The Government of Buganda has published the press conference on the second Buganda Conference, slated for December 2009. The government is bravely taking on this challenge in the midst of a military occupation by Uganda’s NRM government, led by Yoweri Museveni. Most Buganda analysts think that it is too early to tell what Museveni will do about the conference.

The press conference, which appears on the official Buganda website, www.buganda.or.ug, is reproduced in full below:

BUGANDA CONFERENCE FOR 17TH DECEMBER 2009

Buganda Kingdom is organizing the second annual Buganda Conference to be held on the 17th December, 2009 at Hotel Africana under the theme “a Federo System of Governance for Uganda”.

The conference is an annual event graced by the Kabaka of Buganda with an aim of creating a platform for debate and interactions on the Kingdom’s issues.

According to the chairman organizing committee who also doubles as the Kingdom’s attorney general, Apollo Makubuya, the conference is expected to attract over 1000 participants from across the country.

He explained that discussion on federalism for Uganda is very important because many people have mistaken it to be an issue for only Buganda.

According to Makubuya, the conference will enlighten people within and outside Buganda that federo is not about Buganda seceding from Uganda or attaining a superior position but to grant power through the law to people in various parts of the country to work on developing their regions.

He added that the conference will also discuss the regional tier government among other issues and why Buganda Kingdom does not want it.

Makubuya reassured that the conference will be addressed by prominent scholars from various parts of Uganda and renowned international scholars on federalism from countries like Nigeria, USA and the United Kingdom among others.

He explained that unlike last year’s conference which was free of entry, this year’s event will require registration with a fee of 25000 Ugandan shillings each. He added that this fee has been set to help the organizers in the preparations of a successful event.

The conference was first held last year as part of the celebrations to commemorate the 15th coronation anniversary. However, due to the numerous problems encountered this year, the Kingdom was forced to shift the event to a later date.

Given it’s success last year, Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi was greatly impressed and resolved that the conference be held annually.

The conference which was themed “Development and Governance of Buganda in Uganda” attracted several scholars including renowned Professors Ali Mazurui and Mahmood Mamdhani among others.

It should however be remembered that last year’s conference was interfered with by the arrest of three Buganda Officials Medard Sseggona Lubega, Charles Peter Mayiga and Betty Nambooze Bakireke. Sseggona was arrested early morning before kick off of the conference while Peter Mayiga and Betty Nambooze were captured late night after the conference. The trio were held hostage and incommunicado for a week during which they were dragged into several cells in various parts of Western Uganda including Bundibujo, Masindi, Ibanda, Kabarole, Kagadi Fort Portal and Kyenjojo.

The sale of invitation cards to the public shall be announced very soon.

Below is a statement from Global HIV Vaccine Enterprise executive director, Dr. Alan Bernstein.  The Enterprise (http://www.hivvaccineenterprise.org) is a global alliance of researchers, funders, policy makers and advocates that includes the African AIDS Vaccine Program, the AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition (AVAC), the AIDS Vaccine Asian Network, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Canadian HIV Vaccine Initiative, the Center for HIV/AIDS Vaccine Immunology, the Chinese AIDS Vaccine Initiative, the Collaboration for AIDS Vaccine Discovery (CAVD), the Department for International Development, the European Commission, Europrise, Eurovacc, GlaxoSmithKline, the HIV Vaccine Trials Network (HVTN), the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI), Merck & Co. Inc., the National Agency for AIDS Research (ANRS), the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), Novartis Vaccines, sanofi pasteur, the South African AIDS Vaccine Initiative (SAAVI), the U.S. Military HIV Research Program (MHRP), UNAIDS, USAID, Vaccine Research Center (VRC), Wellcome Trust and the World Health Organization (WHO).

Dr. Bernstein is available to speak with journalists to help put the Thai trial results into perspective and to comment on their significance for the future of HIV vaccine research.  To interview Dr. Bernstein, please contact Mark Aurigemma at (212) 600-1960, (646) 270-9451 or mark@aucomm.net; or Jennifer Brunet at (212) 46i-3693 or jbrunet@vaccineenterprise.org.

“This is a historic day in the 26-year quest to develop an AIDS vaccine.  The results of the Thai Phase III HIV vaccine clinical trial of the “prime-boost” combination of ALVAC-HIV vaccine and AIDSVAC B/E vaccine demonstrate that a safe and effective AIDS vaccine is an achievable goal. This trial is the first demonstration in humans that, with more research, it will be possible to develop a vaccine that is fully protective against HIV.

