http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/European-Union-diplomat-attacks-Museveni-over-graft/-/688334/1879834/-/item/0/-/jat7wwz/-/index.html

European Union diplomat attacks Museveni over graft

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Amb Roberto Ridolfi 

By Tabu Butagira & Stephen Wandera

Posted  Wednesday, June 12  2013 at  01:00

IN SUMMARY

Scathing. Envoy pokes holes in President's State-of-the-Nation Address, saying it ignored key issues of media siege and succession.

Kampala

The European Union yesterday punched holes in President Museveni's State-of-the-Nation Address delivered last Thursday, but acknowledged his prescriptions for the country's economic development struck the right chord.

Amb Roberto Ridolfi, the head of the EU Delegation in Uganda, said it is "a pity" that the State-of-the-Nation Address --- a head of state's most comprehensive accountability to citizens for government's action and inactions over the previous year --- was not as wide-ranging.

"It is a pity because the state-of-the-nation – [in] my personal view is that – should have covered two or three other items, Mr Ridolfi noted, "I think the people of Uganda were expecting references to this (Gen. David) Sejusa affair, the fight against corruption, which, as I repeat, can display some progress and the closure of the media (houses). These references could have been done positively."

"I think now that the PAC report is out, you will see another wave. So, let us try to link up the PAC report with the action of the civil society, with the action of the development partners. The most important thing which I tell my colleagues is that we shall not only make happy European taxpayers blocking the disbursement of money to a corrupt set up but we have also demonstrated to the Ugandan tax payers that their work is also to protect their money - by far the largest portion [to the national budget]," said Amb. Ridolfi.

The government last evening down played the significance of the hullaballoo triggered by the vitriolic missives allegedly authored by spy master Sejusa, formerly Tinyefuza, who has raised questions about President Museveni's supposed succession blue-print.

Sejusa not an issue
"Sejusa is not an issue," said Col. Shaban Bantariza, the in-coming deputy executive director of Uganda Media Centre, the government's communication clearing house. Military officers have previously hinted that the general, reported on an extended stay abroad, is being investigated for possible involvement in subversive activities, and some of his aides have already been charged in court.

Col. Bantariza, a former UPDF spokesman, added: "If Sejusa had taken up arms against the government, then it would be a national issue. If Museveni has decided to handle his general in that way [quietly], then let's wait."

Gen. Sejusa in an April 29 letter to Internal Security Organisation director-general, Ronnie Balya, called for formal inquiries into allegations that the President wants his son Brig. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, commander of the Special Forces, to succeed him and that some senior military and government leaders hostile to the rumoured plot were on the radar for elimination.

The media's publication of contents of the missive and follow-up acerbic utterances by the general-cum- army MP, with most of the barbs directed at President Museveni, led to the state's 11-day shutdown of both the Monitor and Red Pepper publications.

Yesterday, Amb. Ridolfi said in Kampala that the lack of clarity about how Uganda will transition from President Museveni, in power since 1986, has created uncertainty that has prospective European investors nervous. "Business people come here and ask me: Ambassador, what do you think of the succession? Succession! We are [Uganda is] not a monarchy (laughter), he told civil society actors gathered at Speke Resort Munyonyo. "I think you all realise that 27 years in power is very long [period]…"

Mr Museveni would have ruled Uganda for 30 years by 2016 when his current tenure ends – more than the combined years served by his eight predecessors since Independence in 1962 – and he will still be eligible for re-election after the scrapping of the presidential terms limits in 2005, allegedly on his prodding.

Work with parties
The topmost EU diplomat in Kampala said they are working with political parties in the country under the aegis of the National Consultative Forum for electoral reforms instructive to deliver a free and fair ballot, which he said is the safety guard for the post-Museveni epoch.

"Succession of power is [through] free and fair election and free and fair election is not yet [achieved in Uganda]. Why? Because we need to build the confidence of an Electoral Commission that represents the views of everybody and is independent," he said.

