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New rebel outfit NDA claims Gulu Attack, UPDF commando killed

By
Stephen Muneza
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Gulu central police station (Monitor Photo)

One the leaders of the mysterious National Democratic Alliance (NDA), Ngabonzira P’kuc, has claimed a daring June 13, 2016 raid on a military barracks in the restive north, in an email obtained by EagleOnline Friday.

The insurgents stormed the barracks in the town of Gulu in a convoy of cars just after 8pm, opened fired on the soldiers inside and one  UPDF soldier killed and  4 were injured in the attack.

Several witnesses said the gunmen tried to rescue Dan Oola, Uganda people’s Congress party’s National Deputy Secretary for Mobilization who was arrested by police recently over his alleged involvement in rebel activities.

Ngabonzira of the NDA said “The High Command of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) would like to congratulate and command our Galant members of the Democratic Military wing upon carrying out a successful Operation in Gulu last night.

“Our efforts yielded commendable results and we are proud of our gallant forces that have taken the lead in working towards uprooting the rotten regime of the NRM and its attending forces.

“In our operation we captured a number of weaponry from both the police barracks and the Military Quarter guard sector.  We are proud that in the entire operation we only sustained minor injuries. Rumours that two of our gallant Soldiers were killed by the enemy forces are dismissed with the contempt they deserve.

“All our soldiers, members of the intelligence have reported back to their respective operation bases.

“As we indicated after the Opit operation we again inform you that we shall not disappoint. NDA did not reach the conclusion to take up arms lightly, we know the cost, and we ask Ugandans to understand.

Mr. Oola is set to appear in court today, and according to the intelligence, the attack on the security facility was to stop Oola from being taken to court.

Police IGP Gen. Kale Kayihura referred to the NDA as a criminal gang on Monday during a press briefing revealing they had left behind 6 Ak47s,1 PK machine gun, over 200 rounds of ammunition, bow and arrows.

“There is an ongoing Joint Operation basing on intelligence that groups want to attack police stations in Kampala,” Gen. Kayihura said.

More thean 30 people including Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) Colonel Dan Opit Odwee, the airforce garrison commander, are being detained at the Makindye Military cells over subversive activities linked to the NDA, the army confirmed.

Some of the soldiers arrested for allegedly being part of the scheme to destabilise government are from Bombo and Air Defense in Nakasongola District, sources say.

Mr Kabaziguruka, who was arrested last week, before he was released on police bond last Thursday evening, said he was interrogated and questioned about subversive activities. He said the security agencies are linking the activities to former presidential candidate Kizza Besigye and former spy chief David Sejusa.

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We repulsed attackers-Enanga

By
Agencies
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Police Spokesman CP Fed Enanga.

Joint security force of the Police and military, this evening, repulsed a group of unknown gunmen who tried to attack Gulu Central Police Station, in Gulu District, in what was believed to be a rescue operation, for Oola Odiya Dan, the UPC Deputy Secretary for mobilization. This followed credible intelligence about their plans that enabled the military to reinforce the police and properly fortified the police station.
The attackers, who emerged from the main entrance to the station, at around 8.30 pm, engaged the security forces in a firefight that lasted about 30 minutes, but were overpowered and forced to flee, abandoning 5 SMG Rifles, 1 PK Machine gun. The town has been reinforced and is under control, while frantic efforts to track down the fleeing attackers, and also establish casualties suffered, is ongoing.
Meanwhile, two police officers and one soldier who suffered injuries are receiving treatment at the military Hospital.
More updates to follow.
CP Fred Enanga
Press and Public Relations Officer
Uganda Police
12.06.2016

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CMI, Special Forces, Police rift over arrests may cause factions in UPDF

By
Editorial
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COMMANDER in Chief and his commanders.

PRESIDENT Yoweri Museveni is known to have ruled this long because the army and security agencies have been to his side than his past predecessors.