These results represent the most significant advance in HIV vaccine research to date, and a ray of hope for the more than 2.7 million women, men and children who become newly infected with HIV every year across the globe.  Current prevention efforts can lower HIV risk, but a safe and effective vaccine will be essential to ending this epidemic.

We owe an enormous debt of thanks to the people of Thailand, and especially to the more than 16,000 women and men who selflessly participated in this clinical trial. This significant scientific milestone – the first vaccine study to reduce HIV infections in humans – would not have been reached without their engagement and the efforts of the trial sponsors – Enterprise stakeholders including the U.S. Military HIV Research Program (MHRP), the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), and sanofi pasteur – as well as the Thailand Ministry of Public Health and Global Solutions for Infectious Diseases (GSID).

The reduction in HIV infection risk measured in this study, 31.2 percent, was modest, but raises important implications for future research directions. HIV vaccine researchers, funders and advocates must now continue to work together, as quickly and effectively as possible, to understand why this vaccine regimen worked as it did, how its efficacy can be improved, whether and how it may work in other parts of the world, and how to develop new vaccine candidates that expand on the level of protection achieved here.

This study also demonstrates the importance of global cooperation and collaboration – the central values of the Global HIV Vaccine Enterprise – in accelerating the search for a safe and effective HIV vaccine.  Researchers, advocates, funders and policy makers are working together through the Global HIV Vaccine Enterprise process to develop and test new vaccine candidates. Full data from the Thai trial will be presented at the Enterprise’s annual scientific conference, AIDS Vaccine 2009, in Paris on October 19-22. http://www.hivvaccineenterprise.org/conference/2009/

Finally, these results are an immediate call to action to governments, funders, policy makers, researchers and advocates to dramatically step up our efforts to develop and make globally available a safe and effective HIV vaccine. Stakeholders of the Global HIV Vaccine Enterprise will continue to lead this fight, but developing a safe and effective AIDS vaccine will require the full and collective efforts of every individual and organization worldwide committed to ending this devastating epidemic.

Global HIV Vaccine Enterprise partners will be working aggressively in the months ahead to address the many scientific questions raised by this study, and to develop and test other vaccine candidates.  The findings of this trial will also help inform strategies outlined in the updated Enterprise Scientific Strategic Plan, the global strategy for HIV vaccine research currently being developed by over 150 scientists from around the world, to be released in spring 2010.

We look forward to hosting the ongoing discussion of results of this trial and the discussion of next steps in the journey to find an AIDS vaccine at the AIDS Vaccine 2009 conference in Paris, October 19-22.

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.

On July 29, 2008, Patriotic Baganda members of the Uganda’s Parliament told off President Museveni’s minister of internal affairs, Ruhakana Rugunda, after his presentation of an untruthful statement about the recent kidnap of 3 Buganda officials. Rugunda presented his statement, amid vigorous heckling, to a special session of the parliament, which was called to debate the arrest of Peter Mayiga, Medard Lubega Sseggona and Betty Nambooze. Beti Kamya (Lubaga North) rubbished Rugunda’s statement, demanding that Mr. Museveni’s occupation government explain why Betty Nambooze was stripped naked at Jinja Road police station. Hussein Kyanjo (Makindye West) condemned the rampant abuse of human rights, insisting that the Buganda officials were not arrested by Police but by some other dubious armed forces. He revealed that shortly after the kidnapping of the Buganda officials, he (Kyanjo) spoke to the military officer who heads Uganda’s police, Maj. Gen. Kale Kayihura, who confirmed that the police were clearly unaware of the abduction. Issa Kikungwe (Kyaddondo South) reserved his attack for the excessive tribalism in government, which he blamed for most of Uganda’s ills. He pointed out that people from certain parts of Uganda routinely practice sectarianism and nothing is done but when others publicly complain about such sectarian behavior trumped up charges are brought against them. Michael Mabikke (Makindye East) warned the NRM that it must abandon its bushmen practices. They must come to grips with the fact that Buganda’s issues cannot and will not be swept under the rug. Even the British colonialists were not able to do it, and it will not go away with the NRM. One MP who most vocally supported the occupation government and Rugunda’s statement is Janet Kataha Museveni (Ruhama) the wife of Uganda’s president. She defended her husband’s government on the decision to violate Uganda’s constitution by holding the Buganda officials for over 48 hours without taking them to court. According to her, the government must not be blamed for violating the constitution because they lost time when they were transporting the captives across western Uganda. As far as she was concerned, what is more important is to deal with what she referred to as the abuse of her husband’s government. Rugunda’s full statement before Parliament is reproduced below:

