thought process originates.

    All this is operating in a milieu in which traditional cultural wisdom no longer has leadership. The young person now looks to Europe and America as the source of what is good.. Armed only with the natural ego-centric self, the desires of acquisition and the destruction of those perceived to stand in the way becomes the mode of operation. There in lies what ails Afrika. But it should not be that way.

    If traditional African wisdom, through traditional leadership, were revived and practiced it could provide the umbilical cord to extend to the new way. We have many such models in Afrika—for examples Ghana and South Africa—and other parts of the world, such as Japan.

    Now, let us take the case of Uganda in which Mr. Museveni is reputed to have fought for the revival of traditional tribal leadership. It is evident that his motivations were only self-serving, to gain favors originally from mainly the Baganda population. Now the exercise has been extended to others for strategic political expediency. The next person who comes to power (the sooner, the better) should take the case of traditional tribal leadership as a matter of top priority. Genuine and honest debates should be devoid of political horse-trading. Let us put this dog to rest and attend to other business of living.
    Odiya
    UAH forumist

    3 Comments

    Buganda has the right to demand for federalism

    September 17, 2009 at 10:48 pm (Federalism, KINGDOMS)
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     “I told them from day one that don’t request for federalism, because when you demand for federalism you are asking for political authority and political authority must be held by elected people, of course now Museven is right to force an elected Katikiro-(Edward  Mulindwa, UAH, 16/09/09).
     
    I do not agree with the assertion cited above, that the Kingdom of Buganda/Mengo is wrong to demand for federalism. Yes, the Kingdom of Buganda has every right to demand for the sharing of authority/power with the central government of Uganda under a federal system. I keep referring to the 1900 Agreement, because that was the basis by which Buganda became part of modern Uganda. Under article 6 of the agreement the Kabaka was clearly recognised as  “the native ruler of the province of (B)uganda”. Under article 10, the Kabaka’s power of state were devolved to the three state ministers; ie, the Katikiro (prime minister), Omulamuzi (chief justice) and Omuwanika (chief treasurer/finance minister). Both Kabaka Daudi Chua and Kabaka Mutesa II ruled the Kingdom of Buganda more or less as a constitutional monarchy under this agreement.
     
    At independence Buganda enjoyed full federal status within a largely unitary structure of central government until 1966 when the Kabaka was deposed. The following year the constitution was changed to a fully unitary one.
     
    In 1960 the then Kabaka Sir Edward Mutesa reorganised the Kingdom government, adding more ministerial portfolios of education, health, information, youth and sports, and works. 
     
    Kabaka Ronald Mutebi has made further modernisation in the informal ministerial portfolios of Mengo cabinet making it more in tune with the 21st century. New portfolios include gender, information and IT, culture and antiquities, and the environment. Kabaka Mutebi has also appointed some of the most able professionals to head ministries of Mengo cabinet. All that is left is formal recognition of the government at Mengo through the granting of a federal system.
     
    The current problem is not caused by Mengo or His Highness the Kabaka but is the result of a fallacy of the 1995 Constitution which in effect abolished constitutional monarchy  in Uganda. Although the Odoki Constitution Commission returned that 68% of Ugandans and 97% of the people of Buganda favoured federalism, the NRM government ignored those wishes and proceeded  to impose a unitary constitution on Uganda. This is largely what is causing the current Buganda crisis.
     
    President Museveni himself has realised that the current system of unitary government is neither fully effective nor responsive, thus the President has proposed and had a law enacted for the creation of a regional tier “version” of federalism. Mengo is vehemently opposed to the regional tier system mainly because it does not address its demand for federalism. However, President Museveni has now vowed to implement the system next year, Mengo’s opposition regardless.
     
    There are two main problems with the regional tier system, which in the end makes it too doomed to fail. Firstly, the regional tier system would merely serve as an additional layer of central government bureaucracy. Whoever will be at the head of that bureaucracy will  perform a role akin to that of a “Regional RDC”.
     
    The second and more serious problem is that the regional tier system lacks the two most important factors necessary for effective and responsive functioning of a  regional government, namely points of focus of identity and loyalty. In Buganda a Katikiro elected under the regional tier system would sit awkwardly along side the Katikiro of the Kingdom of Buganda. He will presumably be referred to as the “government Katikiro”. Needless to say, the “government Katikiro” will neither enjoy the loyalty or focus of identity of the people of Buganda, and will merely serve as an additional point of friction between Mengo and the NRM government.
     
     
    Outside Buganda, for example in Acholi, Lango, Teso, Busoga, Bunyoro-Kitara, Tooro, etc, the position of a “Regional Chairman/Katikiro” may attract politicians clamoring to contest it in election. However, this will mainly be because of the financial rewards accruing to the job, while eliciting less support from the people.