The Supreme Court in Dr Kizza Besigye's 2001 and 2006 presidential election petitions ruled that the Eng. Badru Kiggundu-led EC did not comply with some of the electoral laws and guidelines, and made recommendations for electoral improvements.

And opposition parties prior to the February 2011 general elections unsuccessfully nudged for disbandment of the present electoral body and its replacement with a more representative one selected not by the President but a neutral state organ.

There is reported to be some progress in the on-going behind-the-scenes political and diplomatic bargain for electoral reforms, three years ahead of the next scheduled General Election.

Amb. Ridolfi, who was yesterday launching a new Coalition of six human rights bodies, said only a truly democratic dispensation can safeguard Uganda's economic progress and deliver benefits for all citizens.
He said: "You can have economic growth but to sustain it and deliver to every citizen, you need respect of rule of law, very strong institutions and good democratic process."

Col. Bantariza had said individuals not satisfied with President Museveni's state-of-the-nation message should look up to him for answers tomorrow when he speaks again after Finance Minister Maria Kiwanuka reads the 2013/14 budget.

editorial@ug.nationmedia.com

Rwanda: Is President Kagame’s mask slipping?

http://rwandinfo.com/eng/is-president-kagames-mask-slipping/

Is President Kagame's mask slipping?

by Mireille Mutima

Paul Kagame

With the events which took place during Rwandan President Paul Kagame's visit to the UK on 18^th May 2013 in aid of Rwanda Day, we take a look at some of his past exploits which might have contributed to his less-than-welcoming reception

A United Nations report known as the Mapping Report, which was published on 1st October 2010, documented clear evidence that President Kagame was responsible for large massacres of Hutu refugees in Congo and members of the Hutu civilian population between March 1993 and June 2003. In paragraph 512 of the report it states:

"The systematic attacks [...] resulted in a very large number of victims, probably tens of thousands of members of the Hutu ethnic group, all nationalities combined. In the vast majority of cases reported, it was not a question of people killed unintentionally in the course of combat, but people targeted primarily by AFDL/APR/FAB [Burundian army] forces and executed in their hundreds, often with edged weapons. The majority of the victims were children, women, elderly people and the sick, who posed no threat to the attacking forces. Numerous serious attacks on the physical or psychological integrity of members of the group were also committed, with a very high number of Hutus shot, raped, burnt or beaten. Very large numbers of victims were forced to flee and travel long distances to escape their pursuers, who were trying to kill them. The hunt lasted for months, resulting in the deaths of an unknown number of people subjected to cruel, inhuman and degrading living conditions, without access to food or medication. On several occasions, the humanitarian aid intended for them was deliberately blocked, in particular in Orientale Province, depriving them of assistance essential to their survival…"

Also, research made in Rwanda and later published in a report titledWhat Really Happened in Rwanda?, on October 6th 2009 by researchers Christian Davenport and Allan C. Stam, showed that Kagame's troops, the RPF, carried out the "large-scale killings" of mainly Hutus during the Rwandan genocide.

But despite this amount of evidence gathering against him, President Kagame continues to play the guilt card on the U.N., for having not responded to the cry for help during the Rwandan Genocide (although Kagame's RPF is the one who officially consistently rejected any offer of help to stop the killings), every time they call him out as a war criminal. This little trick so far has worked like a charm in keeping the U.N. firmly under Kagame's thumb, giving him control over them and silencing all those who try their luck at exposing him, leaving much to be desired in the move towards real justice being served for the criminal.

But the understandable shame of the U.N. should not by any means be reason for them to retreat back into their shells every time the finger is pointed at them. Neither should it be reason for them to be bullied into turning a blind eye to the shocking evidence that is coming forth from left, right and centre exposing the heinous crimes of President Paul Kagame.

Aside from this, Kagame has grown quite accustomed to hiding behind the media attention he gets for having supposedly developed Rwanda economically, this being an image which he actively strives to portray by employing lobbies to publish positive and glowing reports on what great change he has made to the country since the genocide, thus creating this 'perfect' image of himself. But behind this facade still lies a much more grave matter that is soiling this public image which he is working so hard to maintain.

