Recently promoted and married Capt. Frank Musisi of the United States Army, has sent a press statement to Buganda Post, describing that has been going on in his life the last few months.  In his statement, Capt. Musisi talks about his wedding in Kampala, his appointment by Katikkiro Walusimbi as a funds mobilize for Kasubi Tombs and his appointment to the rank of Captain in the United States Army. It appears that Mmengo never took the trouble to explain to Capt. Mu Musisi that it is not proper in Buganda to make public reports that mix information about Kabaka’s work (e.g., fund raising for Kasubi) with personal stories like weddings or job promotions.

The statement by Capt. Musisi is reproduced in full below:

Date: Saturday, May 22, 2010

 Dear friends and well wishers:

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND CONGRATULATORY MESSAGES: 

I send greetings to you and your families as we approach the Memorial Day weekend in just seven days.

 I must apologize this appreciation could have come sooner but I hope you will understand that this delay in writing was beyond my control.

 Now that I am back in Los Angeles after a two-week tour that took me to Fresno (California), Atlanta (Georgia), and Dallas (Texas), I must say that I was humbled by the hundreds messages of support, messages of congratulations and encouragement that have been sent to me over the last two months for the events that have taken place in my life. These included the following: 

• Our wedding that took place in Kampala, Uganda in March
• Being appointed the Buganda Kingdom Special Mobilizer for funds in the U.S. for Kasubi Royal Tombs
• Promotion to the rank of Captain in the United States Army.

 Our Wedding: My wife Betty and I extend our thanks to you for the contributions, support and hours of preparations that many of you put in to ensure that we had a very successful wedding in Kampala on March 27^th, 2010 at the Lubaga Cathedral followed by a reception at Hotel Africana. Our sincere appreciation to the Frank and Betty Musisi wedding Committee headed by Mr. Siraje Mugambe of Los Angeles and his entire team together with the Uganda committee headed by Mr. J.B. Musoke and Joel Kiwanuka. We also acknowledge the support of Mr. Edwin Muwonge (Best man) and Godfrey Muwonge both of Wisconsin, and Freddie Munawa of Seattle who accompanied us to the wedding. Our thanks to many of you from different cities and states that supported us through the entire wedding process we pray that the Lord reward accordingly. Our appreciation goes to Hajj Bulaimu Muwanga Kibirige aka BMK for the wonderful hospitality.

 Appointment as: Buganda Kingdom Special Mobilizer for funds in the U.S. for the restoration of Kasubi Royal Tombs 

Ladies and gentlemen, I must thank the Ssaabasajja Kabaka, the Katikkiro and his leadership, and the people of Buganda Kingdom for this appointment. As a Muganda, a Ugandan and an African immigrant in the U.S. who prides myself in preservation of our culture and norms, I must say that I accepted this great responsibility with honor and humility. This is a task I don’t take lightly and I am very confident that with your support as expressed in your congratulatory messages to me, we will be successful towards this noble cause. As we morn the loss of our Muzibu Azaala Mpanga we must remember that we will be judged by what we do rather than what say towards cause. Having attended the Special session of the Lukiiko on 22^nd March and Kasubi Tombs Prayers on the 26^th March as a speciall guest, it give me a sense of understanding and appreciation of the magnitude of the work to be done. I was indeed touched and overcame with emotion when I visited the gutted Kasubi Tombs, it is unimmaginable what happened to this ancentral place. We must do everything in our power and means to rebuild it! Gutusinze nnyo ayi Ssaabasajja Kabaka! Gutusingidde ddala, Tetwasobola kukuuma Kasubi! 

 To this I must commend volunteers that have stepped forward and joined the Kasubi Royal Tombs Restoration Fund Committee, to be used as a vehicle to raise funds under the office of the Buganda Kingdom Special Mobilizer in the United States. More volunteers committed to this work are welcome and being integrated into the committee as we move on this selfless patriotic assignment.  The official launch of this noble cause will take place this coming Memorial Day weekend on Sunday, 30^th May 2010 in Los Angeles, California at the Taj of India Restaurant on (14062 Burbank blvd, Van Nuys CA 91401 at 7:00PM.

 I must also commend the work done so by Ggwanga Mujje in Boston, NY/NJ, and Washington DC towards the Kasubi Tombs. I also thank the Ssaabasajja Kabaka’s Representatives in the USA and Canada for the work they have done and continue to do towards supporting the restoration of the Kasubi Royal Tombs. Many other community organizations and friends of Buganda in North America, and Europe that are contributing toward this cause are appreciated.