     
    Thus the regional tier system would neither answer  the demands of Mango for constitutional monarchy, or the  increasing demands for regional autonomy in most parts of Uganda . What it will do, however, is bring to an end any remaining semblance of relationship between Mengo and the NRM government.  The regional tier system may yet become the proverbial “last straw that broke the camels back”.
     
     
    Regards,
     
     
    Pilipo Oruni Oloya

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    USA position on Riots and M7’s speech

    September 17, 2009 at 5:08 pm (Uncategorized)

    http://www.voanews.com/wm/voa/africa/engl/engl1830vb.asx

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    Video:’Civilians Will Be Shot’ Speech by Museveni

    September 16, 2009 at 9:52 pm (2009 -2011 elections, Genocides, KINGDOMS)

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    Obama and M7:Respect and be proud of your cultures

    September 16, 2009 at 5:41 pm (CULTURE, KINGDOMS)
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    he anti Obama attacks based on his healthcare proposals, where he has been labelled un-American by some quarters in the USA, these occuring concurently with riots in Kampala over Kabaka’s planned visit to Kayunga that was stopped by government gives new meaning to the saying ‘there is no place like home.

    It is a timely lesson for Obama that he should never forget his father’s land, his roots.
    In Africa they have another proverb that says, when you migrate, you do not uproot the pumpkin. In otherwords, when you leave, you might find yourself back to the same place, and this un-uprooted pumpkin might be the food that will keep you going in that dark hour.

    It is only in Africa, Obama’s real fattherland, that he has not met such bitter racist type of criticism. A child remains a child at home, however nasty they might appear. That is how Africa percieves Obama.

    Coming back closer to home in Kampala, the riots have left me thinking about how vital is our cultural diversity. This cultural variety is God given, and it is time we shifted attitudes and began to appreciate and uphold these historic divisions that have nurtured and knit the society we are today.When we talk about eradicating tribes, languages, we are actually attempting to eradicate identities that have existed for generations! We should find ways of upholding the same.(Ofcourse there are some practices that are abusive, but we do not want to throw away the baby with the bathwater!)

    I am reminded of an incident that happened here in Kampala not so long ago, where a man and woman separated after giving birth to three children, one boy and two girls. Now, these children had been so attatched to their Maternal side (what they call in Luganda the Kojjas), because of the abusive behaviour of ther father who had taken another wife and abandoned their mother..So all property, friendships, hopes,etc were with their maternal side.
    Even during the marriage process of one of the girls, it was her uncle from her mother’s side who took the bridal gifts meant for her father! Her father never attended her give away! Such was the intensity of the gap in between.

    However, things  turned out so bad a few months back,and these people called their ‘maternal relatives’ ,got into sharp quarels over land and finances that one of these children had borrowed. The whole maternal side turned aginst them, and they were real treated like outcasts.Their property was grabbed by their maternal uncle, and their aging mother left homeless. What cruelty!

    Obama is suffering the same fate in America. He has not wanted to identify himself so much with Kenya or with Africans, but with comments that have began, labelling him now un-American, I think he has to think more deeply about appreciating his real roots before it is too late.

    One’s paternal roots should never be taken for granted.

    Linda Akullo
    Kampala

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    Commentary on:Cooporation,Collaboration and Consensus between M7 and Buganda

    September 15, 2009 at 3:16 pm (2009 -2011 elections, CULTURE, KINGDOMS)
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    To the present and future generations,greetings.
    The quest for cultural independence,like that of political independence from the colonialists,is not about to go away anytime soon.This quest is inalienable,its a propensity inside each of us.You can not grant it.
    So,the right thing to do is the quest for corporation from the stakeholders.Short of that,this whole thing can and will make or unmake any present or future administrations.
    Emille Durkheim,considered to be one of the founder fathers of sociology,contend that if you discard elements culture,better replace them with something similar…or else the backlash can be catastrophic….
    Recent events in our homeland seem to point that direction.All the stakeholders,including the president ,need to collaborate and develop a constitutional framework that will accommodate all these elements.
    Force must be off the menu,and a healthy dose of a national consensus must be  the order of the day.The ugly past can avoided thus.
    The cheerleaders of the dead regimes,who are now gloating  over what’s happening in Uganda,are sore losers,whose postings of hate on this forum are well known.We are watching you.Your utopian ideas will have to be directed elsewhere.
    Cheers,

