Museveni’s NRM USA organization will, until it collapses, remember September 26, 2009 as a bloody day. Pressure from American Baganda forced their primary funder, Uganda’s ruler, Yoweri Museveni keep away from their 2009 NRM Forum in Boston. The pressure came from the widely publicized plans by Baganda to demonstrate at the venue and the persistence of the same Kabaka’s subjects who came to the venue even after mixed messages about Museveni’s attendance. The Baganda came from New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Canada and elsewhere.
An estimated 200 Baganda , under the eye of the Boston Police, stood across the street from the entrance to the Marriott Copley Place Hotel and loudly demonstrated from 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM. They held up placards that, among other things, accused Museveni of genocide, stated that Buganda is an occupied country and demanded the release of Baganda political prisoners. Throughout the over 5 hours of demonstration, Baganda kept singing “Kitiibwa kya Buganda”, praising Kabaka Mutebi and chanting slogans like “Akaalo ka Buganda keeko, akalo kaliko nannyiniko”, “Tulina Kabaka, tulina ennyondo”, “We want change, Museveni must go!” and so on. Curious car drivers kept honking and showing ‘V” signs, which kept the demonstrators energized.
Our contact within NRM USA admitted that the Baganda demonstration caused the NRM Forum to flop but would not comment of where Museveni was hiding. Speaking on condition anonymity the source told us that between 25 and 30 people attended the event. And when pressed, the source admitted that this number included over 15 organizers, government officials and spouses. Interestingly, the source, who is usually very defensive of Museveni, said “no comment” when asked if the Uganda president has been scared away by the Baganda. However, the source agreed that Buganda Post was “in the ball park” when we reported that president Museveni had decided to leave early and skip Boston, and then changed his mind. When we brought up the feet pain issues, the source only asked: “Where do you get that nonsense from?”.
A prominent Muganda analyst based in New York told us that there is no doubt in his mind that Baganda demonstrators in New York and Boston combined with the Obama snub shook up Museveni. The analyst explained: “You have to remember that throughout the Bush years, Museveni enjoyed open access to the US State House. For some reason he has not gotten used to the idea that Bush left, so he assumed that Obama would meet him personally. Thanks to Johnny Carson’s [US Undersecretary of State for Africa] intimate knowledge of Museveni’s regime, Obama administration put together a well-planned snub, which included ensuring that Obama’s TV images showed him speaking to the Uganda’s corrupt strongman for less than 5 seconds and immediately turning his back to him.
Our analyst adds: “In meeting Moammar Gadaffi, Museveni was hoping to make America jealous. Now, if Obama’s administration fell for I would be shocked. I understand that Museveni had some meetings with Balaalo students under the secret state house scholarship and got a briefing on the progress of a program by Ruhakana Rugunda and his wife to recruit Baganda women in the USA. However, the only thing he seriously looked forward to was holding court at the NRM Forum in Boston. In scaring Museveni away from Boston and sabotaging the forum, the USA Baganda exposed his cowardice. However, very much like a man who gets fired from his job and runs home beat his children, expect the sulking Museveni to return to Uganda and take his frustration on Kabaka and Baganda, to revenge the humiliation he has suffered. The interesting part is that Buganda will get even stronger as no one can claim the ‘twebaka ku tulo’ and ‘Tumukwaate mpola’ crap.”
Uganda’s ruling political party, the NRM, which is also Buganda’s occupation force, is planning to hold its 2009 gala in Boston on Saturday September 27, 2009. And an estimated 500 to 1,000 Baganda from the North East United States are expected to be there to demonstrate against the occupation of Buganda, the restrictions place on their Kabaka and the state of emergency conditions that have been imposed in Buganda. On the receiving end will be an estimated 50-100 of what the Baganda demonstrators call loyal members of the murderous NRM party and their collaborators.