 As we have done since I returned to the U.S. by going to Fresno, Atlanta and Dallas we will be visiting several cities and states mobilizing, sensitizing and coordinating with friends of Buganda about this noble cause. Over the next weeks and months we will take our work to several different communities, organizations and businesses in North America articulating Buganda Kingdom issues to ensure that we raise funds for the Restoration of Kasubi Royal Tombs and we hope that many of you will join with us. Vides of what happened to Kasubi Tombs will be shown.

 Our pledge that funds donated/contributed for Kasubi Royal Tombs will be used only for this purpose we will be governed by transparence, accountability and disclosure to ensure confidence and trust.  At this time, I call upon all Baganda and friends of Buganda in the Diaspora to unite and support us during this very difficult time in our Kingdom’s history. My thanks go to Mr. Sam Kiggwe of Atlanta (Georgia) and Dr. Abu Senkayi of Dallas(Texas) both Ssaabasajja Kabaka’s representative in the respective cities for the warm hospitality and accommodation accorded to me during my visit

 Awangaale Ssaabasajja Kabaka Magulu Nnyondo WA Buganda.

 Promotion to the rank of Captain in the United States Army

 Ladies and gentlemen, once again I must thank you for the prayers and support for this achievement. My appreciation goes to my fellow soldiers at the Support Operations (SPO) and the entire 311^th Expeditionary Sustainment Command; to the members of the Ugandan Community in Los Angeles who were able to attend the promotion ceremony. Special thanks to Colonel Steven Hartman my former boss who spared time to come and decorate me with the new rank. I must thank management of the Crested Journal Publications for their attendance as well as the Mr. John Nsimbe the photographer. Thank you for your prayer and support.

 In conclusion, ladies and gentlemen, I must say that you have proved beyond doubts that community service is indeed a must. The show of support, encouragement and advice is beyond words of expression.

 My pledge is to always serve the community as the only way I can pay you back. I must also ask you to pray for Buganda and Uganda.

 Again, thank you for your support and May God bless you all.

Sincerely,

Frank Musisi

According to unsigned press release from the leaders of Ggwanga Mujje Boston, former Buganda Katikkiro Muliika is the leader of a new Uganda political group committed to ousting the president of the NRM occupation government. The press release was issued at what was widely advertised on Free Buganda Radio as a Buganda liberation conference (“Olukiiko lw’Okununula Obuganda”). The publicity brochure for the conference clearly stated that the purpose of the conference was (a) the progress made so far on the work of liberating Buganda and (b) how to deal with the coming 2011 elections. However, the press release the press release says: “The purpose of the meeting was to launch Ggwanga Mujje International.”

The press release also states that: “At the end of the conference Mr. Muliika was elected President-General of Ggwanga Mujje International by acclamation.” However, it does not say if Ggwanga Mujje chapters in other cities officially endorsed the idea of a Ugandan anti-Museveni political party called Ggwanga Mujje International. What is clear is that some Baganda nationalists who insist on liberating Buganda from Ugandan occupation were disappointed that former Katikkiro Muliika has joined the anti-Buganda Ugandan politics. One of them sent to us a copy of yesterday’s Ekiba Kibe program saying that she supports Mr. Robert Kabuye’s campaign that Baganda should stay away from Museveni’s NRM elections.

The May 1, 2010 Buganda/Uganda conference also, in its press release, urged the Nnabagereka: “to refrain from participating in the functions of the Uganda North America Associations (UNAA).

Click on Ekiba_Kibe10May10A to listen to the full Ekiba Kibe program. The Ggwanga Mujje Boston press release is reproduced in full below:

Ggwanga Mujje International is born

On May 1, 2010, members of Ggwanga Mujje convened in a mammoth meeting at 920 Trapello Rd in Waltham Massachusetts. The purpose of the meeting was to launch Ggwanga Mujje International. The keynote speaker was Owek. Dan Muliika retired Katikkiro of Buganda. Mr. Muliika gave a rousing speech about political freedom and federalism in Uganda.

Addressing the delegates who came mainly from New York, New Jersey, Illinois, California and, of course, the whole of Massachusetts, the retired Katikkiro declared amidst a thunderous applause of the delegates: “Human rights are not for negotiation; they inherently belong to the people. The right to self-determination is recognized by international law. Therefore we cannot beg the leaders to give us a federal system of government. We must assert our right as a sovereign people to determine our destiny and the system of government we want and deserve.”

After the keynote speech the audience was given a chance to ask questions. Most people expressed sadness about political repression going on in their motherland. They cited rampart corruption that has further impoverished the poor while enriching the corrupt in government. The consensus was that a federal system of government is the best solution to Uganda’s perennial problems.