    sebastianWanzama-Piro,Y(OU)NITED

    UAH forumist

    1 Comment

    AN OPEN LETTER TO THE PRESIDENT OF UGANDA

    September 15, 2009 at 3:11 pm (2009 -2011 elections, KINGDOMS)
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    AN OPEN LETTER TO THE PRESIDENT OF UGANDA
    From Dr. Vincent Magombe – Ugandan Writer and Journalist / Director, Africa Inform International.
    (London, UK. 15/09/09)
    Your Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni,
    ON THE GOVERNMENT CLAMP-DOWN ON THE RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS
    OF THE PEOPLE AND THE MEDIA.
    In the wake of the violent and tragic clashes, which took place in various parts of Buganda Kingdom, in the week beginning  07 September 2009, between the Ugandan state security services and supporters of the Kabaka of Buganda, His Royal Highness Ronald Muwenda Mutebi, you, Mr President, and your security operatives have taken a number of repressive measures aimed at silencing sections of the Ugandan populace and bringing about an enforced stability of sorts.
    These measures include, among others:
    1. The arrest of hundreds of Buganda Kingdom supporters, some of whom had rioted in protest against your Excellency’s decision to forcefully intervene and stop the visit by His Royal Highness Kabaka Ronald Mutebi to Kayunga – a locality within his Kingdom.
    2. The arrest of a number of Ugandan media practitioners, most prominent of whom is Mr. Kalundi Serumaga, the widely respected current affairs commentator / analyst, who is also the popular host of the Radio One Talk Show. Mr Serumaga was reportedly kidnapped by security operatives, and beaten in so rough and harsh a manner, that will remind most Ugandans of the darkest days of dictator Idi Amin’s rule, when journalists and anti-government politicians were grabbed by military personnel, in open daylight, and taken to prison / torture chambers.
    3.  The closing down of independent media outlets - a number of radio stations were closed down, followed by the suspension of several journalists and media practitioners from freely practicing in their trade.
    National and International Concerns:
    Various Human Rights organisations, both local and international, are expressing grave concerns about the brutality meted out to many innocent Ugandan citizens by the security forces, in the course of suppressing the revolt by Buganda Kingdom loyalists. Images of beatings and brutal harassment, by police and military operatives, of Baganda activists, that were beamed across the globe on mainstream TV networks (BBC, CNN, SKY, Aljazeera, etc) have greatly dented your government’s reputation, and cast Uganda in a very dark light.
    Global campaign organisations, such as the New York based Committee to Protection Journalists (CPJ), have also weighed in, calling upon the government of Uganda to stop harassing media practitioners and restricting media freedoms and political debate in the country.
    Need to Do the Right Things – and These Are:
    1. Release Prisoners and Work for Harmony and Peace in Buganda and Throughout Uganda:
    Mr President, in order to de-escalate the increasingly deteriorating situation in the country, and bring about harmony and peaceful co-existence amongst Ugandans, it is most appropriate that you order your security services (the police, army, presidential guard brigade, and intelligence outfits) to stop arresting, harassing, beating, torturing and tear-gassing innocent citizens, whose only crime is to exercise their freedoms, as guaranteed by the constitution of Uganda.
    2. Free the Media in Uganda:
    Your Excellency, have you asked yourself  any of these questions:
    - Why did so many Ugandans, including yourself, engage in so many political struggles and battles in the last 5 decades, in order that Ugandan citizens could enjoy their human rights and freedoms, only for your government to turn round and destroy the very freedoms and rights, that people died and sacrificed so much for?
    - Why did you and your government allow the flourishing of so many independent media outlets (fm radio stations, newspapers, etc), only to start frustrating and hampering their smooth running and development, using Idi-Amin style methods?
    Mr. President, it is absolutely essential that you immediately apply your authority, not for the purpose of putting an end to, but advancing free speech in the country. If Uganda is to build a truly democratic society, then the media has to freely play the role of public watchdog – relentlessly quizzing and questioning public servants, and speaking out on important issues of concern to all sections of the country’s citizenry.
    It is high time that Uganda, as a country, entered the world of modernity and true civilisation – whereby governments, public institutions, as well as public servants are unreservedly subjected to intense and continuous scrutiny in their work and ultimately held accountable for their actions.
    Your Excellency, it is with all the above in mind, that you are being called upon to immediately order the release and freedom of any Uganda media practitioner, who may be currently languishing  in prison or on remand, or facing prosecution for merely carrying out their professional duties.
    One such person is Mr Kalundi Serumaga, whose name has already been cited in this document. Your Excellency, as you are well aware, Mr. Kalundi Serumaga happens to be the son of the late Robert Serumaga, the prominent Ugandan writer and political activist, who died in exile in Kenya in 1980, while struggling to liberate Uganda of bad politics. Are we now wanting to sacrifice the life of his son in the same way, by either incarcerating him or exiling him? Are we trying to make sure that his nascent political and creative activism is never realised fully for the benefit of his motherland Uganda?
    Ultimately, what is needed is the disbanding of all outdated and archaic laws and rules, which are hampering, rather than advancing, media freedoms and freedom of expression in Uganda.
    3. Use Dialogue – Not Violence, to Resolve Entrenched and Complex National Problems:
    Mr. President, for the sake of Peace, National Unity and Reconciliation in Uganda, you should reconsider your positions, in regard to the demands by Buganda Kingdom, in a way that solutions can be achieved peacefully and amicably.
    Agitation for Federalism, or active campaigns by Buganda Kingdom supporters against the Land Bill, must not be seen by you as anti-Ugandan or, for that matter, evil deeds by evil people.
    Your Excellency, military force should not be used to stop public discussions and debate on vital matters of concern to Ugandan citizens. That the Kabaka of Buganda should participate in these debates, as was supposed to be the case in Kayunga, is a very normal thing that should be permitted to freely transpire, without unnecessary interference of trigger-happy security forces.
    4. Those who have Committed Crimes Against Humanity Should be Held Accountable:
    In the circumstances, it is imperative that all the state authorities and security operatives who are found to have violated existing national and international laws and conventions, especially those involved in the murder and torture of innocent civilians, are brought to justice. Ultimately, the relevant national and international bodies and institutions involved in the dispensing of justice should investigate suspected violations, with the view to indicting and prosecuting those who are deemed to have committed crimes against humanity.
    Conclusion:
    In Conclusion, Mr President, the onus is on you, as ‘Ugandan Citizen Number One’, to positively and constructive, rather than negatively and destructively, exercise the enormous power, bestowed onto you, thanks to the good and considerate will of the rest of Ugandan citizens.
    You excellency, in seeking to stabilise an increasingly insecure country, and in attempting to unite a visibly fractured society, it is imperative that you provide good and compassionate leadership, with the ultimate objective of satisfying the wishes and aspirations of Ugandan people.
    You, Mr. President, are supposed to be the ‘Peoples’ President’, not your own President. And Uganda can only thrive and prosper, when the People feel that they, and not their President, can claim ownership of their country.
    Whichever way you chose to deal with the current impasse in the country will determine  the course of that country and the fate of her Peoples now and for centuries to come! Better make it good your Excellency!
    This communication has been written by Dr. Vincent Magombe – a concerned Ugandan citizen and journalist. It has been written as an Open Letter to President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, for no other reason, other than to publicly state the acute concerns and worries being felt by most Ugandans at this point in time.
    Dr. Vincent Magombe
    Africa Inform International
    UAH forumist