Rt. Hon. Speaker, Hon. Members of Parliament,

1.On 25th July 2008, I received my copy of a letter, ref SP/8 written to the Clerk to Parliament by the Rt. Hon. Speaker, responding to a petition that Parliament convenes in plenary today, 29” July 2008 to handle business relating to the arrest, detention and subsequent release of the three persons named above. This petition required Parliament to convene and receive the official Government statement by the Hon. Minister of Internal Affairs on the arrest of the three individuals, who happen to be officials of the Buganda Kingdom. Inter alia, the statement was to state:
i) The personnel who effected the arrest
ii) The subsequent confinement and treatment of the three
iii) The proper procedure for commencement of criminal proceedings
iv) The duration within which such proceedings ought to commence.

2 Mr. Speaker Sir, Hon. Members, Police has been closely monitoring actions and statements made from time to time by some individuals and groups. The statements have been both in the print and electronic media. Investigations were carried out in respect of these statements made by the three individuals that were viewed by Police as amounting to offences of:
i. Promoting war,
ii. Sedition,
iii. Incitement to violence,
iv. Threatening violence and
v. Sectarianism.

In addition, investigations revealed that acting jointly and at times individually, the three engaged in what appeared to be unlawful activities in Kyenjojo, Kamwenge, Kasese, Kibaale, Bundibugyo, Hoima and Kampala Districts. Investigations of the three individuals on Terrorism and other offences are still continuing.

3. At some point during the investigations, it became necessary to arrest the three. On Friday 18 July 2008, Police detectives arrested them, at different times, and from different locations within Kampala. Mr. Speaker Sir, since some of the acts constituting the alleged offences are said to have been committed in and outside Kampala, it was necessary to transfer them to areas outside Kampala in order to assist the Police in investigations. It is for this reason that it became difficult to adhere to the 48 hour rule regarding detention of suspects in police custody.

4. While the investigations were going on in those areas, Buganda Road Court, on Wednesday 23rd July 2008 issued a court order, ordering for their unconditional release from Police custody. Accordingly, the three were on Thursday 24th July 2008 released from Kyenjojo Police Station.

5. Mr. Speaker Sir, on the basis of evidence that had been gathered, and, in accordance with the law, the three were re-arrested.
• Mr. Medard Lubega and Mrs Betty Nambooze were produced before Nakawa Chief Magistrates court on Friday 25th July 2008 charged with sedition, as investigations continue for other charges of sectarianism, threatening violence, incitement to violence, and promoting war. The two accused were granted bail by court.
• Mr. Peter Mayiga was released on Police Bond at Jinja Road Police station pending further investigations.

6. Mr. Speaker Sir, regarding the specific issues put forward in the petition, I wish to state as follows:
a) The arrests were effected by the Police.
b) The three were at all times in Police custody.
c) Criminal proceedings may be instituted in several ways in accordance with section 42 subsection 1 of the Magistrates’ Courts Act, inter alia, by a Police officer bringing a person arrested with or without a warrant before a Magistrate upon a charge.

It was under this provision that the proceedings against the three were commenced. d) Investigations start immediately information is received and thereby, criminal proceedings begin.

7. Mr. Speaker Sir, Government in accordance with the Constitution, will continue to carry out its mandate of ensuring security of the people and their property and is unequivocally committed to the rule of law.

8. Mr. Speaker Sir, Rule 60, in the Rules of Procedure of Parliament (The Rule on sub-judice), does not allow a matter that is before Court to be discussed out of Court. On Friday 21 July 2008, Mr. Medard Lubega and Ms. Betty Nambooze were charged in Court. In view of the above, I am wondering whether discussing this matter out of Court is not Sub-judice. I seek your guidance.

I thank you Rt. Hon. Speaker. Dr Ruhakana Rugunda

MINISTRY OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS PRESS STATEMENT

1. In compliance with the Court Order issued by the Buganda Road Court on Wednesday 24th July 24, 2008 ordering that, Peter Mayiga, Medard Ssegona Lubega and Betty Nambooze be released from Police unconditionally, the Police has accordingly released them from Kyenjojo Police Station today Thursday 24th July 2008.

2. However, on the basis of the evidence so far gathered, and in accordance with the law, the Police has re-arrested them and they are to appear in Court tomorrow Friday 25th July 2008.

Ruhakana Rugunda (Dr.)MINISTER OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS

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