At the end of the conference Mr. Muliika was elected President-General of Ggwanga Mujje International by acclamation. His primary mission is to educate Ugandans about federalism and political freedom.

The Conference passed resolutions to concretize and implement the ideas, proposals and suggestions raised and discussed at the conference:

We members of Ggwanga Mujje committed to the full restoration of political freedom and the establishment of federal system of governance in Uganda do hereby

1. Re-affirm our previous resolution that Museveni and his corrupt regime must be removed from power in Uganda in order for true democracy to take root in the nation, including the establishment of a mechanism that unconditionally guarantees to all citizens of the country internationally verifiable, free and fair elections.

2. Reenact our previous resolutions to raise funds by starting with ourselves who are gathered here today. The funds so raised, will be supplemented by others sources, and will be mainly spent directly on financing civic education in Buganda and in other parts of Uganda about the benefits of federal governance for the whole of Uganda.

3. Unanimously elect by acclamation retired Katikkiro of Buganda, Owek. Dan Muliika, to represent us in Buganda and to spearhead our efforts to achieve our political goals in Buganda and Uganda, and hereby pledge to support him and his team to the full extent of our collective abilities.

4. Declare the creation of Ggwanga Mujje International which will be headed by Owek. Dan Muliika as a vehicle for achieving our objectives.

5. Note with appreciation the long standing practice of the political neutrality of the His Majesty the Kabaka of Buganda and his official members of the Royal Palace, and urge the Nnabagereka to refrain from participating in the functions of the Uganda North America Associations (UNAA).

Kabaka’s representatives in North America have distributed  the following press release from Katikkiro JB Walusimbi.

PRESS RELEASE

In 2008 the Kingdom of Buganda decided to hold the annual Youth Day celebrations for 2009 in Bugerere County following the successful celebrations held in Kyaggwe County. The objective of the celebrations, which are presided over by Ssaabasajja Kabaka, is to rally the youth to engage in social and economically developmental activities as well as to promote our culture values.

The Kingdom regrets that this year’s celebrations have been unduly politicized.

The Kabaka’s visit to Bugerere is lawful and constitutional and the reasons being given for blocking the Kabaka and the Katikkiro from accessing Bugerere are completely unfounded.

The Kingdom recognizes the cultural and ethnic diversity of its peoples. This is clearly demonstrated in the composition of its Cabinet and Lukiiko. The Banyala are part of Buganda and our history and culture recognizes the Namuyonjo as their cultural leader. The Namuyonjo and the overwhelming majority of the Banyala enjoy their culture and voluntarily pledge their allegiance to Ssaabasajja Kabaka of Buganda

The county of Bugerere comprises several ethnic communities including the Bakenye, Basoga, Bagishu, Baluuli, Baganda, Japadhola, Iteso, Sudanese, Kuku. All ethnicities have been living harmoniously until the recent creation of the institution of the “Sabanyala”.

The Kingdom of Buganda deeply regrets the loss of life and destruction of property that followed the refusal of the Katikkiro to access Bugerere. In addition, the Kingdom regrets and abhors the closure of its radio station CBS FM, something that has heightened to the unnecessary chaos and tension.

The Kingdom of Buganda remains committed to fostering peace, justice and the harmonious co-existence of all of the peoples of Uganda. We remain very resolute in our peaceful and democratic quest for the realization of our legitimate aspirations for a federal system of governance for the whole of Uganda and the unconditional return of our expropriated properties.

The Kingdom reassures the public that Buganda remains a peace loving Kingdom that thrives on ethnic diversity and mutual respect and urges all people to remain law abiding. The Kingdom is and has always been willing to engage in principled, transparent and constructive dialogue with the Government and all other communities of Uganda to ensure our peaceful co-existence for the future. Such dialogue ought to be structured, time-bound, free of intimidation and based on mutual respect.

We are still engaged with Government to ensure that Ssaabasajja Kabaka attends the celebrations in Bugerere in a peaceful and secure environment.

AWANGAALE SSAABASAJJA.

ENG. J. B WALUSIMBI,

KATIKKIRO.

10^th September 2009.

Below is a statement that was released by the Bunyoro Kingdom on May 24, 2009. A highly reliable source in Mmengo has told us that there have been no plans for Kabaka Mutebi to visit Ndaiga as the statement claims. She warned that this is may be a ploy by Ford Mirima, who is often carrying out state house directives, to distract Baganda onto yet another random topic. The official added: “I am not speaking for Kabaka’s government but, personally, I think Banyoro should start asking themselves what will happen when Baganda youths camp at Kakiri or Luweero to stop their Omukama from proceeding to Kampala. Togayanga kyeziinze! ”

The statement, which was sent to various news outlets and government officials is reproduced below:

Bunyoro kingdom to demonstrate against Kabaka visit to Ndaiga

Dear Editors;

Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom May 22, 2009 issued a statement saying the kingdom is to join Mubende Banyoro Committee on June 5, 2009, to demonstrate against among others things, the planned June 25, 2009, Kabaka Mutebi’s visit to Ndaiga to cement Buganda Kingdom’s claim on the Mailo Akenda part of (3000 sq miles) which is in Buyaga and Bugangaizi counties of Bunyoro-Kitara.