    2 Comments

    M7 is to blame for the 11th September riots

    September 15, 2009 at 1:06 pm (2009 -2011 elections, KINGDOMS)
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    I need someone to tell me what blame Mengo has on the Bugerere Royal visit. Should some one just sit by when he is being denied access to parts of his house? I was in Bugerere during the riots and never did i see any disgruntled Munyala. M7 came out and like one with a worn out mind forgot what he all along been deceiving , that it was a Banyala issue by stating it clearly that he had a personal grudge with the Kabaka for the later not picking up his calls. Someone should tell me whether it was Buganda that was acting unconstitutionally or the government. Gwe Kintu, supposing u were a witness and had come out to give eveidence, is there any thing you can show to justify that this was a Mengo endorsed riot? You have the right to be ignorant but u dont have the right to misinform the public, this was something that just got out of hand and if u may know one of the most radical people at Mengo called me and told me to exercise calm and he even regreted what was happening because they couldnt in any way control it. (A Nkobazambogo advance team was already in Kayunga to prepare for the Kabaka’s reception and also unify all Buganda youth activist groups in the area). All this should be blamed on the ego of one man, the president who doesnt want to abide by the constitution. (THE CONSTITUTION STATES IT CLEARLY THAT kAYUNGA & NAKASONGOLA ARE PART OF BUGANDA)

    jose lukyamuzi

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    Buganda has been DISPROPORTIONATELY TOLERANT