So reports that the ongoing arrests of soldiers are being carried out by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Gen. Kale Kayihura and Special Forces Command boss Maj. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba without the involvement of the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Katumba Wamala could undermine a good cohesion and trust among our forces.

Sources within say police and Special Forces are leading the arrests of UPDF soldiers and the army boss Gen. Katumba Wamala has been sidelined.

So far at least 30 soldiers including Col. Dan Opit Odwee, the Air Force garrison commander have been arrested by presidential guards and police.

“He doesn’t know what’s happening. All these arrests are being carried out by SFC [Special Forces Command] and police,” the source said.

Sources say Maj. Gen. Muhoozi and the Inspector General of Police Gen. Kale Kayihura are working with Chief of Staff Land Forces Brig. Leopold Kyanda to carry out the arrests.

Even the Military Intelligence is not involved in these arrests yet it is supposed key in investigations before these arrests are carried out.

It’s instead the intelligence unit in Special Forces that is the one investigating and ordering military police Commander Emmanuel Kanyesigye to effect the arrests.

This brings doubt to reasons given by police and the army spokesperson for the arrests.  Why security agencies are not following the structures normally followed when soldiers are being arrested?

Some think Gen. Kayihura is said to be interested in becoming the next Chief of Defence Forces is undermining Gen. Katumba so that he replaces him as the army boss.

Already there are proponents of Kayihura, who reportedly worked so hard to undermine the late Gen. Aronda Nyakairima as the CDF become the army boss.

At least 36 soldiers have been arrested from Bombo, Air defence in Nakasongola and other army units more arrests being carried out.

This could be the biggest number of UPDF soldiers being arrested for subversion ever since Museveni came to power. Col. Odwee’s son on Sunday said his father went missing and the family looking for him. Security agencies are linking these arrests to Kizza Besigye and the ex-spy chief Gen David Sejusa.

It’s not clear how the detained officer was subversive but Gen. Kayihura who is said to be working with Gen. Muhoozi to carry out the arrests have been ongoing in different army units.

Gen. Kayihura linked said Col.Odwee’s arrest to Nakawa MP, Michael Kabaziguruka who also arrested for subversion.

Dr Besigye, indicted for treason, is currently on remand at Luzira prison. He was arrested over the same charges in 2006 but later released and dozens of his supporters incarcerated on similar offences were later granted amnesty in exchange for incriminating Dr. Besigye while those that declined remained in prison, with the last PRA suspect released this year.

President Museveni has the grip over the army and other security agencies.

Col.Odwee is now in detention at Makindye military barracks for getting involved in subversive activities. The army spokesperson Lt. Col. Paddy Ankunda said investigations are going.The officer who known to be fearless and combative has previously clashed with Gen. Muhoozi over allegations that he was harassing Special Forces living in Katabi barracks shared by both air force and Special forces.

Colonel Odwee is among the 30 soldiers already arrested by Special Forces and police in different army units. Last week the arms officer one Capt Ojara who was responsible for armoury in Bombo was also arrested last week.

 

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Heavy gunshots in Gulu, linked to Besigye, Sejusa arrests

By
Stephen Muneza
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Dr Kizza Besigye (Source:NET)

Reports coming from Gulu the principle town of Northern Uganda inducated that there has been a heavy counterfire of gunshots between the military and yet to be identified assilants.

This comes barely a day after the brutal arrest of 30 people including soldiers who are who are being suspected having links to a new rebel force that is said to be planning to topple Museveni’s govt. According to miltary sources, the coup plans are allied to jailed former presidential candidate Dr. Kizza Besigye and Uganda Peoples Defence Force (UPDF) General David Sejusa.

Dr. Besigye is on remand at Luzira Prisons on treason charges after sharing a video of his mock swearing-in in protest of President Museveni’s 61% February 18th General Elections wins.

Colonel Dan Opit Odwee, the Air force garrison Commander and one of the most prominent serving UPDF officers was arrested on Friday and tied Kandoya (tying one’s hands on the back) like a chicken thief.