Over the past few years, some of those who have experienced Kagame's cruelty first-hand have publically confessed about their involvement with him, such as the exiled ex-soldier who testified of the same crimes by the RPF as those set out in the U.N.'s Mapping Report - crimes of massacres of Hutu refugees and civilians in the DRC – at the commands of President Kagame, with the objective 'to liquidate any Hutu on Congolese soil'. The confessional interview concluded with the following statement from the Mapping Report:

" The massacres of Hutu refugees in the Democratic Republic of Congo between 1996 and 2002 led to an investigation report of the Office of the United Nations Human Rights known as the Mapping Report. According to the report, these massacres could, if proven before a competent court, be described as genocide."

But what has really been done about these accounts and how many like them must we hear before something can be done? How many men, women, children and elderly people must Kagame torment and kill before a standard can be raised up against him? How much blood must be shed before we can finally say "enough is enough"?

Take a look at the events which took place on 'Rwanda Day' when Kagame visited the UK to receive an award from Oxford University for his "development of Rwanda" on 18^th May 2013. It has got to mean something when the President's own people throw eggs, stones and horse manure at him! And what does it mean? That he is not liked? Worse. He is hated. By those who know his deeds and want to see them put to an end. Killing many innocent lives for decades is not a thing to be taken lightly at all. It should carry with it a great punishment.

So it was no surprise that when he came to visit, instead of being welcomed like a good and admired leader, he was shown hatred and contempt by those who would rather see justice served.

In a video interview with the BBC published on 20th May 2013, Kagame unconvincingly attempted to pass off the growing amount of tension surrounding his name as people looking for somewhere "to put the blame". (1)
But no one conspired to make up these stories. And no, these negative reports about him aren't just plucked out of thin air. Everyone pointing the finger at him is doing so for a good reason.

If the saying 'a man is judged by his deeds' is true, then it is fair to say that Kagame has earned himself the title War Criminal of the Highest Degree.

Although I speak in past tense, these crimes by Kagame are far from being old news. Sadly, it is quite clear that such monstrosities carry on even to this day, with a storm of evidence gathering that shows that Kagame continues to hunt down opponents. Whether it be by pulling the strings of the M23  and other proxy rebellions from the comfort of his high chair through ordering the murder of Hutus in the DRC, or whether it be forcefully adorning the refugees who managed to flee to foreign lands with shackles of chains and imprisoning them for their supposed 'crimes', Kagame's crippling grip on his people has never been so strong. But then again, neither has this realisation from both Rwandans and foreigners alike that the face behind his mask is that of a mass murderer. And perhaps, with this realisation, we as a people, can start to determinedly pry his bloody fingers off our society.

—————————

(1) When asked "Why do you think Rwanda is consistently blamed?" Paul Kagame claimed, in his own words: "The same organisations – all those people who put on the blame – I think they have found some kind of industry that serves them and you want to just keep going. The blame is created on the basis of the situation itself, what is happening there, the kind of suffering of people there. And people are interested, simply interested in addressing the peripheral or superficially the problem, are not addressing the root cause of the problem. So in doing that they have created a self-serving industry so they want to keep going now for lack of a better explanation as to why this thing has been going on despite the efforts. They have to find where to put the blame."

Authour: Mireille Mutima

Rwanda: Is President Kagame’s mask slipping?

http://rwandinfo.com/eng/is-president-kagames-mask-slipping/

Is President Kagame's mask slipping?

by Mireille Mutima

Paul Kagame

With the events which took place during Rwandan President Paul Kagame's visit to the UK on 18^th May 2013 in aid of Rwanda Day, we take a look at some of his past exploits which might have contributed to his less-than-welcoming reception

A United Nations report known as the Mapping Report, which was published on 1st October 2010, documented clear evidence that President Kagame was responsible for large massacres of Hutu refugees in Congo and members of the Hutu civilian population between March 1993 and June 2003. In paragraph 512 of the report it states:

"The systematic attacks [...] resulted in a very large number of victims, probably tens of thousands of members of the Hutu ethnic group, all nationalities combined. In the vast majority of cases reported, it was not a question of people killed unintentionally in the course of combat, but people targeted primarily by AFDL/APR/FAB [Burundian army] forces and executed in their hundreds, often with edged weapons. The majority of the victims were children, women, elderly people and the sick, who posed no threat to the attacking forces. Numerous serious attacks on the physical or psychological integrity of members of the group were also committed, with a very high number of Hutus shot, raped, burnt or beaten. Very large numbers of victims were forced to flee and travel long distances to escape their pursuers, who were trying to kill them. The hunt lasted for months, resulting in the deaths of an unknown number of people subjected to cruel, inhuman and degrading living conditions, without access to food or medication. On several occasions, the humanitarian aid intended for them was deliberately blocked, in particular in Orientale Province, depriving them of assistance essential to their survival…"

Also, research made in Rwanda and later published in a report titledWhat Really Happened in Rwanda?, on October 6th 2009 by researchers Christian Davenport and Allan C. Stam, showed that Kagame's troops, the RPF, carried out the "large-scale killings" of mainly Hutus during the Rwandan genocide.

But despite this amount of evidence gathering against him, President Kagame continues to play the guilt card on the U.N., for having not responded to the cry for help during the Rwandan Genocide (although Kagame's RPF is the one who officially consistently rejected any offer of help to stop the killings), every time they call him out as a war criminal. This little trick so far has worked like a charm in keeping the U.N. firmly under Kagame's thumb, giving him control over them and silencing all those who try their luck at exposing him, leaving much to be desired in the move towards real justice being served for the criminal.

But the understandable shame of the U.N. should not by any means be reason for them to retreat back into their shells every time the finger is pointed at them. Neither should it be reason for them to be bullied into turning a blind eye to the shocking evidence that is coming forth from left, right and centre exposing the heinous crimes of President Paul Kagame.

Aside from this, Kagame has grown quite accustomed to hiding behind the media attention he gets for having supposedly developed Rwanda economically, this being an image which he actively strives to portray by employing lobbies to publish positive and glowing reports on what great change he has made to the country since the genocide, thus creating this 'perfect' image of himself. But behind this facade still lies a much more grave matter that is soiling this public image which he is working so hard to maintain.

Over the past few years, some of those who have experienced Kagame's cruelty first-hand have publically confessed about their involvement with him, such as the exiled ex-soldier who testified of the same crimes by the RPF as those set out in the U.N.'s Mapping Report - crimes of massacres of Hutu refugees and civilians in the DRC – at the commands of President Kagame, with the objective 'to liquidate any Hutu on Congolese soil'. The confessional interview concluded with the following statement from the Mapping Report:

" The massacres of Hutu refugees in the Democratic Republic of Congo between 1996 and 2002 led to an investigation report of the Office of the United Nations Human Rights known as the Mapping Report. According to the report, these massacres could, if proven before a competent court, be described as genocide."

But what has really been done about these accounts and how many like them must we hear before something can be done? How many men, women, children and elderly people must Kagame torment and kill before a standard can be raised up against him? How much blood must be shed before we can finally say "enough is enough"?

Take a look at the events which took place on 'Rwanda Day' when Kagame visited the UK to receive an award from Oxford University for his "development of Rwanda" on 18^th May 2013. It has got to mean something when the President's own people throw eggs, stones and horse manure at him! And what does it mean? That he is not liked? Worse. He is hated. By those who know his deeds and want to see them put to an end. Killing many innocent lives for decades is not a thing to be taken lightly at all. It should carry with it a great punishment.

So it was no surprise that when he came to visit, instead of being welcomed like a good and admired leader, he was shown hatred and contempt by those who would rather see justice served.