    September 15, 2009 at 11:09 am (2009 -2011 elections, Federalism, KINGDOMS)
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    Dear all,
    I do not condone secterianism, but I think it is fair to say that as a region Buganda has been DISPROPORTIONATELY TOLERANT. Buganda has generally welcomed all Ugandans to work, study, settle and prosper in Buganda. To my mind Buganda has elected people from other “tribes”/communities to represent them in Parliament, these included Daudi Ochieng (Acholi), Ojok Mulozi (Acholi), Dr. B.N Kununka (Munyoro), one Asian and One white. Today, there are many business men and women from other parts of Uganda who own bussinesses, land and estates deep in the heartlands of Buganda who have never been segregated against, and have only recieved coopreation and support from Baganda. It is fair to say that the same would be very difficult to comeby in other parts of Uganda.
    The problem has to be with the failure of our constitution and political process which have consistently failed to bring about longlasting stable and peaceful Uganda. Instead Buganda and the Baganda have borne the brunt of political and social instability leading to deaths and untold suffering.(As an Acholi I am tempted to refere to our own sufferings here, and so would Ugandans from everywhere). To the Baganda these visitations are foreign.
    And the setiments are bourne by the facts. The latter KAR of the 1940s and  50s that were used by the colonial governement to brutally suppress the 1945 and 1949 rebellions in Buganda dispropotionately consisted of men from the northern and eastern Uganda.
    After Independence, the army and men who stormed the Lubiri in 1966, deposed the Kabaka, and assisted in the abrogation of the Great Lukiiko and Saza Councils disproportionately came from other parts of Uganda.
    The Military coup of Iddi Amin in 1971 and the subsequent brutal regime visited upon Ugandans including the Buganda ofcourse, was staged by men who disproportionately came from outside Buganda.
    The military coup of 1985 and the subsequent deaths and sufferings it caused in Buganda and other parts of Uganda was staged by men who predominatly came from outside Buganda.
    The Luwero NRA war and the subsequesnt untold genocide  it visited on Buganda was orchesterated by men and women who predominatly came from outside Buganda. The fact the Baganda were later sucked in and participated on the side of Yoweri Museveni was the reaction of victims trying to survive a brutal war.
    The events of the last few days which led to many deaths of the people of Buganda was the result of the brutish suppression by an army which is disproportionately staffed by men and officers from outside Buganda.
    I therfore fully understand the sentimants which was allegedly expressed by Bosco Musisi. There is indeed a need to get rid of the “cocroaches” out of Buganda and Uganda too.
    A NEW BEGINNING
    The events of the past few days have set all our minds focused on the way forward for our country. I personally would prefer to see the following happen.
    1. The government to kickstart a genunie debate on the future form of governance which Uganda should have, in particular the constitutional issues of federalism with a view of finding a lasting solution.
    2. The government should persue these debates in the national interest through muli partisan approach, so as to take on board the views of the opposition parties.
    3.The oposition parties should come out clearly and contribute constructively to the constitutional debate about federalism or otherwise.One welcomes Mr. Ochieno’s stated approach of new politics of  “not sitting on the fence”. Therefore, the opposition themselves should state their comprehensive policy positions on the difficult issues of federalism. The opposition have opportunity to state their policies on these issues during the forthcoming party delegates conferences, and national elections compaigns and on forums such as UAH. Stating merely that ”we shall give federalism to Buganda” is no longer enough.
    4. Parliament should in due course come forward with the neccessary law authorising a new Constitution that addresses all the particularisms of the different “tribes” and regions of Uganda. The Odoki Constitution Commission found that 68% of Ugandans were in favour of a federal constitution. The time to implement these wishes is now.
    Pilipo Oruni Oloya

    1 Comment

    Petition urges Uganda Judiciary to unconditionally release journalist Kalundi Serumaga

    September 15, 2009 at 2:38 am (Uncategorized)

    Following is the text of an urgent appeal by members of ‘Ugandans at Heart’ forum demanding immediate and unconditional release of Mr. Kalundi Serumaga from prison, in Uganda.

    We, the undersigned, are deeply concerned about the condition of Mr. Kalundi Serumaga, the Ugandan investigative journalist and a prominent advocate of human rights and civil society who has been in prison since 11th September 2009 which was the first day of the riots in Kampala. Mr. Serumaga was arrested following his participation in a political and cultural debate normally held at WBS television in Uganda.

    We express our astonishment that a person, who has served his country, has devoted his life to the improvement of civil society and has come to be known as one of the most vocal and respected journalists of his time should be treated in this way.

    We believe that Mr. Serumaga is held in violation of his right to freedom of expression, as guaranteed by Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda.

    The undersigned call for all international human rights advocacy organizations, as well as groups active in support of journalists and media to protest the arrest of Kalundi Serumaga and demand an immediate halt to any future harassment of journalists by the Ugandan government.

    We are very disturbed by the health conditions of Mr. Kalundi Serumaga because we read in the Monitor newspaper on 15th September 2009 that he had been brought by the security operatives to Kampala International with a lot of wounds on his body. We demand that Kalundi Serumaga be released immediately and unconditionally and charges against him dropped. In addition we urge you to ensure that he receives immediate and proper medical treatment while his release is being processed.

