- STATE-SPONSORED VIOLENCE IN KAMPALA
On Saturday, President Museveni’s attempt to extend his rule in the NRM was marked by violence, as gangs of desperate youth were unleashed on Kampala’s streets. These groups, commanded by Christopher Damulira and Emma Kuteesa, robbed and beat citizens, boasting of impunity. In the melee, a lady operating a mobile money booth was robbed and stabbed, and many others fell victim to similar attacks.
The criminal gangs were introduced in 2001 election, in 2001, Parlifamously known as kalangala action plan commanded then by Maj. Kakooza Mutale, they man handled and maimed Col. Kizza Besigye’s supporters in 2006 we were treated on the same, 2010 then the establishment of the Boda boda 2010 commanded by Kitatta whose job was to terrorise FDC supporter’s. It has been the fashion, every election M7 start up his campaign and election brutal brigade
Following the violent 2001 elections, parliament established a commission of inquiry to investigate the incidents.
The 2021 elections were marred by violence, with our presidential candidate, Hon. Patrick Amuriat Oboi, facing frequent arrests. Peaceful campaign rallies were disrupted with excessive force, including tear gas and live bullets, under the pretext of enforcing COVID-19 regulations. This led to many FDC supporters being injured and brutally arrested.
We in FDC, we are concerned that these gangs might escalate into something more significant and that Museveni is setting the stage for an even more tumultuous and violent election. We urge Museveni to learn from the example of former Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, who created militias like the Janjaweed to maintain power and quell dissent. Such tactics night Initially, may seem useful in the short run, but ultimately, they’re unsustainable and can lead to devastating consequences of long term instability and destruction as seen in the case of Khartoum, once a thriving city, now severely damaged due to the conflict fueled by such groups, serves as a stark reminder.
The FDC strongly condemns the use of criminal gangs to intimidate and terrorize citizens. We denounce this tactic in the strongest possible terms and call for an end to such violence. Those who form and command these criminal gangs must remember that the wheels of justice may come slow, but they will definitely arrive.
The people of Uganda deserve better. We must stand together against state-sponsored violence and fight for our rights. Those who use these gangs will be held accountable for their crimes. We urge young people not to be swayed by short-term gains and be used as instrument of fear and coercion and instead join the fight for a better future.
- FAKE KAMPALA BOMB THREAT.
The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has established a high-level board of inquiry to investigate allegations that some counterterrorism operatives may have fabricated or exaggerated bomb threats in Kampala to secure operational funds. Chaired by Lt Gen Sam Okiding, the board will review reports, logs, and financial requisitions, and interview key officials. The probe was prompted by concerns over inconsistencies in bomb threat reports and potential misuse of funds, with the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, personally ordering the investigation.
We in the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) we have taken note of the UPDF’s high-level board of inquiry into alleged fabrication of Kampala bomb threats. While we acknowledge the importance of investigating these claims, we are concerned that this probe may be too little, too late.
The FDC has long questioned the effectiveness and integrity of Uganda’s security agencies, particularly in their handling of security incidents.
We urge the UPDF to ensure that this investigation is thorough, transparent, and impartial. The findings should be made public, since Ugandans are all consumers of security and any wrongdoing should be punished accordingly. The people of Uganda deserve to know the truth about the security agencies’ handling of bomb threats and the use of funds allocated for counterterrorism operations.
The FDC is concerned that this probe may only scratch the surface of a deeper problem. We call for a comprehensive review of Uganda’s security apparatus to address systemic issues and ensure that security agencies are accountable to the people, not just the ruling party.
Finally, the FDC will be watching this investigation closely and demands that the truth be revealed. We hope that this probe will lead to meaningful reforms and improved accountability within Uganda’s security agencies. We believe that the numerous excessive supplementary budgets are the root of financial indiscipline. The government needs to tighten its belt, reduce lavish spending, and curb its appetite for supplementary funds.
Mulindwa Walid Lubega
DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR PUBLICITY -PUBLICATION AND DOCUMENTATION