The statement issued by the Katiikiro, Mr. Yabezi Kiiza, says if the Kabaka wants to assert Buganda’s ownership of land in Kibaale District which is the land the Uganda Constitution says the Kabaka must surrender under the Land Fund in the Uganda Constitution, the Kabaka will be breaching the Uganda Constitution. The katiikiro says these counties were connstitutionally transferred to Bunyoro-Kitara kingdom. So, Buganda has no say in them.

The Katiikiro’s statement follows a resolution adopted by Mubende Banyoro Committee on May 11, 2009 in which they wrote to the Inspector-General of Police seeking permision to demonstrate peacefully against Government failure to return Banyoro land as the referendum of 1964 decrees.

Octoebr 8, 2008 Kabaka Ronald Muwenda  was stopped by Police from visiting Buruuli county where he was going to celebrate Buganda’s independence Day. The Baruulli warned him not to go there before he got persmission from the Isaabaruuli, Mwogezi Butamanya. He defied the Baruuli. whereupon they deployed the youths to stop him. The Uganda Government through the Police stopped the Kabaka from going to Nakasongola.

Last week Buganda Government made arrangments for the Kabaka to visit Bunyala county (Bugerere) but the Banyala, through their Cultural Head, The Isaabanyala, Captain Kimeze, warned him not to step in Bunyala unless he has official permission from the Isaabanyala, the  Cultural head.

In in1961 the late Kabaka of Buganda, Sir Edward Muteesa used force to visit  Buyaga county,at Karutguuza, where the Banyoro had warned him not to go. there. The Banyoro erected roadblocks to stop him, but the Kabaka, using  Kawonawos, stormed the road blocks and went to Karuguuza Market where he found Banyoro buying and selling goods and he shot and killed nine Banyoro, including the Market Master, Ntogota.

Today Buganda Kingdom says the Kabaka is going to go, by force, to Bunyala county, and to Ndaiga. The Banyoro are already mobilising themselves to stop the Kabaka from going to Ndaiga.

Now get the official statement from Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom issued by the Katiikiro.

Henry Ford Miirima
Press Secretary of the Omukama of Bunyoro-Kitara

UGANDA NATIONAL PEOPLES’ RIGHTS ASSOCIATION
-LONDON SEAT-

PRESS RELEASE BY UNAPERA LONDON SEAT
Friday, 10th October 2008

VIOLATION OF CULTURAL RIGHTS OF THE BAGANDA PEOPLE BY THE UGANDAN GOVERNMENT

The London Seat of the Uganda National Peoples’ Rights Association (UNAPERA) has carefully studied the Uganda Government’s action of barring the Kabaka of Buganda, His Majesty Ronald Muteebi, from going to Nakasongola to kick start Community Voluntary Work (Bulungi Bwa Nsi) and to preside over the 8th October Buganda Independence celebrations.

What was carried out by the Government was nothing else but gross violation of the Cultural Human Rights of the Baganda People, of the Baganda-Baluuli Community and of the Kabaka, in his personal and official capacity as the Cultural Leader of the Baganda National People, of the Baganda-Baluuli Community and of the Buganda Kingdom.

It has to be remembered that Article 15 (1a) of the International Covenant On Economic, Social And Cultural Rights 1966 recognises that the Baganda as a National People, Baganda-Baluuli Community People and the Kabaka have, individually and collectively, a cultural human right to “take part in cultural life.” Uganda is a signatory to this Covenant. In that respect, the Government contravened this Article and violated this cultural human right by barring the Baganda National People, the Baganda-Baluuli Community and the Kabaka from socially and culturally celebrating the Buganda Independence Day at Nakasongola of the Buganda Buluuli County.

UNAPERA notes that violating the above cultural right by the Uganda Government even contravened the current Uganda Constitution, not forgetting that that Constitution oppresses all the National Peoples of Uganda by denying them to enjoy their human right to internal democratic self-determination.