    Furthermore, we urge all other freedom loving citizens around the globe to join us by signing this petition and writing to the following authorities on this very urgent and critical matter:

    1.President Museveni of Uganda, State house, Nakasero, Kampala

    2.Mr.Edward Sekandi, Speaker of Uganda Parliament, Kampala, Uganda

    3.Secretary General, the United Nations, New York, NY 10017 Fax # (212) 963-4879

    4.The United Nations High Commissioner on Human Rights, 1211 Geneva 10, Switzerland, Fax # 41 22 917 9022 E-mail: tb-petitions@ohchr.org

    5.Executive Director, Human Rights Watch, New 350 Fifth Avenue, 34th floor New York, NY 10118-3299 Tel: 1-(212) 290-4700, Fax: 1-(212) 736-1300 Email: hrwnyc@hrw.org

    6. President, PEN American Center, 568 Broadway 4th Floor,New York, NY 10012 Tel: (212) 334-1660 Fax: (212) 334-2181 Email: pen@pen.org

    7. International Secretariat, Amnesty International, 99-119 Rosebery Avenue London, EC1R 4RE United Kingdom. Tel : +44(0)2078146200 Fax : +44(0)2078331510

    We hereby sign below to demand the immediate release of the Journalist Kalundi Serumaga, without any constraints or conditions.We also hold Museveni’s government accountable and responsible for his life, dignity, and well-being.

    To add your signature, click on below link. Everyone can sign

    http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/Kalundi_Serumaga

    Sincerely,

    UGANDANS AT HEART

    3 Comments

    Byaruhanga is being unrealistic on the Kabaka

    September 15, 2009 at 2:36 am (2009 -2011 elections, KINGDOMS, POLITICS)
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    Dear Mr. Byaruhanga .
    As a Presidental Advisor I welcome your proposal for a “new law to regulate” cultural leaders. That law would be a Federal Constitution. Under a federal constitution, the Kabaka’s “powers of state” would be devolved to the Katikiro. At the moment because of  lack of a fedeeral constitution the Kabaka is caught up deep in the politics of his Kingdom.
    You are mistaken in your assertion that the Kabaka is “apolitical”. His Highness the Kabaka is the embodiment of the kingdom and people of Buagnda. The Kabaka is a deeply political animal by nature. But if you want to remove His Highness the Kabaka from the hazards of daily politics then you must grant a federal constitution. Simply writing the “do” and “don’t” for His Highness the Kabaka to follow will not work, BE WARNED.
    THE CRUX OF THE PROBLEM
    1. Mr. Byaruhanga I wish to draw your attention to an embarassing situation regarding the current “status” of His Highness the Kabaka. In the last few days I read in the press (The Monitor, 10, September, 2009) where President Museveni was quoted as saying that he tried calling His Highness the Kabaka for the last two years but the Kabaka would neither pick nor return his calls. The question is, did the President try to call His Highness the Kabaka to discuss cultural matters or was it about government Policy? It is more the latter rather than the former. So, His Excellency the President of Uganda is himself dragging the Kabaka squarely into politics through his action of calling the Kabaka to discuss Policy. The Kabaka should be permanently out of politics, not just when it suits the government.
    2. In the same press report, President Museveni was quoted as saying or implying that His Highness the Kabaka wanted him (the President) to discuss these issues with the Katikiro, but that he “does not want to deal with unelected officials” (The Monitor, 10, September, 2009). So, in trying to aviod dealing with the Katikiro who is not an elected official, the President ends up dragging the Kabaka into politics whenever he discusses with him Policy. How?  Because the Kabaka might have to give the President his opinion about policy which is political. The way out of the ampasse is again the grant of a federal constitution, which recognises the government of the kingdom/state of Buganda. In that way the Katikiro will become an elected official, and the President can then discuss policy with him.
    3. In order to address the 1961 situation that you refer to below, the solution was found by way of granting Buganda a Federal Status in the Constitution during the Lancaster Conference. At the subsequest Lukiiko elections in 1962, the Baganda participated in the elections peacefully and no one had their banana plantation chopped down.
    Regards
    Pilipo Oruni Oloya

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    Lessons from Buganda riots

    September 14, 2009 at 8:03 pm (2009 -2011 elections, KINGDOMS)
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    Dear all,

    Here in below is a lesson;  the following names are among those of individuals who have been arrested for sanding up for the Kabaka’s right of Movement:- Asiimwe, Aine, Nyabanunu, Masanwa, Muhangi, Twinamasiko, Barigye, Mafabi,  Avunaro, Hafashimana, Nyanzima, Othieno, Irumba, Orengo, Twinomujuni, Magemose. The majority of the names released by the police are ocommon baganda names, but in there you find names from all over Uganda.