As we reported yesterday though, barring a last minute change on Friday, the NRM master, president Yoweri Museveni of Uganda is expected cancelled his attendance at the NRM Gala after enduring an unpleasant time at the UN general assembly (see, “Kabaka, Obama, Foot Pain, and Baganda Demos Force Museveni To Leave USA“). At the time of posting this story, we had not confirmed if the Uganda warlord had left the USA. According to our sources in both New Jersey and Boston, the Baganda demonstrators do not care whether Museveni is present or not. They believe that they will still achieve their goals.
One source sent us an email which said that: “Our goals are simple. One, to send a message to the Munyarwanda that he triggered the beginning of his end when he touched Magulu Nyondo, Nyanja Temanyiirwa, Musota. There is no going back for him and his collaborators; he may win small battles like closing CBS but he lost the war the day he publically told Ssabasajja what to do and not to do. Goal number two is to maintain our campaign against the genocidal NRM Buganda occupiers and collaborator. We are tired and very angry and the Kalembas and Kalemas of this world will, with time, find out how dumb it is sell one’s soul to a crook for a few pieces of silver.”
The NRM Gala, mostly funded by the Uganda embassy in Washington DC, will be held at the Marriott Copley Place Hotel, downtown Boston, Massachusetts, USA. The address is 110 Huntington Avenue, Boston MA 02116. The organizing committee includes only Banyankore/Bakiga and Baganda as follows:
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Boston, USA: Okutuwandiisa ye Chance ya Mengo Okutulaga
Nasanyuse nnyo okusoma mu Monitor news paper nti Mengo agenda okuwandiisa Abaganda mu bika byaffe. Tukyetaaga nnyo nnyo, nga jenkomye. Ate nga nzijukira nti bwetwali tukyaali ku campus (ate Lubega Sseggona ye yali Ssentebe waffe mu Za Mbogo) omulimu guno gwali gwatandikibwaako Ssabasajja. Era twagendako ku mwoleso mu Lubiri newabaawo abantu Omuwanika JB Walusimbi (kati Katikkiro) beyaleeta okulaga computer z’okuwadiisa Abaganda. Abamu kuffe twajuzaamu ne form era ebitufaako nebabiyingiza awo wenyini. Era ddala ng’olaba nti byaali bikolera ddala nga bino ebya Massachusetts wano mu US. Kale egyo emyaka giri mu 10 oba nokusoba emabega naye byafiira awo , n’abaali babikola tetwabamanya.
Kati ekibuuzo kiri nti, lwaaki ku luno ebintu tebikolebwa mu musana? Ku mulembe guno ogwa technology n’omwana omuto akimanyi nti tetusobola kuwandiisa Baganda bukadde 6 nga tukozesa bu notebook. Mungeri yeemu tetusobola kukola mulimu guno ku nkola ya “Ndaba muwala wagundi yasoma computer, tumugezeeko.” Twetaaga enkola ey’omusana, Mengo ayite Abaganda abalina obumanyirivu mu mirimu nga gino, okuva mu nsi zonna, bavuganye ne zi proposals (Technical ne Financial) era z’ekenyezebwe akakiiko akaliko Abaganda abazito nga Emmanuel Cardinal Wamala eyawumula, Judge Julia Sebutinde, Judge Daniel Nsereko Ntanda, Judge Solome Bossa awamu n’Abataka abategeera obulungi technology nga Nakirembeka ne Namwama.
Eno ye chance yabakulembeze baffe e Mengo okulaga nti balina enjawulo okuva banaffe bali abayita gavumenti ya Ssabasajja NGO. Kubanga ffe Abaganda tetukyasobola kugumikiriza bukulembeze obw’okukukuta. Ssenga omulimu guno gukolebwa obulungi Mengo ajja kuwa nnyo Ssabasajja ekitiibwa ate n’abaliyo baganje gyetuli.
Abakungu ba Kabaka mbagala mwena era mbasabira kubanga omulimu si mutene. Naye ate mbakakasa nti senga binabeera mu musana dollar zange nja kuzitoola.
Awangaale nnyo Ssabasajja Kabaka Baffe.