Chapter IV Section 37 of the Uganda Constitution recognises that every Ugandan has a right to belong to, enjoy, practise, profess, maintain and promote any culture, cultural institution, language and tradition in community with others. While trying to direct the Baganda-Baluuli Community not to identify with the Kiganda culture and the Kabaka cultural institution, the Uganda Government violated the cultural rights of the Baganda-Baluuli Community to belong, enjoy, practise, profess, maintain and promote the Kiganda culture, Kabaka cultural institution, Luganda language and tradition.

It is in the spirit of fighting for respect of the cultural human rights and of the right to internal democratic self-determination of all the Ugandan national peoples that UNAPERA wants Ugandans and people of good will to understand that, the action of barring the Kabaka of Buganda Kingdom from going to Nakasongola by the Government, amounted to a gross violation of cultural human rights of the Baganda-Baluuli Community, of the Baganda as a national people and of the Kabaka. What that calls for is knowing one’s rights and solidarity so as to defend the rights at stake.

Ricardo Mulinda                                                   Dr. Obonyo Benjamin
UNAPERA Global Involvement Co-Chair               Vice Esteemed Peoples’ Rights Defender – (For the Diaspora)

+ 44 – (0) 7950887315
rmulinda@hotmail.com
www.unapera.com

The  Ttabamiruka ‘08 conference was successfully concluded on September 1, 2008. According to a press release issued by the organizers, the conference hailed the courage of the three Buganda officials who were recently arrested in Uganda. The conference, in its final resolution, declared that cowardice and self-effacement are now taboo in Buganda affairs, and that Buganda’s right to internal autonomy is non-negotiable.

The conference, which was opened by an official Message from Ssabasajja Kabaka Muwenda Mutebi II, was focused on the future political options of Buganda. The highlights of the two day meeting were addresses by retired Katikkiro Dan Muliika and members of Parliament Beti Kamya and Hussein Kyanjo. The hugely popular trio were frequently interrupted by tumultuous applause and standing ovations.

The conferees resolved that Buganda must take a new political direction based on direct discussions with the other peoples of Uganda to forge a New Deal. The political order of the last 42 years whereby the central government has had unlimited powers was declared a failure for having bred injustice, poverty and strife. The conferees asserted that the 14 Ugandan nationalities whose symbols were engraved on the walls of Uganda’s Parliament and which agreed to the 1962 independence constitution are still the legitimate base of Uganda as a country.

A special Youth Track also focused on Buganda’s future, with special attention given to how to build a stronger sense of identity among young Baganda in Diaspora. The youth sessions were moderated by, among others, Owek. Muliika and Owek. Betty Kamya. The young Baganda resolved to give highest priority to mastering the Luganda language and creating a robust global contact network.

The emotional highlight of the conference was a video of Kabaka’s official Mrs. Betty Nambooze Bakireke describing her arrest and torture. Many openly cried at hearing her describe the humiliation and pain that she was forced to endure, especially at her being locked up in a closet with two other women without enough space to sit down. Her resolve and refusal to buckle under pressure electrified the meeting. The meeting in its final resolution commended her and her colleagues to Ssabasajja Kabaka and promised to emulate the high standards of bravery that she has set. At the meeting, several thousand dollars were raised to assist with her medical expenses.

More details on Ttabamiruka ‘08 are available at the conference website: www.ttabamiruka.com.
Video clips can be found at www.youtube.com.

UGANDA NATIONAL PEOPLES’ RIGHTS ASSOCIATION

LONDON SEAT

PRESS RELEASE – LONDON UGANDAN CONFERENCE PART II

Saturday 16th, August 2008

Saturday 16th August 2008, the Uganda National Peoples’ Rights Association (UNAPERA) held its second part of the London Ugandan Conference at Durning Hall, in London. The Conference was attended by a big number of Ugandans from the UK Baganda Community, UK Acholi Community, UK Iteso Community, UK Banyoro Community, UK Basoga Community, UK Basamya Community, and many other Ugandans from other UK Ugandan Ethnic Communities. The Conference was presided over by Owek. Dan Muliika – the Esteemed Peoples’ Rights Defender (EPRIDE) or Leader. Conference Presenters included Mr. John Baptist Ayela, Mr. Ricardo Mulinda, Mr. Alex Oringa, Mr. Leo Ssebweze, Mr. Ssejjengo, and many others.

The Conference was convened for the purpose of, among other things, Launching UNAPERA WEBSITE and Presenting the UNAPERA GLOBAL APPEAL. Hon. Dan Muliika – the UNAPERA EPRIDE was welcomed by a deafening clapping and ululation from the Conference attendees. After the EPRIDE welcome, the Uganda, the Buganda, the Bunyoro and the Tooro Anthems were sang by the conferees. After singing the anthems, Hon. Dan Muliika opened the Part II London Ugandan Conference.