    It is here that I ask all, to note that this is not a Baganda issue, you ignore it today and tomorrow it will be in your “hood”.  For long, Acholi was a distance away, it was a flung northern Uganda place, well what they have been experiencing for twenty something years in at the doors steps of Buganda. As I said then we have a “Jigger” in our toe, if we do not eject this jigger, we are going to have all the toes infected, and before we know we will be having our leg amputated! We can not allow the country to go down the political and social sewer because of one man. Ugandans and friends of Uganda we better get out of our slumber.

    I am done being polite!

    Ssemagulu

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    Live video of the 12th september riots in Kampala

    September 14, 2009 at 1:54 pm (2009 -2011 elections, PRESIDENCY, security)

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    Live videos about the 11th september riots in Kampala

    September 14, 2009 at 1:49 pm (2009 -2011 elections, Genocides, Police, security)

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    M7 & His Cheap Popularity Politics-(CCP).

    September 13, 2009 at 11:04 pm (2009 -2011 elections, KINGDOMS, PRESIDENCY)
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    Cheap popularity politics has always engulfed m7’s way of hundling political issues & personal issues mixed together, he has succeeded in some ways and the shortcomings have overtaken his advantages in the shortest run.

    On Otunnu; Otunnu may not be the die-darling to embrace when referring to a political savior in Uganda neither on Kabaka issues, but nrm and its m7 have tendency of a slogan used by St Mary’s College Kisubu of “NN”, Neglect nothing, so in this context is why Otunnu may mean something to this inept nrm/o group of mafias.

    These small things that m7 has not neglected have kept people in the dark of who the real m7 is, kept him in power for over 22 years now. It is now evident that m7 actually does not intend to fulfill his promises to Buganda or any other individuals he may have promised anything, but have also created some problems in the country and seen other issues and people who wouldn’t have been important in exact politics like Ken Lukyamuzi, Nambooze, Mulindwa Muwonge, Peter Mayiga and many others you may care to know in your respective regions, these people have elevated themselves to levels of belittling m7 and his govt or even singing his praises like Peter Sematimba, ngoma ngime and baguma isoke etc.

    M7 works in undermining ways, violation of individual rights, isolation and limiting freedom of movement, he had barred Otunnu from acquiring a Ugandan passport, for what?, under normal circumstances and what Otunnu has on his record, he will never become a Ugandan president, lets face it why waste time on Otunnu, but the time and attention put on Otunnu may elevate him to credible standards that may prompt m7 to waste his life thinking that he is going to become what he fears most, ” some one to undo his questionable legacy” as if he cares so much about it, this is a classic example of how m7’s twisted mind works, because he came to power as a nobody himself so he thinks no body should become like him on his watch, he forgets the timing and the environment that things occur.

    This same impact of neglect nothing has seen m7 starting personal cheap politics projects like creating more and more districts to divide and rule, if one big district is taken up by the opposition he creates more smaller regions within the big one, meddling in Busoga’s Kingdom, refusing a King in Ankore, Bunyoro and bafuruki in an oil hide and seek deal, inciting and creating fiefdoms in the Buganda Kingdom as a personal project, since he failed to tame the Buganda Lion, the Kabaka, he thought as the Baganda say that “enkoko y’omwavu teggwa kwebaaza”. In this translation, If a poor man gives you chicken he expects you to be thanking him all the time at all open opportunities.

    If actually possible; m7 would be so glad to have as a slogan on CBS thanking him for restoring kingdoms all the time, all day 24/7, and to his disappointing amazement it did not happen and instead the Kingdom challenged his govt on every unpopular move he has tried to weave, like the land grabbing scheme, bibanja holders association and extending Kampala’s borders, leave alone m7 himself thinking that Kampala is not in Buganda and of recent withdrawing the Kabaka’s security army men and limiting/stopping the Kabaka from visiting his subjects in Kayunga-Bugerere.

    Previously kids of Buganda in Nanziga (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4b1s8SuJQQ&feature=related)

    , featured in a song that rhymed as “even the breast feeding Kids can see that Kampala is in Buganda” this set m7’s brains on fire, he would have put those kids on firing squad, for challenging him, but he feared to risk being another Idi Amin. M7 has waited for such an opportunity to show his might, but the Kabaka kept on dodging him, refused to answer his phones and put m7 in his place of being a classical commoner/omukopi. But as you may know we have two types of commoners those who are well behaved and those who are not; m7 falls in those without manners and thinks that military might is the solution, that is why he even set baraalo on the farm of his former benefactor the Mzee Byanyima. Mzee Byanyima couldn’t believe the level of disrespect that m7 harbors after opening doors for him in his house during those trying times of m7’s youth.