The Ugandan Army is yet to come up with a comment.

 

 

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West Nile minnows Onduparaka to face Vipers in Uganda Cup final

By
Stephen Muneza
-
Onduparaka players celebrate after earning promotion to the Azam Uganda Premier League next season. Onduparaka today have also progressed to the finals of the Uganda Cup that will be played on Saturday, 18th June 2016 at Nakivubo Stadium.

Onduparaka’s Cinderella story will continue when they play Vipers SC in the Uganda Cup final after beating Entebbe FC 4-0 on Sunday, advancing 5-0 on aggregate.

Entebbe’s chances of reversing the 1-0 loss from the first leg ended for good when Uganda U20 striker and team captain, Muhammed Shaban scored a brace.  Gadaffi Gadinho and Rashid Agau then completed the rout to ensure Onduparaka play George Best Nsimbe’s side in the final on June 18, after it eliminated Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) 2-1 on aggregate in the other semifinal in Buikwe District.

“This comes as recognition of our work,” Onduparaka coach Alan Kabonge said. “I’m proud of our team, although there is still some room for improvement, especially in the final as we make history after qualifiying for the Premier League.”

It will be Onduparaka’s first appearance in the final since it formation a few years ago. Vipers is playing in the final for the third time and have never won Uganda’s oldest tournament.

Vipers progress 2-1 on aggregate having won the first leg 1-0 at Nakivubo stadium
Vipers progress 2-1 on aggregate having won the first leg 1-0 at Nakivubo stadium

The winner of the Uganda Cup earns a ticket to represent the country at the CAF Confederation cup.

Sports Club Villa who were also eliminated by Onduparaka are the defending champion.

 

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‘Museveni ISO assassin’ claims police torture

By
Stephen Muneza
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Mr. Musisi is accusing the police flying squad of torturing him and inflicting serious bodily harm

Lieutenant Godfrey Musisi, an Internal Security Organisation (ISO) operative who once made news for beating President Yoweri Museveni’s security detail while in possession of a loaded pistol during a COMESA summit in Kampala, is back in the news and this time is crying out for help from Ugandans to come to his aid saying he is ‘silently dying’ from pain allegedly inflicted on him by police officers.

Musisi, 67, who works as a Covert Operative in the office of the ISO Director General was arrested on June 3 by officers of the Uganda Police Flying Squad on allegations of trying to murder the African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET) Executive Director, Dr. Kenneth Ofosu-Barko.

Another allegation against Lt Musisi is that he had hired a pistol to a city robber but after the latter was netted in action, the gun was traced back to ISO.

But this has not deterred Lt Musisi, who is currently on the sick bed at a private hospital after he was removed from Mulago National Referral Hospital for fear of being harmed, is demanding for compensation through his lawyers, accusing the police flying squad of torturing him and inflicting serious bodily harm.

Mr. Musisi is accusing the police flying squad of torturing him and inflicting serious bodily harm
Mr. Musisi is accusing the police flying squad of torturing him and inflicting serious bodily harm

“When they arrested me, I was pushed onto a wall and they asked me to handle over the magazines. They then asked me why I wanted to kill a person. The arresting officer tried to shoot me but the bullet wasn’t released and the following day he told me so and added that I was a witch doctor,” Musisi, who is no stranger to controversy, said.

Ironically, it is Musisi’s controversial military and crime background that prompted the police to act the way it did, police Spokesperson Fred Enanga says.

“Considering his military background and previous crime record, there were combined attempts by the Flying Squad as well as the Police detectives at Kampala Metropolitan to ensure that he is actually subdued,” Enanga said.

Mr Enanga added: “He (Lt. Musisi) used a high level of force while resisting arrest. We used reasonable force to subdue him following investigations that linked him to the attempted murder of the executive director of a local NGO; so by any means we had to arrest him.”