In his speech which was punctuated with applauses from time to time, Hon Muliika emphasized the point that: “The 14 nations or states of Uganda whose names are inscribed at the entrance of the Uganda Parliamentary Building in Kampala are the true stakeholders of Uganda. They need to sit together in a Uganda National Conference, as they did in Lancaster House in 1961, and decide the destiny of Uganda. Each one of them, like the Buganda Kingdom and Nation which got its independence on 8th October 1962 and joined Uganda on 9th October 1962 as an autonomous nation, has a right to internal self-determination. They are the ones who should discuss the destiny of Uganda and the issue of restoring federalism for those Ugandan nations or states which demand it.”  After his speech, Hon Muliika launched the UNAPERA Website whose address is – www.unapera.com.

Mr. Ayela – the UNAPERA-UK Vice Chair and member of the UK Acholi Community stated that: “It should be accepted by all people of sound mind that the unitary system of governance has failed in Uganda. There is no reason why the present Ugandan NRMO regime denies the Ugandan nations or peoples their inalienable right to internal self-determination. There is an urgent need for all the Ugandan nations and peoples to reconcile as brothers and sisters, to sit down in a National Conference, demand their right to internal self-determination and establish a federal system of governance for Uganda now.”

Mr. Ricardo Mulinda – the UNAPERA Global Involvement Co-Chair (GIC) and a member of UK Buganda Community presented the UNAPERA GLOBAL APPEAL. He proclaimed that: “Henceforth, it is necessary for all of us Ugandans within and without Uganda to make a sacrifice in one way or another for the cause of our collective and individual inalienable rights which include, among others, the right to peace for all the peoples of Uganda, the right to internal democratic self-determination, democratic rights, land rights, cultural rights, linguistic rights, environmental rights and posterity rights. All of us are called upon to campaign for the establishment of a federal system of governance in Uganda because Buganda Kingdom as a nation and many other Ugandan nations or peoples demand it and have a right to enjoy all their collective human righs. Our Appeal as UNAPERA to the Ugandan Government is:  Be just; work for lasting peace for all the peoples of Uganda; do acknowledge and respect the human right to internal democratic self-determination and other collective rights of the Buganda Kingdom as a nation and state, and of other Ugandan nations or peoples.”

Ricardo Mulinda
UNAPERA Global Involvement Chair (GIC)

John Baptist Ayela
UNAPERA-UK BRANCH Vice Chair

UNAPERA London Seat,
Tel: +44 (0)207 987 0396
Mob: +44 (0)790 395 6760
Web: www.unapera.com
Email: info@unapera.com, uganda@unapera.com, uk@unapera.com

UGANDA NATIONAL PEOPLES’ RIGHTS ASSOCIATION
LONDON SEAT

PART I LONDON UGANDAN CONFERENCE PRESS RELEASE
Ugandans in the UK demand the Right to Internal Self-determination, Federo,
National Reconciliation and Peace in Northern Uganda

On Saturday 9th August 2008, Uganda National Peoples’ Rights Association (UNAPERA) convened the Part I London Ugandan Conference in Durning Hall, Earlham Grove, London E7. The Conference lasted for eight hours and was attended by a big number of Ugandans whose participation was very lively and marked from time to time with thunderous applauses to Oweekitiibwa Dan Muliika, the Esteemed Peoples’ Rights Defender (RPRIDE) of UNAPERA, who opened and presided over the Part I Conference. In his message, Oweekitiibwa Muliika said that according to Odoki Commission 97% of Ugandans demaded federo and more than 60% of Ugandans demanded the same. He said that UNAPERA campaign is about educating people so that they may know their rights. He urged all Ugandans wherever they may be to stand up for their rights and sacrifice for the cause of their rights.

The attendees of Part I London Ugandan Conference built a consensus and demanded the Ugandan Government (i) to recognise the right to internal democratic self-determination for the national peoples of Uganda; (ii) to allow Ugandan national peoples to be governed under a federal system of government and (iii); to bring about peace in Northern Uganda. They emphasised that due to divide-and-rule tricks of Ugandan presidents and animosity among Ugandans, all Ugandans in Uganda and in the Diaspora need to start a process of national reconciliation and to work for national unity.

Mr. Mulinda argued that the different national peoples of Uganda include the Banyoro, the Acholi, the Iteso, the Banyankore, the Basoga, the Baganda, to mention but a few. He said that those national peoples are nations and not mere communities, as the 1995 Uganda Constitution dubs them. He maintained that their rights to internal democratic self determination, to federo, to culture, to language, to identity and to land must be fully recognised and respected by the Uganda Government.