    Looking at m7’s record, he has climbed ladders on other people, begiining from Luwero triangle to being so disrespectiful and disrespect is his slogan as he looks for a way to turn tables on anyone he thinks does not hold him in high esteem and demand respect from those individuals or groups that do not care to worship him. He fires his own allies on radio and the only person he seems to agree with is Kahinda Otafiire as they are both in the same category of disrespectful buddies.

    Mayiko Makula

    Kampala

    1 Comment

    Baganda: “We stand by our rights and demands”

    September 13, 2009 at 7:40 pm (2009 -2011 elections, Diaspora, KINGDOMS)
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    Baganda: “We stand by our rights and demands”

    A collection of angry, disappointed and bitter Baganda met here in East London, Dunning Hall to discuss the horror unfolding back home.

    It was a sombre occasion dominated by talk about bullets, deaths and funerals caused by a decision by the central government to refuse the Kabaka from travelling to Kayunga, Bugerere Country.  Government’s unreasonable demands, together with the Kabaka’s determination to head to Kayunga forced the government to place His Majesty under house arrest.

    Baganda agreed that President Museveni and his NRM are an occupying and colonial government that has to be resisted and resolved to:

    • Become angry and show their anger at the state of Affairs in Buganda and Uganda.
    • Not to fear military might and take responsibility for the benefit of their country.

    • They declared that anyone who has died during the last 3 days of Museveni mayhem and brutality is a hero of Buganda who cannot be forgotten.
    • They have agreed that the reason why Britain is such a great country is because the people here never forget those who die in the battlefield for their cause.

    All Baganda pledged to work together with other nationalities of Uganda for the long term benefit of their people and country.  They resolved that President Museveni’s methods of divide and rule will sink NOT only Baganda but the rest of the country and must be resisted.

    The most striking resolution was the support for fellow Baganda who are battling forces of occupation.  They declared that mass action was a right and legitimate way of expressing anger and resisting blackmail by the central government.  Baganda blasted the Military government in Kampala for using excessive, unnecessary and illegal force to prevent people from exercising their constitutional rights.  They deeply regretted that the Kabaka is under house arrest and:

    • Unable to attend a scheduled function in Bugerere on Saturday 12th Sept 2009 because of presence of a hostile army of occupation around his Banda palace.

    However, Baganda welcomed, a decision by the Kabaka not to force his way to Kayunga without state protection.

    They decided to treat with caution, a statement purportedly written by Katikiiro Walusimbi in relation to the cancellation of the Kabaka’s visit to Bugerere.  They resolved that the statement could be a propaganda publication by the occupying army authored by Inspector General of Police Kale Kaihura with the intention of confusing Baganda.  They concluded that the statement was not on Buganda Kingdom’s head paper, nor was it read by Buganda Kingdom Information Minster Peter Mayega.  It wasn’t read through C.B.S Radio, the official channel of Buganda Kingdom.  People should be aware of impersonators.

    Furthermore,

    • There was a resolution to hold President Museveni personally responsible for the life and safety of Buganda Activist Engineer Alan Nakirembeke Waligo, Jaunalist Robert Serumaga and anyone kidnapped or murdered since the conflict began 3 days ago.
    • A resolution was passed by members urging people to resume the total and indefinite boycott of New Vision and Bukedde, both government owned Newspapers in retaliation for the government decision to illegally closed down 5 Radio Stations including Radio Buganda’s CBS.

    Most importantly, Baganda here declared that they have no quarrel with any Ugandan from anywhere, of any ethnicity or background but categorised their enemy as:

    • President Yoweri ‘Kimeze’ Museveni.
    • The Army and Police occupying Buganda under the command of Museveni and
    • Baganda, or those calling themselves Baganda and working with Museveni and his forces of occupation.

    Baganda further emphasized that the biggest threat to Buganda and Uganda are Baganda working with Museveni against the interests of Buganda and Uganda.

    At the end of the meeting, all Baganda vowed to work for the restoration of the dignity of the Kingdom of Buganda and Uganda and concluded that:

    • All conditions placed on the Kabaka and Buganda by the central government, which must be met before the government can guarantee safety for the Kabaka’s visit to Kayunga are illegal, unreasonable and unacceptable blackmail.  They must be rejected.  (UK Version shall report on these conditions in the next posting).

    • Baganda confirmed that there should not be any negotiations between Buganda and the central government, or a meeting between the Kabaka and President Museveni until all Buganda’s demands are met.  Buganda’s demands include return of 9000ssq. Miles of land, County headquarters and Federal system of government for Uganda.

    Reported by Michael Senyonjo in London,

    Dunning Hall,

    Forest Gate.

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