Lt Musisi’s influence and reportedly dubious past especially after he was arrested near President Museveni, was best demonstrated  in 2014 when he framed Major Herbert Muramagi, then head of Marine at ISO, claiming his superior was in possession of a highly poisonous hyena’s liver that he intended to use to poison senior security officers and prominent politicians.

Here is research on hyena’s liver

But this assertion was scientifically discredited, prompting then Chairman of the General Court Martial Maj Gen Levi Karuhanga (RIP) to acquit Maj Muramagi.

Meanwhile, Lt. Musisi was recently reported to Police for attempted murder after he tossed a grenade to his neighbour in Namugongo, after the duo had an argument over piece of land. It is not known what happened to the case.

But according to Mr Enanga, Lt Musisi, who is considered an aide to the ISO Director General Brig Ronnie Balya shouldn’t get involved in acts that threaten the lives of unarmed civilians.

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Arrested UPDF colonel accused of coup plotting, linked to Besigye

By
Our Reporter
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Gen.Kale Kayihura

The Air Force officer who was captured by a joint arresting team of Special Forces and police from his home in Entebbe has been linked to opposition leader Kizza Besigye currently detained in Luzira prisons.

Colonel Dan Opit Odwee, the Air force garrison Commander was arrested and tied Kandoya (tying one’s hands on the back).  His pips, beret were removed and bundled into a van, a security source said.

He is now in detention at Makindye military barracks for getting involved in subversive activities. The army spokesperson Lt. Col. Paddy Ankunda said investigations are going.

The officer who is known to be fearless and combative has previously clashed with Maj. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba over allegations that he was harassing Special Forces living in Katabi barracks shared by both air force and Special forces.

It’s not clear how the detained officer was subversive but the Inspector General of Police Gen. Kale Kayihura who is said to be working with Maj. Gen. Muhoozi to carry out the arrests have been ongoing in different army units said he was working with Nakawa Member of Parliament, Michael Kabaziguruka who was also arrested for subversion.

Colonel Odwee is among the 30 soldiers already arrested by Special Forces and police in different army units. Last week the arms officer one Capt. Ojara who was responsible for armory in Bombo was arrested.

 

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I was never invited for heroes’ award-Otafiire

By
Shawn Davis Kawalya
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GEN. Kahinda Otafiire.

Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister, Maj. Gen. Kahinda Otafiire has said he isn’t happy with honors and awards committee.

Gen. Otafiire said the committee didn’t invite him to receive the award and the same applies to some of the intended recipients who didn’t turn up.

Asked why he skipped the annual event in Buike where he was awarded the Kabalega honors, Otafiire said, it was never his fault but those best suited to answer are the awards committee.

“My comment is that I am disappointed with the awards committee. I was never informed on time. I actually got to know that I was on the list when a journalist called me for a comment.” Gen. Otafiire told EagleOnline.

Another notable person who missed the event due to the same reason is former Minister of Information and National Guidance Maj. Gen. Jim Muhwezi. Gen. Muhwezi in response to his failure to attend the function said he was never informed.

More than 650 people were awarded with medals for their distinguished service to the country.

The awardees received their medals from President Yoweri Museveni at a function to mark the National Heroes day. This year’s Heroes day celebration was commemorated at Ssi trading center, Ssi sub-county, Buikwe district, under the theme, ‘Concretizing the gains of our heroes is a duty for every Ugandan.’

 

The Act enacted in 2007, establishes the Presidential Awards Committee (PAC), and has nine-member committee whose mandate is to identify, vet and recommend potential people for conferment of titles of honour, decoration, medals and awards.

The Act also provides for different categories of awards both for military and civilians. The committee is to advise the president in respect of the persons upon whom the titles of honor may be conferred.

Eagle failed to get a comment from Gen. Tumwine as he didn’t answer his calls to his mobile telephone.

v

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Defiant Peter Ssematimba vows to hold onto Busiro MP seat

By
Our Reporter
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Mr Simon Peter Sematimba

As Democratic Party’s Stephen Ssekigozi’s warms up to grab the new vacant Busiro South constituency seat after winning a High Court petition on Friday, MP-elect Peter Ssematimba has vowed to fight to the last minute.