In a video interview with the BBC published on 20th May 2013, Kagame unconvincingly attempted to pass off the growing amount of tension surrounding his name as people looking for somewhere "to put the blame". (1)
But no one conspired to make up these stories. And no, these negative reports about him aren't just plucked out of thin air. Everyone pointing the finger at him is doing so for a good reason.

If the saying 'a man is judged by his deeds' is true, then it is fair to say that Kagame has earned himself the title War Criminal of the Highest Degree.

Although I speak in past tense, these crimes by Kagame are far from being old news. Sadly, it is quite clear that such monstrosities carry on even to this day, with a storm of evidence gathering that shows that Kagame continues to hunt down opponents. Whether it be by pulling the strings of the M23  and other proxy rebellions from the comfort of his high chair through ordering the murder of Hutus in the DRC, or whether it be forcefully adorning the refugees who managed to flee to foreign lands with shackles of chains and imprisoning them for their supposed 'crimes', Kagame's crippling grip on his people has never been so strong. But then again, neither has this realisation from both Rwandans and foreigners alike that the face behind his mask is that of a mass murderer. And perhaps, with this realisation, we as a people, can start to determinedly pry his bloody fingers off our society.

—————————

(1) When asked "Why do you think Rwanda is consistently blamed?" Paul Kagame claimed, in his own words: "The same organisations – all those people who put on the blame – I think they have found some kind of industry that serves them and you want to just keep going. The blame is created on the basis of the situation itself, what is happening there, the kind of suffering of people there. And people are interested, simply interested in addressing the peripheral or superficially the problem, are not addressing the root cause of the problem. So in doing that they have created a self-serving industry so they want to keep going now for lack of a better explanation as to why this thing has been going on despite the efforts. They have to find where to put the blame."

Authour: Mireille Mutima

http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/European-Union-diplomat-attacks-Museveni-over-graft/-/688334/1879834/-/item/0/-/jat7wwz/-/index.html

European Union diplomat attacks Museveni over graft

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Amb Roberto Ridolfi 

By Tabu Butagira & Stephen Wandera

Posted  Wednesday, June 12  2013 at  01:00

IN SUMMARY

Scathing. Envoy pokes holes in President's State-of-the-Nation Address, saying it ignored key issues of media siege and succession.

Kampala

The European Union yesterday punched holes in President Museveni's State-of-the-Nation Address delivered last Thursday, but acknowledged his prescriptions for the country's economic development struck the right chord.

Amb Roberto Ridolfi, the head of the EU Delegation in Uganda, said it is "a pity" that the State-of-the-Nation Address --- a head of state's most comprehensive accountability to citizens for government's action and inactions over the previous year --- was not as wide-ranging.

"It is a pity because the state-of-the-nation – [in] my personal view is that – should have covered two or three other items, Mr Ridolfi noted, "I think the people of Uganda were expecting references to this (Gen. David) Sejusa affair, the fight against corruption, which, as I repeat, can display some progress and the closure of the media (houses). These references could have been done positively."

"I think now that the PAC report is out, you will see another wave. So, let us try to link up the PAC report with the action of the civil society, with the action of the development partners. The most important thing which I tell my colleagues is that we shall not only make happy European taxpayers blocking the disbursement of money to a corrupt set up but we have also demonstrated to the Ugandan tax payers that their work is also to protect their money - by far the largest portion [to the national budget]," said Amb. Ridolfi.

The government last evening down played the significance of the hullaballoo triggered by the vitriolic missives allegedly authored by spy master Sejusa, formerly Tinyefuza, who has raised questions about President Museveni's supposed succession blue-print.

Sejusa not an issue
"Sejusa is not an issue," said Col. Shaban Bantariza, the in-coming deputy executive director of Uganda Media Centre, the government's communication clearing house. Military officers have previously hinted that the general, reported on an extended stay abroad, is being investigated for possible involvement in subversive activities, and some of his aides have already been charged in court.

Col. Bantariza, a former UPDF spokesman, added: "If Sejusa had taken up arms against the government, then it would be a national issue. If Museveni has decided to handle his general in that way [quietly], then let's wait."