Among the Conference Presenters included Dr Benjamin Obonyo – the EPRIDE Vice for the Diaspora, Ms Cathy Nansubuga – the Youth Leader of Wakiso District and UNAPERA Vice Global Secretary, Mr. Yiga Ssempogo – the UNAPERA-UK Chair, Mr. John Baptist Ayela – the UNAPERA-UK Vice Chair, Mr. Charles Mangeni – the UNAPERA-UK Secretary, Mr. Hood Ssempebwa – the UNAPERA-UK Publicity Secretary and Mr. Ricardo Mulinda – the UNAPERA Global Involvement Co-Chair and Conference Organising Chair.

At the end of Part I Conference, it was declared that Part II London Ugandan Conference was to be held next Saturday 16th August 2008. It was said that Hon. Dan Muliika would again preside over the Part II Conference. Part II Conference would also be held in Durning Hall, Earlham Grove, Forest Gate, E7, starting from 3.00 pm until 9.00pm.

Ricardo Mulinda
UNAPERA Global Involvement Co-Chair

Hood Ssempebwa
UNAPERA-UK Publicity Secretary

59 Brimsdown House, Devas Street, London E3 3LW
Tel: +44 (0)207 987 0396
Mob: +44 (0)790 395 6760
Web: www.unapera.com
Email: info@unapera.com; uganda@unapera.com; uk@unapera.com

BUGANDA EMERGENCY RESPONSE COMMITTEE
PRESS AND GENERAL BRIEF

23rd JULY 2008

This is an update on the unfolding situation of the detained Buganda Kingdom Officials.

The Current Situation:

As all are now aware, two Ministers of the Buganda Government and the Chairperson of Buganda’s Central Civic Education Committee were arrested by plain clothed security operatives on Friday July 18 th 2008. The arrested individuals are:

1. Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga (Minister of Information and Cabinet and Lukiiko Affairs, Buganda Government);
2. Owek. Medard Lubega (Minister of State for Information, Buganda Government); and
3. Omuk. Betty Nambooze Bakireke (CCEC, Buganda Government).

They were arrested on the day of the successful inaugural Buganda Conference. It is increasingly apparent that the Uganda Police Force, which is the arm of Government, lawfully vested with the powers of arrest and investigation had nothing to do with the clandestine and brutal operation of the 18th July 2008. The Police have only been brought in to provide cover for an operation being carried out by a more clandestine security organ. As we write, the officials have been detained for coming to 120 hours without being presented to any court of law. This is a blatant violation of Article 23(3) of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, which directs that no person arrested upon reasonable suspicion of having committed a criminal offence under the laws of Uganda shall be detained for more than 48 hours from the time of his or her arrest.

The Detainees Physical Wellbeing and Welfare:

Instead of presenting the officials to a court of law, the Government has decided to take them around Western Uganda, moving them around Bundibugyo, Ibanda, Fort Portal, Kyenjojo, Ntoroko and Kagadi and other places unknown. The Uganda Human Rights Commission has come out and stated that these movements amount to physical and psychological torture which is contrary to Article 24 of the Constitution. It is also hindering the detained officials’ access to their next-of-kin, legal representatives and personal doctors in violation of Article 23(5) of the Constitution. The Uganda Human Rights Commission stated that two of the detained officials are in need of medical care. There is also a concern that the detained officials are suffering from the combined effects of dehydration, lack of nourishment (hunger) as well as sleep deprivation. Betty Nambooze is said to be suffering from mastitis (inflammation or infection of the breasts that causes swelling and fevers) owing to the fact that she has not breastfed her 1 year old child for over 5 days. She was allegedly detained in a car at Ntoroko for most of the day on the 21st July 2008 before being driven to Bundibugyo and dumped in the cells there. It has also been reported that Medard Lubega Ssegona collapsed during an “identification parade” in Kagadi, Kibaale District. The Kingdom of Buganda has despatched a team of Ministers to the places where the officials are being detained to investigate their wellbeing and to offer moral as well as physical support. But it must be reiterated that whilst Kingdom of Buganda and the families of the detainees will do their best to ensure that the detainees have access to food, clothing and medical care, it should not be in any doubt that responsibility for the physical wellbeing and welfare of the detainees rests squarely with the Government of Uganda and the individual actors responsible for the perpetration of these gross crimes.