Mr. Ssematimba of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) according to Court, was not academically dully verified by the National Council for Higher education.

In his statement to supporters seen by EagleOnline, Sematimba vowed to file his appeal on Monday and hopes to legally remain a legislator throughout his court appeal process.

He said: “I am very sorry for the bad news we got from court yesterday. However, not all is lost. On Monday I am filing my appeal at the Court of Appeal. We’re also informing the Clerk of Parliament of my appeal on Monday. By doing this, I will legally remain the Honorable MP of Busiro South throughout my court appeal process.

“Let no one lie to you therefore that I’m no longer our MP. The truth, is I am the MP and I will remain so throughout the new appeal court process.

“Let me assure you also that I/we are going to win the appeal, in Jesus’ name.

“So be strong, and have faith. The victory is ours in Jesus’ name… and I am still the Hon. MP of Busiro South. I will remain so too. Cheers.

The case

Mr Sekigozi, in his petition filed in court, says Mr Ssematimba only holds a certificate issued by the East African Examinations Council in 1978, which cannot be equated to an Advanced Level certificate, the minimum requirement for nomination in parliamentary elections. He also sued the Electoral Commission for allegedly conniving with Ssematimba to flout several sections relating to the Parliamentary Elections Act.

On the basis of Mr. Ssematimba’s claim to being qualified with a Diploma in Engineering and Electronics which he claimed to have obtained from the Pacific Coast Institute in USA, the NCHE granted him a certificate of Advanced Level equivalent to enable Mr Ssematimba participates in the Busiro South Constituency parliamentary elections.

NCHE executive director, Prof John  Asibo told court that the error on his Advanced Diploma in Technology from the International College of Excellency 2009 did not touch on the authority of Mr Sematimba’s award.

“Ssematimba’s certificate of equivalence shows that the council considered three academic qualifications yet when printing out, it indicated four qualifications,” he explained.

The witness maintained that the fourth qualification was not considered because it was a transcript upon which Mr Sematimba was admitted to Asuza Pacific University.

However High Court Judge Lydia Mugambe blamed the council of proceeding to issue the certificate without verifying the validity of his papers.

Ssematimba’s political journey spanning 11 years has been a tumultuous one, with the media proprietor-cum pastor having previously failed to become the Mayor of Kampala.

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Seventeen arrested for fattening themselves up

By
Our Reporter
-

Some 17 men have been arrested in South Sudan, accused of trying to make themselves fat for a banned fattest man competition, reports Radio Tamazuj

The Gogrial state government has provisionally banned so-called fattening contests saying they promote laziness.

Fattening is a practice in the Dinka culture where men leave their homes for weeks with up to 15 milking cows.

They feed on milk only and do not work in order to become very fat.

They return to their home towns to compete to see who is the fattest.

A drum can be hung on a stand and one of them beats it and if the stand breaks and the drum falls down, then that person is the winner of the competition.

But this year the government of Gogrial state said this cultural practice is not good as it encourages laziness in the society because it is carried out during the farming season. Abraham Gum, the state governor explained, “It is a problem of youth whom I have given a provisional order that there is no person to make any fattening this year because it is a year for hunger.”

“When you took some cows to go and make your fattening alone it is prohibited from the state and I got some people from Apuk East and Apuk South, they were 17 in number and they are more than that. Some ran and we captured 17 and I put them into prison in Liet Nhom now and they are going to be taken to court because they have violated the provisional order,” added the governor.

He was speaking after his return from his home area Apuk.

Also the traditional leaders of Apuk and Aguok communities at a recent peace conference held at Pan Nyuom have unanimously agreed to prohibit fattening in all 13 counties of the state with effect from the time the conference was concluded.

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