Gen. Sejusa in an April 29 letter to Internal Security Organisation director-general, Ronnie Balya, called for formal inquiries into allegations that the President wants his son Brig. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, commander of the Special Forces, to succeed him and that some senior military and government leaders hostile to the rumoured plot were on the radar for elimination.

The media's publication of contents of the missive and follow-up acerbic utterances by the general-cum- army MP, with most of the barbs directed at President Museveni, led to the state's 11-day shutdown of both the Monitor and Red Pepper publications.

Yesterday, Amb. Ridolfi said in Kampala that the lack of clarity about how Uganda will transition from President Museveni, in power since 1986, has created uncertainty that has prospective European investors nervous. "Business people come here and ask me: Ambassador, what do you think of the succession? Succession! We are [Uganda is] not a monarchy (laughter), he told civil society actors gathered at Speke Resort Munyonyo. "I think you all realise that 27 years in power is very long [period]…"

Mr Museveni would have ruled Uganda for 30 years by 2016 when his current tenure ends – more than the combined years served by his eight predecessors since Independence in 1962 – and he will still be eligible for re-election after the scrapping of the presidential terms limits in 2005, allegedly on his prodding.

Work with parties
The topmost EU diplomat in Kampala said they are working with political parties in the country under the aegis of the National Consultative Forum for electoral reforms instructive to deliver a free and fair ballot, which he said is the safety guard for the post-Museveni epoch.

"Succession of power is [through] free and fair election and free and fair election is not yet [achieved in Uganda]. Why? Because we need to build the confidence of an Electoral Commission that represents the views of everybody and is independent," he said.

The Supreme Court in Dr Kizza Besigye's 2001 and 2006 presidential election petitions ruled that the Eng. Badru Kiggundu-led EC did not comply with some of the electoral laws and guidelines, and made recommendations for electoral improvements.

And opposition parties prior to the February 2011 general elections unsuccessfully nudged for disbandment of the present electoral body and its replacement with a more representative one selected not by the President but a neutral state organ.

There is reported to be some progress in the on-going behind-the-scenes political and diplomatic bargain for electoral reforms, three years ahead of the next scheduled General Election.

Amb. Ridolfi, who was yesterday launching a new Coalition of six human rights bodies, said only a truly democratic dispensation can safeguard Uganda's economic progress and deliver benefits for all citizens.
He said: "You can have economic growth but to sustain it and deliver to every citizen, you need respect of rule of law, very strong institutions and good democratic process."

Col. Bantariza had said individuals not satisfied with President Museveni's state-of-the-nation message should look up to him for answers tomorrow when he speaks again after Finance Minister Maria Kiwanuka reads the 2013/14 budget.

editorial@ug.nationmedia.com

International Conference on Rwanda to be held in Brighton in the UK

http://therisingcontinent.wordpress.com/2013/06/12/international-conference-on-rwanda-to-be-held-in-brighton-in-the-uk/

International Conference on Rwanda to be held in Brighton in the UK

Posted on June 12, 2013 | Leave a comment

Brighton, in the United Kingdom, from 13th to 14th June 2013, there will be held an International Conference on Rwanda.

The conference is organized by the United Actions for Peace (UAP) and the overall theme of the conference is, "The Challenges of Sustainable Peace and Development in Rwanda".

The conference will be a platform for all Rwandan Political Parties, Civil Societies, Human Rights Organizations, Journalists, Friends of Rwanda and other Rwanda's stakeholders interested in sustainable Peace and Development in Rwanda to share views and ideas.

It will be an opportunity to collectively collaborate and synthesis diverse proposals, views and ideas for a peaceful transformation.

The main conclusion of the conference will be reflected and incorporated into the declaration of Brighton, to be considered and adopted by the participants at the conference.

The working languages of the conference will be Kinyarwanda, French and English.

Should you have further queries about the conference or you would like to attend please address to the secretary of the conference at conference@uap.org.uk