M. Nakayiza
Boston, USA
Kampala, Buganda: Dump Blog Post About Google in Luganda
Hullo Friend, I humbly ask you to dump your blog post about Google Uganda in Luganda. It is a privilege that Google considered Luganda language. It is also rude of you to post such a post on “BugandaPost” even if it is yours personal. I have known Baganda for working out solutions not decrying/criticizing without contacting.
It is good that you noticed the errors, but not wise to publicize them more-so on Buganda Post.
The gentleman Jon Gosier, whose team volunteered, did this for the nation’s and people’s good. Please, I request you to drop that article for the good.
Kwagala Derrrick
Kampala
Mob: +256 782 420989, +256 772 712716
Following in the footsteps of Milton Obote and Yoweri Museveni, UPC’s Olara Otunnu has, over the last 6 months, secured a deal (“mukago”) with respected foreign based Baganda to promote his presidential candidacy. According to a press release dated July 11, 2009, Mr. Otunnu, an Acholi, has been joined four USA based Baganda men, James Ssemakula (California), John Mayanja (Massachusetts), Mubiru Musoke (Massachusetts) and Aloysius Lugira (Massachusetts) to form the Campaign for Democracy and Justice in Uganda (CDJ). According to our sources in New York, this is a major step in Mr. Otunnu’s plan to sell himself as the next savior for Baganda – following Obote, Amin, Okello and Museveni.
All Mr. Otunnu’s Baganda partners, with the exception of James Ssemakula, are long-term DP activists and it is not yet clear how their new relationship with UPC’s designated 2011Uganda presidential candidate might affect their politics. Additionally, Otunnu’s Baganda partners are all old men over 50 years old who have lived out of Uganda for decades. Interestingly, Mr. Otunnu has not included any of his many American based fellow Acholi’s in this group. Yet his UPC political and security infrastructure in Uganda is getting constructed exclusively by Acholis and anti Miria Obote Langis.
The CDJ leadership is clearly dominated by Baganda who are known to put Buganda and Kabaka first. However, their press release does not even include the word “Buganda”. Some Buganda watchers might interpret this as a sign that, like Nsibambi, Gilbert Bukenya, Sekandi and Kiddu Makubya, the CDJ Baganda members fear that direct promotion of Buganda interests would be “tribalistic” and embarrassing.
The press release announcing the formation of Mr. Otunnu’s CDJ is reproduced in full below:
—
PRESS RELEASE
Ugandans Launch Campaign for Free and Fair Elections
Kampala, Boston, London, Toronto
11th July, 2009
Today a broad spectrum of Ugandans launched a major national and international campaign for free and fair elections in Uganda. This collective patriotic mission is called Campaign for Democracy and Justice in Uganda (CDJ).
The interim president of CDJ, Mr. John Mayanja, stated: “Previous elections conducted by the Museveni regime, which has been in power for 24 years, were massively rigged and manifestly lacked a level playing field. We must absolutely change this. This is the primary reason for the formation and launching of CDJ.”
CDJ will campaign for the following norms and standards:
. genuinely free and fair elections;
. transparent democratic practice and process;
. the rule of law and accountability;
. justice and equity for all Ugandans;
. national unity.
These norms and standards constitute the foundation for democracy and good government in Uganda and worldwide.
CDJ is not a political party. It is a non-partisan advocacy project committed to advancing the norms, principles, and standards set out above. CDJ is not affiliated with any particular political parties in Uganda; it is a broad-based network of Ugandan patriots, within the country and in the Diaspora, of diverse political affiliations and persuasion.
A particularly important date is approaching on the Ugandan political calendar. The country is preparing to hold national elections in 2011. CDJ will not support any parties or candidates in the forthcoming electoral contests. Its preoccupation is to mount a vigorous campaign for genuinely free and fair elections, with a level playing field for all.