Curious Justification of the Government’s Actions:

Senior Government officials have come out with a curious justification for the detention of the Kingdom’s officials well beyond the lawful time limit and subjecting them to physical and psychological torture, which should be of concern to all Ugandans. Appearing on the WBS TV programme “Issues At Hand” on the 22nd July 2005, the Minister of State for Internal Affairs, Hon. Matia Kasaijja, said that the provisions of Article 23 of the Constitution, requiring suspects to be produced before a court of law within 48 hours of arrest, are a “bad law” and do not bind Government. The Minister of Defence, Hon. Dr. Crispus Kiyonga, appearing before the Parliamentary Committee on Defence also said that even though 48 hours had elapsed, Government would only produce the detained officials before a court at its own convenience and give an explanation later. This statement echoes that of Hon. Kasaijja, insofar as it implies that the provisions of the Constitution do not bind Government. Worse still, the Co-ordinator of National Intelligence, General David Munungu Tinyefuza, was quoted in the Daily Monitor as saying that under some circumstances, which he did not specify, “some laws can even be suspended”. This can only have been a reference to the provisions of Article 23 of the Constitution. These statements, which come on the back of blatant violations of the provisions of the Constitution, are very alarming. It is also worth quoting Article 3(2) of the Constitution here, so as to highlight the grave implications of the statements of the those high ranking Government officials and the actions of Government:

“Any person who, singly or in concert with others, by any violent or other unlawful means, suspends, overthrows, abrogates, or amends this Constitution or any part of it or attempts to do any such act, commits the offence of treason and shall be punished according to law.”

[Emphasis ours] For ease of reference, the punishment for treason, under the laws of Uganda is death.

Difficult Negotiations:

As previously stated, the Katikiro has been engaged negotiations with high ranking Government officials, trying to secure the release of the detained Buganda officials. It must be made clear that this situation has been forced upon the Katikiro. He is not seeking special favours but is acting in good faith and out of concern for the physical wellbeing of the detained officials. The Katikiro is also thoroughly convinced of the innocence of all of the detained officials and is trying to ensure that they are swiftly restored to liberty and re-united with their families. However, with every passing day, the situation deteriorates and it increasingly appears as if the detained officials are being held as hostages in order to compel the Katikiro and the Kingdom of Buganda to make various concessions regarding the conduct of Buganda’s affairs. However, the Katikiro has the interests of the people and the Kingdom of Buganda at heart and will not make any concessions.

Call to Action:

We continue to call upon all Ugandans, Religious Bodies as well as human rights and civil society organisations to join the Kingdom of Buganda in denouncing this heavy-handed and illegal action and to engage the Government of Uganda to abide by the Constitution and to cease and desist from the needless persecution of people who are engaged in lawful and democratic debate. The Kingdom of Buganda would like to thank the Uganda Human Rights Commission, the Acholi Parliamentary Group, the Foundation For Human Rights Initiative and all others who have come out with timely statements of support and assistance.

BUGANDA EMERGENCY RESPONSE COMMITTEE

Update: Tuesday July 22, 2008

The Uganda Government is under extreme pressure to release the detainees. Margaret Sekaggya the Director of the Humans Rights Commission has made a presentation to a parliamentary committee stating that they have had access to the detainees and that 2 are in poor health needing immediate access to their doctors and Betty Namboze needs immediate access to her 1 year old child who is still breast feeding. She further states that the unpredictable and constant movement of the detainees to prisons to the farthest corners of Uganda is deliberate psychological torture and must stop immediately. She says the act parading the detainees in front of so-called rebels in these locations for identification without access to their lawyers is questionable behaviour for a government that claims to have restored the rule of law.. A significant group of parliamentarians are seeking the 111 signatures needed to force parliament to sit while in recess to debate the matter as it is escalating and positions are hardening on both sides. The Acholi parliamentary group has issued a statement demanding the immediate and unconditional release of the detainees as it could lead to “a collision” between Mengo and the Central Government. They further demand that a Council of Elders comprised of eminent Ugandans be established to mediate between the two parties.

Nkoba Z’ambogo, a nationwide network of Baganda youth has issued a statement demanding the release of the detainees by the end of business today or they will take to the streets tomorrow. The Buganda Cabinet has just started (2:30pm) a second sitting to discuss the matter taking into considerations all recent developments. They are expected to make a statement by 5pm. The situation is deteriorating as off the record statements from key individuals are circulating that Central Government is demanding the removal of key youthful Ministers and outspoken Baganda from the Buganda Government and Central Broadcasting Station (CBS- Buganda’s flagship station) as a pre-condition for the release of the detainees. This is, if true, tantamount to kidnap for ransom and discredits the Nation and the regime immeasurably. Just in: A legal team led by Lawyer and MP Erias Lukwago have filed a petition for the release of the detainees under the Police Act which stipulates that a prisoner must be produced within 48 hrs after arrest.

Buganda Emergency Response Committee