The interim chairman of CDJ, Olara A. Otunnu noted: “Today, Uganda is a country in the throes of a grave national crisis and distress. The best way to combat this malaise is the institution of genuine democratic practice and process, beginning with free and fair elections. This would allow the Ugandan people to freely choose and shape their own destiny. It would ensure that leaders are held fully accountable for their actions before the law and the electorate. Democratic process also is the best way to prevent resort to violent conflict.”
CDJ calls on Ugandan patriots of all hues, both within the country and in the Diaspora, to come together and mount a robust campaign for free and fair elections in 2011. The interim secretary, Professor Aloysius Lugira stated: “The norms and standards for free and fair elections are now universally accepted. Uganda must not continue to be a perennial exception to universally accepted standards”.
This campaign is in support of the demands for electoral reforms which have been jointly tabled by the political parties in Uganda. The campaign is being launched today on the occasion of President Barack Obama’s speech in Accra; we are inspired by his seminal message, in particular on free and fair elections, accountability, anti-corruption, anti-ethnic sectarianism, anti-nepotism, and equitable opportunity, as indispensable components of democratic governance. Significantly this campaign also echoes and is in line with observations and recommendations made in 2006 by all election observers, including the European Union, the Commonwealth, and Ugandan civil society led by the Uganda Joint Christian Council (UJCC) and the ruling of the Supreme Court of Uganda.
2011 must inaugurate a new era for Uganda–an era of free and fair elections, with a level playing field. Ugandans demand, deserve and will accept nothing less. As President Barack Obama stated today, “History is on the side of these brave Africans.”
Signed by:
Mr. Olara A. Otunnu (Interim Chairman)
Mr. James Ssemakula (Interim Deputy Chairman)
Mr. John Mayanja (Interim President)
Mr. Mubiru Musoke (Interim Treasurer)
Professor Aloysius Lugira (Interim Secretary)
For further information, contact:
Mr. Jude Mbabaali
Foundation for African Development [FAD]
P.O. Box 2326, Kampala
Tel: 041 4510 486/041 4269 562
Mobile: 0772 444 663
Email: mbabaalij@yahoo.com; fad@infocom.co.ug
Professor Aloysius Lugira
Tel: 617-552-3539 or 781-439-3875.
Email: lugira.cdj@gmail.com; lugira@bc.edu
In a highly suspect move, the Vice President of Ggwangamujje Boston, and not the secretary, took the minutes for the controversial October 26, 2008 general meeting. And he leaves the names of many attendees off the minutes, most notably that of the man who highly influenced the proceedings, UNAA stalwart Moses Kalemba. Bukenya wrote the minutes despite the presence of secretary, Patrick Bukenya.
According to one attendee who briefed this reporter, on condition of anonymity, it appears that Bukenya wants to the put decisions on record without details on who was there and who said what. According to the attendee: “The fact is that the meeting was about two things. Most important to the Kalemba caucus was the Ttabamiruka date change. The other one was removing Kaasa Nakabale. Kalemba and Bukenya aggressively demanded and got the date change they wanted and, after that they were happy to give a lot of time to the other stuff. A few of the “basajja ba Kabaka” who supported the change would shock you. Bukenya is leaving Kalemba and others off the minutes and hiding the Ttabamiruka ’09 date change deep in the minutes because they think that we are really stupid.”
The minutes that Bukenya wrote, including the English mistakes and with the Ttabamiruka ’09 decision in boldface, are reproduced below:
members,
General meeting-Gwanga Mujje
Place: Pastor Mutyaba’s church-Waltham
Time:6.30pm
Committee Members in attendance
Kaasa Nakabaale
Moses Bukenya – Recording secretary
JohnFred Kawere
Kato Kajubi
Patrick Nsereko
Robert Kabuye
Prof. Lugira
Dan Nvule
John Mayanja
Meeting opened with singing of the Buganda Anthem.
Minutes:
1. Move a vote of thanks from the Chair to Pastor Mutyaba for all the help extended during the Buganda Independence function
2. Move to write a letter of thanks to the Boston Medical Center folks for all the facilitation provided towards the same function noted above.
3. Move to thank all those who volunteered and attended the functions. All accounts point to a successful event based on imput from attendees.
4. Explored need to get physical office premises for association:
-suggestions
i) -set up virtual office
ii)-rent office space from one of the churches and/or businesses in the community
iii)-Request Chairman to avail space at his residence to house office.
iv)-Write a grant proposal to Charitable Organistions to solicit funds to promote cultural themed projects like dance, language and other heritage issues.
-Meeting resolved to appoint committee to compile a report exploring the viability of acquiring office premises and formulate a cost benefit analysis of the same. To present report to executive committee in near future. Chair did not set terms of reference as regards to time frame of submitting said report.
-Committee comprised of Dan Nvule, Frida Sebalu, Prof. Lugira, Salongo Kafeero & Moses Kalemba.
-Also Frida Sebalu pledged $100 towards Office project.
-Mr. John Mayanja pledged to build website, will need material from community
5.Members agreed to the date of July 4th of 2009 as date for hosting Ttabamiruka 2009 in Boston, Massachusetts.
6.Members agreed to hold off on electing the organising committee of the Ttabamiruka Boston 2009 until fresh elections are held for the Board.
-Date set for elections was Sunday, November 9th 2009 at 4pm at same location, Pastor Mutyaba’s Church, Waltham.
Meeting adjourned at around 9.35pm with a short prayer by the chairman.
Note: Chair urged everyone to actively engage all folks to attend the November 9th meeting, vote and play thier role in promoting Gwanga Mujje and it’s ideals.
End
Moses Bukenya
Vice Chair
Most major news organizations have reported that United States Senator John Kerry is one of the people being considered by President-elect for the post of Secretary of State (equivalent to Minister of Foreign Affairs). If Senator Kerry is appointed Secretary of State it could spell trouble for the Uganda government. Senator John Kerry, who represents Massachusetts in the USA Senate, has kept a close eye on the Uganda human rights situation for several years. He is very well informed about President Museveni’s record of massive election rigging and wanton corruption. It must be noted that Mr. Obama himself is quite knowledgeable about Uganda, Mr. Museveni’s dictatorship and his award winning corruption.
Obama’s presidency in general, and Kerry’s appointment to the cabinet in particular, could be bad news for the Museveni dictatorship. One piece of evidence is the letter below, which Senator Kerry wrote to the outgoing American President Bush on the eve of an October 2007 Museveni visit to the White House.
October 29, 2007
President George W. Bush
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20500
Dear Mr. President:
I understand you will be discussing a number of important subjects with Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni during tomorrow’s meeting, including the escalating conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. I also urge you to take this opportunity to raise certain issues related to President Museveni’s 2006 reelection.
Specifically, the first multi-party election in over twenty-five years, held in February 2006, was reportedly marred by intimidation, various voting irregularities, and a show of force by the government. The main opposition candidate was harassed and put on trial. Regrettably, these events came on the heels of President Museveni pressuring the Ugandan parliament to lift the Constitution’s two-term limit on the presidency. Breaking his express promise to abide by the terms of the Constitution allowed President Museveni to seek reelection for a third time in 2006.
Given our strong interest in promoting democracy in Uganda and elsewhere around the world, I hope you take this opportunity both to ask President Museveni to reaffirm his commitment to the rule of law and to understand the steps he has taken since 2006 towards this end.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. I look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
John F. Kerry
United States Senator
The Mayor of Waltham, Massachusetts, USA, has granted Ggwangamujje Boston permission to demonstrate on the WALTHAM CITY COMMON (next to the Gazebo) in protest of the unwarranted arrest of the Buganda Kingdom Ministers. SATURDAY JULY 26, 2008 TIME: 9:00AM to 12:00 NOON
According to the mayor’s authorization letter, the protestors are allowed to carry placards and posters. However, they are not expected to use megaphones. The event is expected to attract many loyal Baganda, friends of Buganda and human rights activists. Details about the speakers and the program are not yet available.